Windsong S.T.R.O.N.G. Striving Together to Reach Our Next Level of Greatness
By Renee Marler
Just as their key phrase “Windsong Strong” states, the first year of Prosper’s newest elementary school is winding down, but Windsong Ranch Elementary is going strong. Overseeing the more than 500 students who line the long halls at Windsong is principal Kardel Miller. Miller came to Windsong after serving four years as Assistant Principal at Sparks Elementary in Frisco. “My goal is to foster a positive educational environment for each and every student, staff member, as well as the community,” said Miller. Windsong has a number of opportunities for students to grow individually and as a leader such as Honor Choir, Safety Patrol, 100 Mile Club, STRONG Team, Broadcast, Reading Buddies, and Suzuki Strings Violin Program. One of the most unique programs offered at Windsong is the Suzuki Strings Violin Program, originally developed by Shinichi Suzuki to teach young children how to play musical instruments employing the same series of skills the child used to learn his or her native language. The parents are an essential part of the learning process and are considered to be the child’s “home teachers.” The Suzuki parent attends the weekly private lesson at school and works with the child at home. Rachel Holt has taught Suzuki in schools for 15 years and said, “I am thankful that Prosper ISD has chosen to offer such a unique and valuable program to its families.” Another program offered at Windsong is the 100 Mile Club. Windsong Art teacher, Jennifer Greer, wanted to find a way to encourage her students to make healthy choices and in doing so, found that she was able to connect outside the classroom. “What started as a group of us just walking around the school has turned into an avenue to really get to know these kids on a personal level and for them to get to know me outside of the 50 minutes of class time,” said Greer. While this is just a peek inside the walls of Windsong, Miller says the sky is the limit. “We are extremely proud of the programs and people in place here at Windsong, and I look forward to seeing the progress as we move forward,” Miller said.
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WeAreProsper.com | April 2017