That old saying that “success breeds success” is very much alive at Palmer School.  As more staff, parents, and students become more actively involved in creating, participating in, and leading our new programs and initiatives, the excitement increases and entices others to join in. 

The intensive training and resource development for literacy instruction that the staff have participated in since the beginning of last summer have lead to much greater levels of purposeful reading on the part of the students.  Parents have been very instrumental in supporting the students at home and have been a key to the improved achievement.  Parent participation is at an all-time high, as many parents have been serving as Volunteer Classroom Assistants and participating in Parent University, Adult ESL, PTA, PAC, LSC, and BAC.  As a result, our achievement levels have improved in reading as well as in the other subject areas.  The push to create higher levels of expectations and performance has spread as staff, parents, and students have all been collaborating to create increased and more focused programs to help the students learn. 

The increase in shared leadership has promoted greater participation in all activities.  Not only have staff and parents taken on greater roles to lead improvements, but the new Student Leadership Academy has grown to over 60 students from Grades 5 through 8.  The students participate in monthly training sessions and then participate in one of the 9 leadership groups that develop programs and provide input regarding the improvement of the learning environment at Palmer School. 

The After School program also has had record setting numbers of programs and participants.  This not only demonstrates the need for enrichment activities in creating greater enthusiasm and engagement of students in the learning process, but also reflects how the excitement and success have created program expansion each year.

We appreciate everyone’s support and involvement in creating and spreading this success.  Keep up the great enthusiasm and creativity!


Enjoy learning….

Don Anderson
Principal