About
Mission
Bottenfield's mission is to guide all students to achieve their best academically, socially and emotionally.
Technology
Our teachers and students continue using technology as a tool in the learning process. We have updated computers with wireless Internet access capability for students as part of their learning process. We have SMART Boards and LCD projectors in each classroom. Each classroom also has a document camera for student and teacher use, as well as surround sound audio systems and infrared student response systems in the intermediate grades.
Awards
Bottenfield has a strong history of making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Bottenfield was one of two schools in the district to make AYP in 2013.
School Climate
Staff members share their diverse talents to help build a sense of common goals and community for learning. Our teachers implement positive behavior strategies in their classrooms to guide students to make good academic and social choices daily. Students developed a "Bottenfield Creed" that is recited every morning after the "Pledge of Allegiance" and teachers continually review with students the positive learning experiences they encountered throughout the day so students have opportunities to use their voices to contribute to their own growth and learning. The staff emphasizes social learning skills in their classrooms through best instructional practices. High academic and social expectations are clearly communicated to all students consistently. Parents are well informed of these expectations and actively participate in a positive way in all areas of our educational process. Bottenfield is a "community friendly" school. Many agencies from our community provide a variety of extracurricular opportunities in sports, music, and leadership in our facility after school hours. Our outdoor classroom provides a wonderful place for students to work while enjoying nature.
Enrichment Program and Literacy Specialists
Bottenfield focuses on using the enrichment program to reach all types of learners. The enrichment teacher provides activities that focus on higher-level thinking, team work, problem solving strategies, and critical thinking skills. The enrichment teacher works with students at all grade levels by working in the classroom with students, as well as providing time to pull students to the enrichment classroom for further inquiry.
Bottenfield also has highly-trained literacy specialists who provide targeted reading interventions for students that need more support. The literacy specialists design and implement individual lessons that focus on specific developing skills students need to accelerate growth.
Support Programs
A school social worker and speech pathologist are part of the team here at Bottenfield. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a school psychologist also provide services for eligible students with special needs. These students are served in an inclusive delivery model with the support of special education teachers and teacher aides in the regular classrooms. Additionally, Bottenfield has a daily intervention block for students who need additional instructional support or enrichment activities.
Mentoring
Bottenfield uses the C-U One-to-One Mentoring program as a community resource to assist students with social-emotional needs and a desire to connect with a trusted adult. Additional reading support is provided from the University of Illinois America Reads program in coordination with our District.