Principal’s Message
Welcome to the 2012-13 school year at Elma Primary School. For those of you who are new to our building I know that you will find it to be a warm and welcoming place for students and families. I would like to extend that welcome to all of you, please feel free to stop in. I am so looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of the students and their families.
This school year will see many changes in our curriculum as a result of the Common Core Learning Standards. These standards are nationally adopted standards that will challenge our students to learn and grow with a new curriculum geared toward college and career readiness skills.
The curriculum in all of our primary buildings is focused on the development of literacy skills which include reading, writing, speaking and listening. This year we will be implementing a new reading series called LEAD 21. This series continues to provide opportunities for our students to participate in whole group lessons, guided reading groups and read alouds. The program is accessible via the internet, allowing our students to interact with their leveled readers at home. Flexible groups will continue to allow students to be instructed at their own reading level. Opportunities for guided reading and writing, shared reading and writing and independent reading and writing provide students with the scaffolds they need to become proficient readers and critical thinkers. Social studies and Science units are embedded in our literacy block.
In Math, we've used the new Common Core Learning Standards to revise our curriculum to meet the increased expectations for a more rigorous program. Our curriculum will continue to introduce our students to mathematical concepts and give them opportunities to practice and master these skills each year.
Our special area classes, which include Art, Music and Physical Education, provide opportunities for students to excel through physical activities or to showcase their creative-arts talents. Our character education program lays the foundation for our students to develop strong social emotional skills as they learn how to become good citizens in our community.
Elma Primary has a strong Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) which provides wonderful activities and opportunities for our students. The PTO arranges for or supports school assemblies, reading initiatives, field trips and holiday activities. If you haven’t already done so, please consider becoming a member of the PTO to support the students here at Elma Primary.
This summer we saw the final touches completed for the Capital Project. Our parking lots are freshly sealed and lines have been painted to identify the parking areas. We are really pleased with how nice the building looks. Our custodial staff have cleaned and disinfected every room and hallway in our building. The floors look shiny and new and the classrooms are all set up and ready to go.
Finally, partnerships with parents make all of what we do possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 995-2320 or feel free to stop by my office.
Darcy Walker
Principal
