Hamilton Elementary School
Brief History
The Hamilton Elementary School was built in 1953 to serve the residents of Hamilton Township, a largely rural area located in the village of Sciota, PA, about nine miles west of Stroudsburg on Business Route 209. Hamilton is one of five K-2 elementary schools in the Stroudsburg Area School District. The school was remodeled in 1961, adding five additional classroom spaces and a multipurpose facility to the building. In the 1995, a $4.5 million expansion doubled the size of Hamilton Elementary adding new art, music and multipurpose rooms as well as eight classrooms. At that time, Hamilton was also made handicapped accessible.
Brief Profile of the Building
The building population has fluctuated over the years due to reorganization of grade levels and movement of boundary lines. The student population at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year was 274. There are six kindergarten classrooms, five first grade classrooms and five second grade classrooms. The average class size is 18. The school is somewhat diverse with 12 percent minority representation, 4 percent of students who qualify for English Language Learning and 21 percent of students from low income families. Special education services are required by 7 percent of our students.
Students are grouped heterogeneously in classrooms. Inclusive practices ensure that all students receive an appropriate educational program within the least restrictive environment. Learning and emotional support teachers and aides support students in the general and special education environments.
The Language Arts program is taught through a balanced literacy approach. This includes shared reading and writing as well as guided and independent reading and writing. The Mathematics curriculum is delivered through the constructivist Investigations program. The Science curriculum is taught through Full Option Science System (FOSS). It is an inquiry-based science program. The Social Studies curriculum is delivered through thematic units.
Reading Recovery, one-on-one daily instruction, is offered to first grade students who perform in the lower 20 percent of the class. Title I remedial services are provided by certified reading specialists to all K-2 students who qualify.
Highlights and Activities
In addition to core academic programs, Hamilton students benefit from physical education, music, art, library/media and guidance services. Students also participate in Random Acts of Kindness, Jump for Heart, a daily, morning “Walking Club”, Career Awareness Day, school-wide monthly meetings to celebrate birthdays and special achievements, Read-a-Thon for first and second grades, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), School Spirit Days, and a PTO sponsored “Talent Show”. A very active parent community provides the school with copious and invaluable volunteer support. The Hamilton PTO sponsors many special days for students including “Hamilton Day”, an annual school fair, Harvest and Holiday Festivals, and “Pop into Reading”.
The Hamilton teachers are dedicated professionals. They provide a positive, supportive climate for students and each other. They are committed to continuous learning and excellence for all members of the school community. Hamilton staff participates in a partnership with East Stroudsburg University’s Professional Development School. Hamilton teachers’ expertise is helping to prepare tomorrow’s educators.