NUMBER 8

Public School Number Eight reflects a culturally diverse student population in which children of diverse backgrounds and cultures co-exist in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Our mission for the school encompasses the belief that each child has his or her own strengths that need to be developed to attain educational and personal excellence. In doing this, we are committed to the goal of every student reaching his/her potential.
Public School Number Eight is located in the Heights Section of Jersey City. It is a PreK- through Grade Five School, which has an enrollment of over 700 students. Within the Pre-K through Grade five scheme, we have a variety of programs and activities which support the learning styles of all of our students attending the school. We continue to foster a totally inclusive school environment in which our special education population is truly placed within their least restrictive environment. Additionally, we have HOPE classes in Grades three through five, which offer advanced enrichment for students who excel in all academic areas. Newly instituted this year is looping in grades one and two, three and four to further enhance consistency of instruction. Our Reading Recovery Program focuses on students who are struggling readers in Grade 1. Furthermore, we have a Literacy Coach, Literacy Consultant and a Project R.A.I.S.E specialist to help support the early development of language skills by building a solid literacy foundation for students to build upon and succeed as they progress throughout the grades. For the language limited students we have Bilingual classes in Grade Kindergarten through Grade Five, in addition we have two Bilingual Reading Recovery Teachers and an ESL Program. The Dual Language Program was implemented in Kindergarten through grade two this school year.

With the focus on Science and Technology in the state mandated tests for grades three, four and five, we hope to resume our Science Lab instruction. Our Science Lab will help to reinforce classroom projects, real life applications and hands on opportunities that lead toward academic success. Our students have access to the WeatherNet station, which allows grades three through five to develop Workplace Readiness Skills and enhanced knowledge of gathering scientific data. We are also designated a WeatherNet Homeland Security Site.

To actively engage our students in their learning, the administration and staff are committed to effectively implementing innovative teaching strategies that encourage critical thinking, problem solving and higher order thinking skills. These efforts are supported through sustained staff development and the integration of technology.

Performance in NJ ASK3, 4, 5 demonstrated progress toward achievement of the state standards in all tested areas. Our goals for this year include a strong emphasis on Literacy skills across the curriculum and the continuation of an integrated and differentiated instruction in order to further address and develop the individual learning styles within each class. Our Extended Day Program for Grades three, four and five enrich our students' knowledge and adequately prepare them for the State Mandated Tests, which are administered in the spring. This Extended Day Program compliments our day to day implementation of curriculum initiatives.


Students have numerous opportunities to perform and share their accomplishments throughout the year. Exhibitions of students work proudly are posted in the hallways and corridors throughout the school. The melodic voices of the Bulldog Singers can be heard at the winter holiday performance and also at the Harborside Nursing Home. In conjunction with the Educational Technology Training Center of Hudson County, we offer an technology program for parents on internet safety and educational web site training for parents. All of our students who achieve academic excellence are honored each marking period during our Honor's Assembly Program. Student of the Month recognition is given to the student who demonstrates academic excellence in a given subject area. Students who have excelled in art have had their work displayed in many shows and competitions both in and out of district teams. In conjunction with 9/11 commemoration activities, each grade level slected an activity that developed relationships within the school community and our Jersey City community as a whole. Acts of Kindness, instituted as a district wide initiative are always demonstrated not only in our school but carry over into the community setting. Our students who excel in Spelling and Math have demonstrated their knowledge in participating in Spelling and Math Bees. Students with strong literary and writing skills have participated in and have won many school and district sponsored essay contests. Students are selected to Read to The Principal daily, to foster the love of reading and appreciation of literature. Our Bulldog Beat newsletter has been recognized since its inception as being one of the top five in the district. In an effort to become healthy, we are involved in the Rutgers University Nutrition Grant, that teaches students about healthy eating habits. This is just a small snapshot of the many talents our students possess and activities they are involved in at Public School Number Eight.

Parent Council of Public School Number Eight continues to serve as a vital part of our school community. We believe that parents are our partners in the important mission of educating the children of this community. Strong family support will assure student success in school. To make sure the lines of communication are open between the parents and the school, we have a parent representative for each classroom. The parent representative acts as a connection between the parent liaison and the parent population. Our school’s website also enhances the parents' awareness of the activities, projects and events which are going on in their child's classroom. Each teacher has their own classroom website which is updated monthly to reflect the activities that are being implemented. Email also serves as another tool of communication, which links the parent to the school.

As you can see we, at Public School Number Eight believe in our children's future. Behind every child stands the teacher, behind every teacher stands the school, behind every school stands the parent and behind every parent stands the community. Together, we prepare our students for the competitive society of the future.


MMigliozzi@jcboe.org


Marissa Migliozzi
201-714-4320