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ABOUT GLEN HILLS

Principal's Message
 

 

Welcome to the Glen Hills Elementary School website. Here, you will find information about school events and services, as well as the happenings around our school and within our classrooms. In addition, we will include links to sites that will provide you with resources designed to help keep you involved with your child's education.

 

We recently celebrated our 50th year of service to the children and families of our community, and with much pride. It is the intention of the present faculty and staff of our school to continue the traditions of the past while taking this wonderful educational institution into the 21st century. And hopefully, you can follow our progress by visiting this website often. Just click the "New" button to view the recently-added content. And be sure to check the classroom websites for their updates as well.

 

So take a take a look around. If there is any additional content that you think would enhance the experience of visiting our site, please let me know.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 



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Jay DeCristofaro
Principal

Our Philosophy

At Glen Hills, we often talk about "The Gator Way", and what we mean by that is that we are all part of a community - a large, extende family, if you will, and our approach to educating our youngsters is founded upon the following beliefs:

 

  • All children are capable of learning to their fullest potential when provided with an atmosphere and environment that facilitates the process of learning.

    • Children learn best in an atmosphere that fosters self-expression and self-worth.

    • Children learn best in a clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment.

    • Children learn best through the use of differentiated instruction and flexible grouping patterns which allow for varying learning styles and developmental stages.

    • Children learn best in an environment that is flexible and conducive to creative, responsible and constructive activity.

    • Children learn best in an atmosphere of acceptance and high expectation.

    • Children learn best when taught how to think, not what to think.

  • Instruction and curriculum must address the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of each child.

    • Children learn best through problem solving activities and integrated studies which promote a connectedness with our world.

    • Children learn best when they develop skills that assist them in working collaboratively with groups and independently.

    • Children learn best when instruction and curriculum are developmentally appropriate.

    • Children learn best with curriculum and instruction focused on fundamental literacy, mathematical reasoning, an understanding for cultural diversity, scientific literacy, physical fitness and an appreciation for the fine arts.

  • Children must have opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their community and world.

    • Children learn best when trusted to assume responsibilities in making decisions that are age appropriate and meaningful.

    • Children learn best when given the skills and opportunities to solve educational and social problems.

    • Children learn best when given leadership responsibilities which are age appropriate.

  • The education of children is a shared responsibility among students, parents, teachers, school staff and community.

    • Children learn best when parents are active partners in their child's education by being supportive of the school's beliefs, setting a good example for their children through facilitating two-way communication between school and home, helping students develop good work habits at home, demonstrating the importance of lifelong learning in academics and the arts, and being involved when the school requests parental participation.

    • Children learn best when teachers work as a team to plan instruction and curriculum to meet individual needs.

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Our School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our school was built in 1964. Nestled in the very center of the city of Cranston, RI, the building has housed thousands of young people in grades Pre-K to Six. 

 

This year, we are expecting to serve over 360 students; many of whom have had siblings, parents, and even grandparents who have attended Glen Hills. We also have a few teachers who are alumni. This is a testimony to the stability of the community.

 

Glen Hills School is much more than brick and morter; the true strength of our school is the people who inhabit it. Or staff members, students, and families have great pride in their neughborhood school, as evidenced by the 500 people who attended our 50th Anniversery celebration.

 

In addition to the fine academics at Glen Hills - we were rated as "Commended" by the RI Department of Education in 2014 -  we are proud to say that our students and their families are among the most generous and community-minded folks that will find anywhere. each year, we support a number of charities and raise funds and other tangible items for community members who suffer loss or other hardships.

 

Finally, we are fortunate to have a very strong Parent-Teacher Group known ast the PTGH. In addition to raising funds for school programming, this group organizes a number of community-building events that provide activities and entertainment for our students and their families.

 

There are many fine elementary schools in Cranston, RI. But there is something special about Glen Hills Elementary School. One only has to step through our doors to find out why...

 

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