Principal's Corner
Welcome to Ridge Road Elementary School!
Ridge Road embraces the responsibility for preparing all students to participate responsibly, intellectually and creatively in school and within society. We are committed to motivating students towards independent thinking and self-initiated goals and giving students the skills to be successful throughout their lives.
We believe it takes the whole learning community, students, parents and staff, working together for the benefit of continuous learning and to create a school environment that promotes academic and social excellence.
Core Beliefs:
The Philosophy of the North Haven Public Schools is based on the conviction that the dignity and worth of each child is of primary concern and on the belief that the aim of education is to help prepare young people to assume a meaningful and productive role in school and society. To achieve this goal, which is the responsibility shared by the Board of Education, staff, students, parents, and community, we subscribe to the following tenets:
1. We believe that our obligation is to help students mature into independent, reasoning, and responsible individuals who can adapt constructively to an ever-changing, multi-cultured world.
2. We believe we must challenge students and staff to perform at their highest capabilities.
3. We believe that students will best attain these capabilities if their unique needs, interests, strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, learning styles and range of scholastic and creative abilities are acknowledged.
4. We believe by respecting and developing their unique learning styles and interests, students will exhibit their unlimited potential.
5. We believe effort makes a difference and that students should be provided with opportunities to pursue a rich and rigorous academic curriculum. The curriculum will provide comprehensive programs and a range of instructional strategies to meet the requirements of students with varied backgrounds, abilities, aspirations, and needs, and that this curriculum will be evaluated periodically.
6. We believe students need to develop self-esteem, an appreciation of the worth of others, a joy in learning, and a desire and willingness to achieve a standard of excellence commensurate with their abilities.
7. We believe schools must convey to students the purpose of the educational program and help them to understand they must share responsibility for its success.
8. We believe in developing students’ ability to problem solve, think critically, work collaboratively, express themselves creatively, and communicate effectively.
9. We believe the schools will actively seek community support and involvement through close communication and cooperation.
10. We believe an understanding of and respect for diverse beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives enrich the lives and learning environment for all students.
11. We believe in the appropriate allocation of resources to provide a cohesive, guaranteed, viable and relevant curriculum for all students.
12. We believe in the importance of effective communication and collaboration between families and school personnel to foster a safe and nurturing educational experience.
13. We believe in developing a passion for lifelong learning and in the importance of connecting students to the school community, and world.
14. We believe that our educational aim will best be achieved in an atmosphere of mutual respect, concern and support.
15. We believe that in the final analysis we are all to be accountable for the present and the future success of the North Haven Public Schools.
Vision Statement
As a result of their experiences in the North Haven Public Schools, every student will acquire the skills necessary to meet the demands of the 21st Century.
Again, I look forward to working with you and your family. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time should any questions or concerns arise. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy school year.
Best always,
Christopher Mc Laughlin