Mattoon
CUSD #2
The Paradigms
We believe paradigms drive our behaviors, which impact our results. Because of that, our school continually revisits core paradigms, both at the school and district level. We want to be consistent in holding highly effective paradigms so we can unleash greatness in all students at WES.
Paradigm of Leadership
We are shaping the future.
The mission of WES is to shape future leaders by providing a nurturing and supportive environment. To accomplish this mission, we have established various systems and programs enabling our students to explore different avenues of responsibility inside and outside the classroom. This approach helps them take ownership of their learning and fosters a sense of pride and ownership in their school. Our students are encouraged to lead school beautification teams and other programs, which helps them develop leadership skills and boosts their readiness for learning.
At Williams Elementary School, we have a profoundly ingrained leadership culture that permeates every aspect of our institution. We believe in instilling the seven habits of highly effective leaders in our staff members and students to create a community that is driven, successful, and always striving for excellence. Our teachers are encouraged to participate in diverse professional development opportunities, including leadership, academic, and culture action teams. This approach has made Williams Elementary School an even more effective and inclusive learning environment for all students. Our topmost priority is the education of our students. We believe in creating environments that offer opportunities for growth with the security of support from others around them. By offering chances for leadership, we empower our students to break down the barriers that may exist in outside environments. School becomes a safe space where they can learn to be the leader they are destined to become. This approach benefits our students and prepares them for a successful future where they can make a positive impact in the world.
Paradigm of Leadership
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Potential
Everyone has genius.
At Williams Elementary School, we are committed to fostering the potential in each and every student and staff member. We firmly believe that every student has the ability to learn and that each child has their own unique potential and strengths, just like adults do. As educators, we recognize our responsibility to create a supportive and encouraging environment that allows our students to explore their passions and unlock their full potential. Our school offers a multitude of opportunities for students to develop their talents and discover their strengths. We understand that not all students have the same goals and aspirations, so we encourage them to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. By doing so, they can discover new talents and skills that they never knew they had. Our classroom families rotate responsibilities several times a year, giving students the chance to experience new perspectives and broaden their horizons. Through these experiences, our students learn to appreciate different viewpoints and discover new ways to learn. We believe that this type of growth is essential for success, not just in the classroom but in life.
At Williams Elementary School, we understand that each and every student and staff member has their own unique set of talents and strengths. That's why we strive to create an environment that fosters growth and development tailored to each individual. Whether a student excels in science or music, or a staff member has a passion for teaching or administration, we are committed to nurturing those talents and helping them reach their full potential. We believe that by doing so, we can help our students and staff members build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.
Paradigm of Potential
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Change
Shifting the way you see things can be liberating!
At Williams Elementary School, we strongly believe in the importance of cultivating strong relationships between teachers and students, as well as creating a nurturing environment that enables students to thrive and succeed. Our approach to education involves offering a variety of classroom structures, including multi-age classrooms, traditional grade level classes, and looping, in order to create a safe and supportive environment where students can learn and grow. By fostering a sense of community and trust, we believe we can help students achieve their full potential, no matter what kind of classroom they are in. We are committed to supporting our students every step of the way, and are always here to help them succeed. The Paradigm of Change is one that comes with a level of trust on both sides. The adult has to build a relationship with their students, knowing that they will fulfill the tasks given to them. The students, in turn have to learn that they can also rely on the adult, which for some children, can be a difficult thing to do. In either situation, trust can be fragile. It’s as Mary Poppins said of a promise in the movie, “it can be easily made and easily broken.” When both teacher and student work together to rewrite that promise, the outcome can be miraculous.
Our paradigm shift has revolutionized our Williams Elementary family environment. We believe in a culture of mutual support, where we all help each other out without any hesitation. Here, we don't separate ourselves by grade level, as we understand that every student has unique strengths and challenges that can be nurtured and developed. This approach results in a school where everyone feels included, valued, and supported. Students work collaboratively on projects across grade levels, sparking creativity and innovation. Teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the needs of each student, and our community of parents and caregivers is actively involved in the educational process. We are proud of how our Williams Elementary family has created a safe, welcoming, and equitable learning environment for all. Our students thrive here, developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to succeed in the 21st century.
We acknowledge the tremendous growth and development of our students with great pride and admiration. Their commitment to their education and active participation in school activities and responsibilities surpasses our expectations. We have witnessed their remarkable enthusiasm in assisting with tasks that were once solely the responsibility of adults. They have taken on responsibilities such as running errands to the office, making copies, and even sharpening pencils with outstanding dedication and willingness. Furthermore, their innovative ideas have contributed to the success of family nights, behavior rewards, and hallway recognition boards. Their creativity and ingenuity are genuinely remarkable and have significantly impacted the school community. We could not be prouder of our students and their exceptional work. Their contributions have made a tremendous difference in the school's environment, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.
Paradigm of Change
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Motivation
Empowering students to lead their own learning.
At Williams Elementary School, students are given the tools and opportunities to take charge of their own learning. Through accountability, goal-mindedness, and student voice and choice, they are empowered to shape their educational experience and achieve their full potential. The school's emphasis on accountability means that students are responsible for their own learning outcomes. They are encouraged to set goals and track their progress, with teachers providing support and feedback along the way. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their achievements and helps students develop the skills needed for lifelong learning. Goal-mindedness is another key aspect of Williams Elementary School's approach. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively and to set ambitious goals for themselves. They are taught to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks and to learn from their mistakes. This focus on goal-setting and a growth mindset helps students develop resilience, self-confidence, and a love of learning. Finally, student voice and choice are at the heart of Williams Elementary School's philosophy. Students are encouraged to express their ideas and opinions and to take an active role in shaping their education. They are given opportunities to explore their interests and passions and to pursue their own unique paths to success. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and agency and helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond. In addition to its focus on student empowerment, Williams Elementary School is also known for its warm and welcoming family atmosphere. Teachers, staff, and students alike work together to create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. This sense of belonging and connection is a key part of the school's success and helps students feel motivated and engaged in their learning. Whether it's participating in classroom discussions, collaborating on group projects, or simply sharing a smile in the hallway, Williams Elementary School is a place where students and staff truly feel like family. At Williams Elementary School, there is a strong emphasis on empowering students to take charge of their own learning experience. Through this approach, students are able to develop a sense of accountability, goal-orientedness, and choice and voice in their educational journey. By providing this type of support, students are able to realize their full potential and become lifelong learners. This philosophy of education is deeply ingrained in the school's culture and is reflected in the success of its students.
At Williams, a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork is deeply ingrained. This culture motivates individuals to pursue success not only in their academic endeavors but also in their extracurricular pursuits. The spirit of togetherness permeates the Williams community, inspiring students to support one another and work towards a shared goal of reaching their full potential. This inclusive environment encourages meaningful discourse and respectful debate, fostering a dynamic and enriching learning experience.
Paradigm of Motivation
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Education
Education is so much more than what you learn in school.
At Williams Elementary, we teach to the whole child. At our esteemed institution, we dedicate ourselves to providing our students with a comprehensive and enriching education that caters to their intellectual and emotional growth. We meticulously craft our innovative 7 Habits program to instill teamwork, empathy, and creativity in our students. We firmly believe that solid problem-solving and critical thinking are paramount to success. By participating in this program, our students gain the necessary tools to overcome any obstacles they may face in their academic and personal lives. Our ultimate objective is to empower our students with the requisite skills and mindset that will enable them to positively impact society and become responsible and visionary leaders of tomorrow.
Encouraging a strong community spirit among students is an admirable objective that deserves our attention. Not only does it foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, but it also instills a sense of empathy and concern for the welfare of others. Engaging in service learning projects quarterly is an effective strategy to attain this goal. By offering students practical opportunities to participate in meaningful work that benefits those beyond their immediate circle, this hands-on learning experience can cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and empathy. In addition, witnessing their positive impact on the world around them can be an incredibly satisfying experience for students. It's an excellent way to give them a sense of purpose and connection while also contributing to society meaningfully.
