• Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 60
    Student Enrollment: 336
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 5.1%
    White/Caucasian: 36.3%
    Hispanic: 53.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.3%
    Asian: 3.9%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0.8%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9.4
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 46%
    Founded: 1977
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Christopher Freisen
  • CONTACT:
    15 Everard Street
    Revere, MA 02151
    781-286-8317
    cfreisen@reverek12.org
Beachmont Veterans Memorial School
Revere, MA
It is always “a great day to be a bee!”
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
The Beachmont Veterans Memorial School is a neighborhood elementary school located in Revere, Massachusetts. At the Beachmont, we value diversity. Roughly 46% of our population is considered ELL, speaking Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic as their first language. We leverage our students' cultures and lived experiences to create an inclusive school community where all students feel important and welcomed. Our dedicated staff is committed to incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices with a focus on equity, which holds students to high expectations while making relevant connections to students’ lives. Staff work together to provide individualized and targeted instruction to ensure all students are able to access the curriculum with success. Our school mascot is a bee. We have established the “4 Bees” (Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Kind) as guiding principles students and staff strive towards. It is always “a great day to be a bee!”
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
There are many contributing factors to the success of the Beachmont, but the ability to hire additional professional staff members has been the most impactful. Within the last two years, we have hired three additional interventionists to provide Tier 2 support in the subjects of ELA, math, and science. With the onboarding of new interventionists, we are better able to target students’ unique needs and provide daily small group instruction. In addition to our interventionists, we have hired two additional EL teachers to meet the needs of our increasing multilingual learner population. Furthermore, we have hired two bilingual school adjustment counselors that focus on social emotional learning within the classroom, improving social skills and peer relationships, and supporting students as needed. Our Beachmont staff finds joy in what we do each day. We have a supportive school culture and community and as a result, our students feel supported and motivated to do their best.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA has played a significant role in our school’s success. Federal money that we receive is budgeted to pay for staff(ex. Literacy Coach, Reading Interventionist) as well as targeted outside of school intervention programs. We have used money to pay for a four week summer program for students that are struggling in math, and/or literacy. We have also utilized Title 1 money to pilot reading intervention programs that have provided students with targeted and data-driven interventions. ESEA funds continue to make a direct and positive impact on our school.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
School leaders in Revere are committed to professional development. All staff receive daily professional growth time(PGT) that is facilitated by a trained staff member or coach. During these meetings, staff collaborate on a variety of topics including calibrating academic expectations, building equitable classrooms, new curriculum implementation, social-emotional learning, pacing, etc. Each month, staff participate in half day professional development to enhance their practice on school and district goals and priorities. At the school level, we provide choice and agency as to how staff engage in professional development. We try to avoid a one size fits all approach to PD and utilize school improvement plans and identified priorities to guide our PGT and/or PD work.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
We have worked hard to create a positive school culture for staff, students, and families. Having a strong school culture is directly reflected in how our staff interacts with students. Staff consistently and creatively recognizes and celebrates student growth and success. We have incorporated a monthly community building event to ensure all students engage in joyful celebrations and feel like they belong. Our half days are called “Buzz Days” and incorporate fun activities, class projects, and deeper learning experiences that require collaboration and teamwork. Building strong relationships between home and school is an integral part of our success. We have worked hard to establish a strong rapport with families and continue to look for ways to improve communication and break down barriers. We have an incredible partnership with our families and look for continuous opportunities to make sure families feel welcomed(ex. Parent Coffees, Family Literacy Night, PTO Events, etc.)
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has played a critical role in our success. We have strengthened our communication systems to ensure families are aware of everything going on in the school building. Teachers utilize ClassDojo as a tool to communicate with families and share classroom updates. Messages are easily accessible and translated into the family's home language. We have an incredible family liaison that makes personal connections with families. Monthly parent coffees provide an opportunity to discuss highlights from the previous month, upcoming events or important dates, and any other pertinent information. We have an active PTO that has been extremely supportive in bridging the gap between home and school, through planning ongoing community events and providing resources to the school. A continuous goal is to ensure families feel welcomed in the school and are able to be an active partner in their child’s education.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 60
    Student Enrollment: 336
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 5.1%
    White/Caucasian: 36.3%
    Hispanic: 53.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.3%
    Asian: 3.9%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0.8%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9.4
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 46%
    Founded: 1977
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Christopher Freisen
  • CONTACT:
    15 Everard Street
    Revere, MA 02151
    781-286-8317
    cfreisen@reverek12.org