Needham Elementary School has been proudly serving the Durango Community since 1951, and we are beginning to educate 3rd generations of Durango families who attended school here. There are remnants of the original building still in use, and the present school facility is the result of numerous changes, demolitions, and additions. The most recent was just 5 years ago. Our enrollment has been declining slightly for the past several years, and we have supplemented neighborhood enrollment with a limited number of “open enrollment” requests from the larger Durango area. Our enrollment does fluctuate, but we are generally in the 360-375 student range, pre-school through 5th grade. We are fairly diverse with approximately 75% Anglo, 15% Hispanic, 7-8% Native American, and 1% each of Black and Asian. For 2010-11, we plan for 3 classes at each grade level with the exception of 5th which will have 2. Class sizes typically range from the high teens to the low twenties. We also house a Headstart program and a “Shared School” program for home-schooling families and Durango private schools.

Student achievement, and more recently, achievement growth, receive ongoing and continual attention. Accountability measures are in place given federal, state, and district standards. In past years, Needham as achieved “adequate yearly progress” status, based on NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND standards. On the state’s assessments (CSAP) in reading, writing, math, and science, Needham 3rd-5th graders almost always exceed state-wide results. In regard to comparison with other district elementaries, we are typically at or slightly below district averages. At the district level, we have recently begun using a diagnostic, nationally-normed, on-line assessment called Northwest Educational Assessment. This is given three times each year and provides good growth information and comparison to students nation-wide. From all this assessment data, Needham students are fairly strong in reading and math. Our student writing needs improvement and will continue to receive major attention in 2010-11.

A major challenge and opportunity facing our school and our community this year is our beginning efforts to become an authorized “International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme (IB/PYP)” school. Training has begun, and staff will be working this year to create “trans-disciplinary” units that will guide instruction and learning. Another major aspect of the PYP is a learner “profile” that focuses on character development, and also important, is an increasing emphasis on becoming “internationally minded.” We are excited and proud to have been selected to pursue this goal.

We strive to provide an open and welcoming environment for our students and families, and create a fun, challenging, and “love of learning” school atmosphere. We try to be child-centered and support growth in academics, of course, but believe growth in social, emotional, and physical is also important. We recognize parents as their child’s first and foremost “teachers,” and we want to partner with them to ensure the best for all of your/our children!