Welcome to JLA! At James L. Alexander, we are committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for all our students. We work to develop intrinsic motivation so students are able to put their best effort into all of their academic work by providing opportunity for high expectations, commitment, resilience, respect and curiosity. As a staff, we model positivity, self-motivation, hard work and risk-taking as key elements of a successful, lifelong learner. At JLA, we work together with students and families to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

Our 2021-22 Strategic Plan, or school goal, is focused on meeting the goals of the Ministry of Education and of Saskatoon Public Schools. We are working towards ensuring each student is known, valued and believed in. This is achieved by focusing on the four pillars of our Strategic Plan.  Students will display academic excellence by achieving success in their learning goals.  Character will be demonstrated through respect, responsibility, and perseverance.   Students will actively participate in relevant and meaningful learning to indicate engagement.  Well-being will be promoted to help students develop the skills to make healthy choices.  Our commitment is to create learning experiences that inspire all students to reach their potential.  

At the school level we are focusing on assessment tools to determine where each student is at and developing a course of action to improve student achievement through specific instructional strategies.  Utilizing various assessment techniques, teachers will involve students in regular on-going assessments to inspire students to set learning goals and develop strategies to reach their learning goals.  

We have seen evidence that a positive attitude and growth mindset can significantly impact areas that students find challenging. It is equally as important to encourage learners and use language framed in the positive such as ‘This may be hard but I can figure it out’ or ‘I don’t get it yet’. Resilience is a significant part of success. We are also working on developing consistency in using writing rubrics across grade levels. We believe that the acquisition of skills required for standardized tests are practiced and enhanced throughout their K-8 experience; students will be familiar with rubrics and writing portfolios in every grade.  
 
Respectfully, Chandra Gerich 
Principal James L. Alexander School
306-683-7280