Lewisburg Elementary celebrated 20 years and highlighted classroom and community programs during a school spotlight presented to the Southern County School Board on Oct. 2.

Principal Lindsay Hillbrooks introduced third-grade special education teacher Shannon Sullivan, who described school traditions, staffing and new learning structures. "She is dedicated to meeting the needs of all the students. She understands the value of inclusiveness," Hillbrooks said, introducing Sullivan.

Sullivan described a schoolwide "Patriot Block," a 45-minute block (she said) that the school uses for remediation, enrichment and interventions. She told the board that all certified staff and instructional assistants run small-group instruction during that time to support student needs. Sullivan also listed staff and service statistics for the school: eight office staff, 42 certified teachers and 23 instructional assistants, and she said the group represents "700 dedicated years of service to the Southern County School."

The spotlight included examples of classroom practice: vocabulary lessons integrated with music, activity-based math instruction using manipulatives and celebrations at the end of units, and units that connect reading and background knowledge through library displays. Sullivan described community partnerships that bring guest readers, industry speakers and hands-on experiences — for example, a local farmer spoke about entrepreneurship and harvesting honey and sweet corn.

Student voices were included: recorded or read student comments noted favorites such as recess, field-day inflatables and classroom science experiments. Principal Hillbrooks and Sullivan closed by thanking the board for the opportunity to present and for community support of classroom activities.

Discussion vs. action: This was an informational spotlight; no board action was taken. Board members thanked the school team and invited them to stay or return to observe other meetings or activities.

Closing note: The spotlight highlighted both classroom practices and the role of community partnerships in supporting student engagement and learning.