Clear Creek Elementary School

A MESSSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

At Clear Creek Elementary we value each child as an individual and strive to meet their needs both academically and socially. Clear Creek has many strengths. It is seen as a solid, yet innovative school where children find a safe and nurturing environment. While the staff is relatively diverse, we share a common child-centered focus based upon understandings about child development, learning styles, multiple intelligences, and other factors that create a kaleidoscope of differences in every classroom.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL

The Clear Creek staff is committed to high expectations for all. Helping students reach their potential requires planning, individualization, and teaching strategies that reach all students. We find that if we expect a lot from our students they can often surprise us with how much they can achieve.

ENGAGED LEARNERS

Engaging our students is critical to their academic success. Our staff values a connected or integrated curriculum that reaches across subject areas and ties them together while exploring their relationships. As we implement the state standards we try to expand opportunities for students to study complex topics based on real world issues. For example, one such study might be focused on the water quality in our community as it connects to scientific research, mathematics, social studies, and research skills.

LIFESKILLS

Students at Clear Creek learn about responsibility, respect, and problem solving. Our goal is to create a caring environment that assists students with developing those skills that will carry them through life such as initiative and flexibility. The staff at Clear Creek uses this language with students and we encourage parents to do the same so that there is consistency and a stronger foundation.

COOPERATIVE LEARNERS

Cooperative learning is a tool we frequently use to develop social skills; and it provides a valuable foundation for life as a worker, family member, and citizen. Working together students learn the skills of collaborating, managing responsibilities in a group, and resolving conflicts.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

Our staff strives to expand assessment tools beyond test scores to include a detailed and continuous profile of a student's progress. Teachers, parents, and individual students can closely monitor academic strengths and weaknesses in order to focus on areas that need improvement and celebrate achievements. This also allows teachers to modify instructional strategies and assignments to meet the needs of each child.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is utilized at Clear Creek to improve curricular resources, assessment of individual progress, student assignments, parental connections, and administration. Clear Creek offers Family Access services that allows parents to check on lunch account information, attendance, demographics, and the immunization status of their children. Our computer lab was updated with all new equipment in 2004 and accommodates an entire class of students at one time. Email and voicemail are the communication methods most often used in the school. We continue to seek out technology that will enhance instruction and operational efficiency.

COMMUNITY

We seek to build strong partnerships with our parents. Our belief at Clear Creek is that students learn more when parents are involved with their education and school. Parent participation is welcomed in classrooms, PTO, and other committees. Teachers also offer opportunities for parents to attend workshops or training sessions on literacy and math.

Clear Creek Elementary has close ties with Indiana University and hosts a Language Education class on site. We also seek out partnerships with local businesses and agencies to strengthen the resources available to our students.