Helen Baller Elementary: Principal's Message

Welcome to the Helen Baller Web page. I'd like to take this opportunity to share a number of our basic principles regarding the learning process. First and foremost, school should be a fun, engaging, and delightful place for children to learn. To this end, we offer students a multitude of activities which include: the PTA Back-to-School Family Feed, "Shoot a Basket with the Principal," Baller City, The Jungle, Scooter Town, lunchtime tumbling, jump rope, juggling, chess and a musical program with Orff Instruments.

Second, as a result of our efforts to make school an enjoyable place to be, we believe students are more willing to do their best in all facets of their educational day. For example, during the intense state testing periods, the staff incorporate snacks and breaks to help students focus longer and tolerate the intensity that comes with those assessments. Children thrive with a balance of hard work and play and are rewarded for their efforts with a celebration at the completion of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

Third, academic rigor that reflects success for all students is emphasized. For example, the third grade has an annual "Battle of the Books" contest and the fourth grade study of Washington State brings life-sized characters and displays into the school. Additionally, we offer classrooms that "cluster" identified gifted students and a math specialist who works with highly capable, average and remedial students. Our school houses a special education program that allows students with moderate-to-severe handicapping conditions to be included with their basic educational counterparts as often as is appropriate. Along with these programs, we also have a strong technology emphasis that includes a minimum of three PC's in every classroom, a 30 PC computer lab that includes one multimedia station and one teacher station, and web-based instruction such as "Learning.com."

Finally, referring back to our first belief, we offer a "Keys to Success" character-education program that teaches children the characteristics necessary for them to be outstanding students and citizens.

I invite you to peruse our Web site, read our mission statement, and get to know us. If you have time, we also encourage you to contact any one of Helen Baller's dedicated staff.