 | | Paul Helberg, principal, Valley View Elementary School |
2008-2009 MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence
Bloomington Public Schools, ISD #271
"There are so many dedicated teachers, staff and parents who work each
day to help each child reach his or her maximum potential. I am honored
to be a part of such a professional and dedicated learning community.”
Paul Helberg is the principal of Valley View Elementary School, a diverse suburban school serving a student population of 560 in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Approximately 70 percent of Valley View’s student population receives free and/or reduced lunch services, while over 40 percent qualify for English as a Second Language (ESL) services.
“Our Valley View Elementary School community is thrilled with the recognition as a Minnesota School of Excellence,” said Helberg. “There are so many dedicated teachers, staff and parents who work each day to help each child reach his or her maximum potential. I am honored to be a part of such a professional and dedicated learning community.”
The school community faces the challenges of highly transient population, and complex cultural issues between the home and school. “Nonetheless,” said Helberg, “the Valley View Elementary staff embraces these challenges, and all students, with enthusiasm, dedication, compassion, and vigor.” Helberg continued: “At Valley View Elementary School we work diligently to make the most of every interaction and opportunity we have with each individual student in our care.”
Valley View Elementary has established multiple ways in which learner-centered leadership is embodied. One exceptional example is the implementation of a Literacy Leadership Team. It focuses especially on collecting and analyzing student data in the area of literacy, individualizing instruction to enhance academic success for each student, and improving instructional practice to meet the diverse needs of our learners. The sole purpose of this group is to maximize student growth and development in all areas of literacy and do so with both an individual and collective focus. While specific attention is paid to individual learners, the growth of the collective group is considered equally important.
The Valley View Elementary learning community believes that reflection is important for the improvement process. Time is provided for all staff members to reflect. One example of a reflective tool designed to improve educational practice is the Valley View Assistance Team, or VVAT. Every two weeks, a collection of staff members – classroom teachers, special education teachers, licensed staff, and administrators – meet to discuss the specific academic and social needs of a small group of Valley View students. The VVAT reflects upon what can be done to accommodate the varying needs of each of the students it discusses. The VVAT is a “think tank” designed to develop intervention strategies and accommodations for students who are struggling in the regular education classroom. It provides a forum in which teachers have the opportunity to discuss what is and isn’t working with a particular student, solicit help from his or her peers, and develop a plan for intervention to enhance student performance.
The school’s community firmly believes in the importance of using collected data to improve instruction, and that it is essential to include everyone in the discussion and interpretation of data in a manner that staff and families can easily understand. The mid-year and end-of-the-year reporting that for students and families is one example of a practice demonstrating Valley View’s comfort with utilizing data. Each January and June a comprehensive report card is sent to families detailing a variety of individualized data regarding each Valley View student, accompanied by other information for families that aids in the interpretation of the data.
Valley View uses the Language Ambassador program to interpret and translate services for families. The staff at Valley View diligently works to translate documents into multiple languages throughout the school year, and the school has hired interpreters for parent-teacher conferences, Special Education meetings, and school events. The program’s goal is to help make Valley View families feel comfortable engaging in the learning community at all times.
Valley View Elementary Minnesota School of Excellence Celebration:
May 22, 2009
9 a.m.
Valley View Elementary School will hold an outdoor celebration (weather pending) on Friday, May 22, from 9-10 a.m. to honor its Minnesota School of excellence validation. (In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will move into the school gymnasium.) This will be a vibrant, active event – with children, families, school staff, and community dignitaries.
“Our committee has been working hard putting the finishing touches on our celebration,” said Paul Helberg, Valley View principal. “We are excited to share our honor with our students, families and school community.”
Students will be central to the celebration with: speeches regarding what makes Valley View excellent, marching in a parade around the school campus, and taking part in a photograph of the entire student body. The celebration coincides with Track and Field Day, which begins at 10 a.m. for the primary grades.
In addition to the entire elementary student body and community of school parents, teachers, and staff, invitations have been sent to: the Bloomington mayor, the Bloomington school board, the Bloomington Public Schools superintendent and assistant superintendent, other district principals and administrators, and business partners. P. Fred Storti, executive director, Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, will present Valley View Elementary with a Minnesota School of Excellence plaque.
Cupcakes will be served to all students during lunch!
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