Shorewood Hills Elementary School - Madison, WI

Shorewood Hills Elementary School (SHES), known as the "Little United Nations," stands as proof that a sense of belonging accelerates student learning. By developing systems and daily culture that actively embraces diverse experiences, SHES enjoys a safe, welcoming, and successful learning environment.

Located in a community of diverse cultures, languages and backgrounds, our success comes from an intentional vision of equity. SHES recognizes that each student and family brings to our educational environment a unique set of personal and cultural experiences and histories. These valuable "funds of knowledge" are opportunities to broaden the learning and development of all students. By actively and visibly welcoming and valuing their experiences, SHES deeply engages students and connects families to a school environment to which they personally identify and support.

SHES embraces diversity at every stage of the school experience. With focused professional development, incorporation of the "Welcoming Schools LGBT" curriculum, and community events like "International Week," families regularly share their cultures and knowledge. Staff link each family engagement event to classroom learning. Families actively participate in decision-making as members of school-wide teams including the School Based Leadership Team.

Teacher teams personalize learning within a Gradual Release of Responsibility framework to guide students toward independent practice. Strategically incorporated Language Attentive strategies provide multiple access points based on language proficiency. Students are supported through a Multi-tiered System as well. Comprehensive incorporation of technology further individualizes students along their continuum of learning. Students support each other in the classroom and participate in school wide decisions through our Ally Team. As a result, all students thrive at SHES.

Shorewood Elementary values the opportunity to share successful strategies that can be replicated by others.