Mrs. Melissa Woodard, Principal                 email: mwoodard@boyertownasd.org

                                                                        2011-2012 School Calendars
                                                                       

Welcome to Gilbertsville Elementary School (GES) which is located at 36 Congo Road in Gilbertsville. About 775 students in kindergarten through grade 6 began the 2011 - 2012 school year at GES. More than 75 employees help our students become well-educated, responsible members of society. We extend a very warm welcome to our new staff members. We can all identify with the excitement of starting a new job as well as the anxiety accompanying changes in our lives. It is important that we support these new staff members.

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

We equip our students with a foundation to Excel 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, physical education and fitness, and library education. Additionally, pupils have the services of a remedial reading teacher, an intervention teacher, a school psychologist, a counselor, speech teacher, and an occupational therapist, if needed. This year, our staff will be implementing the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTII) framework.  In doing so, the staff members will meet in small teams to review data and implement interventions for the benefit of children who are experiencing academic and /or behavioral difficulties in school. 

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 intermediate classroom is equipped with additional computers and a SMART board. Primaray classrooms are also equipped with interactive Smart boards. 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 six 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 seventh year.

GES encourages a partnership between the home and school community.  Through the Home and School Association (HSA), special activities are provided such as roller skating events, movie nights, Little Shoppers’ Shop, 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 recognized and greatly appreciated.

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 eager to meet the new and exciting challenges and provide an excellent education for our students.