Peach Plains Elementary School - Grand Haven, MI

Peach Plains embraces the notion of "team" in every sense of the word. We are all "growing learners" among our students, teachers, and families and wish to continue to outgrow ourselves.

Our story involves deciding to push past an "okay plateau" and stride towards being the best we can be. Embracing professional development and changing our culture, we asked county and regional resources for best practice guidance. This required vulnerability, an examination of beliefs to foster a professional learning community and honor coaching relationships, both of which we continue to hone. Our collaborative teams serve to help teacher planning/reflection for core instruction, grow knowledge of standards, design interventions, and explore vertical alignment.

Priorities at our school include nurturing efficacious life-long readers. Thus, student choice-and-voice, engagement and motivation are focus areas. We also believe in dialogic learning and our ELA curriculum supports social discourse. In addition, we regularly celebrate growth mindset with empathy, flexibility, resilience, and optimism. These efforts all complement countless project-based learning experiences with local business partners, as well as support of 21st century learning skills.

Further, our school values family engagement. Providing relevant learning and practice opportunities elevate home support. We relish the chance to welcome families through a variety of avenues, regularly including meals. These events cultivate a sense of trust, relationships and community.

In closing, our entire school community is Team Peach, meant with the most inclusive spirit. Walking with many stakeholders, including strong district and county support, we continue to pursue high levels for learning for all. Success for all, takes us all!