About Elwood Schools:

Elwood is a unique suburban Long Island community located in the Town of Huntington approximately one hour commuting time from New York City. Our population is about 13,000, with a student population of approximately 2,285. Many of our residents are corporate executives, business owners and/or members of various professions. Elwood may be best described as a diverse middle to upper socio-economic community.

We are proud of our tradition of excellence. Historically, the number of seniors cited by the National Merit Program as commended students, Semi finalists and Finalists has exceeded the national norm. A very high percentage of our senior classes receive Regents diplomas. On the playing fields, our students have achieved comparable success in winning league, county and state championships. We are indeed proud of our students and their efforts, and we know that they have achieved success in the colleges and programs of their choice.

Elwood residents are very supportive of their schools, and there is a strong level of community involvement. The Board of Education, administration and staff work together with the community to provide students with an excellent educational experience in a fiscally responsible environment.

HARLEY AVENUE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Grades K-2)
The primary grades (K-2) at Harley Avenue Primary School provide an enhanced language arts program, which reflects the district's commitment to early development of the key literacy basics of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The use of big books, leveled readers, and original stories develop skills and elevate strategies for balanced literacy thus creating an authentic literacy experience for the students.

Our literacy program in kindergarten through second grade provides experiences in critical thinking and utilizes the best of children's literature. The Teacher's College Units of Study in Reading & Writing support student growth & love of reading and writing.

Our school day is from 9:20am-3:40pm and each day includes a special subject area: library, art, music, or physical education. The children also get to use our new science lab as well as the computer lab. English Language Learners in kindergarten, grades one and two will receive instruction according to their English proficiency.

The mathematics program is based on the constructivist theory with an emphasis on concrete experiences. Basic skills are emphasized, with stress placed on thinking and practical use of mathematics, such as measuring, estimating, and probability utilizing a variety of manipulatives.

Science instruction and activities take place in class and in the science lab. Students are actively involved with hands­ on science experiments. Science kits, microscopes and other scientific instruments as well as reading materials add to the lab environment.

The district's technology initiative has provided for multiple chrome books and a Smart Board in each classroom. Beyond classroom Chromebooks, Harley features a computer lab that functions as a resource and instructional center. All classes are scheduled for 1 period a week in the lab. The district commitment strives to integrate technology as an instructional tool.

Instructional support in academics as well as related services is provided by trained personnel in reading, speech, social work and psychology. Academic intervention by the teachers and specialists is provided in reading and math. Two trained reading teachers instruct first grade and second grade students in a literacy lab setting in small groups for thirty minutes, multiple cycles throughout the year. We will also have a kindergarten intervention teacher, who will collaborate with classroom teachers and provide support in literacy and math within the classroom setting. This year we will implement an intervention period within our school day to ensure all students reading below grade level receive small group instruction by a classroom teacher five days a week. This program will begin in mid-October.

The goal of academic intervention is to assess need and to provide remediation so the student can perform successfully within the classroom.

Each child has the opportunity to learn at the primary school. Not only are support services available, but also each professional is responsible for creating, a caring school community. Keep an eye out for our Harley Knight of the Month pep rally dates. At Harley Avenue we promote excellent character and celebrate students who exhibit those traits. On these days we ask that all students wear their Elwood or Harley T-shirts (or Blue) to show school spirit.

The Harley Avenue faculty members are highly trained, certified educators, coming from diverse backgrounds to work together to provide an outstanding early childhood program to our district's youngest population.

JAMES H. BOYD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL (Grades 3-5)
The James H. Boyd Intermediate School provides students with a strong academic and social and emotional program that builds upon their foundational skills, while promoting critical thinking and problem solving.  James Boyd is a warm, nurturing environment that works to foster a love for learning.

Our academic program is aligned with the New York State Common Core Standards. Students engage in reading and writing workshop daily through whole group, small group, reading partners, interactive read alouds and independent reading practice to build upon their skills (http://readingandwritingproject.org). Our classes are active in student to student learning opportunities to enhance and deepen student understanding. Students have mathematics daily and focus on computation and problem-solving. Our math program is an active hands-on approach that requires students to think critically and analytically with perseverance.

The math program challenges students to master their fluency facts, compute complex math problems and complete multi- step word problems. Students are taught various ways to solve math problems to deepen their understanding of the math concepts taught and not just getting the right answers. Social and Emotional Learning takes place throughout the day through discussions on literature, character education lessons and school wide initiatives. James H. Boyd works closely with Harley Avenue Primary school to ensure that the curriculums are aligned and provide students with the learning progressions they need to grow as successful learners.

The science program is based on the use of manipulative materials and activities according to grade level objectives.  Our newly renovated science lab will offer students an exciting hands-on learning environment. The social studies program is aligned with the New York State Social Studies Framework.  It incorporates the New York State Common Core Learning Standards and uses the C3 Inquiry Arc as instructional methodology. Social Studies practices are identified, as well as the key ideas, conceptual understandings, and content specifications. The district utilizes the Putman Boces Social Studies curriculum K-5 (https://www.pnwboces.org/ssela/index.htm).  In addition, both science and social studies content are supported through classroom read alouds. All classrooms have their own computers; the school has a comprehensive computer lab and  two chrome book traveling carts for students to utilize technology to enhance their learning experiences throughout the day.

Students also attend classes taught by specialists in art, music physical education, library and computers to broaden their knowledge and enrich the whole child.

Fourth and fifth graders are able to participate in before-and after-school musical performing groups in band, orchestra and chorus with instrumental music lessons given during the regular school day. Third graders are also able to participate in string lessons before school to build competency and to encourage participation in our 4th-5th grade orchestral program. Many students enjoy our comprehensive after-school clubs and activities program.

James H. Boyd is a supportive, student-centered learning environment that challenges students to reach their fullest potential.  James H. Boyd believes that all children can learn and succeed.

ELWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8)
Elwood Middle School (grades 6 - 8) recognizes the unique and special learning requirements of adolescent students by offering a comprehensive and balanced program of study that meets their academic, social and emotional needs.  Our school’s motto: “Work hard, play hard, and treat others with respect” provides students with a framework in which they strive for excellence under the guidance of experienced teachers and staff.  Our goal is not only to prepare students for the rigors of High School but to continue to foster a culture of learning and exploration that can be carried with them through life outside of the classroom.
Elwood Middle School is a technology progressive school with a goal of providing all students with a foundation for being active and responsible global citizens in the 21st century.  Our school utilizes 3 stationary computer labs as well as 4 lab carts.  All told, the students of Elwood Middle School have access to over 200 desktops, laptops, chromebooks, netbooks, and e-readers.  By incorporating the use of technology into the daily lives of our students and focussing on being responsible citizens in its use, we believe that we are providing a rich and successful formula for student achievement.

Our building also believes that students need to read often and challenge themselves in the content that they explore.  The teaching staff at Elwood Middle School has worked hard to incorporate literary content throughout the curriculum.  Whether it be a classic novel in English class, a historical fiction piece in Social Studies, or an article on global warming in Science; our focus is to provide our students with a variety of materials and subjects that allows them to explore the world around them through the written word.  

Outside of the classroom our students have access to numerous clubs, activities, programs and interscholastic sports.  Students have the opportunity to participate in programs such as the gardening club, the technology club, Operation Respect, and student council (to name just a few). Our theatre program is especially noteworthy and many of our students participate in the annual production.  In recent years our students have participated in productions such as Peter Pan, The Wiz, and Anne, among other performances.

Sixth grade course at Elwood Middle School includes the basic courses of Math, Science, Social Studies and English as well as Physical Education, Music, Art and Family and Consumer Science.  Additionally, all grade 6 students received additional support in both a reading and math lab designed to promote student problem solving skills and reading comprehension.  Grade 6 is where all students received Google accounts for the purpose of collaborative projects and the creation of their personal e-folios which will be with them through high school.  The skills necessary to interact in the Google environment are incorporated throughout the school year in most courses taught at the middle school.

Students in seventh grade continue with a strong academic program throughout the school day.  In addition to the core courses (Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Physical Education) students also take a Foreign Language (Italian or Spanish), Technology, Physical Education and have the option of continuing to take a performing music. Additionally, students in 7th grade who are academically eligible have may try out for school interscholastic sports teams and participate in any of the school clubs that are offered throughout the school year.

In addition to the core courses, students in grade 8 also take Foreign Language, Art and Home and Careers.  They also take Health which is critical to helping them understand and cope with many topics that they are experiencing in adolescence.  Students in grade 8 also have the option to continue taking a performing music, participate in interscholastic sports, and join many different clubs.  

We invite you to explore our website.  Our teachers and staff work hard to provide parents and students with the information necessary for success in the Middle School.  We hope that you find our site informative as well.

ELWOOD JOHN GLENN HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School has a continuing tradition of excellence. Each year, members of the senior class achieve SAT scores that rank above the national and state averages. The number of seniors cited by the National Merit Scholarship Program exceeds the national average. Graduating classes have included a number of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and commended scholars. In addition, 97% of the class of 2010 graduated with a New York State Regents Diploma, with 73% achieving Advanced Designation Diplomas, one of the highest percentages on Long Island. Ninety-five percent (95%) of the graduating class continued their education, attending colleges and universities throughout the country.

To achieve these impressive results, we offer a comprehensive curriculum for grades nine through twelve. Courses are reviewed annually and new courses are added to meet changing needs. Included are Advanced Placement and college-level courses, Regents courses that meet and exceed all state requirements, and electives in both academic and technical areas. We also offer college level courses through a partnership with St. John’s University that allows students to gain college credits in Spanish and Italian. Students interested in art have participated in fine arts summer programs, and student musicians have performed in state and national groups.

A full array of extracurricular clubs, performance groups, and interscholastic sports are available. Through our Natural Helpers Program, Operation Respect, and our Community Service Club, students develop a sense of caring and compassion for peers, the young, seniors, and the needy.

Our goal is to assist all students to achieve success at the highest level possible and to develop a sense of community and pride that will guide each individual through his/her educational journey and throughout life.

For an overview of Elwood's changing demographics and a celebration of our district's Points of Pride, click here.