S
CHOOLS
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I
DEAS
THAT
W
ORK
!ALABAMA
Madison Elementary SchoolMadison, AlabamaContact: Theresia Mullins, Principal; Virginia Holma, Special Education Teacher, Beth Widgren, (256) 772-9255 Nominated by: Theresa Moxley, (256) 961-4916 (work),
theresa.moxley@hsv.boeing.com
Madison Elementary is reportedly a great school for all children. The school leadership ensures that all childrenare given opportunities to learn and meet their potential. Specialized programs or materials are provided as neededto ensure children reach their educational goals. The staff is very interested in parental input and encourages parental involvement.An assistant who knows sign language was hired to help students communicate with the teachers, therapists andother children. The principal has hired a person to teach sign language to anyone at the school who wants to learneach week after school. Children and teachers are all learning sign language and are very eager to learn. Theteacher of the hearing impaired works with the children to provide them the opportunities the children need tocommunicate. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her to ensure that the students receive what theyneed. Madison Elementary has a motto of "Minds are Like Parachutes, Working Only When Opened". The entirestaff keeps an open mind and is very willing to try new ideas.
ALASKA
Gladys Wood Elementary School7001 Cranberry StreetAnchorage, Alaska 99502Contact: Gene Janigo, Principal (907) 243-2347Gladys Wood is a small, 27 year old school that offers a high number of before and after school programs to allstudents. These activities could not be provided without extraordinary parent, teacher and community support, inaddition to great leadership, high expectations, and a staff committed to the successful education of each and everychild. Most activities are open to children at all skill levels and of all ages. The school is completely accessible,with no stairs or barriers.During a recent "Read-A-Thon," students took pledges for each page they read. The students at Gladys Wood, withthe help of their parents, teachers, support staff, and PTA, raised nearly 19 thousand dollars! Students read, andread, and read. The teachers dressed as book characters and famous authors during the day, and school wideactivities were aligned throughout the
week to match individual reading goals and preferences. The Read-A-Thonwas a huge success with everyone doing all they could to make it successful. That's a small portion of what GladysWood is all about.
ALASKA
Mirror Lake Middle SchoolChugiak, Alaska 99567-2069Contacts: Jeanne Fischer, Principal, Carol Vorst, Special Education Department Chair; (907) 688-3399Mirror Lake Middle School is reportedly a great school because the expectations are high and challenging for allkids. Teachers use a hands-on, eclectic approach in their teaching and their evaluation of students. A concept isdemonstrated, practiced and explored to insure all students understand it. The student often selects the evaluationformat. A demonstration of understanding may be presented orally, in written form or in some artistic matter. Thestudents may present as a group or individually.Mirror Lake Middle School is open to students before and after school. Forty-five minutes before the start of theschool day, the library and the gym are open. Students may come in and shoot baskets at 7:30 a.m. or they may dosome research on their science project in the library. After the 2:45 p.m. bell rings the students can stay for tutoring, after school sports and to use the library. The teachers make themselves available for students before andafter school and during their lunch to work on an individual basis.Everyone at Mirror Lake is on one big team. The principal and assistant principal provide structure and guidancethat allow for decision making from the entire staff. Each grade level is divided into two, three, or four personacademic teams. Every academic team includes a special education teacher. Teachers of electives, such as band, art,
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