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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v15n25)
IPS/Butler Lab School 55 - by Mario Morone
by Mario Morone
posted: Dec. 14, 2018

Nicole Kent is Principal of IPS/Butler Lab School 55, located at 1349 East 54th Street. She recently discussed their unique learning environment and its objectives for students.

Nicole Kent is Principal at Eliza A. Blaker IPS#55
Nicole Kent is Principal at Eliza A. Blaker IPS#55
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan


"The Butler Lab School is a progressive school. We are Reggio-inspired, which means that we do a lot of inquiry-based learning. We have a project-based learning environment without textbooks. We listen to children's questions and what they are curious about. We have a relationship with Butler University. Part of it is an on-site class for Butler students. We collaborate with Butler professors. We're a place that is always learning. We try new things. Butler watches us and learns from us," she explained.

Butler Lab School
Quan


Ms. Kent described their curriculum. "We teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies. We follow the Indiana State Academic standards like any public school does. We try to integrate the curriculum, for example, with science there might be reading and research happening that occurs in the reading and writing time."

Butler Lab School
image courtesy of Mario Morone
Quan


"The Reggio approach emphasizes the most important thing is the image of the child. This is the belief that we hold, that children are capable, competent and creative. We work hard to get to know the children and meet them where they are. That comes from the image of the child. We also believe that the environment is the third teacher, we believe kids learn not only from their teachers, but also their parents and the environment. Children have access to materials, like having access to art to express themselves in a number of ways. The spaces are more home-like than classrooms. We don't have desks and chairs, instead we have tables which promote collaboration and discussion. We have couches and pillows to make the rooms more comfortable. We don't have store-bought posters. We instead hang up the words and work that come from the children. Letting kids feel comfortable and have ownership in their classrooms, in the way that the classroom is set up, and the environment is a different experience," Ms. Kent noted.
She mentioned their goals for this school year. "I think the emphasis on is building community. It's new for the kids who are coming from other schools and we want to make kids and families feel welcome and love coming to school. We do family visits over the summer for those families who want them. We get to know the family and continue that throughout the year. When we have a strong community - that is when the deep learning is going to happen as well. I'm excited to offer the program to more families in IPS."
Thinking back to when she was a student, Ms. Kent said, "I was one of those kids who loved school. I played school and taught my siblings things. I was always interested and never really looked back. I can think of great teachers. My mentors came from Butler University. I have a strong relationship with a lot of Butler staff and now working and collaborating with them is one my favorite things about being at the Lab School."
Reflecting on the rewarding aspects of her educational career so far, she noted, "I taught at School 60 at the original lab school for four years and was assistant principal there for two years. I just love the kids and learn a lot from them. Those deep relationships that we build are really important to me. Seeing the students grow is the most important part."
IPS/Butler Lab School 55 Principal Nicole Kent and her staff are helping their students prepare today for tomorrow.

Butler Lab School
Quan





mario@broadripplegazette.com
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