Mission
James I. Dawson Elementary School promotes high standards for academic achievement, encourages self-discipline, and strives to provide a safe, orderly environment that will enable all students to become confident, self-directed, life-long learners.
Vision
Preparing 21st century scholars to collaborate, compete, and succeed in a global digital society.
Beliefs
- We believe that learning is a continuous process.
- We believe education is a combined effort, with parents, students, teachers, and community working together as a collaborative team.
- We believe students learn best when they are fully engaged in the whole process of learning which includes not only hands-on learning, but also active reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- We believe each student is an individual who is deserving of respect, fairness, and understanding.
Purpose
- We will educate every child in a way that prepares them for college, life and work.
- James I Dawson Elementary Students will:
- Acquire the essential basic skills. (Competence)
- Learn how to process knowledge and come to new understandings, i.e., learn how to learn. (Confidence)
- Learn how to become self-directed and self-correcting. (Responsibility)
- Work in a learning environment that supports their self-esteem and sense of who they are. (Respect and Dignity)
Description
James I. Dawson Elementary is a community school located in the Northwest area of Huntsville, Alabama. The school is part of the Huntsville City School system. Educational services for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are provided. The current population is 376 students in grades pre kindergarten through sixth. The faculty and staff are all highly qualified. In addition to the classroom teachers a librarian, music, and art teacher are part of the staff. There are three special education aides and a system tech on staff. There is also a reading coach and a curriculum specialist to assist teachers with daily academic needs. A reading coach and curriculum specialist provide assistance to teachers with reading and math. Dawson Elementary School recently qualified for a school improvement grant. The grant has provided a full time social worker, and transformation specialists. Dawson Elementary School offers a variety of academic programs to serve our neighborhood educational needs. Two PreK classes, a Life Skills class, and one Head Start unit are also a part of our school program. Dawson students are provided services for gifted, hearing impaired, speech, and learning disabilities.
The community has a variety of business and family oriented support organizations. Proud to Partner, Center Grove Baptist Church, Dawson PTA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Fraternity, Second Mile, E & N Restaurant, and Representative Laura Hall are some of our business and education partners. These businesses and organizations provide services, free materials, coupons, discounts, awards, donations, and tutoring for our teachers and students.
