Werner Elementary School

History
Werner opened in 1987 and was named after Gail Werner, long-time PSD teacher and principal. The school’s unique design won national awards and served as the model for several other PSD elementary schools.

Learning culture
Lifelong learning is enhanced through a developmentally-based academic program. The Werner community is dedicated to the social, emotional, physical, and academic growth of children. Werner’s character education program, Roaring Toward Excellence/Integrity in Education, assists students in following the ROAR Code: Respect for self and others, Opportunities to feel good about yourself, Atmosphere that is secure and positive, and Responsibility.

Academic environment
Werner was recognized as a John Irwin School of Excellence. We offer a challenging curriculum with a literacy-based program for reading and writing, integrated curriculum emphasizing research and critical thinking, a writing skills program, and cooperative learning where children work in groups to meet goals.

Werner offers a gifted education program with differentiation emphasized throughout the classrooms, a special education program, and full- and half-day kindergarten programs.

Instructional & enrichment programs
Our Language Workshop provides literacy support for students. The Accelerated Reader computer program enhances total curriculum. Students have a variety of enrichment opportunities, including media/technology club, choirs, Eco Week, intramurals, student council, chess club, math club, Great Books, Robotics, Math Olympiad, and science fair.

Opportunities for parents
Parents support Werner’s mission through parent organizations and many hours of volunteer work. Parents coordinate the science fair, book fair, fundraising, and produce the school directory, newsletter, and yearbook. Our site-based council helps make decisions about school goals, staffing, fundraising, discipline policies, and school budgets.

Staff average years teaching experience: 13 years
Education level of teachers: 21 of 30 teachers
hold master's degrees or above