Welcome To School 5

We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how. -- Anonymous

School Number 5 is an elementary school, housing eight elementary classrooms, Grade 1 to Grade 6 and two Learning Centers. It has 152 students and like the rest of the Cliffside Park School District is very multicultural. Our teachers are instrumental in exposing the students to our many different cultures. We encourage our students to write and speak about their heritages. Although we are a diverse group we are very much a community. In addition to the academic subjects, each student receives instruction in Library, Computer, Art, Physical Education, and Vocal Music on a weekly basis. Qualified students also participate in our enrichment program. In an effort to address the needs of the students, various support services are available. These services include, but are not limited to, English as a Second Language, Resource Room classes, Title I Reading and Math.

The Cliffside Park School District in partnership with Jewish Family Services currently offers an afterschool program for students in grades 1-8. The program is staffed by our certified teachers. The program consists of an hour of homework help followed by a series of enrichment courses. School No. 5 test scores in recent years have and continue to improve. Our faculty is a dedicated group of lifelong learners who constantly strive to improve. Their love of learning and teaching is evident everyday. The academic success of each student continues to be their top priority as they strive to meet the needs of every student.

Our staff communicates well with one another, attends grade level meetings, serves on several district committees, and is encouraged to improve their skills through attendance at various professional development workshops. Our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Romagnino and the Cliffside Park Board of Education have been instrumental in providing our faculty with professional development opportunities in an effort to maximize classroom instruction. These professional development workshops are designed to help incorporate the latest teaching methods to meet the needs of all our students. An outside consultant is brought in to model teaching techniques in our balanced literacy approach that engages our students in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop and guided reading. We also feel that grade level meetings are a great tool to improve teacher skills and confidence. The faculty and staff of School Number 5 are very proud of our students, their accomplishments and are dedicated to providing all of them with learning opportunities.

Academic success is a top priority and we strive to meet the needs of all our students each and every day. We appreciate the support of our community and encourage all parents and guardians to play a positive role in the educational process of their children.

Michael Bucco
Principal