• Category 3

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 37,966
    Student Enrollment: 656
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 0%
    Hispanic: 100%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:28
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 59%
    Founded: 2003
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Maritza Mares
  • CONTACT:
    985 N. 6th Ave. P.O BOX 6870
    San Luis, AZ 85349
    928-627-6540
    lcoronado@gesd32.org
Ed Pastor Elementary School
San Luis, AZ
"A holistic approach has fostered trust, collaboration, and significant growth for all students."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Ed Pastor Elementary excels in fostering academic growth, equity, and community support. In Spring 2024, 15% of ELLs were reclassified as proficient, while migrant students achieved a 43% passing rate in reading and 50% in math on post-Galileo assessments, narrowing the gap with non-migrant peers. Homeless students demonstrated a remarkable 21% academic growth despite challenges.The school utilizes data-driven practices, including student data folders for tracking progress and targeted professional development for teachers. Wraparound services address barriers like food, clothing, transportation, and tuition for early college programs. Dedicated personnel, such as a migrant advocate and McKinney-Vento liaison, ensure individualized support for underserved populations.With a caring and nurturing culture led by our staff, Ed Pastor Elementary is a beacon of excellence, fostering equity and success for all students by committing to the whole child.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The greatest contributing factor to positive change at Ed Pastor Elementary has been the school’s commitment to equity, data-driven practices, and a whole-child approach to education. By addressing barriers to learning, such as providing food, clothing, and transportation, the school ensures that every student’s basic needs are met. Dedicated roles, such as a migrant advocate and McKinney-Vento liaison, provide individualized support, empowering students from underserved populations to succeed. Regular use of student data encourages goal-setting and accountability, while targeted professional development equips teachers with strategies to meet diverse learning needs. Field-testing new practices ensures that only effective strategies are implemented school-wide. This holistic approach has fostered trust, collaboration, and significant growth for all students.Together, these factors have transformed Ed Pastor Elementary into a model of positive change and success.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Title IA,and Title III, funding allows to implement evidence-based instruction by hiring instructional assistants who implement the MTSS model of interventions.Title IC Migrant Education Program, funding allows us to hire an advocate to provide the wraparound services for the migrant students and families. Additionally, the eligible migratory students receive supplemental instructional service in ELA and Math, extended day tutoring offered on Mondays and Saturday Learning Labs throughout the school year. 21st Century Community Learning Center, funding allows to provide a comprehensive academic and enrichment program for all students. The after-school academic reading instruction for targeted students utilizing evidence-based practices to promote mastery of reading learning objectives. All students are also eligible to participate in the enrichment component of the program to include art, drama, dance, robotics and Odyssey of the Mind.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
At Ed Pastor Elementary, we center on professional development to improve teaching and learning, focusing on data-driven instruction, collaboration, and research-based strategies. Regular cluster meetings and PLCs provide teachers with the opportunity to collaborate and share strategies.These sessions are tailored to address specific student needs as reflected in assessment data, allowing for targeted improvements in teaching practices. The school uses a field-testing method where new instructional strategies are tested in classrooms, evaluated for effectiveness, and, if successful, implemented school-wide. Follow-up support ensures teachers are equipped to maintain these practices with fidelity. Based on the results from student data, professional development is customized to meet teachers' needs, ensuring that instruction is responsive to the diverse learning profiles of students. This focused approach allows teachers to continually refine their skills to support student success.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
The cultural shift at Ed Pastor Elementary leading up to its success has been driven by a collective commitment to equity, collaboration, and student-centered practices. The school shifted to a holistic approach, ensuring that every student’s academic, social, and emotional needs were met. Wraparound services address barriers that could hinder learning, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those from underserved populations. A cultural shift toward using data to drive instruction and decision-making empowered both students and teachers.This shift has fostered a sense of accountability and motivation across the school. Teachers embrace collaboration to refine strategies with the purpose of implementing best teaching practices while fostering a supportive and innovative teaching environment. This shift has transformed EPS into a dynamic, responsive learning community where every student is given the tools and support needed to succeed.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has been a key factor in Ed Pastor Elementary’s success, fostering strong partnerships between the school, families, and local organizations. The school actively engages families through events such as PTO meetings, festivals, and performances by the music program. These events strengthen the connection between the school and the community, providing families with opportunities to participate in their children's education and celebrate their accomplishments. The school has also extended its communication to social media by sharing videos of events taking place. Community partnerships enable the school to provide essential services.These resources help remove barriers to learning, allowing students to focus on academics.These community connections enhance the overall support network for students, ensuring their success. Through these strong community ties, EPS has created a collaborative, supportive environment that significantly contributes to its success.
Stats
  • Category 3

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 37,966
    Student Enrollment: 656
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 0%
    Hispanic: 100%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:28
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 59%
    Founded: 2003
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Maritza Mares
  • CONTACT:
    985 N. 6th Ave. P.O BOX 6870
    San Luis, AZ 85349
    928-627-6540
    lcoronado@gesd32.org