Salem Avenue Elementary School

Age of building: 56 years

Latest renovation: 2005-06

Size of building: 81,200 square feet

State-rated capacity: 736

Projected 2007-08 enrollment: 616

From the principal

Q: What are your goals for the school year?

A: Salem Avenue was fully affirmed this year through the Chesapeake Coalition of Essential Schools. This was a rigorous process that centered on 10 common principles. These principles were, in essence, a mind-set that all students could achieve high standards if specific "best practices" were in place. Salem Avenue's primary goal will be to continue the sustained professional development that has been the core of our academic rigor for the past two years. Student achievement and academic excellence will continue to drive the instructional practices of Salem Avenue.

A second goal of the staff will be for Salem Avenue to continue refining teaching strategies and techniques in order for all students to master the skills for the grade level that they will be attending. Salem Avenue made positive growth this past school year and will continue to meet the academic needs of our students in the up-coming school year.

Q: What will help ensure a successful school year?

A: Teachers will work together in grade-level planning in a cooperative manner. This will assist in the development of quality lessons that include higher level questions and different opportunities for students based on their learning styles and needs.

Enhancement of the School Improvement Plan, which will focus on action research. This will, in turn, allow for enhanced teaching and the development of student skills that are identified as areas for growth and improvement.

The continued dedication of our parents, in combination with the Salem Avenue staff, to support their children so each and every child at Salem Avenue will achieve to the best of his or her abilities this school year.

Q: Can students and staff expect changes this school year?

A: Salem Avenue will have some new energetic faces to serve the stakeholders of the Salem Avenue community. This includes several new teachers in kindergarten, first, third and fifth grades, as well as music, media, physical education and art.

Q: What message would you like to send as the school year begins?

A: The staff at Salem Avenue Elementary School is readying itself for another wonderful year with our students and their parents.

Salem will continue to support challenging learning experiences for all children of diverse backgrounds and we look forward to working with students in order for them to meet success and mature both socially and academically. The continued staff development and the sustained improvement process that Salem has witnessed these past two years will continue to pave the way for student growth and make Salem Avenue one of the most successful learning communities in Washington County.