School Spotlight: Oak View Elementary
A Maple Grove elementary school is showing major improvement when it comes to state test scores. Oak View Elementary is home to the Huskies, 470 pre-kindergarten through 5th grade students. They are a diverse group.
“We have about 48 percent students of color, and 52 percent white students, which makes us a very desirable, diverse sight,”said principal Ann Mock.
She’s been a top leader at the school for nine years. She says students have four core principles they follow: “Safe, respectful, responsible, so everyone belongs.”
Oak View students take learning seriously. MCA test scores have improved significantly.
“In the last three years, we’ve actually had some of the highest growth in our entire school district,” boasted Mock.
Oak View has a 60 percent proficiency in math, compared to 54 percent district-wide. Meanwhile, reading scores are in line with the rest of the district, at 56 percent. However, students are making huge gains in science: 64 percent proficiency.
Officials attribute some of their academic success to outside partnerships. Several times a year, children get hands-on science experience with the Three Rivers Park District. While, Prudential Financial works with reading and math fundamentals.
The school offers a variety of enriched academic experiences.
“We have continental math league, that we do all across our second, third, fourth, and fifth grade classes,” explained Mock. “They compete monthly across the nation with other students their age.”
And there are some students who might want to work at CCX Media one day. Oak View television puts on a show every day, updating students on the weather, school lunch menu and important happenings within the school.
“I get to adjust the camera, and I actually really like to watch them,” said 5th grade student Chasity Yang.
A variety of school-wide activities bring students together. Recently, students painted positive messages on rocks.
Oak View officials say it’s all about community and building relationships.
