Elev8 Brittany Woods

Three years ago, Washington University entered into a long-term agreement with the School District of University City as part of an initiative to create a community school. As part of that initiative “Elev8” was created – a committee of Brittany Woods staff and parents that meet regularly with faculty and staff from Washington University.

Andrea Holmes-Bownes, is a full-time staff member at Brittany Woods that is employed by Wash U.  Ms. Holmes helps the Elev8 team initiate many projects at the middle school – from parent/student seminars, to after school clubs, to the Winter Ball, and student field trips to Washington University.



The 7th graders at the Winter Ball

The most recent Parent/Student Seminar discussed preparation for benchmark exams such as the MAP and Discovery Ed and the new Common Core Assessments that will be introduced next year. Brittany Woods teacher, Ms. Crawford led the discussion on the importance of middle school assessments and the role of preparing students for the ACT and SAT tests taken in high school.  She also mentioned the financial rewards of doing well on these types of exams in the form of scholarships.  Participants of the seminar went through questions from each exam type as a group. Assessment materials were also provided for the students to work on at home with their parents.

As an added bonus, students who attended the seminar also received Sean Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” its companion workbook, and the two-CD set of the book.

The next Parent Student Seminar is scheduled for April 23 on the topic of Career Exploration and Planning.

If you’re interested in being part of the Elev8 team there are multiple opportunities.

·         Ten 7th grade parents are needed to participate in a Parent Focus group on March 13, 2013 at 10AM or at 6PM.  Contact Andrea Holmes-Bownes at abownes@ucityschools.org

 

·         The newsletter team and the After-school store committee are looking for parent volunteers.

·         The Elev8 Committee is looking for additional parent volunteers.

·         Donations are always needed for the school store.  Anything from iTunes gift cards, notebooks, cool pens, or just about anything a kid can buy with Eagle Bucks. Eagle Bucks are given to students throughout the day to reward positive behavior. Donations can be left in the school office.