"Achieving Excellence Together" James A. Garfield is a high demand Pre-K through 8th grade school in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, with enrollment averaging 560 students per year. The school's Pre-K classrooms earned the state's top rating of 5 stars for quality. Garfield offers supports and resources for special needs and gifted students. Garfield partners with John Marshall High School to offer 7th & 8th grade students advanced placement courses.
Athletic programs include: soccer, boys & girls basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and the youth marathon program, We Run the City. Clubs include: Drama, Boy Scouts, Choir, Eaglettes, and more.
Welcoming New Beginnings!
Greetings Garfield School Community,
My name is Dora Bechtel and I am extremely happy to join the staff of Garfield as the new Principal. I am passionate about education and I look forward to partnering with you to provide our students with a rigorous, relevant, and engaging school environment. As the mom of two girls, ages 10 and 13, I recognize the importance of a strong home-school connection. Parents are every child’s first teacher and I believe that by working together, we can make sure your child’s social, emotional, and academic needs are met.
Over the past 17 years in The Cleveland Metropolitan School District, I have worked as a teacher, Literacy Coach, and most recently as Instructional Leader at Campus International School. I had the privilege of being a part of Garfield’s opening in 2009 as a teacher (2009-2012).
As your Principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors—teachers, students, and parents—are excited to be here! This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment. Strong relationships within a school community help children feel safe and comfortable in sharing who they are while developing the skills necessary to think critically, problem solve, and work collaboratively with others.
My Goals this year...
To be visible inside and outside of school. I will establish relationships with students, staff, and community members. I will take an active interest in learning as much as I can about the people I serve.
To have high expectations for my students, staff, and myself. I believe we can accomplish more together. I will help to empower others to take control of their own learning by establishing an environment built on accountability and responsibility.
I will work hard to establish a collaborative school culture by supporting and including others in decisions about our school and students.
I will communicate with parents and the community in multiple ways and in a timely manner. By blogging, sending home newsletters, updating the website, and through social media to keep families up-to-date with what is going on in Garfield.
I will stay balanced between my professional life and my personal life. I enjoy being a wife and a mom, and I don't want to neglect my health. My family, friends, staff, and students will all benefit when I am living a healthy balanced life.
I am excited for the new school year and look forward to meeting and reconnecting with all of you!
Best Regards,
Dora Bechtel Email: [email protected] Office: 216.838.6300 Twitter: @DoraBechtel1 #jagEaglesSoar
My daughters, Bailey and Brooke in 2009 at the Ribbon Cutting and today...9 years later in that same spot
Our goals this year are:
To increase our Attendance rate from 93% to 95%
To do this we need students in school on time each day. When students are going to be absent, parents need to call and send a note in stating why. Please attach doctor's notes when it is a medical reason. When you miss a day, you miss alot! We are kicking off our Attendance Awareness Month for September. Each day students will have opportunities to win prizes and to be included in a raffle for Cleveland Browns Tickets!! #Get2School, You Can Make it!
To improve K-3 Literacy by implementing a Balanced Literacy Block
To do this we will implement a 90 minute Literacy Block which will include: daily guided reading groups, daily phonics lessons, daily writing lessons, integrate technology, and provide students time daily to read independently.
To increase writing opportunities across the curriculum
To this we are modeling and supporting students with writing for understanding in Math, Social Studies, Science, and ELA. We are aligning our grading expectations and checklists to provide common language for students and families. We are also implementing Writer's Workshop in grades K-5 to support students through modeled writing lessons, independent writing time, student conferences for specific feedback about writing, and Author's Chair to share work and receive peer feedback.
To build a collaborative school culture
To do this we as a staff are taking part in a book study, reading the book, Culturize, by Jimmy Casas to provide us with strategies to support disengaged students, increase motivation and to re energize our school body. We are also implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). We are providing common language for expectations throughout our school (Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Kind). We have created a discipline plan for within classrooms along with monthly incentives through our Citizenship Fridays and Monthly incentives through our Student of the Month program.
"It is important to take time to surround yourself with others who help keep you focused on the things that matter, who energize you, and give you hope." ~Culturize, Jimmy Casas
Kindness is showing someone they matter
Address: 3800 W. 140th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111