• Category 2

    Selected in 2019

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 413
    Student Enrollment: 157
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1%
    White/Caucasian: 92%
    Hispanic: 4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 3%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:15.7
    % Reduced Lunch: 11%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1918
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Roby Johnson
  • CONTACT:
    PO Box 20/ 110 1st Ave SW
    Warner, SD 57479
    605-225-6194
    roby.johnson@k12.sd.us
Warner Elementary School
Warner, SD
Strong educational programs and stronger result.
Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen ties to your community.
The Warner community has a strong tradition of partnering with the school in a variety of ways. Our staff live in the community and are involved in a variety of activities that allow for seamless partnerships. Leaders in the community are also leaders in the school and can make decisions that support students and school needs.
Describe your philosophy of school change or improvement.
Finding the balance between holding on to tried and true practices and striving to improve is a balancing act. Supporting staff to take risks in their classrooms and celebrating and sharing accomplishments has led to continued schoolwide growth. Regular parent/teacher communication builds partnerships between the school and families. These positive relationships ensure students are being challenged at school and home and parents have the information and tools they need to support their child's learning goals.
Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement, including closing achievement or opportunity gaps, if applicable.
The greatest positive impact on student achievement has happened as a result of a constant collaboration between our SPED and Title departments with our classroom teachers. All parties support and encourage each other and the students' educational programs are stronger as a result.
Explain how ESEA federal funds are used to support your improvement efforts.
The ESEA federal funds are used to support our improvement efforts in a variety of ways. Students needing additional help are identified through classroom assessments and standardized programs. The results qualify them access to staff who specialize in very specific learning programs. This additional help and support catch students before they fall too far behind peers. By building skills in kids and developing individual programs to meet their needs, students close achievement gaps quickly.
Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.
Data drives decision making. Teachers use student learning objectives in every class to track individual student progress. STAR assessments and DIBELS progress are also measured regularly and students who require interventions to keep pace with their peers are identified early and given the specific supports they need to be successful. Individual progress is tracked and programs are refined based upon results.
Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.
The culture of the school is one of high standards of excellence. The staff has high standards for themselves and all students. All staff is willing to help students succeed in any way they can. Having a "no" teacher turnover rate has helped with continuity, expectations, and communication.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2019

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 413
    Student Enrollment: 157
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1%
    White/Caucasian: 92%
    Hispanic: 4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 3%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:15.7
    % Reduced Lunch: 11%
    % ELL Learners: 2%
    Founded: 1918
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Roby Johnson
  • CONTACT:
    PO Box 20/ 110 1st Ave SW
    Warner, SD 57479
    605-225-6194
    roby.johnson@k12.sd.us