Overview

• 24 teachers plus staff serve approximately 445 students in grades K-4 and 50 preschool students
• Core classes: English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and Writing
• Shirley Hills runs a Day 1-6 schedule with a 60-minute block for technology, gym, art or music twice in the cycle

Technology

• Westonka Edge21 is transforming the method by which curriculum is delivered to students and is personalizing the learning experience for students
• As part of the district-wide 1:1 student to device initiative, each student in grades K-4 is given an iPad to use during the school day

Academic Excellence

• Both of Westonka's primary schools are National Blue Ribbon Award winners for "exemplary education"
• Westonka students in grades 3 and/or 4 have scored in the Top 5 in the state on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) every year since 2006
• Westonka's primary school students consistently score above national benchmarks on NWEA reading and math exams

Enrichment

• Students can learn at their instructional levels through advanced coursework options and personalized curriculum
• Shirley Hills offers Gifted and Talented Education Services (GATES) for grades 3 and 4 and Enrichment coursework in grades K-2

Intervention Services

• The Alternative Delivery of Specialized Services (ADSIS) program provides direct instruction and services to students who may need additional academic supports to succeed in the general education environment
• iPads, Google Chromebooks and instructional materials enhance personalized learning to support students who are struggling in reading and math

Engineering

• Shirley Hills uses the Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum to teach engineering and technology lessons. The program:
  • Fosters engineering and technological literacy among children
  • Integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics
  • Promotes inquiry and problem solving
  • Engages students with meaningful, active learning experiences

Special Events and Activities

• Shirley Hills enlists the help of costumed "Mystery Readers" to kick off the school's annual Read-a-Thon
• The Shirley Hills Operetta is performed every three years
• Students look forward to welcoming loved ones to school on Grandfriends Day
• Shirley Hills fourth-graders celebrate their rite of passage into middle school at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center every spring

Community Education

• Westonka Community Education offers recreation and enrichment opportunities for students in all grades. Their offerings include sports teams, Spanish classes, music lessons and more.
• Adventure Club is a before- and after-school care program for children in grades K-4, held every day at Hilltop. 

Parent Involvement

• Shirley Hills has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• Parents enjoy classroom volunteer opportunities throughout the year