• Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: k - 3
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 4
    Student Enrollment: 670
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 4.6%
    White/Caucasian: 89.4%
    Hispanic: 4.5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.6%
    Native American: 0.9%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:24
    % Reduced Lunch: 55.7%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1998
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Krista Sablich
  • CONTACT:
    12602 Hwy 57
    Vancleave, MS 39565
    228-283-3900
    ksj172@jcsd.ms
Vancleave Lower Elementary School
Vancleave, MS
By involving the community, it shifts focus from “the school” to “our school.”
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Vancleave Lower Elementary's success stems from high expectations and commitment. We are a data-driven school that accepts nothing less than the best from every student. In return, the faculty and administration give their best to all students each day in order to help them achieve. During the 2022-2023 school year, 100% of our students met the requirements of the Literacy Based Promotion Act by passing the 3rd grade reading assessment.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The greatest contributing factors that promoted positive change in our school were collaboration, celebrations and interventions. All certified teachers including interventionists and activity teachers (art, music, PE, media, library) played a significant role in the instructional process inside and outside of the classroom. Weekly grade level meetings allow for collaboration when looking at data, creating assessments and planning instruction. Quarterly data chats between teachers and administration promote instructional shifts when needed. Each 9 weeks we hold success rallies to celebrate student achievements such as meeting AR goals, earning perfect attendance and reaching academic milestones.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has been instrumental in Vancleave Lower Elementary's success assisting with funding for part-time tutors, technology needs, professional development, parental involvement, a full-time MTSS coordinator and instructional supplies. Without this funding it would be difficult for the school to duplicate its success. With more staff to implement reading and math interventions, our students were able to show growth in those areas.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Professional development activities have provided staff opportunities to grow professionally and to collaborate with educators from other content areas. Not only have our teachers participated in PLC's at the school level, but have also hosted professionals from various educational consulting groups. By looking at data and planning instruction for whole group, small group and individual students, our instructional programs have shifted to meet the needs of all students. Teacher support staff were trained in intervention programs, and our professional school counselor provided Trauma-Informed training for all educators at Vancleave Lower Elementary. Being “trauma informed educators” allows our teachers to understand and empathize with “hard days” and enables a more nurturing environment for all.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
During the 2020-2021 school year, our certified staff, led by our professional school counselor, participated in a book study on the book “The Nurtured Heart Approach.” The book provided insight on working with students dealing with physical and emotional abuse as well as social conflicts. The book study guided staff in developing positive relationships with students so that they may more effectively deal with problems in the classroom. Along with our district’s focus on trauma-informed practices, Vancleave Lower Elementary has shifted from punishing behavior to modeling and teaching appropriate classroom behavior. By including these practices in our everyday lessons, our learning culture has calmer classrooms and expedient returns to academics when disruptions do occur.

Also following COVID, Vancleave Lower Elementary shifted schedules to allow for an allotted intervention time for content areas. We hired a full-time MTSS Coordinator and interventionists to work with students who were performing below grade level. Student achievement gaps were able to be closed, and confidence levels increased.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
The parents, PTO, community members and small businesses of Vancleave have been instrumental in VLE's success! We host two family academic nights a year, in addition to annual parent involvement events such as "Cruisin' the School," "The Reindeer Run," Grandparents Day, and grade level musicals. Students from the neighboring high school visit regularly to assist teachers and read to students. Backpack Buddies is a food-assistance program that provides for our families in need. Additionally, VLE is a designated military school that provides resources for our military families and students. Military personnel are encouraged to volunteer at our school and events, as well as everyday activities, such as reading to a class or eating lunch with our students. By involving the community, we have built relationships enabling us to support our academic programs as well as modeling community involvement to our students. It shifts focus from “the school” to “our school.”
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: k - 3
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 4
    Student Enrollment: 670
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 4.6%
    White/Caucasian: 89.4%
    Hispanic: 4.5%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.6%
    Native American: 0.9%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:24
    % Reduced Lunch: 55.7%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1998
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Krista Sablich
  • CONTACT:
    12602 Hwy 57
    Vancleave, MS 39565
    228-283-3900
    ksj172@jcsd.ms