Principal's Message
~Continuing the Tradition of Excellence~
Welcome to West Annapolis Elementary School, home of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. We have an outstanding school, where caring, dedicated, knowledgeable and highly professional teachers provide a strong instructional program in a nurturing environment. An active PTA and an extensive group of volunteers support and enhance the school program. In 1999, West Annapolis was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. This standard of excellence continues to be our focus. West Annapolis is one of Maryland's Green Schools; a school where environmental education is integrated into the school curriculum. We take pride in incorporating environmental literacy into the school program.
In the area of language arts, the Maryland State Curriculum is taught using the the Treasures Reading Program which provides instruction in phonics, word knowledge, comprehension, use of reading strategies, writing and language skills. Each day students read high quality literature and informational text. During "Treasure Time" students read leveled texts related to each weekly theme. Later this year we will begin advanced novel studies and inquiry projects.
In mathematics we teach the state curriculum using enVision Mathematics Program in kindergarten through grade five. This program focuses on interactive learning and problem solving. There is a strong technology component to the program. Science instruction includes hands-on activities where studentd observe and collect data on scientific concepts. Each year all grades participate in one school-wide expedition as a part of the Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound Program. Each spring, all students, kindergarten through grade five, investigate questions about the environment. Each grade level shares their projects during a showcase scheduled in May. Our learning expeditions support our Green School award; each grade level plans a hands-on special project. To support social studies we have Geography Week with fourth and fifth grade students participating in the National Geographic Geography Bee.
Anne Arundel County schools are transitioning to the Advanced Learner Program (ALPS). During the 2011 - 2012 school year West Annapolis is in partial implementation of ALPS. The kindergarten teachers will be using the Pirmary Talent Development modules. In language arts advanced learners are reading beyond grade level texts and will participate in advanced novel studies. Starting in January all students in grades 3 -5 will begin "Hands on Equations." This program teaches studentd algebraic concepts in a game-like approach.
Our cultural arts team works closely with classroom teachers to integrate social studies and science concepts into art, music, physical education and library media classes. The chorus, band and string students present two concerts each year. A dance team participates in the county dance festival in early spring. Each year we hold a school-wide "Dance Showcase." Instrumental music students participate in the Annapolis Music Festival in the spring while chorus students perform in many community events. This year we will sing the National Anthem at a Bowie Baysox game. Student art work is entered into many local art shows throughout the year as well as being displayed in our hallways.
Technology is an integral part of the instructional program. Students conduct the televised morning announcements in the roles of anchor and camera operator. In weekly trips to the 30-station computer lab, students learn to use a wide variety of software programs. Through the use of this technology students gain skills that are so important in our society today. The school utilizes several SmartBoards, Airliners and Smart Response systems for educational use and every classrom is also equipped with a document camera. The annual Trek for Tech 5K Fun Run continues to raise funds for additional technology. Watch for information on this fun activity in the spring.
Our reading incentive program, "Reading Adventure," encourages and recognizes students who select reading as a recreational activity. In addition, each class is matched to another grade level class to be reading buddies. The school counselor presents lessons on student safety, bullying, learning styles and developing positive interpersonal relationship skills. Students participate in a variety of field trip experiences including trips to Arlington Echo and Camp Woodlands outdoor education centers to extend classroom learning. Throughout the year students also have the opportunity to see a variety of cultural arts programs. The PTA also provides before and after school activities for students. Clubs include Chess, Knitting, Girl Scouts and Mighty Milers.
In our effort to continue to provide a safe and orderly learning environment where high achievement is the focus, we use the Cooperative Discipline Program. In the beginning of the year each class develops its own Code of Conduct. This code is used to help students develop a sense of responsibility for their own behavior. Our "PAW: Positive Actions Work" initiative positively reinforces and recognizes the desired behaviors.
To further enrich the instructional program, the school works with several community organizations. We are part of the Chesapeake Connections Program. In the past we have used grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to improve the school yard by planting gardens filled with native plants, creating a meadow to eliminate run-off from the playground. We are raising baby terrapins and eels which will be released back into the Bay. Students grow bay grasses and plant them in the local waters surrounding the school. St. Johns College students and Naval Academy midshipmen volunteer at the school weekly. We are also working on developing additional business partnerships. Our new partnership with the National Wildlife Federation afforded us the opportunity to become an Eco School. We received a $500.00 grant from the Wrigley Coprporation fo our "Litterless Campaign." Students planned and implemented teh whole program.
West Annapolis Elementary is an exciting, busy place. Teachers, school staff, and parents work together to help students become competent learners, readers, writers, speakers, creative thinkers, mathematicians, scientists, environmentalists, problem solvers and to respect and care for one another. Each day is a new learning adventure.
~~Christine Stockett (retired as of 1/13/12)
Principal (former),
West Annapolis Elementary School
