Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to Broad Street Elementary; a learning community for students in grades 1 to 3, where our focus is on the academic, social, and emotional success for every student.  Our staff are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment with the goal of each student feeling they belong and are safe in our school.  We will have high expectations for your children to learn and grow, recognizing that these formative years are an opportunity for discovery and human connection.

As the next step in your child’s educational journey, the staff at Broad Street Elementary will balance a developmentally appropriate curriculum, assessment, and instruction system with interventions to support the individualized needs of our students.  Our district’s Mission statement outlines what we want for each of our students:

• Resilient, self-directed learners able to achieve personal goals;

• Critical and creative thinkers capable of transferring knowledge to new situations;

• Collaborative team players with effective communication skills; and

• Productive, responsible citizens in a diverse and ever-changing global society.

Our district’s Vision statement includes the establishment of a learning community that is inspired to explore and empowered to innovate that speaks more clearly to our goals for achieving the mission.  We must be a school community that is collaborative and committed to working together to provide opportunities and pathways for the children in our school community.  Our students, your children, are the future of our community. I encourage you to be an active participant in your child’s learning and maintain an open line of communication. Talk with your child daily about their day, and if questions or concerns arise, do not hesitate to reach out.  By working together, your child can maximize their learning potential and experience both academic and social success.

As the new principal of Broad Street Elementary, I wanted to provide a little background to my “Why?”, as some may know me from other roles I have had in the district.  My journey in Mechanicsburg Area School District began as an 8th grade math teacher, then as an Assistant Principal at the Middle School, and for the past sixteen years, as the Director of Student Services for the district.  I am entering my 29th year in education and prior to retirement, my goal has always been to reconnect with students at the building level.  The opportunity to be the principal for the Broad Street learning community aligns with my personal goal and the needs of the district.  My past positions and knowledge of district systems specific to student services and programs, aligned with a passion for student success will assist in supporting our school community.  

I look forward to working with you and watching your child grow during their time here at Broad Street Elementary.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at 717-691-4575 or pbigham@mbgsd.org if you have any questions or concerns that your child’s classroom teacher or building staff cannot answer.  Together, we can do great things.  

Thank you for your partnership and anticipated support,

Mr. Paul D. Bigham
Principal 

Broad Street Elementary