EZRA L NOLAN 40

The Ezra L. Nolan Middle School has offered a variety of educational programs and activities for all students in grades six through eight since its inception in September 1997. Our school continues to ensure a safe educational environment which meets the physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs of early adolescent learners, while promoting individual success. We eagerly anticipate implementing the Abbott Secondary Education Initiative at Ezra L. Nolan Middle School. All teachers will participate in this initiative which is expected to increase the rigor of instruction and strengthen the academic performance of our students while providing personalized instruction utilizing small learning communities
The adolescent years can present a variety of challenges for students, staff, parents and neighboring community. Ezra L. Nolan Middle School recognizes that all stakeholders need to work cooperatively to help students deal with these challenges. This cooperative partnership provides a foundation from which our students will venture forth to fully realize his/her potential. In addition, the Ezra L. Nolan Middle School consistently assesses, evaluates and modifies programs and initiatives to suit student needs and improve educational performance as we continue to develop into a state-of-the-art educational and technological center for the 21st century. We are proud to have a staff that is dedicated, innovative, experienced and passionate when it comes to educating our students.

Each school year brings new, exciting, educational and social initiatives to our middle school. We are proud that since September 2004 our school has been a fully inclusive learning community where children with special needs, previously taught in a separate setting, are now mainstreamed throughout the traditional classes. This transition is facilitated with the addition of specially trained inclusion teachers assigned to team teach with the general education classroom teachers.

We are proud that Ezra L. Nolan Middle School continues to serve as a magnet for the Bilingual population of Greenville and Bergen communities, offering native language instruction in all content areas to Spanish speaking students. Within the Bilingual program we also provide an alternative program for overage students known as Port of Entry. This program helps Spanish speaking students with little formal education assimilate into a regular school setting while developing proficiency in the English language.

During the 2007- 2008 school year we will continue to utilize the L.L.Teach Mathematics Series and promote the principles of the Balanced Literary Program into Language Arts. Each of these initiatives fosters non- traditional methods of instruction and evaluation. This allows students to research, present and demonstrate mastery of content in a manner comfortable for their individual learning abilities. Research skills are emphasized through student research projects integrated throughout the curriculum. The library provides a comprehensive literary collection designed to support and augment the Language Arts curriculum.

Along with these evolving initiatives Ezra L. Nolan Middle School has partnered with IDE Corp. Consultants, (Innovative Designs for Education), to assist in the development of personalized instruction by enabling us to design small learning communities, differentiate instruction, and focus on problem-based learning while infusing technology in all subject areas. To facilitate systemic district improvement efforts we will participate in The Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Support and Capacity Building Program. This program will assist us in selecting and aligning strategies towards sustainable school improvement using the strategic mapping process to support Strategic District Improvement.


Technology is implemented throughout the curriculum. Students are able to take advantage of the 3-5 network computers located in their classrooms as well as a Computer Literacy Educational Center, which includes 26 computer stations, designed to improve student and staff technological performance. An Educational Technology Lab employing Scan Tek 2000, middle school technology, Career Tek Pro, E-Campus and Internet/Intranet based learning and management systems prepares students for 21st Century technology. The fifteen module stations include such programs as Space Technology, Digital Video Production and Photography, Electronic Communications, Alternative Energy and Weather Monitoring.
The Life Center 21 Lab enhances the traditional Home Economics Room with 10 modular learning stations exploring child care, fashion, design, food production services, nutrition, wellness, personal appearance, environment and textiles and apparel.

The academic environment is firmly based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and offers a rigorous academic program for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The district curriculum is interdisciplinary, thematic and uses a project based approach. Character Education is infused in all areas of the curriculum in order to foster social decision-making and the emotional development of every student. Our scheduling system allows students to be grouped homogeneously affording students with the opportunity to meet with success. We also offer exploratory classes such as: Home Economics, Applied Technology, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Art, Swimming, World Language and Physical Education.

Our school also offers many activities that help foster self-confidence, a sense of achievement and motivation that help our students develop into compassionate, caring adolescents. These activities include Builders’ Club Community Service/Senior Citizen partnerships, Aspira Club, partnership with New Jersey City University, GEAR UP, NJIT Social Decision Making, honor assemblies, special field trips, Annual Student Project Fair, NJASK Math, Writing/Reading Test Preparation, Robotics, Special Assemblies, Student Council, Eighth Grade Peer leaders trained in team building activities and College-Bound programs.

Students and staff honor cultural diversity with celebrations to recognize student origins and culture from over eighteen countries. Students also participate in Harmony Days, which helps them recognize and understand the various cultures of our educational community. Students participate in cooperative team building activities such as fundraisers for charitable organizations, providing theatrical and musical performances to the community and neighboring feeder schools.

The 21st Century Resourceful After-School Program provides educational, recreational, cultural and human services for regular and Special Needs students, their families and the community. Program offerings of this collaboration include project-based academic tutorials, interdisciplinary planning and continuity of instruction. Students are given access to technology-based solutions through expanded use of the computer lab and the library media center. Other activities offered are: arts and crafts, performing arts, board games and a structured intramural recreation program. Our Extended Day After-School Program offers NJASK Preparation and counseling services in addition to extra-curricular activities such as inter-scholastic and intramural athletics.

Ezra L. Nolan Middle School is a school with consistent rules, high expectations for students, and a positive school climate. Our program is designed to improve student achievement as measured by standardized tests, district attendance policies, and an increased amount of time on task. In addition to our clinical social worker, our two guidance counselors work with teachers and parents to help improve behavioral problems and the personal development of each student.

Ezra L. Nolan Middle School maintains close communication with the community. Our parents participate in many events and fund raising activities. Some of these include participating on the School Leadership Committee, organizing parent workshops, chaperoning field trips, inviting speakers to address parents and attending board meetings. Our parents maintain direct communication with the principal, present parental recommendations and concerns to the administrators, teachers, Central Office and expend much time and effort for the benefit of all students, faculty and staff.

The joint efforts of our administrators, teachers, students and parents will continue to assist us as we develop into a 21st century state-of-the-art technological, educational center as well as prepare us for the Abbott Secondary Education Initiative. A collaboration of all Ezra L. Nolan Middle School stakeholders is imperative for this initiative to be successful since it is designed to change the organization and structure of our middle school. All of our stakeholders willingly embrace any program that will improve the quality of instruction, emphasize personalized instruction and produce greater student achievement. Our ultimate goal at Ezra L. Nolan Middle School is for all students to experience academic success and develop into productive citizens of our society.






Anna Ortiz-Rivas
201-915-6570