Central Elementary School

Emergency information

29 Massaco Street, Simsbury, CT 06070
Phone: (860) 658-4732 |  Fax: (860) 658-3620

Principal: Edie Balkun

Principal's Message

Dear Central School Friends, Families, and Community Members,

On behalf of the Central School staff, we extend a warm welcome to all children and families joining us for this upcoming school year. Excellent opportunities will be available to explore, problem solve, and achieve in a caring school environment where children and their learning come first.

As stated in our school and district Vision Statement:

The Central School community nurtures the whole child:
the mind, body, character, and creativity of each student.
We offer a rich and rigorous curriculum, set high expectations,
celebrate diversity, and promote a love of learning.

Teacher collaboration is at the heart of our continuous improvement efforts. Teachers work in Professional Learning Communities (grade level teams) to improve student learning and achievement through the district curriculum and the daily teaching and learning process. As a district, we have developed a new Strategic Plan and SMART goals in all the schools. We will monitor the academic progress of students (particularly reading in grades K-3 and writing through grade 6) and report on other Quality Indicators such as Character Education, Physical Fitness, and the work of the Professional Learning Communities.

In addition to rigorous academic expectations, we bring our Vision Statement to life through many programs, including our "All Hands on Deck Character Education Program," PTO sponsored cultural and curriculum enrichment programs, and a full program in the arts including band, orchestra, special chorus, and other opportunities in the arts through the After School Programs.

Everyone on the staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, specialists, office staff, ancillary staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, support staff, etc.) is an important part of our school family and contributes to a positive school climate.

Central School is embedded in rich long-standing traditions which serve to build community and celebrate learning. There are four LARTNEC assemblies annually. At the Welcome LARTNEC, we sing our school song and welcome every new student and staff member with a gift and applause from the entire school community. At the Thankful LARTNEC in November, we all join together to give thanks for something specific to each grade level and collect non-perishable items for the needy. The Heroes LARTNEC is all about recognizing heroes all around us and celebrating what we learn from famous and everyday heroes. At the end of the year, the Farewell LARTNEC is a meaningful ceremony that brings back some seventh graders and we provide a heart-warming send-off to our sixth graders.

There is a nautical theme woven through all the LARTNEC Programs that is captured in our logo—"Learning the Ropes for the Voyage of Life." It is most evident that Central School is all about children. The caring environment makes it special. (If no one has shared what LARTNEC means . . . it is Central spelled backwards!)

As stated in our Central School Vision Statement:

Through partnerships connecting educators, families,
and students, we create a strong foundation
for public service and lifelong learning
in an ever changing global society.

Our home/school partnership at Central School has always been the foundation for the success of our learners. At home and at school, we EXPECT respect, discipline with dignity, and praise for perseverance, attitude and growth. Let's join together to teach our children that their school work and learning come first. Things will not always be easy, but let's teach them to persevere and never give up on the challenges that will come their way.

Effort Matters: "THINK YOU CAN . . . WORK HARD . . . GET SMARTER!"
            —(Jeff Howard) Taken from the Central School Vision Statement

Special thanks to our PTO members who are so generous in giving time to our school. We welcome you and invite you to join our volunteers who work in classrooms, the library-media center, the Publishing Center, and at home.

Our Central School faculty and staff members are ready and eager to prepare your children for the future and serve the community. We look forward to seeing you during the school year!

Best regards,

Edie Balkun
Principal