Between 400 and 500 people turned out for a parent and community night to find out what lies ahead at Wiregrass Elementary, a new school opening in August.
Principal Steven Williams was delighted by the turnout.
“I love it. It’s wonderful to be part of a community that’s engaged,” Williams said.
During the first half hour of the meeting, Williams said he gave some general information about the school and talked about the vision for the school.
(Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Elementary School)
After that, parents were invited to make their way around tables in the room, to seek additional information and to offer their thoughts.
Questions that came in during the meeting were answered within 24 hours on the school’s Q&A that’s posted on its website.
Besides parents, others on hand included representatives of the architect who designed the school, the builder who is constructing the school, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
The school is expected to open with 400 students, but is anticipating rapid growth, Williams said. There are residential developments nearby, and houses are sprouting up all around.
“We’re planning the school with change in mind and growth in mind,” he said, noting he’s buying furniture and textbooks for more than 400 kids. He knows he’s going to need more and wouldn’t be surprised to see enrollment topping 500 within 12 months of opening.
The principal is also planning for a school that’s going to grow in other directions.
“Do we have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?” Williams asked.
The school wants to be a place that fosters growth — and that means for everyone, students, staff and leaders, too, Williams said. “None of us has arrived yet,” he said.
Besides inviting community partnerships, the school wants to create ties with John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, Williams said.
For instance, a culinary student at Wiregrass Ranch High might be able to be involved in an elementary cooking club, Williams said.
Many of the questions raised by parents regarding specific issues are answered on the school’s website.
For instance, the school’s technology will include interactive whiteboards, Apple TVs, small group collaboration stations, iPads, MacBook laptops, 3-D computing stations and additional technological devices.
Each staff member will have a laptop, and students will have access to machines on a 4:1 ratio.
But, the school also is developing a “Bring-Your-Own-Device” program that will allow students to bring their own technology.
“It’s very important to me to have students ‘own’ their own technology,” Williams said, and that means going well beyond the typical uses for communication and entertainment. He wants them to be able to use the devices as resources, to help to elevate their education.
Students who are currently attending kindergarten through fourth grade and who live in the Wiregrass boundaries will be automatically registered. Those who are entering kindergarten or moving into the area must register. Individual appointments can be arranged.
The school will have before and after school care, and there will be clubs, though the types of clubs have not been determined.
Wiregrass will follow the school district’s dress code, so uniforms are not required. However, a line of spirit wear has been developed, and the optional items can be purchased through the school’s PTA.
Wiregrass will have gifted education through an inclusion model, which means the instruction will be embedded in all subjects, rather than delivered in a separate classroom.
“We want our students to be able to walk a learning path that is specific to them,” Williams said, noting the school will subscribe to the philosophy of “student-owned learning.”
There will be intentional outcomes, but different ways to achieve them, the principal explained. The teachers will serve as the guides, working with students as they work toward achieving those outcomes, albeit following different paths.
The school also is planning some special activities, such as the creation of a time capsule, to mark the school’s inaugural year.
For those wishing to reach the school’s staff before the new campus is completed, they can stop by the school’s temporary office at Sand Pine Elementary, 29040 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel, or call (813) 346-0700.
Wiregrass Elementary, 29732 Wiregrass School Road
School starts: Aug. 15
School hours: 9:40 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Childcare: (813) 794-2180
Transportation: (813) 794-0450
Additional information: WRES.pasco.k12.fl.us
Published May 18, 2016
