March 5th, 2012 ~ No Classes ~ Pulaski's Birthday

Dear Parents, Students, and Community,

Welcome to Peterson Elementary School!  We are excited that you are a part of this amazing community. 

At Peterson, we know that in order for our students to enjoy every opportunity today and for their future, we must train them to be both critical and creative.  In this fast-paced global generation, they must learn to access and evaluate massive amounts of information, solve complex problems, work with diverse cultures, and communicate well.  We know that it will become more and more important to work together so that we teach to the whole child and raise successful, well-rounded individuals. 

We look forward to an exciting year where students, teachers and parents all work together to perform our best.  Our students will have opportunities to read and write independently and effectively, perform problem-solving tasks in all subject areas, all while developing and demonstrating great character.  Peterson is “Where the World Comes to Learn” and where they learn to become leaders in their world.

This year, you will hear a lot from your students about PAWS.  It is our expectation that every Peterson community member needs to be Polite, Accountable to ourselves and others, Willing to take risks and lead, and be Safe.  As we positively reinforce these important values at school, we hope that you will see them exemplified outside of school as well.  Please continue to encourage your children to practice PAWS everywhere.

Our informational guide has been created to inform our school community of our expectations and available services.  If we can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  You can reach us via email or by phone 773-534-5070.  Your continued support and contributions are important to the success of our total school program. 

Parents are a child’s first teacher.  Parents make the strongest and most permanent influence on their children’s lives.  Please model for your children how important education is by reading with them everyday, helping with homework, and communicating and volunteering often with the school. 

We look forward to continuously working with you to give our children the best education. 

Sincerely,

Adam Parrott-Sheffer, Principal

Peterson Vision:

Peterson is a school driven to excellence that appreciates, celebrates, and integrates diversity into a dynamic and inspiring educational experience. Peterson models and develops a life-long passion for learning as well as cultivates creative, intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth.

Peterson Mission:

Peterson will teach all children to value each person’s unique qualities and respect everyone’s gifts as well as provide a school environment that honors and reflects the diversity of our learning community in its activities, displays, and interactions with the community. We will utilize a curriculum that draws on our diversity to create greater understanding of all subject areas in the context of a global society. Our school will develop a professional learning community that includes collaboration, risk-taking, reflection, and continuous self-improvement that provide opportunities for parents, teachers, and students to collaborate, share experiences and actively engage in learning endeavors. Our implementation of instructional practices will balance shared inquiry with independent learning, which will encompass the voices and choices of all. Furthermore, Peterson will align and implement an inquiry-based curriculum using differentiation strategies for all learners and incorporate physical activities into the instructional day and beyond. Peterson will provide modeling, instruction and reinforcement of skills that lead to healthy, positive choices in a safe and caring environment. We will also provide exploration beyond core subjects so individual talents and interests may be discovered and developed (Examples: arts, music, athletics, health & wellness, etc.).