Arrowhead Elementary is a part of the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) and is in Aurora, Colorado. The central mission of the CCSD is, "to inspire every student to think, to learn, to achieve, to care.". CCSD is focused on raising the academic achievement of all students, closing the gap between the highest and lowest performing students, and eliminating the predictability of achievement by race. Arrowhead Elementary is considered one of the most diverse public elementary schools in Colorado. It serves 625 students in grades PK-5 with a student -teacher ratio of 18 to 1. Arrowhead offers 45% of the students a free or reduced lunch. Art class is considered a special class and is on a block schedule with four rotations that is required by all grades. The first period in the art room is a plan period, then 6 periods of rotating grades, with five-minute prep between classes. The specials department rotates cafeteria door duty three days in a row before first period. This duty is to secure the building from unapproved visitors that need to check in with the front office, so the safety of kids is absolute as they walk in from being dropped off in the morning.
The community at Arrowhead is strong and supportive. I felt right at home in the welcoming climate of the staff and students. The intimacy in caring and teaching for elementary students is at the heart of this school; my empathy deeply developed from being a part of this community. As a student teacher, being a part of the community was encouraged, natural, and I was guided by each staff member. My cooperating teacher sat in on an equity board and was a planner for the Multi-cultural night that was held by the specials department. The diversity at this school opened my perspective to the different lives we all lead, the impact of children's home lives, and how it impacts their behavior and engagement in class, and with their peers. This awareness has built the foundation for me to become a better educator and human. Think before you act, be compassionate, and be real.
The most important thing I learned at Arrowhead, that I will take into my teaching career, was getting to know the kids, each one, individually, their name and how to pronounce it, and how they are doing. I took the Classroom iPad home right before a new group rotation. I reviewed the iDoceo app that had the student’s pictures, their seating charts, and I quizzed myself on each class. The time I took to get to know the student’s names was the most valuable action I did, building a classroom climate of trust and respect.
The classroom climate was relaxing, the art room was inviting, with a choice-based classroom student knew where to get materials, and I could find my way easily around the class. I learned about classroom layout, function, purpose, and routine by staying organized! I also learned how to incorporate instruction and classroom layout to benefit CLD students, 504's, and IEP's, and students with special needs.
The relationship between my cooperating teacher and I began with transparency and fluidity in our teaching styles. We started by co-teaching; he would have the kids chime in and teach me about their routine. I took over all the classes fairly quickly, guided with critique and reminders throughout the class from my mentor and the students. The challenges I met during each day came with new lessons, a greater understanding, and how I choose to respond makes all the difference. I really felt like I was a part of a family. I was sad to leave this placement but happy about the relationships I had made and the experiences that shaped me as an educator and as a human. This was truly a life changing experience that I couldn't have had anywhere else.