Three Tomball ISD Schools Earn Great Expectations® Model School Distinction for First Time

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD schools were celebrated for their commitment to the Great Expectations® (GE) program as three new campuses earned the prestigious Model School distinction by the organization.

Earning the distinction for the first time this year was Grand Oaks Elementary, Creekside Forest Elementary and Timber Creek Elementary. 

These three schools join eight other Tomball ISD campuses celebrating another year as a GE Model School: Canyon Pointe Elementary, Creekview Elementary, Decker Prairie Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Tomball Elementary, Wildwood Elementary, Willow Creek Elementary and Oakcrest Intermediate.

“Great Expectations is woven through the culture of every elementary and intermediate school in Tomball ISD,” said Dr. Lee Wright, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Innovation. “The culture of respect and academic excellence that GE promotes continues to help solidify our schools and our district as a destination for families.”

In order to receive a GE® Model School distinction, each campus was evaluated by GE® coaches and were required to have 100% of staff members demonstrating 90% of classroom practices during their on-campus visits.
 

Grand Oaks Elementary Principal, Niesa Glenewinkel
“We are so proud of our staff and students who have worked to implement and master our GE life principles and teaching practices. Beyond the walls of the classroom, our eight great expectations are carried into the community by our school family who models kindness, respect and inclusivity.  Great Expectations provides a high quality, sustainable methodology that aligns with our mission to ensure that ALL students learn at high levels everyday and to leave a legacy of love.

Timber Creek Elementary Principal, Lauren Thompson
“We are so proud of the dedication and commitment of our TCES students and staff, resulting in this wonderful recognition. The Great Expectations tenets,  Life Principles, 8 Expectations for Living, and Teaching Practices have all become critical attributes making Timber Creek an even more exceptional learning environment within which to grow and learn.”

Creekside Forest Elementary Principal, Sherri Trammell
“I am so proud of the students and staff at Creekside Forest for reaching this achievement.  Working alongside our parents to continually pursue high academic standards and constantly model the importance of good character skills is something we value.  Witnessing our Cougars exhibit the Life Principles daily is a true privilege and reminder that our young people are incredible. Great Expectations has played a large part in our journey to Destination Excellence.”

“I know how proud Mrs. Glenewinkel, Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Trammell are of their teachers on campus for creating learning environments where teachers can thrive and students can succeed, in part because of the consistency and fidelity of high quality instruction coupled with the SEL support that GE brings to a campus culture. With 11 GE Model Schools in the district, Tomball ISD is the epicenter for GE in Texas,” Wright said.

What is Great Expectations®?
Great Expectations® (GE) is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence. With a focus on human quality of teaching and learning, GE provides renewal and inspiration for teachers who may have lost their way and forgotten why they became teachers in the beginning.

Great Expectations® Tenets
The Great Expectations® (GE) teaching/training model is also guided by six basic principles (Tenets). These Tenets provide guidelines for program training and implementation and serve as standards for evaluating GE schools/districts.

The Tenets are as follows:
(1) High Expectations
(2) Teacher Attitude and Responsibility
(3) All Children Can Learn 
(4) Building Self-Esteem 
(5) Climate of Mutual Respect 
(6) Teacher Knowledge and Skill 

Visit the Great Expectations® website to learn more.

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ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 20,500 students at 22 campuses.

Published May 10, 2022