KENNEDY NUMBER 9
The staff and students of The Kennedy School are guided by the following vision:"We, the stakeholders will work in an inclusive environment, with commitment, to create a school where everyone will work collaboratively to ensure student success. To meet this goal, all students' cultures, strengths, and talents are recognized and respected in order to help them achieve their fullest potential”.
The Kennedy School mission is to investigate, plan, develop, and implement appropriate research based educational programs, resources, and services, which address the needs of our inclusive and diverse student population and are fully compliant with State and District mandates. This will ensure quality, uniformity, and equitable delivery of our programs and services for all students through collaborative program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Academic services are offered to our students that enhance learning across the curriculum and involve the entire school community. The School Leadership Committee (SLC), School Needs Assessment Committee (SNAC), and the Parent Team work cooperatively to facilitate required mandates. This will ensure quality, uniformity, and equitable delivery of our programs and services for all students through collaborative program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Representative teams are empowered to make determinations and prioritize programs and activities based on students’ needs, data analysis, the NJCCCS and District Requirements. The introduction of the Think Block curriculum in Grades 3-5 has expanded the focus of project based learning to the areas of Science and Social Studies. This program includes independent as well as group projects, opportunities for research and the development of socialization skills necessary for successful completion of group projects.
The guidance department has developed a pro-active approach and focuses on developmental guidance to reinforce positive behaviors in the learning environment. Additionally, our comprehensive guidance program has been expanded to assist students in character development and appropriate socialization skills. The guidance staff also participates on committees to address individual student needs, access student resources, and develop prevention programs. Staff mentors also voluntarily mentor individual students to infuse and reinforce academic strategies and individual responsibility. Staff and student volunteers continue to be immersed in social service projects that support family and civic responsibility. Some of their activities included the collection of food for the needy, preparation of family food baskets, monetary donations, and maintaining our school garden.
Our school curriculum addresses cognitive development, emotional, social, and ethical skill development, cooperative leaning, critical thinking, and problem solving in a multi-cultural environment. Instruction focuses upon the diversified learning styles of our students. Data driven assessments have been analyzed to plan instructional strategies and implement programs and resources to reinforce identified areas. The library has been expanded to accommodate a multimedia center, thus creating an atmosphere conducive to research and our diverse needs. Research based District mathematics programs such as Everyday Math and LLTeach have also been implemented. Staff mentors are assigned to new teachers to support their introduction and transition to the field of education.
Educational technology has been infused in all aspects of the curriculum to support attaining the NJCCCS. Technology continues to be updated to include the acquisition of at least three computers with Internet access equipped with educational for each classroom.
To instill an interest and develop comprehensive literacy skills research based programs have been instituted to improve academic performance. District programs such, as Reading Recovery, 100 Book Challenge, Independent Reading, Shared and Guided Reading and Writing Workshops, are examples of programs that are incorporated in the District Literacy Plan for students. Project Raise is an individualized program also offered to improve literacy skills. Additionally, Wake Up and Read, lunchtime clubs, expanded classroom libraries, assistive technology are utilized to supplement our literacy program. Reading Is Fundamental has been expanded to include all grades. In conjunction with celebrating Dr. Seuss and Read Across America, other activities including guest readers from the community continue to enhance our instructional program. In addition, extended day is offered to all students in grades three to five. Inclusion classes have increased to include all grade levels. District Coaches, Supervisors, and the Inclusion Specialist continue to support our staff with on-going professional development addressing inclusionary practices for instructional staff. To recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our inclusion students, a week has been set aside to welcome parents and community members to share the unique accomplishments of our students. Additionally, these students are afforded equal opportunity to actively participate in all in-school and after-school activities by providing necessary resources, modifications, and accommodations.
Students’ academic and creative achievements are recognized through newsletter publications, hallway displays, special luncheons, assembly programs, various celebrations and culminating activities.
To promote and increase parental participation classroom luncheons, informational meetings, talent shows, parental field trips, and a series of workshops are available for parents. Our goal is to continue to foster a partnership with parents and community members in educating students. To reinforce open lines of communication between home and school, the communications committee publishes a quarterly newsletter, "News at Nine", highlighting student and staff achievement throughout the school and community.
wperez@jcboe.org
Wendy Perez
201-915-6410