DR CHARLES P DEFUCCIO 39
The Dr. Charles P. DeFuccio School is an inner city school in a large urban area. Our mission is to prepare our students to succeed in a technologically advanced world. To compete in the twenty-first century, we prepare our students to meet stringent challenges in order to become more productive, successful citizens. The staff, along with the combined efforts of parents and the community, is committed to meeting all the needs of our students.In keeping with our commitment to prepare our students to compete in a highly technological world, and to meet rigorous challenges to become productive members of society we are committed to addressing the needs of the whole child. We will continue to promote success through meeting the diverse needs of our students and involving staff, parents, community members, and all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Our goals are to increase students’ achievement as we continue to align the curriculum to the New Jersey Core Content Standards, utilize a variety of evaluation tools, and provide effective, timely assistance and communication to the school community. Our highly trained staff is committed to develop, foster, deliver, and sustain differentiated instruction using multi-intelligence strategies to meet the varied styles of multi-level learners. In order to ensure optimum success, teachers plan thematically, and activities correlate with the standards. Furthermore, grade levels, as well as cross grade levels, meet on a regular basis to plan units, themes, interdisciplinary lessons, and to develop strategies to assist struggling students.
Our school is fully staffed with a variety of professionals who are trained to meet the specific needs of our student population. We have the services of a Child Study Team (CST), a school nurse, a guidance counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, (LCSW), literacy coach, reading specialist, a speech teacher, an occupational and physical therapist, a music therapist, a community aide, and a parent liaison. The guidance counselor visits the classrooms to support the development of character and career education. They also provide help in the development of good study habits and assist students in coping with difficult personal issues. Under the direction of Club Advisors, our students help to promote a peaceful school environment. In addition, they are actively involved in community service projects. The CST and LCSW are in place to address the exceptional needs of our at-risk students.
Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) provides meaningful interventions for students who are struggling in the classroom. Teachers, parents, and a team of support professionals meet to assess the students’ needs and recommend strategies to ensure optimal progress.
Dr. Charles P. DeFuccio School is a fully inclusive school. In keeping with this trend in special education, we have integrated many of our special education students into the general education population. To achieve our goal, we have the services of an inclusion specialist. Every grade level currently has an inclusion teacher to modify lessons to meet the individualized needs of the students.
Our school has totally embraced a comprehensive early literacy program. This year, the program has been expanded to include students in grades 4 and 5. Our early literacy program supports a balanced approach to literacy instruction, with a focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing. Students work with leveled books to avoid frustration. As they master a level and gain fluency, they move on. We have the services of a part-time literacy coach to support Kindergarten through grade 3 teachers with the implementation of Balanced Block Literacy. The children have also enthusiastically participated in the 100 Book Challenge, with many readers surpassing the 100-book goal. This program reinforces skills, promotes a love for reading, and builds fluency and confidence. Struggling first graders participate in an intense Reading Recovery Tutorial Program, which is designed to develop strategies to help them read on grade level. A Reading Lab has been instituted to further promote literacy enrichment. The Reading Recovery teachers’ and the Reading Specialist responsibilities have been expanded to include grammar and middle school students.
Other initiatives designed to enhance student performance include the Science/Social Studies Think Block and Innovative Design for Education (IDE) for grammar and middle school students. Our sixth graders are involved in Performance Assessment, a project-based program which assesses skills in all subject areas. Additionally, the 100 Book Challenge has been expanded to include grammar and middle school students.
Our school strives to help students make a smooth transition from elementary school to high school. With this in mind, we have adopted Block Scheduling in grades six, seven, and eight in order to provide extended instruction. Block Scheduling affords the students the time to work on meaningful student-centered activities. It also provides ample opportunities to employ multiple forms of assessment that address a variety of learning styles.
We provide a variety of educational programs and activities for all students. Our school has established partnerships with several local businesses and organizations in order to expose our students to unique educational experiences. Through these community alliances, we are able to bring special programs to our students to address their diverse needs. The Extended Day Program is offered to assist students in their academic endeavors. Our after-school program includes NJ ASK preparation for grades three through eight. Intramural athletics are provided through Project “A” Team and the Jersey City Recreational Program. Supplemental services in reading and math are also supplied through the Boys’ and Girls’ Club.
The Dr. DeFuccio School asserts that academic growth is contingent upon each student’s physical, cognitive, social, ethical, psychological, and language development. We provide a safe, structured environment, which fosters an atmosphere where diversity is respected and celebrated.
Esther Lawz
201-915-6560