Washington Heights Elementary School, located in the northeast corner of Cumberland County in the town of Lemoyne, is a student focused community school with a nurturing atmosphere in which all children are encouraged to learn and flourish. There are over 400 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. A before and after-school program is offered on-site through an outside agency.
Washington Heights was constructed in 1999, and includes a library, music room with an instrumental lesson room, state-of-the-art classrooms, full sized gymnasium, and a cafeteria/multipurpose room. There is wireless internet access throughout the school. Students have access to laptop computers on mobile carts and all classrooms have a set of iPads for use in the classroom across the curriculum. There are interactive whiteboards in grades K through 5. The library has an automated card catalog system with over 11,000 volumes containing reference materials, fiction and nonfiction selections, periodicals, DVDs, a professional library, and computers with internet access.
We are proud to have programs in place to ensure successful learning! We are a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support School providing specialized instruction for our students at their specific levels. Washington Heights is also a School Wide Title 1 school. That means that every student qualifies for Title 1 reading and math support when they need it. We are a determined team of educators who work tirelessly to create a positive and successful learning environment for our children.
As with each West Shore School District school, Washington Heights operates on a six-day cycle, which includes classes in art, music, physical education, and library. Students may participate in stringed instrument and/or band instruction beginning in fourth grade. Our 5th graders enjoy participating in our 5th grade chorus. Additionally, students may volunteer for student council sponsored community service projects and school spirit activities. They may also participate in before and after school tutoring, evening family activities, T.E.A.M, and planned PTO activities.
One of the school’s objectives is to create an environment of tolerance and acceptance of all students. The diverse student population, including English Learners (ELs), enables children to understand and appreciate various cultural traditions. Older intermediate pupils may be found reading with younger students or helping them with organizational skills. Life Skills Support, Multi-Disability Support, and Autism Support classes also enhance the student population. Many students enjoy being helpers and buddies to these students, escorting them to classes, having lunch with them, and befriending them at recess.
The professional and support staff meet the criteria to be considered highly-qualified. Annual staff development programs provide opportunities for ongoing professional growth and development emphasizing new educational techniques, strategies, and materials. The staff includes over 35 professionals including reading specialists, special education teachers, an English as a Second Language teacher, an occupational therapist, a school counselor, and a speech and language clinician.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to take part in their child’s educational activities at Washington Heights. Parents volunteer in the classrooms and our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsors programs such as field trips, a student talent show, and multiple activity events.
Washington Heights has a caring and nurturing atmosphere in which the professional and support staff, along with a dynamic PTO, all work together to benefit the children.