Magnet schools are schools that receive special funding to offer different kinds of educational programs that attract parents and students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of Magnet schools is to create schools that are voluntarily desegregated because parents choose them for their children.

If there are more applicants for a magnet school for a grade than there are spaces available students will be chosen through a lottery system. Designed to promote balanced geographic representation of city children. Waiting lists will be created for children who are not initially chosen.

Humanities are the focus at the Smith Magnet Option. Some of the features at Smith include: Music, Morning T.V. announcements, Foreign Language, Fine and Performing Arts, as well as the Extended Day Program. These unique educational programs attract children from every Poughkeepsie neighborhood, giving it a diverse student population.

Smith School currently serves Poughkeepsie Students in grades four, five and six. Since Smith is a Magnet school it does not draw its student population from one particular neighborhood in Poughkeepsie. In September of 2008, all grade six students will attend the Poughkeepsie Middle School. Smith will have grades four and five in school year 2008-2009. By September of 2009, Smith will become a K-5 Magnet school.

The Smith Magnet School staff will prepare every student with positive social values, self-esteem, creative expression and enthusiasm for learning. We believe all students can learn. In cooperation with children, parents and community our caring and motivated staff will accomplish this by providing a curriculum that meets students' educational needs through an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Welcome to the Web site of the W.W. Smith Humanities Magnet School. I am very proud of our students and faculty and I hope you'll learn a lot about us by interacting with our Web site. You can scroll down and read about some of our exciting learning opportunities such as the Extended Day Program, foreign language instruction, the morning T.V. announcements, music lessons and our orchestra, band and chorus. There are so many outstanding Magnet school programs that I want you to know about! And the good news is that all City Of Poughkeepsie students in grades four, five and six may attend Smith. So, I'd like to invite all interested parents, guardians, and children to Smith School and take a building tour with me and meet our fantastic students and teachers.

Sincerely,

Salvatore Letterii

Smith has a talented creative staff which collaborates frequently to prepare students for special projects and the New York State Assessments. The Rotary Club has honored Smith teachers Jeanne Dolamore and Bill Maserjian as "Teacher of the Year." Principal Salvatore Letterii was honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council for Excellence in Leadership. Smith teachers have received several mini-grants from the Poughkeepsie City School District as well as grants from the Dutchess County Arts Council. They have cultivated partnerships with the Bardavon Theater, Vassar and Marist colleges as well as the IBM Corporation.

W. W. Smith School was constructed in 1912 and has been modified and redesigned to accommodate the needs of today's students. Smith was established as a Magnet school in 1987. It current has 15 classrooms, an auditorium, a gymnasium, computer lab, library and cafeteria. The District's Building Plan recently completed several major renovations at Smith and has created a parking lot for visitors and a bus loop, as well as many other improvements to the school building.

Extended Day Program

Smith School students receive an additional hour of instruction by the teaching staff during its Extended Day Program. After the regular instructional day students become involved in activities such as Science Lab, Meditation, Yearbook, Literature, Band, Chorus, Computer Club, Dance and Quiz Bowl. One day a week is reserved for sports and games such as Football, Softball, and Board Games.

Music

Four music teachers provide Smith students with rich music experiences. A full time instrumental band teacher gives individual and small group lessons to all students. The Advanced and Beginner Bands rehearse four times weekly during the Extended Day Program. String instrument instruction is also offered to all students, beginning in fourth Grade. The Smith School Orchestra and the Smith Select Ensemble have performed in the community. Vocal music is also highlighted at Smith and students perform in the chorus for the Winter and Spring Concerts.

Foreign Language

At Smith School students receive Spanish Language instruction every day, at every grade level. Students participate in the Spanish and French Clubs throughout the school year.

Fine and Performing Arts

Appreciation of the arts is encouraged at Smith through its partnership with the Bardavon Theatre. Students perform every year at the Bardavon with teaching artist Sean Fagan in "Shakespeare's Clowns." Students have also participated in workshops with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and have attended the "Young People's Concert" at the Bardavon.

Technology

Students have learning opportunities in the computer lab everyday, during the school day and the Extended Day Program. They also participate in the daily Morning T.V. announcements.

The PTA has supported many excellent student opportunities. Some of the programs and opportunities include: Artist-in-Residence programs, Educational Field Trips, Honors Breakfast for Students and Parents, Science Fair, Field Day, Family Nights, Student Banking, Educational Programs, Smith Graduation, International Food Festival and Music Scholarships. Contact PTA President Frank DeGilio at (845) 451-4720.

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