• Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 34,000
    Student Enrollment: 302
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1%
    White/Caucasian: 85%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1%
    Native American: 3%
    Other: 1%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:16
    % Reduced Lunch: 46.5%
    % ELL Learners: 4%
    Founded: 1976
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Brandee Maurer
  • CONTACT:
    800 Hemlock
    Gillette, WY 82716
    307-686-1060
    bmaurer@ccsd.k12.wy.us
Wagonwheel Elementary School
Gillette, WY
"Our school’s success is rooted in a strong commitment to our mission: Ensuring High Levels of Learning for All."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Our school’s success is rooted in a strong commitment to our mission: Ensuring High Levels of Learning for All. This mission drives everything we do, from our classroom instruction to the professional development of our staff. We believe that every student can succeed. This belief is at the heart of our work, and it shapes the support and resources we provide to our students. Wagonwheel Elementary continues to excel in academic achievement, equity, and growth. This year, students achieved their best scores on WYTOPP assessments, particularly in academic growth and English Language Proficiency. Our data-driven approach and personalized learning through Professional Learning Communities and MTSS help meet each student's needs with interventions, enrichment, and differentiated instruction. We have a community of quality educators who model success!
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The key to our success lies in our dedicated staff. Their commitment to student achievement and their belief that all students can achieve at high levels is the driving force behind our school’s accomplishments. Our teachers, support staff, and leadership team work collaboratively to create an environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
The greatest factors in our positive change have been our dedication to collaboration and data-driven instruction through the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process. By focusing on essential standards, using Common Formative Assessments, and responding to student needs with tailored interventions and enrichment, we have been able to ensure students receive the support they need to be successful. Our emphasis on social-emotional learning and mental health has created a supportive, inclusive environment, fostering student well-being and academic success.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has supported Wagonwheel Elementary, especially in assisting at-risk students and closing the achievement gap. Our reading interventionist support has been vital in helping struggling readers, with many achieving over a year’s growth in reading. Additionally, we have been able to implement social-emotional learning initiatives, provide professional development, and offer targeted support for students who need it the most. This funding has been crucial in maintaining our collective commitment to “Educating the Whole Child.”
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Professional development at Wagonwheel is a continuous, collaborative effort to enhance staff skills. Key activities include Pick Your Professional Development (PYPD), where professional development is created, shared, and owned by staff. We have trauma informed training, coaching cycles for personalized feedback, and wellness initiatives to support staff well-being. We also conduct staff-led book studies on behavior and academics, fostering a culture of shared learning. This comprehensive approach ensures our educators stay informed and committed to providing a high-quality education for all students.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Wagonwheel Elementary has embraced a cultural shift toward collaboration and data-informed practices. Teachers and staff are dedicated to the belief that all students can achieve high levels of learning and are committed to supporting each child's success. This transition is supported by systems like the PLC process and RTI/MTSS framework, which emphasize shared goals and regular student progress assessments. We believe we are stronger together.
Celebrating our students and staff is something that Wagonwheel Elementary takes pride in. We are proud of who we are and will continue this work in the future! We are the Wagonwheel Wildcats!
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Community involvement has been essential in strengthening Wagonwheel’s success. Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports school activities with learning opportunities, while partnerships with local organizations provide additional resources for students. Wagonwheel has implemented a range of innovative programs that engage students and provide diverse learning experiences. Programs such as Students Without Alcohol and Tobacco (SWAT), Hope Squad, Writing Club, STEM Club, Art Club, Chess Club, and Girls on the Run help our students here at Wagonwheel find a place they belong while captivating their creativity and goal setting. Events like the "Potato Olympics" and “McTeacher’s Night" celebrate student achievements and foster a positive school culture. Together, parents, businesses, and local groups help us ensure high levels of learning for all students, directly contributing to their success.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2024

  • Grades: pre k - 6
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 34,000
    Student Enrollment: 302
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 1%
    White/Caucasian: 85%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1%
    Native American: 3%
    Other: 1%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:16
    % Reduced Lunch: 46.5%
    % ELL Learners: 4%
    Founded: 1976
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Brandee Maurer
  • CONTACT:
    800 Hemlock
    Gillette, WY 82716
    307-686-1060
    bmaurer@ccsd.k12.wy.us