Oakcrest Intermediate has once again been recognized as a Great Expectations MODEL school! The Oakcrest Intermediate staff was able to open the building in August 2015 and pilot GE for Tomball ISD at the intermediate level. At the end of our first school year, OIS was recognized as a GE Progressive School, something that less than 5% of first year GE schools earn. At the conclusion of the 2016-17 year we were recognized as a GE MODEL school for the first time, which is extremely prestigious for a second-year school. We were certainly thrilled to receive that high honor once again for the 2017-18 school year. The impact of GE on campus has been profound, as evidenced by the positive attitudes of students and staff, as well as the extremely low number of student disciplinary incidences. The MODEL school rating (the highest given to GE schools) means that at least 90% of the staff are implementing 100% of the 17 Teaching Practices daily.
An integral part of the culture of our campus is the Great Expectations model that promotes a Culture of Respect and Academic Excellence. This program pairs well with the Oakcrest Motto: “Cultivating Character … Elevating Education.” Teachers and students strive to practice the 8 Expectations for Living daily and learn to integrate the 36 Life Principles promoted by Great Expectations. GE also endorses 17 Teaching practices that promote critical thinking, speaking in complete sentences, display and celebration of student work, mutual respect, relevant connections between the curriculum and real life, enriched vocabulary, interpersonal communication, and other positive elements to advance student achievement through continuous instructional improvement.
Many parents have visited OIS during "Call to Excellence" when their child’s homeroom class was leading this daily student-led assembly. Each week a different Life Principle is defined and explored, with the class creating a Showcase on Friday that further highlights the Life Principle of the week in real-life terms and actions. We encourage parents to come visit any day, but especially on Fridays when their child’s homeroom class is presenting the Showcase. We also incorporate the 8 Expectations for Living into the CTE daily and have asked students to write and speak about which Expectations mean the most to them now and for their future.
“Great Expectations has been the most rewarding and transformational program I have experienced in my 20-year career. However, it is so much more than just a “program” as the 8 Expectations for Living and GE Life Principles impact our stakeholders while on campus and extend beyond the walls of our building. The effects of our progress will quite literally be felt for generations. The profound influence of GE on our staff, students and parents is immeasurable and extraordinary.” Dr. Lee Wright, Principal - OIS
If you want to learn more about GE, please schedule a visit to OIS, come to the daily Call to Excellence, or read about GE at
www.greatexpectations.org. Thank you for your continued support of OIS and the GE program on campus.
