Ocean Park Elementary

BOARD REPORT

Principal:  Erin Porro

Building:  Ocean Park Elementary

Date: September 2024

Key Moments:

• Successful Fire Drill: Our recent fire drill was a success. Students and staff evacuated the building quickly and safely. The team demonstrated excellent coordination, and everyone was back in class within 10 minutes. 

• Picture Day: Picture Day went smoothly, with students arriving on time and looking their best. Our staff organized the process efficiently, ensuring every class was photographed without delays. Families can look forward to receiving their photos soon.

• Homecoming Celebration with the High School: Ocean Park Elementary joined in the fun of Homecoming Week, celebrating alongside the high school with themed days and activities. Students enthusiastically showed their school spirit, and the shared community across the district made it a memorable week for all involved!

Smooth Sailing in the Initial Weeks:

As we embark on the new academic year, the first few weeks have gone exceptionally well. Now, in my second year as principal, I attribute this solid start for the incredible staff at Ocean Park Elementary. Our team is diligent, enthusiastic, and collaborative, and we’ve welcomed some outstanding new members to our community. Additionally, we've integrated new recess rules that have reduced accidents and conflicts, making playtime safer and more enjoyable for our students. The dedication of every staff member to our collective growth and success is truly inspiring.

Currently, our student enrollment stands at 214. While there have been a few withdrawals, most changes have been new enrollments, reflecting our continued growth and the trust placed in our educational community.

Beginning of the year: STAR testing: Completed 

We have completed our STAR testing and will soon review the data as a staff. This data will provide valuable insights to guide our instruction and interventions throughout the year. The collective analysis will help us identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth as we work to support every student’s progress.

Monthly Academic Assemblies:

Our monthly Academic Assemblies are scheduled for the final school day of each month, running from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. This consistent timing allows parents to plan and participate in these special gatherings. For those parents who wish to attend, kindly come to the office by 8:25 a.m. on assembly days. Please note that due to limited guest waiting areas until our gym becomes available, we kindly ask that visitor entry be delayed until 8:25 a.m. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

We're enthusiastic about continuing these assemblies, as they provide an excellent platform to recognize and celebrate our students' achievements. Additionally, we are eagerly exploring the possibility of planning various other types of assemblies shortly. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Piper Days - Continuing a Tradition:

We are thrilled to carry on the tradition of Piper Days, which we initiated several years ago. These special occasions occur once a month, allowing our students to enroll in enrichment activities led by our talented staff members. Piper Days provides an excellent platform for our students and staff to connect while exploring new areas of learning.

Like our monthly assemblies, Piper Days will also occur on the last school day of each month, from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM. This consistent scheduling ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy these enriching experiences.

Coffee with the September, February, and April: 

These gatherings will occur once per trimester (September 30th, February, and April), providing multiple opportunities for our school community to come together and stay informed. We look forward to seeing you there! Our "Coffee with the Principal" initiative is now in its third year, and we are excited to continue this tradition. We invite parents to join us for coffee and light snacks in our cafeteria following the assembly, typically from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM. During this informal gathering, we will share upcoming news and plans for the next trimester, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas as we work together to shape the future of OPE.

Early Release: What teachers do during this time?

Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Information:

Teaming:

The goal of each PLC is twofold: (1) to improve our instructional practices through collaborative learning and (2) to enhance student outcomes by making data-informed instructional decisions. The effectiveness of the PLC team depends on the active participation and contributions of all members. Together, we will analyze data, develop and refine curriculum maps, and work on vertically aligning standards to ensure consistency and continuity across grade levels. This collaboration is key to driving success for both students and staff.

District-Guided Sessions:

Our district has provided targeted professional development sessions focused on the Teacher Principal Evaluation Program (TPEP). These sessions deepen our understanding of the evaluation process, emphasizing student growth and instructional effectiveness. Through TPEP, educators engage in reflective practices, using data and evidence to enhance their teaching strategies and foster student achievement. This district-guided approach ensures that teachers receive the support needed to grow in their professional practice continuously.

Principal-Led Sessions:

Led by the building principal, these sessions focus on schoolwide SIP goals, which foster collaboration among teachers and specialists. They contribute to Belonging Goals and support efforts to meet the needs of students requiring specific categorical interventions. These sessions provide a platform for staff to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and work together to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Committees: 

Once more, we will allocate some of our monthly PLC (Professional Learning Community) time to establishing our committees. Last year, in response to our administrative team's strong emphasis on strengthening family connections and support, we made a strategic decision to shift the focus of one of our committees to "Family Connections and Supports."

Additionally, our staff will continue to be engaged in the "PBIS" (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) and "Culture Committees." 

Renewed Eligibility for The Comprehensive Schools Grant:

We are excited to announce that we have again qualified for the Comprehensive Schools Grant. This fantastic opportunity allows us to continue using these funds to support and improve student achievement across our school community. Our Student Improvement Plan (SIP) goals are currently being finalized and will be presented in our upcoming board report.

___________Playground update_____________

We still need a start date to redo the mosh pit. Six swings are missing, and the teeter-totter tires can only be replaced once the flooring is complete. Once the mulch is redone, we will also paint the lines for soccer, basketball, and foursquare.