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March 17, 2025 -- This year, Silver Bay Elementary ÀÖÓãÌåÓý launched a wide variety of programs and activities, both academic and co-curricular in nature, to support the district's three goals of academics, kindness, and attendance.  According to Principal Anna Kasper, "...the school is committed to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures both [the] intellectual and personal growth [of its students]."  A closer look of the programs that have been happening at the school provides the proof to this statement.

Shining Bright Through Academic Excellence and Inclusive Programs

One of the key pillars of Silver Bay's academic success is its focus on creating a dynamic and supportive atmosphere where every student feels valued and capable of achieving their best.

Silver Bay’s robust academic offerings are further strengthened by programs such as the WIN (What I Need) periods, where students are given targeted instruction based on their individual learning needs. These sessions are designed to provide tailored support, ensuring that each student receives the specific resources and attention they need to excel in subjects like math and reading. The HIT (High Impact Teaching) program adds to this personalized approach, utilizing data-driven methods to elevate student performance and engagement. 

A well-rounded approach to education is something that Principal Kasper is fostering at Silver Bay. In addition to academics, the school offers a rich array of opportunities that help students develop many skills. She said, "Whether it’s through learning to play an instrument, expressing themselves through art, or staying active in physical education classes, students are encouraged to explore new interests and build confidence in a wide variety of areas."

Through this commitment to a well-rounded educational experience and nurturing inclusivity, the school is creating a positive environment which leads to students' desire to attend school every day.

"Soar Into Spring" Attendance Challenge Promotes Student Success

Silver Bay proudly launched a new initiative in February called the "Soar Into Spring Attendance Challenge".  The challenge invited students at all grade levels to compete for the highest attendance percentage by grade level and on an individual basis with perfect attendance.  Fun prizes, certificates, and treats will be awarded, but the main goal of the challenge is to further strengthen the importance of being present and to allow students to showcase their commitment to attending school every day.

It's no secret that when students are excited, feel a connection, and look forward to attending school that good things will follow.

Kindness Campaign: A Year of Growing Together

The Silver Bay school community has whole-heartedly embraced the core values of responsible, respectful, and kind, according to Principal Kasper.  To further encourage this commitment, the school has been participating in several initiatives focused on kindness.

"We believe that kindness includes creating an environment where it's embedded in every action, interaction, and decision," said Principal Kasper.  "But, the Kindness Campaign is designed to go beyond simple gestures; it seeks to nurture an inclusive, supportive, and positive atmosphere that enhances the well-being of every student, teacher, and staff member," she explained.

The campaign's official launch was an inspiring Kindness Quest Assembly.  There, students were encouraged to embrace kindness and perform small, meaningful acts of kindness throughout the year.  On a daily basis, students are reminded visually to be kind to one another as they walk past kindness confetti, a chain of kindness, and the kindness mural.  These are all playful and cheerful additions that fill the hallways with vibrant reminders to spread kindness and be good citizens.

The different pillars of kindness are highlighted during the weekly morning announcements.  These announcements focus on important values like kindness, respect, gratitude, generosity, citizenship, and compassion—each week shining a spotlight on how students can actively live these values.

Another way kindness is verbally communicated is through the Talk It Out Tuesday jars.  Students can anonymously share kind words, encouraging messages, and positive thoughts with their peers and teachers, which are then read aloud.

"With each passing day, Silver Bay is becoming a brighter, more compassionate place for everyone, and the school is excited to see the kindness continue to grow, ripple out, and inspire others in the process," said Principal Kasper.  She continued, "I am incredibly proud of how our students, families, and staff have embraced this campaign.  It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together to make a positive impact, and I’m excited to continue growing this culture of kindness throughout the year."

Silver Bay has certainly made a commitment to furthering all of the district's goals and, in the end, made a strong commitment to its students and families.