No community would be complete, however, without a center of learning. Ojus Elementary School, one of 200 elementary schools in Miami-Dade County's public school system, has become a vibrant part of that growing community.

Over the years, teachers and administrators have worked to meet the shifting needs of their 850 students in grades K-5. The students reside in North Miami Beach, Miami Beach and Aventura. The once mostly white, English-speaking population today shows a healthy diversity with a growing number of Russian, African-American, and Spanish speaking students. Today, 34 percent of students are White Non-Hispanic, 50 percent Hispanic, 13 percent Black Non-Hispanic, and 3 percent Asian/Indian/Multi-Racial.

To help meet the needs of its students, Ojus has also reached out to neighboring businesses and civic organizations, enlisting their help and earning their support.

Although changes have occurred on the 5.87 acres that make up the Ojus school grounds, one thing that hasn't changed at Ojus, however, is the commitment of teachers, parents and administrators to keep high expectations for all students. That commitment can be seen in test scores that are among the highest in the county.

Ojus, once a school that reacted to the influx of new families, today has become a magnet itself-attracting families in its own right. Each year a significant number of parents transfer their students from private school to Ojus.

"Ojus" is a Seminole Indian word that means "plenty",and there are plenty of reasons for Ojus Elementary's progress, including dedicated teachers, administrators, a strong curriculum, supportive community and concerned parents.

Ojus's 57 teachers know they can't stand still if their students are going to get ahead. Their commitment to their students doesn't end when the last school bell rings. When students are practicing for and performing at community events, the teachers are there showing their support. Teachers remain after school to provide tutoring and to sponsor clubs such as the Russian Club, Cheerleaders, Computer Club, Chess Club, Science Club and Dance Club.

The teacher's pride is not limited to supporting students outside the classroom. It also means becoming a better teacher in the classroom. Throughout the year, teachers work to earn advanced degrees in specialized areas. In fact, over 51 percent of our teachers hold advanced degrees. Six teachers hold national board certification and others have applied and are awaiting the result. To meet the needs of the diverse student population, the entire faculty has been certified to teach English to speakers of other languages (ESOL). In addition, teachers take advantage of the many workshops offered by the district, region and local universities. Over the summer, on weekends and at night, teachers learn the latest instructional strategies on how to teach Florida's Sunshine Standards. In fact, Ojus' teachers, because of the expertise they have developed through their continuing education, have been asked by the district and region to share their skills with other teachers by presenting at regional and county workshops. Teachers also receive special training in technology, enabling them to make computers an integrated part of the curriculum. At Ojus, every classroom is connected to the Internet, allowing students to use this powerful research tool. Students also produce a daily television program, which is aired throughout the school.

Fortunately, Ojus' teachers don't stand alone as they work to educate students. They are supported by a dedicated network of active parents. On any school day, it's hard to miss the many parents who volunteer throughout the building. In the classrooms, they help students learn to read. In the cafeteria, parents ensure children are behaving. In the main office, they are making photocopies, answering phones, and assembling free backpacks filled with school supplies for needy children. They also give school tours to new parents and welcome them as a part of the Ojus community.

In addition to the Parent Teacher Association, Ojus receives help from its Dade Partners and its active 15 member Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC), which oversees the implementation of the School Improvement  Plan.

The third key part of Ojus' success is the approach its administrators take and the atmosphere they set. From the top down, the administrators set a tone of cooperation. The decision-making process includes all teachers. Teachers are willing to share their ideas and suggestions because they know their input in valued and acted on. When problems develop, administration is solution-oriented, working to correct the problem rather than casting blame. At the same time, the administrators hold high expectations for every teacher and student.

While parents, teachers and administrators all bring different skills and qualities to Ojus, they all help create an atmosphere of high standards and expectations for every student. Every child, regardless of their own strengths or weaknesses is challenged to produce at a higher level. For example, the school's standards are not lowered for students with special needs, only the instructional strategies are modified. These exceptional students are taught in smaller classes by teachers who are certified to use the most effective and appropriate teaching methods. That is just one example of how teachers, parents and administrators hold high standards for every student.

With an inclusive family atmosphere, a dedicated faculty and administration, and the overwhelming support of parents and community organizations, Ojus Elementary School is helping set high standards therefore achieving academic excellence. We may not know how the Ojus community will change in the coming years, but as the past 20 years have shown, the Ojus family is ready and eager to assess and meet the needs of its students in the 21st century.