• Category 1

    Selected in 2014

  • Grades: k - 4
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 34,432
    Student Enrollment: 462
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 36.4%
    White/Caucasian: 17.1%
    Hispanic: 34.4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 3%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 9.1%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:24
    % Reduced Lunch: 78%
    % ELL Learners: 14.5%
    Founded: 1956
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Nicole Poncheri
  • CONTACT:
    2350 Springview Rd.
    Norristown, PA 1940
    610-275-5525
    nponcheri@nasd.k12.pa.us
Cole Manor Elementary School
Norristown, PA
The initiative that has had a substantial impact on student achievement is an increased focus on writing across all grades and within all content areas as well as a set of "structures" based around the core standards that are followed in each classroom.
Describe specific programs in place to ensure that families are involved in the success of your school and students.
At Cole Manor, we have an active Parent Faculty Committee who oversees a monthly meeting for parents and family members to attend. The committee works with our team to assist in bringing programs to our school such as RIF, educational assemblies and more. In addition, we have monthly parent workshops that invite families in to learn about a wide variety of topics that have a direct impact on their children and learning. Parent representatives also serve on our school imprpovement planning committee and Title I committee to ensure that they have input into programs that we are considering. It is also common practice to involve parents in school wide events such as trips, special events and as also as volunteers. We ensure that our parents who do not speak English receive all verbal and written information in Spanish. Finally, a weekly message is sent out via phone with school updates in both English and Spanish so parents are aware of how they may be involved for the upcoming week at our school.
Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen ties to your community.
We have established various partnerships with local businesses and other organizations which have supported our school though programs, materials and public relations.
Describe your philosophy of school change or improvement.
My philosophy around school improvement is that ongoing, consistent improvement must be based on a sustainable, realistic and supported plan of action. In order for a plan to have impact it must be one that can realistically be implemented with appropriate professional development to support the plan. In addition, the plan must be organic in that it can change and adjust as expectations change from state levels. I also believe that it is vital to involve the whole school community in the planning process for change and improvement to ensure that information is gathered from those who work in the classrooms each day. The voice of the teacher is invaluable in making decisions for the school as they see the day to day workings of the classroom and have insight that we may not have on certain aspects. I further believe that improvement and change takes several years to fully implement as it cannot be "forced". It must be presented, supported, adjusted and in time it becomes a natural part of a school culture. This, over time, I believe creates an environment of excellence.
What are your school’s top two goals for the next year?
An overall increase in ELA scores and the level of writing we see at all grade levels and further closing the achievement gaps that still exist in the content area of ELA.
What is the single most important factor in the success of your school that others could replicate?
A systematic structure around programs, planning, professional development and expectations for how students are to be involved in the learning and how teachers are delivering the daily instruction. Many of our schedules, programs and plans could easily be replicated with the appropriate amountg of time and planning.
Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement, including closing achievement or opportunity gaps, if applicable.
The initiative that has had a substantial impact on student achievement is an increased focus on writing across all grades and within all content areas as well as a set of "structures" based around the core standards that are followed in each classroom. The writing has afforded students more time to focus on this important skill and has increased the level of professional development and resources that teachers receive to support the writing program. In regards to the structures, this guide outlines for staff best practices in each content area that are used as a guide to ensure that students are being supported and challenged appropriately. In addition, it ensures that key areas such as pacing, vocabulary and student opportunities for application of learning are in the forefront for each lesson. Teachers have the autonomy to make decisions within these parameters with the expectation that all lessons follow the general guidelines of our structures.
Explain how Title I funds are used to support your improvement efforts.
Title I funds are used to support staffing, materials, parent involvement and education programs and teacher professional development. The funds allow us to add these key items to our overall program which has benefited teachers, students and our families. We are collaborative when determining how funds should be allocated to ensure that the needs being met are needs that the whole school community feels are present.
Identify the critical professional development activities you use to improve teaching and student learning.
A schedule is put into place that ensures four things occur each month around professional development. These are as follows:
Professional Readings (reflection as how these relate to ones' teaching are done following readings)
PD around Instructional Stratgies that have an impact on daily teaching. Examples- feedback in the classroom, questionning techniques, assessment, etc.
Data review - current data is reviewed (this includes writing samples)
Writing - writing is discussed and reviewed and there is a collaborative review of school wide writing samples.
Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.
Data is reviewed on a regular basis to assist us in making decisions around scheduling, programs and professional development. It is used as a tool for teacher and student reflection as well as leadership reflection. Based on what our data tells us, we make changes and adjustments that are then monitored. We do not use one source of data, however, in doing this. We believe as a school that multiple sources of data, including teacher observation and anecdotes must also be used as we reflect upon where support and / or enrichment is needed. We view data as one of many sources where we gather information around our school and how the students and teachers are performing.
Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.
Our school culture is one of collaboration and high expectations. The expectations exist not only for students but also for staff members. The staff who work at Cole Manor embrace this culture and support one another as well as new staff that join our school community. To continue to improve the culture, we have regularly scheduled professional learning sessions as well as team meetings to allow specified times for conversation and collaboration around all areas of planning.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2014

  • Grades: k - 4
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 34,432
    Student Enrollment: 462
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 36.4%
    White/Caucasian: 17.1%
    Hispanic: 34.4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 3%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 9.1%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:24
    % Reduced Lunch: 78%
    % ELL Learners: 14.5%
    Founded: 1956
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Nicole Poncheri
  • CONTACT:
    2350 Springview Rd.
    Norristown, PA 1940
    610-275-5525
    nponcheri@nasd.k12.pa.us