Vision

Our vision focuses on improving student achievement in math and science through the use of best teaching practices, technology integration, and extracurricular activities. We will increase the number of students who exceed state standards on the ISAT by 5 %, and increase the number of students gaining access to selective enrollment high schools by 25% each year. As an ASPIRE school, we will continue to provide early intervention services aligned with the general education curriculum to at-risk students and students with disabilities as our Response to Intervention.

Mission

As every student in our school is capable of learning at a high level, we will challenge each student by setting high expectations, utilizing research based instructional materials that include high caliber intervention models, and implementing differentiated instruction practices that will lead to success. We will meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all of our students including students with disabilities, English language learners, high achievers and struggling learners by implementing a rigorous instructional program of balanced literacy, investigative math, inquiry based science and authentic writing instruction for all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Beulah Shoesmith Elementary School was designated on December 1, 1961 to honor a popular and dedicated teacher who enriched the lives of her students in the Hyde Park area. The school continues in that tradition and continues to enrich the lives of students not only within the Hyde Park and Kenwood communities, but to those from other Chicago neighborhoods throughout the South Side as well.

Shoesmith is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural school, serving a student body of approximately 375 Kindergarten through sixth-graders. Our school demonstrates a commitment to its students, embracing a population that is both economically and academically diverse.

Shoesmith is a neighborhood school with an Options for Knowledge designation. The school’s technology component was upgraded in 2000 and underwent an exterior capital improvement during the 2003-2004 school year.

We are a balanced literacy school. Our students are exposed to a broad curriculum that includes explicit instruction in reading, writing,  music, library science, character education, and computer technology.  Our instructional program provides for differentiation within small, flexible groups with well-equipped classroom libraries.  We utilize the Everyday Math for grades K-5 and Connected Math for grade 6. The FOSS Science Program is used in grades K – 5 and Investigating Earth’s Systems (IES) in grade 6.  All programs are implemented with fidelity to published guidelines.

The formative use of student data is prominent in all components of our instruction. This year, students in grades 2-6 will be assessed using the Scantron Diagnostic Assessment system.  Students in primary grades will continue their assessments using the Dynamic Indicators of  Basic Early  Literacy Skills

(DIBELS).  These assessments provide information that teachers use to determine strength and challenges that may need intervention.

Intervention programs that provide support to at risk students include: The READ 180 Program, a comprehensive reading intervention education program that helps improve reading proficiency, skills, and comprehension; Fountas and Pinnell’s Leveled Literacy Intervention program which provides intensive support for students in grades k-3, and The Benchmark Assessment System which provides a framework for evaluating student reading ability and aligning instruction to Illinois Learning Standards.

As Shoesmith is located and primarily serves the Hyde Park/Kenwood communities, it is in close proximity to many of Chicago’s most treasured institutions, such as The Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, DuSable Museum of African-American History, Museum of Contemporary Art, Adler Planetarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. In addition, Shoesmith School is located just steps away from the Renown University of Chicago.

Learning and enrichment do not end with the last bell of the day. Opportunities are available for students to engage in governance through community projects with the National Junior Beta Program. Our students take advantage of other programs, which include: After School All Stars, the DOJ After School Program, Park Kids, Rockets Program, The Winning Words Debate Team, The Kohl Museum Story Bus, Science on the Go!, The Dome Science Project, Young Archeologist Program, Battle of the Books, The Lego Program, Metro History Fair, Young Authors, Math and Science Fair, Science Club, General Music and student instrumental band program. Our community partner, St Paul and the Redeemer provides additional after school programming for students. Their past programs have included cooking, children’s choir and tutoring. Shoesmith also provides for a 2 basketball teams (girls and boys), Flag Football, Cheerleader and Pom Pom Squads.

As an additional benefit of our location, the University of Chicago and Kenwood High School Brotherhood Academy Club students provide tutoring for our children. Shoesmith enjoys substantial community support through its partners, St. Paul and the Redeemer, First Baptist Church and the University of Chicago.

The Local School Council (LSC) and PAC work in concert with the school, planning and providing assistance with upcoming events, school issues, and developing our school improvement plan.

As we continue to strive for excellence, are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and academically enriching environment for our students and their families.

Shoesmith’s Goals for the 2010-2011 school year are:

• To continue to improve student achievement in math
• To continue to improve student achievement in reading and writing
• To continue to improve student achievement in science
• To expand and differentiate professional development opportunities for teachers.
• To continue and increase collaboration with community agencies

Calm Classroom

Teachers will implement an organized system of research-based techniques that help reduce stress, anxiety and disruptive behavior. These practices comprise both a classroom management strategy and a universal intervention that supports the Illinois State Board of Education’s guidelines for the development of social and emotional learning. The principle training program is called Calm Classroom. This program helps students remain focused, manage stress, effectively comply with assignments, and smoothly navigate transitional cycles The techniques are comprised of a combination of age appropriate stretching exercises, breathing techniques, concentration practices, visualizations, and creative games. The teacher chooses which exercises will be most age appropriate and beneficial for the current classroom situation.

Principal Monthly Newsletter

In an effort to bring activities, programs and events to our service families, a parent newsletter will be published each month. The newsletter, ‘It Takes a Village’ will also outline programmatic thrusts and educational strategies that may be practiced at home.

Parent Involvement at Shoesmith

Parent support is an important component to the success of Shoesmith Elementary School. From fund raising to classroom volunteer activities, parents are a welcome part of our school climate and are key to our continued success. At Shoesmith School, parents are expected to participate in school and are encouraged to attend:

• Open House  
• Parent Meetings
• Family Night(s)
• Local School Council Meetings
• NCLB Parent Advisory Council
• Report Card Pick Ups

Additionally all staff has been trained to implement the LRE Mandate:

“That to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities…are educated with children who do not have a disability. Special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environments occurs only when the nature or severity of the disabilities is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.”

Together we will continue to build a school community that fosters creativity and a love for learning. Again, thank you very much for visiting our website.