Principal's Welcome 

Welcome to Ralph R. Smith Elementary School! We provide a child-centered, standards-based approach for all students with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. We know that in order to learn, students must make meaningful, positive connections with the adults who work with them, feel safe, heard and supported. We strive to cultivate a learning environment where this can happen so that our students can reach their full potential.

I invite you to take a few minutes to look through our website. It contains valuable information about our school, programs and events. I also encourage you to be involved in any way possible.There are so many ways that you can support our school. Our PTA is very active and provides many exciting opportunities for our students throughout the school year. Please consider becoming a member and helping out at an event. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom, please reach out to your child's teacher directly. You can also stay involved by reading with your child each night or just simply talking to your child each day about his or her day.

Sincerely,

Melissa Lawson 

School Profile: 

Ralph R.Smith Elementary School

16 Smith Court, Hyde Park, NY 12538

(845) 229 - 4060

Fax (845) 229 - 2828

Grades K-5

390 students, 85 staff members 

Our school was built in 1953 and is named for prominent Hyde Park resident Ralph R. Smith, who served as the first school board president.. Each year, Mr.. Smith's grandchildren give an award in his honor to a graduating fifth grader..

The school's mission: Together with families we teach our children to become independent thinkers and creative problem solvers who feel safe to be themselves in our ever changing world.

The school's vision: Respect + Responsibility + Safety + Effort = Success

The school's motto: We are all OWLS: Outstanding, Wonderful, Learners! 

Points of Pride:

• "One School, One Book” program has the entire building including- students, staff and families reading the same book at the same time.

• Students and staff collaborate on special initiatives including a kindness challenge, and special “passion projects" such as using recycled bottle caps to help the environment by producing beautiful mosaic art pieces for the school. 

• Offers a before school Games Club

• Holds quarterly Principal's Challenges, which has featured students designing and building catapults for an exciting competition. 

• Holds quarterly awards ceremonies to recognize a student in each class who is a bucket filler and an OWL star

• Built an outdoor classroom for students to learn in

At Ralph R. Smith, we take pride in our traditions, including our Building Leadership Team, comprised of teachers, staff and parents, which meets monthly to identify school goals to promote a love of life-long learning We enjoy the enthusiastic support of our families for many educational and rewarding events such as our science fair, concerts, ceremonies and evening PTA events.