Lakewood Elementary School
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Principal: Cornelius Redfearn |
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Philosophy
This newly renovated elementary school serves close to 350 students in pre-K through 5th grade. During the spring of 2006 the school community convened to discuss our core mission and vision and developed the following statements:
Vision
Working together, to: Believe, Achieve, Succeed
Mission
To create an inspiring environment where all children will excel.
Our focus continues to be literacy; our students made significant gains in all areas last year, K-5th grade. Our teachers plan collaboratively on a weekly basis to ensure that rigorous, relevant and integrated learning activities are in place for all students within the framework of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. In order to maximize communication and collaboration, the teachers utilize technology so that all instructional plans can be shared building wide.
Small class size and flexible grouping allow emphasis to be placed on differentiated learning, cooperative grouping, problem-solving techniques, and higher-order thinking skills. Lakewood is a Reading First school, which means that teachers, grades K-3, receive significant professional development. In addition, an on-site Reading First coach and intervention specialist work directly with small groups of students and collaborate with classroom teachers. The program also provides a wealth of leveled books and other literacy resources. Reading First involves continuous diagnostic assessment and daily highly structured uninterrupted Reading instruction.
Teaching
Initiatives
- With our large population of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students (over 40%) , a cohort of our teachers is involved with the Duke: Durham Public School Partnership in learning Spanish. We have increased the number of bilingual teachers hired, and we held an English Language Learners Academy last July to learn about best classroom practices for the English Language learner. All faculty and staff work collaboratively with this growing group of students and families in order that optimal learning can occur. We are planning to continue providing parent classes to learn English and extend the resources in our Parent Resource Room.
- Our technology plan involves a further increase this year in hardware purchases; K-3 classes will have six computers per class and grades 4-5 have four. In addition, a partial flexible schedule in the computer lab allows for usage when and as needed by classroom teachers. Our wireless cart continues to be a very well utilized resource. The development of vertical strands of the technology curriculum, K-5th, that delineate the key technology skill areas are resulting in consistent and strategic teaching of technology skills.
- The faculty is discussing the development of more authentic
and consistent ways to assess student learning through the use of rubrics, as well as other process oriented assessments. - The Site Based Leadership Cadre will continue to examine ways to strengthen our relationship with Duke University since Lakewood is one of the Duke partnership schools. Currently, the Duke University Retired Organization (DURO) is actively involved in several programs and Duke students provide extensive tutoring via the America Reads, America Counts and Partners for Success programs. Our Science curriculum is enhanced via contracting a Duke faculty member who collaborates with classroom teachers and provides hands-on, inquiry based learning within our gardens. Duke engineering fellows also collaborate with intermediate classroom teachers in the classroom.
- Science is taught via both the classroom teacher and through collaborative units, developed last summer by our Science Coordinator. Our Science lab is a favorite place for students; it is always full of discovery and inquiry based learning centers and activities. Lakewood will once again participate in the Spring Science Fair and have a school-wide Science focus week in February .
- In response to the growing issues around physical fitness, at Lakewood this year we have a full-time Physical Health teacher. This means that for half a year every child can experience a structured and productive PE twice a week. For the other half of the year, the student will receive PE once a week. All classroom teachers are being instructed in fun, engaging and physically healthy daily recess activities.
- Services for Academically/Intellectually Gifted Students
Different kinds of services are provided for this group of children: pull-out at certain times of the day, as well as some differentiated instructional models.
Clubs and School Activities
- The Leadership Club
- A Recycling Club
- Soccer Team
- School Store
- Before and After School Program
- Televised morning announcements WLES
Community Involvement
The following educational institutions, businesses, programs, and community groups provide assistance by donating their time, expertise, materials, and financial resources:
- Duke University
- Partners for Success via Duke
- America Reads and America Counts
- Literacy through Gardening
- Carolina Friends School
- Durham Academy
- Eno River Universalist Unitarian Fellowship
- The Margaret Brawley Garden Club
Scores
State ABC Rating :
- 2010-11: High Growth, Priority School (55.3%)
- 2009-10: High Growth, School of Progress (62.0%)
- 2008-09: Growth Met, Priority School-EXP (49.8%)
Directions
From I-40:
Take Garrett Road/Hwy. 751 exit heading North. Turn Right onto Hope Valley Road. Turn Left onto W. Cornwallis Road. Turn Right on Chapel Hill Road. Turn Left onto McGhee Street. Turn Right onto Vesson Ave. Lakewood will be on the Left.
From I-85:
Take Guess Road exit heading South. Turn Left onto W. Club Boulevard. Turn Right onto N. Gregson Street. Proceed on South Gregson Street and onto Vickers Avenue. Turn Right onto Morehead Ave. Turn Left onto Chapel Hill Road. Turn Right onto Vesson Ave. Lakewood will be on the Right.
