John I. Smith Elementary styles itself as, “A City Within A School.”

The meaning of the phrase, according to Principal Marie Harrison, is that it takes a coalition of family, school and community to educate a child. She should know, because she has been involved in the school since the very beginning, and she participated in its planning long before it was built in 1996.

She calls the emerging institution, now in its fourth year of operation, “a dream come true for me.”

Most schools teach everything kids need to know in the abstract, but children also need to know about real life, and it is this need that sparked the concept of bringing slices of real life into the school.

At John I. Smith, each grade level is assigned an annual theme that is integrated into the competency-based curriculum, which involves them in a community-based project.

For example, the fourth grade’s service theme is Post Office/News. Through the use of community resources such as The Miami Herald and the U.S. Postal Service, the students establish and run an in-school post office, create a school newspaper, conduct daily newscasts over closed-circuit television, and establish intra-school pen pals.

The fifth grade’s theme is Government and Character Development, where students participate in the community’s Junior Council. Representatives from each grade level establish school rules, including penalties and rewards, and govern the student body. Last year the group lobbied to allow music at lunchtime. 

Harrison notes: “Through this process we see things from the students’ point of view which we sometimes don’t know.”

The school has grown to 1530 students in just three years. It has been recognized by the Florida School Recognition Program as an award-winning school.

Everyone from the administration, to teachers to students is committed to excellence. “We have high expectations here. We have on-going assessments which are outcome and performance based,” remarks Harrison.

The staff participates in continuous staff development to remain on the cutting edge of the latest trends in education.

Harrison sings the praises of her 155 staff members: “My teachers put in so much commitment and time. We’re very organized here.”

She adds: “The teacher is more of a facilitator who supports and assists. Cooperative learning and critical thinking skill development are used to enhance learning.”

This year, Harrison has involved the students and staff in the very important goal of becoming an A-rated school.

The awareness campaign, entitled, “Whatever It Takes,” is evident throughout the school. Students can quickly recite the motto and the school’s mission statement at any given moment.

Character education is also an integral aspect of this school. As Harrison explains, “This is where you get your foundation.” By practicing being productive citizens, students will be prepared to be productive citizens of tomorrow.

Another school goal is to provide a warm, caring environment where everyone can experience success and realize that everyone is an important member of the community. “Each child is happy and safe here and wants to come here. We care about each other,” says Ms. Harrison.

John I. Smith Elementary is located in the heart of Doral Park, at 10415 NW 52 St.