Principal Lona Carter is the inspiration and guiding force behind an integrated model of using the arts to teach the curriculum at Jefferson Elementary School in Helena, Montana. In collaboration, Ms. Carter and school staff develop this integrated approach to combine enrichment with instruction in all content areas. Each year the school community celebrates with a schoolwide showcase of learning, "An Evening on Broadway," to which family and community members are invited. Ms. Carter works closely with the staff to monitor student achievement, gathering pre- and post- test scores in reading and math, reviewing students' strengths and weaknesses throughout the year, and monitor student’s social emotional needs in order to provide each student individualized instructional strategies and support. Ms. Carter is always accessible to parents and students and she is very responsive to student, family and staff needs. These and many other effective strategies support Jefferson students achieve some of the highest test scores in the city.
1994 M.A., University of Montana-Missoula
1988 B.A., University of Montana-Missoula
