Principal’s Page
A Message From Principal Lehn – South Mountain Elementary School and Annex School
A Message From Principal Lehn – South Mountain Elementary School and Annex School
Although the goal of all elementary schools is to level the academic “playing field” for all boys and girls regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, economic status, or disability, the playing fields at South Mountain Elementary/Annex, which are located on the side and top of a mountain, literally are not level. The school’s physical uneven playing surface is reminder of our mission, to serve the needs of all students in all areas of their growth and development.
The students at South Mountain Elementary/Annex are called the “Superstars.” We refer to the Annex students as the “rising Superstars.” They are working their way up to the “Big” school, soon to become “Superstars.” Having attained the status of “Superstars” at South Mountain Elementary, they are described by three adjectives, knowing, growing, and glowing. Knowing, the knowledge they acquire here, growing, always the student, always learning, and glowing, proud of who they are and what they are striving to accomplish, summarize the “Superstar” mindset.
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September 2010
A Message from Our Principal…
South Mountain School is home to enthusiastic and caring teachers and staff who are dedicated to providing a learning environment that engages every single student in important work. It is our goal that every child in the South Mountain Community is happy, considerate of others, and excited about learning. We will do all we can to help each child become an independent thinker and a creative problem solver.
Because we believe that how children learn is as important as what they learn, every day in South Mountain begins with a Morning Meeting. The members of each class community gather to greet each other, listen attentively, and share news. Morning Meeting allows us to start each day as a community of caring and respectful learners. It gives everyone a chance to practice the skills of listening and cooperative interaction that we expect from everyone during the school day.
We believe that we have the responsibility to develop the whole child. We value Art, Music, and Physical Education as essential components of educating our children. We encourage integrating the arts into student learning. Beginning in third grade, our students learn Spanish and our fifth graders have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Every child visits the library each week.
Technology is an important part of our learning community. Every morning our fifth graders broadcast live from our state of the art broadcast studio to the South Mountain community. World news, school news and important information are shared. This limits the number of interruptions to learning during the school day. This year, every third, fourth and fifth grade classroom will have a SMART board. A SMART table has been installed in the Annex. Computers on Wheels are available for technology integration within the classrooms in both buildings.
Our teachers are committed to helping every single child be the best they can be. They celebrate each child’s individuality, understanding how important it is to nurture their strengths, and support their social, emotional and academic growth.
Our teachers understand that if they want to be successful teachers, they must also be learners. Every teacher is committed to developing their knowledge and understanding of the subjects they teach, as well as the best ways to ensure their students master the material and become lifelong learners. As principal, I am committed to supporting our teachers in this work.
Our South Mountain community values a vibrant home school connection. We believe that student achievement is closely linked to families encouraging and supporting their children’s learning, and communicating high, yet reasonable expectations for each child. We welcome parent participation and invite you to become active members of our vibrant PTA, who support us in enriching our school and achieving many hopes and dreams for our children and our school.
South Mountain Elementary School has two campuses. The Annex houses our kindergarteners and first graders; the Big School has two kindergarten classes, and second through fifth grade. While we have two buildings, we are one school, growing and learning together.
Tina Lehn, Principal
tlehn@somsd.k12.nj.us
