A message from our Superintendent

The Elmsford Union Free School District is a richly diverse community of students, staff and faculty committed to the mission of enhancing the teaching and learning process and raising achievement for all students while developing mutual respect.

In order to achieve that vision, the District functions as a Professional Learning Community as defined by Dr. Shirley M. Hord,* collecting and analyzing achievement data, aligning the taught curriculum with New York State Standards, providing high quality resources for parents to help their children succeed, and developing a strategic plan to target specific instructional areas, among other visionary tasks.

As the number of English learners increases in our schools, we are continually seeking effective ways to help them acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. The Two-Way Bilingual Education Program at the Carl L. Dixson Primary School was implemented in the 2010-11 school year and runs through the 2013-14 school year. This is a wonderful program that helps English learners speak English as well as English speaking students learn the Spanish language. In addition to addressing the need for bilingual education at the primary level, the Elmsford UFSD implemented a Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplementary Program for ESL students in Alexander Hamilton High School. Our ESL teachers are also trained in the SIOP Model (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol), which is a research-based and validated model of sheltered instruction. Professional development in the SIOP Model helps teachers plan and deliver lessons that allow English learners to acquire academic knowledge as they develop English language proficiency.

The Alice E. Grady Elementary School offers academic, athletic and artistic endeavors that enrich our students holistically and prepare them for the transition to junior high school. Our Fitness Fridays provide a creative and fun way for our elementary-aged children to gain a lifelong love of and commitment to physical fitness and health. Extra-curricular activities such as the Drama Club, Chess Club, Invention Convention, and the Robotics Team promote the development of critical thinking skills.

We are excited about the continuation of the rigorous courses being offered at Alexander Hamilton that include Advanced Placement European History, US History, Calculus AB, English Literature, and Biology. In addition, we are offering an array of Advanced College Experience (ACE) courses through SUNY, which may be awarded college credits if your child qualifies. These courses will give students a competitive edge in the college application process. In addition, the high school has recently seen a revival of full scale musical productions with successful plays, such as The Little Shop of Horrors and the highly acclaimed 1970's Broadway hit Grease. We are looking forward to working with our students and Drama team to choose this year's production.

The Junior High School will experience a new schedule this year. We are introducing block schedule to incorporate more time for project-based learning activities and allow teachers and students to delve deeper into curriculum in a given period. In addition, time has been given to teachers to meet collaboratively and plan lessons, which is made possible by "Early Release Mondays." Please refer to the schedule on the Hamilton tab for period and dismissal times.

I am deeply proud of all of our students and staff, and am grateful to the parents and stakeholders of the Elmsford UFSD for all of their continued support. I welcome visits from our community members to address any questions regarding our schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Peters
Superintendent of Schools

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*A Professional Learning Community describes a collegial group of administrators and school staff who are united in their commitment to student learning. They share a vision, work and learn collaboratively, visit and review other classrooms, and participate in decision making (Hord, 1997b). The benefits to the staff and students include a reduced isolation of teachers, better informed and committed teachers, and academic gains for students. Hord (1997b) notes, "As an organizational arrangement, the professional learning community is seen as a powerful staff-development approach and a potent strategy for school change and improvement." - http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/currclum/cu3lk22.htm