School Profile

Administrators:

Principal: Paul Dutton

Assistant Principal: Kimberly Freccero

Special Education Program Director: Jill Connors

Music Director: Serge Beaulieu (K-12)

Facilities Profile: North School is a 61,052 sq. ft. building consisting of 25 general classrooms, 2 special education classrooms, art space, music space, gymnasium, and a library media center. The school has a playground area and an all-purpose field.  

Learning Environment: North School offers a wide variety of instructional programs designed to meet individual student needs. We provide remedial reading support and enrichment at all grade levels as needs dictate and math enrichment programs at the 4th and 5th grade levels. North School has 9 hours/day of Instructional Assistants who provide primary classroom teachers with the support needed to establish smaller "learning communities" within the classroom. This also allows for flexible grouping practices daily in the areas of Reading and Mathematics. 

Mission Statement: North School’s mission is to provide all our students with the vision, skills, and knowledge necessary to maximize their individual potential. Central to this accomplishment is the collaboration among all shareholders and disciplines so that students can become contributing members of society and appreciate that learning is a life-long process.

Special Programs: We provide many opportunities for students to grow and develop their varied talents, including Gifted and Talented (KEY) Program, Before/After School Program, Honey-Bear Pot Savings Program, National School Library Recognition, Blue Ribbon Volunteer Program, Battle of the Books, and Extra Curricular Activities.

Music: General music classes are provided for all students on a weekly basis. There is an instrumental Band Program for Grade 5, an Orchestra Program, and a Choral Program for students in Grades 4-5. Band and Chorus members participate in a variety of programs including winter and spring concerts, Memorial Day Parade Program, and other special activities. 

Special Education: The Special Education Department offers an array of services designed to meet the specific needs of individual students with disabilities. Referrals to Special Education can be made through the RTI (Response to Interventions) process and by teachers, parent(s), guidance counselors and/or others working with the student.  Eligibility for Special Education is determined through a team process with a review of measurements of academic and functional achievement and cognitive profile, classroom performance, teacher and parent input and a determination of the need for specialized instruction.  If eligibility criteria are met, a case manager is assigned, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is developed, and the supports and services needed by the student are implemented and monitored to ensure successful access to the general curriculum. Placement is determined by the IEP team to ensure programming in the least restrictive environment. 

Guidance/Counseling: There are two school counselors available for our student population when developmental challenges occur, as well as being a support system in dealing with issues from divorce, alcohol and/or drug dependency, death of a loved one, or difficult peer relationships. The counselor’s goal is to help children grow academically while giving support and education related to these issues. Referrals to the guidance department may come from students, parents, and teachers. 

Library Media Program: The Library Media Center provides a comprehensive collection of resources to support the curriculum, to promote an appreciation of reading, and to develop information literacy skills. Additionally, the Library Media Specialist works collaboratively with teachers to develop projects that reinforce these skills.  

Technology Resources: The Information Technology Department strives to create an infrastructure that supports the curriculum and administrative objectives of the Londonderry School District, aiding all students and staff in research, communication, and learning. To do so, Londonderry School District's IT Department strives to maintain a network of updated, modern computer hardware running some of the latest software available on the market. Computers with internet access for instructional use are in the classrooms and in the Library Media Center.  

PE/Athletics: All our students receive weekly PE instruction focusing on fitness, safety, and good sportsmanship.  Fifth grade students participate in a district wide Cross-Country Program, which culminates in a Londonderry Cross Country Race attended by students from the three elementary schools.  Fifth graders also could practice and participate in an elementary track and field event. We also have an extensive intramural program for all grade levels. 

Parent Involvement: North School has a very active Parent/Teacher Association. The PTA facilitates our mission statement by providing a variety of learning and extra-curricular programming. Volunteers are welcome and necessary to support our instructional programs. The PTA meets on the first Wednesday of each month. http://www.northschoolpta.com/ 

Activities: North School students can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including: 

• After School Intramural Program Grades 3-5

• Annual Art Show

• Band Program Grade 5

• Chorus Program Grades 4-5

• Cross Country Team

• Destination Imagination

• Girls on the Run

• Glee Club 3 -5

• IGYB

• Images of Greatness

• Reflections

• Safety Patrol

• Strings Program Grades 4-5

History: North School opened in 1967. In 1991, portable classrooms were added to the building housing seven fourth and fifth grade classrooms, as well as a smaller special curriculum area. In 1997, a beautiful full-size gymnasium and corridor area was added. Our students and the community at large use this facility daily.  In 2005 an expansion renovation project was undertaken, and 11 permanent classrooms replaced the modular ones.  In addition, an expanded parking area, expanded lobby, office area, and nurse’s area were realized, and in the fall of 2006, the project was completed with an expanded library media center, new kitchen equipment and playground facility. A dedication ceremony was held on October 15, 2006.