Morris Elementary School is a third through fifth grade school located in the unincorporated town of McKinleyville, in Humboldt County, with a population of approximately 14,000. Morris benefits from the nearby California State University, Humboldt State, which provides access to cultural events, guest presenters, and graduate level student interns.
In 2000, the McKinleyville Union School District began a language immersion program at Morris School. Today, the school offers both traditional English-only STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) focused instruction and the language immersion program where students receive approximately 50 percent of instruction in Spanish.
A Response to Intervention (RtI) model has been developed using a collaborative process that included the teaching staff, specialist, support staff, and parents to provide additional services for students at risk of not meeting grade level standards. In this model, students receive Tier II intervention in small groups utilizing highly trained specialists and paraprofessionals to allow for small group direct instruction. Specialists, intervention staff, and paraprofessionals also provide supports in the general education classroom. Our comprehensive academic program is further strengthened by a music program, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), an Art Instructor, interscholastic sports, and before- and after-school care.
Students participate in many activities provided by the McKinleyville Schools Parent Teacher Organization (MSPTO). MSPTO is a nonprofit organization that funds such annual activities as an Oregon Museum of Science and Industry traveling science program, an art program, traveling musicians, and visits by children's authors and storytellers.
The educational community at Morris School consists of highly qualified teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, and support staff who serve a diverse student population. The partnership between school and home allows Morris School to offer outstanding academic and social-emotional support for all students as they become global citizens.
