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Principal’s Message
Sampson G. Smith School is an upper elementary school serving children in grades 5-6. It offers a comprehensive academic program and core curriculum. The school has a staff of approximately 130, including teachers in music, art, drama, dance, and gymnastics. Cooperative learning, in-class resource, and arts infusion are incorporated with traditional teaching methods. Students receive instruction in creative movement, and computers and technology, as well as the more traditional offerings in the visual arts, vocal and instrumental music. Several arts showcases and concerts are presented each year. Programs merge many of the performing arts groups into curriculum related productions. The enriched curriculum is also augmented by a wide variety of guest artists.
Sampson G. Smith has a state-of-the-art science lab to embrace the academic demands of the new millennium. The facility features the highest caliber of safety and innovative apparatus. Students in the Sampson G. Smith’s Gifted and Talented Literacy Program explore areas of literacy analysis, public speaking, creative writing, and leadership training. Participants are selected using test scores and teacher recommendations. The math/tech component explores areas of transportation, aviation, and real world geometry, menu math exploring decimals and fractions and architecture.
The Early Act Club (Rotary International)
is a unique concept in citizenship development.
Areas of service include community, international, vocational, and club
activities. Students represent their
homerooms as delegates to the club. Odyssey
of the Mind is a new and exciting activity in which our students are able to
compete with other schools in creative thinking and problem solving. This past school year the SGS Team qualified
to participate in the world finals at
The school offers an especially creative approach to ESL/Bilingual learning. Language development is emphasized by teaching grade-level topics, development of academic language skills, and the delivery of explicit instruction in learning strategies for both content and language acquisition. In the ESL/Bilingual classroom children’s languages, cultures and values are acknowledged and respected. Two computer labs, a media center, and two basic skills computer rooms provide students with the finest technology instruction. State-of-the-art Dell computers are connected to the district’s high-speed network, allowing for internet access for research and enrichment. Digital cameras, a scanner, and multimedia projectors are available for students and staff. In addition to computer education, Technology Education classes are offered. Technology classes integrate math, science, social studies, language arts and art with traditional Industrial Arts curriculum in conjunction with hands-on problem solving activities.
Media specialists combine instruction in library science and research skills with literature appreciation activities. Research projects at the sixth grade level require use of both print and electronic resources. The Internet is used at every grade level to explore the parameters of specific research problems. Students at Sampson receive comprehensive vocal music instruction based on the Kodaly System of music education, including sequential development of reading, writing, composing, and performing skills, supported by melodic and percussive Orchestra instruments, Choral, band, and orchestral instruction is available, and some students may also participate in choral and instrumental Gifted and Talented ensembles. A Drama Production is presented annually. Staff and parents assist with the production. Audiences each year have enjoyed such productions as Annie Jr., and Cinderella. Students participate in Creative Movement classes. Enrichment programs include the study of jazz dance and apprentice groups. Outstanding dance students are invited to participate in the SGS Dance Troupe.
SGS follows the state guidelines of Discipline-Based Art Education. Art production is taught in a wide variety of media as well as emphasizing aesthetics, art history, and criticism. The Physical Education program is designed to be an introduction to fitness for life. The course includes physical education and health related activities and tasks, which are presented in a developmental sequence to attain success, skill and cognitive learning. Proudly, SGS students have been recipients of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Students who participated in the Math League Contest, National Language Arts Olympiad, and National Science Olympiad have placed in the 20th percentile in the nation. Several students have won the recognition of placing in the top ten on the state level. Sampson G. Smith is enhanced by the services of two full-time school counselors who offer students character education through the classroom setting. Peer mediation is offered to help students resolve conflicts. An active PTSO assist the administration and staff to plan student activities, assist in fund raising activities, develop school level plans, and establish student performance objectives. A newly established NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has been established to discover and create new opportunities for the school environment and academic achievements.