Principal's Message

By Matthew Lerner, Elmwood Elementary School Principal

Elmwood Panther Community, 

I would like to start by saying thank you to our community, school board, and parents for their continued support of Elmwood Elementary. Our 55 million dollar referendum that was passed in 2020 has concluded with the completion of our front landscaping. The 21st-century learning environment that our students get to enjoy is tremendous and a testament to our Panther community support. 

Our mission at Elmwood Elementary is: “We will meet the needs of every student academically, socially and emotionally.”   

In order to meet the needs of all students, we must have a viable curriculum. This past year we started a new math curriculum called Bridges. We saw major growth in our overall math proficiency and math fluency from our students. We are excited to begin a new literacy curriculum this year called Wonders. This is designed to foster a love of reading in all children. Our staff is ready to make readers and writers of all students at Elmwood!

Goal setting is something we ask all our students and staff to do each year. This year we have 3 major school-wide goals that we have created as a staff. Our first goal is to have high expectations for all staff, students, and parents. The teachers have committed to helping our students reach their full potential. This needs to be reciprocated by the students and also have the support of their families and parents. Our second goal is to use our students' data to drive our instruction and our decisions. We use the MAP assessment and the IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) to ensure we are growing as a school. The final goal is to create partnerships with our families and community members. We want each and every one of you to work with us together to ensure every child is successful at Elmwood Elementary. 

Elmwood Elementary is a bully-free zone. We take all information about bullying and cyberbullying seriously. Please call the school if a problem arises, or you can complete this form and it will be sent to the administration. If you see or hear something, say something! We are a Safe2Help school. This program will offer students a safe and confidential way to share information that may help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence and other threats to student safety.

We have an outstanding parent organization! They do many events and fundraising throughout the year for our school and students. Please reach out to our PATT and get involved in our school. We look forward to you joining our team to help make Elmwood the best school we can be. 

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about Elmwood Elementary, our programs, our faculty, and our achievements. Whether you are a prospective family, a current student or parent, or simply interested in learning more about our school, we hope you find the information you need and get a sense of the warm and inclusive atmosphere that defines our school community.

Assistant Principal Ms. Stephanie Hagins and I are excited to begin our 7th year at Elmwood Elementary. Throughout the year, we will hold several parent and community events, so please be on the lookout for those dates. 

Go Panthers! 

Mr. Matthew Lerner

Principal

lernerm@epcusd401.org

708-583-6254

Elmwood Elementary