9358-R3_LGP_MechanicFalls_2024AnnualReport

Elm Street School Principal

Dear Citizens of Mechanic Falls, Dear Citizens of Mechanic Falls, At Elm Street School, we remain committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning, encourage kindness and perseverance, and ensure that every child who walks through our doors feels connected to their school community. Elm Street School currently serves 201 students in grades PK–6, supported by a dedicated team of classroom teachers, specialists, interventionists, special education staff, and support professionals who work together to meet the needs of all learners. This year, our work has focused on three key priorities: growth mindset, implementing our new math curriculum implementation, and strengthening positive school engagement. One area we are especially proud of is the progress our students are making in developing a growth mindset. Through classroom practices that encourage perseverance, reflection, and learning from mistakes, we are seeing students become more confident learners. In fact, the number of students who say they ask their teacher how to improve after making a mistake has nearly doubled since the fall survey window—an encouraging sign that students are embracing the idea that effort and learning go hand in hand. This year also marks the first year of implementing our new Ready Math curriculum. Teachers have been working hard to learn the program’s key components while monitoring student engagement, learning, and mathematical discussion in the classroom. At the same time, we are helping students and families understand the routines and strategies used in the program so that students can feel confident and successful in their math learning. In addition to our academic programs, we continue to provide meaningful learning opportunities that support the whole child. Our WIN (What I Need) time allows students to work in small groups focused on strengthening literacy skills, while our BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risk) model helps staff work collaboratively to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Students are also benefiting from innovative programming across the school. Our Grade 5/6 team launched a shared teaching model, allowing teachers to focus on specific subject areas while helping students prepare for the structure of middle school. We also introduced a new STEM class, where students explore science, technology, math, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. Elm Street School continues to value the importance of connecting learning to our community and the outdoors. Through our GEO Initiative, students participate in authentic outdoor learning experiences, including events such as Winter Kids activities, Winter Carnival, and community clean-up efforts. These opportunities help students build curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the world around them. We are also proud of our grant-funded summer learning program, which has served 139 students over the past three years at no cost to local taxpayers. These programs combine academic learning with hands-on experiences and community connections, and we look forward to continuing this opportunity in summer 2026. Throughout the year, Elm Street School hosts many events that bring families and the community together. Upcoming events include Title Night, Career Day, Elm Street School Has Talent, Field Day, Growing with Grown-Ups, and our Grade 6 Graduation. These events celebrate student learning and strengthen the partnerships that make our school such a special place. We are grateful to the citizens of Mechanic Falls for your continued support of our school. Your partnership helps us provide meaningful opportunities for our students and allows our staff to continue creating a positive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Warmly, Jess Madsen Principal, Elm Street School Mechanic Falls, Maine At Elm Street School, we remain committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where students, staff, and families feel valued and supported. Our goal is to inspire a love of learning, encourage kindness and perseverance, and ensure that every child who walks through our doors feels connected to their school community. Elm Street School currently serves 201 students in grades PK–6, supported by a dedicated team of classroom teachers, specialists, interventionists, special education staff, and support professionals who work together to meet the needs of all learners. This year, our work has focused on three key priorities: growth mindset, implementing our new math curriculum implementation, and strengthening positive school engagement. One area we are especially proud of is the progress our students are making in developing a growth mindset. Through classroom practices that encourage perseverance, reflection, and learning from mistakes, we are seeing students become more confident learners. In fact, the number of students who say they ask their teacher how to improve after making a mistake has nearly doubled since the fall survey window—an encouraging sign that students are embracing the idea that effort and learning go hand in hand. This year also marks the first year of implementing our new Ready Math curriculum. Teachers have been working hard to learn the program’s key components while monitoring student engagement, learning, and mathematical discussion in the classroom. At the same time, we are helping students and families understand the routines and strategies used in the program so that students can feel confident and successful in their math learning. In addition to our academic programs, we continue to provide meaningful learning opportunities that support the whole child. Our WIN (What I Need) time allows students to work in small groups focused on strengthening literacy skills, while our BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risk) model helps staff work collaboratively to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Students are also benefiting from innovative programming across the school. Our Grade 5/6 team launched a shared teaching model, allowing teachers to focus on specific subject areas while helping students prepare for the structure of middle school. We also introduced a new STEM class, where students explore science, technology, math, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. Elm Street School continues to value the importance of connecting learning to our community and the outdoors. Through our GEO Initiative, students participate in authentic outdoor learning experiences, including events such as Winter Kids activities, Winter Carnival, and community clean-up efforts. These opportunities help students build curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the world around them.

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