Alumni
District Update The 2026-2027 District Calendar is now available — school opens Monday, August 31, 2026. View calendar
Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting
Beacon Elementary School building on Beaconsfield Street

GSRP–Grade 2

Beacon Elementary School

Ready to teach. Ready to learn. Preparing every child to succeed each day through early childhood education, literacy, numeracy, STEAM, and whole-child support.

School Overview

Early learning with personalized support.

At Beacon Elementary School, the mission is to ensure every child is prepared to learn and succeed each day. The school delivers high-quality early childhood education with a curriculum designed to address academic, social, and emotional needs through literacy and numeracy development.

With small class sizes, Beacon provides individualized attention, 1-to-1 technology integration, before- and after-school care, after-school clubs, and extracurricular activities.

Reading, writing, mathematics, and sciencePhysical education, music, and artComputer literacy classesSmall class sizesLiteracy and numeracy supportInnovative, rigorous curriculumSTEAM investigationsLatchkey services

Meet the Interim Principal

Dr. Michael B. Carrauthers

Dr. Michael B. Carrauthers, Interim Principal of Beacon Elementary School
Dr. Michael B. CarrauthersInterim Principal, Beacon Elementary School

Dr. Michael B. Carrauthers has dedicated more than 37 years of his life to helping children, families, teachers, and schools succeed. Throughout his career in K–12 education, he has served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, Director of Curriculum and Data, and Chief Academic Officer in several Michigan school districts. His areas of expertise include curriculum and instruction, student achievement, school culture and climate, equity, MTSS, and developing strong educational leaders.

A proud graduate of Wayne State University, Dr. Carrauthers holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. His commitment to excellence in education was recognized when he was named the 2010 Detroit Public Schools Teacher of the Year and selected as one of 20 finalists for Michigan Teacher of the Year.

Throughout his career, Dr. Carrauthers has worked closely with educators, students, and families to create schools where every child feels supported, valued, and capable of achieving their full potential. He has conducted seminars, professional development, and workshops on improving schools, supporting diverse learners, educating boys of color, bullying prevention, inclusion, and building positive school cultures.

Most importantly, Dr. Carrauthers believes that every child deserves a high-quality education, and the opportunity to succeed. He understands that parents are an essential part of a child’s educational journey and is committed to building strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community. His work is driven by a simple goal: to help create learning environments where students can grow, thrive, and believe in what is possible for their future.

Programs

Great Start Readiness Program, STEAM, and instructional technology.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool initiative for four-year-olds who may face factors that could impede educational success. Managed by the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Great Start, funding is distributed to intermediate school districts for local implementation.

STEAM

Our STEAM program — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics — facilitates weekly, hands-on, inquiry-based science investigations to foster curiosity and critical thinking.

Instructional technology

Beacon Elementary School is equipped with the latest instructional technology, including devices provided for all students across grade levels, supporting a modern and engaging learning environment.

Note: The GSRP “for more information” link referenced in the school’s materials has not yet been provided. Families with questions can contact the main office at 313-245-5343.

Schedule / Start & End Times

Beacon Elementary: 8:15 AM – 3:10 PM. Doors open shortly before the first bell; students should be in their first class at the start time.

Contact the office

Dress Code

Beacon students wear a solid-color collared polo in red or maroon, with khakis, jeans, cargo, or dress pants. Closed-toe shoes required.

View dress code (PDF)

School Calendar

Elementary conference days, count days, breaks, and quarter-end dates for Beacon families.

Download calendar (PDF)

School Life

A day at Beacon.

Reading celebrations, book fairs, STEAM investigations, and classrooms where every child is known by name.

Beacon students working through a math lesson together at a classroom table
Small groups, individual attention
A Beacon student writing during independent work time
A Beacon teacher working one-on-one with a student
Beacon students collaborating at a classroom table with their teacher
Beacon students holding up their work in front of the Read the Rainbow library display
Read the Rainbow
A Beacon teacher leads a classroom lesson
A Beacon student writing at his desk
A young Beacon student choosing a book at the Scholastic book fair

Reading Culture

Books in every hand.

Beacon’s reading celebrations and Scholastic book fairs put new books in students’ hands and bring families into the building.

Early literacy is the foundation of everything that follows — phonics, fluency, comprehension, and a genuine love of reading, built one book at a time.

Beacon families browse books at the Scholastic book fair

STEAM & Engagement

Learning that gets everyone out of their seat.

Weekly hands-on, inquiry-based investigations build curiosity and critical thinking from the very first year of school.

Assemblies, classroom celebrations, and school-wide reading events keep Beacon energetic and joyful — and keep students engaged in their own learning.

A Beacon classroom celebration with students raising their hands

Inside Beacon

Take a look around.

A short look at learning in progress at Beacon Elementary School — reading celebrations, classroom energy, and students who love being here.

Announcements

Beacon Elementary updates

Welcome families

Meet your child’s teacher and walk the building before the first day of school.

STEAM activities begin

Weekly hands-on inquiry-based learning activities support curiosity and critical thinking.

Scholastic Book Fair

The book fair returns to the Beacon library — families are welcome before and after school.

School Documents

Beacon flyers, agendas, and calendars.

Count Day ActivitiesBeacon Elementary · Word document
Download
Title I Meeting Agenda — September 29, 2026Title I · Word document
Download
2026–27 Staff Meeting & Event CalendarSchool year 2026–27 · Word document
Download

School Calendar

Beacon Elementary calendar and important dates.

School events, early dismissals, family nights, closures, testing windows, and other important reminders for Beacon families.

Aug 31First day of schoolFull day, K-12
Oct 7Fall Count DayNo field trips or assemblies
Oct 28-29Parent-teacher conferences½ day, elementary students
Oct 30Half day½ day, elementary students & staff
Nov 6End of 1st quarterK-12
Nov 20Thanksgiving break beginsAfter student dismissal
Dec 18Holiday break begins½ day, all students & staff
Feb 15Mid-winter break beginsPre-K through 12
Mar 17-18Parent-teacher conferences½ day, elementary students
Mar 26Spring break beginsNo school, students & staff
Jun 17Last day of school½ day, all students
Download full calendar (PDF)

Programs & Features

What families can expect.

STEAM Learning

Weekly hands-on inquiry-based science investigations foster curiosity and critical thinking.

See school life

Early Literacy & Numeracy

Instruction focuses on foundational reading, writing, mathematics, and whole-child development.

View academics

Before & After Care

Latchkey and care options support families before and after the school day.

Family services

Nutrition & Food Service

Fresh meals, every school day.

Menus, nutrition resources, and food service information for Beacon families.

School Contact Details

Beacon Elementary School information.

Address19475 Beaconsfield St.
Harper Woods, MI 48225
Office Hours7:45 AM – 3:30 PM
School Day8:15 AM – 3:10 PM
Main Office Phone313-245-5343
Interim PrincipalDr. Michael B. Carrauthers
michael.carrauthers@hwschools.org
Beacon Elementary School front entrance