Increasing Student Enrollment Makes New Walnut Creek Elementary a High Demand School
November 21, 2011 - The new Walnut Creek Elementary School has become such a high demand school that it is the second most crowded elementary school in the district.As a result, Superintendent Tony Tata will ask the Wake County Board of Education at its next meeting to cap enrollment at the school. Walnut Creek Elementary began the school year in August with 795 students. On Nov. 16, the school had grown to serve 929 students. Capping the enrollment would mean the elementary children of families who move into the school’s attendance area after the enrollment is capped will attend a nearby school designated by the board.
The increased enrollment has had an impact at the school. The school consolidated two self-contained classes into one classroom, consolidated two LEP classes into one classroom using a partition, consolidated four Title I classes into two classrooms, floated three Title I teachers and consolidated four cross categorical resource (special education) classes into two classrooms.
The crowding follows the successful opening of the school this year.
“We are off to a fabulous start at Walnut Creek Elementary,” said Principal Corey Moore. “We have many of our good things in place. Things that we told our boys and girls that we would be doing are up and running and we’re excited about it.”
Students start the instructional day with 45 minutes of CLIMB Time, a period set aside for uninterrupted remediation/acceleration each day.
The school features an extended day that provides time for remedial or accelerated instruction, and is supported by a universal breakfast and lunch program with supper for students staying for after-school tutorial sessions, one sponsored by the YMCA and another sponsored by the school. Selected students can receive curriculum assistance up to three afternoons per week. Students from Meredith College and Southeast Raleigh Magnet High have volunteered to provide assistance within the classroom and during the after-school tutorial sessions.
Teachers have embraced the use of technology in the school, using iPads, iPods, Smartboards, Ladybugs and laptops to enhance instruction. They have computerized student assessment using mClass and ClassScape. The school produces its own televised morning news show.
Superintendent Tata provided Principal Moore with support in opening the school. Walnut Creek received additional teachers and additional Title I funds. The school was planned as an extended day school to provide more time for learning and included in the STEM school network to support instruction for science, technology, engineering and math. The school kept class sizes small especially in grades 3-5, to provide teachers more opportunities to meet individual student needs.
Principal Moore said the school’s success is built on the dedicated staff and their commitment to children.
“Their work ethic is very important,” said Moore. “Walnut Creek is a high needs elementary school and our teachers realize that. They work really hard every day and we have an extended school day. Our teachers work longer and harder. I enjoy the fact that I work with a group of individuals that are committed and dedicated.”
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