By Carolyn Davis
After 17 years serving as the Winthrop School principal and in retirement for 10 years, I have continued to keep Ipswich public schools in my heart. That is what compels me to write this letter in support of two elementary schools.
Size does matter. Research shows that student achievement in small schools is at least equal and often superior to student achievement in large schools.
Smaller schools have lower incidences of negative social behavior, and cultivate better teacher and administrative attitudes along with an increase in staff collaboration. Not surprising, teacher effectiveness increases.
Communication among all staff is better in small schools with more personal interaction and informal exchanges.
Smaller schools are more manageable – for administrators, faculty, staff, and particularly students.
At the elementary level, students are learning to find their way, and to be confident and empowered.
Small means secure; an environment where children are well taken care of, able to navigate, and where everyone knows his or her name (almost everyone – principal, custodian, cafeteria staff, grade level teachers, etc.).
Small means “I belong.” Small means we have (all of us) our eye on the prize.
Once students feel this acceptance, inclusion, and sense of belonging – then they can thrive educationally.
Developing a healthy school culture requires work. It takes relentless focus, determination, and tenacity.
It is characterized by collaboration, trust, connection, innovation, clarity, and purpose – everyone on board.
Culture is the oxygen that breathes life into the educational program. It brings out the best in everyone.
It answers why we are here, what’s most important, and who we are. You feel it as soon as you walk in the door.
There is an infectious energy to learn and grow that transmits to everyone – all staff, parents, and students.
Healthy cultures are challenging to sustain, and even more challenging in larger school buildings.
A school culture can take three to five years to build and then every year thereafter to strengthen.
Presently, there are two healthy elementary school cultures in Ipswich. With one large, combined new school these unique cultures will disappear.
It will take years to rebuild a new one which will be challenging and time consuming. Guess who struggles with these transitions the most? Your children.
Twenty years ago the Winthrop School social worker wrote a grant to address the most prevalent student mental health issue we were dealing with at that time: anxiety.
Students were experiencing separation anxiety. They were worried, nervous, and afraid. It is difficult to imagine the exponential levels of stress, fear, and anxiety that children are feeling now with what is happening in the world.
This is one more reason why a smaller school is better – for students to feel secure, seen, and to know they belong.
I have confidence and faith in the Ipswich taxpayers to make the best decision for the town, the elementary schools, and most importantly for the students, your children and encourage you to support the two elementary school model.
Carolyn Davis is a retired principal (17 years) of the Winthrop School.