Lower Allen Elementary School is located in Lower Allen Township, near Allen Middle School. It is the sister school of Rossmoyne Elementary, a short ride away. As such, it serves students in kindergarten through second grade. Children continue their education at Rossmoyne Elementary, Allen Middle School and Cedar Cliff High School. Students attending Lower Allen both walk and ride buses to and from school.
The school averages three classes of each grade level with an enrollment of approximately 200 students. The small number of classes allows staff, students, and parents to view everyone as “part of the family” and it is not unusual for staff to know the names and something about almost every student. The majority of professional staff holds advanced degrees or are currently enrolled in graduate programs, and each staff member attends a minimum of 30 hours per year of staff development activities.
All students receive instruction in art, library, music, and physical education at least once per cycle. Computer skills are integrated in all subject areas using laptop computers. There is a reading specialist who works with all students in need as the emphasis in the school is on building early literacy and math skills. English as a Second Language classes are offered for any students who demonstrate that need. Students are very proud of their skills and enjoy showing them off by reading to anyone who has a moment to spare. The hallways are constantly filled with student writing, art work, and math projects. Reading and math are integrated into the social studies and science areas.
Second graders at Lower Allen have developed a special relationship with the Special Olympics, held annually at Messiah College. The students made over 3,000 sandwiches in April of 2013 for the participants and volunteers and then served them on the day of the event.
Parent volunteers and participation is welcomed as well as encouraged. Lower Allen is a small school with a very large heart and a dedication to doing whatever it takes to be sure that every child is successful.
Rossmoyne Elementary School, nestled on a hill above the Rossmoyne Industrial Park, is the sister school for Lower Allen Elementary. It serves students who are in the third through fifth grades with an enrollment of approximately 200 students. Children continue their education at Allen Middle School and Cedar Cliff High School. The outdoor setting includes soccer and ball fields as well as a covered area with picnic tables where classes may go to do an outdoor project or just relax at recess time.
With an average of three classes at each grade level, Rossmoyne is a fairly small building with access to all of the curricular areas afforded larger buildings. Music, art, physical education, and library are offered every cycle to all students. Computer skills are integrated into all subject areas using laptop computers shared by students. There is a reading specialist who works with all students in need through the Federal Title 1 program, and English as a Second Language classes are offered for any students who demonstrate that need. In addition, there are instrumental and string lessons for students in grades four and five as well as an orchestra and a band. All fifth graders participate in chorus. The majority of professional staff holds advanced degrees or are currently enrolled in graduate programs, and each staff member attends a minimum of 30 hours per year of staff development activities.
Students at Rossmoyne are serious about their studies and demonstrate this through the excellent scores they receive on the PSSA tests. Each student spends the day working on his/her instructional level as well as being stretched to a higher level of learning.
There are many opportunities for students to participate in activities, both during the day and after school. In addition to the music activities during the day, students have opportunities to participate in the District Academic Bowl as well as various after school clubs and activities. The clubs are both PTO and District initiatives and range from such activities as extra math and reading initiatives as well as wellness/health activities.
An annual Science Fair during Open House in the spring gives students the opportunity to explore the scientific method and their own interests and then share them with others. There is a very active Student Council, with two representatives from each classroom as well as elected fifth grade officers. This past year, Student Council sponsored spirit days, several events to benefit charitable organizations, and numerous service oriented projects.
Parent volunteers and participation is welcomed as well as encouraged. Students at Rossmoyne are caring and supportive of each other. They are a diverse group of children who have in common a desire to learn all they can and to help to make the world in which they live a better place.
The students at both Lower Allen and Rossmoyne are supported by a very active PTO. This group has purchased library books, technology equipment, curricular materials, and playground equipment to supplement the District curriculum and sponsors after school clubs at Rossmoyne. Assemblies are scheduled to enhance the curriculum and expose students to new ideas and field trips are provided to offer the classes opportunities for learning off campus as well. And numerous family events are held throughout the year, including the fall picnic, bingo, movie night, make and take craft night, and the spring fair. On any given day, parents may be found in both buildings volunteering their time through Junior Achievement, KidWriting and various other classroom initiatives. Students, parents, and staff work together to better the education of each child.
