School History

    In 1936, voters decided to build a new school in Felchville ( Reading Village ) rather than repair the old school.  The Reading Elementary School opened the following year.  The other schools in town closed until only Bailey's Mills, South Reading , and Felchville remained.  Over the next few decades the number and configuration of schools changed until 1983 when the Felchville School became strictly elementary, housing grades Kindergarten through six.  In 1989, the Woodstock Union High School District accepted Reading as it newest member.  Reading updated and renovated its last remaining school (Felchville) in 1995, while maintaining the multi-age classroom philosophy.  It is the only remaining school of the 13 original schools serving the town of Reading .

School Mission Statement

   We, the Reading Elementary School and the community, will collaborate to foster an educational environment, which embraces the following philosophy:

·   A safe, healthy, respectful environment, which maximizes learning and develops self-esteem. 
·   A challenging, standards-based academic curriculum, built on fundamental skills, addresses the needs of the whole child and validates risk-taking. 
·   Recognizing uniqueness and engaging each child, through diverse practices, enhances the educational experience. 
·   Working cooperatively encourages open, honest communication and builds awareness of personal responsibility and citizenship. 
·   Positive modeling, guided discovery, and creative thinking promote lifelong learning and inquisitive spirits. 

Valuing Our Small School

Smaller numbers of students, a more intimate and personalized learning environment, and a cohesive vision among teachers characterize small schools        Small schools instill a sense of community and encourage personal interaction. Small schools typically serve a community nucleus. This invites strong support from parents and community members as well as closer working relationships among the school staff.  In a small school it is not unusual for teachers, administrators, and school board members to know each other well.  This can lead to easy acceptance of new ideas among friends as well as a strong sense of identification and belonging.

What are other advantages of smaller schools?

·   Students are at the center of the school.
·   Discipline is usually not a serious problem, thereby resulting in an increase in time spent learning. 
·   Teachers have a sense of control over what and how they teach. 
·   Parental and community involvement tends to be stronger than in larger schools.

Reading ’s multi-age environment enables teachers to reach students with a diverse range of knowledge and abilities. 

Curriculum Highlights 

The Reading Elementary School Curriculum is aligned to the Vermont Framework of Standards and Grade Level expectations. All students receive instruction in these core subjects: Language Arts (reading, language, spelling, and writing) Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Health. In addition, specialists in the following areas provide regular instruction: Physical Education, Art, Music, Library Skills and a World Language.

Technology is a tool for improving teaching and learning. As such, we use technology to move all children toward high academic standards. Our Technology Program includes ten networked computers in our lab, one in the library, two in each of the classrooms, and one in the Title I room. These computers all have access to the Internet and the ability to run the latest software. The teachers have access to multi- mediate technology. 

The arts program is Integrated Arts– topics are rarely presented in isolation in daily life; therefore, we believe that students can more readily make connections if course work is integrated. 

We offer the Four Winds Environmental Education Program (taught by parents). 

Field trips are curriculum relevant and acknowledged to be an important part of the education of every Reading student.  Students are visible in the community, including class visits to the Reading Public Library.  

All School Meeting; is a school wide program that has become the focal point of our Friday mornings. It is an event that bonds us as a "family." This a time for children to share with each other what they are learning in the classroom. We reward exemplary behavior and recognize noteworthy accomplishments during this celebration. 

Community Outreach Initiatives 

The Town of Reading has supportive partnerships. The Windsor County Reads Program brings in volunteers from area communities to read with individual students.  Adult volunteers work to provide after-school programs such as a weekly Art club and a fall cross-country running team. 

The Reading P.T.O. is the parent teacher organization at Reading Elementary School .  The PTO sponsors fund-raising events to augment the school budget by providing funds for enrichment programs and parent volunteers for academic support.  The PTO supports a 6-week winter ski/snowboard program at Mt. Ascutney . 

The Reading Recreation Department offers team sports for all children as well as a variety of opportunities for teens and adults.  The elementary students are encouraged to sign up for baseball, soccer, and basketball.