Carrie E. Tompkins School - Croton On Hudson, NY

Located approximately 33 miles north of New York City, Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School (CET) is a neighborhood school dedicated to meeting the needs of the individual child. CET teaches all children, including those with special needs, within its own classrooms, through individualized, small group, and whole group instruction.

With its motto "CET will REACH for Knowledge," CET promotes and teaches the positive character traits respect, effort, acceptance, cooperation, and honesty. The implementation of the Second Step program for over 12 years has played an important role in promoting success, connectedness, and a safe and respectful school climate. Visitors often comment on the positive school climate and the friendliness of the students and staff.

Enrichment extends the learning experiences and enjoyment for CET students. Every year, each grade level works hard to present a musical performance which incorporates learning from the classroom. Artists-in-residence work with students in paper-making, weaving, or U.S. history; naturalists bring in reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds; and scientists share their work. The PTA provides the funding for many of these enrichment opportunities.

Students go out into the field; the nearby Hudson River is an especially rich resource for all grade levels. Classes observe the river - its tides, landscape, and wildlife. At Teatown Lake Reservation, children tap for maple sugar and use nets to catch insects found in the pond. Knox’s Headquarters in New Windsor and nearby historic Van Cortlandt Manor provides "living history" experiences for the students.

Students in third and fourth grades serve on Student Government and work on issues facing the student population. Community service projects have included food drives for local organizations, personal clothing and toiletries collection for the victims of natural disasters and pet supply collections for animal shelters.

CET is dedicated to providing what is best for each and every one of the students.