Sand Hill Elementary School cut the ribbon on its new Early Learning Academy on Friday, August 28, celebrating the first of three ELA ribbon cuttings for Carroll County Schools over the next week.
Sand Hill Elementary's Pre-K and Kindergarten areas have been transformed into the new Early Learning Academy, a place where traditional foundational instruction for early learners intersects with an experiential learning adventure including discovery-based learning spaces like Sand Hill's new Patriot Patch and inquiry-based learning strategies.
After a welcome from Principal Troyanne Parham-Stephens, Kindergarten Teacher Madison Bookheimer explained how faculty have totally redesigned the early learning curriculum to connect lessons to a central topic that makes learning meaningful to students, with student experiences based on readiness. The academy model is built around the framework of "Wonder. Explore. Create." and guided by feedback from parent focus groups in the community. Foundation learning is enhanced with cross-curricular projects and engaging excursions that demonstrate classroom lessons in the real world.
Following remarks from Superintendent Dr. Jessica Ainsworth who expounded on the districtwide emphasis, Sand Hill's earliest learners helped cut the ribbon and lead guests on a hands-on tour of newly renovated spaces that received aesthetic and safety upgrades including new flooring and lighting in hallways and classrooms, age specific branding and signage and enhanced security features to create a modern, secure academy feel.
Next week the early learning tour continues with stops Tuesday at Central Elementary and Wednesday at Ithica Elementary. Both schools have their own Early Learning Academies to unveil and celebrate. Carroll County plans to expand the academy model to all 12 district elementary schools over the next two school years.
Carroll County Schools is prioritizing our youngest learners because we recognize the importance of foundations. We’re not just changing instruction, we are working hard to create a premier educational destination where a student’s curiosity can empower learning — a place where Wonder Leads the Way.
