Crossings: W.C. Petty Elementary School

W.C. Petty Elementary School

Address: 850 Highview Drive, Antioch

Phone: (847) 838-8101

Web site: wcpetty.antioch34.com

District's name and/or Web site: Antioch District 34, www.antioch34.com

Number of students/grade levels offered: 435 in grades second through fifth

Number of staff: 64

School mascot: Bobcat

When was school built: 1980

An interesting tidbit: From Principal Mary Kay McNeill: "Our namesake is W.C. Petty, who was the former superintendent of schools for the area. His great-granddaughter attended school here."

Principal: Mary Kay McNeill

• She has spent nine years as principal at Petty.

• What is your favorite memory from W.C. Petty school? "My favorite memory of Petty Elementary School occurred during our first Veterans Day Assembly. It was the first time, in my history, that the students came to school on Veterans Day instead of having a day off of school to celebrate the holiday. Our staff wanted to make this a valuable learning experience and a tribute to our veterans. We invited the local VFW members, as well as asking students to invite any family members who had served in the military or who were currently serving. Our gym was filled with veterans, family members, students and staff. After having the Scouts post colors, we had a formal program, which included the history of this important day…A microphone was passed around to allow veterans to introduce themselves and comment. I can only tell you there was not a dry eye in the house as the sacrifices of these men and women were shared. Finally, our students were given the opportunity to ask questions of the veterans. No one left that room that day feeling untouched by what happened and incredibly grateful for our freedom."

• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? "W.C. Petty School is the recipient of a wonderful new gift that will help our students become better prepared with the skills they need to be successful in their learning and in their lives. At the December board of education meeting, the board members authorized the purchase of a bank of computers for every W.C. Petty classroom. Each classroom has received a set of six computer workstations. We envision this hardware making it possible for students to become more proficient in technology applications, in using Web quests to find information related to their studies and in developing the skills necessary to meet grade level technology standards.

Along with the new computers, the board authorized the addition of three new technology-based reading programs for use with struggling readers…The board will review data related to these programs at the end of this school year before deciding if the program will be expanded to include Oakland and Antioch elementary schools…"

• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose W.C. Petty for their children? "Buildings are brick and mortar. It's what's on the inside of our building that counts. Parents can count on a caring staff who work hard to provide educational opportunities that are engaging and motivating for students. We constantly work to realize our mission, which is to have all students achieve to their potential and become lifelong learners. Our staff is continually striving to improve our own knowledge about current research and what the best practices are for presenting instruction and creating a positive learning environment. One of our teachers just returned from Nome, Alaska, having participated in a short leg of the Iditarod journey. Her participation enhances our students' adventure learning and helps them make connections with a story they read about on this topic. We are using data more effectively to help us make decisions involving student learning. In addition, students are provided with opportunities to participate in physical education, vocal music and art. There is a computer lab, as well as mini labs, in each classroom in order to provide access to technology. We provide instruction in strings and band on a voluntary basis. We have an extensive after-school program for intramural. We have a supportive PTO and many helping hands from our parent community. W.C. Petty Elementary provides a welcoming, caring, educational environment…"

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? "If I can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May at school, it would be to instill a love and desire to read in our children. I have observed the attention children give to television and video games and feel that children do not read as much as I did growing up. Reading was always one of my favorite pleasures in life. I would like our students to enjoy reading as a leisure activity, too."