Big things do come in small packages, particularly when that package is a child. While most people will agree that children are our future, the key is discovering the best ways to guide them.
Vanleer Elementary School has answers. Though this quaint school is nestled in Vanleer, Tennessee, a town with fewer than 400 people, its goals for the future are no less than its big-city neighbors in Charlotte, Clarksville, or Nashville.
Giving its 62-year-old failing frame a face-lift was the beginning of making the instructional facility more learning-friendly. Vanleer reopened its new doors September 2003. Ms. Rachel Weaver, who attended the school as a child, has been Vanleer Elementary’s principal since November of 1997.
“Our old school cafeteria only seated 80 people, but now it’s large enough to seat our students and their parents,” Weaver beams. “Each day of the school year, at least three to five parents come to eat lunch with their children and we have a special area in the cafeteria for them.”
Weaver says that age was not the only factor for the renovation. “Our staff has not changed, but our attendance has increased by 50 due to rezoning.” To further assist the entire school community, academic initiatives were implemented and the effort paid off. Vanleer subsequently won a $5,154.63 Incentive Award for superior performance for such accountability measures as having academic gains, a low dropout rate, and at least 95 percent attendance during the 2001 – 2002 school year.
Progress continues. “This summer we’re opening the library one day a week to encourage the kids to continue reading,” she says. This plan stems from the popular point-based Accelerated Reading (A.R.) program. Fifth-grader Zach Widener has earned 500.8 points so far. “Each book ranges from 8.0 to 9.2 points and right now I am ahead of everyone,” Zach exclaims.
Zach’s parents, Christy and Jeremy Widener of Vanleer, say that they are very happy with his performance. “Every nine weeks there’s a minimum number of points students have to have and Zach exceeds that number by far each time,” Christy says with pride. “He loves to read. Fifth grade has been his hardest year, but with A.R. he has been able to shine. He’s been No. 1 for most of the school year.”
Zach excitedly says students earning more than 100 points will be principal for the day. Also, by year-end, students with recognizable points shop at the Reader Mall for Nerf footballs, posters, and more.
In addition to after-school tutoring, Vanleer’s students also benefit from Education Edge Dickson County – an ongoing program of the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce. Bruce Trotter, of neighboring Slayden, says not only has he attended Vanleer, but his son Chad, now in high school, has also attended the school. And this school year, another son, Bradley, attends.
“Vanleer has a good academic reputation and that continues. The school also has good teachers and an excellent principal, ’’ Trotter says, adding, “It makes me feel good that Bradley is attending my school because it is a good place.”
This story was originally published in Images of Dickson County.