Constructed in 1953 with additions and upgrades in 1965, 1991, and 2009, Westmere Elementary School is home to nearly 450 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. In addition to the principal, there are 43 classroom and special area teachers, a part-time world languages teacher, a full-time social worker and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher as well as a part-time psychologist. There is also numerous support staff which includes teaching assistants, aides and monitors, cafeteria workers, custodians and office staff.
Results on the English/language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies assessments indicate that Westmere students consistently score well above the New York State average, which can be seen in the New York State School Report Card.
Other features of the Westmere Elementary School program include:
- Designation by the United States Department of Education as a No Child Left Behind—Blue Ribbon School (2008). The award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.
- A learning community which supports the growth of the whole child—social, academic and physical.
- A child-centered, developmentally appropriate approach in all curriculum areas.
- An active building cabinet exemplifying the shared decision making process.
- Teacher leaders in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies work closely with the staff and administration.
- An emphasis on professional development as a vital component of our educational program.
- An active and supportive PTA.
- Parents often volunteer and feel comfortable visiting classrooms.
- School-wide social worker services which offer opportunities for Banana Splits, friendship groups, push-in programs and community building to discourage bullying.
- A strong commitment to art, physical education, music, drama and other enrichment activities.