• Category 2

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 3
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 13,092
    Student Enrollment: 407
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.6%
    White/Caucasian: 58.7%
    Hispanic: 8.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.3%
    Asian: 0.5%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 10.3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:20
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 2008
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Kevin Truitt
  • CONTACT:
    301 Dorman Street
    Harrington, DE 19952
    302-398-8011
    sarah.huber@lf.k12.de.us
Lake Forest South Elementary School
Harrington, DE
"We work to ensure students not only succeed academically but also receive the social and emotional support necessary for their overall growth and development."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the past 3 years at Lake Forest South Elementary School:

In the 2022-2023 school year, we earned Phase 1 School-wide PBS recognition through the Delaware Positive Behavior Support Project.
For the 2023-2024 school year, South will be honored with a banner for achieving Phase 2 status in PBS.
South won the 2024 READBOWL “Primary” Division Delaware Championship, receiving a trophy in partnership with United Way of Delaware & Share the Magic Foundation.
We will also receive a banner as a 2024 Purple Star School for our support of military-connected students and families.
South was recognized as a 2024 State Banner School for being a Special Olympics Champion School.
Our Odyssey of the Mind team earned 2nd place at the State Tournament in 2024.
Lake Forest South was named a 2024 Recognition School and a National ESEA Distinguished School for Closing the Achievement Gap.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Over the past four years, Dr. Huber and I have focused on enhancing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process. Successfully closing the achievement gap at Lake Forest South Elementary School through MTSS requires a well-organized, data-driven approach that emphasizes collaboration, continuous assessment, and targeted interventions. Our staff is dedicated to refining this process with a focus on the whole child, ensuring students not only succeed academically but also receive the social and emotional support necessary for their overall growth and development.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
We aim to create an outdoor classroom with the grant we receive from ESEA to enhance student engagement and academic growth. This space will integrate our Illustrative Math (IM) and Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curricula into a dynamic learning environment. Outdoor settings have been shown to improve focus, foster creativity, and develop critical thinking skills. By incorporating a sensory garden, students will engage with textures, smells, and visuals that stimulate curiosity and support sensory development, benefiting especially those with special needs. This setting will provide an immersive backdrop for comprehension and discussion, making learning more meaningful and relevant.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Educational Leadership Services will provide four (4) Professional Development sessions (each three hours in length) over the course of the 2024-2025 school year. Dates will be mutually agreed upon by the school principal and ELS. Content will be in accordance with the chart provided and will concentrate on teaching strategies to maximize student engagement. In addition, the DTGSS rubric will be used as an anchor to guide the methods and strategies presented.
ELS will also provide 3 day(s) of walkthrough instructional coaching for the Lake Forest South Elementary Administration. The purpose will be to collaborate with the administration and teachers to identify and address additional building wide instructional needs.
ELS will facilitate four (4) professional development sessions. Evaluations will be provided following each session.
Three (3) full days of instructional walkthrough coaching will be completed. Sessions will be accompanied by a follow-up email reviewing topics discussed.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
The cultural shift leading up to our school's success was rooted in a collective effort to embrace change, prioritize collaboration, and foster a growth mindset. Initially, the school faced challenges in terms of academic performance and student engagement, but a shift began when the leadership emphasized the importance of setting high expectations for both students and staff. This was complemented by creating a culture of support and accountability, where teachers were empowered to try new teaching methods and share best practices. A significant element of this shift was the focus on inclusivity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all students. Programs were introduced that celebrated diversity, promoted social-emotional learning, and provided academic support systems tailored to individual needs. Teachers and staff were encouraged to build stronger relationships with students, which fostered a sense of community.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has been key to our success at school, offering opportunities for personal growth, building relationships, and enhancing our academic experience. Through volunteering and engaging in school events, we've developed essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and time management. These experiences have helped us stay organized and enabled our team to collaborate effectively with peers and teachers, creating a supportive network.
The connections we've formed through these activities have provided both emotional and academic support, helping us overcome challenges and remain committed to our goals. Moreover, the diverse perspectives we've encountered have expanded our understanding and enhanced our problem-solving abilities, which have proven valuable in the classroom.
Community involvement has laid a strong foundation for our success, offering the motivation and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 3
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 13,092
    Student Enrollment: 407
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.6%
    White/Caucasian: 58.7%
    Hispanic: 8.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.3%
    Asian: 0.5%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 10.3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:20
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 2008
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Kevin Truitt
  • CONTACT:
    301 Dorman Street
    Harrington, DE 19952
    302-398-8011
    sarah.huber@lf.k12.de.us