A Tradition of Excellence at
Washington Primary
Washington Primary Headlines

Reading and Fun at Washington School
Reading, reading and more reading means fun, fun and more fun for Washington Primary School students who recently participated in PARP Family Night, which included interactive English language arts activities for the youngsters and their families to enjoy.

Washington Students Take Up 3D Design Challenge
Washington Primary School second and third grade students are gearing up for St. Patrick’s day with a 3D design challenge! Teacher Rebecca Kraus’ media arts and technology students were able to learn how to create and manipulate objects using Tinkercad.

Washington’s February Award Recipients Honored
Washington Primary School presented award certificates to its top students during the month of February and gathered the youngsters together for a commemorative photo.

Washington School Goes Crazy for Reading
Washington Primary School is going crazy for reading. This year’s PTA Pick-a-Reading Partner program is underway. A neat video beamed into classrooms and shared with parents officially kicked off the 2023 initiative.

Physical Therapy the Focus of Career Exploration
Career Exploration Week at Washington Primary School included a visit from Jill Beck-Chevalier, a physical therapist, Washington School mom and 2005 Huntington High School alum.

A Special Valentine’s Day at Washington School
Valentine’s Day was especially festive at Washington Primary School as students and teachers celebrated the 100th day of the 2022/23 school year on February 14.

How to Write a Children’s Book at Washington School
Washington Primary School Principal Michelle Richards is a firm believer in the notion that it’s never too early to learn about potential careers. So Career Exploration Week was given the status it deserves around the building.

FDNY Firefighter Visits Washington School
New York City firefighter Christopher Harkinish visited Washington Primary School students late week, spending the morning with fascinated third graders.

Word Up Wednesday’s at Washington School
Washington Primary School is set to host Word Up Wednesday throughout the month of February. On those days, students, faculty and staff members are being encouraged to wear clothing with words that everyone can read.

Washington First Graders Collaborate with Rochester Class
Washington Primary School students practiced their reading, writing, speaking and researching skills during an interactive videoconference project facilitated by members of the New York State Distance Learning Consortium.

Keeping Kids Inspired with an Author Visit at Washington
Keeping kids inspired to embrace learning new things every day they step into a classroom is a challenge that Washington Primary School faculty and step take seriously.

Washington First Graders Learn Geometry
Washington Primary School first grade teachers and school library media specialist Rebecca Kraus recently collaborated on an activity integrating technology with math and the Lunar New Year.

Washington First Graders Learn Geometry
Washington Primary School first grade teacher Lauren Whitney’s class recently used a kinesthetic approach to learn geometry. Using Reveal math’s activity based exploration, students were able to explore on their own and use 2D shapes to create composite shapes.

Washington School is Ready to Soar in 2023
Washington Primary School students and staff are enjoying the first full school week of 2023. The group hit the ground running last Tuesday when they returned from the winter vacation. It didn’t take long for everyone to get back into their daily routines.

Washington Celebrates Student Award Recipients
It’s a brand new year, but the hundreds of students attending Washington Primary School are picking up where they left off before the holidays and vacation. The youngsters resumed school with a spring in their step and the same enthusiasm they always display regardless of the subject area.

Washington Class Embraces and Protects Polar Bears
Third graders in Washington Primary School teacher Katie Kalkau’s class have fallen in love with polar bears this winter. In fact, the youngsters adopted one as a class pet and named him Hudson.
Important Information
About Washington Primary

Seven Decades of Excellence
Since Washington Elementary School's doors first swung open in 1954, thousands of students have received an excellent academic education within its confines. The same tradition continues today for more than 350 youngsters enrolled in grades K-3.
Professional and Caring Staff
Washington boasts a highly educated professional teaching staff, each with outstanding strengths, and a caring and knowledgeable group of aides, secretaries and support personnel. Faculty members participate in regular professional development activities to stay abreast of innovations in curriculum and classroom education.
Comprehensive and Intensive Learning
Every student receives a comprehensive education, including an intensive program to develop strong reading, writing and arithmetic skills. Children also have regularly scheduled music, art, physical education and library classes.
Latest Technology
Students receive instruction in the use of the computer as a teaching and learning tool. Each classroom, as well as the library, is equipped with computer stations. Children learn basic computer literacy and important skills concerning how to use computers to conduct research and organize a report.
Enrichment with Local Resources
Classroom teachers spend hours planning exciting lessons and special events to help make learning fun. Visits to local farms, scientific institutions, art galleries and historical sites provide an opportunity to hear from experts across a wide range of fields and backgrounds.
PTA and Support Services
Washington's Parent Teacher Association is very active in the school and works closely with the principal and teachers to supplement and enhance the education offered to students at every grade level. There is a place for every child at Washington regardless of their current level of academic achievement or knowledge. A complete range of educational services and a highly competent team of teachers help assure the academic and social development of each child.
Only the Best at Washington
The building is maintained in excellent condition and is kept spotless throughout the day. Faculty and staff strive to provide a safe and secure environment for each child, each day. Parents of Washington's students can rest assured their children are receiving the very finest education possible.

Washington Leadership

Dr. Michelle J. Richards
Principal
Dr. Michelle J. Richards has been principal of Washington Primary School since July 1, 2018.
Dr. Richards obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at SUNY Albany and a Master of Science degree in childhood education at City University of New York-Lehman College. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in educational administration and supervision at St. John’s University. She studied for her state administrative certification at CUNY-Queens College.
At the time of her appointment in Huntington, Dr. Richards was an assistant principal in the Elmont School District since 2013 and an administrator there since 2009.
Dr. Richards began her career as a general education teacher in New York City. She worked at Public School 107x (2001-03) and Lewis H. Latimer School-PS 56K (2003-06). She later taught in Elmont at Gotham Avenue School from 2006-09.
In 2009, Dr. Richards moved into Elmont’s administrative ranks after being named assistant to the principal. She was the principal of Elmont’s summer enrichment program in 2009 and 2010. She also served as a district professional development facilitator, curriculum map developer for English Language Arts and as a district testing leader, creating the scoring schedule, selecting and training district scorers, facilitating the scoring process and ensuring testing documents are securely maintained.
Dr. Richards maintains memberships in the International Literacy Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Washington Faculty and Staff Directory
Washington Videos and Galleries
HHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 2021
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HHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 2021
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Galleries and Slideshows
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