Goshen Community Schools

At Model Elementary School, our vision is to academically prepare every single child for the next step on their unique learning path. Model staff and students track their growth and progress toward their own individual goals.

• In grades K-2, students track their progress towards learning to read in our "Level Up Your Reading" program. In addition to grade level instruction, each student receives 15 minutes of small group instruction daily at their just right reading level.

• In grades 3 and 4, students also track their progress towards state learning standards using IXL. After taking state benchmark assessments known as ILEARN Checkpoints, students are assigned an individualized learning path so they can practice the skills needed in both ELA and Math. Teachers work alongside students to monitor their progress and 

Our teachers use a rigorous curriculum for both reading and math. Both programs are created by the same company, Great Minds, so they pair well together. 

• Wit and Wisdom is our reading program that integrates both social studies and science into student learning. For example, 3^rd graders learn all about the ocean in one of their modules and then take a field trip to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago to see the underwater creatures they studied. 

• Eureka Squared is our math program. This program uses hands on learning at every level and teaches students mulitple ways to solve problems. This program has increased students' number sense and how they think about solving problems.

Family Engagement

• Model is one of four schools in GCS receiving training around family engagement and how to better include families in student learning. We have created a Bulldog Family Partnership Team including parents, staff, and community members all working towards the goals of creating a welcoming enviroment, intentionally building relationships with families, and engaging in meaningful two-way communication. 

Our School Counselor, Jesselle Schrock, runs our counseling program that impacts students at all grade levels at Model:

• Tier 1:  Mrs. Schrock provides classroom life skill lessons for all students grades K-4.

• Tier 2: Mrs. Schrock provides small groups and 1:1 services for students using classroom data as well as school-side data to determine the need.

• Tier 3: Mrs. Schrock works with students of high risk and connects students and families with outside resources.

The Model School Counseling program supports all students to successfully transition to GIS and into life-long learners, who go on to graduate career/college ready and contribute as positive citizens. All students have access to an equitable, data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program ensuring academic, career, and social/emotional development. Model School Counseling program supports a student learning environment that empowers students and staff to become self-motivated, transformative learners and problem solvers.

Model’s school psychologist, Mrs. Alyssa Nichols, visits Model two days a week. The psychologist is here as a consultant and as a resource for the teachers. She also tests students who have been identified as having academic needs or learning disabilities. The psychologist and the classroom teacher are instrumental in setting up an Individualized Educational Plan for students with these specific learning needs.

Drop-Off - Beginning at 7:20 a.m.

• Enter the line using the Pringle Park Drive to the north of the pickle ball courts. Even if the line seems ​short, entering this ​way ensures that traffic flows smoothly and students and staff ​walking through the parking lot are safe.

• Use the entire perimeter of the little league parking lot to make a line for both drop off and pick up. (See Map Below.)

• The first vehicle should stop next to the flag pole.

• When your vehicle is stopped in the line next to the sidewalk, your student should exit the vehicle on the driver’s side as quickly as possible. Please do not wait to have your student get out at the front doors.

• Drivers will stay in the line and exit onto Greene Road. 

Pick-Up - Beginning at 2:10 p.m.

• Enter the line using the Pringle Park Drive to the north of the pickle ball courts. Even if the line seems ​short, entering this ​way ensures that traffic flows smoothly and students and staff ​walking through the parking lot are safe.

• Use the entire perimeter of the little league parking lot to make a line for both drop off and pick up. (See Map Below.)

• The first vehicle should stop next to the flag pole.

• All parents and caregivers will be given a Model sign with a number that must be displayed in the vehicle at all times. Parents/caregivers who do not have a hang tag will be required to go to the office to pick up their students. 

• There will be cones in the front of Model marking pick up locations. When you pull up, your student will enter the vehicle on the driver’s side. Drivers will stay in the line and then exit onto Greene Road. 

When making changes to how your child will go home, you must contact the office before 1:30. Requests after 1:30 cannot be honored, even in person.

For the safety of your student, it is important that you make sure the school has current contact information for your family. This includes current address and phone numbers for you and emergency contacts. You can request that we update information in skyward, by sending a message or by calling Model.

Model Elementary has a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that works to support teachers in the classroom as well as students. Our PTO conducts several fundraisers each year to raise money that is given directly to Model Elementary School. Model PTO provides teachers with $100 grants annually, assists with field trips, and assists with school activities. Meetings are held at Model Elementary School and information is posted on social media and Parent Square in advance.

“Like us” on FACEBOOK @Model Elementary PTO

We monitor the weather carefully when making decisions about recess. 55 degrees will be the determining temperature for coats to be worn outside.

Indoor Recess: There may be occasions when it is necessary to remain inside for recess due to weather. A minimum temperature of 15  degrees, AND/OR wind chill of at least 10 degrees must be met in order to have outdoor recess. Please make sure your child(ren) are dressed appropriately for the weather.

• Athletics – Model 3rd and 4th-grade students are invited to participate in elementary soccer in the fall and track in the spring. 

• Assemblies - Each quarter, students and staff gather in the gym to celebrate attendance with a celebration for all. While individual students are recognized for their improved attendance, all students help celebrate both grade level achievements as well as benchmarks made by the whole school.  

• Book Fair – Model Book Fair is held every year during Parent-Teacher conferences in an effort to raise money for the Model Elementary School library. 

• Clubs – Model Elementary has several different clubs for students to participate in during a typical school year. Clubs include Robotics (grade 4), Girls on the Run (grades 3 & 4) and Happy Day Club (grades K-4).

• Field Day – At the end of the school year, we have a field day that all students can join.

• Food Drive – During December, we have a food drive to help out the local food banks.

• Fundraisers – Each March, Model Elementary participates in the “Major Saver” card fundraiser to raise money for the Goshen Community Schools Foundation. All profits go directly to the Foundation and are put back into Goshen Schools.

• Graduation – We celebrate our 4th-grade students moving on to the Intermediate School with a drive-through graduation ceremony at the end of the year.

• Kids Heart Challenge – Each year, the Physical Education teacher heads up the Kids Heart Challenge and fundraiser at Model Elementary School. Annually, we raise thousands of dollars for the American Heart Association. This is a great way not only to raise money for a great cause but to also teach about heart health to our students.

• Red Ribbon Week – This is a national program that allows schools and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs while emphasizing bully prevention.  We participate during this week (normally in October) every year to show Model’s personal commitment to a drug and bully free lifestyle.

• Spirit Days – Model is known for its Bulldog Spirit! We run themed Fridays and a few themed weeks throughout the year. All spirit days are posted to Model social media, Parent Square, the monthly Bulldog Blog, and teacher newsletters. We also send home spirit day schedules in Monday folders.

• Spring Music Concert - Each March, our music teacher, Mr. Tuttle, prepares 3^rd and 4^th grade students for a spring concernt. Students perform at the Goshen Junior High School in the auditorium. This is an amazing showcase of student talent.

• Student Leadership – The 4th-grade leadership team at Model is selected in their 3rd-grade year. These students show Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Kindness in all areas from academics, to friendships, as well as their willingness to take initiative. Selected students work closely with the school counselor and office staff. They help with morning announcements, Kindergarten Blast-off, and school-wide activities throughout the year.