North Elementary School - Poseyville, IN

North Elementary is a rural School-Wide Title I school serving 430 students in the MSD district of North Posey County, located in Southern Indiana. The intensive Response to Instruction (RtI) block for all the entire building is integrated into the master schedule for 30 minutes every day. This enables staff to meet the entire population’s different academic needs, to closely monitor academic progress, and to quickly adjust interventions accordingly. During this instruction all students are assessed through baseline data collection, formative assessments, and teacher input. All students are placed into groups of similar academic achievement level that will serve their specific needs which allow these students to maximize their potential. The unique design not only offers assistance to students who are struggling, but to all student,s which is unique to an RtI program but is a strength for the North Stars. The students also have a wide range of after-school programs to participate in such as: choir, chess club, robotics, sea perch, student council, science fair, spell bowl, and a variety of sports. The community is also involved with the children’s extracurricular activities. adding support for girl’s and boy’s scouts. The school gives back to the community during Arbor Day events, Relay for Life, Childhood Cancer Awareness, and the MAGIC program that offers free tutoring after school. The North Stars are numerous during all these events, whether it is enjoying a hot dog under the shade, or taking a more active and leadership role such as collecting money for a charitable cause. This small town’s warm and friendly charm is inviting and creates an atmosphere that concentrates and prides itself on the youth of tomorrow. The success of the North Stars is the result of the dedication from the students and the lofty goals and high expectations set forth by the teachers. The teachers’ dedication to their profession and commitment to going above and beyond their jobs daily reflects the community’s approach to education and family. The whole staff; from secretaries to the nurse to the aides, cooks, janitors, and bus drivers encourage and mentor our students to do their best. As principal Terri Waugaman says, “The Stars shine the brightest at North Elementary because of all the encouragement, comment, and dedication to the education of the students.”