Principal's Message
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Hello and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! My name is Mrs. Pouncéy and I am the proud Principal at Willow Elementary!
I am excited and committed to help Willow continue to flourish and grow and become a place where ALL students learn, achieve success, and are Willow WISE - “We’re Inspired to Succeed Every day”! Our mission is to provide students with a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment that focuses on rigorous academics, social-emotional wellness, and personal leadership. Our vision is for Willow students to embrace a growth mindset and become innovative thinkers, clear communicators and collaborators, 21st-century leaders, and lifelong learners so that they are college and career ready AND college and career-bound! I encourage you to get involved with us to ensure we accomplish this together!
We will continue to deepen our TK-6th grade implementation of AVID Elementary, a college readiness system that impacts our school's instruction, culture, leadership, and systems. Our teachers have been trained to use AVID WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) to increase rigor in the classroom. AVID also promotes student success and organization skills to help prepare them for middle school, high school, and beyond!
Willow continues to provide 21st-century learning experiences for all students in grades TK-6th. Students attend the College and Career Readiness (CCR)/STEAM Enrichment Lab where they engage in hands-on activities centered on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students have the opportunity to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they work through STEM concepts using the engineering design process. Our College and Career Readiness Lab sessions include opportunities for students to explore their future dreams and careers and learn what it takes to be a successful scholar. In addition, we are proud to offer all of our students, TK-6th grades, 1:1 access to Google Chromebooks. The 1:1 mobile device program allows our students to engage in the 4 C’s as they collaborate and communicate ideas with their peers. Students also utilize their critical thinking skills and creativity as they participate in project-based learning units. Technology is an instructional tool that allows teachers to make learning meaningful, engaging and innovative! The Willow staff continues to strive to use technology in ways that allow for more effective communication with our parents, families, and community.
Willow prides itself on being a safe, positive and welcoming school! We implement a school-wide PBIS framework (Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports) to ensure that all students learn and do well academically, behaviorally, and social-emotionally. In order to achieve this goal, we have established school-wide behavioral expectations called the “PAWS” – Practice safety, Accept responsibility, Work hard, Show respect. Students do a great job demonstrating the “PAWS” and earn special PAWBUCKS that they can redeem at the PAWBUCKS store. Willow also has monthly Spirit Days to celebrate the fun in school. Students also participate in the weekly Willow WISE Spirit Assembly every Friday.
Parent and community partnerships are also vital to help in Willow’s growth and success. We look forward to conducting in person family nights this year, focused on academics and FUN! We also engage with the local community and enlist their support for school-wide activities like College & Career Awareness Day, Community Read Aloud, and our Parent University Workshops. Additionally, our newly formed Willow Wolfpack Community Club supports our students through fundraisers, school events and volunteering!
I look forward to partnering with you to ensure a successful year for our students!
Mrs. Pouncéy Principal
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