Dear Families,

I would like to welcome everyone back to the 2012-2013 school year!  As you know, Lower Southampton Elementary School is truly a very special place.  Lower South benefits from a long history of strong academic excellence and student centered traditions.  This is made possible through the collaborative partnership between school staff, parents, community members and students.  Encouraging every student to reach his or her full potential is the responsibility of all of us in the Lower South Learning Community.   

The staff of Lower South is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students.  High standards and opportunities for academic and personal growth are the foundation from which we build upon. It is our belief that all students can achieve!

Parents play an integral part in their child’s educational experience.  It is important that you encourage and establish the routine of consistent attendance, homework completion, good sleep habits, and a healthy breakfast.  This will allow your child to be prepared and alert for the school day. 

We will continue to implement the Balanced Literacy Program school wide.  This literacy approach encompasses reading, writing, thinking, speaking and listening for all students. This program provides meaningful instruction to meet all learners’ needs.  In addition, we will continue to implement the prevention curriculum for all grade levels to support the district’s Social and Emotional Learning initiative.  The Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence curricula teaches our children life skills to make good decisions for themselves. Also, Math in Focus, known as Singapore math will be taught in grades K-3 and piloted in a 4th and 5th grade classroom. Math in Focus is a carefully sequenced curriculum that focuses on a visual and balanced approach, numbers and operations, and problem solving using model drawing.  We are confident the Math in Focus program will provide our students with the self advocacy and problem solving skills needed to be successful in and outside of school.

Communication between home and school is a vital component to the success of our children.  The school’s website and Family-Student Handbook have been created to keep you informed and offer supportive services.  Please contact us at 215.809.6350 if we can assist you in any way.

I am delighted to be partnering with a talented staff, supportive parental group and caring community. Together we can create the best learning environment for the students of Lower South.  With a team effort and supportive working relationship, I am confident we can make our school an even better place for our students to learn and grow.

Sincerely,

Beth A. Fox