Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
The David Paterson IB PYP Elementary School is committed to building partnerships with students, staff, parents and the community to develop life-long learners. Through rigorous inquiry and empowerment, our learners will be equipped to become college and career ready and exemplify attributes and skills of a 21st century global citizen.
Vision Statement
The Vision of David Paterson School is to build a partnership between staff, students, parents and the community in an effort to achieve academic excellence. Our goal is to build a solid foundation that will foster lifelong learners and contribute to all of our students being college and career ready.
School Philosophy
The David Paterson School philosophy is to support our students to be inquirers and thinkers through strategic learning engagements that promote student agency and inspire them to be global contributors as 21st century learners.
School Pledge
As a member of the David Paterson School,
I pledge today to do my best,
in reading, math and all the rest.
I promise to obey the rules,
in my class and in my school.
I'll respect myself and others too.
I'll expect the best in all I do.
Of education I'm a fan.
I'm here to learn all I can!
Every Child, Every Chance,
Every Day!
About Our School
David Paterson School, formerly known as Fulton School, had the name changed to honor the former Governor of New York, David Paterson. David Paterson attended Fulton School during his elementary years. Here at David Paterson School, we have Grades K-6 in a variety of classroom settings where our dedicated teachers deliver an integrated curriculum that fosters creativity, teamwork, and independence. This is our fifth year welcoming our sixth grade students to our “Global Thinkers” Academy. We provide a safe and nurturing environment with opportunities for intellectual, emotional, and social growth. We celebrate each child as an individual. Our school motto is Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!
The school has made many adjustments in our practice since the implementation of the IB PYP framework. Our school culture places a high emphasis on action. Action comes from all members of our school learning community including our students, parents, and staff. Our students are encouraged to nurture their natural curiosity by asking meaningful questions and discovering answers. This leads to strengthening critical thinking skills and the development of a love for learning. Promoting student voice and choice has now made David Paterson the home away from home for our students. Students take responsibility for various activities such as participating in the design of learning spaces as well as the learning opportunities that occur within those spaces, managing the school cart for lunch, modeling and reflecting on the Learner Profiles, participating in and or leading conferences, and joining various clubs or after school programs. Our Student Ambassadors work collaboratively to plan, organize, implement, and represent our school at school events and in the community. They serve as role models for all students and promote global mindedness.
When we reflect on the systems we have in place they are modified based on the feedback we get from parents, students, and staff. We value connections, collaboration, and communication from all stakeholders whether it be participating or volunteering at a schoolwide event, joining a club or after school program, partnering with a local organization, viewing our school website, or reading our school newspaper, school brochures, or parent handbook, creating essential agreements or celebrating student achievement each month. We have formed strong bonds with our families as 50% of our teachers looped with their class this year. It has increased our parental support and afforded students and parents to develop relationships inside and outside of school.
Our goal is to build the whole child through authentic and enriching experiences that lead the way for our students to become productive and successful citizens in our global society. David Paterson School is a great place for all stakeholders to work and learn.