Welcome

Mission

"Samuel Clemens is Wisconsin's first public Paideia School. The Paideia Model focuses on educating the whole child and developing good character. Our mission is to guide students to become proficient or advanced at each grade level by utilizing a challenging and rigorous curriculum, providing interventions, and monitoring progress towards the Common Core Standards and Learning Targets. Our goal is that 100% of our fifth graders enter middle school proficient or advanced in all subject areas. Teachers provide instruction based on data analysis, best practices, and strategies to ensure that all students achieve. We have a no bullying policy which supports our belief that every child should have a safe learning environment. Our school utilizes Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (P.B.I.S.) to help accomplish our mission."

Dear families, friends and supporters,

As principal of Samuel Clemens Elementary School, I want to welcome you to our engaging school community. Located on the north side of Milwaukee in the Lincoln Creek neighborhood, Clemens serves children in K4 – grade 5. We offer a warm and welcoming school climate where high expectations, collaboration, respect and strong character are some of our core values.

As the first public school in Wisconsin to embrace the Paideia philosophy, Clemens offers student-centered learning. Our certified staff teaches students to think critically, act responsibly and work collaboratively with others. Academic instruction at Clemens is based on the Wisconsin Common Core State Standards. Literacy, mathematics and writing blocks ensure our students are given adequate opportunities to master these skills and to become independent, lifelong learners in each subject area. One of our primary goals is to instill a love of reading in our students by encouraging students to read nightly, on weekends and over extended breaks. We also host several Family Literacy Nights throughout the year. At Samuel Clemens, where character counts, we remind students to celebrate their unique strengths and talents while building self-esteem and self-confidence.

In addition to strong academics, Clemens offers before-and after-school enrichment activities through the Clemens Camp, as well as recreational programs. Clemens Camp is a safe place for our students to receive homework help, create art projects and engage in physical fitness activities. Through our recreation programs, students have the opportunity to participate in cheerleading, basketball, soccer, softball and flag football.

Local organizations and our dedicated parents also play major roles in the education of Clemens students. Community partnerships afford students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom and to interact with successful Milwaukee leaders and organization representatives. Our School Governance Council assists with decision-making and plans events that bring our families together in celebration of their children's education.

We encourage you to visit our school at any time and to take note of the stellar teaching and learning that occurs every day. If you have specific questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at (414) 875-6300. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Richardson, Principal

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