Students are recognized for their accomplishments in the classroom as Student of the Trimester. The student's teacher presents the award to the deserving child at district Board of Education Meetings. Students are also recognized through Wonder character luncheons, lunch with the principal, and the Preschool Ambassador Program. Students are recognized for consistent attendance at school as part of the" Strive for Less Than Five" initiative.
| White | 79% |
| Black | 1% |
| Asian | 1% |
| Hispanic | 13% |
| American Indian or Native Alaskan | 0% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0% |
| Multiracial | 6% |
| Female | 49.6% |
| Male | 50.4% |
| Economically disadvantaged students | 24% |
| Students with disabilities | 14% |
| English learners | 0% |
| Homeless students | 0% |
| Students in foster care | 0% |
| Military-connected students | 1% |
| Migrant students | 0% |
| Grade | Percent of total students | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K | 19% | 51 |
| 2nd Grade | 39% | 105 |
| 3rd Grade | 43% | 116 |
| Incidents per year | |
|---|---|
| Violence | 4 |
| Weapons | 0 |
| Vandalism | 0 |
| Substances | 0 |
| Harassment, intimidation, and bullying | 0 |
| Total incidents | 4 |
| Days absent | Percent of students |
|---|---|
| 0 days | 4% |
| 1 to 5 days | 31% |
| 6 to 10 days | 35% |
| 11 to 15 days | 20% |
| Over 15 days | 9% |
| English | 98.2% |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| Other | 0.7% |
Learn more about Thomas Richards Elementary School.
It is our goal to ensure that our students walk out of Thomas Richards each day, not just as better learners, but as better individuals. We understand that if students are to be successful at learning, they must feel safe, cared for, and supported in their daily interactions. We will work every day to create a positive environment where students are able to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
The K-3 curriculum provides students with a variety of student-centered experiences. Our ELA programs align to a responsive literacy approach to engage students in a differentiated instructional model. Thomas Richards Elementary School uses Go Math! to add rigor to the curriculum as well as align to a guided math approach. In addition, the Next Generation Science Standards have been incorporated through the Carolina Science program that provides a more hands-on approach. TR implements the Hour of Possibility Choice Curriculum; STEM, Animation, Video Game Creation, Cake Decorating, and others.
Students in grades 2-6 have the opportunity to participate in various extra-curricular activities, thanks to the support of the Home & School Association. Students may select from a number of options, including: coding, cursive, sports/fitness, games, Legos, ceramics & scrabble, yearbook, and drama.
Just Kids offers before and after school care for Pre-K-6 students at Thomas Richards Elementary.
The district provides teachers with a variety of professional development offerings, including a novice teacher mentoring program, in-service days, professional learning communities, and after-school Wildcat Workshops. In addition, our instructional coaches provide job-embedded professional development and support of curricular initiatives and instructional strategies that reflect best practices in teaching and learning. To support the districtâÂÂs SEL and health/wellness initiatives, teachers received training in Sanford Harmony and Healthy U. Preschool teachers attended in-service sessions to learn how to implement Creative Curriculum effectively.
The district continues to implement a tiered system of support through RtI, offering support to the at-risk population and establishing criteria to identify children who may need additional intervention. At-risk students are invited to participate in a summer tutoring program to improve math and literacy skills. The district also offers a full continuum of services for special education students, including: in-class resource, pull-out support, self-contained rooms, speech, OT, and PT. A Behavioral Consultant (BCBA) is available to help shape student behavior. Preschool Intervention & Referral (PIRT) services are also available for preschool.
The districtâÂÂs wellness committee creates an action plan each year to encourage appropriate nutritional choices and adequate physical activity. Each school provides activity during the first ten minutes of the school day to allow students to segue from home to school and prepare for learning. Teachers also utilize brain breaks and other mindfulness practices to encourage wellness and overall well-being. The district hosted a Wellness fair for families, to further educate them on ways to live healthfully.
Parents are encouraged to attend parent interaction and Title I meetings, Back to School Nights, and American Education week. Parents can also communicate with teachers during Parent-Teacher conferences and access important information through the Realtime Parent Portal. The curriculum department hosts events, including Dr. Seuss Night and other parent interaction meetings. The Early Childhood Advisory Committee and SEPAG invite parent and community stakeholder involvement for the preschool and special education programs. Our Home and School Association keeps families involved and holds fundraisers to benefit the children. Major projects include: assemblies, class trips, and fun nights.
The district has taken the following measures to maintain a safe school environment: Sanford Harmony (Social-Emotional Program); Fire department assembly; cyber-safety assembly; anti-bullying committee; site-based resource officers; and character education pep rallies.
The district offers STEM classes and technology integration to assist teachers in meaningful infusion of technology into their instruction.
Through the Preschool Expansion funding, the district is able to offer preschool education to its 3- and 4-year old students.
Waterford Township School District serves students in grades Pre-K-6. The district sends students to Hammonton Public Schools for grades 7-12. WTSD participates in the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program.
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