Morley School holds the distinction of being named after a local resident and renowned scientist, Edward W. Morley who spent many happy childhood days playing on his farm in West Hartford during the 1840’s-1850. This school, the oldest school building still in use in West Hartford was erected in 1927. The decision to name the school after Mr. Morley was due to his involvement with the fascinating research on movement and light that eventually brought him acclaim as Albert Einstein utilized his work for his theory of relativity. Realizing what hard work and determination can bring, we are proud to continue this thirst for knowledge and discovery as we lead our children into the 2007-2008 school year!
Another year has begun as we seek to bring high levels of instruction to our students with the support of an extraordinarily skilled staff. Focusing on our theme, Readers Become Leaders at Morley, students are poised early on to develop a love for becoming life-long readers. Nurturing the understanding of the importance of reading will serve to guide our children as they sail across all areas of the curriculum. Being avid readers assure us that Morley students will grow to become interesting, skilled individuals!
As we embark on our 2007-2008 journey, the School Improvement Council and the PTO will continue to serve Morley and work with me to uphold the high academic standards and maintain the spirit and connectedness of our home and school relationships. We are dedicated to making families feel welcome in a school that is hospitable to student learning, creating school spirit, honoring our school goal of respect and responsibility with new ideas and projects, and inviting volunteers to join with us to stimulate student learning. Student centered assemblies, cultural events, after school enrichment programs, health and fitness school activities, Student Council related events, and of course reading/language arts student groups will abound. The focus of Respect and Responsibility/Diversity will continue to be highlighted through the Responsive Classroom Model, the Peer Mediation Team and the “Second Step Character Education Program” and the “Love and Logic” Parent and Teacher Programs. In accordance with our National, State and District goals, these initiatives have helped teachers to create a character education curriculum that is being taught to students. To also support our State, District and School Physical Activity and Health goals, we will enjoy fun, creative, interactive activities with our artist-in-residence, Puppeteer Dan Butterworth, as he works with students in each classroom. Mr. Butterworth’s puppetry activities will be integrated with our West Hartford K-5 Social Studies Units as he encourages students to perform with their handmade puppets. Thanks to our incredibly supportive PTO, the allocated funds from the Pond House Silent Auction Event have been slated for the artist-in-residence, purchase of framed artwork and new furniture for our courtyard, four laptops to add to our Mobile Lab, and one additional Smart Board. These gifts will beautify the school and increase the cutting edge technology enhancing student learning.
How fortunate we are to be a cohesive, collaborative community! Our goals center on the growth and development of the academic, social and emotional components of our Morley children. What a joy it is to serve this great community as your principal. Together, with my dedicated staff, we are proud to play a vital part in developing human beings who will become knowledgeable, caring citizens of our great United States of America! It is without a doubt our children will eventually become skilled readers and “computer savvy” during their years at Morley School
Sincerely,
Ellen G. Stokoe, Ph.D.
Principal