Our
SchoolOur
School
The Chickering School is located in Dover, MA, a quiet, pretty suburb, west of Boston. It serves over 600 students, kindergarten through grade five.
Chickering School
29 Cross St.
Dover, MA 02030
Tel: (508) 785-0480
Fax: (508) 785-9748
Location: 1 mile from Dover Center
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 2004-2005
Average Class Size: 20
The new Chickering School, completed in August 2001, offers a welcoming, child-centered setting for learning. The best in technology and other learning tools may be found in thirty classrooms, 2 art rooms, 2 music rooms, a musical performing area and two computer/science rooms.
Philosophy
Administration and teachers at Chickering have a strong commitment to provide basic instruction for the acquisition of all learning skills. The teachers create an environment that fosters academic excellence and achievement appropriate to each individual student. The schools stress responsible behavior, self-discipline, and good citizenship.
Staff
The Chickering School depends upon exceptionally talented and dedicated teachers. Their backgrounds, training, and educational philosophy all serve to promote the progress and development of the students in their care. A strong in-service program, teaching the most highly respected approaches used in education today, is provided for the staff. Teachers use the most effective instructional strategies available to assist students to achieve success and develop a love for learning.
This school year, 30 classroom teachers and additional professionals serve Dover students in the areas of regular educational, special education, library, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and counseling.
Approximately 40 additional staff members assist in the following areas: secretarial, special education, classroom, playground, clerical, custodial and food services.
Educational Programs
The school curricula are designed to give students a positive start and a solid foundation as they go through the early years of their education. They are not only taught the basic skills but are given the tools to solve problems and extend this basic learning independently. A strong phonics and correlated language arts program, stressing fine literature and the writing process, is used throughout all grades. The programs in mathematics, science, social studies and technology are
integrated where possible and actively involve children in every process. All classrooms are equipped with several computer workstations. Inquiry-based instruction is fostered. All classes are self-contained and, although there is an emphasis on cooperative learning, the focus is equally on developing the individual talents of each student. Some changing of classes takes place in grades 4 and 5.
The school offers program and learning center rooms for students benefiting from extra support services; however, there is a commitment to inclusion of all students where possible. The arts are highly valued in Dover. Enrichment activities include recorder for grade 3, instrumental music lessons for grade 4 and band for grade 5. Students perform in many music and other program related to their curriculum and special events.
What Is Special About the Dover Schools?
Staff, parents, and students work together to promote a well-rounded educational atmosphere. Many school projects unique to each grade take place yearly, as well as special events related to community, country or world happenings.
All grades are involved in all school assemblies, special reading and mathematics offerings, and community projects. Field trips and guest speakers further enhance programs.
A School Advisory Council, composed of parents, teachers and community representatives, meets regularly to discuss school and educational issues and serves as an advisory committee to the principal. Various other committees along with the Student Council combine talents and share leadership responsibilities.
The Dover Elementary Schools promote Let’s Be Caring (L.B.C.), a character development program. L.B.C. was designed to address nationwide concerns about the general morality of our youth. The “C” stands for caring. It also stands for concern, cooperation, courteous, considerate and community. The Dover Elementary Schools have always stressed character development and the goals of L.B.C., but this program provides a systemwide approach and focus.
