Brook Knoll Elementary School Named Distinguished School

By Penny Weaver, Superintendent SVUSD

Scotts Valley Unified’s Brook Knoll Elementary School is being recognized as a California Distinguished School. This honor is awarded for demonstrating educational excellence for all students and for making progress in narrowing any achievement gaps. Two signature practices are credited with supporting learning so that students continue to achieve at high performance levels, they stay in school longer, and like school more.

Parent and community involvement and the school focus on mathematics are the two signature practices identified at Brook Knoll Elementary. Principal Sharlene Ransom says that the staff members believe that they need to engage students with a rigorous, progressive program at a welcoming campus. To that end they have developed outstanding relationships with parent and community groups who provide funds and volunteers to make each program happen.

Students and staff benefit greatly from strong and supportive relationships with parent and community groups. The community (including parents and partnership/collaborative organizations) provided more than $800,000 in donations over the past three years. By developing a strong sense of investment and participation by all stakeholders, a strong cultural climate and community have been developed.

A second signature practice is the focus on mathematics. Many components of a rich mathematics program are in place. Every class, Kindergarten through fifth grade, has set aside daily math time. Each class has available academic instructional assistants (“AIA’s”) to help with one-on-one or small group support during math instruction. Additionally, there is an intervention program with support for any student who needs it. The classroom teachers and intervention teacher communicate often and collaborate to determine the best plan and support practices for individual students.

District schools are part of the Silicon Valley Math Initiative (SVMI), and Brook Knoll has led participation with most of the staff completing a weeklong summer institute. Trained teachers return and share the wealth of knowledge they’ve gained with grade level partners. Consequently the entire staff is collaborating using SVMI practices, which are strategies that develop conceptual knowledge, procedural skills, and mathematical thinking to solve non-routine problems.

Other Awards for our Schools

Celebrating student success continues across the District with special events at schools and in the community. The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley honored Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School students with awards and scholarships at an annual dinner held at the Hilton earlier this week. It was a beautiful event for students and their families to be honored for outstanding performance, community service, arts and more. Rotarians also share the mission of the Club and model the importance of community service. Their contributions to our schools, community and the world are substantial.

International Baccalaureate Program students at SVHS will be honored at a special program this month. Seniors will have their own award and scholarship event as will athletes involved in the many sports program at SVHS. Jillian Koopman, student Board Member, will also be honored for two years of excellent service on the Board and representation of students. We are all very proud of Jillian!

Pride in our schools, strong partnerships with our parents and community members and a commitment to provide excellence in program and facilities continue to drive our work in Scotts Valley Unified School District. Although driven, I won’t be driving on Saturday – I will be riding my bicycle – on May 3 in the Mt. Charlie Challenge sponsored by the Scotts Valley Education Foundation. I encourage you to join me – I even dare you – in riding 10 miles in support of our excellent students who are our purpose and our future!