• Category 2

    Selected in 2017

  • Grades: 3 - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1,000
    Student Enrollment: 146
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 4%
    White/Caucasian: 91.7%
    Hispanic: 1%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2.7%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 50%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1967
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Robert Green
  • CONTACT:
    508 Chestnut
    Blue Rapids, KS 66411
    785-363-7693
    rgreen@valleyheights.org
Valley Heights Elementary School - Blue Rapids
Blue Rapids, KS
The culture at Valley Heights Elementary is one of respect for all stake holders.
Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen ties to your community.
Student Data/Parent Night has been a very successful activity. Student data is explained and shared with parents. During the Data Night, fun family activities were developed so that families could engage in learning activities that could be used at home. Business and community members were invited to participate and even become sponsors for the Data nights.
What is the single most important factor in the success of your school that others could replicate?
Teacher and staff commitment to the MTSS process.
Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement, including closing achievement or opportunity gaps, if applicable.
The development and continual revision of a school improvement plan has led to identification of areas in which improvement is needed. New curriculum was selected and the MTSS process was adopted. All stake holders have embraced the MTSS model and teach with fidelity.
Identify the critical professional development activities you use to improve teaching and student learning.
Professional development in the area of MTSS has been very useful in the identification of student needs and development of strategies to improve student achievement. Reading specialist have been a big part of the Valley Heights Elementary professional development program.
Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.
Valley Heights Elementary is in its third year of using the MTSS model. Benchmark tests are taken three times a year. Students are then placed in Tiers in which intense intervention strategies are implemented for those struggling students while others may receive enrichment activities. Weekly progress monitoring provides up to date student data. This data is used to drive instruction and curriculum decisions.
Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.
The culture at Valley Heights Elementary is one of respect for all stake holders. Students feel safe and know that they have the respect and support of the staff, community student body.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2017

  • Grades: 3 - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1,000
    Student Enrollment: 146
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 4%
    White/Caucasian: 91.7%
    Hispanic: 1%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2.7%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 50%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1967
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Robert Green
  • CONTACT:
    508 Chestnut
    Blue Rapids, KS 66411
    785-363-7693
    rgreen@valleyheights.org