Exterior of Clara H. Carlson elementary school

Clara H. Carlson School

Mrs. Stacia Walfall, Principal

Mr. Richard Mansfield, Asst. Principal

Mrs. Melissa Polzella, Asst. Principal

235 Belmont Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003
Phone: (516) 326-5570
Fax: (516) 326-0349
Hours: 8:55 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

"Every Student Matters and Every Moment Counts."

Our Mission: Inspire creativity, cultivate academic growth, nurture our diverse community, and motivate students to be life-long learners.

Our Vision: Challenge the leaders, thinkers, and creators of tomorrow.

Welcome to the Clara H. Carlson Elementary school website! Coming from a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds, our students thrive and grow as well-rounded individuals. Priority is given to maintaining a safe environment that is conducive to learning.

Our dedicated teachers and staff empower all students to reach their full potential and become life-long learners. Students are given a quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. Our staff works diligently to ensure each student receives a quality education with priorities focused on individual growth, social-emotional development and safety.

Our families play a key role in this educational journey. When you visit our school, you will find an extended hand ready to invite you to become a member of our community. We welcome you to the Carlson family and look forward to working with you and your child to have a wonderful school year.

Clara H. Carlson is one of six schools in the Elmont School District. It first opened its doors on February 3, 1930 and was originally named the Belmont Boulevard School. Ms. Clara H. Carlson was a former educator and principal in the Elmont School District. After being the 1st Belmont Boulevard principal, the 1st principal of the Gotham Avenue School and the principal of the Elmont Road School, the building was renamed the Clara H. Carlson School in the early 1960s. A ceremony was held to honor her dedication and commitment to the Elmont community.

Our clubs and programs include Afternoon Tutoring, Bienvenidos, Broadcasting Squad, Band, Chorus, Community Read, Girl Power, Honor Roll, International Night, Kindness, Model United Nations, Monday, Clubs, Morning Enrichment & Tutoring, NYSSMA, Orchestra, PTA, Recorder Ensemble, Safety Squad, Spelling Bee, Student Council, Student of the Month, Talent Show, and Teachers of Tomorrow

Our awareness activities include Alzheimer's, Autism, Black History Month, Breast Cancer, College and Career, Fire Safety, Hoops For Hearts, Leukemia & Lymphoma, Memorial Day, Pennies For Patients, Read Across America, Red Ribbon, September 11th Memorial, Staff Appreciation, and Veterans Day.

Languages spoken by CHC families include Bengali, English, French, Haitian Creole, Malayalam, Panjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish, and Urdu.

Our grads have attended colleges including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Howard, Hampton, SUNY, CUNY, Community Colleges, Hofstra, Adelphi, University of Southern Carolina, Mercy, Temple, Fashion Institute of Technology, Florida State, St. John's, Delaware State, and more!

Announcements

“My Story” at Clara H. Carlson School

To celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the Clara H. Carlson School community, the building recently hosted its first annual “My Story” event. Students in grades 1-6 who have immigrated to the United States within the past two years presented and shared their stories. Families, faculty and administrators were invited to attend.

The event, which was inspired by a similar project at a Hampton Bays school, was led by sixth grade teachers Jenna Naclerio and Jessica Trione. They were assisted by the “My Story” committee, which was comprised of the art teacher, ENL and SEL staff members.

Students began their projects by working closely with the SEL and ENL teams. After brainstorming ideas, the students wrote their personal stories in both English and their native language. The students then illustrated their journeys with the guidance CHC's art teacher. The students’ projects lined the walls in the gymnasium where the culminating event was held.

At the “My Story” event, some students read aloud their pieces in English and others shared their stories in their native language. Some of the countries represented included Haiti, Ecuador and Guatemala.

After the students’ presentations, guests were invited to walk around and view the students’ projects and eat homemade food from some of their home countries.

Date Added: 6/24/2024

Cultural Diversity Day at Clara H. Carlson School

To celebrate diversity and all the cultures of the school community, Clara H. Carlson hosted its first annual Cultural Diversity Day on May 21. Presented by the school’s Diversity, Equity and inclusion Committee, the event’s theme was “Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity – Many Flowers, One Garden!” The initiative was led by DEI Committee Chairs Denisse Rivas and Nadine Murrell, and ENL teacher Rita Johnson.

The celebrations and activities took place throughout the month of May, with the culminating event held on May 21. Students in grades K-6 were asked to create a poster, with the help of their family members, that displays their culture. These projects were displayed throughout the hallways.

During Cultural Diversity Day, students were invited to dress in their native garments or the colors of their flags. Parents and family members were invited to witness performances and presentations, as well as partake in games and activities, that celebrated the students’ cultures.

Date Added: 6/3/2024