Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s)
.... Creating Connections through Literacy .... 
Greetings and welcome to the school website for M. M. Seylar Elementary! This new school year begins with a continued focus on excellence and an educational program promoting student achievement.
As the sixth grade moved to the middle school, M. M. Seylar was left with three empty classrooms in July, 2007. Those rooms were quickly filled as additional first and second grade classrooms were added due to increased enrollment; and music classes moved from the stage to the vocal music room. We are happily beginning the school year with many additional students to the Seylar School Community.
The school's theme for this year is Creating Connections through Literacy. All of us at Seylar will continue to focus on developing reading and writing skills from Kindergarten to Grade 5.
The curriculum at the elementary level focuses on guided, independent, and shared reading. Students will do Book Conferencing as well as develop writing skills beginning at the kindergarten level. The language arts program focuses on the development of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking skills across the curriculum. The mathematics program used at all grade levels encourages students to problem-solve, use hands-on materials, and master the standards required by the State of Pennsylvania. An integrated curriculum correlates all core areas of the curriculum with special areas such as music, technology, art, physical education, and library studies. Examples of integration provides students with opportunities to develop writing, speaking, listening, and thinking skills in music, health, and library science; use problem solving skills and effective grouping techniques in physical education; and develop an appreciation of diversity through the arts. The needs of all students are met through the use of flexible grouping for instruction, learning centers, guided reading, writer's workshop, and the differentiation of instruction.
The staff and their commitment to excellence is one of the reasons why M. M. Seylar enjoys such an outstanding reputation. We continue to rely on parent volunteers to assist us in book conferencing, clerical responsibilities, varied tasks relating to classroom support, monitoring students during the lunch period, maintaining the school website and the monthly publication of the school newspaper, The Panther Press. The Home and School Association plays an integral role in school development and the yearly "Race for Education" provides revenue for to help defray the cost of field trips, school assemblies, classroom materials, etc. The Family Fun Nights scheduled throughout the year also provide opportunities to preserve a sense of community.
Finally, it is the students who continue to make M. M. Seylar an outstanding school. Panther Partners, peer buddies, and the Student Council Members, under the coordination of the guidance counselor and parental involvement, continue to have a positive impact on the school environment.
Thank you for visiting our website!
Sincerely,
Pricilla J. Ponist
Principal