HUGS
HELP US GROW

HUGS (Help Us Grow) began as a project of teachers participating in GMU masters degree program in 2002-2003.  This project was designed to increase the amount of teacher-to-teacher sharing in our building by organizing a series of after school presentations.  These are optional sessions and are presented by teacher volunteers who want to share an instructional tip with other teachers.  The sessions are held either before or after school and are optional for staff members.  HUGS sessions last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes in the teacher’s classroom.  Sample topics include Writer’s Workshop, technology tips and GT strategies.  These HUGS session have become embedded in the school culture and continue as teachers elect to offer sessions for each other that increase the use of best practice strategies.

BRTRC

Westlawn’s strong business partnership with BRTRC will continue to focus on supporting teachers and students. BRTRC particularly targets the climate of the school; harnessing resources for needy students and supplying needed classroom equipment for teachers.  The focus by BRTRC on providing for students in need increases participation and access for students who lack resources. BRTRC is also supporting the development of the concept of service by sponsoring an art contest and service award for students demonstrating service to others.

SCHOOL-BASED MENTORWORKS PROGRAM

Ten to 15 teachers participate in an active Teacher Research program. This program is led by two teacher leaders who coordinate monthly ½ day meetings for each teacher researcher. During these meeting teachers examine each other’s questions, data, and results. Teacher Research culminates in a Learning Fair in which the staff visits each research exhibit to hear about research results and best practice possibilities. In this way research findings are spread through the staff and implemented in other settings. Teacher Researchers prepare an informative tri-fold to share their findings with staff.

BOYER refers to Ernest Boyer, who developed the Basic School concept.  The Basic School has 4 pillars: The School As Community, A Curriculum With Coherence, A Climate For Learning & A Commitment to Character.  Our afterschool enrichment program was often referred to as our Boyer Program because it is intended not to remediate, but to provide our students with opportunities that they might not otherwise experience, which is consistent with Boyer’s ideas.