Message from the North Schuylkill Elementary Principals:
Happy 2023, Spartan Families!
We would like to extend best wishes to all of our North Schuylkill Elementary families, for a very HEALTHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR, filled with many successes and continued progress. It is a pleasure to see all of our children, teachers and staff back at school after a long, well deserved winter break.
Just a reminder, that as the snowflakes fly and the temperatures dip, here in Northeastern PA, children need to be dressed appropriately to come to school, and to play at recess. Coats, hats, mittens or gloves, and boots are highly recommended this time of year. If you need assistance with any of these items, please contact our Guidance Office.
With the possibility of some substantial winter weather this season, we may have the potential for remote learning days. To ensure that students are continuing learning opportunities, chromebooks will be sent home when there is potential for inclement weather. On these days, teachers will instruct via Google Classroom and virtual assignments. We will keep you informed of possible remote learning days. A weather-related announcement could range from transportation adjustments, to starting late or even closure. The district will try to make such announcements to our parents as quickly as possible. Thank you for being flexible during these days when our district leaders must make difficult decisions about delays and cancellations. Safety of students, staff and the community is always our first concern.
January is always about fresh beginnings and positive change. We love the promise of the New Year and all the possibilities that it offers for our students here at NSE, and the potential for great achievement that each New Year holds for their future. We remain committed to our district goal of focusing on the learning needs of all students. North Schuylkill Elementary will incorporate best-practice instructional strategies, targeted interventions and challenging enrichment opportunities, in order to deliver robust individualized improvement for all students in ELA, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and all Co-curricular subject areas. Soon students will be demonstrating their learning as they prepare to move to the next level in their academic careers. Attendance is crucial for optimum learning, and this is a critical time for students to attend school every day possible.
Spring is right around the corner: field trips, carnival, state testing, concerts, farewells and graduations, will be here before you know it! Stay tuned for more information.
Our school could not be successful without your input and team effort. We are proud of our students, teachers, school programs, and community strength. Together we will continue to educate our youth and prosper in a new and promising New Year. As always, our doors are always open. We are happy to visit with you in person, via email, or telephone.
Please visit our North Schuylkill School District website for all further information.
With SPARTAN PRIDE,
Ms. Janice M. Whitaker, Principal
Mrs. Janel Hansbury, Assistant Principal
“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” - Michelangelo
Goal #1: Fostering a Respectful Learning Environment with the FOCUS on Connection, Community and Relationships
To create a supportive and positive classroom and school environment, where every child feels physically and emotionally safe and connected to the school and staff, as evidenced through SEL practices and PBIS plans, and monitoring data, student surveys, discipline and attendance.
Tips to Achieve Goal #1:
• Establish Positive Relationships. Get started early. Build positive relationships with students and parents starting before the first day of school.
• Clear Communication. Speak their language. Use humor, technology, or other strategies to get on their level. Use Morning Meetings, Community Circles, and Discussion Boards to pose daily questions regarding students’ health and well-being.
• Trust. Let your students make responsible decisions.
Goal #2: Providing Students with High Quality Instruction with the FOCUS on Matching Teaching to Student Learning Needs
To teach all content areas with fidelity and consistency, as evidenced through common grading and assessments, shared lesson planning, and shared communication with MTSS/SHIELD Team. Student achievement data will be monitored and discussed in grade level meetings.
Tips to Achieve Goal #2:
• Utilize Effective Teaching Practices. Use rigorous, evidence-based, instructional frameworks that develop learners’ academic, behavioral, emotional, and social knowledge, skills, and habits.
• Differentiate Instruction. Teaching strategies are differentiated, universally designed, and responsive to accommodate all students’ individual learning differences.
• Set Expectations. Messages of high expectations and care for each learner are conveyed.
