9 First-Week SWAT Visits 1995-96 During the week of August 21 through August 25, the ODM staff will visit the LRSD Incentive Schools and selected other schools. Working in two separate teams, the staff will collect data to be incorporated into a report later in the year. The focus for these visits should be on activities related to school readiness such as building preparation (cleanliness, paint), classroom readiness (materials, furniture, displays), staff (positions filled, preschool briefings), and student processing (registration, room assignments, procedures understood). The facilities and classroom observation forms may be used as guides if needed. Team members should minimize requests for information from school staffs during these visits as we will get numerical data from later reports. Team and school assignments are as follows: Team 1-Horace and Melissa Franklin -Monday Rockefeller-Monday Mills-Monday Bates-Tuesday Hall-Tuesday NLRHS West- Tuesday Seventh Street-Wednesday Tolleson-Wednesday North Pulaski-Wednesday Gibbs-Thursday Robinson High-Thursday Baker-Friday Team 2-Margie and Gene Mitchell - Monday Rightsell-Monday Mills-Monday Garland-Tuesday Hall-Tuesday NLRHS West- Tuesday Boone Park-Wednesday Meadow Park-Wednesday North Pulaski-Wednesday Dunbar-Thursday Robinson High-Thursday Cloverdale Jr.-Friday Following the visits, teams should compile a list of observations, both positive and negative, on each school and give it to Gene who will formulate a brief, informal report.Franklin Elementary Incentive School We were pleased to note that: The halls at Franklin were painted during the summer. The center hall and classroom hall nearest the main office were painted white with a blue stripe (the school colors). Other hallways were also white, but with green, yellow, and red stripes respectively. This color coding should help students and visitors find their way around the building better. The grass around the entire building was neatly trimmed. The monitors observed the custodians actively cleaning throughout the building. A bulletin board in the foyer urged parents to sign-up and become involved in the school. The large shadow box located in the foyer looked great with a farm scene featuring student work. We observed that the cafeteria ceiling had been replaced since our spring 1995 monitoring visit. It is to the principals credit that during her brief seven day tenure at Franklin, she was able to convene the staffing committee and fill nine vacancies. We also noted some areas needing attention. The principal shared that she was informed by the district central administration that Spanish would not be offered during the 1995-96 school year at the incentive schools. The principal was not hired until seven days before the first day of school. At the time of our visit, Franklin was without an assistant principal or permanent secretary.Garland Elementary Incentive School We were pleased to note that: The landscaping and the grass were very well maintained. The grounds were clean and free of litter. All of the bulletin boards in the corridors were decorated and contained welcome themes. The library was open, decorated, and ready for use. The girls rest rooms were clean, well supplied, and free of graffiti. The counselor and social worker were on duty and said they were ready for the new school year. The cafeteria and kitchen area were clean and free of debris. The students were very well behaved and orderly. The corridors were clean and free of litter. We also noted some areas needing attention. The lab attendant is at the school two days a week. When questioned about the lack of student contact time in a school that has a computer technology theme, she stated that she did not need to be at the school at all. She felt the instructional aide was sufficient. The corridors were very stuffy.Gibbs Elementary Magnet School We were pleased to note that: Colorful flowers adorned an area adjacent to the entrance to the school. The school mission statement was prominently displayed in the foyer. A VIPS desk, with a sign-in sheet, was located in the foyer. Floors throughout the building were very clean and shiny. Student work was displayed outside several classrooms. Bulletin boards, flags, and posters throughout the building gave evidence of the schools international theme. We also noted some areas needing attention. Gibbs is an international studies school, but is not yet on the Internet.Mitchell Elementary Incentive School We were pleased to note that: The beautiful flower arrangement on the table in the main entry projected a feeling of "welcome to our school. tl Besides a large poster inscribed with the school creed, other school related posters were prominently displayed in the lobby area and throughout the school. The VIPS sign-in sheet and a sign welcoming parents were immediately noticeable upon entering the building. The art teacher had removed the clutter from the playhouse and transformed it into a special place for the Artist of the Day. A dramatic, and eye-catching poster depicting the school's theme hung across the main corridor. The health clinic was open and operating. The vinyl floors were spotless. The campus area was clean and free of debris. The parent center was nicely decorated and already in use. The cafeteria and kitchen areas were clean and free of litter. The area around the exterior of the building was free of debris and litter. The grounds were very clean. Almost all students had been assigned to classes and teaching had begun by 9:00 a.m. of the first day of school. The new principal was omnipresent in the building yet relaxed and confident in going about her business. We also noted some areas needing attention. Several tiles are missing from the floor on the mezzanine area. One boys rest room had no identifying sign and was not supplied with paper. One girls rest room lacked toilet paper in one stall, soap in another, and needed to be scrubbed down in the sink area. Another girls rest room also lacked paper towels and soap. Additionally, one toilet seemed to be leaking. The media center was not ready for students. Stacks of books were piled on carts, bulletin boards were empty, and the media specialist had not been hired. A classroom was in the process of being painted, creating clutter in one area and tying up a classroom. The assignment of lab attendants seems inefficient. One attendant serves on Monday and Tuesday, while another serves on Wednesday and Thursday. According to one of the attendants, such an arrangement makes it difficult to put data into the computers because she doesn't know what the other attendant is doing. Another person does "technical work" on Fridays. Kindergarten students could not use the lab because the boards weren't done. The attendant said she expected the lab to be ready for K students by the second semester. Some of the fountains had very low water pressure. The G/T room was cluttered and in disarray. The room was not ready for students. The teacher explained that the air conditioner had been broken
therefore, she had been unable to work in the hot classroom. The counselor has been moved to yet another location - a portable building. The floor was badly buckled in several places. K-1 students could have trouble getting to the counselor's office without an escort. The location is not ideally suited for an elementary counselor. The coimselor's office had no phone, and she was informed that she would not have a private line when the phone was installed. The explanation was that the school did not have a large enough student population to warrant a private line in her office. We were unaware that phone lines to guidance and counselors' offices in the district were assigned on a per capita basis! Water pressure in some of the fountains is still extremely low. The restroom was not handicapped accessible.Rightsell Elementary Incentive School We were pleased to note that: The parent center was decorated and already serving parents. The front entry was bright and colorful. A green plant on the counter in the entry area added to the inviting messages. Many students were attired in school uniforms. The cafetorium and kitchen areas were clean and free of debris. The social worker finally has her own office space. Although the phone has yet to be connected, the counselor has been moved inside the building. The interior of the building was spotless and the classrooms were decorated and ready for students. The girls restroom was clean and fully supplied. The grounds were clean and free of debris. The building was as secure as feasibly possible. Every exterior door was locked and a security guard was on duty. We also noted some areas needing attention. Some of the water fountains were not operating, and others had low water pressure. A florescent light at the top of the stairs was not burning. Two windows facing the playground were badly cracked. The VCR in the counselor's office was not working. The counselor said it was being repaired. The restroom was not handicapped accessible.Rockefeller Incentive Elementary School We were pleased to note that: Visitors to Rockefeller are greeted by a large banner stating Rockefeller Loves Our Volunteers. A bulletin board display encouraging PTA membership was done with a computer motif, which emphasized the schools computer science theme. The hallways were decorated with varied banners. A colorful banner announcing the Rockefeller Computer Science Incentive School greets visitors near the front entrance. An Early Childhood Magnet banner is displayed on the hall containing that program. All staff members the monitors met were friendly and helpful. All classrooms the monitors observed were orderly and attractively decorated with messages welcoming students back to school and colorful visuals communicating high expectations. The library was up and running The entire building was veiy clean, colorful, and bright. The Writing to Read computers are now located in the classrooms. A well-equipped science lab is located in a self-contained classroom. All banks of computers located between adjoining classroom spaces were observed to be turned on and ready for student use. The monitors overheard at least one teacher encouraging student ownership in the classroom by asking them how they would like to decorate the space. According to the principal, all but five students were wearing their uniforms on this first day of school. The school's name and magnet program are both advertised with bold lettering added to the school's east facade. We also noted some areas needing attention. There was a large pot hole in the visitor parking lot at the eastern edge of the campus. The hole is deep enough to cause considerable damage to the vehicle of an unsuspecting motorist.Cloverdale Junior High School We were pleased to note that: The area in front of the building was clean, well maintained, and free of litter. Security personnel were highly visible in the main office area and in the exterior areas. A large Parent Center, clearly marked, had signs encouraging parent participation in the school. The center interior courtyard was very clean and in the process of being landscaped with shrubs and perennials. Other established plant areas were being mulched. An exterior wall facing the courtyard was recently repaired and painted The class change was very orderly, and students had cleared outside areas by the time the tardy bell rang. The cafeteria was immaculately clean, and the aroma of food being prepared in the kitchen was enticing. We also noted some areas needing attention. The resource officer and registrar were located in the already crowded counselors' wing. No resource material were visible in the counselors' area. A counselor explained they lacked space for display materials and supplies. Some exposed wires were hanging from a junction box in the walkway. The board in the Sth grade wing contained posters from the previous school year, another was empty. Two of the chain link gates at the rear of the campus were unlocked and one hung open. Several water fountains were inoperable. Many lockers showed signs of rust and needed painting. The girls restroom in the 7th grade wing did not have paper towels or soap. One of four stalls lacked toilet paper
however, the floors and sink areas were clean.Dunbar Junior High School We were pleased to note that: Several large trash cans were placed strategically around the building, thereby reducing some of the problems with litter. Security personnel were highly visible at the entry and in the halls. The girls restrooms were clean, well supplied, and handicapped accessible. An English as a Second Language (ESL) volunteer worker reported that she arrived at the school a week ahead of schedule to assist a Cuban student who did not speak any English. She happily reported that he was doing well and so were some other students she worked with. The resource officer mentioned that she was in her second year at the school and that she had gotten to know the students really well. She felt that she worked well with the students. The class change was orderly, and plenty of adults were visible during the class change. One display that tied art to other cultures from around the world was very eye catching. Students in the cafeteria sat and conversed quietly in integrated groups. Many students reported that they really liked the school
this was particularly true of seventh graders. We also noted some areas needing attention. Students were assigned to the cafeteria and media center because the gymnasium was too hot to hold PE classes. Several students were in the corridors during class. Except for the resource officer, none of the pupil services personnel (counselors or nurse) was in the pupil services suite. Except for some materials on a rack dating back to 1992-93, the counselors' area was devoid of resource materials for students. Some water fountains did not work. Several classrooms lacked stimulating visuals or displays to indicate the subject area taught in the rooms. Several ceiling panels were damaged or stained. Two of the boys restrooms had been seriously damaged by apparent vandalism, and none was supplied with paper products. A few cardboard boxes were stacked against the wall at the bottom of the first floor staircase.Hall High School We were pleased to note that: The campus was free of debris and the grass mowed. Planters in front of the school featured a selection of annual plants and shrubs. A sign in the office welcomed volunteers and displayed the badges they were when working throughout the building. The staff was friendly and helpful. Security officers provided a non-threatening presence throughout the building. We observed them encouraging students to proceed to class during the class change. We observed one class change during which students proceeded to their classes in an orderly manner. Although we did not make individual classroom observations, several of the rooms observed from the hallways contained attractive visual materials related to the subject posted on the walls and bulletin boards. The building was filled with hall displays ranging from posters welcoming the students back to school to one listing student birthdays in the month of August. We also noted some areas needing attention. We observed evidence of a leaky ceiling several badly damaged ceiling tiles in a hallway adjacent to the cafeteria. Several locker doors were missing. Plexiglass windows found in the doors of an annex were cloudy and damaged from some type of sprayed paint or caustic cleaner.Mills High School We were pleased to note that: The grounds around the building were well kept and attractive. The planters near the front entrance contained mums and annuals which were well maintained. The entry had been painted and missing floor tiles replaced since our last visit to Mills during the 1994-95 school year. The front foyer was clean and bright. An attractive bulletin board was decorated with African- American Art. A banner in the foyer welcomed students to school and stated the school's mission. The restrooms were clean, well supplied with paper products and soap, and free of graffiti. A handicapped stall was available. Plenty of large trash cans were strategically placed throughout the corridors. The bulletin boards in the corridors and most classrooms were decorated with signs of welcome or information pertaining to specific subject areas. Where checked, classrooms contained plenty of visuals emphasizing the subject area taught. The students changed classes in a quick and orderly manner. Adult presence was highly visible during the class change. No students were in the corridors unaccompanied by an adult after the tardy bell. The addition of the well appointed Wilbur D. Mills Conference Room was very positive and is sure to increase school pride. Teacher comments were positive and complimentary of the school and its mission. We also noted some areas needing attention. The health clinic was locked. Some of the water fountains had very low pressure. The room housing the media center is inadequate for a high school as comprehensive as Mills has become. Even though the staff have made good use of the space available to them, consideration should be given to expansion of the media center.Boone Park Elementary School We were pleased to note that: Several signs welcoming students and other signs encouraging PTA membership added to a very cheerful and inviting entry area. Professionally framed student art work decorated the corridor. The interior of the building was spotless. A very impressive display of state flags hung from the ceiling in the media center. The grounds were nicely landscaped, but the grass needed mowing. The students and staff were very friendly and courteous. Throughout the building, bulletin boards contained positive messages, fun themes, or something with the students' names. It seemed as if the teachers had a "Most creative bulletin board" contest! The library is being automated. The entire primary wing was decorated with numerous eye-catching decorations and colorful banners that hung from the ceiling. The Parent Coordinator was in the building and mentioned that she had already contacted all of the parents of missing K students and accounted for every absent student. The cafetorium and kitchen area were clean and free of debris. The district had replaced a recently departed G/T teacher. She was hired at the beginning of the week and said she was ready to get started. All of the hand dryers in the girls restrooms were operational. The restrooms had toilet paper and were clean and free of litter. A teacher explained that classroom teachers supplied soap to students when they went to the restroom. We also noted some areas needing attention. Several alphabet charts in the building had "I is for Indian" representations. Several feucets in the girls restrooms did not work. Both of the faucets for primary students were inoperable. The stall for handicapped students in the girls restroom did not have a door. Some ceiling paneling was missing in the media center. A large ramp leading to a side door had dead leaves and quite a bit of dried grass starting to clump together. The interior wall in that same area needs a coat of paint. Several pen and pencil marks and minor damage to the wall really detracted from that portion of the building. A side entry area had two carts left by a wall, some empty cardboard boxes, and what appeared to be a broken study carrel.Meadow Park Elementary School We were pleased to note that: The large decorative wreath hanging in the main entry area added warmth to a bright and cheerful lobby. Most of the bulletin boards outside the classrooms contained colorful displays that welcomed each student by name. Although a few of the floor tiles were cracked or broken along the wall of one corridor, the floors were clean and free of litter. The kitchen and cafeteria areas were very clean. The media center was in the process of becoming fully automated. We also noted some areas needing attention. The parking lot is crumbling badly in several places and dotted with potholes. The floor tiles in one of the classrooms is buckling. One of the faucets in the girls restroom did not work, and there were no paper towels or soap in the restrooms. The counselor's office is accessible only through the media center causing a serious breach of privacy. The light fixture in the entry area to the resource center and the one located across the hall from that entry were missing their covers. The media center was very small and lacked storage and shelf space. Several tables were piled high with books and materials.Rose City Alternative School We were pleased to note that: The cafeteria and kitchen areas were veiy clean and free of litter. The bulletin board in the front entry contained photos of the entire staff (except the counselor). The restrooms were clean, free of graffiti, and contained plenty of paper products. They did lack soap, however. The school has a new computer lab containing all new equipment. We also noted some areas needing attention. The carpet in the library/auditorium is badly stretched and worn. No library services are available in the building. The counselor is in the building for a half day. Her hours are from 12:30 - 4:00
however, the students leave at 2:00.Seventh Street Elementary School We were pleased to note that: Posters promoting PTA participation appeared throughout the building. A poster at the front entrance stated PTA, Its the real thing.' Floors throughout the building gleamed. We observed the custodian at work maintaining the brilliant appearance. Although not having recently been painted, hallway walls throughout the building were clean and bright with few signs of wear. The hallways and individual classrooms were filled with attractive and creative displays welcoming students back to school. From the hallways, our observations revealed teachers and students to be on-task The media center, although limited in space, was well organized and attractive. The media specialist described the automated checkout system and the fact that computer equipment in the center was purchased from funds raised from Book Fairs. The media center is now also on the Internet. The original tilework found throughout the building, including the restrooms, was in near perfect condition. The building's exterior was enhanced by planting of crape myrtle, other shrubs, and annuals. A poster promoting the interdistrict magnets schools was displayed in the school entry. We also noted some areas needing attention. The women's bathroom located near the office had some missing mosaic tiles. The hallway leading to the playground included some damaged or missing baseboard tiles.North Little Rock High School - West Campus We were pleased to note that: The 1929 interior of the main building had been well preserved. The custodial crew was working and visible throughout the building. Class changes were orderly and all students in the corridors after the tardy bell had passes. The Graduate Academy had a large welcome banner for the alternative school students. Many of the alternative school students were mainstreamed into regular classrooms in several academic subjects. Although lacking soap, the restrooms had plenty of paper products and were accessible to the handicapped. We also noted some areas needing attention. Some of the doors were missing from the lockers in the new addition. Several water fountains did not work, and others had low water pressure. The restrooms were not labeled in the music room. A large piece of paneling hung from the ceiling in the cafeteria. The kitchen area was extremely warm, even with three fans operating and the windows and one door propped open. Leaks in the media center force the librarian to leave a whole wall of book racks vacant. The wall areas in the corridors did not contain much in the way of welcoming students for the new school year. The exterior grounds were scruffy and worn.Baker Elementary Interdistrict School We -were pleased to note that: The school lawn was well-cared-for through the summer. The area was mowed, trimmed and was being watered when we arrived. The areas surrounding the school were nicely landscaped and free of debris. Student work was displayed outside of most classrooms. The districts theme for the school year, Planting Seeds of Knowledge was apparent on bulletin boards. Several bulletin boards also contained reference to the school economics theme. Floors throughout the building were clean and shiny. Chenal Properties is Bakers newest business partner. According to the principal, several Baker teachers received national recognition for excellence in economic education. We also noted some areas needing attention. The district is no longer offering the full compensatory education program at Baker. The school failed to qualify as a Title 1 school for 1995-96, so the district discontinued the remedial reading instruction. The assistant principal said that parents are planning to help tutor children who need these services.Bates Elementary School We were pleased to note that: The Bates staff has piggybacked on the superintendents theme of Planting the Seeds of Knowledge by adopting a school theme for the 1995-96 school year of Continue to Bloom From August to June. The growing theme was evident on bulletin boards throughout the building. According to the principal, over $25,000 has been spent on improvements to the schools physical plant. Among ongoing projects are fresh wall paint, replacement of baseboards throughout the school, and subdivision of the library for a reference area, teacher workroom, and lounge. The media center, formerly an overwhelmingly large space, is now half as large thanks to a wall constructed last school year. The media center space is still large enough to house a significant book collection, story area, and student work area. But the center now has a more cozy appearance and atmosphere. The Bates PTA provided the financial support to carpet the media center. We observed student work already on display. The building's exterior featured neatly trimmed grass and shrubbery. We also noted some areas needing attention. Throughout the building floors had been patched with mismatched tiles. Some ceiling tiles were missing and some overhead lights were burned out in the cafeteria.Robinson Elementary School We were pleased to note that: The new construction was completed for the opening of school and the rooms were well established and attractively decorated. The students were on task and many of the teachers were actively engaged with their students. Plenty of trash cans strategically placed kept the school free of litter. Although sunken, the media center is handicapped accessible. Multi-cultural and multi-ethnic displays were in evidence throughout the building. All of the restrooms contained plenty of soap and paper products and had little or no litter. The stalls were free of graffiti. We also noted some areas needing attention. Not all restrooms were accessible to students in wheelchairs. The tiny counselor's office does not have enough space for group activities. The office lacks a waiting area, which can impede privacy. A wire from an electrical appliance was plugged into an outlet that hung from the ceiling, posing a potential safety hazard.Tolleson Elementary School We were pleased to note that: Computers were in use in the classrooms. One bulletin board featured famous paintings and information about the artists and their works. Student work was displayed outside several classrooms. A schoolwide theme of Bananas About Reading was attractively publicized throughout the building. According to the media specialist, the Chiquita Banana Corporation supplied many of the materials used for the displays. A poster promoting the interdistrict magnet schools was prominently displayed in the office area. A bulletin board in the office recognized the contribution of school volunteers. We also noted some areas needing attention. The hallway in the 3-6 wing contained some broken floor tiles. The principal indicated that the school received a new roof during 1994-95, but several classrooms still bore evidence of old ceiling leaks.Robinson Junior High School We -were pleased to note that: Plenty of large trash cans strategically placed around the campus greatly reduced litter. The display area in the front breezeway contained photographs of staff members The girls restroom was stuffy, but very clean and well supplied. The counselors mentioned a great school-wide activity they designed to encourage parent participation at the school. They feel the project has shown good results. The cafetorium was clean, but the stage area was cluttered with debris. The cafetorium was recently painted in the school's colors and the workers did a good paintjob. We also noted some areas needing attention. The front driveway is seriously pocked with potholes and cracks. It is very difficult to identify the girls restroom at the top landing because of a barely visible sign. The retaining wall in the back of the facility is crumbling and badly cracked in places. The concrete steps are badly eroded in several places. The counselors' area lacks space for display materials or resource materials. The grounds give the appearance of long-time neglect. The occasional grassy spots on the rocky ground needed mowing.North Pulaski High School We were pleased to note that: The "Aloha" theme of welcome was highly visible throughout the building and was very well done. Every locker had a welcome note and many of the classrooms had aloha displays. The wooden lockers were in good repair and free of graffiti. The restrooms were very clean, handicapped accessible, and well-supplied. None of the stalls or walls contained graffiti, and the floors were free of litter. The class change was very orderly. Administrators were visible and actively assisting students. We observed several integrated groups of students having lunch together or engaged in casual activities. Classrooms in the CBI wing were very bright and cheerful. Several students were engaged in one- on-one activities with teachers or paraprofessionals. Though no students were in the media center, the director demonstrated an impressive array of technologically innovative research tools. The corridors were clean, and the custodial staff was busy and highly visible. All of the digital clocks in the corridors had the correct time. The gymnasium was clean and, with the exception of several tears in the ceiling material, seemed to be in good repair. The school has an in-house restaurant that is open to the public. Students hired to work in the facility must have successfully completed a prerequisite course in food management. We also noted some areas needing attention. Several pieces of litter and some debris were scattered about the exterior of the building, including rotting railroad cross ties and empty bottles. Some of the floor tiles were badly worn or damaged. Several teachers remained in their classrooms during the class change, and quite a few students remained in the corridors after the tardy bell. Some of the water fountains did not work or had very low pressure. Some ceiling tiles were missing and some were badly stained. The interior walls could use a paintjob. Several florescent bulbs were out in the library and a bulb was missing over the entry to one of the girls restrooms. An item of curiosity: Not one black student went to a locker during the class change. All of the students that went to the lockers were white, and quite a few of them did so.Robinson High School We were pleased to note that: The grounds were well kept featuring pretty shrubs and flowering plants. A bulletin board just inside the main entrance to the school pictured the "Robinson High School Leaders." Black and white students of both sexes were represented in leadership roles. The floors were in excellent condition and very impressive. Many impressionist and modem art prints lined the corridor walls. The lockers were clean and in good repair. The counselors suite was well-appointed and had a large conference room next door. All of the water fountains were operating properly. The custodial staff was busy and highly visible. Students and teachers were actively engaged in each classroom. The cafeteria and kitchen areas were spotless. The media center is attractive and well arranged, though no students were using it during this monitoring visit. We also noted some areas needing attention. One entry door was locked from the inside. Broken chairs around a rear area were an eyesore.
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.