School Board honors Frances Slocum Elementary for students’ impressive growth
Frances Slocum Elementary School has been recognized by the Indiana Department of Education for significant growth, and the Marion Community Schools Board of School Trustees honored the school’s staff at its most recent meeting, applauding them for this achievement.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Stephanie Lockwood said this news is evidence that Marion Community Schools is moving in a positive direction.
“I appreciate all of the hard work that Frances Slocum is doing for their students, they deserve to be celebrated!” Lockwood said.
She noted that this improvement shows that focusing on the Science of Reading is making a difference. The growth seen at Frances Slocum can be a model for continued growth for all, she said.
Then, she spoke directly to the educators who were in attendance at the meeting, representing their school:
“When you strive to get better and better, that energizes me, too,” she said. “It’s not an easy job, but you have taken on the tough challenge of growth.”
Frances Slocum Elementary Principal Rianne Aguilar echoed that sentiment, and pledged to continue the work to provide the best opportunities for our community.
“This team is amazing,” she said. “They go above and beyond for kids. Of course we have things to continue to strive for, but I am proud of what our team does every day. I’m proud of how our students see themselves.”
The Science of Reading refers to best practices for reading instruction fueled by research in education, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience. According to the IDOE, “Using methods that are not aligned with research can have a negative impact on students’ reading achievement.”
School Board member Brooke Thomas said the opportunities that our schools offer are life-changing for our students.
“It changes a student’s life to be able to access literacy in that way. Accomplishments instill pride in themselves,” she said. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
Through this work by our educators alongside our students and families, Frances Slocum is no longer on the state’s list of schools in need of improvement and intervention. In addition, the school raised its IREAD-3 passing rate by more than 20 percentage points from 2022 to 2023. Marion Community Schools is proud of our staff and grateful to be able to continue to work with our students and families.
The purpose of Marion Community Schools is to prepare all students to achieve their greatest potential, and to participate productively in an ever changing global society.
Critical thinking, creativity, knowledge and understanding, healthy habits, and collaborative practices are all essential to student learning. We strive to provide educational experiences to effectively prepare students to succeed today and in the future.
As a public school, we meet students where they are and work to provide the support and guidance needed to move them where they want to go!
We value our working relationship with our families and our community. We can build a GIANT future together!
