Discover Delphic Elementary School District's Academic & Outdoor Enrichment Programs
Delphic Elementary School District (ESD) is a 100-year-old school in Montague, California, that serves 65 students from transitional kindergarten to 8th grade. With such a small population, the school fosters a family-like community. Students in this district embrace and learn from one another with the support of their staff and the comprehensive academic and enrichment programs they provide.
In their third year of utilizing the Response to Intervention model (RTI), Delphic ESD students are not just learning but thriving. Monday through Thursday, students are grouped based on their reading level, allowing teachers to provide targeted instruction to each group. "What we've seen that's exciting about this is how kids performing at grade level have grown substantially," said Superintendent Jami Carver. "We have an entire classroom full of kids who are able to participate in high-interest projects because they're reading at grade level, which helps them remain engaged in their schooling."
To ensure students receive the best possible education, Delphic ESD teachers are enthusiastic about introducing new lessons and programs. They utilize tools such as iReady for assessments and resources, along with additional materials from the non-profit organization Open Up. The school prioritizes equity in education, creating programs that address the diverse needs of students. Teachers also receive the necessary support for success. Michelle Jackson, a third through fifth-grade teacher, explained, "Jami, our superintendent, gives us all kinds of opportunities for professional learning, including working with a coach to help us effectively implement the program."
Academic programs are not just designed but also led by students. This unique approach allows students to be actively involved in shaping their own education. They take charge of their learning by explaining their work and creating math models. The integration of art into math further ignites their passion for learning. The non-profit organization Open Up provides students kits with supplies for hands-on math practice games, making math more tangible and accessible for students. "The lessons paired with the manipulative help transform math from a conceptual idea to something concrete and easier to understand," said Michelle Jackson.
Despite its small size, Delphic ESD offers a variety of diverse programs and field trips that actively engage students with their environment. The school has organized ten science field trips annually to local areas, taking advantage of its rural location surrounded by rivers and mountains. These field trips, which occur about once a month, align with the science lessons taught in class and provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Delphic ESD does not have a gym, so spending free time outside is essential. "They get movement and fresh air, which helps them reset and re-engage with academics," said Superintendent Jami Carver. I believe being outside and engaging in these outdoor science trips helps with practical application; you can read about the life cycle of a frog in a book, but when you go out and see it, it's natural and more accessible for the students to understand."
Christian Birch, Outdoor Education and Science Lab Specialist for the Siskiyou County Office of Education (COE), a vital partner of the school's educational initiatives and the owner of Shasta Gravity, a mountain biking company, oversees the science field trips.
The kids' favorite program is the mountain biking group, held once a week for K-8 students. With a fleet of 30 youth bikes, Mr. Birch guides them through various trails. They also offer summer adventure camps, where several schools participate in bike rides and activities such as wilderness skills training. These programs provide students with opportunities they may not have access to, bridging the gap between school and real-world experiences.
Delphic ESD offers an after-school program funded with aces dollars to provide children with a safe and enriching environment at the end of the school day. Office Manager and After-School Program Coordinator Jacob Njaa has designed monthly lessons aligned with the subjects students are studying. Each month has a unique theme. All grades participate together, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. "The different age ranges get along really well. It's like a big family setting with lots of kind and supportive interactions," described Mr. Njaa.
Mr. Njaa designs lessons at the fourth-grade level and adapts them according to students’ abilities and interests. Peer teaching between younger and older students is encouraged.
One of the highlights of Delphic ESD is its extraordinary clubs, such as the Dungeons and Dragons group, which has grown from five to twenty members. These clubs support social-emotional learning. "Some kids who were previously more introverted came out of their shells. They are playing characters with many traits, so they have become more extroverted," said Mr. Njaa.
Other after-school programs include engineering, yoga, coding, and various outdoor activities. Art has become a significant focus for the students, thanks to a local artist who also works as an educational aid. "When adults are passionate about something, it is infectious for the kids," states Superintendent Jami Carver.
During the summer, children have the opportunity to spend 30 intersession days at Kidder Creek Camp in Etna, California funded through ELOP dollars. Students and their families are invited to engage in horseback riding and zip-lining activities, further enriching their summer experiences.
Delphic ESD values the strength of its community and actively collaborates with other small school districts. "Small school staff must be the most creative," said Jami Carver. They need the numbers to sustain themselves like full-time specialists. We must utilize local expertise to get our kids into specialized activities."
Delphic ESD supports its students by teaming up with other small school districts. For instance, the volleyball and basketball teams comprise students from four small schools. The Delphic community plays a significant role in supporting the school, with parents actively participating in field trips and transportation since there is no bus system.
Delphic ESD teacher Michelle Jackson echoes this sense of dedication and community involvement: "My favorite part about working at this small school is its family feel.” The dedication and involvement of the staff, community and parents contribute to the unique and supportive environment that is Delphic.