Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! It is a privilege to be serving as the principal of Chester Elementary School. We strive to promote academic excellence, to foster a desire for life-long learning and to develop responsible individuals.

We are the only elementary school in the town of Chester, Connecticut serving 263 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Our building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. We deliver a comprehensive language arts program and a math program that incorporates the Common Core Curricular Standards (CCCS). Our students also participate in a specials program which includes Music, Art, Physical Education, Spanish and Library. Chester Elementary School’s social development program teaches students how to be respectful, responsible, safe and prepared.

We pride ourselves on being responsive to the varying academic needs of our students. We implement a thorough early intervention program where student progress is monitored monthly by teachers and administration. Our special education program is tailored to meet the needs of identified students, while providing service in the least restrictive, inclusive environment so that co-teaching may occur in classrooms.

We are excited to offer extra enrichment opportunities to our students in grades one through six. Each week, students participate in enrichment clusters, or “academies,” which bring students from multiple grades together to work with adults who offer knowledge in that area. The academies incorporate knowledge utilization, thinking skills, and interpersonal relations that take place in the real world. We also offer a Talented and Gifted program for students in grade six.

At Chester Elementary School, we are committed to effective communication with our parents and the community. Home/school communication is a very important part of our school improvement process. We believe that fostering a strong partnership between teachers and parents positively affects student achievement. Our school is fortunate to have a very supportive Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that raises funds to help provide a broader range of opportunities for our students.

A number of school activities and events are offered at Chester Elementary School. They help focus on the whole child and provide opportunities for them to express their voices and uncover their unique talents:
Activities
· Schoolwide Enrichment Academies
· Monthly Town Meetings
· Peer Advisory Program
· Chorus
· Jazz Band
· Project Adventure
· Spanish Dance
· Editorial & Art Boards
· Morning Broadcast
· Spirit Days
· Service Learning Projects
· Homework Club
· After School Activities
· Mentor Program
· Buddy Classes
Events
· Band & Chorus Concerts
· Invention Convention/Science Fair
· Art Show
· D.A.R.E.
· Social Development Day
· Kindergarten and New Family Welcome
· Social Development Family Night
· Cultural Arts Programs & Art Residencies
· Field Trips
· Field Day at Camp Hazen
· Sixth Grade Night
· Ecological Overnight Camp Out in Grade 6
· Arbor Day & Earth Day Programs
· Talent Show
· ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously)

I value the community’s feedback and welcome questions and comments (mbarile@chester.k12.ct.us or (860) 526-5797).

Your partner in education,
Michael K. Barile
Principal