Mrs. Lorraine Morrow, Principal
440 Oakdene Ave. Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201-313-2360
E-Mail:
LMorrow@cliffsidepark.edu
With a long standing tradition of strong educational values and commitment to excellence, the staff at Public School #6 strives to create a learning environment that is student-centered, challenging, and nurturing. The School #6 complex is comprised of both an elementary school and a middle school facility.
The elementary school houses approximately 300 students in grades one through six. Strong emphasis is placed on balanced literacy, guided reading, and math foundations, with close attention paid to New Jersey State Core Content Standards. A strong writing component integrates cross content area activities into daily writing skills for students at all grade levels. 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. Resources room assistance, speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are provided for eligible students. A full complement of after school activities, including a homework club and enrichment classes, are offered through our 21st Century Grant Program and our New Jersey “After 3” Club Ed program.
Housing the district’s entire seventh and eighth grade population of 330 students, our state of the art Middle School is in its eighth year of existence. The programs and opportunities offered are challenging, innovative, and geared to the demanding needs of our competitive society. Designed to mirror the district’s high school program, the middle school provides strong educational 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 and positive decision making.
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 creativity and individual expression. The middle school also supports a Student Council, newspaper, and yearbook staff. Students have the opportunity to participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, and chess. Under the direction of our middle school guidance counselor, eligible eighth graders are inducted into our newly formed chapter of the Junior National Honor Society.
Our efforts to help students raise test scores are showing positive results. In the elementary grades, remedial assistance is available for eligible students through our Title I math and reading programs. In addition to in-class activities, test prep classes are offered after school to students in grades three through six. Semester courses in test taking strategies in both language arts and math are a requirement for all seventh grade students. After-school NJASK 8 review courses are offered to all eighth grade students for ten weeks prior to the test, which is now given at the end of April. Newly developed parent workshops are in place in order to familiarize parents with the changing demands of the tests and to involve them in the process of preparing students for better performance. 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. We are proud that all of our efforts are resulting in improved test scores across all grade levels.
Extra help is provided on a regular basis for students who are in need of assistance in any subject area. Programs in “Family Math” are offered for students and their parents. During the summer months, several remedial and skill development courses are offered at the School #6 complex. Recreational activities run in conjunction with the town’s Recreation Department provide for a comprehensive and popular after-school program. Lastly, our PTA continues to be very active and organizes a series of social and educational activities for students and parents.
As the principal of School #6, I am proud of the quality of the staff at all grade levels. Experienced, enthusiastic, and effective, teachers work closely with parents to create an optimum learning environment. Paramount in our philosophy is the need to adapt to the changing needs of our student population. Teachers strive to provide 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 committees, and are encouraged to improve their skills through attendance at in-service workshops and professional seminars. Maximizing student potential, strengthening decision-making skills, teaching respect, and building strong self-concepts are goals that are at the forefront of our educational philosophy. School #6 is truly a school that works diligently to meet the needs of the diverse cultural community it serves.
Combining the best of the past with all that is new and exciting for the future, the notion that students should “never settle for less than their best” summarizes our school’s mission. I look forward to the challenges, opportunities for growth, and new experiences that lie ahead for our educational community!
Lorraine S. Morrow
201-313-2360
NJ Core Curriculum Content Stan