Our school is named after the 19th century Philadelphia entrepreneur who organized the establishment of Penn Treaty Park. The park is located at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Beach Street. It is believed that William Penn signed a treaty at that location with Tamanend, chief of the Lenni-Lenape nation of the Delaware Indians, in 1683.
Our school has been servicing the West Oak Lane community of Philadelphia since 1937. The beautiful neoclassical architecture of our elementary school, with its dome roof and tall marble columns, stands as a monument to education, supporting the proposition that all children can learn at high levels and should be educated to their fullest potential.
A new school year presents opportunities for new beginnings. This includes new hopes, new expectations, and new goals. This new school year also means a new principal.
My name is James Murray and I am excited to be the new principal of Rowen Elementary School. My commitment is to work hard to lead the school and serve the interests of our students, parents and community. I am confident that together we can reach our collective goals and make our school the best school possible.
I begin this new journey with the hope and expectation that our success will be what it is because we put children first and hold firm to the school district’s motto: Parents are our partners.
Last school year, we made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) with 91.9% and 79.9% of our students scoring proficiency or above in mathematics and reading respectively on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). This school year, we will build on our collective achievements. We will not be satisfied until all of our students reach proficiency and have gained the necessary skills and understandings in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking.
My fervent belief that all children can excel and maximize their potential in life motivates me each day. We have a great and devoted staff. We have wonderful students, supportive parents, and a committed community.
Together, we will make the 2011-2012 school year our best year ever!
