Media Elementary School
Front & Monroe Streets
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6800
Fax 610.566.3745
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Maria Kotch
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the new Responsive Classroom program
implemented in the Rose Tree Media School District this year. This research-based program is an
approach to teaching that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic growth by creating a strong and
safe school community. The approach consists of classroom and school-wide practices for deliberately
helping children build academic and social-emotional skills.
There are seven guiding principles, informed by the work of educational theorists and the experiences of
exemplary classroom teachers, which guide the Responsive Classroom approach:

The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.

How children learn is as important as what they learn: Process and content go hand in hand.

The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.

To be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills: cooperation,
assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.

Knowing the children we teach-individually, culturally, and developmentally-is as important as
knowing the content we teach.

Knowing the families of the children we teach and working with them as partners is essential to
children's education.

How the adults at school work together is as important as their individual competence: Lasting
change begins with the adult community.
The Responsive Classroom approach involves teaching practices which include a Morning Meeting.
During this time, children gather for fifteen minutes every day to greet each other, share news, do a group
activity, and look forward to the day ahead. This daily routine, now built into our schedule, builds
community, creates a positive climate for learning, and gives children practice in a wide range of
academic and social skills. For examples of teachers using Responsive Classroom strategies, please visit
www.youtube.com/user/responsiveclassroom on the internet.
It is our goal that daily Morning Meetings and the Responsive Classroom approach will help create a safe,
caring community where every child can learn. If you have any questions or would like further
information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 610-627-6804. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Patrick Murphy
Guidance Counselor, Media Elementary School