Welcome to Deep River Elementary School. The Deep River Elementary School is the only elementary school in the town of Deep River, Connecticut. The community is located on the west bank of the Connecticut River approximately 10 miles from its entrance into Long Island Sound. Deep River Elementary School has the charm of a small New England school. The school population consists of 357 students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The main section of the school is housed in the original building, which served as the Deep River High School, which was completed in 1914. The building became an elementary school in 1952. Additions were made to the building in 1960 and 1971. The final renovation occurred in 1997 when a new gymnasium was added and the building was upgraded to meet all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.
Over the years, D.R.E.S. has received enormous support from the community at large. School budgets have been supported which have allowed for small class sizes, curriculum expansion and technology upgrades. The dedicated staff along with the support of the parent community has served, as a successful partnership for meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of the children. Emphasis continues to be placed on the improvement of the reading, writing and math skills of our students.
Many special opportunities are a part of our overall program. Highlighted below are some of our most noteworthy accomplishments:
A morning news broadcast, produced and anchored by sixth graders which unites the school each day by including the Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic song, The School Code of Conduct and general announcements.
A state of the art technology program which includes 3 mobile wireless laptop labs, a fully equipped computer lab, computers in every classroom, SmartBoards in every classroom 1-6 and an updated computer curriculum.
A language arts program, which uses a balanced literacy approach to instruction, which is supported by a school reading consultant.
A standards based constructivist math program in grades K-5 supported by a district math coordinator.
A TLC (Teaching Literacy Competency) program for students in the primary grades requiring additional reading support.
Classroom Guided Reading instruction is supported by two leveled bookrooms (primary and intermediate).
A world language program that is designed to enrich and support the core academic areas, as well as enrich the minds of the students through instruction and comprehension of the Spanish language.
An instrumental band program, which is offered to students beginning in grade 4 and a choral program for students starting in grade 3. A jazz band and honors chorus is available through audition for advanced students.
A child friendly library environment where children in grades K-3 receive weekly instruction and students in grades 4-6 participate in a flexible library schedule.
A social development program K-6 that instructs each child to be respectful, responsible, prepared, safe and kind each day of the school year.
Comprehensive specials course offerings, which include: Computer Lab, Music, Art, Physical Education, Spanish and Library.
Academically advanced students are provided additional opportunities through our Talented and Gifted Program.
An inclusive special education program, which emphasizes collaboration among special educators, support staff and classroom teachers.
A variety of after school club offerings which include: Honors Chorus, Jazz Band, Book Club, Computer Club, After School Sports, Step Team, Art Club, Homework Club, Peer Mediation, Math Counts, Continental Math League, National Geographic Bee, and Student Council.
An active PTO which supports the school through generous donations and special programs which include: A Summer Reading Program, Annual Halloween Parade, BINGO Nights, Fall and Spring Book Fairs, Field Days, After School Mini Courses, Cultural Assembly Programs, and the Sixth Grade Graduation Reception.
John F. Pietrick, Ph.D./Principal
