Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
PULLMAN—School board members met at Franklin Elementary School to discuss a new sensory space showcase that will support an environment which fosters learning during transitional periods.
The meeting began at 4:30 p.m. and included the attendance of all board members and district administrators.
The session kicked off with a showcase of the newly established Sensory Space at Franklin Elementary.
Principal Kathi Keefer introduced Tarrin Weber, the school’s counselor, and Katelyn Classen, an occupational therapist for the Pullman School District, to present details on the space, funded through a grant.
The Sensory Space offers a variety of activities designed to support students’ needs, fostering both engagement and self-regulation.
During the presentation, Weber highlighted the use of radio codes to signal staff when a student requires support, which may include taking them to the sensory space for a break.
“This approach allows students to transition back to class when they are ready to resume learning,” Weber explained.
Elementary principals presented their 2024-2025 School Improvement Plans (SIPs) after the showcase.
The plans focus on achieving “stretch goals” that celebrate small wins while striving for larger objectives. Key areas of emphasis include student academic growth, proficiency among subgroup populations, and performance assessments.
Each principal outlined goals related to chronic attendance and tardiness, discipline, family engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and social-emotional learning.
Principal Pam Brantner of Sunnyside Elementary emphasized shifting discipline toward relationship-building and positive reinforcement.
The school is implementing Review360, an online behavior management system that helps schools enhance student behavior and improve the overall school climate, to balance negative behaviors with positive interactions and is also hosting a book study on Culturally Responsive Teaching.
“Our focus on reading this year follows a previous emphasis on math, as we’ve identified a greater need for reading interventions based on individual student data,” Brantner said.
Principal Evan Hecker of Kamiak Elementary reported on initiatives recognizing positive behaviors, including “Mindful Monday” and the “High Fives” program.
Principal Kelsey Winningham of Jefferson Elementary shared details on academic and behavioral interventions tied to SIP goals.
Staff professional development is concentrated on the Response to Intervention (RTI) process to ensure effective support across all tiers of instruction. Principal Keefer of Franklin Elementary discussed the focus on improving Tier I instruction and enhancing family engagement.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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