NUMBER 14

The highly qualified staff of Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. Elementary School – P.S. #14 consistently addresses the improvement of student academic performance, social behavior and student attendance.
The 2008-2009 School Level Instructional Priorities serve as our road map for improved academic achievement, which clearly defines effective instructional practices that teachers are implementing in their classrooms.

Our staff is dedicated to adhering to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The School Level Instructional Priorities guide the structure to improve student performance, continually identifying and assessing our student’s needs, in order to meet the criteria outlined in “No Child Left Behind.”

VISION

The vision of the Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. School is a commitment to educate students so that they are prepared to make positive contributions in a democratic society.

To accomplish our vision we will guide students to become:
• life long learners;
• independent and self-sufficient adults;
• productive and responsible American citizens;
• active participants in the global community.

The administration, teachers, support staff, and parents will consistently initiate innovative strategies for teaching and learning that will effectively empower students with the skills needed to adapt to the demands of a competitive workforce and a changing world.

MISSION

The mission of the Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. School is to foster academic excellence and prepare young minds of the world of tomorrow.

To accomplish our mission we will:
• provide differentiated instruction for the acquisition of knowledge and development of values;
• inspire confidence and creativity in all endeavors;
• promote self discipline, motivation, and high expectations;
• involve parents and community in the learning process.

Working collaboratively with parents, staff and community, we will maintain a supportive and nurturing educational environment based upon a fundamental belief in the dignity and inherent worth of all students.

Our thanks to those partnerships of education from parents, civic and business organizations, who give their support to our students and staff through the volunteering of services in creating positive student attitudes and a wholesome school community. Partnerships have been formed with the JCPD GREAT Program, Boys and Girls Club and the Sandy and Glenn Cunningham Foundation.

Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. Elementary School – P.S. #14 is an “All Inclusive School”, where teachers and students work as a team, collaboratively.

Collaborative planning within and across grade levels promotes improved student learning and achievement. Infusion of technology into all curriculum areas is facilitated through the use of classroom computers, computer lab and library/media center. A variety of software that enhances educational outcomes is utilized throughout the school.

Upper elementary (Grades 3-5) follow an intensive literacy program which includes both instructional and independent reading and writing. Mathematics instruction is hands-on, interactive, and makes use of a variety of manipulatives designed to fully engage students in the daily activities. Think Block, project based integrated programs for Science and Social Studies, offers student’s hands-on learning opportunities. Students’ culminating activities allow them to acquire new skills and demonstrate higher levels of thinking and learning.

Early elementary (Grades 1-2) follow the components of the district literacy program which include shared, guided and independent reading and writing. In addition, we are part of the Reading First Grant, which provides additional emphasis and support in literacy areas. Mathematics instruction utilizes concrete experiences to build student’s understanding by revisiting topics, concepts, and skills in a cyclical fashion that guides students through exposure, development and mastery.

Kindergarten students use a literacy framework to acquire the necessary skills to become good readers. Guided reading activities help students practice reading strategies.

Daily use of a computer based reading program provides additional time for practice of reading skills. Mathematics instruction raises expectations for all students and increases their desire to apply their learning in the real world.

Pre-Kindergarten students are guided along the Early Childhood Principles with a curriculum that focuses on the interest of students. Through the use of interdisciplinary learning centers, they acquire skills that will enable them to become academically successful in reading and mathematics.

The Reading Recovery Program continues, with its goal to identify at risk students and provide one to one intensive skills and strategies, to meet the literacy needs of our first grade students.

In addition to our instructional programs, we have many after school programs to supplement instruction. These include: SES Services, Extended Day and the district’s C.A.S.P.E.R afterschool program.

The School Leadership Council (SLC) has shared in the development of the School Level Instructional Priorities, ensuring compliance with NCLB. They also provide guidance in developing the annual budget.

Parents are an integral part of our academic institution. Their participation is encouraged through a myriad of opportunities throughout the school year. We have monthly Parent Council meetings, weekly parent workshops. Parents also serve on school committees and their workshop participation enhances their skills as volunteers, parents, and leaders. Their support to teachers and school projects bring the home and school together as a focal point for students.

Many effective programs for the social improvement of our students continue to be a priority. To promote our Character Education Program, we have instituted a “Hall of Fame – Achievers” , to honor community leaders who received their early education at Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. Elementary School – P.S. #14, and “Hall of Fame – Builders”, to honor high-achieving high school students who graduated from Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. Elementary School – P.S. #14 and are moving on to college. Each honoree has spoken to the students about their own lives and each are role models for our youth. Both of these programs have received “A Promising Practices Award” from The Character Education Partnership of the National Schools of Character, Award Winning Practices.

To build self-esteem and recognize their responsibilities for behaviors and outcomes, the following programs have been instituted to strengthen character and academic achievement:

• Art Therapy Program
• Behavior Improvement programs – “Movie and Pizza”
• Book Fair
• Cards for Veterans
• Carnival
• Character Education

• Computer Skills Workshops
• Conflict Resolution/Peer Mediation
• Dr. Seuss Month
• Educational Arts Team
• Extended Day Programs
• Incentive Programs - “Build a Sundae” and “Pizza Party”
• Letters to Soldiers
• Library Partnership
• Oratorical Contest
• Parents as Partners
• Project READ – a book club for Parents
• Read 180 – Reading Intervention
• Read-a-thon
• School Awards
• School Newsletter
• Talent Show
• Teacher/Staff Read Aloud


Our school has received several recognition and awards:
• Hall of Fame – Achievers and Hall of Fame – Builders received a Promising Practices Award” from The Character Education Partnership of the National Schools of Character, Award Winning Practices.
• Excel Grants
• Fire Prevention Bureau Municipal Poster Contest
• Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Contest
• Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham Excellence in Academics
• Real Women Essay Contest
• Senior Citizen Art Contest

Let us continue to work toward “Academic Excellence”.


Ms. Mary Truesdale, Assistant Principal – mtruesdale@jcboe.org
Mr. Christopher DeNunzio, Assistant Principal – cdenunzio@jcboe.org

sabbruscato@jcboe.org


Sharon Abbruscato
201-915-6430