LOGAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

LOGAN TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Based on the belief that all children are capable of and entitled to the best available education, Logan Elementary School provides many educational opportunities to allow children to achieve at high levels and affords possibilities for learning both within and beyond the school day.  Logan Elementary School supports excellent teaching and outstanding educational resources.  The Logan Township School District curriculum is rigorous, designed to meet the needs of all students, and is aligned with the New Jersey Curriculum Core Content Standards. Students at all grade levels are instructed using various methods including small group instruction and the workshop model in Literacy and Math classes. In-class support is offered for both general and special education students of need. Strong emphasis is placed on the Balanced Literacy approach. Our mathematics resources include Everyday Math and Math in Focus in grades K-6, Connected Math in Grades 6 & 7 and Glencoe for grades 7 and 8. The district is also committed to educating the whole child. Academic schedules include flex options and rotation specials for students to participate in continuous and daily enrichment opportunities.

Integrating technology into classroom instruction is a priority as we prepare our students for success in the 21^st Century.  All classrooms are equipped with Smartboards. Wireless technology is used throughout the school. Students in grades 2 to 4 have at least 6 laptops and desktops available for in-class use. All students in grades 5 through 8 are issued laptops for in-school use. 

Other areas of excellence include our sixteen years of experience in teaching World Languages to all students in grades K through 8.  Our World Language-certified teachers offer students Spanish in all grade levels and eighth grade students may elect to take a full year of high school level Spanish I or Italian I.

After school programs and clubs provide students with opportunities to participate in drama, board games, athletics, environmental studies, art enrichment, technology, student government, and many other extra-curricular areas.  Math enrichment is offered all year and Language Arts Literacy support is available from January to May.  Activities such as Data Day, Art Day, the Geography Bee, the Girls in Technology Symposium, and the Young Author’s Conference give students opportunities to share their particular talent.

The Logan Township Board of Education remains committed to the Arts.  As a result, Logan Elementary School has strong vocal music, band, and drama programs.  The vocal enthusiasts may participate in organized choir beginning in fourth grade.  Every year there are numerous students who qualify for the All South Jersey Elementary and Middle School Choirs.  Logan also proudly supports the Philadelphia’s Boys Choir with a number of participants each year.  Students more apt in instrumental music have the opportunity to join one of our many bands.  Beginners Band starts in fourth grade where students can progress to Intermediate, Advanced and Jazz Band.  The choirs and bands travel to competitions and festivals to demonstrate their talents and to learn new skills.

When students enter fifth grade they have the opportunity to become part of a select group of students called The Show Stoppers.  Candidates must audition and be willing to practice after school beginning in January where they will have an opportunity to show case their singing, acting, and dancing talents.  Stage crew work also gives students a chance to explore other opportunities related to a quality production including sound, lighting, and construction.  Every year The Show Stoppers perform an annual musical in the spring.  

Another focal point of Logan Township School District is S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.  During the year, students in grades 2 through 8 have S.T.E.M. and technology classes.   Both classes focus on independent thinking, problem solving and creativity by integrating science, technology, engineering and math to design, build and test a device, theory, or product.  In addition, middle school students have an opportunity to take a pre-engineering class.  Here, students work in teams to create a kayak from a blueprint and visual model.  Upon completion, students test their design at a nearby lake. 

Character education is embedded in our curriculum using the Second Step program in grades 2-8 and is supported with our Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program. PBS utilizes a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behaviors.  PBS includes a continuum of strategies for achieving desired social, behavioral and learning outcomes.  The program strives to prevent challenging behaviors and teaches alternatives to those behaviors.  PBS is an effective method for enhancing students’ social-behavioral skills and creating a more positive school climate.

Logan Township School District’s Positive Behavior Support Team collaborated to create district-wide behavior expectations which are:

The expectations are further expanded on in the following environments:

·         Classroom

·         Hallway

·         Bathroom

·         Cafeteria

·         Playground/Recess

·         Arrival/Dismissal

·         Bus

·         Everywhere/All the Time

The district’s commitment to on-going improvement of learning allows teachers four full days of staff development during the school year.  In addition, faculty meetings are held once a month for professional training.  Teachers also have the opportunity to refresh or enhance their professional skills through a series of summer workshops.  An in-house technology trainer is available full time to assist teachers in integrating technology into classroom instruction.  Hands-on, high-tech classroom activities encourage active student engagement in the learning process.

Parent and community support in Logan Elementary School is evident in many areas.  An active Home & School League provides financial support for assemblies, class trips, and special projects for students.  Parent volunteers help out in our Media Center and assist teachers with many classroom projects.  Local businesses and local government assist with science programs and summer school offerings.  The effort of our staff, along with strong community support and involvement, allows Logan Elementary School to provide an education which extends beyond the basics.