James J. Chittick Elementary School
Principal's Vision
“Our vision for the Chittick is one that blends academic rigor with creative teaching and learning practices in an environment where students are literate, expressive, resilient, and respectful. PSS offers the resources to help us provide after-school programs that devote time to academic support, but also are also rich in the arts, project-based learning activities, and support social and therapeutic development
Overview
Students at the Chittick School have various needs that can be addressed through a high-quality after-school program. As the principal, Michelle Burnett-Herndon, points out, a significant number of Chittick students are limited English-speaking students whose parents work multiple jobs outside of the home. These challenges are compounded by the Chittick’s isolated location, which poses a barrier to accessing needed programs and services for students.
Prior to becoming a PSS school, the Chittick did not have an active full-time after-school program. PSS has enabled the Chittick to start a daily program that addresses student, family, and neighborhood needs.PSS is working with the Chittick to strengthen their collaborations with program and service providers to address social and behavioral challenges posing barriers to student learning. A key component of the principal’s vision for this partnership involves furthering the school’s focus on the arts.
This fall, the Chittick launched an after-school program that involves:
- Academic Tutoring/SES
- Arts programs that integrate literacy and social skills development
- Dance instruction
- Science programming
For more information about this program, please contact:
Kimberly Moloney, Manager of Extended Learning Services at the Chittick, (617) 635-8652 x 119
