Elementary Schools

This page contains information about all the elementary schools. To connect to each school, go to the Internet Links page. AIKEN The mission of Mary Louise Aiken School is to ensure that each child develops skills, knowledge, and a shared set of values, as a foundation for life-long learning, responsible citizenship and the realization of individual potential, through a rigorous curriculum, outstanding teaching, and an enthusiastic and involved parent community. Kathleen Rotchford-McKay Principal ARTS FACULTY Mrs. Carol Cogan - Visual Arts Mr. Daniel Green - Instrumental Music Mrs. Marilyn Krentzman - Instrumental Music Mr. Tony Rinaudo - Instrumental Music Mr. Dominic Mobilia - Vocal Music BRAEBURN Braeburn was originally constructed in 1955. Three building projects, the first completed in 1988, the second completed in 1996, and the third completed in 2000 added much needed space to the building, bringing the school to its present size. Braeburn has twenty classrooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, a computer lab, a media center and instructional space for support personnel. The school is located in a residential area of West Hartford, amid rolling hills and beautiful fields. Indeed, the word brae is a Scottish term meaning a steep, a slope, or a hillside. Braeburn supports a complete educational program with an emphasis on core academics, fine and performing arts and physical education. The support programs include a resource program, a learning center program, and services from the school psychologist, the social worker, the speech pathologist and the school nurse. All of the children have opportunities to extend their learning through coordinated field experiences, guest speakers and artists, demonstrations and assemblies. We take pride in the grade level sharing, a time when children at each grade level demonstrate their understanding of a focused area of study. The Braeburn art show, concerts and assemblies highlight work by our accomplished students. Natalie Simpson Principal ARTS FACULTY Mrs. Mary DiPaula-Davis - Vocal Music Ms. Lindsay Townsend - Visual Arts Ms. Liz Schott - Visual Arts Ms. Amanda Leon-Guerrero - Instrumental Music Mrs. Meredith M. Napolitano - Vocal Music BUGBEE Opened in 1950, Lloyd H. Bugbee Elementary School is located on 17 acres of rolling, wooded land. Currently a total of 361 students attend in grades kindergarten through five. Excited about its dynamic curriculum and programs that emphasize academic achievement and enhance critical thinking skills, Bugbee employs Howard Gardner's model of thinking, Multiple Intelligences, as its school theme. Grade levels produce school-wide performances . Bushnell Discovery Concerts and Literature Programs help develop arts appreciation. Our first grade students study famous artists, composers and Shakespeare. Multi-age, hands-on activities take place using the Bugbee woods. An Artist-in-Residence program fosters creativity and problem-solving. Responsible behavior is developed through the use of the Responsive Classroom and Don't Laugh at Me programs. We are proud of our school community that works together to provide a nurturing yet stimulating environment that enables students to become life-long learners and responsible citizens. Mrs. Peg Beecher Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Sydney Kenna - Visual Arts Ms. Amanda Leon-Guerrero - Instrumental Music Ms. Lauren Gallo - Instrumental Music Miss Heather L. Schweiger - Vocal Music CHARTER OAK ACADEMY OF GLOBAL STUDIES As the heart of a community of children, families and educators that embraces its diversity and is committed to academic excellence, the Charter Oak Academy of Global Studies will ensure that all students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their highest potential and become responsible, respectful, caring members of a global society. As a magnet school we will accomplish this by establishing high expectations, integrating gifted and talented strategies for all students, immersing students in other cultures and promoting home, school and community partnerships. Ms. Mary Thompson Principal ARTS FACULTY Mrs. Penelope Drown - Visual Arts Mr. Andrew Hopko - Instrumental Music Ms. Lauren Bilello - Instrumental Music Ms. Calida Jones - PreK Suzuki Violin Mrs. Melissa Zych - Vocal Music DUFFY The mission of Louise Duffy School, as a community with a strong belief in the unlimited potential of every child, is to develop confident, responsible, respectful, and compassionate students who are academically well-prepared, physically fit, and emotionally healthy to journey into the 21st century. To accomplish this, we will ensure high individual achievement, develop critical thinking skills, foster creativity, and celebrate personal uniqueness. Kathleen Tracy Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Liz Schott - Visual Arts Mrs. Kelly Smurthwaite - Visual Arts Ms. Lauren Gallo - Vocal Music Mrs. Marilyn Holcomb - Vocal Music Mr. David Thomas - Instrumental Music MORLEY Morley School holds the distinction of being named after a local resident and renowned scientist, Edward W. Morley who spent many happy childhood days playing on his farm in West Hartford during the 1840’s-1850. This school, the oldest school building still in use in West Hartford was erected in 1927. The decision to name the school after Mr. Morley was due to his involvement with the fascinating research on movement and light that eventually brought him acclaim as Albert Einstein utilized his work for his theory of relativity. Realizing what hard work and determination can bring, we are proud to continue this thirst for knowledge and discovery as we lead our children into the 2005-2006 school year! Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Ph.D. Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Deta Reid - Visual Arts Mrs. Cheryl A. Tierney - Vocal Music Mr. Cliff Schofer - Instrumental Music Ms. Lauren Bilello - Instrumental Music NORFELDT Welcome to The Eric G. Norfeldt Classical Magnet School. The Norfeldt Community is firmly committed to the West Hartford Public Schools belief in "excellence without exception." Our mission statement reads: In pursuit of excellence, the mission of the Eric G. Norfeldt Classical Magnet School, focusing on learning that is timeless and of lasting significance, is to ensure that each student masters the knowledge and skills of the West Hartford Essential Curriculum and our classical objectives, in an environment that values the uniqueness of the individual and the diversity of its school family, fosters respect and responsibility for self and others, and promotes and nurtures lifelong learning through a rigorous curriculum enhanced by foreign language, classical literature, art, and music in partnership with teachers, families, staff and community. We are fortunate to be part of a vibrant collaborative effort that celebrates hard work, gentle caring, and individual and collective excellence every single day. Caryn Joyce Falvey Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Liz Schott - Visual Arts Ms. Sydney Kenna - Visual Arts Ms. Kimberly A. Monahan - Visual Arts Mr. Tony Rinaudo - Instrumental and Vocal Music Ms. Mary DiPaulo-Davis - Vocal Music Mrs. Brenda Worth - Vocal Music SMITH At Smith School, students learn to think logically and to explore the scientific and mathematical aspects of their world using technology as an essential tool to solve problems. Technology is an integral part of all instruction and is available to all students as they apply skills and strategies presented in their classes. Media center resources and instruction support the use of technology and enrich the offerings for classroom instruction. A certified science teacher works with the students in a science discovery lab to provide hands on, authentic science experiences. As part of the science instruction, the children utilize the scientific method and scientific tools to uncover scientific principles and concepts. Field experiences support the math and science curriculum, linking classroom instruction with real world experiences. Mathematics instruction emphasizes a conceptual understanding of mathematical principles, fluency with numbers, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve meaningful problems. Specialized instruction in mathematics allow for co-teaching and small group math experimentation; the math support program focuses on math discourse and encourages the discovery of mathematical concepts. A full day preschool program is offered for Smith students. Respect and responsibility are key components of the curriculum at every grade level. Students have opportunities for extended day enrichment and after school tutorial program. At Smith School, students learn to think logically and to explore the scientific and mathematical aspects of their world using technology as an essential tool to solve problems. Mrs. Delores Bolton Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Nancy Barton - Visual Arts Ms. Calida Jones - PreK Suzuki Violin Mr. Stephen Clink - Instrumental Music Mrs. Rebecca Saraceno - Vocal Music Mrs. Alan Smith - Instrumental Music WEBSTER HILL The mission of the Webster Hill Elementary School, as the unifying body of a diverse community committed to academic excellence and the successful development of every child, is to ensure that each student will build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, will demonstrate the ability to think independently, creatively and critically, develop mutual respect and individual self-worth by providing a challenging, safe and nurturing environment that is the shared responsibility of staff, students, families and community. Jeff Wallowitz Principal ARTS FACULTY Mrs. Lorna Rae Boehm - Visual Arts Ms. Mary DiPaulo-Davis - Vocal Music Mr. Daniel Green - Instrumental Music Ms. Karen Howard - Vocal Music WHITING LANE The mission of the Whiting Lane School, as a diverse community enriched by the Early Learning Center and Special Needs programs, is to ensure that all students acquire the academic, physical, social, and emotional foundations necessary to become respectful, responsible citizens and lifelong learners. While forging a strong home, school, and community collaboration, we will promote academic excellence, build critical thinking skills, inspire creativity, and value the unique potential of every child. Dr. Nancy DePalma Principal ARTS FACULTY Mrs. Jennifer Wolff-Hopkinson - Visual Arts Ms. Liz Schott - Visual Arts Mr. Alan Smith - Instrumental Music Ms. Sarah Chasse - Vocal Music WOLCOTT The mission of Wolcott Elementary School, as a Higher Order Thinking School with a rigorous educational program, is to ensure every child will achieve a high standard of academic excellence through an integrated approach using arts, academics, and democracy in a safe, structured, and positive learning environment for children. At Wolcott School, all children are unique, important, respected, and have the potential to learn. The partnership of children, staff and parents is focused on a child centered approach. We believe the best way to deliver academics is through effective teaching techniques and integrated, activity based instruction. This leads to the development of critical thinking skills that promote life-long learning. Children are encouraged to respond to interests beyond themselves, including the community and the world. Wolcott will foster an atmosphere of attainable success which encourages risk-taking and the freedom to make mistakes. Our school will assist children to develop mutual respect and sensitivity to the needs of others. In a partnership of school, family and community, emphasis will be placed on the whole child and the development of mind and character. With basic skills and experiences as building blocks, a balanced curriculum will include the integration of academics, arts, democracy, technology, and life skills. Dr. Plato Karafelis Principal ARTS FACULTY Ms. Katie Knight - Visual Arts Ms. Liz Schott - Visual Arts Ms. Brigid Kennedy - Visual Arts Ms. Lauren Gallo - Vocal Music Mr. Robert I. Hugh - Vocal Music Mr. Andrew F. Mayo - Instrumental Music