Bunche Elementary receives national education honor
May 13—Balloons weren't the only things flying high in the sky Friday. Students and staff at Bunche Elementary School were elated when they learned the school had been named a Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) National Showcase School.
Principal Krista Daniel surprised the school community with an early morning announcement, then followed up with an academic "clap out" pep rally, balloon launch and school-wide picnic.
"We are extremely excited and honored to be named a showcase school," Daniel said. "Bunche is one of only 612 schools in the nation to receive the designation, so this is a big deal. Our students and staff have worked so hard this year, and they deserve this recognition!!"
Daniel said the prestigious award is given in recognition of excellence to schools that demonstrate positive student outcomes and the educators that dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of their students.
"This achievement highlights our dedication to creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive," she said.
Bunche is one of two Midland ISD schools using the CKH curriculum. Its focus is on "whole child" education, structured to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of students. It also focuses on educator development to support instruction.
"At Bunche, we use highly-qualified instructional materials and have extensive coaching and professional development so that we are using the best teaching practices in all our grade levels," Daniel explained. "We work to build a culture where diversity, passion and outside-the-box thinking have been empowered and embraced by staff and students!"
Daniel said examples of innovations at the school included adding new elective courses, including chess and mariachi for all grades. The school also added STEM, book and Lego clubs, plus outdoor learning spaces and open seating areas. Daniel, who came to Midland ISD last year from Canadian ISD, also brought a new focus on literacy to the school, instituting storytelling events, writer workshops and free books for participating students and their families.
Bunche teachers say they have seen growth in themselves as well as in their classrooms.
"Without the support of my team, my grade level assistant principal, my classroom learning coach, and Mrs. Daniel, I would not be where I am today," said teacher Annie Davis. "My class and I grew academically and socially in great part to the Capturing Kids' Hearts and the supportive systems put into place."
Daniel agreed, adding that she is seeing big changes inside and outside of the classroom.
"Our students have a chance to be a part of the process with us. They learn soft skills that are needed in our everyday world. Student office referrals are down, we are seeing more students take the initiative to be leaders in the school, and they take the lead in holding one another accountable to a school-wide vision of excellence."
Parents have also played a big role in the school's success. Daniel and the staff instituted several parenting supports, including the Papa Bears club and parenting classes with the Bee a Unique Parent program, and the Bunche PTA.
"One of our first grade classes even took the time to learn the school vision with their students in both English and Spanish. Without our parents and the support of our community, this school wouldn't be where we are today," she added.
CKH founder Flip Flippen said National Showcase Schools are chosen annually through a careful selection process, which includes measuring key performance indicators, gathering campus data and surveying staff and students.
"Across all criteria, award-winning campuses demonstrate a high level of performance and a positive culture and climate for learning," Flippen said in a press release.
Daniel thanked the entire Bunche community.
"This award, this celebration, is a big deal. Our staff and students deserve it, and I could not be more proud of Bunche Elementary! If you're going to be a bear, be a Bunche bear!"
