Harbordale Elementary
School Accreditation Executive Summary
2017-2018
Description of the School
Harbordale Elementary is a public elementary school located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is part of the Fort Lauderdale Innovation Zone within the Broward County School District. The school is nestled in a well-established east Fort Lauderdale neighborhood. It is just minutes away from downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard and the beautiful South Florida beaches. Harbordale currently serves 453 students; 48% of the students are White, 18% are Black, 27% are Hispanic, are 4% Multi-Racial, 1% Asian, 42% on Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL), 19% English Language Learners (ELLs), and 17% Students with Disabilities (SWD). Opening its doors in 1959, it is one of the smallest schools in Broward County and informally known as one of “Fort Lauderdale’s Best Kept Secrets.”
For many years, Harbordale was considered a “school by the workplace,” giving parents an option to reassign their child closer to their eastern Fort Lauderdale jobs regardless of where they lived within the county. However, due to a boundary change in 2015, the reassignment opportunity for parents to send their child to Harbordale has been drastically reduced. By 2020, Harbordale will primarily become an eastern Fort Lauderdale neighborhood school, accepting the majority of students from the surrounding areas.
Presently our dedicated teaching staff consists of twenty-four Kindergarten through 5th grade classroom teachers, three Special Education Support Facilitators to include Varying Exceptionalities and Speech, four Specials teachers to include Art, PE, Music, Media and Spanish, and four Teacher Assistants. Additionally, our leadership and support staff team consist of a Principal and Intern Principal, an ESE Specialist, a Guidance Counselor and a Literacy Coach. All members of the teaching staff are highly qualified, certified in their subject area, and several are Nationally Board Certified. Our Clerical, Custodial and Cafeteria teams are dedicated to assisting staff, students and families, providing nutritious and well-balanced meals and maintaining a clean, beautiful, and safe learning environment. All sixty members of the Harbordale staff are valued and play a vital role in the success of Harbordale.
While Harbordale sits on just over 2 acres of land, our challenge is to continually deal with the lack of space within our buildings, limited green areas and parking. While being a small school has its many benefits, our school is surrounded by homes, apartments, condos and businesses, and has no available area for growth. Presently we have utilized every available space within the school to include a combination class and utilization of resource rooms, offices, and lounges. Our physical education and recess areas are limited to a very small area. While we work closely with the community and the city, parking is very limited. Times for every parent or family event is either staggered or police presence is needed to ensure safety.
Harbordale is also fortunate to have partnerships with parents and the community that are also highly regarded as integral members of the school. Our hands-on and active parent organization participate through the Harbordale School Association (H.S.A.). The H.S.A.’s positive relationship with Harbordale’s administration and staff have created an environment in which the students benefit. In addition, we are partners with Sunshine Aftercare, Karate, Muse, and Sports Camp, which service about 200 students at our school. Sunshine Aftercare is housed on campus, while the others are picked up at school by vans or mini-buses and taken to separate locations.
School’s Purpose
Harbordale Elementary School’s mission is to create a positive learning environment where all students are encouraged to strive for excellence academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and supportive atmosphere. We strive to ensure every student’s intellectual and emotional growth is challenged and work hard to promote responsibility and positive citizenship. We offer a rich and diverse curriculum and many cultural experiences designed to meet the individual learning needs of our students through a combined school-wide and community effort. Our collective goal is to work in partnership with our parents and community members to create an environment where students are encouraged to explore their strengths and achieve their maximum learning potential. We set high expectations for all students, developing curriculum that provides for enrichment, intervention and remediation. Preparing students for their future is our ultimate goal. Our entire Harbordale school community shares the belief that all children can and will learn.
Our parent group, also known as the Harbordale School Association (H.S.A) embodies the school’s purpose. H.S.A. is an education organization that exists to enhance the relationship between the school and home by providing parents and educators cooperative opportunities to provide for the physical, emotional, social and moral education of children attending Harbordale Elementary School. As part of its mission and objectives, the H.S.A. renders voluntary assistance to develop and implement the total program of student instruction and education. More than 150 Harbordale families elect to join the H.S.A., and through this membership, the H.S.A. provides volunteer opportunities for parents and caregivers to be involved in the classroom. The H.S.A. budget provides for the payment of at least $150-$200 to each teacher at the beginning of the school year in order to supply classrooms with additional supplies needed to support student success.
A challenge that the H.S.A. seeks to address is with the number of families who become members. All families of Harbordale have the opportunity to participate in the events, activities and fundraising of the H.S.A. The H.S.A. fulfills their mission by purchasing curriculum materials, equipment, technology, and trips for the school. A few examples of their generosity throughout the year include supplemental books, IPADs, playground equipment, computer software, student planners, weekly readers and in-house science field trip experiences. The H.S.A. also seeks to improve the school’s facilities and social environment whenever possible. HSA has made a tremendous contribution to Harbordale’s success and is truly a partner in providing the best educational experiences for all students.
The Harbordale school community encourages the development of independent thinking skills and believe the staff and families must work together to ensure quality educational experiences for all students. Students are encouraged to become self-motivated in their learning process and are provided many experiences and opportunities that aid in the development of each child’s talents and abilities. Through our “Steps to Social Success” school-wide positive behavior program, teachers and parents promote responsibility and respect and continually help each student to become good citizens. Harbordale Elementary provides the building blocks and skills necessary to prepare its students to develop effective work habits as students to eventually become responsible, productive, and contributing adults.
Harbordale Elementary has a long and proud tradition of academic excellence. The experienced and committed teachers, dedicated and friendly staff, and involved and supportive parents and community members help create an outstanding learning environment for the students. The weekly schedule consists of rigorous programs including a daily, uninterrupted literacy block with the content areas of science and social studies integrated within and math block, standards-based instruction, 4th and 5th grade Document Based Questioning (DBQ), remediation and enrichment opportunities, gifted/high achieving classes, and innovative technology programs to include Digital 4th and 5th grade. Collaborative grade level weekly planning sessions, monthly progress monitoring discussions, and regular data chats are aligned with our Professional Learning Communities to ensure that there is consistent communication, discussion, and review of curriculum goals.
Harbordale Elementary encourages and promotes 21st century skills and digital citizenship for all Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Recognizing the need for students to be engaged in 21st century technology and multi-media learning opportunities, the school leadership team and teaching staff has created a blended model of traditional teaching and learning, collaborative group activities and technology embedded practice activities and lessons to provide a well-rounded program for the students with a combination of academics and the arts. All students participate in daily specials classes, which includes a rotation of Media, Music, Art, PE and Spanish classes throughout the week. We strive to instill life-long social skills and core values that will prepare students for college and a career in the future. Under Florida’s A+ plan, Harbordale proudly earned an “A” rating for the 2016-17 school year and continues to explore the best programs and strategies for its students to experience academic and social success.
Using the District’s “Care to be the Best” model, the leadership team and teaching staff develop and refine their grade level curricula based on state and district standards. Teachers and Support Staff regularly collaborate and communicate their goals and vision for student success. Through regular Professional Learning Community sessions and collegial conversations, team collaboration meetings, data chats and other professional development opportunities, teachers discuss and create engaging lessons and instruction based on the needs of the students. The school resources are utilized effectively to provide differentiated instruction aligned to the standards, implementing strategies to engage all students in the learning process and teaching them to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners.
In response to students with academic and behavior needs, Harbordale has established the Response to Intervention (RTI), multi-tiered approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavioral needs. The RTI Team includes the Guidance Counselor, Literacy Coach, ESE Specialist, School Psychologist, Speech Pathologist, Social Worker and the Classroom Teacher. Bi-monthly schedules are provided to teachers to come discuss student concerns, review relevant data, monitor progress and provide suggestions for student success. Struggling learners are provided support using a variety of researched-based programs and resources by a variety of personnel, to include general education teachers, special educators, teacher assistants and volunteers. Through the use of data, student progress is closely monitored and decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on the student’s response to the instruction, learning rate and level of performance. One of Harbordale’s goals is that the instructional needs of our at-risk students are based on high-quality and tiered instruction with frequent monitoring of achievement.
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement
The Florida Department of Education recognized Harbordale as an “A” school for the 2016-17 school year, improving from a “B” the previous year. Harbordale exceeded all district and state performance levels on the 2016-17 Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science. The results indicated that 81% of 3rd through 5th grade students were proficient in ELA and 82% in Math and 56% of 5th graders were proficient in science for a total of 478 points. More specifically, each grade level performed as follows: 3rd grade-ELA-86%, Math-88%, 4th grade-ELA-80%, Math-81%, 5th grade-ELA-73%, Math-71%, Science-56%. All teams carefully analyzed the FSA data to determine strengths and targeted areas of improvement and focus efforts on providing the programs, resources, support and professional learning necessary for student success. This year, 3rd (math), 4th and 5th graders will take a computer-based assessment. Thankfully, the Bond Referendum afforded the school with $108,000 to purchase technology, including enough Lenovo laptops to add 4th grade to our blended learning program. As a “Digital 4 and 5” school, each 4th and 5th grade student will be prepared through daily use of a personal laptop for digital, individual lessons, independent or collaborative assignments, and research projects. Teachers and students have embraced the use of technology and use it as a tool to deliver and enhance all areas of the curriculum.
In addition, Harbordale’s hands-on and active parent organization, H.S.A., has received the Golden School Award for 30 years. This year, we were awarded the 5-Star School award from the Florida Department of Education. Throughout the year, its members contribute countless hours to assist the school in purchasing additional resources for the benefit of all Harbordale students. Harbordale boasts many student-centered and family activities throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Garden Club, Student Council activities, Safety Patrol, Chorus, Peace Rangers, Foreign Language Competitions and our morning show, “WHBD.” Family-fun-filled activities are offered throughout the year to include Pumpkin Pizzazz, Bingo Night, Christmas on Las Olas, Barnes and Noble Night, the Holiday Shop, Tile Night, Field Days, our Annual Walk-a-thon and Showcase Harbordale to name a few. In alignment with Broward’s First Move Chess initiative for 2nd and 3rd graders, the H.S.A. purchased five heavy grade picnic tables that have a built-in Chess and Checker Board. These tables provide a great opportunity for teachers and students to enjoy the South Florida weather, while students develop their critical thinking, math, science, and logic skills through a friendly game of chess.
The H.S.A. also conducts an Adopt-a-Class program that allow local businesses to “adopt” a classroom with a $250 gift. This gift allows teachers to purchase additional items for their adopted classroom, including, but not limited to books, computer software and hardware, organizational tools, center activities, and supplemental curriculum. The adopted classroom establishes a relationship with the local business by providing a unique student-created token of gratitude. This program has been very successful and this is the 2nd year in which ALL classrooms were adopted. Some of the classrooms were adopted more than once. The teachers and students alike are grateful for this opportunity to connect with the community.
Additional Information
Effective communication is a priority and vital to our success in bridging connections between home to school. In this current age of instantaneous, 24/7 access, the school continuously strives to develop effective methods to build and strengthen our school community. Harbordale uses a combination of electronic and paper systems to communicate student progress, policies and procedures, upcoming events, and important information necessary for student success. No longer is the norm flyers in the backpack; the school has gone 21st century with a variety of methods to communicate and disseminate important information to all of its stakeholders. School and parent websites, a year-long master calendar, weekly staff and parent bulletins, Twitter and Facebook accounts, phone blasts, regular e-mail messages, and marquee encourage active participation by keeping families informed of the latest happenings at Harbordale. Our H.S.A. uses social media, such as Facebook, to communicate to its members. Using state-of-the-art equipment, our daily school news is communicated and delivered to students and teachers through WHBD, our school-wide broadcasting system. Additionally, all Kindergarten through 5th grade students are issued a Harbordale Red Folder to go home every Tuesday with information and completed assignments and 2nd through 5th graders are given student planners in an effort to teach organizational skills and improve the home to school connection.
In an effort to encourage school pride and student safety, parents and families have agreed to require school uniforms for students. Students wear red or white collared shirts with our sailboat logo and navy blue bottoms daily. On Friday’s, students may also wear school spirit shirts. Additionally, throughout the year, we accept gently-used uniforms, and offer uniforms to families-in-need or for students who need a change of clothes during the day. Uniforms have created a positive, safe, learning environment for the students and help promote school pride.
The Student Council Organization is designed to encourage the sharing of ideas and student participation focused on school spirit, community involvement, and service projects. Pennies for Patients, a Halloween Costume Drive, a Toothbrush Drive, Valentine Candy-Grams, and Holiday Toy and Food Drives are just some examples of the community service projects organized and planned throughout the year. Under the leadership of the Student Council Faculty Sponsors, Student Council officers work closely with classroom representatives to learn effective leadership, communication and decision-making skills through their active role in the school and community.
In addition to Student Council and H.S.A. events, Harbordale’s staff plans many other fun, motivating and educational activities to encourage school spirit. The school year begins in August with a Welcome Back Orientation the week before school starts for student and first day Coffee and Kleenex for Kindergarten parents, followed by our Annual Barnes and Noble Family Night and Veteran’s Day Recognition Ceremony. Under the direction of our talented Music teacher, our 4th and 5th Chorus perform at “Christmas on Las Olas”, an annual downtown holiday event. Additional opportunities offered annually are Career Day, Jump Rope for Heart, field days, primary and intermediate talent shows, science presentations, Fort Lauderdale Garden Club presentations, Foreign Language Competition, 5th grade Spelling Bee, Meet the Masters, and Opera performance. At the end of the year, our volunteers are cordially invited to a Recognition Breakfast, where they are showered with thanks and not a dry eye is in the house when Kindergarten and 1st graders sing appreciation songs and 5th grade students present thank-you letters to their parents. The grand culminating finale is Showcase Harbordale, an event to reflect on the achievements of every student and highlights of the year, including a 2nd and 3rd Grade spring musical performance, refreshments, and a gently used book drive.