Bricker Elementary highlights student leadership, support services and new outdoor learning

Bricker Elementary staff and students presented to the Harrison School District No. 2 Board of Education in February 2025, showcasing classroom practices, student leadership and community partnerships that staff said support academic and social-emotional growth.

Principal Jenny Quartier told the board Bricker is a small, close-knit building and listed the school’s supports: two educators per grade K–5, CLDE instructors, moderate‑needs and autism teachers, a full‑time physical‑education teacher, part‑time arts staff, a counselor, a social worker, a psychologist and multiple paraprofessionals. Quartier said those staffing components help the school serve students’ academic and behavioral needs; she also invited several students to speak about school life.

Jacqueline Jones, a CLDE teacher at Bricker, said approximately 25% of the school’s students are multilingual learners, most of whom speak Spanish, with a few speakers of other languages. Jones described Title I family nights (four annually), a summer barbecue, literacy and career events, and cultural night as major engagement strategies. Students who spoke at the meeting described family nights and barbecues as highlights that build community.

Staff described recent partnerships and programs. The presentation named community partners including Pikes Peak State College, NAMI, Texas Roadhouse, Heartspace Kids counseling and Woodman Valley (a food‑and‑service partner). Laurie, the director of a Kids Help mentorship program run by Woodman Valley Chapel, said 20 mentors are matched one‑to‑one with Bricker students for weekly, hour‑long visits; staff reported anecdotal improvements in attendance and behavior for some mentored students since the program launched last fall.

Teachers also described participation in Good Natured Learning’s outdoor‑learning challenge and plans to develop a “scrappy classroom” — outdoor learning spaces that integrate sensory, play and academic activities. The presenters said the Trust for Public Land and RISE helped fund outdoor materials (a storage shed and supplies) for the program.

School staff also shared results from an internal staff survey: 94% of staff said they look forward to coming to work and 98% said coworkers work well together — figures the principal and board members noted as indicators of strong school culture.

Board members praised the student presentations and the school’s community focus. The meeting closed the Bricker presentation with student performances and a group photo request from the board.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the presentation; no formal board action was required on the Bricker showcase.