• Category 2

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 2,000
    Student Enrollment: 286
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 16%
    White/Caucasian: 76%
    Hispanic: 3%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 72%
    % ELL Learners: 3%
    Founded: 1938
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Patrick Reed
  • CONTACT:
    523 S College Street
    Newton, AL 36352
    334-774-2355
    preed@dalecountyboe.org
Newton Elementary School
Newton, AL
"Each interaction with a student is a teachable moment."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Newton Elementary School has experienced continued success over the past 6 years. State reports card scores during this period of time have increased from an 83 to a 92. This success culminated with the school receiving the National Blue Ribbon School award.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The greatest contributing factor that promoted positive change at Newton Elementary School centered around the belief that teachers are experts in instruction. Teachers at Newton are given the freedom to be successful. They are not tied down to a specific pedagogy, but are instead given the freedom to teach within the means of their own unique abilities. Administration took an active role of meeting with teachers formally and informally to ensure that they had everything needed to implement instruction, as well as improve their craft. This developed an environment of mutual respect which ultimately created an exceptional learning environment for students.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has supported Newton Elementary School's success by assisting with funding for professional development, parental involvement, and instructional supplies. Without this funding it would be difficult for the school to continue to duplicate its success.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Newton Elementary School, like most schools participates in math and reading professional development with local math and reading coaches, but one major professional development activity the school participated in was Orton-Gillingham training. This was an intensive five day training that introduced the idea of breaking reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds and then building on those skills over time. Most importantly, this training helped teachers learn strategies to incorporate kinesthetic, tactile, auditory, and visual learning modalities.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Newton Elementary School places a high degree of value on all school professionals. Every school staff member is viewed and respected as an educator. Each interaction with a student is a teachable moment. This instruction may come from a classroom teacher, a lunchroom worker, the principal, bookkeeper or other staff member. The spotlight is always placed on the student. Every student is known by the staff and personal relationships between staff and students are cultivated. Developing this type of atmosphere has been crucial to the school's success.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has played a major role in the success that Newton Elementary has experienced. Many area churches support the school through donations, sending home backpack meals, and providing afterschool activities. Additionally, the local police force provides security and various safety activities for the school.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 2,000
    Student Enrollment: 286
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 16%
    White/Caucasian: 76%
    Hispanic: 3%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 72%
    % ELL Learners: 3%
    Founded: 1938
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Patrick Reed
  • CONTACT:
    523 S College Street
    Newton, AL 36352
    334-774-2355
    preed@dalecountyboe.org