The Bright Key® program at Selma Street Elementary was recently recognized for its innovation and positive impact on students by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS, which aims to provide targeted professional development and support for Alabama’s public school administrators, names 24 Schools of Distinction each year through its Banner School program. This program recognizes schools that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. Selma Street Elementary’s Bright Key program was nominated by Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards.
Bright Key, an initiative between Wiregrass Foundation and Dothan City Schools, has school-year programs designed to positively impact children in all areas of their lives. This revolutionary concept turns schools into energized centers for services focused on the whole child and relies on guidance and input from stakeholders (parents, teachers and community partners.)
It was recognized by CLAS as an outstanding educational model for its many programs. Students at Selma Street participate in tutoring and mentoring programs inside the creatively designed Academic Dream Room. They are also engaged in the Career Readiness program with professionals from the community. In addition, the hands-on Grow. Live. Learn. program teaches health, science and agriculture through the Bright Blooms vegetable garden.
“Bright Key is not a program delivered to a school. Its content is determined by those who know the children best—the principals and teachers, parents and families, and dedicated community volunteers. So it is always unique to a particular school,” says Wiregrass Foundation’s Dr. Barbara Alford. “And at its core, success is driven by the relationships between the children and participating adults.”
CLAS recognized the Schools of Distinction across the eight State School Board Districts and announced the 2018 CLAS Banner Schools on February 25, 2019 at an awards luncheon in Prattville, Alabama. Beverlye Magnet School was named as the 2018 CLAS Banner School from District 2.
For more information about the Bright Key program at Selma Street Elementary, contact Resource Coordinator Jennifer Campbell at 794-1463 or jennifer@brightkeywiregrass.org.