CLIFFSIDE PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

P.S. #4 is a First grade through Sixth grade elementary school with an enrollment of approximately 375 students.  As is the case throughout the district, our school is extremely multicultural.  Students attending school here come from families that have migrated from over twenty countries throughout the world.  We view this diversity as an integral part of the educational process.  This philosophy has resulted in the strong sense of cohesiveness and harmony that exists among our students.

     The staff at School Four is composed of a core of veteran teachers, along with an influx of new educators entering the district within the last two years.  Most of the veteran teachers hold advanced degrees in education, and have both mentored and exchanged teaching styles and techniques with new staff members.  This blend of experience and youth has been extremely beneficial to the children who attend school in this building.

     In addition to traditional academics, each student receives instruction in Library, Computer, Art, Physical Education, and Vocal Music on a weekly basis.  There is a conscious effort by these instructors to provide interdisciplinary instruction in conjunction with the regular classroom teacher.  These disciplines provide a welcome outlet for our students in addition to valuable alternative learning methods.

     A view of School Four would not be complete without mention of the Special Education program.  Our building is home to a large segment of the elementary age Special Education students who attend school in Cliffside Park.  There are approximately ninety students who receive services ranging from Resource Room to Self-Contained classes. The department is staffed with a dedicated, experienced group of professionals who have a passion for educating these children.  The Child Study Team office is also located in this building, which has significantly contributed to the overall success of the program.

     Another positive contribution to the success of our students is the dedicated group of volunteer parents known as the P.T.O.  Their willingness to support both the staff and administration has made their presence in our building an asset.  In addition to the variety of social activities they organize, they have been instrumental in providing educationally based programs.  They have organized or assisted in various reading programs, safety education programs, and other programs aimed at enhancing student performance through community involvement.

      The staff and administration at School Four are extremely proud of our students and their accomplishments.  We are committed to providing a solid foundation for these students by means of a dedicated staff, increased parental involvement, and strong community support.  As the Principal, I have concentrated my efforts on assisting teachers to analyze standardized test scores and develop strategies for enhancing student performance.  In addition, I have attempted to address student discipline issues in a manner that engages parents, and allows the teacher to spend more time on task.

     As for the future at School Four, we plan to continue to employ the latest methods and techniques in an effort to meet the needs of our students.  I truly feel our district is at the forefront in providing our staff with opportunities for professional development in an effort to maximize classroom instruction.

Christine Giancola