The Putney Central School serves children from kindergarten through 8th grade. Current enrollment is at 212 students. A new wing was added to the school in 1994 to house the library, the art room, the music program, and grades 7 and 8. There are at least two computers in every classroom throughout the entire school, and every classroom has a connection to the Internet.

The academic program is based on high expectations for all students, and places emphasis on mathematics, language arts, science, and social sciences. In addition, the school staff includes full-time art, music, and physical education teachers. Putney Central School participates in the parent-taught Environment Learning for the Future (E.L.F.) Program, and maintains strong school-community relations through the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization), the student Apprenticeship Program, the Putney Recreation League, and the many local groups and organizations that use the school facilities for their activities and programs.

The Curriculum

Putney Central School offers a rich curriculum consistent with the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities, and promotes the development of skills in communication, reasoning and problem solving, personal development, and civic and social responsibility.

Learning Opportunities

• At all grade levels students focus on reading, writing, composition, and spelling. Students are exposed to many different genres of literature, and each grade receives regular instruction and guidance from the school librarian.
• At all grade levels students focus on mathematics. This includes number concepts, measurement, geometry and spatial relationships, probability and statistics, patterns and relationships, and problem solving.
• At all grade levels students focus on science, social studies, library studies, art, international studies, music, health, and technology education.

In addition to the regular music program, instrument instruction is available to all students in grades 4-8, as is band and chorus.

The school has a successful Apprenticeship Program, which is jointly coordinated by Putney Family Services and Putney Central School, offering students in grades 6-8 opportunities to work outside of the school with organizations, community-based businesses, and local trade and crafts people.

The school offers students many learning enhancements both during, and after, school. The school has immediate access to over a mile of nature trails, in which students can learn first hand about beaver ponds, wildlife signs, trees of the northern forests, and other nature lore. There is also a school garden in which many classes are actively involved.

Big kid-little kid partnerships are arranged between students at different grade levels to increase learning and growth opportunities.

All students are encouraged to participate in afterschool sports programs offered by the school and by the Putney Recreation League. The League activities include soccer, baseball and basketball programs which are open to all. The school offers competitive team sports in soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball for grades 6-8, in addition to the regular physical education program for all grades. Emphasis in all programs is placed on good sportsmanship, team play, and trying to do your personal best. There is also a Winter Activities Program that takes place on afternoons during the months of January and February to offer students the opportunity to better their skills in downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Students' achievements are recognized a variety of ways. The school has an honor roll to reflect high levels of accomplishment and effort; exemplary student classwork and artwork is posted along school hallways for all to see; and, of course, end of semester report cards.

Services Provided

• The School Counselor delivers services to students, families and staff. The Counselor's responsibilities include identifying students in need, assessing these needs and, when necessary, planning appropriate interventions in cooperation with families and teachers.
• Title 1 services are available to children in language arts and mathematics.
• Special education services are available to children in language arts and mathematics when a disability has been identified.
• Section 504 services are available to children with identified disabilities, but who otherwise do not qualify for special education services.
• Speech and language pathology services are provided to children with deficits in speech, language, and/or the comprehension of language.
• The school offers a comprehensive child nutrition program which provides our students with the availablitiy of both a daily breakfast and a hot lunch. Upon application, families can qualify to receive these services either free or at a reduced price. All inquiries and records related to this subsidy are kept strictly confidential.
• The After School Program provides recreational options and homework assistance to students enrolled in these offerings.
• The Putney Recreation League offers athletic opportunities to all Putney children, providing instruction in soccer, baseball and softball, basketball, swimming, and other sports. The school offers competitive team sports in soccer, baseball, softball and basketball for children in grades 6-8, in addition to the regular physical education program for all grades.

Further Information

If you would like to know more about the Putney Central School, we can be reached at: (802) 387-5521 Mondays through Fridays 8:30 am. to 4:30 pm., and by fax at: (802) 387-2776.