“These kids just love to work,” reflects Margaret Lucero, the affable principal of Kehrs Mill Elementary School, which is ranked third out of 1,052 elementary schools in the state of Missouri for academic achievement. Assistant Principal Sarah Turpin adds that in addition to “high academic achievement,” Kehrs Mill wants its students to show “kind behavior toward one another.” Spend one day at this newly refurbished school in a St. Louis suburb, and you will see just how it shapes students to be both “smart and good.”
No mindless drill here, student engagement is a priority. And Kehrs Mill students not only pursue their own learning with gusto but also show a deep commitment to others. Whether it is second graders involved in a brainstorming session on ways to save the rain forest, or first graders and their fourth-grade buddies planning strategies to help animals rescued by the Humane Society, critical thinking and collaborative problem solving join to strengthen the curriculum. Students are as ingenious as their teachers in finding ways to make learning engaging. At the conclusion of Harcourt reading units, for example, the cross-grade buddies showcase their reading and dramatic skills by performing skits from the texts for one another.
The caring extends beyond the district, too. Currently, 38 students from inner city St. Louis attend Kehrs Mill through the city’s Voluntary Transfer program that brings inner city students to suburban schools. The school works hard to make sure they feel welcome and included, through the Lighthouse program of adult mentors, the TEAM program that helps at-risk students, the inter-grade-level buddy system, and before-school tutoring. While many schools in the St. Louis area have stopped participating, Lucero points out that “parents here want the diversity,” and district data demonstrate that these inner city students do better at Kehrs Mill than at other schools in the district.
“A Place You Never Feel Left Out”
When asked to describe Kehrs Mill, Haley, a fifth-grade student leader, replies, “Caring, a place you never feel left out.” Students, staff, and students agree with Haley’s description. Fifth grader Caroline explains the school’s welcoming spirit: “We show new students around and become friends with them.” Parent Tracy Tunis reflects, “My children are learning positive student behavior, responsibility, honesty, perseverance, and respect for others. The staff, as well as the students, teach and model these positive student values.”
Central to the success of our students is the constant strengthening of our school climate. We will analyze our data such as climate surveys and [Caring School Community] voice surveys. We will create action plans within our school plan to further enhance components of our character education program which will give students the skills needed to be productive citizens.
—Margaret Lucero, Principal
