Dear families, friends and supporters,
As principal of Samuel Clemens Elementary School, I want to welcome you to our engaging school community. Located on the north side of Milwaukee in the Lincoln Creek neighborhood, Clemens serves children in K4 – grade 5. We offer a warm and welcoming school climate where high expectations, collaboration, respect and strong character are some of our core values. We passionately refer to our expectations as ‘The Tiger Way’.
Clemens offers child-centered learning, with a strong focus on rigorous instruction and the use of technology. Our certified staff teaches students to think critically, act responsibly and work collaboratively with others. In each classroom, teachers and students have access to a smart board and chrome books to help enhance the learning and to make learning fun. Academic instruction at Clemens is based on the Wisconsin Common Core State Standards. Literacy, mathematics and writing instruction are our main focus to ensure our students are given adequate opportunities to master the skills needed to become independent, lifelong learners. One of our primary goals is to instill a love of reading in our students by encouraging students to read nightly, on weekends and over extended breaks. Our students participate in Guided Reading and Accountable Independent Reading (G.R.A.I.R.) time daily to help enhance their reading skills and give them time to practice reading. We also host several Family Literacy Nights throughout the year where parents are given real tools they can use to foster reading foundation skills at home. To help build critical thinking and mental math skills, our students participate in Number Talks facilitated by their classroom teacher several times a week. At Samuel Clemens, we remind students to celebrate their unique strengths and talents while building self-esteem and self-confidence.
In addition to strong academics, Clemens offers before-and after-school enrichment activities through the Clemens Camp, as well as recreational programs. Clemens Camp is a safe place for our students to receive homework help, create art projects and engage in physical fitness activities. Through our recreation programs, students have the opportunity to participate in cheerleading, basketball, and flag football.
Local organizations and our dedicated parents also play major roles in the education of Clemens students. Community partnerships afford students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom and to interact with successful Milwaukee leaders and organization representatives. Our School Governance Council assists with decision-making and plans events that bring our families together in celebration of their child’s education.
We encourage you to visit our school at any time and to take note of the stellar teaching and learning that occurs every day. If you have specific questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at (414) 875-6300. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Garry Lawson, APIC