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Community Support Contributes to Idyllwilde Elementary Student Success

Idyllwilde students master skills in computer lab.

When Idyllwilde Elementary in Seminole County was named a "D" school in 1999, Principal David B. Scott assembled a group of team leaders from each grade level to develop a plan of action to increase school-wide student achievement. Since then, they have not wavered from that plan. In 2003, the school earned its first "A" grade.

Principal Scott also feels that the hiring process is considerably important to the success of the school. In interviews, he not only looks for creative individuals who can do the job, but he also looks for individuals who "have the heart to do the job." He is thankful for the outstanding educators that now teach at Idyllwilde.

Students listen attentively during Tall Tree Club reading session.

In addition, community support allows Idyllwilde to continually improve. Parent volunteers are active within the school, frequently placing it in the upper quartile for the number of dividend (volunteer) hours within the district. Recently, the Clerk of Courts Office and the Seminole County Board of Commissioners generously donated 50 computers to the school for student use.

The school has also developed an array of extracurricular activities in order to enhance the core curriculum taught in the classroom. Each month a performance hosted by the Tall Tree Club, an outgrowth of the writing club, is held outside for students, parents and community members. Students from each grade level read aloud stories that they have written. Principal Scott said this activity is a wonderful way to encourage both reading and writing and to assist students with public speaking skills. Nearly 70 percent of students are meeting high standards and making learning gains in reading, and 74 percent are meeting high standards in writing.

For more information on Idlyllwilde Elementary School, visit www.idyllwilde.scps.k12.fl.us.