Mrs. Jodie Laskey, Elementary Principal

     On behalf of the staff members of Rochester Elementary School it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school and our web site. As your Principal, my promise to you is to build and sustain partnerships with staff, parents, and community enabling our students to achieve maximum academic and personal potential.   

     At the core of Rochester Elementary are highly qualified teachers, committed to academic excellence for all students.  Our teachers have high expectations and work with parents to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for our 457 students.  We look toward our support staff including our school secretary, nurse, school psychologist, counselors, classroom aides, custodians, lunch ladies, technology specialists, and security staff to complete the Rochy Team. 

     The Rochy Team’s ultimate goal is to provide each student with a solid foundation for lifelong learning. This begins with our partnership with you and your child. As a result we need each student to come to school every day ready to listen and learn, to be respectful of themselves and others, and to strive to be the best they can be. When parents help students come to school with this readiness, teachers can help them focus on the keys to success which are Reading, Mathematics, and working cooperatively with others.       

      The educational program at Rochester Elementary is well rounded and directly aligned to state and national standards.  In addition to instruction in the core areas with Everyday Math and Science It’s Elementary, we implemented a relevant and exciting new reading curriculum for all students.  Story Town, from Harcourt, is an evidence based reading program which teachers will use in K-6 to improve student literacy and writing skills.  Classroom teachers will be supported by one of our five Title I reading specialists.  In addition, we continue to support our reading program with computer based programs such as Breakthrough to Literacy, “Imagination Station”, and Read 180.  Four networked computers are available in every room and with several computer labs supporting student learning.   Our objective is to continue to exceed the state PSSA testing targets for all students in reading, math and writing. We accomplished this last year and will to strive to improve to reach academic excellence for every student at Rochester.

      As you know, we are second to none in Beaver County when it comes to fine arts programming. We offer an instrumental and choral music program for students in K-6 with a Drum Ensemble for students in grades 4-6.  Our art program is very progressive and recently received national recognition from the Crayola Company. Several of our student’s art work is featured on their website. Physical education and movement are important to a child’s overall health and development, therefore, gym classes are expanded to Kindergarten this year.  Tutoring and mentoring are a valuable asset to any school. Through a partnership with Big Brothers and Sisters of Beaver County and through our ongoing, successful relationship with the DARE 2XL, after school programs are available. Rochester Elementary offers many opportunities for academic enrichment.  G.A.T.E., Gifted and Talented Education, is available to students who qualify. G.A.T.E. offers many programs and activities to enhance student achievement and advancement during the school day and outside regular school hours. Enrichment in math, foreign language, science, and computers are only a few of the programs we offer. For more information, contact the G.A.T.E. coordinator by calling the high school office at (724) 775-7500.

      Another area of focus this year is Bully Prevention. We received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Center for Safe Schools enabling us to provide bully prevention training to our staff and parents. The Olweus Bully Prevention Program model will be implemented K-8 with an emphasis on class meetings to develop healthy relationships, to work through conflicts with others, and to develop a safe and nurturing community.  Parents, staff and community members will work together throughout the year in this initiative we have called Stand Tall.

     We proudly offer full day Kindergarten at Rochester Elementary.  This enables our highly skilled teachers to spend time with our youngest learners on early reading skills, to correct developmental gaps and to provide support for the child’s interpersonal development.  Registration for Kindergarten is conducted in April of each year.  A Kinder Camp is planned each year as an introduction for parents and students.  Watch this website for more details.

      As in previous years we couldn’t have such great experiences if it wasn’t for the support and efforts of our PTA.  They donated our new sign, beautified our area with flowers, helped us organize Grandparents Day, and have purchased materials and resources for the school.  Our PTA provides our students with wholesome and fun activities and programs throughout the year, including support for our McKeever trip in the spring.  Their diligence with fundraisers, and their cooperation with staff, makes them one of the key contributors to Rochester being a joyful place.  We encourage parents to be involved in the PTA and to contact the elementary office for an informational packet.

      Finally, we believe that all members of the Rochy Team have a voice at Rochester Elementary. We work with staff, parents, students, Student Council, PTA, and community resources to make Rochester Elementary a safe and fun atmosphere where all students can learn, grow, and experience success.