Through the Riordan Foundation, we were given the opportunity to place 18 IBM computers and the accompanying software for the IBM Writing to Read program in our first grades. Staff development was provided on how to integrate that program with whole language instruction. Children throughout the school, construct Lego creations, activated by the LOGO programming they have learned. Diversity is respected at Grove Avenue, and there is an emphasis on multicultural understanding. A child's behavior is often the result of the school climate and the environment in which the child is required to function.
School climate has an effect on teachers and other staff as well.
There were subsequent expansion weekend sessions for other teachers and community researchers. School climate improvement at Grove involves maintaining the physical appearance of our buildings with plants and flowers, inside and out. Positive learning environments for children are the result of positive working environments for teachers. Support is given for faculty and staff to collaborate and plan together, and parents and families are partners. Grove Avenue School is committed to the notion of lifelong learning for all students, teachers, pre-service teachers, staff, and families.