East Elementary School Principal's Page

Dear East School Family,

Welcome to East Elementary School!  Thank you for visiting our website. East School provides a unique learning experience for approximately 380 students in grades kindergarten through five located in the canals of beautiful Long Beach.

From the moment I arrived at East School, I have been impressed by the warm welcome from the staff, parents and students. There is a distinct feeling of family atmosphere once you are inside the walls of East. This atmosphere has been created by a dedicated staff, an active PTA and committed parents who work together to provide East School students with an enriching elementary school experience.

East School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and challenging educational environment that promotes achievement for all students. We recognize and celebrate the diverse learning styles of all students and encourage students to think critically, be creative and strive for success.  Most importantly, as a school community, we strive to instill a love of learning for each child.

The Long Beach City School District provides unique and diverse learning experiences for all students to achieve academic, social and behavioral success. Some of our signature programs include SPIRIT (Specialized Program Integrating Research, IB Principles, & Twenty-First Century Technology) ; an enrichment program for all students in grades three through five, The students in SPIRIT are engaged in library research skills, creative problem solving and team building skills.  LARC (Learning Activities to Raise Creativity) Program is our “gifted and talented” program for select district-wide students in grades three through five. LARC students are engaged in an environment which focuses on critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Grade two students are provided with a Swim Program in order to teach them how to swim as well as swim safety. All students in kindergarten through grade five are taught Spanish through our FLES Program. Academic Intervention Services (AIS) are provided to students based upon individualized needs either as a pull-out and/or push-in support.

Students who are in need of special education services are supported in general education, integrated co-teach classes grades one through 4, or our special class. In addition, special education support services are provided to students based upon their individualized needs. Our English Language Learners are provided with daily language and literacy skills through our ENL (English as a Native Language) Program.

East School naturally embeds social and emotional skills and strategies on a daily basis through our Social Emotional Program (SEL). The students learn about their emotions and how to deal with them as well as their peers
emotions and social dynamics. East School’s Book of the Month initiative ties into the five SEL competencies (self-awareness, social-awareness,  self-management, relationship management and responsible decision making) thus reinforcing strategies during literacy.

The East School Staff and I are looking forward to a successful partnership and school year with you and your children! We are always here for you so please feel free to call, email or stop in if you have any concerns and/or questions. 


Educationally yours,
Mrs. Kathleen Connolly