Miller, Where Every Child Matters
The staff of Thomas Miller Elementary School is dedicated to the philosophy that all children can learn and all instruction and student/teacher interactions support this belief. Instruction in all content areas has a foundation in current research, best practices, and the Indiana Academic Standards. In this School-wide Title I program, all grades participate in the 3 Tier Model for reading and mathematics instruction, which provide core reading and math instruction, and additional support for students that require intense intervention to succeed . As a result, each student at Miller receives several focused small group instructional opportunities daily.
Instruction is focused through the implementation of the Davenport Model of curriculum design. Each grade level team has divided the school year into three week cycles. Each cycle has a standards based instructional focus and standards based assessments to measure each student’s level of proficiency. At the end of each cycle, the assessment results are analyzed and the students that need additional instruction are identified and served.
With Title I funding, Miller Elementary is able to offer free full day Kindergarten to all students. This opportunity is a definite benefit to all Miller Kindergarten students and provides them with a foundation for future success. All Miller students participate in an extended school day. The extra time allows the staff to explore instructional objectives in an in-depth manner and time for additional small group instruction. Some Miller students will attend an extended school to support learning and mastery of grade level standards.
Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, the staff of Miller started implementation of Positive Behavior Support, a school-wide behavior program that is fun, effective, and motivating for staff, students, and parents alike. Students are taught the school-wide and classroom expectations for behavior. They are recognized for displaying these skills by earning tickets and chances to win a trip to the counselor’s office to shop in the school store. Students are also featured on a student of the month bulletin board in the main hallway.
Parents and the staff work hand in hand to ensure the success of Miller students. Each family at Miller commits to being involved in their child’s education and in school activities. Many parents participate in the Miller Association of Parents (MAP) or attend the various volunteer opportunities that arise during the school year. When parents and the school work together, students benefit.
Miller has partnered with numerous community organizations to provide the best possible experience for the students. Through a partnership with Purdue University, 60 Miller students participate in the College Mentors for Kids program. This program provides college age mentors for Miller students and provides the students with experiences that will encourage them to strive to go to college. Miller has also partnered with the Food Finders Food Bank and Evangelical Covenant Church to provide extra food for 90 families on a weekly basis. After school care is provided by Tippecanoe County Childcare on-site and by Hanna Community Center, Lafayette Urban Ministry, KinderCare, and the Boys & Girls Club off-site.
Miller is a place where kids truly come first. Every staff member, no matter what their position, gladly puts forth the time and effort it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.
Welcome to Thomas Miller Elementary School. Where every child matters. The “family” at Thomas Miller Elementary School provides a nurturing environment for our children.
