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The responsibility of educating our young people belongs to the parents/guardians, the school, and the community. The Longfellow School is committed to sharing this endeavor with our respective partners. Each partner must work cooperatively to ensure a quality education for all of our children.
Our instructional program places primary emphasis on the needs and development of the whole child. A child's academic, social, emotional, physical, and psychological concerns are given consideration in our curriculum. In Language Arts, the Scott Foresman literature is utilized with a major emphasis on Guided Reading. The Writing Process is practiced in kindergarten through fourth grade. Mathematics, science and social studies are integrated into classroom lessons throughout the term. In similar fashion, our art program concerns itself not only with the basic elements of art, but also with the interrelationships with the total instructional program. Students explore a variety of techniques, media and artist's background, which help them develop aesthetic awareness.
Instrumental and vocal music lessons are available to interested fourth graders. The music teachers provide opportunities for students to participate in asssemblies and performances within the school community and the community at large. Winter and spring holiday performances are always a highlight for our students, parents and community.
Longfellow boasts of a computer lab where twenty-seven state of the art computers are available for each student's instruction. In addition to our lab, four more computers were added to each classroom. Extensive training has been provided and will continue to be on-going for our staff. Numerous software programs in mathematics, language arts, and science have been purchased to enhance our instructional needs.
A variety of pupil personnel services are available to our children. An elementary guidance counselor is available to aid students in determining various ways of identifying solutions to academic and social problems. Staff members and students have received formal training in Peer Mediation to help promote conflict resolution in the school environment. Character Education is emphasized. Anti-bulllying programs and activities are held throughout the year. A speech therapist assists students who have been identified, through a routine screening, with articulation problems. These children are seen on a regular basis. A registered nurse is on duty throughout the school day. Medical records are retained by the nurse, and all medical inquiries are addressed by her.
In addition, Longfellow School has the benefit of a Child Study Team, consisting of a certified psychologist, learning specialist, and social worker. These professionals recommend the placement of a child with special needs to a class that will provide for individual learning needs.
Our Cultural Arts Program seeks to enrich the instructional program through its diversity. With the financial support of the Parent/Teacher Association, an informative entertaining program is being planned almost every month. These include: character education programs, safety programs, science programs, and programs on self-esteem.
The Parent/Teacher Association at Longfellow School is also very remarkable. For seven consecutive years, they attained 100% membership. The business community is also a significant part of our school. Companies such as J & J Snacks, Old Country Buffet, and Perkins Center for the Arts provide students with activities and incentives throughout the school year.
Students are encouraged to be active participants in the school community. Food and clothing drives have been conducted to support local families in need. These resources will be available for all members of the school community throughout the year.
The Longfellow School family believes that every child can succeed to his/her fullest potential. They believe that not all children learn in the same way or at the same rate of speed. In order to facilitate this learning, an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment.
The effectiveness of the educational system, is in part, reflected in the behavior of the students. We believe that the best discipline is self-imposed, that students should learn to assume responsibility for their own behavior, and accept the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, we believe that parents are an integral part of their child's education, and the most effective instructors of self-discipline.
Longfellow School is an excellent place to develop and mature under the nurturing influence of a devoted and dedicated faculty.
Our children are always well prepared for a successful intermediate school experience.
William Snyder
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