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John Burkholder; Assistant Principal Laura Huber Leopold Elementary School

Address:2602 Post Road Madison, WI 53713
Telephone:(608) 204-4240
Fax:(608) 204-0451
Principal:John Burkholder; Assistant Principal Laura Huber
Leopold Elementary School Web Site
Handbook | en español
Online Staff Directory
Attendance Area Map | HS attendance area: West
School Data Profile
School Supply List


Parent/Teacher Group President: Amy Boutelle, 608-277-5907; Lisa Shebesta
Parent Contact: Kristi Buscemi, 608-271-7845; Prasanna Raman, 608-442-8356; Jessica Lathrop, 608-288-9448

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Leopold Elementary School

Aldo Leopold is a diverse, caring community whose mission is to empower each child to become an enthusiastic lifelong learner, provide a high quality education and strive to create an environment whereby each child's potential can be successfully developed through:

  • an integrated multicultural curriculum that values diversity;
  • a safe, respectful environment that recognizes individuality and fosters self esteem;
  • a commitment to a mutually responsible partnership between students, families, staff and community.

Aldo Leopold School strives to provide quality instruction through an engaging and developmentally appropriate curriculum. We seek to develop a positive, caring school environment in which all students and parents are part of our educational community.


Site Characteristics

Location

Aldo Leopold School is located on 14 acres of land and serves a multiethnic, multicultural community. Our school serves the largest geographic elementary school attendance area in the district and includes Madison and Fitchburg.

Class Size

We have 42 classrooms at Leopold, two art rooms, two music rooms, a computer lab, large library and a gymnasium. The SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education) grant from the State keeps kindergarten through third grade classes at 15 or fewer students. Average class size in grades 4-5 is 23. Total enrollment is 683.

Breakfast/Hot Lunch and After School Care

We offer breakfast and hot lunch daily. After school care in our building runs from dismissal to 5:45 p.m. We also have a list of the day care providers located in the area.


Academic Programming

Achievement Scores

In 2008, 77% of English proficient students tested either proficient or advanced in reading on the Fourth Grade Knowledge and Concepts Examination. In math, 75% of these same students scored either proficient or advanced on the WKCE.

Technology

Technology standards are realized through the REACH Program (Reinforcement and Enrichment for All CHildren) in grades one through five. Skills taught in REACH enable students to use technology as a tool to integrate core curriculum areas. Leopold has a fully networked computer lab with 28 computers, a publishing center with six computers, a computer station in every classroom, and many in the Library Media Center (LMC).

Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program

The goal of Talented and Gifted (TAG) programming is to make certain K-12 students consistently have learning opportunities that are challenging, systematic and continuous based on learning profile, readiness and student interest.

Student learning experiences include a broad range of opportunities that pushes a student to their next level of challenge and allows them to develop their talents. TAG programming may occur in the classroom, or in other settings. TAG programming is determined by ongoing evaluation and assessment of individual student needs. Each school has TAG resource support for ongoing consultation.

Dual Language Immersion

Beginning in the fall of 2009, Leopold Elementary School will be offering an English/Spanish dual Language Immersion program for incoming kindergartners. Each successive year an additional grade will be added until the program serves students in grades K-5. Dual Language Immersion is a choice program and parents must apply for entry. Due to demand for the program, a lottery is used to fill seats. The program is open only to students who reside in the Leopold Elementary attendance area.

Special Classes

Teacher specialists in art, music and physical education provide regular instruction. The REACH Program extends and supports the classroom curriculum while a full-time librarian helps students to build literature appreciation and research skills.

Other Programs

Leopold offers a full day kindergarten program, English as a Second Language (ESL), special education services and options, Reading Recovery, Title I, a bilingual program, and foreign language classes in French and Spanish. In addition, support services are provided by the psychologist, social worker, speech and language clinicians, and occupational and physical therapists.

Artists-in-Residence

The Parent Faculty Organization (PFO) sponsored an artist in 1998-99. The artists help students gain a greater appreciation for the value of the arts in our lives.


School Climate

Safety Is Always A Priority

More than 80% of the students responding to a recent climate survey described Leopold as a safe place to be. Playgrounds have adult supervision 15 minutes before school and during all recesses. School Safety Patrols learn leadership skills. A city crossing guard assists children in crossing the street. Students who live more than 1.5 miles from school are provided free bus services. A school nurse and a nursing assistant are on-site during the day.

Peaceful Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution Curriculum is used at all grade levels. Teachers and support staff focus on development of responsibility and lifelong skills to promote peaceful problem solving.


Partnerships

Family Partnerships

The The Parent Faculty Organization (PFO) supports academic programming by planning special events and fundraisers, coordinating special assemblies, soliciting volunteers, and by providing financial support for field trips..

Community Partnerships

A Leopold Area Resource Coalition of business and clergy members, area citizens, and representatives of local schools and police departments was formed to support Leopold in serving all students.

We have a partnership with Group Health Cooperative-Hatchery Hill Clinic. The GHC-SCW Leopold School program offers some primary care services to qualified, non-insured Leopold students. While not a health insurance plan, eligible participants may access some of the services offered at the GHC-SCW clinics. Together we are making our community stronger and healthier.

Additionally, an Americorps member coordinates hundreds of volunteers who spend thousands of hours a year supporting our school community.

You Are Always Welcome at Aldo Leopold!

Aldo Leopold prides itself on being a family-community school where children are the number one focus. Staff are energetic and student-centered. A safe supportive learning environment allows each student to develop individual abilities and talents. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to share their interests and skills and parent-community volunteers are a common sight at Leopold.

School Tours are open to ALL. We welcome all present and potential families to take a guided tour or meet staff by calling the school office to make an appointment.

We encourage you to contact the Leopold School office to learn more about our school. In addition, please see the Parent Contact information on this web site for additional sources of information.

For answers to any questions, or to request material such as curriculum standards, handbooks, lunch menus, bus schedule, newsletters, etc., call Leopold's main office at 608-204-4240 or fax your request to 608-204-0451.

 


Quotes

"My child was provided a structured, stimulating and caring environment. Leopold has been a wonderfully positive learning experience."
-- Leopold Parent

"I really enjoyed my teacher this year. We did lots of fun things and she listened to us."
-- Leopold Student

"Leopold has given my child a positive learning environment. He cannot wait to go to school every day."
-- Leopold Parent

"We have been very happy with the educational progress of our children. They have had an enjoyable, productive experience. Thank you."
-- Leopold Parent

"We are pleased with the education our child is receiving at Leopold! She has enjoyed each day at school and has excelled in academics, as well as peer relationships."
-- Leopold Parent

"Thanks for being there for me and for helping me learn so much."
-- Leopold Student

Remember, you're "At Home At Aldo Leopold Elementary School !"