 | | Lynn Bol, principal, Franklin Elementary |
2010-2011 MESPA
MN School of Excellence,
Eveleth-Gilbert Public Schools,
ISD #2154
“I
strongly believe in shared leadership. When you give ownership to
others they perform exceptionally well, and when they personally participate in
the learning process they are excited to share the end product with others. We
at the Franklin Elementary are dedicated to quality learning and together with
staff, students, and community we will strive for excellence as we challenge
the future.”
Lynn
Bol is the principal of Franklin Elementary School, serving 458 preK-5th
grade students in the Eveleth-Gilbert School District, which has a total
student population of 1,242 students. The Franklin Elementary student-teacher
ratio is approximately 15 to 1. Franklin Elementary is a Title One targeted
assistance school with approximately 40 percent of students receiving free and
reduced lunch. Its special education population consists of students enrolled
in Early Childhood Special Education, as well as students in grades K-5; this
population is approximately 20 percent of the students. All classrooms contain
mixed-ability groupings that include Title One and special education students.
The school also offers all day, every day Kindergarten.
“I
strongly believe in shared leadership,” Bol stated. “When you give ownership to
others they perform exceptionally well, and when they personally participate in
the learning process they are excited to share the end product with others. We
at the Franklin Elementary are dedicated to quality learning and together with
staff, students, and community we will strive for excellence as we challenge
the future.”
Learner-centered
leadership at Franklin Elementary focuses on the success of all. If you walk
through the halls of Franklin Elementary, you will be greeted by friendly faces
and asked if you need help. If you step into classrooms, you will witness
students actively engaged in learning and helping each other. If you walk into
the teacher’s workroom or lounge, you will hear teachers sharing ideas, success
and stories with each other. If you are out and about in the community on
Friday mornings, you will see a group of staff collaborating, planning, and
having breakfast at a local coffee shop.
Their
mission statement states that Franklin Elementary is: “Dedicated to quality
learning. Challenging the future together.” The staff strongly believes their
successes are based on cooperation of staff and their willingness to “go that
extra mile,” or whatever it takes to make their students successful. Their vision
statements for the next five years are: Individualized learning plans for
student success; Preparing students for a global society; Reaching beyond the
classroom; Delivering excellence; Efficient use of resources; and
Environmentally responsible facilities.
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