- Abby Reinke Elementary School
- About ARES
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Abby Reinke Elementary School opened its doors in August of 1999. Abby Reinke has seen generations of families sending their children to the school as it has received some of the highest assessment scores in the district and county. New families move into the area with the sole purpose of sending their students to Abby Reinke Elementary. In 2008, ARES received the California Distinguished School recognition. One of our site's goals is: “Reignite students’ engagement with teaching and learning with technology appropriately while incorporating reflective practices with an open mind.” Another site goal is: “Reignite student relationships by focusing on social-emotional learning by teaching our students to thrive.” Students have been engaged in project-based learning through the use of Genius Hour and they are learning social and emotional skills through our morning meetings. Teachers are continually growing as professionals through the use of staff meetings, professional development opportunities, professional learning communities, and the focus on teaching and learning with technology. Teachers and students use iPads and Apple products to support teaching and learning within the classroom.
Abby Reinke Elementary aims to build well-rounded students by taking a student-centered approach. We believe at the heart of education, building relationships with students is key to a successful school. At Abby Reinke, daily instruction focuses on the Common Core State Standards and focuses on the 6C’s of education, which are: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, citizenship/culture, and character education/connectivity. Staff development is planned to support teachers in their goal of having all students meet or exceed grade-level standards. On-going continued improvement of our academic program is our focus with the goal of strong student success. We believe that 21st Century teachers and learning require substantial shifts in our daily practice; therefore, the use of interactive technology (iPads, SmartBoards, document cameras) enhances much of the curriculum.
Each one of our students has been given an iPad, which makes the school a one-to-one device. In 2019-20, ARES leadership participated in a problem of practice and determined that the focus of the school would be on engagement to enhance the learning needs of all students. ARES continues to focus on teaching and learning with technology throughout classroom lessons. ARES has also infused focus on the social and emotional learning of the students. The behavioral team has implemented Morning Meetings that focus on the seven character traits identified in the book by Dr. Michelle Borba, Thrivers. These seven traits are self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. Through the use of Morning Meetings and the integration of these topics, we are able to continue to build our culture within the classrooms and the campus and build deeper relationships between students and teachers. ARES has been recognized for the implementation of our morning meetings throughout the Temecula district and in the Riverside County Leadership Network.
ARES students are recognized and celebrated in the areas of academic, physical, and artistic abilities. Each week, students are recognized as Leaders of the Pack, students are recognized for exemplifying one of the seven character traits discussed in our morning meetings, a class of the week is recognized for exceptional learning, and a grade level is recognized for exceptional behavior during lunchtime. Additionally, there are daily drawings where students can earn an opportunity to sit in the Principal’s Chair for the day, say the Pledge of Allegiance during the daily announcements, win front-of-the-line passes for the lunch lines in the cafeteria, or submit a Joke of the Day to be read during announcements. Students can also submit tickets to participate in Monthly Pizza with the Principal, Monthly Games with the Principal, or weekly trips to Mrs. Tracey’s Treasure Chest. ARES students also have the opportunity to participate in ASB, the Thrive Squad, and the Timberwolf Team.