School Profile

Our Vision

The Londonderry School District will provide appropriate individualized academic, social, emotional and physical learning opportunities in order to establish a dynamic foundation for quality education and continued student growth.

Our Mission

To provide all students with the vision, skills, and knowledge necessary to maximize their individual potential. Central to this accomplishment is the collaboration among all shareholders and disciplines so that students can become contributing members of society and appreciate that learning is a life-long process.

Administrators:

Principal: Debra Setterlund

Assistant Principal: Paul Biron

Special Education Program Director: Jacquelyn Marden

Music Director: Serge Beaulieu (K-12)

Facilities Profile: South school is a 70,938 sq. ft. building consisting of 32 classroom spaces, a library media center, gymnasium, computer lab, cafeteria and a multi-purpose room. The school sits on 20.5 acres with the playground area and all-purpose field using approximately 6 of those acres.  

Learning Environment: South School offers a variety of instructional programs designed to meet individual student needs. We also provide remedial reading and math support as well as enrichment programs at all grade levels. Instructional assistance is provided daily to teachers for reading and as needed in other curricular areas. This assistance helps us to create smaller “learning communities” in the classroom. It also enables the use of flexible grouping practices in the areas of reading and mathematics.

Mission Statement: South School’s mission is to provide all our students with the vision, and skills and knowledge necessary to maximize their individual potential. Central to this accomplishment is the collaboration among all shareholders and disciplines so that students can become contributing members of society and appreciate that learning is a life-long process.

Special Programs: We provide many opportunities for students to grow and develop their varied talents including: Enrichment Programs, Before/After School Programs, Nationally Recognized School Library Program, Blue Ribbon Volunteer Program, Artist in Residence Program, Annual Art Show, Annual Drama Production, and Annual Talent Show.

Music: General Music classes are held weekly for all students. There is an Instrumental Band Program for Grade 5, an Orchestra Program and a Choral Program for students in Grades 4-5, and a String Ensemble Program. Performance members participate in a variety of programs including winter and spring concerts, Memorial Day Parade Program and other special activities.

Special Education: The Special Education Department offers an array of services designed to meet the specific needs of individual students with disabilities. Referrals to Special Education can be made through the RTI (Response to Interventions) process and by teachers, parent(s), guidance counselors and/or others working with the student. Eligibility for Special Education is determined through a team process with a review of measurements of academic and functional achievement and cognitive profile, classroom performance, teacher and parent input and a determination of the need for specialized instruction. If eligibility criteria are met, a case manager is assigned, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is developed and the supports and services needed by the student are implemented and monitored to ensure successful access to the general curriculum. Placement is determined by the IEP team to ensure programming in the least restrictive environment.

Guidance/Counseling: Counselors are available for our student population at South School when developmental challenges occur, as well as being a support system in dealing with issues from divorce, alcohol and or drug dependency, death of a loved one, or difficult peer relationships. Their goal is to help children grow academically while giving support and education related to these issues. Referrals to the guidance department may come from students, parents and teachers. 

Library Media Program: The Library Media Center provides a comprehensive collection of resources to support the curriculum, promote an appreciation of reading, and develop information literacy skills. Additionally, the Library Media Specialist works collaboratively with teachers to develop projects that reinforce these skills. Presently, there are eighteen library computers available to support teaching and learning, as well as a variety of other audio-visual and technology resources.   

Technology Resources: The Information Technology Department strives to create an infrastructure that supports the curriculum and administrative objectives of the Londonderry School District, aiding all students and staff in research, communication and learning. In order to do so, Londonderry School District's IT Department strives to maintain a network of updated, modern computer hardware running some of the latest software available on the market. Computers with internet access for instructional use are in the classrooms and in the Library Media Center, including six mobile computer labs with classroom sets of iPads, laptops or Chromebooks.  

PE/Athletics: All our students receive weekly PE instruction focusing on fitness, safety, and good sportsmanship.  Fifth grade students participate in a district wide Cross-Country Program, which culminates in a Londonderry Cross Country Race attended by students from the three elementary schools.  Fifth graders also have the opportunity to practice and participate in an elementary track and field event. We also have an extensive intramural program for all grade levels. 

Parent Involvement: South School has a very active Parent/Teacher Association. The PTA facilitates our mission statement by providing a variety of learning and extra-curricular programming. Volunteers are welcome and necessary to support our instructional programs. The PTA typically meets on the thirst Monday of each month.

Activities: South School students can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including: 

• Band

• Chorus

• Cross Country Team

• Destination Imagination

• Drama Club

• Images of Greatness

• Jump Rope Club

• Jump Rope Team

• Orchestra

• People to Paws

• Photography Club

• Reflections

• Safety Patrol

• Student Council

Recent Awards and Recognitions: 2018 AHA Andrew S. Blanchard Heart of Excellence Award (Scott Lohnes & Jennifer Cutuli).

History: South School was built in 1978 as a 26-classroom building to house approximately 500–550 students in grades Readiness through six.  Eight portable classrooms were added to the original core facility in order to accommodate a larger student population.  A full-size gymnasium and two new bathrooms were added in 1997.  In December 2008, a renovation/addition project was completed, and the portable classrooms were removed.