Salem Elementary School
The information contained on this web site is intended to provide an introduction and overview to our elementary school and its educational services. We are proud of our outstanding programs and the opportunities available to our students. We welcome your visit to Salem Elementary School so that you can observe first hand the many interesting and exciting activities taking place. If you would like more detailed information about our school, please feel free to contact us. Kerri Zappala - Elementary Principal
OVERVIEW Salem Elementary is part of a rural New York school district with a growing enrollment of 756 students, K-12, located on one central campus. Approximately 336 students, K-6, are served by professional educators who strive to create a positive learning environment conducive to meeting individual student needs. Salem students may be observed working in a traditional classroom setting, with many grade levels utilizing a team teaching approach. The sixth grade has departmentalized classes in science, social studies, and math. Students are heterogeneously grouped in all learning environments. The district recognizes the value of small class size and strives to have no more than 25 students in a classroom. Classes begin at 8:00 AM and end at 2:20 PM. A late bus run is provided for students participating in after school activities from 2:25 - 3:12 PM. During the structure of the K-6 day, a nutritional breakfast and lunch is available for all elementary students in the school cafeteria. CURRICULUM & PROGRAMS Salem Elementary School is committed to providing a developmentally appropriate program, using instructional approaches that involve students, integrate curriculum and emphasize the learning process. Programs include literature-based reading instruction, Reading Recovery, and the writing process. A hands-on approach in math and science helps to guide students to become competent and resourceful problem solvers as well. Social programs such as the Responsive Classroom contributes to the development of independence and self-discipline, a community spirit, and respect for differences in others. The staff strives to nurture the development of the whole child by instilling a sense of self-worth, a spirit of discovery, and an enthusiasm for life long learning. Remedial services are provided in math, reading and writing. Special education programs are designed to meet the needs of all students in the least restrictive environment. Special area classes are offered in art, music, library and physical education. Sixth grade students study Home and Careers and Social Skills. Children in third and fourth grade may join the Chorus, while students in fifth and sixth grade may participate in dramatics, chorus and band. Instrumental and vocal music students can perform in the NYSMA's competition. An active Student Council plans community service projects such as stocking the local food pantry and fund-raising for Operation Santa, as well as social events and Nights for school spirit activities. ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES An Enrichment Program provides school plays, assemblies, the Odyssey of the Mind program, planetarium visits, and a mentor program involving high school students and elementary students in research partnerships. An after school period provides time for individual help, small group instruction, and enrichment activities. Activities include science topics such as rocketry and topographic maps, computer graphics, math challenge, Junior Great Books discussion groups, chess and game clubs, aerobics, and wrestling. TECHNOLOGY Students have access to IBM-compatible and MAC computers in three computer labs. All classrooms are equipped with computers. Controlled internet access is available in the elementary library, computer labs, and some classrooms. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Parents are an instrumental part of a child's education. The Salem Elementary School philosophy invites and encourages parents to participate in their child's learning as volunteers in the classroom, as field trip chaperones, as mentors to students, as PTA members, and as committee members. Parents may become involved in the decision making process for school policies and programs through the Building Level Planning Teams. The elementary school staff is committed to keeping parents informed of classroom activities through monthly newsletters, hall bulletin board displays, school calendars, Parents' Night and our annual Open House. Individualized student evaluations are shared and discussed with parents through parent conferences, report cards, standardized testing results, examination of student portfolios and other authentic assessment tools. Our K - 6 mission statement stresses the belief that the school, parents, and community must work together to nurture and educate the whole child. |
