Culture and Community Context

Tarver Elementary is located in Thornton in the Adams 12 school district and is committed to helping students grow into productive citizens who will become independent and responsible members of society. They provide all students with a rigorous and relevant learning experience and use programs like their Tiger traits and Watch D.O.G.S to create an enriching and safe environment for their students. These programs will be explained in greater detail below.

To help build community, there are ample opportunities for students to be involved outside the classroom. Tarver offers 15 clubs that students can participate in and also operates a BASE program for students at all levels. This before and after school program provides students with a safe and enriching environment where they can continue their education before or after the school day.

Demographic Characteristics

According to statistics, Tarver is significantly less diverse than the average Colorado school. The student body population is comprised of 70% Caucasian, 22% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and only 3% other. Of the student population, only about 20% participate in free or reduced lunch, which is drastically lower than the state average of 42% (greatschools.org).

Class Environment

The classroom layout is setup around a focus for student collaboration and teamwork. Students sit around tables in groups of five-six and there is a main area in the front with a white board and projector for discussions and instruction. Students store their work on storage shelves along the east wall of the classroom next to a counter and draw system where the classroom materials are kept. The teacher's desk, storage, and a bookshelf with resources for the student's line the North wall of room while extra cabinet space, a sink, and the kiln room make up the other two sides of the room.

​School Wide Policies for Management, Safe Schools, and Students with Special Needs

Tarver has implemented several programs to support positive behavior and create a safe environment for their students. Tiger Traits is a behavioral support program that encourages students to unleash their inner "TIGER". This acronym stands for Trustworthy, In-Control, Good Citizens, Empathetic, Respectful, and Solve Problems, the traits expected of the students and community. In addition, Tarver has also implemented a program called Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) that is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering. The program has two primary goals. The first is to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. The second is to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. Watch DOGS are in the school at least twice a week and help contribute to Tarver's community atmosphere.

To address students with special needs, Tarver Elementary has a dedicated group of professionals that assist students with individualized education programs (IEP’s) throughout Tarver. The special education team is comprised of Learning Specialists, an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, a Speech/Language Pathologist, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, and a Significant Support Needs Teacher. The special education team meets weekly to discuss students and meet with parents.

Lesson Plans

Paper Lanterns - 1st Grade

Students learned what a pattern is and how it can be used in their own art. After describing patterns around the room, students practiced making their own patterns. The final project consisted of patterns created on colored paper that was then used to build a lantern.
Winter Collage - 2nd Grade

Students learned what basic collage is and how symbols can be used to express meaning in their own art. After discussing contemporary art examples of collage, students identified the symbols they associate with winter. The final project consisted of a winter scene created using colored paper.