Mission Statement

Our mission at Jonathan Daniels School is to teach all students to think critically, communicate clearly, and actively apply information. We strive to foster responsibility and mutual respect within our learning community. Our goal is to cultivate a love of life-long learning.

Philosophy

It is our intent to implement the prescribed curriculum as set forth by the Keene School District.

In providing for this responsibility:

• We accept the challenge to help children reach their fullest potential.
• We recognize the need to provide academic programming based on individual needs with consideration given to intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and aesthetic areas of growth.
• We celebrate children's natural desire to learn by creating a positive learning environment.
• We strive to help each child become a contributing and valued member of our world community, with understanding and respect for cultures different from one's own.
• We respect the worth and dignity of each child.
• We propose that school should provide the opportunity for the child to examine and experience situations leading to an awareness of life's possibilities.

History

The Jonathan Daniels School is a kindergarten through grade five elementary school with a current enrollment of approximately 180 students. It was constructed in 1968 to serve families in northwest Keene. It was designed as an open concept school with sliding partitions between classrooms. Generally there are four classrooms in three pods. Today classrooms are arranged in a more traditional pattern. The school was named for a local folk hero, Jonathan Daniels who was killed in 1965 in Hayneville, Lowndes County, Alabama during the civil rights unrest. The school includes: a 10,000+ volume library; a multi-purpose room (assembly area, lunch room and physical education gymnasium); music and art rooms; administrative suite (including a health room); and numerous office and small group instructional areas. The building has both telephone communications to all classrooms and data network connectivity. The building is set in a wooded area with nearby wetlands. There are two playground areas, a playing field, tennis courts, and access to nature trails.