Tracy Elementary teacher publishes children's book; students show data binders

Mimi Swavy, a first-grade teacher at Tracy Elementary School, told the Mill Creek Township School District board on Nov. 24 that she published a children’s book titled Just Act Extraordinary, dedicated to a former student, Jack (Jax) Stone. ‘‘Jack had a heart of gold,’’ Swavy said, describing how his kindness inspired the book and a ‘‘buddy bench’’ illustration now recognized by students on campus.

Principal Jeremiah Bull introduced Swavy and Jesse Vogt, a second-grade teacher who brought students to demonstrate classroom data binders. Students described tracking SMART goals, weekly fluency measures and math progress graphs. ‘‘My hope is that this goal setting can extend throughout their lives in and out of school,’’ Vogt said, explaining the binders help students take ownership of learning.

Superintendent Dr. Kavanaugh and board members praised the presentations as grounding reminders of the district’s instructional mission. The presentations were followed by routine business on the agenda.