The Carbon School District took time to shine a spotlight on Sally Mauro Elementary this week and Castle Country Radio sat down with Principal Blake Allen to talk about the importance of reading, fun with math, behavioral program and archery.

Again, reading is a big push this year and the school is making sure that they do their part in helping students. “We have goals this year. Every one of the teachers in each different grade level has set reading goals. They want so many of the students in their classrooms to be proficient at reading. To be proficient means that a student is reading on grade level, reading books that reading level should be reading,” said Principal Allen. That is why the school is encouraging students to read at home each night so it helps improve their reading skills.

Another goal that the school has set is knowing basic math skills which is something they began working on last year. “Last year we ended the year with 75 percent of the students at Sally Mauro knowing their math facts for each grade level. So for the younger grades, it’s addition and subtraction and for the older grades its multiplication and division. So we ended really well, with 75 percent of the whole student body knowing their math facts,” explained Principal Allen. This year the goal is to get 80 percent which is achievable, especially in knowing how well the school did last year.

The school held one of many activities scheduled to take place this year that is designed around math facts. “Yesterday was our first day of jumping into this activity. The school purchased sidewalk chalk for every teacher in every classroom. We went outside yesterday and all over the sidewalk, the blacktop outback, we spent close to 30 minutes and the students were just doing math facts, so it was something amazing,” said Principal Allen. By offering the students fun activities geared around math, makes it more exciting for them to learn.

The school is taking a different approach this year when it comes to student’s behavior. “Our goal this year is we want to change things around a little bit. We want to basically get the teachers in a mind set that they follow certain protocol before they refer a student to refocus. Which we have a refocus room which is a room that if the student misbehaves and its above classroom management, if it’s something that someone higher than that needs to take care of, then they go to this room and learn a lesson,” said Principal Allen. The academic lesson will have to be completed before the student is able to rejoin their classroom.

Archery season is getting ready to begin and information has been sent home with students on what they need to do if they wish to participate. Of course, any parents that would like more information can contact the school. To learn more about Sally Mauro Elementary visit their Facebook page.