The school is also charting growth for all students throughout the year. This year, the school has started an after-school homework club for grades four to six. Teachers are offering parents training sessions so they can help their children at home. The school goals, said Principal Lynette Salzman, are centered around literacy, including improved achievement, teacher training and increased parent involvement. One effort is improved communication with parents about literacy teaching methods used at the school.
Tutors are upper-grade students, secondary students and adults.
This year, the school is focused on strategies for English as a Second Language literacy skills. The staff is also developing a detailed writing curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade. Mountain Schools Teachers have aligned their curricula to match the state standards in reading and writing. The staff is also encouraged to use a program, Teachers Learning through Teachers, whereby they can observe other teachers in the district. Teachers have been trained in two new writing methods, and Principal Bob Kulovany has encouraged each school to develop a consistent approach for all grades.