A Message From the Middle School Principal
As we enter the year 2011, our fast paced, technology oriented society continues to place greater demands on our young people. The mission of the staff at School #6 Elementary and Middle School is to create a learning environment that is student-centered, challenging, and nurturing. We strive to help each student develop his/her individual potential and to create an atmosphere that is rich with experiences that stimulate a love of learning! Our student body is ethnically diverse, allowing students to understand and appreciate the many cultural differences that unite us into one family.
Housing both a 300 student elementary school and the district’s middle school of 350 students, each day at the School #6 complex provides the opportunity for students to expand their sphere of knowledge and the breadth of their educational experiences. In Grades 1 through 6, the staff is guided by the philosophy that reading is the foundation for successful learning. At the elementary level, reading skills are nurtured through our balanced approach toward literacy. Guided reading strategies are interwoven with Reader’s Workshop activities and differentiated instruction. Using Writer’s Workshop as a vehicle, a strong writing component integrates cross content area activities into daily writing skills for students at all grade levels. Math, science, and social studies occupy places of importance as well. Textbooks at the sixth grade level are aligned with the materials used in the middle school. The intent is to better prepare students for the requirements of the middle school curriculum and to insure continuity of instruction.
Along with standard academic curriculum offerings, elementary school students have additional opportunities in such areas as fine arts, computer instruction, physical education, and participation in a gifted and talented program. Resource room assistance, speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are provided for eligible students. ESL classes are in place for students new to our country.
Our Middle School offers 7th and 8th graders programs and opportunities that are challenging and innovative. Designed to mirror the district’s high school program, the middle school provides strong academic structure, consistent discipline policies, and comprehensive preparation for the high school experience. In addition to meeting the guidelines set forth in the state’s Core Content Standards, students benefit from a science lab, library/media center (shared with the elementary school), computer lab, technology lab, and a full physical education/health education program. Special education programs allow students to maximize their individual potential with a supportive and experienced staff. ESL courses encourage students new to this country to function effectively in the mainstream. Strong emphasis is placed on social development, personal responsibility, and positive decision making. Students are taught to respect each other and their individual talents.
Extra-curricular activities hold an important place in our middle school program. With regard to fine and performing arts, we are proud of our middle school band and chorus. Our art program encourages creative expression. Individual talents are celebrated at our Art Fair and at concerts during the course of the school year. The middle school also supports a Student Council, newspaper, and yearbook staff. Students have the opportunity to participate in such activities as basketball, soccer, and cheerleading. Each year, under the direction of our middle school guidance counselor, eligible eighth graders are inducted into our official chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.
Teaching strategies are supported and advanced through a commitment to the implementation of the latest technology. Smartboards have been installed in every classroom and provide for exciting, hands-on learning in all subject areas. Many textbooks and supplemental student materials are available on-line. Faculty members have access to meaningful professional development opportunities and are encouraged to update their knowledge in new areas. Parents are kept informed about district and school events through a comprehensive website that is “parent friendly.”
Our efforts to help students raise test scores continue to show positive results. All teachers integrate test prep strategies into their daily lesson planning. In the elementary grades, remedial assistance is available for eligible students and teachers work individually with students before and after school hours. Semester courses in test taking strategies in both language arts and math are requirements for all seventh grade students. After-school NJASK 8 review courses are offered to all eighth grade students for ten weeks prior to the NJASK 8 test. Students are also able to access on-line test preparation activities from school, home, or the local public library via our “Study Island” computer based program. Our involvement with the “Learnia” computer program affords teachers the opportunity to assess, diagnose, and address student skills, strengths, and deficiencies throughout the course of the school year. We are proud that these combined efforts yielded positive gains this year. Test scores rose across grade levels and we met New Jersey AYP benchmarks in every category!
Our after-school Homework Club provides for learning after the school bell rings at the end of the day. Supervised homework assistance and a host of enrichment offerings send students the message that learning is our number one priority! During the summer months, several remedial and skill development courses are also offered at the School #6 complex.
School trips afford students the opportunity to attend Broadway theater, to travel to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA., and to visit and perform at Lincoln Center. Visits to Theaterworks, museums, the Buehler Challenger Science Center, and local environmental centers round out the student learning experience. For the first time this year, students also benefited from participation in the Rutgers University Science Bus Explorer Program. Recreational activities run in conjunction with the town’s Recreation Department provide for a comprehensive and popular after-school athletic program. Lastly, our PTA continues to play an integral role in our school community by organizing a series of social and educational activities for students and parents.
Our district recently completed the New Jersey QSAC evaluation process conducted by the New Jersey State Department of Education. Staff members and administrators worked diligently to document our practices and to assess our performance. We are proud that our district earned the designation of “High Performing District,” the highest rating possible!
In spite of difficult economic times, we pride ourselves on being a forward-looking and dedicated community of educators. I am proud of the caliber of the staff at all grade levels. Whether experienced or new to the profession, teachers strive to insure continuity of curriculum goals, to integrate technology into the classroom, and to provide multidimensional, experiential learning activities for students. Staff members communicate well with one another, serve on district curriculum committees, and are encouraged to attend in-service workshops and professional seminars. Fostering creativity, strengthening decision-making skills, teaching respect, and building strong self-concepts are goals that are at the forefront of our educational philosophy. We work closely with parents to create an optimum learning environment and to meet the needs of the diverse cultural community we serve. Paramount in our philosophy is the commitment to adapt to the changing needs of our student population.
Combining the best of the past with all that is new and exciting for the future, we believe that students should never settle for less than their best! Personally, I live by the proverb that “learning is a treasure that will follow its owner forever.” With that in mind, I look forward to the new challenges and adventures that lie ahead for our educational community!
Christine Giancola
Principal