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.  I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of our students and families. 

The curriculum in all of our primary buildings is focused on the development of literacy skills, which include reading, writing, speaking and listening. We are using a literacy framework that is based on a workshop model in addition to a strong phonics curriculum. This provides opportunities for our students to participate in whole group mini-lessons, guided reading groups and read a-louds. Time is provided for students to read independently from authentic literature of their own choosing.   Opportunities for independent reading and writing provide students with the scaffolds they need to become proficient readers and critical thinkers. Social studies units 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. enVision MATH also has an online program that students will be able to access to practice skills at home. We will also continue our “IXL math” program, which is another online program that helps children improve their math skills through fun games and activities. 

Our special area classes, which include Art, Music, Library and Physical Education, provide opportunities for students to excel through physical activities or to showcase their creative-arts talents.  With our 6-day schedule, we will continue to offer Keyboarding for all grades and 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.   

Our Social-Emotional Learning program lays the foundation for our students to develop strong social-emotional skills as they learn how to become good citizens in our community.  It begins with our intentional focus on fostering positive day-to-day interactions.  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 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