JACOB GUNTHER SCHOOL

Our mission is to inspire all students to be confident, passionate learners with the courage and skills to lead their lives with integrity, while contributing to our global community with creativity and compassion.  

WELCOME BACK ….2008-2009

 A Greeting to the Jacob Gunther Community

With Respect, Mrs. Marie Testa – Principal

Dear Jacob Gunther Families,

At Jacob Gunther School every child’s voice is heard; the voice of the shy kindergartner just starting out, the voice of the enthusiastic third grader who just learned the multiplication tables, the excited tone of the sixth grader proposing a student council program. We recognize every child as unique. The faculty, staff and I celebrate the students’ accomplishments by validating each child’s contributions to our community of learners. We encourage every child to question because inquiry is the natural first step to creating a mind that is curious, productive, and committed to the joy of learning. We are engaging students in this process on a daily basis. It is woven through every lesson we share, every conversation we lead, every book we open, every program we deliver.

As principal of Jacob Gunther is my responsibility to ensure that children, in every grade, receive an educational experience that ignites their intellectual curiosity and encourages a lifelong passion for learning. My faculty and I are partners in our commitment to achieve this goal through the ongoing discovery and recognition of your child’s talents, interests and abilities and through the delivery of exceptional lessons.

Our parents are partners in the quest to provide an exemplary education to the students. Our PTA is strong, dedicated and steadfast in their desire to provide supportive programs that strengthen the home-school connection while enhancing the educational experiences for the students.

Together, faculty, staff, parents, district administration and students stand committed to our mission and core values. As such, we share a common language, work toward common goals, and set our sights on the infinite individual and collective achievements of our children.

My faculty, staff and I are unwavering in our commitment to your child’s academic, social and emotional growth and we look forward to a memorable and inspirational year!

Happy Birthday Jacob Gunther School !

1957-2007  

“A community isn’t something you are part of. It is something that is inside of you.”

A Message to our Community from Mrs. Marie Testa, Principal
Jacob Gunther Elementary School

This year marks an important milestone in the life of Jacob Gunther School. We celebrate turning fifty! At Gunther school we pride ourselves on celebrating children and viewing each child as the miracle she or he is. Our Gunther community is committed to recognizing and honoring every child’s unique skills and talents. Through innovative instruction executed by a highly professional and committed staff, opportunities are woven into every moment, every day … so children can learn and grow in a place that nurtures and supports them.

Children have a voice at Gunther and it was through cooperation, teamwork and our students’ and teachers’ inexhaustible energy that we were able to redesign the interior of our school to reflect our community spirit and special outlook. When one comes into “Guntherville” they are welcomed into a special environment where yellow and blue street signs provide friendly and welcoming direction to … Melody Manor, Opportunity Court, and Cooperation Station just to name a few. Our “Make a Difference…Pay It Forward” philosophy is depicted via a serene beach scene in our main hallway and serves to remind all community members that we are part of a whole. We are integral members of the community and as such our actions and words have an impact on others.

We know the importance of integrating library, physical education, music and art into a child’s school day and one can see and hear the reflection of that spirit in Field day, spring and winter concerts, sing-a-longs and masterpieces in our Gunther Art Gallery.

The home-school connection is strong and strengthened by interested and involved parents. Our PTA is an active and supportive body of talented and vested individuals. This connection is defined by trusting relationships and an understanding that the best interest of the students is the reason behind every decision.

We celebrate our proactive approach to discipline and building strong character through utilization of the Levels of Behavior which the Gunther students revised to include mottos such as: “Level 3 is where you should be!”; “Level 4 is where you achieve more!” This child centered rubric focuses on positive outcomes and the development of leadership skills. The “Levels” is a common language at Gunther and is used by all adults. The language creates a connection between all the members of our learning community. We pride ourselves on our successful use of Peer Mediation and utilization of the PeaceWorks program and language as well. We incorporate only programs that are constructed to be comfortable and appropriate for children to use and incorporate into their daily lives. Our academic and social curriculum enables us to graduate sixth grade students with strong resources and skills as they meet the challenges of middle school.

Gunther is truly a special place replete with exceptional academic and social programs. Smiles abound here and learning is a positive, challenging, cooperative and enjoyable experience for all involved. We strive to exemplify North Bellmore’s Mission Statement at Gunther every day, in every way. Lesson development, social programs, public announcements, student leadership opportunities and all personal interactions are directly related to our commitment to inspire children to be confident and passionate learners. Each day my faculty, staff and I will ensure that your child is well on his/her way to achieving the mission.

We are a small school – with a big heart!

Please visit our School News and PTA News links for school highlights and events. We are looking forward to a year filled with festivities as we celebrate….our 50 th anniversary and our students’ academic and social triumphs!