Caring School Climate: Awarded to an elementary school that has created a caring environment where all students feel respected and valued.
Rucker Elementary School celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and part of the school mission has always been to create a welcoming and caring environment for its students, staff, and parent community. The school is fortunate in having engaged parents who are in classrooms daily, whether it is supporting a classroom teacher, participating in the Project Cornerstone Los Dichos or Art Alive programs or working to support one of the school's many on-campus clubs.
Rucker is a PBIS school and those values are encouraged and supported throughout the school. Each month student leaders from each class who have exemplified Rucker's character traits are recognized. Classrooms look forward to receiving a golden award when they demonstrate teamwork and positive contributions at school. Every classroom incorporates social and emotional learning so that students feel connected, safe, and cared for at school every day.
"When asked about my experience at Rucker Elementary, my response is always the same, which is that Rucker is a ‘gem.’ I have comfort knowing that my child is being taught by teachers who are not just qualified, but are also compassionate human beings. The administration and staff, especially principal Jean Wells-Southland, are approachable, kind, culturally sensitive and wonderful leaders.” – Mirella Burton, parent