School Leadership

Dear Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year at Banoak Elementary School! We are so excited to welcome our Chargers back and begin another year of learning, growing, and making memories together. This year, we are ready to IGNITE the best school year yet! 

From the moment our students walk through our doors on the first day of school, our staff will be ready to make them feel welcomed, valued, safe, and excited to learn. Our teachers and staff have spent countless hours preparing classrooms, planning engaging lessons, organizing materials, and creating an environment where every student can begin the year with confidence. We know that the first day matters. It sets the tone for the year ahead. That is why our staff is committed to making every Charger feel that Banoak is a place where they belong, where they are cared for, and where they can succeed.

This year, our schoolwide focus will center around four areas that will help us IGNITE student success:

1. IGNITE READING — Reading is FIRE!
We are committed to building a culture of reading at Banoak! Our goal is to increase reading proficiency while helping students develop a genuine excitement for books and reading. We will focus on foundational reading skills, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and providing students with opportunities to discover the joy of reading. Every day, we will work together to help our students become stronger, more confident readers.

💥 Our Schoolwide Target: Increase the percentage of students meeting grade-level reading expectations to 60% proficient on the EOG.

2. IGNITE MATH — Fueling Confident Problem-Solvers
We want every Charger to see themselves as a mathematician and a problem-solver! Our focus will include building strong number sense, developing problem-solving skills, encouraging mathematical conversations, and using student data to provide the instruction and support students need. We will celebrate growth, build confidence, and help students understand that making mistakes is part of becoming a great mathematician.

💥 Our Schoolwide Target: Increase the percentage of students meeting grade-level math expectations to 65% proficient on the EOG.

3. IGNITE ATTENDANCE — Every Day Lights the Way
Every day at Banoak matters! When students are in school, on time, and ready to learn, they have more opportunities to grow academically, build relationships, participate in school activities, and experience success. This year, we will work together to increase attendance, celebrate students and classrooms demonstrating strong attendance, and remind our Chargers that being present is an important part of reaching their goals. Every day. Every Charger. Every opportunity.

4. IGNITE KINDNESS — Sparking Kindness Every Day
At Banoak, we believe that how we treat one another matters. We will continue building a positive, welcoming, and caring school culture where every student and staff member feels respected and valued.

We will focus on:

 Creating a welcoming school environment

 Respecting ourselves and one another

 Developing student leadership

 Encouraging and reinforcing positive behavior

 Teaching and demonstrating strong character

💥 Our goal is simple: Spark kindness wherever you go!

Our four focus areas - Reading, Math, Attendance, and Kindness will help guide our work throughout the year. But our greatest strength will always be our people. Our Banoak staff is dedicated to your children. We will challenge them, encourage them, celebrate them, support them, and believe in them. We will work together with families to ensure every Charger has the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.

As our students arrive on Monday morning, we want them to see smiling faces, hear encouraging words, and feel the excitement that comes with a new beginning.

We are ready.
Our classrooms are ready.
Our staff is ready.
And our Chargers are ready!

Let's make this the year we IGNITE the very best in every student. 

Jordan Goodson
Principal
Banoak Elementary