Programs in Effect at Daniel Webster
Daniel Webster's strong academic curriculum is balanced by many wonderful enrichment programs. We strive for a multi-disciplined approach that incorporates the arts and technology as well as physical and interpersonal skills so that students can discover and develop their individual strengths and passions.
Integrated Arts Curriculum
Exposing students to a variety of visual and performance arts expands their minds and their academic experience. This exposure enhances their knowledge of other cultures and allows their natural creativity to flourish. Our students receive a well-rounded arts experience, including dance, art and music. Arts-focused field trips, such as our annual visit to the city’s Cinco de Mayo celebration accentuate this learning. We also take full advantage of the many educational programs offered by various San Francisco arts institutions, such as the SF Opera and Ballet.
We are proud to have renowned San Francisco Jazz musician and recording artist John Calloway on our faculty. Mr. Calloway has been devoted to teaching students at DW for more than two decades and is a treasured member of our DW family.
SFUSD funds a weekly 30-35 minute dance class for all students, K-5. Our instructors come through Young Imaginations and inspires participation in even the most reluctant dancers!
Leadership
As educators, we must empower students to become leaders and to take responsibility for their choices and actions. We are proud to have a number of programs which build leadership skills and teach conflict resolution and teamwork.
Daniel Webster Peacemakers Program
Under the guidance of our beloved Learning Support Professional, Ms. Terra Gauthier, 4th & 5th grade students receive training in conflict resolution and positive communication. They are empowered during lunch and recess to mediate minor disagreements between students
Literacy & Academic Support
The adventure of reading and the joy it brings can only happen with a focus on literacy both at school and at home. Every student has weekly visits to our well-stocked, cozy school library, experiencing the excitement and responsibility of borrowing books. Our dedicated librarian, Ms. Lucero, guides each child to interesting and appropriate reading material. In addition, the newly renovated Potrero Hill branch library is only one block away. Daniel Webster staff and students benefit greatly from this valuable state-of-the-art resource.
A monthly Families as Readers program encourages reading together at home. In addition, our Literacy Specialist is on campus every day, working with individual students and small groups to ensure reading proficiency.
Tutoring
SFUSD provides tutorial services to all students who score below basic levels on the California Standardized Test.
Reading Partners
Reading Partners, now is its third year at DW, is a non-profit organization that matches community volunteers with struggling readers. Students receive two 45 minute one-on-one tutoring sessions a week with a trained volunteer. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at www.readingpartners.org.
Learning Support Professional
Daniel Webster benefits from the on-campus presence of Ms. Terra Gauthier, Learning Support Professional to assist students, staff, and families with behavioral or other issues that impact learning.
We are also fortunate to have a Behavioral Coach and Mental Health Specialist to assist as needed through Edgewood Center for Children & Families (link to site www.edgewood.org).
Technology
In 2009, a PKDW Parent and Potrero Hill resident generously donated more than 100 “like new” professional-grade computers for the entire school. Beginning in Kindergarten, our computer teacher instructs students in age-appropriate content standards.
Nutrition
It’s no secret that hungry students are at a disadvantage in the classroom and on the playground. Daniel Webster has programs in place to ensure that students nutritional needs are met.
Breakfast and Lunch
Provided by the Nutrition Services Department of SFUSD. Free or paid meals are provided to all students based on family income level. Breakfast is served starting at 8:10am.
Snack
The San Francisco Food Bank provides a healthy snack daily to all DW students through their Morning Snack Program.
Edible Garden
Since 2009, PREFund sponsors a part-time Garden Coordinator at DW to help integrate the edible garden into our curriculum and make sure it continues to flourish.
Playworks
Provides organized games and sports during recess for all grades to promote positive play, leadership and self-esteem. For more information go to www.playworksusa.org.
After School
Daniel Webster’s Child Development Center provides homework help, enrichment and play time for all grades at age-appropriate and divided levels on a need-based sliding scale. Hours are Monday - Friday 2:40PM - 6:00PM.
Contact:
(415) 920-5076