Oak Pointe Elementary School

RISING STAR AWARD FEATURE:

⭐ Rising Star: McKenzie Smith
📍 Oak Pointe Elementary School
✏️ Fourth Grade

🍎 First Year Teacher Perspective:
- The most valuable thing I learned this year is that it is okay to reset, try again, and ask for help if you need it. Sometimes there are strategies or methods that won't work for you and your students and that is okay! Everyday is a new day and it's always okay to scratch the old if it isn't working and try something new. Just focus on what each of your students need, set clear expectations, and practice, practice, practice!

❤️ What surprised you the most about your first year teaching?
- What surprised me the most about my first year teaching is how fast it went by. I feel like just yesterday I was sitting in my first induction meeting so nervous about all the things to come. Some days may feel long, but the months go by so quickly. I love looking at all my happy mail/notes through the year and student work to see how much we have grown from August to May. I'm so lucky to work with such amazing colleagues, students, and parents who made my first year so amazing and special!

✏️Impact of the STARS Induction Program:
- The greatest gift I received from the STARS induction program was being able to work with the district's Retention & Instructional Coaches, Amy Carter & Dr. Buffy Murphy. They are two experienced educators who have been where all first year teachers have been. They were always positive and ready to help. They also worked hard to plan meaningful professional development sessions for us each month. I always left these sessions feeling more knowledgeable and with a strategy I could apply in my classroom the next day. I'm so thankful to have them as induction coaches this year and for all the work they put into this program.

What an amazing Arts Day — a huge success thanks to Miss Fowler! 🎉🎭🎨 A big shout-out to her for putting everything together. What was your student’s favorite performance today? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to hear the highlights! Be on the lookout for some videos coming soon 🤩📹