Welcome to Springhurst Elementary School,

It is hard to believe that a new decade is almost upon us, but it is exciting to approach this milestone together.  As we embark on the 2019-2020 school year, I am certain that amazing learning experiences and many memorable moments await us, and I look forward to sharing them with you.

To kick off the school year, Assistant Principal Cavallo and I have created a video that reflects one of our most deeply held beliefs about education and Springhurst Elementary School that we hope you and your children will enjoy.  In this video, we read aloud a wonderful book titled All Are Welcome by Alexander Penfold.  The message in this book applies perfectly to the environment that we are committed to fostering at Springhurst.  As the book says, “We’re part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here.”  We hope that you will enjoy our video and support us as we work to ensure that all members of the Springhurst community help fulfill this message.

At Springhurst, we are committed to teaching the whole child. We offer not only a strong academic foundation, but a rich social and emotional experience as well.  The vision of the Dobbs Ferry School District, “Independent Thinkers Prepared to Change the World,” informs our teaching and culture as we strive to develop independent, curious, and open-minded learners. We want students to think critically, work collaboratively, act ethically and become knowledgeable about the world around them.  We do this in a variety of ways.

Within the classrooms, our teachers continue to adopt new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, providing a rich and vibrant educational experience for all students.  This year, students in third grade will approach  science in a new way as we become fully aligned to the new state science standards (now with each grade K-3).  The remaining grades at Springhurst will transition to the new state science standards as well with each subsequent year.  Our science program is highly engaging and continues to be a hands-on, constructivist approach to learning.  Sustainability work at Springhurst also continues to grow as we have  made enhancements to our Compost Kids programming this year to include more students in the younger grades.

Social Emotional Learning is another key focal point at Springhurst.  This year we are welcoming a new school counselor (Ms. Christina Del Pilar), expanding our mindfulness practices K-5, reinvigorating our school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, and unveiling a Sensory Path in one of our hallways!

We are proud to have a number of incredible special programs at Springhurst including music, arts, athletics, technology, library, and a variety of enriching extra-curricular offerings such as Math Olympiad, School Newspaper, Harmonaires Chorus, Destination Imagination, Student Government, Digital Media, Ecology, ELA and Math Academies & springtime Enrichment Clusters.

Springhurst is a special place. Our goal is to inspire and challenge students so that they are all able to have a positive learning experience.  Our highly-qualified staff is at the ready to help them achieve success, and take advantage of the wonderful resources and opportunities that we offer at the Elementary School.

I look forward to partnering with you to help your children grow and excel throughout the year and for many years to come.

Sincerely,