The staff at Columbia Elementary extends a warm welcome to each of you. I feel it is important to share my vision I have for Columbia. I look forward to meeting all the families and getting to know each student at our school. I truly believe we can make a difference in the education of our children when we work together! As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Every evening when we head home from school, our minds should be spinning with reflective thoughts about our day and the student learning that took place. What went well and what needs improvement? We should be driven to make the best of each school day. This is no easy task and one that can’t be a singular effort. It is a community effort (students, parents, staff)! To improve student learning in our classrooms, we must have: a shared vision , goals and objectives, clear communication of expectations to students and parents, and a relentless dedication to seek the best practices for instruction. The “Learning Cycle” ( assess, evaluate, plan and instruct) is the foundational piece implemented on a daily basis for improved student learning. It is an endless task, but essential for student growth.

Parents and staff should be actively involved in the collaborative process for organizational change. All must be heard and considered. To do so, a school-wide profile (demographics, student achievement, school processes and perceptions survey) needs to be compiled. It is essential that time be appropriated for analyzing and interpreting results, presenting information to the staff and community, and facilitating open forums. These steps are the building blocks of a cohesive school. The data gathered will become the foundational basis for the school’s strategic plan and staff development. With a plan intact, staff can focus on the goals, objectives and activities set in place. The excitement and challenge begins!

When we enter the school each morning we smile, we laugh and we care. It is where we want to be. The heart of a successful school is its compassionate staff that respects each other and finds the positive in every student. We accept diversity, believe in respectful and collaborative communication, and trust and support each other inside and outside of school. It is our home, not our workplace!

Melissa Ferguson
Principal - Columbia Elementary