• Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: 4 - 8
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 2,229
    Student Enrollment: 460
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.4%
    White/Caucasian: 75.2%
    Hispanic: 20.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.2%
    Asian: 0.6%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 62.1%
    % ELL Learners: 5.4%
    Founded: 1993
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Douglas Beattie
  • CONTACT:
    300 South 16th Avenue
    Wautoma, WI 54982
    920-787-4577 ext. 3230
    beattied@wautoma.k12.wi.us
Parkside School
Wautoma, WI
We implement strategies that promote relationship-building, social skills, intrinsic motivation, and goal-setting, allowing students to commit to proactive learning routines.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Wautoma Area School District and Parkside School pride themselves on building positive foundations for the success of our children. The greatest attribute of our school is the sense of community that has been built and sustained to see each student succeed and grow that go beyond academics. We focus on the individual needs of each student and our grade-level teams actively participate in weekly professional learning communities that identify where our students are at, where they need to go, and how we are going to support their needs. The collaborative and supportive nature of our staff directly models classroom environments that set high expectations for students to succeed through a scaffolded approach of support. We continue to grow and enhance our practices to meet the needs of our learners and community. This accomplishment as a distinguished school highlights Parkside School’s continuous efforts to do what is best for our students.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Parkside School focuses on the needs of our students and provides the support necessary for students to learn at high levels. Our district and school’s commitment to the Developmental Design approach brings strategies into our daily routines. Every morning when students enter our building, strategies that promote relationship building, social-skill building, intrinsic motivation, and goal-setting allow students to commit to proactive learning routines. Along with our social-emotional learning routines that are balanced with our district’s initiative to provide students with an equitable grading and assessment approach, Parkside School provides students with an environment that is conducive to learning and communicates a clear path of learning for all students and staff. The staff at Parkside School cares deeply about each student and takes ownership in providing students with a positive learning experience for the diverse needs of our student population.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
The Wautoma Area School District utilizes ESEA funding to support our staff and students by utilizing resources for professional development opportunities, in-district coaching, and classroom support to enhance teaching and learning. These funds have made it possible for the district to bring in high-quality professional development learning opportunities to our staff that have focused on phonics instruction, content literacy across disciplines, inclusive practices, and grading and assessment learning through a standards-based grading approach. These schoolwide programs ensure that our systems, practices, and programs effectively align with our ability to reduce gaps and support all of students’ social emotional, and academic needs.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Professional development activities to improve teaching and learning include staff participating in Developmental Design professional development opportunities that support the social-emotional development of our students. On-going professional development in the areas of reading and writing that focuses on high-impact strategies for students across content areas. Opportunities for general education and special education staff to explore inclusive practices, along with a coaching model that highlights collaborative classrooms working with all students to promote growth and achievement. A multi-year grading and assessment transition to Target-Based Grading that continues to evolve to highlight grade-specific learning objectives and opportunities for reteaching and relearning to happen based on student outcomes. The collaborative approach between grade-level teams and content-specific departments that focus on student populations to meet their academic and social-emotional needs.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Parkside School has a long-standing tradition of exemplifying a climate and culture that fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged to learn. The staff at Parkside School promotes teamwork, open communication, and a sense of belonging for each member of our school community. Prioritizing staff and student well-being ensures a holistic approach to education and commitment to building positive foundations for the success of all students. Our staff encompasses the qualities of an organization that shares common goals to turn each moment into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
The Wautoma Area School District continues to seek opportunities that foster a supportive environment between our schools and community. We look for opportunities to partner with community organizations, local agencies, post-secondary facilities, and businesses to enhance learning opportunities that directly impact students in our classrooms and our community. Our community continues to have a positive impact on our students by supporting their needs inside and outside of our classrooms. Continuing to partner with our community provides students with real-life opportunities that extend beyond our school walls and positively impact our students as they enter post-secondary options.
Stats
  • Category 3

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: 4 - 8
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 2,229
    Student Enrollment: 460
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.4%
    White/Caucasian: 75.2%
    Hispanic: 20.6%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.2%
    Asian: 0.6%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 62.1%
    % ELL Learners: 5.4%
    Founded: 1993
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Douglas Beattie
  • CONTACT:
    300 South 16th Avenue
    Wautoma, WI 54982
    920-787-4577 ext. 3230
    beattied@wautoma.k12.wi.us