Elementary Schools | |
Beecher Elementary SchoolMichael Lanning, Principal |
Broadway ElementaryPamela Davis-Webb, Principal |
Coburn ElementaryJason Johnston, Principal |
Diven ElementaryDr. Constance Graham, Principal |
Hendy ElementaryMadge Larrimore, Principal |
Pine City ElementaryRhonda Baran, Principal |
Riverside ElementaryCarrie Rollins, Principal |
Fassett Elementary SchoolBrad Pollack, Principal |
Elmira elementary schools provide an environment centered on children. Each school is a reflection of its community and, as such, offers programs designed to meet that community's needs.
The district's elementary schools teach students in pre-K through grade 5. The Early Childhood Program includes all-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten.
Academics
Elementary curriculum is designed to help students meet rigorous New York State standards. These standards are stressed through the integration of academics, music, computers and fine arts, making the learning process more enjoyable and long-lasting.
A variety of grade-level assessments, along with semester progress reports, are used to ensure students are meeting state standards. Morning, afternoon or in-school tutorial help is always available for students in need.
Literacy is a major focus in our elementary school curriculum, with reading initiatives in place throughout the district. Students are encouraged to keep reading logs and join literature circles. Several schools have book rooms (in addition to libraries) that provide materials to serve various reading levels.
Literacy efforts also reach outside the school. Many Elmira College education majors, as well as community members, volunteer in our classrooms. The Parent-Child Resource Center is among the family literacy efforts encouraging parents to get involved in their children's reading education.
The district also recognizes that each student has a unique learning style and may thrive in one environment while struggling in another. Special education and multi-age classrooms are offered with these students in mind. The integration of music, arts and theater with academics also serves these students well.
Class size
Smaller classes mean more one-on-one instruction, which benefits both students and teachers. The Elmira City School District strives to keep class size below 20.
Caring community
We make learning funChildren learn best when they enjoy themselves. Our elementary schools offer many choices to keep school fun: | |
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Music - Band, orchestra and chorus. Theater - Plays in all grade levels. Science - Labs, science fairs. |
Art - Classes for every grade. Play - A well-equipped playground at every school. Technology - A computer in every classroom. Visits to the computer lab. |
The Elmira City School District is also committed to helping students become compassionate, caring and involved citizens. Character education is woven into academic studies and can be seen in a variety of school offerings.
Both teachers and students receive training in multi-cultural awareness. Some schools set aside days for cultural activities, with total school participation.
Some schools have implemented the Bully-Proofing Program, designed to empower victims with the knowledge and skills to end the cycle of abuse. In some schools, peer mediators and conflict managers train students to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Students are encouraged to participate in service projects in the community and at the schools. Student-run bookstores, safety squads and service clubs are just some of the opportunities for children to get involved.
A commitment to caring is also reflected in an effort to preserve the environment. Several schools lead recycling and composting campaigns; others maintain school gardens. Some schools have nature trails through the surrounding environment.
Middle Schools | |
Broadway Middle SchoolBrian LeBaron, Principal |
Ernie Davis Middle SchoolDerek Almy, Principal |
Broadway Middle School is located on the Southside of Elmira. Most of its students come from Broadway, Coburn, Pine City and Riverside elementary schools.
Ernie Davis, on the city's Northside, draws most of its students from Beecher, Diven, Hendy and Fassett elementary schools.
The district's middle schools serve children in grades 6-8. Curriculum and activities are designed with the special challenges of this transitional age in mind. The move into middle school is performed in many steps, easing the transition. Students meet with middle school principals in fifth grade and are bused to the schools to grow acquainted. Orientations are held for students and parents, and the first few days of school are designed to acclimate students to the environment.
Interdisciplinary teams
Students are divided into academic teams, with each team located in a separate "house" within the building. Each team member has the same teachers for the core subjects - English, math, social studies and science.
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Teachers within the same team have a common meeting time, which facilitates:
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Several ideas have come out of these team meetings:
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Exploratory experiences
Students are also offered a wide variety of electives, including languages other than English (Spanish, French), instrumental and vocal music, art, family and consumer science, health and wellness, and physical education. A library/media center and computer rooms are available at each school.
Modular classrooms are set up for technology studies, giving students access to innovative technology.
Students also have an opportunity for advanced study, earning high school credit for some courses.
Co-curricular activities
Many of the activities expected at the high school level are also available at our middle schools, including sports, clubs and civics.
Sports
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Clubs
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Service
And more ...
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High Schools | |
Elmira Free AcademyScott Williams, Principal |
Southside High SchoolChristopher Krantz, Principal |
Alternative High SchoolJohn Kohena, Principal |
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In the high schools, basic programs are supplemented by many electives. There are also a full range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including interscholastic athletics.
Students with special academic, social or emotional needs have the option of the district's new Alternative High School. This school is designed to meet the needs of students who do not thrive in the more traditional setting of EFA or Southside.
Career preparation
All high school students are offered the comprehensive four-year Career Pathways Program, which is designed to help students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for their desired career choice.
Students work with teachers, counselors and parents to develop a personal portfolio and a course of study in one of six exploratory fields:
- Information technology
- Finance
- Sales, marketing and retail training
- Pre-engineering/Project Lead the Way
- Technology
- Human services.
To facilitate career preparation, students are offered a variety of hands-on opportunities through internships, apprenticeships, shadowing and after-school Junior Achievement activities.
Career training for students who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school or wish to go on to college is available through the Greater Southern Tier BOCES. Courses of study include:
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Course selection
In addition to numerous selections in English, math, social studies and science, students may choose from a wide variety of elective courses, including languages other than English, physical education/health, food and consumer science, art, music and technology.
Advanced studies
Advanced-level programs are available at both district high schools. Advanced Placement courses are offered in English, biology, math, computers, chemistry, physics, history, government and languages other than English.
Students may also take some of these courses for credit at Corning Community College. Students who pay tuition are assigned grades and credit that may be used as transfer credit at most colleges. Financial aid is available.
Student services
Students in need have many options, including academic, social and emotional assistance. Guidance counselors are available to counsel and direct students to the person who can help them best.
Social workers and student assistance counselors provide short-term mental health counseling and provide referrals to outside agencies for more intensive therapy.
The student resource officer is a Chemung County Sheriff's deputy or City of Elmira police officer whose full-time role is to ensure building security and help promote a respect for the law and the legal system.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a suicide-prevention program designed to give students a teacher, counselor or coach to turn to in times of trouble.
Students at both schools also have access to high-tech libraries/media centers and wellness centers.
Extracurricular activities
Our high schools offer students many after-school options, too. These include clubs, activities and sports.
Government/Civics
Academic
Service
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Media
Culture
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