HeartMind e-News: Teach, Learn, Lead

A monthly publication dedicated to trauma-informed, compassionate school practices that help educators, students, and families move toward a sense of wholeness and well-being

FEATURED ARTICLE

An Example of Excellence: Ralya Elementary School

Leah Bullinger, CEI Intern

The mission of Ralya Elementary School in Haslett, Michigan is “to provide educational opportunities, which enable students of all aspirations and abilities to grow and learn” (Haslett Public Schools, 2017). The school currently supports about 400 second to fifth grade students, 25% of whom are from diverse racial and ethnic cultures (primarily Hispanic). It offers multiple programs that emphasize self-sufficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration in learning. 

In 2016, Ralya Elementary was declared a “National Blue Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education and was one of only thirteen schools in Michigan to receive this recognition for high academic achievement (Haslett Board of Education, 2016). Many of the school’s board-certified teachers have also been recognized with “Teacher of the Year” awards and/or grants from benefactors such as Walmart and Target.

In an exclusive interview with the Center for Educational Improvement, Ralya Elementary Principal Erin North agreed to discuss the school’s unique strengths, diversity programs, and future goals and plans. 

In the words of Principal North, Ralya Elementary is home to “a very collaborative environment - there is a lot of ownership from everyone in the building.” 

• In each grade level, teachers regularly engage in collaborative “plan time” when creating their class lessons. 
• Also, each week, students and staff members participate in “Walking Wednesdays” to build healthy minds and healthy bodies. 

According to Principal North, the school also recently updated their playground equipment in an effort to be more inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is very important in Ralya Elementary, and is recognized as one of the school’s key “Equity Plan” principles. In short, Ralya’s Equity Plan aims “to create a school environment that embraces diversity and supports all students with the intention of closing gaps in opportunities that have marginalized and continue to marginalize communities within the district” (Haslett Public Schools, 2022). In keeping with this plan, the Ralya Elementary staff has committed both time and effort in various inclusivity endeavors. Ralya is currently updating classroom libraries so that they have more diverse books that feature all types of representation, so that kids “are able to see themselves.”

The Arts

Ralya Elementary participates in the Besharat Art Program, which aims to share global diversity in art by working “to nurture sympathy and empathy among children of all ages” (Besharat Arts Foundation, n.d.). To do this, members of the Besharat Art Program share art pieces with schools in the hopes of helping children learn more about the earth and others. Currently, Ralya Elementary is about halfway through the program and has greatly benefited from it.

Community Involvement

This year’s service theme for Ralya Elementary is “Ralya Loves Local,” and it effectively reflects Ralya’s two-way relationship with the Haslett community. 

• One way that Ralya supports this relationship is by hosting a “Care Closet” that accepts communal food and clothing donations for underserved students.
• Ralya Elementary also consistently partners with a local bookstore that allows student writers to read their own original stories to audiences. 
• Further, Ralya students support local associations such as the Beautification Association and a nearby retirement home through volunteer work.

By having high standards, positive collaboration, strong inclusivity, and exceptional community service, Ralya Elementary School has succeeded in helping students grow and learn. Through these efforts, Ralya Elementary School has served as an example of excellence for other schools and students. 

References

Besharat Arts Foundation. (n.d.). Inspiring children with art from around the world.

Haslett Board of Education. (2016, October 10). Minutes of regular meeting.

Haslett Public Schools. (2017, August). Employee handbook.

Haslett Public Schools (2022). Haslett public schools district equity plan.