Irvington High School – 2019 Consumer Bowl State Champions
Irvington High School Wins the 2019 State Consumer Bowl Competition
From L to R: Stephen Danso, Bernice Owusu, Frank Peprah, team Captain Eugenia Ampofo, Bolaji Falade, Adviser Joseph Romano, team mom Roz RosenHanst, Esther Oko, and Frank Peprah
On May 23rd, the Irvington High School Consumer Bowl team competed in the 2019 State Consumer Bowl Championship at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton. The county competitions began in January with a total of 74 high schools from around the state. The County Champions met for three Regional competitions beginning in April. The three region winners were Irvington High School representing the Northern Region, Voorhees High School representing the Central Region, and Cedar Creek High School representing the Southern Region.
Irvington battled Voorhees and Cedar Creek High Schools for the state championship title. After an intense competition, Irvington and Voorhees were tied with 90 points each. A tense and exciting five-question tiebreaker round determined the champion. Irvington High School prevailed winning three questions to two for Voorhees to become the 2019 Consumer Bowl state champions! The Blue Knights are the only 5-time state champions. Two schools have won the state championship 3 times.
The Consumer Bowl is a Jeopardy-like educational competition for New Jersey high school students. Since 1997, high school students have been learning about a variety of consumer-related laws and issues. Students learn about summer safety, amusement games, auto leasing, tips on buying used cars, identity theft, property rental scams, and many more important consumer protection tips, rules, and regulations in our great state. The competition is responsible for educating thousands of individuals making them educated consumers. The participants have shared what they learned with their families, friends, and classmates.
Mr. Joseph Romano, Adviser said, “I want to thank Melanie Hazim, Andrew Tucker, Dulcelina Pena, and the entire staff of the Division of Consumer Affairs for sponsoring the Consumer Bowl Competition and educating the young consumers of New Jersey.” Team captain Eugenia Ampofo added, “The Consumer Bowl has been educational and fun. I learned a lot that has made me and my teammates savvy consumers. Not only that, I have made friends and made memories. Everyone should visit the Consumer Briefs page, njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Pages/consumerbriefs.aspx, at least once and read the briefs.” Congratulations to Eugenia Ampofo, captain, and members Esther Oko, Bernice Owusu, Frank Peprah, Steven Danso, and study team member Bolaji Falade.
Principal’s Welcome Message – BKA 2018-2019
Irvington’s Blue Knights Academy offers an alternative education program for students of the Irvington Public Schools. This program addresses the district’s commitment to developing the learning potential of every student to their fullest extent. With that commitment comes the realization that one system of education does not always work for all students. The Blue Knights Academy was established to meet the needs of those students who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty within, or have rejected, the traditional school program.
The Blue Knights Academy program stresses a strong college preparatory course of study combined with an equally strong humanistic approach in a setting which provides the means to enable students to become successful and contributing members of society. Some students enter Blue Knights Academy in their freshman year following a referral by their middle school administrators. Other students are recommended to the program, depending on their age, by high school administrators as a means to prevent dropout and promote academic success. The curriculum offered in the Blue Knights Academy is the same as the high school and meet State requirements for graduation. Courses in English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science are taught by a team of teachers dedicated to the goals of the program. Smaller class sizes, a concentrated time period, a team teaching approach, and a very strong partnership between the school and the home characterize Irvington’s Blue Knights Academy Program. Additionally, community partnerships with local, regional and national organizations such as the Newark Community Health Center and the United Way also serve to provide additional support services for students and parents of Blue Knights Academy.
In addition to courses offered in a conventional classroom setting, the Irvington Blue Knights Academy program offers a wide variety of on-line courses designed to provide students with the opportunity to meet graduation requirements through expanded curriculum offerings.
Online credit recovery courses are also available to afford students the ability to earn credit for courses previously taken, yet not successfully completed. Credit recovery courses allow for acceleration of program requirements, not typically available through traditional high school programs. This allows students who are over-age and under-credited to catch up and possibly graduate within their correct cohort. It is possible.
The educational growth and development of Blue Knights Students are my highest priority. The mission is to educate, motivate and empower each student to achieve academic excellence and develop self-confidence. To that end I, along with my staff will ensure each student will be prepared to achieve that success.
It is possible!
Hubert Ato-Bakari Chase
Principal
Principal’s Welcome Message – IHS 2018-2019
November 11, 2018
Dear Irvington High School Families,
We have started the new school year with a renewed commitment to our scholars. Classes are in full swing and the first report card will be issued on November 29, 2018 at Parent-Teacher conferences.
Below is our Vision Statement, Mission Statement and Core Belief so you can support us on these goals.
Vision Statement
The students of Irvington High School will reach their full academic potential through exposure to a challenging and rigorous curriculum that addresses the learning styles of all student through differentiated instructional strategies and authentic assessments.
Mission Statement
The Irvington High School Staff will be dedicated to student academic success through a rigorous and relevant curriculum that empowers student to be productive, responsible, and self-directed citizens. Through the collaborative efforts of staff, parents, and the community, activities will be designed to strengthen school pride and character among students.
Core Belief
Our main purpose is to improve student academic achievement.
We expect of from our scholars: high standards regarding academic performance, co-curricular participation, and responsible citizenship which are the foundation of our high school. It is the contribution of our scholars to our school community that makes Irvington High School an exceptional learning environment. Full participation in academic and co-curricular programs and a willingness to act responsibly as an individual within our educational environment will enable all scholars to have a successful and rewarding school year. Please support your child/guardian throughout the school year by attending events, parent meetings and please make sure you have access to the PowerSchool parent portal, so you have real-time information regarding your child/guardian’s grades and attendance.
Also, as a parent/guardian, we would like to hear from you as we are in the process of a Middle States Accreditation Self-Study. Please click on the link below and access our school website and a parent survey. Please complete as soon as possible so your voice can be heard.
https://irvington.k12.nj.us/ihs-parent-survey-18-19/
Thank you and if you would have any questions or concerns, please contact me at mmichailidis@irvington.k12.nj.us or 973-399-6897 x1845.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary H. Michailidis
Principal’s Welcome Message – UMS 2018-2019
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” – Marian Wright Edelman
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year at University Middle School, the home of the EAGLES, where our motto is Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). This year we will continue our journey of transforming minds, attitudes and futures. Our school community will maintain our vision of encouraging our students to strive for academic excellence and prepare for a successful future. This vision is intertwined with building our scholars from within as we nurture their spirit and self-actualization.
The staff at University Middle School is committed to the success of all scholars. At our school, highly qualified and dedicated staff members work collaboratively to ensure that all scholars are provided with a quality educational experience, which fosters the personal, intellectual, social and emotional growth and development of each child, which in turn, will motivate student achievement; our primary focus.
University Middle School has an approximate enrollment of 700 scholars. Our school offers everyone many valuable opportunities to participate, enjoy, and be successful in academic and extra-curricular activities that will assist our students in becoming a more knowledgeable, skillful and confident learner in our society. We encourage and look forward to helping students maximize their potential during their time here at University Middle School. Our hope is that each student will have a positive, productive, and academically successful year that will lead them closer to fulfilling their future goals.
Our school has a 9-period schedule that includes Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education for all students. University Middle School also offers French and Spanish, an intellectually gifted program, magnet music and visual arts programs and technology classes. All of our scholars are trained to use Chromebooks as a learning tool, and all classrooms have a Smart Board, which teachers apply in daily instruction by designing interactive lessons. Our staff and scholars will continue to develop abilities to analyze complex texts, determine evidence, reason critically, and communicate thoughtfully—the must-have skills for college and career. Additional academic initiatives aimed to improving, vocabulary-building, science instruction, and cooperative learning have been incorporated to increase student engagement. Student engagement will promote academic growth by teaching our scholars to become critical thinkers and problem solvers who will be able to function successfully in the future. Our classrooms are no longer singularly focused; there is a plethora of cross-curricular activities taking place, which makes learning more engaging.
University Middle School continues to positively evolve! There are productive Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that meet daily for collaborative Common Planning sessions. The teachers follow a weekly agenda to review student work, analyze data, create lesson plans, develop common assessments, and collaborate with content area specialists. As a result of the collaborative Common Planning sessions, it is evident that there has been an increase in cooperative groups and collaboration in the classroom. Data driven instruction has been enlightening and informative. Data PLC sessions and after school data meetings have been productive times for teachers, the data specialist, Math and ELA specialists, and building administrators to analyze and discuss student data and inform instruction.
We continue to praise and celebrate academic excellence and positive behavior by acknowledging those scholars who work hard. The National Junior Honor Society, Honor Roll, Student of the Month, PARCC Champions and Perfect Attendance are a few of the honors that are bestowed upon our scholars. Our scholars have also placed in district sponsored contests such as the Martin Luther King, Jr Essay, Multicultural Essay, PRIDE Essay and the Spelling Bee. We also uplift our scholars with celebrations such as Honor Roll Breakfast/Dinner, Pep Rallies and other exciting events. Outside excursions are planned for our scholars to broaden their life experiences to make connections with their learning experiences.
We continue to nurture the hearts of our students with the assistance of a well-rounded support staff that offers academic, as well as, socio-emotional counseling. The staff consists of guidance counselors, social worker, and a dean. They spend a majority of their time familiarizing themselves with our scholars and collaborating with them on interpersonal skills that will help them grow academically and socially. This, in turn, gives our scholars the tools to develop into young adults who will continue to be life-long learners that demonstrate the character traits of independence, respect and dignity. This team also works diligently with all stakeholders to serve as a community-based center providing resources to parents, as well as, opportunities for them to share in the educational process of their children. This relationship fosters open communication with parents, and help families establish home environments to support children as students, all while providing a welcoming atmosphere.
University Middle School offers a supportive environment for scholars’ academic and emotional growth. Positive behavior and character education are proven to help students acquire the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes necessary for student achievement and success in life. Our PBSIS program will continue to be the underlying force of guiding student behavior. It will instill the idea that the acquisition of positive character values promotes healthy student development. PBSIS also supports our district wide initiative of 10 Character Traits: Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Compassion, Attitude, Motivation, Accountability, Persistence, Trustworthiness, and Integrity
Overall, educating our scholars is a joint effort. As we continue our academic journey, we want to thank all of our students, parents, staff and community members for their hard work and dedication this past year. We welcome our new students and families to our school community. We are excited about this new school year and believe that it holds great promise for our entire school community. At year’s end, we hope that we will all enjoy the rewards that will come as a result of our collective efforts to make UMS a school of academic excellence.
Best wishes for a terrific year, and welcome to the Home of the EAGLES!
Andrea Tucker
Principal
Principal’s Welcome Message – TMS 2018-2019
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School is a PreK-5 school with a strong sense of community that has created an environment that is inclusive, where all stakeholders feel camaraderie, engagement, and a sense of belonging/ownership. Together, we are committed to providing a rigorous curriculum full of art, literature, and music to ensure that every scholar whose life we touch receives the highest quality instruction, as well as promoting emotional and social stability. And with excellent teaching, modeling, and mentoring, we are ensuring that we are igniting a fire in each and every scholar at Thurgood Marshall School that will lead to a lifelong love of learning.
Every day is a great day to make a difference in a child’s life at Thurgood Marshall School. When you enter these hallowed halls of learning, you feel as if you are a part of our family. As a result, we embrace the challenge of providing a quality education to our children. In fact, Thurgood Marshall School is dedicated to providing a respectful, safe, and multicultural environment that will foster passionate, lifelong, and self-directed learners. Our teachers went above and beyond the call of duty the last school year. One fourth grade class explored flexible seating with a donorschoose.org grant. Another teacher, from Pre K, received a light table to enhance science lessons. Several more grants were acquired that provided students with a Little Free Library from Impact Library Grant, Spring Break Food Packs that fed 60 families, and pets in the classroom; Room 102 had a bearded dragon and Room 209 is anticipating a snake. Several teachers were part of the Executive Board of the PTA, as President and Treasurer. Regardless of the program or event, you can always count on the staff to be in attendance and lending a helping hand.
At Thurgood Marshall, we recognize that our students need learning experiences that meet them where they are, engage them deeply, let them progress at a pace that meets their individual needs and help them master the skills for today and tomorrow. It is our belief that when our children are met with such learning experiences, it facilitates successful learners who are able to explore their global citizenship via education. Not only that, Thurgood Marshall is dedicated to providing all scholars with high standards of learning. In our quest to do so, we offer our students certified and highly qualified teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals; curriculum and instruction that is research-based and aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and technology that is infused into the curriculum with programs such as Envision Math 2.0, ConnectED in English Language Arts, and NJCL.org in Science with the Next Generation Science Standards. Computers are in every class with Internet accessibility, as well as interactive Smart Boards, Smart Tables, Clear Touch interactive Panels and Chromebooks for 1st through 5th grades, as well as ELL and Media/Library. View the teachers’ OnCourse websites for specific sites that they use to infuse technology into lessons.
We achieve the NJ Student Learning Standards that will lead students to success in college, career, and life through assessments such as, PARCC, Houghton-Mifflin Reading Inventory, Houghton-Mifflin Math Inventory, Houghton-Mifflin Phonics Inventory, Core program benchmarks, teacher-made assessments, work sampling, portfolios, weekly content area tests, and district cycle and unit tests. Teachers then analyze, disaggregate and use the various informal and formal data to inform instruction and prepare differentiated and scaffolded lesson plans. We offer an instructional program that accelerates learning for all scholars and builds on strengths and interests of each one.
In addition to the K-5 classrooms, our school offers a preschool Gold Curriculum program and the Creative Curriculum with highly trained certified teachers. The Gold Curriculum program is a comprehensive program that provides labs and projects that reinforce learning, self-confidence and self-direction in our young scholars. An appreciation for Visual Arts, Music, as well as the necessary Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and English Language Arts are also provided through this program. The Creative Curriculum program is research based and is offered in English and Spanish, which supports Spanish speaking students. Creative Curriculum provides for positive interaction and active communication with Teacher-Family interactions.
Thurgood Marshall School believes that respect and understanding grow when children of differing abilities and cultures play and learn together. Our school has Inclusion classes in each grade level for scholars who require additional educational support. We provide interventions such as speech, occupational and physical therapies. Our Autistic Program, servicing scholars from grades K-5, is so outstanding that we are now up to six classrooms. In the course of Autism Awareness Month, our school celebrates with the Light it Up Blue Campaign, an Autism Awareness Symposium assembly to raise Autism Awareness in the greater community. During the summer, students may attend EOY Summer Program for our scholars with special needs.
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School’s extended day and year offer a Wraparound Program that gives parents the opportunity for quality care in a safe environment that fosters mutual respect and offers children a variety of choices of developmentally appropriate and interest-driven activities. The day begins at 7:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm. Scholars in grades 3-5 can extend the learning day by attending PARCC, basic skills, and/or enrichment tutoring. There are also clubs such as Student Council that hosts Movie Nights, and National Elementary Honor Society that sponsors a St. Jude’s Math-A-thon and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) distribution. Moreover, students in Grades 2 can participate in the Homework Club, and for students who are musically inclined, there is also the Morning Band, and Chorus Program that won first place at the Irvington Senior Citizen Annual Talent Show. .
Thurgood Marshall prides itself on greater, effective communication with parents and the community through the efforts of the Parent Coordinator, Cindy Clark, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the School Leadership Council (SLC). The Parent Coordinator who works with scholars, teachers, parents, and administrators by implementing programs like the Backpack program, Kids Closet Program, and the Community Food Bank of Hillside. These programs provide food, school supplies, and various other family assistance. Furthermore, open communication is encouraged with monthly Positive Parent Conversations, the Brother-to-Brother mentoring program, and Academic-based Workshops. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) enables parents to become an integral part of their children’s education in collaboration with teachers and other community stakeholders. The School Leadership Council (SLC) comprised of faculty members and parents meet monthly to discuss important aspects of the academic and social growth of the school, budget issues, and numerous school-related matters.
Finally, we at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School pride ourselves on Celebrating “SUCCESS”, by executing ceremonies and practices that recognize scholars, parents, and staff for their outstanding accomplishments. The Positive Behavior Support in School (PBSIS) Advisory sponsors weekly drawings from Mustang Bucks the students receive for being “Safe, Respectful, and Kind,” as well as quarterly assemblies where students receive bicycles, iPods, mp3 players, telescopes, sports and educational game packs, and other incentives. The Climate and Culture Committee sponsors Honor Roll Breakfast, Father–Daughter and Mother-Son Dances and the annual Field Day activities for the end of the year.
In conclusion, the academic, social, and emotional development of each individual are realized through the collective efforts of scholars, staff, parents and the community. Working together as an inclusive, academic, and familial community, we strive to achieve excellence in all facets of education and in the lives of those we cherish the most, our scholars .
Sincerely,
Wanda P.P. Warren, M.Ed.
School Leadership Council
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Principal’s Welcome Message – MAS 2018-2019
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
Welcome to Madison Avenue Elementary School, where everyday is a great day for teaching and learning! As Principal, I am excited and honored to begin this educational journey with our scholars, teachers, parents, and support staff. Our mission at Madison Avenue School is to develop every scholar’s academic potential and their ability to be a contributing member of our community both now and in the future. In alignment with district goals, we will empower our scholars with the skills needed to demonstrate academic excellence, thus promoting academic achievement.
During the 2017-2018 school year, some evidence of our mission was highlighted in our approach through academic and social endeavors. Teachers focused on literacy development in all subjects connecting concepts and extending scholars’ understanding of how things are interrelated. Small-group instruction allowed students the opportunity to have a more personalized learning experience. The use of Chromebooks played a key role in small-group instruction. In supporting students in their social development, Madison Avenue school implemented our H.E.A.R.T. (Helpful Hands, Excellent Effort, Awesome Attitude, Really Respectful, and Totally Trustworthy) program. Monthly assemblies were held to recognize students demonstrating positive behavior in alignment district’s character trait initiatives.
One of Madison Avenue’s annual events included our Mock Trial – Law Day where our Intellectually Gifted students participated in a simulated court scenario. Students studied and portrayed the roles of citizens, lawyers, prosecutors, law enforcement, jurors, and magistrates in a court setting. The Mock Trial successfully exposed our students to important aspects of the judicial system, subtly developing interest in possible careers in law. In addition, Madison Avenue students participated in district-wide and community based events. We placed first and second in the Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest and the district’s Spelling Bee respectively. Students and staff participated in the Breast and Colon Cancer Awareness Walk, Township 5K Run/Walk, and Special Olympics/Unified Games.
For the 2018-2019 school year, Madison Avenue Elementary School will continue to educate, encourage, and empower our scholars. Our Pre-K to Grade 5 school has a diverse learning community that celebrates differences and builds upon common values. Our committed staff provides authentic and rigorous instruction for our scholars that constructs a foundation that cultivates critical thinking and problem solving skills. It is through the instructional process that we strive to promote an enthusiasm for learning. Our curriculum for all subjects is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Madison Avenue School plans to expand our scholars learning opportunities by offering after school programs in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics to further enhance their knowledge and skills.
Scholars will continue to be recognized for their academics and positive display of behavior. The district’s ten character trait initiative of respect, responsibility, empathy, compassion, attitude, motivation, accountability, persistence, trustworthiness and integrity will play an integral part in our positive behavioral intervention goals. Engagement into the school community will enhance our scholars learning experience. A few examples of extracurricular activities our scholars can take part in will be Cheerleading, Step Team, Music Club, Book Club, and Basketball. Additionally, our National Elementary Honor Society as well as a Student Council have been implemented. Congruently, students will exert intellect, culture, citizenship, service, and leadership within the school and the community.
Parents play a critical role in the success of our scholars. Madison Avenue School encourages all stakeholders to participate in our Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.). We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower children with the creative, intellectual, and critical thinking skills necessary for them to become academically and socially responsible citizens in the 21st century. In collaboration with our Parent Coordinator, parent workshops will be offered throughout the year to assist stakeholders in providing the support necessary to contribute to the success of our scholars. Again, I am excited and honored to serve as Principal of Madison Avenue School.
Malikita Wright,
Principal
Principal’s Welcome Message – FAS 2018-2019
“Greatness Begins with A Dream”
“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
Welcome to Florence Avenue Elementary School, the home of the Falcons. In our school, we work every day to build dreams and help them come true! It continues to be my privilege and solemn duty to serve this great diverse community of learners as the Principal. Thanks to the sweat, hard work, and dedication of caring and skilled staff, Florence Avenue remains a beacon of educational light in this historic neighborhood. We are a robust academic community where our scholars are encouraged daily to dream big dreams. We are grateful for an active group of parents that partner with our staff to provide a quality education that exemplifies high expectation and achievement for our more than 630 students.
At Florence Avenue Elementary, we provide our scholars with 21st Century skills and competencies in both academics and the arts. We are uncompromising in our focus on rigor and student engagement in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Fine Arts, and World Language. Our determination is to create self-directed learners who are exposed to diverse experiences, engaged in the optimized use of technology, and coached by caring adults to maximize their potential.
We believe that they should not only experience exceptional education, but should also experience the delights of school spirit, team work, and the full array of visual and performing arts. Last year we were fortunate to have Student Council, Multicultural Club, Young Men’s Club, Young Ladies Club, Honor Society, and a basketball Team. This year we have added to these clubs the Drama Club, Soccer team, Step Team, Cheerleaders, Hispanic Heritage Club, and African American Heritage Club. We look forward to our After School programs as well.
We recognize that we have a fiduciary responsibility not only to educate our students on academic subjects, but also to assist their families and communities to strengthen each scholar’s moral fiber, engage their right inner moral compass, and instill a sense of community. We endeavor to establish tenets of good conduct and character, and promote positive self-esteem and awareness through classroom interactions, school assemblies, student council, various clubs, PTA, PBSIS, and other activities.
Lastly, I encourage all stakeholders to participate in our P.T.A., Friday Night Lights, and other after school events. These are student-focused functions that provide a venue for all community members to contribute to the advancement of the scholars here at Florence Avenue Elementary School. They yield powerful and purposeful relationships between home, school and the wider school community. Together we will teach our children that “Greatness Begins with A Dream”
Sean Evans, Principal
Principal’s Welcome Message – CAS 2018-2019
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chancellor Avenue Elementary School is a diverse community of K-5 scholars pursuing academic excellence and the development of character and creativity. Our mission is to provide a learning environment that is rich with experiences to enhance the cognitive, social, and emotional development of the whole child so each scholar is prepared to be a shaping force for the 21st century. Our professional staff strives to empower scholars to be lifelong learners who use their knowledge, skills, and unique talents to make positive community and global contributions. We are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of scholars through diverse teaching strategies, data-driven instruction, and authentic educational activities.
We begin each day with Morning Convocation, a structured celebration of school pride and affirmation of our greatness. Sample activities include the recitation of school pledges and school responsibilities, the singing of patriotic and motivational songs, and the presentation of daily announcements. Scholars and staff are regularly recognized on their birthday, for being present and for academic and personal accomplishments. Morning Convocation energizes and focuses the entire community on achieving their full academic and social potential throughout the day.
Chancellor Avenue Elementary School exemplifies the District’s commitment to academic excellence. Our comprehensive integrated curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and is implemented by our highly trained educators using current, evidence-based practices. We set high academic standards while simultaneously developing intellectual curiosity and independence of thought. The K-5 English Language Arts program follows a balanced literacy framework that contains the necessary components for scholars to master written and oral communication and a passion for literacy. The K-5 math program provides a solid foundation in basic and advanced skills that also supports critical thinking and problem-solving. Our commitment to delivering quality education to all scholars has resulted in many scholars receiving top recognition in district competitions.
We believe that technology maximizes productivity and is essential for preparing scholars to be 21st century citizens. Current and emerging technology is integrated throughout all content areas. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive SmartBoards or Clear Touch Boards and desktops. Teachers and students also have access to many technological devices such as Chromebooks, iPads, and iPods to maximize instruction, increase engagement and promote collaboration.
Fine arts and physical education are essential elements of a complete education and all scholars engage in Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music and Physical Education. Through the exploration of different media, scholars learn technique, styles, and history and gain a greater appreciation of visual art. Our Art program produced winners in numerous district-sponsored contests. Scholars learn the elements of music through our rich and varied Vocal Music program and have the opportunity to perform on stage during our many performances. Our Physical Education program embodies the concept of healthy bodies/healthy minds by stressing the importance of nutrition and healthy eating as well as physical activities. Some of our scholars were afforded the opportunity to visit the New York Jets training facility via the NFL Play 60 program. All scholars in Grades 4 and 5 receive World Language instruction to better prepare them to live in a global society.
Chancellor provides an environment in which every scholar is respected and given the opportunity to develop strong character, attitudes, and values. Character education is taught through The 6 Pillars of Character Education: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. We encourage scholars to become productive citizens by making thoughtful decisions, solving problems collaboratively and peacefully, and demonstrating positive behaviors. Chancellor Avenue is a community where all members are treated with mutual respect and empathy. Scholars are encouraged to act responsibly and make individual contributions as a valued member of the school community. Our Positive Behavior Supports in School (PBSIS) program complements our character education program. Scholars are rewarded with Bulldog Coupons for demonstrating good character, wearing our school uniforms and maintaining their agenda books. These coupons permit scholars to participate in VIP Luncheons, Holiday Bazaars and Carnival Days (Fun Days).
Chancellor is committed to eliminating barriers to academic success. Our policies and practices ensure that every scholar has educational opportunities to meet our standard for achievement, participation, and growth. The ESL/Bilingual program delivers comprehensive instruction that enables English Language Learners (ELLs) to acquire age/grade appropriate content standards while developing English language proficiency. Our Special education program is designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive setting. The exemplary special education staff are certified and specially trained to provide a wide range of services to meet the individual needs of scholars. Such services include academic intervention, speech therapy, and occupational and physical therapy. The school based Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) Team provides support and services to general education scholars suspected of having academic, social or behavior difficulties. Scholars who continue to experience difficulties may be referred to the Child Study Team (CST) for further assistance and evaluation. Regular communication and collaboration among teachers, staff, parents, and administrators ensures academic achievement and personal success for all scholars.
Chancellor provides several extracurricular activities to enrich our scholars’ learning experience. Currently, we offer the following clubs and activities: The National Elementary Honor Society, Safety Patrol, Chorus, Student Council, Cheerleading and Basketball. Our critically acclaimed Chorus is frequently invited to perform throughout the community. They recently delighted and astounded the audience at the Irvington State of the City Address. We cultivate leadership skills through our Student Council. Scholars in grades 3-5 participate in the democratic process by voting for Student Council representatives using actual voting machines acquired from the Essex County Board of Elections.
We celebrate personal and academic accomplishments each quarter during our Marking Period Awards Ceremonies. Our most unique and exciting program is called “Picture Me Tomorrow”. It is an integration of character education, career awareness, and goal setting. Scholars engage in career research, compose grade appropriate essays on a chosen profession, and then come to school on Halloween dressed in career attire.
Chancellor is a community-based school providing resources and services to parents and opportunities for them to share responsibility for their children’s success. To strengthen our partnership with parents we conduct Community Walks, Parent Meetings, and Chat & Chew sessions. Community Walks involve the principal and the staff walking to our scholars’ homes to meet with families, build relationships, promote our school and become more visible to the community. Chat & Chew Sessions are open-forums for parents to discuss various topics and concerns with the principal.
Chancellor Avenue School is scholar-centered school committed to excellence and quality in education. Our exemplary staff is dedicated to preparing scholars for active, meaningful participation in the 21st century. Together with parents and community members, we at Chancellor will ensure that our scholars are college and career ready.
Dr. Winston D. Jackson
Principal
Chancellor Avenue Elementary School
Principal’s Welcome Message – BTS 2018-2019
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Berkeley Terrace Elementary School is a Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 School that proudly educates a population of approximately 500 scholars. The dedicated staff members of Berkeley are committed to providing our culturally diverse student body with the highest quality educational experience possible. At Berkeley, scholars learn to become the architects of their futures and they are guided by a network of parents, teachers, administrators and other valuable staff members. Our partnership provides a supportive and safe learning environment for all scholars.
We are a community of educators who believe in the best interests of our scholars. Staff and parents work together to benefit our scholars in academic achievement. Teachers at Berkeley create lessons that are rigorous, stimulate thinking and encourage rich discussions. Teachers incorporate a balance of whole class, small group, and individual instruction to differentiate and best meet the needs of all scholars. We prepare our scholars to become innovative learners and resourceful problem solvers equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive global society. As a conglomerate of scholars, parents, and educators, we seek to provide our scholars with an educational environment that is enriched, safe, stable and productive. We maintain an instructional setting that stimulates curiosity and sensitizes scholars to the world they live in. All of the members in our educational community share an important role in providing our scholars with programs and services that will encourage and enrich their love of learning.
Scholastic achievement and character development are cultivated and fostered through authentic and meaningful educational experiences at Berkeley Terrace Elementary School. We are committed to providing a quality education that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and district initiatives in order to ensure that our scholars are well-prepared for college and meaningful careers by the end of high school. We offer a print rich, language and literature based curriculum using technology to inspire our scholars towards academic achievement and support a love of learning. We want our scholars to understand that learning is a lifelong process that starts in the classroom but can be taken wherever they go.
Berkeley Terrace Elementary School celebrates diversity infused with creativity, recognizing the uniqueness of each scholar. Scholars are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of school life such as Elementary Honor Society, the Magnificent OWLS Club, Safety Patrol, the Yearbook Club, Advanced Chorus, after school tutorials and enrichment programs, Scholar of the Month, Scholar of the Year, Student Council, Junior Honor Society, basketball team, cheerleaders, community sponsored activities, and performing arts programs.
Parental involvement is integral to a scholar’ success. Our parents are encouraged to be involved at Berkeley Terrace by joining the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and participating in the monthly meetings, becoming part of the Principal Advisory Council (PAC) and the School Leadership Council (SLC), attending school assembly programs, Back to School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and by chaperoning field trips. Our Parent Coordinator plans at least two workshops for parents every month. The workshops focus on providing academic support at home and on parenting skills. We believe that no school can truly be successful unless all stakeholders are seen as valued and essential components in the educational process of our scholars.
In order to communicate with parents and the community, we primarily use Class DoJo, a system that provides parents access to teachers via smartphones, flyers are sent home and the school marquee is updated regularly. The district website is also a source of important information and resources. Our guidance counselor is available to inform parents of their scholar’s educational progress and any other concerns that may arise. Scholars who need additional academic challenges are identified and assessed for appropriate placement; scholars who need additional support either academically or behaviorally are assisted through intervention programs.
With the continued support and commitment of all parents, families, and staff, Berkeley Terrace Elementary School will succeed in giving our community’s future leaders a rewarding and successful educational experience.
Stacey Love
Principal
Berkeley Terrace Elementary School