Buckeye Woods Elementary School - Grove City, OH

Buckeye Wood Elementary is the largest elementary school in the South-Western City School District (SWCSD). As a very large school, we face a variety of unique challenges. One of our most pressing challenges has been making certain that each and every student's unique social-emotional and academic needs are met. The SWCSD provides high quality curriculum resources and professional development. Buckeye Woods teachers use these resources and training, along with knowledge of their students' strengths and needs, to make skillful instructional decisions. Formative assessments enable teachers to use data-driven decision making to the fullest advantage. Teachers customize and target instruction for all students and utilize our excellent support staff to provide interventions, as needed, to supplement and enrich classroom instruction.

One of our most impactful strategies has been the creation and implementation of a customized character education program. We affectionately refer to it as our P.A.W.S. (Positive Mindset, Accept Responsibility, WIse Choices and Show Kindness). This initiative was named for our bobcat mascot. Daily we all strive for the goal of showing 100% kindness with actions and words! The staff presents monthly skits that focus on a specific character trait. These skits unify students and staff and serve as a reminder to all that you leave your P.A.W.S. prints wherever you go in life, so be sure to leave positive prints. The consistent use of this common P.A.W.S. language has made a significant improvement in our school climate. It has also led to improved academic performance with students taking ownership for all aspects of their behavior and giving 100% towards their academic achievement as well as their social-emotional well-being.