Our Mission
The mission of the Elmira City School District is to prepare
students by providing opportunities to allow them to realize their full
potential as life-long learners and contributing citizens in our democratic
society. In partnership with students, parents and community, we are committed
to helping each student use their unique abilities to acquire problem-solving
skills necessary to actively meet life's challenges and create opportunities as
they responsibly build their own and the world's future. In teaching our
children, we will be respectful of our world's interdependence and the cultural
diversity in our school district. Our schools are dedicated to maintaining a
safe environment for all stakeholders that promotes individual personal
responsibility, achievement and respect for all individuals.
Our Vision
The Elmira City School District, in partnership with students,
parents and community members, will strive to educate 100 percent of our
students to be able to communicate effectively, solve problems competently,
think critically and creatively, act responsibly, and recognize and respect the
right of individual differences. Students will be given the foundation to become
life-long learners who are technologically literate and able to adapt to a
changing society. They will be globally-minded and imbued with the character of
good citizens, ready to be active participants in a democratic society.
Our Beliefs
- America's greatest resource and hope for the future is the successful
education of present and future generations of our children.
- The education of students is our first and foremost responsibility.
- Families should be responsible for providing the foundation for
learning and have a significant continuing role in their children's education.
- Learning is a life-long process.
- Students should be taught not only skills and knowledge for academic
excellence, but also self-confidence, self-discipline, and individual
accountability for their choices.
- Students have the responsibility to actively participate in their own
education.
- All students have a right to an education that recognizes and adapts to
their individual needs and abilities.
- High expectations maximize educational outcomes.
- Diversity is an asset to be celebrated.
- The dignity of any individual must never be compromised.
- Creative thinkers excel in a changing world.
- Quality education promotes quality student learning.
- Educators must be aware of different learning styles and implement a
variety of methods to meet student needs.
- Sound and prudent fiscal management is essential for the successful
operation of the district.
- Goal setting and constructive evaluation improves performance.
- There should be a unity of purpose in mission and goals between all
stakeholders.
- Effective communication among all stakeholders is essential for
success.
- The responsibility for education is cooperatively shared by students,
educators, parents and community.
- A safe, secure and welcoming environment promotes attendance and
enhances learning.
Strengths of our program
The Elmira City School District
offers a variety of academic programs designed to meet the needs of all our
students.
Arts/Music
- Individual instrumental instruction, 4-12
- Excellent band, chorus and string programs
- Secondary school stage musicals
- Instruments available for students in need
- MIDI and keyboard labs for music and art.
Career Education Services
- Career preparation studies in grades K-12.
- Career Pathways Program in grades 9-12.
- GST BOCES TEC Program training in grades 9-12.
Character Education
- Character education woven into curriculum.
- Service clubs for students interested in helping others.
- Service learning graduation requirement.
Curriculum
- Lessons aligned with New York State standards.
- Consistent curriculum at same grades at every school.
- Curriculum webs
enforce learning from grade to grade.
- Student intervention teams.
- Guidance services for all grade levels.
- School social workers.
- Community mental health therapists in grades 9-12.
- Alcohol /drug education and prevention.
- Tutoring.
- School health clinics.
Instructional Support Services
- Small group instruction in reading and math.
- Team teaching in the content area.
- Veteran teachers assigned to each school to mentor new staff.
Parental Involvement
- Parent volunteers always welcome in schools.
- Parent
Partners serve as liaisons between parents and schools, organize
events and facilitate workshops.
- Parent Faculty Organizations meet every month.
Special Education
- Resource service at all grade levels.
- Adaptive PE instruction.
- Early intervention program.
- Professional development program.
- Co-teaching.
- Consultant teacher.
Technology
- Computer literacy instruction at all grade levels.
- Internet access and instruction in all buildings in grades K-12.
- Computer applications, portfolio development, Web page design and
computer-aided drafting electives in the high schools.
- Video conferencing equipment to allow "virtual field trips," distance
learning.
- Laptop computer labs for instruction anywhere, anytime.
- Pre-engineering studies via Project Lead the Way.
