McReavy Elementary Supports Students Every Step of the Way

Ensuring children have access to quality education has always been an important component in creating the Bridgeland community. Educators and parents know the importance of making good impressions for children as they start their educational journey. Feeling welcomed and in an environment that supports them as they build a foundation of knowledge for future learning contribute to best outcomes.

Bridgeland’s newest elementary school, McReavy Elementary in Prairieland Village welcomed its first students in August 2024. Part of the Waller Independent School District, (WISD) the school will serve 850 children. Considered one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, the current population is very diverse, with over 20 languages spoken. Led by veteran educator Principal Melissa Crosby who once taught under the leadership of Richard T. McReavy, the school’s namesake and former district leader. During the school’s dedication ceremony Crosby expressed, “I am proud to serve as the principal of this beautiful school where we are building a foundation of relationships to support students in their journey as life-long learners, leaders with compassionate hearts, and contributors to their communities to continue the impact of Mr. McReavy himself.”

CONNECTIONS ARE AT THE HEART OF EDUCATION

Crosby focuses on making personal connections with staff and students as was modeled by the former district leader McReavy. Waving hello to a passing student or doing pop-ins to classes to wish a child a happy birthday and take a quick selfie for the school’s Instagram page are just two of the ways she efforts to make those connections. Establishing a good rapport with teachers and student body keeps lines of communication open and promotes an environment that cultivates learning.

Those relationships begin before a child even enters the building. One of Principal Crosby’s programs is called Dads at the Door. Every Friday, fathers are invited to greet McReavy Mustangs with high fives, handshakes, and words of encouragement as they start their school day.

Safety is of the highest priority for all stakeholders and visitors are screened prior to entry, while an on-site police officer oversees the comings and goings of the school. Officer Amos is a visible presence who also engages with the children, gaining their trust and earning their respect. Most recently he tossed a football with 5^th graders and taught the significance of raising the U.S. flag. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration with families and the community, McReavy Elementary School also utilizes a program known as NOW, which stands for Not On Our Watch. Parents and grandparents can volunteer for all or part of a day to walk the campus, checking that doors are secure and alerting staff of any safety hazards. It takes about a quarter hour to walk the perimeter of the school. “In 15 minutes, you can make a difference,” says Crosby.

ADDRESSING EVERY NEED

The district provides the latest technology like Prometheus boards, and children at all levels have access to their own computer. At McReavy, computers are used when it makes sense. Crosby pointed out that Waller ISD is very receptive to offering a variety of measures for learning, and lots of ways to use imagination, not just the computer.

McReavy and WISD strive to meet the needs of every child and that includes social, emotional, behavioral, and academic requirements. Education in WISD is approached with a “whatever it takes because our kids deserve greatness” mindset, as stated on the district website. Crosby encourages parents to reach out if they have concerns about their child. Parent teacher conferences are a good time to do this, but if parents have a concern, don’t wait. “I’m always open for a discussion,” she said. “Let’s talk about your child and how we can work together to meet their needs.”

The school’s layout includes collaboration spaces just outside classrooms for when children need special attention, such as getting help in grasping a new concept. Reaching excellence through social emotional teaching (RESET) is a concept that helps kids who may be struggling. By utilizing these collaboration spaces and offering additional instruction helps to keep kids in their own classrooms for more inclusive practices. The district mantra: ‘See the need, meet the need’ ensures children receive the specialized support they require. All children enjoy specials, rotating through classes in library, music, physical education and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). A Gifted and Talented G/T program is also available for those who meet the criteria. McReavy’s What I Need program or WIN,  encourages intervention to meet a child’s needs. Services come to the school to test for Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism, making it easier for parents to have student’s needs identified. At McReavy, Bilingual students are supported through ESL, and Complex Access Needs Services (CANS) assists children with significant needs in the areas of social, communication, cognitive, curriculum access, and adaptive behavior. 

MCREAVY EMBRACES VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers in Public Schools or VIPS is another program at McReavy that encourages community collaboration. Assisting with after-school activities, chaperoning at events, joining a booster club and reading to the children are just some of the ways you can help support your child’s teacher and the student body. Teamwork and collaboration among staff, parents, family members, and the community is key to helping all students achieve their highest aspirations. Parents who volunteer for the day have access to a quiet space where they can make calls or get on their computers to work between volunteer sessions.

Bridgeland and Howard Hughes are proud to have WISD as one of three high achieving districts serving Bridgeland students. Students attending McReavy Elementary School are embraced where they are, and through individualized instruction, are supported to achieve their very best.

Learn more about the great things happening in Waller ISD by visiting any of their social media sites or wallerisd.com.

Source: Howard Hughes

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