“Neighbors helping to create a Clean, Safe, and Enjoyable Neighborhood”

- 5 - Meadowlark October 2020

school. To ensure that our teachers are aware and current with the best strategies available, we are always involved in meaningful professional development and Professional growth opportunities. 3. Some of your motivational activities include back- to-school cookouts and organizing student singing at local hospitals. Some other activities include Book Mobile where we go to our student’s neighborhoods with books In our cars to deliver books of their choice once a month on Saturdays. We have Kindness Dance held in 21st February. We also are part of the Academy Century Program which allows for enrichment activities, like tutoring, to supplement regular academic programs. And we were included this school year in Chesterfield County’s “Communities in School” program whose mission is to surround students with a community of support so that students can focus on learning.

- 6. Do you have an ESL program (English as a second language)?

Yes, we do have an ESOL program here at Falling Creek. We are growing each year and welcoming a diverse school population. We want our families to feel welcomed. We have several bilingual staff members and we coordinate programs that support and celebrate different cultures. We have teachers taking Spanish classes at the public library and we are planning an International Night. We strive to send information home in Spanish and English. 7. What is your biggest challenge? Falling Creek is a very transient school and it is hard to keep class size to an ideal size. We develop relationships and see students reach goals and then they have to move. This bothers me because their frequent relocation is what impedes some students from reaching their full potential and flourishing. 8. What is the achievement you are most pleased with? The growth of our students and the relationships that have been enhanced at Falling Creek . I know not all parents praise us as a school but I know a large percentage are pleased with what we do for their children. They trust us each day and support our programs. Our staff is phenomenal, tackling whatever is asked of them as a team. One of our mantras is “We are a team not a group!” Basketball is a team sport; It is where everyone's work ethic collaboratively brings the win. Golf can be played with a group but each person gets an individual win. A true “team” allows all participants to use their strengths to contribute to all who are involved. You asked about me being Virginia 2015 National Distinguished Principal, well honestly it is the staff that earned me the recognition due to their willingness to work hard together, laugh together, and learn from our mistakes together. We try to build leaders within and this is what makes our staff happy. I am also extremely proud that our community accepted Falling Creek with becoming the second school in CCPS to become a Balanced Calendar school. We have experienced several positive outcomes with this new approach to educating our students. 9. If you had a wish, such as community involvement or parental involvement, what would that be? I am thankful for our first year as a Community In Schools school. CIS has helped with building bonds with community partners. However, we still remain in need of strong, relatable mentors who are consistently able to meet with our children during the school day, just to talk and listen. It would be valuable for them to introduce them to things that they do not get to be apart on a regular basis. I also wish the public understood that teachers need to be lifted and praised for the work they do day to day! Contact information for those interested in helping at Falling Creek Elementary School: Phone 804-743-3630 Assistant Principal – Natasha Wade

- 3. Falling Creek Elementary School is one of the several Title 1 schools in Chesterfield County and in

the Richmond region. Is this status important for implementing improvements in the students’ educational success? I don’t feel meeting our students’ success is dependent on title 1 status. We welcome our students as they are. We find their strengths and build on areas of growth. Our teachers know the first thing is to build relationships, not settle for excuses, and to set high expectations. We believe when you work hard for children and show that you care they will meet you with growth and success. Their parents want the same as every parent in America which is for their children to live a happy and successful life. Yes, there are obstacles that we face but that does not have to define our children or our school. Falling Creek Elementary and Middle both have awesome and exceptional students and parents who love their children. We have teachers who work hard and laugh together to make Falling Creek Elementary a great school. I do not buy into people who want to describe Falling Creek Elementary as a school that receives Title I to only mean students of low socioeconomic status and a lack of support in their lives. This is not how we describe or want our school to be perceived. We see potential in all children regardless of what they do or don’t have and regardless of their ethnic background. If you work hard for children and show that you care you will meet success. There are obstacles we have to overcome that some schools do not face. However, when we put children first, work hard to help them understand, show them we believe in them, and come together between home and school it works. 4. How many students attend FCES? We currently have a total of 768 students. We have different ethnic groups that attend Falling Creek Elementary with Hispanic and African American being the larger % groups. 5. Absenteeism, and Disabilities Our population includes students with and without disabilities, but that is another way that we are exceptional. Absenteeism is something we continuously strive to improve because we always work to make ourselves even better.

CIS Coordinator – Dalila Medrano

Falling Creek ES Counselors – Starlette Anderson and Angela Bailey-Hardy

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