A Message From the School #3 Principal
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CLIFFSIDE PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL NO. 3 REPORT CARD
2011-2012
School # 3 will celebrate its 104rd anniversary this coming school year. School # 3 is a true neighborhood school, comprised of 320 students enrolled in Kindergarten through sixth grade. This year we welcome back our Kindergarten students and their families. As in the past, we begin the new school year by ringing the bell every morning at 8:45AM and again at 2:45PM to signal the opening and closing of the school day. This tradition continues to bring memories of the past to our present school environment. The bell tower, painted in hues of gold, bronze, and white, stands out as the marquee part of the building. Besides refurbishing the bell tower, our PTO had our Gym/All Purpose room freshly painted in Cliffside colors of red, white, and black. Stenciled across the rear of the gym, in 16”letters, reads, “CLIFFSIDE PARK SCHOOL # 3”. The PTO also purchased new fireproof shades for all the windows. School # 3 is looking forward to a safe and rewarding school year.
The staff at School Three is composed of a core of tenured, veteran teachers, who entered the field of education to make a difference in the lives of the children. Most of the teachers hold advanced degrees in education, and have both mentored and exchanged teaching styles and techniques with younger staff members. This blend of experience and youth has been extremely beneficial to the children who attend school in this building.
It would not take you long to realize that Cliffside Park School No. 3 is a diverse, pluralistic and multicultural entity. The diversity of the families that entrust their children to us is one of the schools greatest assets. Although the diversity is challenging, teachers use it to establish positive learning experiences. Being a multi-cultural school, students gain an appreciation of each other and are able to learn from shared encounters. Parents are encouraged to interact with the teachers and communication between them is vital.
Our academic program includes a balanced literacy approach that engages our students in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop and guided reading. A new Writing Fundamentals program will be offered from kindergarten through grade six. Mathematics foundations are also stressed, aligning lessons to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards. Remedial assistance is only offered to students in grades one and two through our Title 1 program in language arts literacy. In addition to a rich academic program, each student receives instruction in computer, art, physical education, vocal Music, library skills, band and our selected world language, Spanish, on a weekly basis.
I am most proud of our well-educated teaching staff that brings a positive outlook into the building everyday. Our staff comes to work everyday with new and creative ideas that make a difference at the end of each day. Extra help is provided on a regular basis for students who are in need of assistance in any subject area. High school students also assist our students with homework help after school from 3:00-4:00pm.
To be successful it is also necessary to exhibit respectful behavior. Here at # 3 School good manners are stressed everyday. Character traits such as honesty, respect, fairness, cooperation, trust, and responsibility are discussed throughout the year. Yes, at School No. 3 good manners matter.
The children are the schools greatest asset and we want to provide our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in our complex society. Our teachers come to work everyday with relevant curriculum to stimulate pupil performance. Likewise for our secretary, classroom aides, lunch aides, custodians and other personnel that are also hardworking, dedicated, conscientious individuals, who for the most part, live in our community, and have children in the school system.
It is our goal to create a healthy, safe, and enjoyable workplace that will give students the self-confidence and opportunity to grow and succeed. In our school, everybody is somebody. We plan to continue to employ the latest methods and techniques in an effort to meet the needs of our students.
Sincerely
Principal
John Brunelli