At Hamilton Elementary School in Port Angeles, Washington, supporting the whole child is "The Hamilton Way."
The school's motto, "Hamilton Hawk Heroes, Help Themselves and Others to Learn," demonstrates the intersection where high performance and expectations meet kindness and responsibility. For the staff's commitment to keeping students healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, Hamilton has won the 2018 Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award.
This recognition "is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Hamilton Hawk family," says Principal Gary Pringle, who accepted the award at ASCD Empower18 this past March.
The following are just a few examples of how the rural elementary school, which serves 396 students in grades K–6, embraces the tenets of the whole child approach to education.
Healthy: As a Fuel Up to Play school, Hamilton integrates health, nutrition, and physical fitness into its activities and curriculum. Students have access to a filtered water station, free breakfast, and even a running and unicycle club. Families are invited to get involved, too, with monthly challenges and Family Fitness Nights.
Safe: Hamilton Elementary takes precautions to ensure students' physical and emotional safety. Since implementing a schoolwide Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports program, and recognizing positive actions with Super Citizen Awards, good behavior calls and postcards home, and monthly Golden Awards for classrooms, office referrals and suspensions have decreased.
Engaged: Hamilton teachers establish two academic growth goals and one professional growth goal per year. In 2016–17, three grade levels measured a 10 percent growth in reading, math, and science. Hamilton students monitor their own progress, graphing growth in a variety of areas and establishing evidence-based goals. Students also use fitness trackers, tablets, and notebook computers to integrate technology with research skills.
Supported: For up to 45 minutes per day, a response to intervention team helps students in smaller, focused groups in core curriculum, strategic intervention, and intensive intervention; paraeducators and community volunteers provide additional support. A district-funded after-school tutoring program offers extra math assistance, and a separate program offers accelerated learners additional academic challenges. Hamilton students, half of whom qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, receive support from a school counselor, psychologist, occupational therapist, and nurse—and families have access to food and clothing through local agencies and community partnerships.
Challenged: Hamilton Elementary School strives to prepare students to succeed academically. School test scores measure no significant gaps based on socioeconomic status, special needs, gender, or ethnicity. In 2016, Hamilton students met or exceeded the state average in 90 percent of measurement areas, a 5.6 percent increase over the previous year. A student assistance team meets weekly to create and modify plans to support students' academic, physical, and social needs. Teachers also receive dedicated time to collaborate and assess student data.
To learn about the award, visit www.ascd.org/visioninaction.
