OVERVIEW

Clayton Huey Elementary School is located on the Main Street of town and serves approximately 700 students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. The school population is ethnically diverse, (77% Caucasian, 10% African American, 4% Hispanic and 9% other), and includes Native Americans residing on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic.

The school district spends $12,000 per student (statewide average is $9,200), and 18% of the pupils are eligible for free lunch. In the elementary school, class size averages 22 students per class. There are 49 teachers and 19 paraprofessional staff members, in addition to the Dean of Students and the building principal.

The ties between the Center Moriches community are extremely strong, backed by a long tradition of sharing. The school buildings and grounds are used for scouting, Moriches Youth Organization, Little League, and many other groups. The PTA is very active and provides strong support with cultural, recreational, and academic projects.

The Chamber of Commerce and the school support each other with community events and holiday activities that have become an integral part of town tradition. Additionally, there are programs from the Public Library, Fire Department, and local conservation and historical societies that enhance the school curriculum. Demographic stability, visible and effective community ties, and a long tradition of strong parent/community support are clearly evident at Clayton Huey Elementary School. They provide a positive influence and strong base for continued growth in this school.

PROGRAM

Clayton Huey is a model school for the Literacy Collaborative Initiative which is a broad-based cooperative effort designed to improve reading, writing and language instruction in elementary schools. The Literacy Collaborative provides long-term professional development and systemic support for teachers as they take on new instructional approaches and expand their skills. Our school has supported training for a Primary (K-2) and Intermediate (3-6) Literacy Coordinator who are responsible for training and coaching all classroom teachers. Classrooms have extensive libraries of leveled books to accommodate children reading at all levels, beautifully illustrated children's literature, informational books, poetry and references. Phonics instruction is incorporated into a curriculum designed to provide all students with rich reading, writing, listening and speaking experiences in real-life contexts. Safety nets are provided, including one-to-one tutoring (Reading Recovery) for first graders as well as other extra help at various grade levels. There is a parent outreach program that includes books for students to take home to read and keep.

Clayton Huey as a model school has received many visitors over the past three years who are interested in replicating our successful implementation of the Literacy Collaborative Initiative.

The Mathematics program beginning in Kindergarten involves extensive use of manipulatives and moves toward the integration of Math, Science and Technology in the upper grades so that all students can meet the New York State Standards. In Grade 6 beginning in the 2001-02 school year, an Accelerated Math Program will be introduced to challenge students who meet extensive selection criteria.

Science is also addressed beginning with hands-on experiences using Science Kits and supplementing those experiences when appropriate with a text and Internet resources as students move through the grades.

Social Studies instruction in the primary grades follows State Guidelines and is often the context for reading and writing as part of Language Arts instruction. Beginning in Grade 3 with a rich literature based Social Studies Program, students are held more accountable for Social Studies content and begin to understand basic concepts and interrelationships among content areas.

Instruction in all content areas helps prepare all students to meet the New York State Standards and to be successful on all State Assessments.

CLAYTON HUEY RECOGNIZES FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Fire Prevention Week was recognized by students beginning October 7, 2001. The highlight of the week was an October 9, 2001 school-wide assembly, when members of the Center Moriches Fire Department visited the school to distribute awards, allow students to inspect the various fire vehicles, and learn life-saving lessons on home safety and fire prevention.

The school assembly began with a student from each class in the building being recognized and awarded a trophy for winning a fire prevention poster contest, which was sponsored by the Center Moriches Fire Department. After this brief ceremony, students went outside to inspect the fire trucks, climb up on them, and were given the chance to ring the bell. Later, and also outside, students were shown a lesson on kitchen safety. Firefighters, in a simulated kitchen scenario, demonstrated to students what to do in case a fire started in the kitchen of the house. Firefighters also pointed out what not do given such a scenario. Thanks to the volunteers of the Center Moriches Fire Department, the day was a great success with students and staff learning invaluable lessons on fire safety and prevention.

SPECIAL SUBJECT AREAS

The Art Program is designed to foster individual creativity and self-expression while helping students to acquire art skills and appreciation, through the introduction of artists, art history, and movement in art. The New York State Art Curriculum is used as a guide for each grade level. All grades are expected to work in as may mediums as possible including paint, paper, clay, and crafts.

Computers at Huey: The goals of the computer program are to enable all students to become proficient at word processing, desktop publishing and doing research on the Internet. In addition to the experiences in the Computer Lab, all classrooms are equipped with three computers and a printer. Intensive in-service training will enable teachers to achieve a seamless integration of technology into the curriculum.

Library Media Center Program: The goal of the Library Media Center Program is to provide access to information and ideas for students and staff. The library program consists of planned activities and services that assist students and staff in interacting with resources to facilitate teaching and learning. Examples of library skills children learn are writing a bibliography, using indexes and reference books, literature appreciation, and finding resources. The emphasis is on helping students to become life-long library users, for both academic fulfillment and personal pleasure.

Music: The grade 1-6 music program provides basic music education while encouraging the love and appreciation for a wide range of musical styles. In grade 1, children begin to read music; this continues with keyboard instruction from grades 3-6. Solfeggio and sightsinging are primary sources of a music foundation for all children.

Band and Chorus: Beginning in Grade 4 students may participate in Band and Chorus. Instrumental music lessons also begin at this time. Clayton Huey has a Junior Band of approximately 50 beginning students and a Senior Band of approximately 70. The Chorus is composed of 130 students in Grades 4-6. We also have a Choral Ensemble composed of upper-grade students with particular vocal talent. There are two performances each year - our Holiday Concert and Spring Concert. Our elementary music program provides an outstanding foundation for students continuing with music into Grade 7.

Physical Education: The Physical Education program is designed to help students develop lifelong habits for healthy living. The program's goals are to :

• promote physical growth and development
• develop skill levels to increase proficiency in loco-motor movements
• develop proper conduct
• nurture attitudes of fair play and sportsmanship
• enrich the base of knowledge by teaching rules of games that will enable participation in lifelong community activities as both player and spectator
• encourage individuals to reach and maintain their fullest potential throughout their lifetime.

  INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

  Clayton Huey is a diverse school community with a wide range of special services that promote student learning and support students with special needs. We believe every student has the potential for success, with appropriate support.

  IST (The Instructional Support Team) is a group of teachers who meet on a regular basis to help colleagues find different approaches for students who are struggling in the classroom. By brainstorming ideas, teachers frequently find instructional strategies that they may not have tried out in the past which are successful for individual students.

  Academic Intervention Services (AIS) In response to the State Mandate to provide Academic Intervention Services in Reading and Math at all grade levels and Science and Social Studies beginning in Grade 4, Clayton Huey has designated four teachers to serve in that role.

  The School Psychologists evaluate students suspected of having serious learning difficulties. They provide psychological counseling for students with emotional concerns, crisis intervention to students in immediate need, and non-mandated counseling for students dealing with specific conditions(i.e. divorce, etc.). They consult with classroom teachers as well as parents, and act as a liaison between community agencies and the school to ensure comprehensive services.

  The Resource Room Program provides children with support in their mainstream curriculum, and strategies to help compensate for learning disabilities.

  Occupational Therapy supports students who require help in the areas of fine motor development, perceptual weaknesses and organizational skills.

  Speech/Language Program offers remediation of students' receptive and expressive language, semantics, syntax, and/or articulation, where student communication interferes with academic success.

  The role of the School Nurse is to perform and coordinate vision, hearing, scoliosis screenings, physical examinations, and refer any health problems to parents (with follow up to ensure care was received). The school nurse must ensure that all students have the required immunizations, referring students to outside agencies, where necessary. Most students know the nurse as the person who provides or obtains first aid and/or emergency care for any member of the school community who becomes sick or injured during the school day.

  ESL (English as a Second Language) is a pullout program with an integrated literacy philosophy. Students are classified as beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Reading and content area instruction are embedded within a lesson.

  STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

  Clayton Huey Elementary School provides students with a rich learning environment, including curriculum-enhancing activities to enable the children to maximize their learning potential. To create a total learning environment, all teachers design yearly events and field trips, which enrich their specific grade level curriculum.

  Fall is a busy season at Clayton Huey Elementary. The students enjoy an ongoing educational relationship with the Center Moriches Fire Department. To celebrate Fire Prevention Month, children have a long-standing tradition of participating in the annual Fire Prevention Assembly presented by the Fire Department. This assembly follows a month of educational fire prevention activities in our school. To enhance the Social Studies curriculum, second graders visit the local fire department where they experience an exciting hands-on demonstration of authentic fire equipment.

  Another autumn tradition at Clayton Huey is the colorful Halloween window painting in our town by the Sixth Grade Art Club. Students put their creative abilities to work by painting many of the local storefronts, which are then enjoyed by all town residents. Teachers encourage community member participation in several activities during the Fall season. First graders celebrate Halloween by dressing up in costumes and marching in the Annual Parade through town. Many community members line the streets to cheer on the young ghosts and goblins. In the evening, the PTA coordinates parties for every grade level.

  Winter brings an array of special activities including the Winter Concert, a community Tree Trimming in partnership with the Suffolk County National Bank, window painting in town businesses, our WARM Program (an author visit and book signing), and Prime Time (a breakfast with books). As a school community, we reach out to others through our participation in the Toys for Tots Program. The Holiday Boutique conducted by our PTA helps children learn to be givers and also provides real practice in handling money.

  Spring focuses attention on keeping our earth healthy. We have special Earth Day activities, as well as an Ecology Club clean up. The Spring Concert and Art Show are not-to-be-missed events. Students especially enjoy our annual Field Day. Science takes center stage during the Science Fair, and there is time for special acknowledgments during the Principal's List Trip.

  Students have the opportunity to develop their leadership and/or artistic skills through participation in one of the Clayton Huey clubs, which include Art Club, Safety Patrol, Student Council, Book Store, Ecology Club and Technology Club.

  SOME OF OUR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

  A Grade 7 Transition Program is provided by a High School Guidance Counselor once weekly for Sixth graders. Sixth graders are prepared for the transition to High School, with a specific focus on improving organization and decision making skills, increasing self-awareness, and improving peer interaction and conflict resolution skills.

  D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is an innovative program designed to prevent substance abuse through education. It is available to all Sixth Graders and culminates in a graduation ceremony with many area legislators in attendance.

  S.T.A.R.E. (Stop Anti-Semitism and Racism Everywhere) is a six-lesson bias reduction curriculum for Fourth Grade Students. The purpose is to make our students aware of cultural diversity, prejudice and discrimination.

  The Clayton Huey Academic Mentoring Program (CHAMP) takes place from 2:35 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. Attendance is taken, snacks provided and small group activities including Art, Gym, Computers and homework fill the afternoons.

  PARTNERSHIPS

  Our elementary school is involved with a number of community organizations, including:

• Center Moriches PTA
• Center Moriches Free Public Library
• Chamber of Commerce
• The Lion's Club of Center Moriches
• Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts of Center Moriches
• Pa-Qua-Tuck Squaws
• Cedar Lodge Nursing Home
• Center Moriches Fire Department
• Rotary Club of Center Moriches
• Various Church Youth Groups
• Historical Society of Center Moriches (Ketchum Inn)

  These organizations provide the children of our elementary school with many enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom environment. They strive to offer a helping hand in the areas of education, social, cultural and recreational programs that can enhance the curriculum at Clayton Huey Elementary School

  While we enjoy a relationship with these various organizations, we are always looking to strengthen our communications and connections with all community groups. We know that our community partners are ready and willing to have us articulate our needs so that these organizations can better serve the staff and students.