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Administrator’s Corner by Kim Larson

At Halverson Elementary, we believe that every student deserves to feel valued, seen and supported. Our school is a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is a priority and students from all backgrounds thrive. By recognizing and embracing our students’ unique ethnic and socioeconomic experiences, we create a welcoming environment that fosters academic and personal success.

Ethnic and socioeconomic diversity: Strength in differences

Our students come from a rich variety of cultural backgrounds, and we see this diversity as a strength. Through our curriculum, we incorporate multicultural perspectives that reflect our students’ lives and histories. We encourage meaningful discussions, celebrate cultural traditions and create spaces where students can share their own experiences.

We also recognize the challenges that come with socioeconomic diversity. Some students face barriers such as limited access to resources and/or food insecurity. To address these needs, we work closely with families and community partners to provide essential support, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow.

The role of success coaches

Our success coaches play a vital role in supporting students academically, socially and emotionally. These dedicated professionals build strong relationships with students, helping them navigate challenges and develop resilience. Success coaches also work closely with families, connecting them to resources that strengthen the home-school connection. Our success coaches are instrumental in ensuring that all students feel empowered to succeed.

MTSS: A framework for equity and support

One of the ways we ensure inclusivity is through our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This framework allows us to provide personalized interventions that meet the needs of each student. Through data-driven decision-making, we identify students who need additional academic or behavioral support and implement targeted strategies to help them succeed. MTSS is not just about intervention — it’s about proactively creating a learning environment where every student has access to the tools they need to thrive.

Looking ahead

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords at Halverson Elementary — they are embedded in everything we do. As we continue this journey, we remain committed to fostering an environment where all students feel safe, respected and celebrated for who they are. Together, with the support of our teachers, staff, families and community, we will ensure that every child at Halverson has the opportunity to shine.

Kim Larson is principal of Halverson Elementary School.