“It’s not just a job, this is a family,” shared Ashley Miller, Principal at Oak Street Elementary School. As she continues her 25th year in education, Mrs. Miller has seen what works and what doesn’t, which is why her main focus at Oak Street is on school culture and incorporating a sense of community and a family feel. Whether it’s staff members welcoming students with fun music in the mornings, or the Nutrition Services staff and parent volunteers helping the students make pumpkin bread for Oak Street’s annual Thanksgiving feast, it’s easy to see the community culture radiate from the school.
A newer member of the Oak Street family and recent district nominee for the Kansas Horizon Award, Shae Enegren, included how much of a family feeling the school puts out - for both staff and students. “The atmosphere at Oak Street is unlike anything I have ever experienced, and I am honored to be a part of it each and every day. I feel what makes Oak Street’s environment truly amazing is the common goal of being there for the students. This understanding unites us as a school family. We all work together to create the most welcoming and nurturing environment for the students, which is in turn felt by anyone who walks through the front doors.”
“We have a very supportive environment from the top down. I cannot stress how important it is to have a leader that is there for you mentally, is open to new ideas, and is approachable. She (Principal Miller) trusts her staff to do what we need to do. This support is evident during daily interactions and when you see her in the building,” shared Mira Mullen, Speech Language Pathologist at Oak Street. “Having an amazing mix of new and mature teachers is the best situation for kids. Everyone seems open to learning from all generations and putting their knowledge together to make a successful teaching environment for students.”
One of the many practices that helps teachers at Oak Street grow the sense of community is the ability to co-teach. This practice keeps students with specialized needs in the classroom with their peers. This way students of varying abilities aren’t separated from classmates, providing an inclusive and blended learning environment. “This way all the needs are met within one classroom,” shared Ann Millar, an Instructional Support teacher at Oak Street. Millar co-teaches with Tara Johnson, a 4th Grade teacher. “We can plan enrichment activities for students that are at a higher level, and make adjustments to instruction in order to accommodate student individual needs. It really helps the students come together as a class. We love it!” Mrs. Millar and Mrs. Johnson expressed that one of the many benefits of co-teaching is that it helps keep education student-centered and focused around the evolving needs of each student.
“The passion of our staff is evident at every turn,” shared Principal Miller. “We have the ability to incorporate a variety of strategies, with a flexible and fun staff.” Miller explained that her own personal motivation comes from the students, staff and surrounding community. She noted that, with the right people, it’s easy to create a whole family of support. “It’s a family here at Oak Street, and it’s all for the kids!”
