Dr. Ronald W. Christman, Principal                           email:  rchristman@boyertownasd.org

        ALERT   1/13/2010                                          KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

                                                                             2010-2011 School Calendar

Welcome to Gilbertsville Elementary School (GES) which is located at 36 Congo Road in Gilbertsville. About 690 students in kindergarten through grade 6 will begin the 2009 - 2010 school year at GES. More than 75 employees help our students become well-educated, responsible members of society. New staff include: Jessica Degan, Learning Support; Jacqueline Laurence, Third Grade; and Anita Reed, Second Grade.

As you approach the driveway to the entrance of Gilbertsville Elementary School, you see a sign with the words, “Growing, Excelling, and Shining.” At Gilbertsville Elementary School, the staff members guide students and provide opportunities to Grow in their responsibility of caring for others and demonstrating appropriate behavior. A committee will discuss ways that certain character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, citizenship and teamwork will be integrated throughout life at Gilbertsville Elementary School

The staff members at GES have the responsibility of providing instruction for students’ academic progress and providing the environment to Excel in the academics - each child doing his/her best. The district is committed to becoming high performing. At GES, we create a learning environment for student achievement and provide high quality instruction and varied assessments for data driven decision making. The Pennsylvania State Standards provide the foundation for our various curriculums, and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests show whether proficiency of the standards was achieved by students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. Quarterly assessments are taken on 4 Sight, a web-based assessment tool. In addition, benchmark Math assessments are given each quarter. All this data provide information for learning interventions. Study Island, another web-based program, provides reinforcement lessons for each topic and immediate feedback on test questions and provides immediate and specific data for differentiating instruction. Curriculum based assessments are used to determine the achievement of specific benchmarks and to guide instruction.

Through the collaborative team meetings at Gilbertsville Elementary School, teachers discuss the results of various types of assessments, determine the students’ learning needs, and create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results Oriented, and Timebound) goals for the students’ achievement.. Through teachers dialoguing as a professional learning community, progress toward the successful completion of the goals is evident and effective instructional strategies are discussed.

We equip our students with a foundation for present and future success in a changing world. Subjects taught include reading, writing, mathematics, spelling, English, science, and social studies. Each student receives instruction in the special areas of music, art, wellness and fitness, and library education. Our Student Assistance Team is available to assist teachers in determining the most effective academic and behavioral interventions for student success whenever student concerns arise. Remediation opportunities are available for students in grades 1-6 who are not proficient at the Pennsylvania State Standards.

The computer lab enables students to become familiar with current technology. Students in the fifth and sixth grades gain training in keyboarding and word processing. Grades kindergarten through fourth use the lab for typing stories, spelling words, creating illustrations, and reinforcement of skills. Each fourth, fifth and sixth grade classroom is equipped with five computers and a SMART board. Smart Boards are becoming an integral part of instruction. Because of the accessibility to technology, our students become better equipped for the needs of the future.

Opportunities are available to Shine with diversity. Students demonstrate diverse skills through chorus, band, orchestra, plays, poetry, art, reading to others, physical education, academic performance and other experiences made available to the students. We must learn to celebrate and appreciate our differences. For three years, GES students and staff have achieved the distinction of being a “No Place for Hate” School through the Anti-Defamation League. Various activities will help us achieve this distinction for the fourth year.

GES encourages a partnership between the home and school community. The HSA had a special meeting last April for parents whose students were redistricted. The HSA is excited about these parents being active in the organization and involved with the many family driven events. Through the Home and School Association (HSA), special activities are provided such as roller skating events, movie nights, bowling, covered dish social, Little Shoppers’ Shop, Fun Day, Grandparents’ Day, Teachers’ Appreciation Day, Community Reader’s Day, etc. Parents and other community members volunteer their time to help our students in a wide variety of ways throughout the school year. Parent support of our educational program is greatly appreciated. The HSA officers for the 2009-2010 school year are Sheri Waldman, President; Kim McKeown, Vice-President; Jennifer Melcher; Treasurer, Stephanie Hubler, Recording Secretary; and Lauren McCloskey, Corresponding Secretary.

The combination of an outstanding facility, a caring faculty and staff dedicated to student success and high performance, a committed and supportive school community, and an excellent academic program make GES a wonderful place for children to learn. The GES staff is anxious to meet the new and exciting challenges and provide an excellent education for our students.