A police car pulls up in front of
an elementary school. The crackle of the dispatch can be heard as two officers
step out of their vehicle and head toward the main campus office. What brings
these officers to campus today may be a surprise to some. They are here to
participate in a campus literacy event, a read-a-thon.
This
annual campus-sponsored activity is just one of many examples of how schools
are reaching beyond their traditional walls to build connections to parents,
the community, careers and the future, and why this particular elementary has
much to celebrate this holiday season.
Welcome
to Sherwood Elementary School. Sherwood is located on the north side of
Interstate 10, in the expanding Energy Corridor, and is one of many schools
living in the midst of transformation. Driving to campus you’ll see a diverse
mix of industrial businesses and new, designer urban housing. This
juxtaposition and diversity exist not only in the surrounding areas but in the
student population as well.
This
diversity is one of the reasons families and parents are coming back to this
long-established neighborhood school. Just ask campus Principal, Stefanie
Spencer.
“Sherwood
is a melting pot...of economics…or culture. Our students, parents and staff
quickly become part of the Sherwood Family- a family inclusive of everyone.
We’re always sensitive to the diversity…of economics…of culture…of religion and
race at our school. My community is always working on making sure that everyone
feels valued, safe and supported.”
One
example of this growing and strengthening community is a marked increase in
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) support. Combining this PTA growth with
steadily rising volunteer numbers, and a targeted focus on serving #everychild, you get what
Principal Stefanie Spencer calls her ‘magical’ and favorite school year.
“Over
the years, our PTA Board has evolved from a very small group of determined
individuals being mentored by our beloved secretary, Carroll Harkins, who had
been part of PTAs as a parent herself, to one with a full Board with committees
serving the school and families of SWE.
We
have representatives for our whole school. It is transforming and enhancing the
education at Sherwood in observable ways. My PTA is always thinking of what
they can do to ensure every student is served. I am just so proud. It’s a huge
victory for our kids,” said Spencer.
The
campus and SBISD Board of Trustee President Karen Peck agree. They recognized
Sherwood’s PTA for a generous donation of $18,827.00 earmarked for the purchase
of library books, Chromebooks, Reading A-Z subscription, OSMO kits for
kindergarten, and general school supplies all to help personalize the learning
experience for Sherwood students.
The
magic of this year is apparent during Sherwood’s Read-a-Thon. The
literacy event, in its eighth year, boasts a record 114 volunteer readers. With
the community rallying around students, educators and the critical work of
literacy, it’s hard not to believe there is something akin to fairy dust
sprinkled on the books that guests read to enthralled students.
Students and teachers dressed in
their favorite pajamas welcoming volunteers to class to celebrate the season
and a love of reading provide a visual confirmation of the belief that success
for students and their learning is rooted in the powerful intersection of
community engagement, connected relationships, and quality instruction.
“The
way to T-2-4 and their (student) dreams is through the act of reading. Boys and
girls who love to read, read. We need to engage kids in that there are a lot of
books to be read out there. There is a lot of fun around reading. Everybody
reads. Everybody successful reads a lot,” said Spencer.
Even
while wrapping up an exciting semester and closing out a record read-a-thon
event, Principal Spencer still looks forward to the work ahead.
“Each
of us has a role in showing up, participating, and getting excited about
learning. Parents, teachers, kids or community members…all of us. It’s only
going to get better.”
