Chestnut Ridge Elementary School recently got an honorable mention as a "National School of Character" for its hard work in creating a caring and supportive learning environment. This year's "Science Expo" at the school had the most participants ever. Fifth graders presented complicated environmental research to the community. The campus also started a new peer-mentoring program that works well. Older students help younger "buddies" reach their daily reading goals.

Q1. What does the "National School of Character" honor mean for Chestnut Ridge Elementary School students?

Ans. This award shows how much our school cares about teaching students how important it is to be kind, understanding, and honest.

Q2. What do the environmental research projects look like at the Chestnut Ridge Elementary School Science Expo?

Ans. Students make digital displays and interactive models to show their families and local environmental experts what they found.

Q3. Is there a "Reading Buddy" program at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School that is open to students in all grades?

Ans. Yes, every week our fourth graders go to younger classrooms to tell stories and help their "little buddies" feel more sure of themselves when they read.

Q4. What kinds of lessons about character are part of the daily schedule at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School?

Ans. Every morning, students have a "Values Talk" where they talk about things like perseverance and how to help other people.

Q5. How does Chestnut Ridge Elementary School help students who want to do more advanced science lab work?

Ans. Our campus lab has extra sessions where students who want to can do supervised experiments that aren't part of the regular science curriculum.