Kindergarten and first graders at Heights walked together on Wednesday, April 28 to celebrate the special needs of all of the children at Heights School. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month and the Month of the Young Child, teachers and children, lead by the Roslyn High School Marching Band and our Bulldog, and the students in Mrs. Perelmuter’s SOAR class, walked around the block at Heights. When all children reached the field, they sang a song and then assembled a giant puzzle that included a piece from every class at Heights. Throughout the month of April, classroom teachers have been talking with children about "friends who have special needs" in an effort to sensitize our children to the diversity of needs within our district. It is our hope that it is a message they will carry with them throughout their educational experience in Roslyn.
Heights School is an early childhood center in Roslyn serving children in grades pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and grade 1. Class size is approximately 15 in pre-kindergarten and 20-22 in kindergarten. Each classroom is staffed by a teacher and full time teacher's assistant. Support services include our nurse, school psychologist, ESL teacher, district social worker and speech/language clinicians. In addition to regular classroom activities, children receive instruction in physical education, music, computer and library through teachers certified in those particular subject areas. Lunch is an integral part of our program and is carefully supervised by staff.
Heights School curriculum is consistent with current knowledge about how young children learn and develop. Active, experiential learning opportunities are presented in meaningful contexts. The curriculum is integrated, stressing cooperative learning and reflecting the interests and suggestions of children. Study centers, projects and playful activities are highlighted in each classroom. Children are provided with exciting experiences which challenge them to use and develop their thinking skills and to identify and solve problems that interest them. Opportunities are present for children to work in large and small groups as well as individually. Interactive conversations are encouraged and teachers continually seek to extend children's ideas and stimulate their thinking.
At Heights, our goal is to establish in children a sense of academic and social competence. Positive relationships with children are honed through daily contact with school staffing that is kind, fair and helpful. Adults model appropriate behavior, set clear limits and involve children in establishing rules. Expectations are flexible and responsive to individual differences.
Parents are integral partners in their children's education. Communication is frequent and interactions are productive. PTA sponsored activities, parent workshops, parent-teacher conferences and parental participation in classrooms enable parents and school staff to exchange ideas, share expertise and to establish close bonds of trust and mutual understanding.
In addition to offering Roslyn's pre-kindergartners and kindergartners fertile ground for growth, Heights School also serves as a visitation site for educators throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. During the school year representatives from numerous public school districts observe in Heights classrooms.
Heights staff is consistently attentive to their own professional development, actively pursuing in-service coursework and college study. In addition, teachers and administrator present workshops at professional conferences and offer in-service training to teachers and administrators in neighboring districts. Memberships in professional organizations are numerous and leadership positions are achieved.
The status of lifelong learner is sought by all at Heights School.
