|
|
The View From Here
A message from Mike Schnirel, Jefferson Elementary School Principal
|
As we finish another great school year I am proud of the accomplishments of our staff and students. The year began with some doubt as to whether we would begin school on time or need to delay the opening because of construction. Fortunately, we were able to move into our beautiful “new” school on time. Construction is now a very distant memory. The building has exceeded our expectations. Having the office located in the central part of the building has made a great difference. Having the health office next to the office is convenient for everyone. The library is in the perfect place. The music rooms are terrific and have made scheduling rehearsals and events much easier for everyone. The students remain excited about the school. They have taken great care of it. I am very proud of them.
We created new programs and hired new staff. Spanish has been a great success. The first and second grade students are enjoying their experience and I have been told that singing “happy birthday” in Spanish at first grade parties is happening. Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Lowe have created tremendous enthusiasm for the program. The program will expand to include third grade next year. Our Reading Specialist, Ms. Bejster, has worked with more than forty five students this year. We have had great success with our program with many students reaching their benchmark scores by mid-year and many more anticipated reaching their benchmark by the end of the first year. Our guidance program has been has been another success. Mrs. Morin has worked with all of the classes and met with numerous groups and individuals during her first year at Jefferson.
Our reading program, for grades K thru 3, has had an impact on our young students this year. Most noticeable has been the impact on kindergarten and first grade. All of our kindergarten children are beginning to read, and our first grade students have had a full year of phonics instruction and are showing terrific progress.
Having six computers in each class has given the teachers much more flexibility in using technology than in the past. Our mobile computer lab has been a great addition and allowed the students to work with the 24 lap top computers throughout the school.
The writing initiative has continued, with the fourth and fifth grade students adding the strategy of response to literature to their repertoire. Our fifth graders were also given the pilot State Assessment test in the area of writing.
Every year brings changes and opportunities. Next year will be a very different year at Jefferson with the retirement of Mr. Davis, Mr. Cornell and Mrs. Westwood at the end of this year. Combined they have more than ninety years of teaching experience. Their experience and expertise will be missed.
|
