Elma Primary

Principal Message:

 Welcome to 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, and we look forward to meeting you. 

The curriculum in all of our primary buildings is focused on the development of literacy skills, which include reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our reading instruction focuses on building strong word recognition and language comprehension skills to help students become fluent, engaged readers who find joy in reading.  Social studies topics are embedded in our literacy block, and we offer students an engaging, hands-on science curriculum.

Our enVision MATH program is aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards and helps us meet the increased expectations for a more rigorous program. Our curriculum introduces students to mathematical concepts and gives them opportunities to practice and master these skills each year. 

Our special area classes, which include Physical Education, Library, Art, and Music, provide opportunities for students to excel through physical activities, further their love of reading, develop proficiency in the use of technology, and showcase their creative-arts talents.  We also offer Chorus for grades three and four.  Music lessons along with Band and Orchestra are offered for our fourth-grade students.  The letter days are listed on the District Calendar and on the back of your child's take-home folder.   

At Elma Primary, we recognize that we are responsible for developing good students and good people.  It begins with our intentional focus on fostering positive day-to-day interactions between all members of our school community.  Our Second Step SEL program lays the foundation for our students to develop strong social emotional skills, and our Guidelines for Success focus on the traits we have identified that are essential in helping our students become positive, responsible, and contributing members of our school community. We have a Growth Mindset focus for our students that is embedded in all we do.  We encourage them to persevere through difficult tasks and to “never stop trying and never give up.”  We also have a full-time school counselor available to support students as needed throughout the school year. 

Elma Primary has a strong Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that 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 have not already done so, please consider becoming a member of the PTO to support the students here at Elma Primary. 

Finally, partnerships with families make all of what we do possible. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to meet, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 652-3000 ext. 2001.  Thank you.

Pete Dobmeier, Principal