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Who we are

Welcome to Western Elementary School!

Welcome to a new school year at Western Elementary School! At Western, we are committed to the belief that every student can thrive when provided with a supportive, engaging learning environment built on rigor, relevance, and strong relationships.

This handbook is designed to clearly outline the policies and procedures that help our school run smoothly and effectively. Our goal is to ensure all students have every opportunity to succeed both academically and socially. If you have questions that aren't addressed in the handbook, please don’t hesitate to contact our main office at 203-720-5244. You can also access the district-wide handbook on the Naugatuck Public Schools website: naugatuck.k12.ct.us.

We encourage you to stay connected and involved throughout the year. If you have questions about your child’s progress or educational experience, please contact their teacher. We also invite you to become an active member of our PTO, which plays a key role in organizing fundraisers, school events, and field trips for our students and families. Stay in touch with the PTO through their Facebook page: Western Elementary PTO or contact them via email at Western.PTO@yahoo.com.

As part of the Naugatuck community, our mission is to develop students who:

• Are responsible and engaged members of their communities

• Show initiative, persistence, and adaptability

• Embrace curiosity and see risk-taking as part of the learning journey

• Analyze information critically and form thoughtful opinions • Communicate clearly and effectively

• Collaborate and problem-solve in real-world problems

We believe every student in Naugatuck should experience learning that is active, meaningful, and personal, fostering a lifelong excitement for growth and discovery. This happens through a responsive, evolving curriculum that values student voice, innovation, and high expectations.

Once again, welcome to Western Elementary! We are excited to partner with you and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and community.

Warm regards,

Ms. Brenda Goodrich & the Western School Faculty 

Student racing in Field Day competition.
Student with a poster of stickers showing %22100 things I love%22 for the 100th day of school.
Student running with pool tube around his waist.
Student cheering!
Student running with a plunger on Field Day.
Student competing with a toilet plunger.
Teacher enjoying a snow cone
Students and staff enjoying a picnic
Student and teacher smiling
Three students and a teacher holding snow cones with Hawaiian skirts
Two teachers smiling outside with Hawaiian shirts and leis
Three Western teachers covered in slime.
Two Western staff members dressed in floral print smiling outside
Ms. Goodrich driving a truck.
Student playing during Field Day.

Western at a Glance

  •  356 Students enrolled
  • 18 Classroom Teachers
  • 4 Special Area Teachers
  • Weekly Physical Education, Library Media, Art & Music Class
  • 20 Average class size
  • Wildcat - School mascot
  • 1:1 Ratio of students to technology
  • 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-2025 School of Distinction Awards

Western School's Approach to Behavior and Discipline

 At Western School, we believe in teaching and encouraging positive behavior. Through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, we aim to help all students succeed both academically and socially. Our schoolwide expectations, known as the “5 Bees,” provide a shared language and consistent expectations across all areas of the school. These are:

• Be(e) Safe

• Be(e) Peaceful

• Be(e) Respectful

• Be(e) Kind

• Be(e) Cooperative

These expectations are taught explicitly, practiced regularly, and reinforced by all staff. Students are expected to follow them throughout the school day—including on the bus, during school-related events, and in emergency situations.

In addition to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, our classrooms use strategies from the Responsive Classroom approach. This student-centered, social-emotional learning model helps build a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels valued. You may hear about strategies such as class charters (shared classroom agreements), Morning and Closing Circles, team-building activities, and logical consequences. These practices promote accountability, empathy, and community.

When a student makes a mistake or breaks a rule, we respond with logical consequences that are respectful, relevant, and help repair relationships. Consequences might include a break from the activity, an apology, a loss of privilege, an assigned seat, or, in more serious cases, after-school detention or suspension. Parents will be contacted for any significant consequence such as detention or suspension. Every situation is handled individually with care and consideration.

If a student consistently struggles with behavior, the teacher, school counselor, or behavior support assistant will reach out to parents to discuss support strategies and possible next steps through our tiered intervention system. 

Serious Behavior Concerns

Some behaviors are considered serious and require immediate attention. These include:

• Physical aggression or fighting

• Threatening, intimidation, or harassment

• Dangerous actions or possession of harmful objects

• Theft or vandalism

• Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances

• Sexual harassment or bullying 

• Leaving school grounds without permission

• Verbal or physical threats to students or staff

Serious infractions will result in parent contact, an investigation, and appropriate consequences, including possible suspension. Criminal behavior will be referred to the police, and all Board of Education policies will be followed.

We take behavior and safety seriously—not as punishment, but as part of creating a school where every child can thrive. Our goal is always to teach, support, and help students grow into responsible, caring community members. 

 

Bus Rules

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

 Parents are responsible for the conduct of their children while they are waiting for the bus and once they leave the bus.

● It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the student is waiting at his/her designated stop on time. Should a student miss the bus, the parent must find alternate means of transporting the child to school.

● During inclement weather, a bus driver may determine that a hill or street cannot be negotiated safely. It is the parents’ responsibility to make alternate arrangements to ensure that their child arrives at school or home.

● The Naugatuck Schools respect the right of parents to keep their child home from school when the parent feels unsafe conditions exist. Announcements of school closings, delays in school opening, or early closings are made on local radio stations.

● If special transportation needs are required, an application form can be obtained from the school office. Applications must be received by July 1 of each school year. 

School Bus Expectations for Students:

  • The bus driver is the adult in charge and is responsible for keeping everyone safe. Please follow their instructions at all times.
  •  Find your seat quickly after boarding and remain seated while the bus is moving.
  •  Please use respectful language and quiet voices. Loud talking or inappropriate behavior is not allowed.
  •  Food and drinks should be kept in backpacks—eating on the bus is not permitted.
  •  Only open windows with the driver’s permission, and keep all belongings and body parts safely inside the bus.
  • Help keep the bus clean and safe by not throwing anything inside or outside the vehicle.
  •  Keep personal items, including cell phones, in your backpack until you get home.
  •  For your safety, do not lean or hang out of the windows at any time.
  •  Students must use the front door to get on and off the bus, unless there is an emergency.
  •  Be on time to your bus stop and help the bus stay on schedule by being ready to board promptly.
  •  Always wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street, and be sure to look both ways before stepping onto the road.
  •  While waiting for the bus, stay safely off the roadway and stand back from the curb or street edge.
  •  Sit only in your assigned seat and remain there for the entire ride unless directed otherwise by the driver.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Penalties for Violations:
  • Parents will be responsible for any damages or defacing of the bus caused by their child.
  •  If a student does not follow the bus rules, the driver will report the behavior to the school principal promptly.
  •  Suspension from bus riding is considered a last resort and will be determined by the principal after parents have been informed. This decision can be reviewed by the Superintendent.
  •  Visible cell phones on the bus will be collected and held in the school office until a parent can pick them up.