It's easy to form opinions of a school without stepping foot inside the building. but to truly under the culture of Sheridan Elementary School, you must witness the unique programs, meet the passionate people, and experience the engaging environment.

"Right when you walk through our front doors, you will see we are student-centered. It's important to us," said Principal Jen McGowan. Mrs. McGowan said the school focuses on the idea of family and respect to build strong relationships. At the beginning and end of each school day, al staff and students gather in the gym for an assembly.

For showing exceptional behavior and growth, students receive "Shark Bucks" to shop for rewards. Sheridan Sharks also have the opportunity to connect through several clubs and groups, like the Battle of the Books program, and SIT Club - Students Involved in Technology.

Mrs. McGowan said the school always strives to increase connections with guardians. Sheridan hosts at least one even each month to invite families into the building to interact with staff. This results in positive experiences between students, their families, and school staff as a whole, along with other opportunities through classrooms and grade levels.

Some population traditions at Sheridan include the Back to School Parade, Trunk or Treat, Deck the Halls, Principal Cookout and Spring Fling events. Each of these activities draws a strong wave of neighborhood support for students, families, and staff.

Poetry Place, located on the western grounds of Sheridan, is also proof that community support for schools can lead to great things. in 1996, then-speech and language pathologist at Sheridan, Patsy Bowles, spearheaded a project to build an outdoor learning place and performance area for students. Community organization and friends of Sheridan donated money for the idea. Area businesses offered free project materials. Local union donated labor for the build. Students still use Poetry Place today to study nature, reflect, write, perform, and gather, and it serves as a point of pride for the school and the neighborhood.

"Our focus has been on getting more people from the community into our school to see how it may be different than their impression. It's an awesome school, with awesome staff, that continues to strive to meet the diverse needs of kids,' said Mrs. McGowan.

Sheridan school works with the home and community to promote the development of each child’s ability to internalize self-discipline, responsibility, motivation, creativity, and self-esteem. Sheridan challenges each student to reach his/her highest academic potential in order to prepare for a productive life.

Like most original District 87 schools, Sheridan was first named after a city ward number, in this case, "Number 6 School." The eight-room school was built in 1869 on the same location as today's Sheridan school. The building was replaced in 1894 and became Sheridan Elementary. The current building at 1403 W. Walnut was built in 1935 and an addition was added in 1969. Situated in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, often called "The Forty Acres," Sheridan is a cornerstone in west-Bloomington history.

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