A Message from the High School Principal
~ Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself. -John Dewey
Today our young people live in a rapidly changing society, driven by technology and fueled by competition and economic pressures. Responding to these challenges, the staff and administration of Cliffside Park High School strive to provide a solid and comprehensive high school experience for our students. Our stated mission is to provide a safe, academically focused environment where each student is challenged to confidently achieve his or her educational and personal goals. Each student’s abilities and individual needs are kept at the forefront throughout the four year high school experience. College prep courses are designed to meet the needs of a significant percentage of the school population. Gifted students are encouraged to select rigorous Advanced Placement and Honors level courses. Foundation classes with strong supports are in place for those students whose academic progress is best met through classes that are specifically aimed at the Common Core Standards.
Our richly diverse student body numbers approximately one thousand students from both Cliffside Park and our neighboring town of Fairview. In addition to acquiring a solid knowledge base in the areas of English, math, science, and social studies, students have requirements to fulfill and opportunities to elect courses in the areas of business and economics, foreign language, culinary arts, music, art, woodshop and computer science. Our classrooms are equipped with computers and Promethean boards to aid in instruction and to motivate student learning. Through our technology department, the district has made a commitment to continually upgrade our equipment and to emphasize hands-on, experiential learning. In short, our well established curriculum is a work in progress, continually evolving with the demands of the times.
Academic success is only one facet of the educational process. Students are encouraged to maximize their individual potential and to exercise strong decision making skills and positive thinking. Good character is fostered by emphasizing respect, responsibility, and building self-esteem. Our district has in place an effective anti-bullying policy which has been clearly defined for students, staff, and parents. In all school policies, fairness and consistency are priorities. Our staff strives to empower students to be responsible for their own well being, while simultaneously nurturing parent involvement in the educational process.
With regard to test scores, we are pleased that our high school has once again made all of the benchmarks required to earn Adequate Yearly Progress as required by the State of New Jersey Department of Education. We continue to offer and prepare students for the SAT and ACT tests that are required for college admission. We are proud to boast about our National Honor Society, school newspaper, yearbook, accomplished and competitive Robotics Team, and a host of athletic teams open to both girls and boys. Good sportsmanship is an integral part of our athletic program. In addition, we encourage students to give back to their community by making eighty hours of community service part of their graduation requirements.
Our staff is made up of new and seasoned professionals, most of whom have earned advanced academic degrees. In spite of recent cuts in funding, their enthusiasm and dedication are the cornerstones of academic success for our students. Keeping the academic bar high, encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, and pushing students to be the very best that they can, the strategies they employ are student centered and designed to encourage a passion for life-long learning.
As principal, my personal mission is to maintain an academic environment that is exciting and challenging for students and staff. Together with parents, in four short years, our common goal is to send our students out into the world of the twenty-first century ready to experience life and to be contributing members of our face-paced society.
Mrs. Lorraine S. Morrow,
Principal
lmorrow@cliffsidepark.edu