We are now in the second month of the school year. The introductions of the students to the teachers are behind us and we are becoming accustomed to the daily routine. We have administered a number of assessments to help develop a course of study that is prescribed to build upon strengths and identify areas of the curriculum that need strengthening. Additionally, each child in grades kindergarten to six was assessed to determine his or her reading level. These levels are on a scale from A –Z, where A is the lowest level and Z is the highest level. We also administered a benchmark assessment in Math and English Language Arts and are working with technology-enhanced instruction to prepare every child for 21st century learning skills.
I and Mrs. Ramos have been holding parent meetings at all of the elementary schools to explain the programs we have available for students who have demonstrated that they are at risk. I have been explaining my three goals for this school year:
- to increase the level of family engagement;
- to increase the level of rigor and relevance; and
- to increase the number of technology devices used in instruction.
Additionally, I will be holding evening meetings to discuss the new standards based report cards. This change will allow parents to have a clearer understanding of their child’s academic achievement based on the standards set by the New Jersey Department of Education. I will be posting information concerning the standards based report cards on the district website. Please attend parent meetings at 6:30 PM at the following schools on the associated dates:
October 10, 2107 – Franklin School
October 11, 2017 – Lincoln School
October 16, 2017 – Robert Fulton School
October 17, 2017 – Horace Mann School
October 30, 2017 – Kennedy School
November 1, 2017 – McKinley School
November 2, 2017 – North Bergen High School
Although we are having the meetings in the local elementary schools, they are not specific to that school, so if you cannot attend the meeting at your school, please feel free to go to another location. I look forward to seeing you at these informative meetings.
Finally, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time set aside to educate and inform about the causes, effects, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American women. We will be holding many activities to highlight the importance of understanding how and where to get tested. There will be many fundraising and awareness efforts with walks, races, and wearing pink, but the most important activity will be the education component.
Dr. George J. Solter Jr.
