Every student deserves a school that is inviting, academically challenging, and safe. A Maryland elementary school's appealing exterior and cheerful, warm interior create a welcoming atmosphere for both parents and students. A successful looping experiment that keeps teachers with the same students from fourth through sixth grade helps kids…

A Tennessee elementary school's adoption of a looping program, allowing teachers to stay with their classes for two years, resulted in improved student confidence and teacher/parent relationships. Looping places less pressure on young students to learn all curriculum objectives in one year. Lessons and benefits are summarized. (MLH)

After experimenting with multiyear teaching assignments during the late 1980s, the Attleboro (Massachusetts) Public Schools now require all classroom teachers from grades one through eight to spend two years with their classes. Preschool jitters diminish, kids gain a strong support system, and teachers gain an extra month of teaching time during…