Each of our schools’ leadership teams analyzed the factors that impact their students’ ability to engage deeply and achieve academic success. They shared stories of their students and families, some of whom are facing serious challenges associated with physical wellness, social-emotional stability, unique learning needs, family security, mental health, violence, and food/housing uncertainties. They discussed the obstacles that their students face daily when preparing to come to school on time, ready to learn.

Below is the school’s story as seen through the eyes of school leaders. They discuss the culture of their school and the community.

At Windsor Farm Elementary, our mission is to grow, develop, and support all students.  We believe in nurturing the whole child, creating a solid home-school connection, using standards-based instruction so students are prepared for college and career, facilitating a vigorous character education program, utilizing programs and strategies that reward positive behavior, and working hard to build and maintain a high level of community involvement and business partnerships.

Windsor Farm is very fortunate to have strong parent engagement and a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that works tirelessly to raise funds and facilitate events that focus on families and students. Examples include Race for Education, Father Daughter/Special Friend Dance, Yearbook, Mother Son/Family Friend event, Movie Nights, and many other unique events that engage our families and incorporate our partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Our Hispanic Night in December welcomes any Windsor Farm family to speak with multiple community partners, including the MD Food Bank, Crisis Response System, and numerous other organizations prepared to support families in need. 

At Windsor Farm Our Climate Survey data from the most recent MDS3 survey (full report available on our school website) indicates that students and staff feel connected, safe, and engaged. Such engagement allows students to demonstrate their learning and to grow every  day. We continue to celebrate the achievements the majority of our students (85%) who read at or above grade level in Grade 2 and those who score in PLD 4 and 5 for Language Arts and Math in Grades 3, 4, and 5 on standardized assessments.  

At Windsor Farm we are a MTSS Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) school and follow the 3Rs: Respect, Responsible, and Ready.  Students participate in monthly incentives, earning positive behavior referrals and rewards for exhibiting these behaviors. For the 2019-2020 school year, we will be adding daily Community Circles where students will share their thoughts and ideas to continue to build classroom communities where everyone feels safe and valued.

The leadership team in each AACPS school reviewed all of the factors that may influence their students’ engagement and achievement in school; these challenges include academic data elements, community history, and socio-economic aspects of each community. The school’s leadership team identified the following elements as impactful for their students.

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