Raisinville IB Program Linked to Rise in Enrollment

Enrollment at Raisinville Elementary is up more than 5.5% over last year, and district officials in Monroe Public Schools believe the increase is linked to the school’s new International Baccalaureate designation.  Raisinville is the only school in Monroe County which offers the IB Primary Years Programme.  

 “We experienced increases in both our older and younger grade levels,” Principal Scott Hoppert observed.  “The International Baccalaureate has generated interest in Raisinville and our programs.  As our students express excitement about the activities they are engaged in, our parents and community are taking notice.”

Raisinville was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization in May, following an extensive four-year process that included professional development training for all staff, an IB consultant, and authorization team visits.  PYP encompasses a transdisciplinary framework which focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, and teaches children to inquire about the world around them, actively engaging them in the learning process.

“We are proud to provide the International Baccalaureate program as an educational option for Monroe Public elementary students,” Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly said.  “I am incredibly pleased that families in our community recognize the value of this learning approach and are making the choice for their children to be part of this innovative program.”

The IB model utilizes inquiry-based learning centered on student questions and exploration.  Students are challenged not only to learn information, but also to be able to ask why and understand the context.  IB connects learning experiences and encourages students to take action and to impact the world.

Raisinville began implementing the IB program during its candidate phase.  As part of a habitat unit last spring, second grade students planted cattails and built bluebird houses, which now adorn the school’s campus.  Sixth graders held a “Dog-Walk Backyard Carnival” to support Project Second Chance Monroe, an organization that pairs at-risk youth with abandoned pets.  As they planned activities and created items to sell at the fundraiser, they experienced inquiry-based, cross-discipline learning and also made a positive impact in the Monroe community.

Foreign language study is also a component in all IB schools.  Raisinville chose to teach Spanish, which connects to the curriculum at the district’s high school and middle school levels.

“Our students will arrive at the middle school with seven years of Spanish and experience with integrated curriculum,” Hoppert said.  “We are providing them with a strong foundation for future academic success.”

The Monroe Public Schools Board is excited to see the program fully implemented.

“We appreciate the time, effort, and collaboration of the Raisinville staff that has made this program possible,” Board Vice President Matthew Bunkelman said.  “I know it will benefit our students, and we look forward to hearing more about their educational experiences.”

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  IB learners strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.