Mission
The mission of the East Hartford-Glastonbury Elementary Magnet School is to prepare students for life in the culturally diverse, technology-oriented, interdependent world of the twenty-first century. To accomplish this mission, students will work together as multi-ethnic explorers of all areas of knowledge with special concentration on:

• science and technology
• global people
• cultures and issues, and problem solving through cooperation

Programs
The planners and staff of the Magnet School have dedicated themselves to creating a learning program with the following specific characteristics:

The school is a learning organization composed of a community of learners.

The learning community is a microcosm of today's culturally diverse society, the future unity and inclusion are central to the curriculum.

The school's curriculum is thematic and interdisciplinary.

The school uses an activity-based curriculum.

The curriculum emphasizes science, technology and global education.

The school acknowledges learners' developmental levels and provides appropriate learning experiences.

The school has a flexible schedule for learning experiences.

The school recognizes a variety of talents that learners possess.

The learning organization uses collaborative and flexible staffing designs.

The learning community has family involvement.

The school is involved with the communities and the communities are involved with the school.

Science
Preserving the earth, exploring space, and improving health are important to children and vital for the future of our planet. The Magnet School curriculum contains hundreds of exciting hands-on projects such as examining life and pollution in ponds, streams and at the shore.

In our science lab, students observe their specimens and make further discoveries. Hands-on projects lead to skill development in many areas. For example, math and reading skills are enhanced as students construct graphs and write about their discoveries.

Technology
The Magnet School received a state grant at the end of 1999-2000 school year which enabled us to purchase the latest technology available. Powerful new computers were purchased for the classrooms and new hardware and software have been installed in the Media Center, including Smart Boards, printers, scanners, and other peripherals.

Our Science Lab is equipped with a new multi-media station which allows the students to collect, record, and analyze data and communicate with scientists around the globe.Through technology, our students can share their discoveries, research, stories, and information about themselves with children across the US and other countries.

At present, students are involved in reporting school weather and environmental conditions to children and scientists around the world via the GLOBE Program, Forest Watch, the CT Weather Network, the JASON Project and NASA. They learn about the world in a way no textbook can teach!

Foreign Language
The Magnet School is the first elementary school in the state to take advantage of young children's exceptional language learning ability and offer Japanese instruction on a daily basis. By studying Japanese in an active, communication-based curriculum, students in Kindergarten through 5th grade gain useful learning strategies and communication skills to help them become sensitive, effective communicators for the 21st century.

Partnerships

Parents as Partners
Parents are actively involved at EHGEMS and are critical to our success. To encourage parent involvement, we offer an open door, a welcoming staff, and many opportunities to help. Parents of current students are willing to speak with you about their children's experiences. Please let us know if you are interested in talking with another parent.

Other Vital Partners
Our community and corporate partners include United Technologies Corporation, Hamilton Sundstrand, Pratt & Whitney, the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Connecticut Science Center, the Connecticut Center for dvanced Technology, and Rotary International. Our partners offer extra resources to enhance the school curriculum and the students' learning experiences.

Click here to learn how to apply.

Other town residents may apply. For further information, contact the Magnet
School Administrative office at 622-5400.