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Elementary School Marking Regulation Changes

Kennedy Park School believes that the mission of our school is to engage the entire community in providing a learning environment that fosters independence, embraces change, and values diversity. We hope to develop, through a technology infused curriculum, lifelong learners who are responsible citizens prepared to enter the global society. We want our students to reach their highest level of accomplishment and to enjoy school while doing so. We are Kennedy Park proud that our commitment to these goals has been recognized by the United States Department of Education and the state of New Jersey:

2008 NCLB Blue Ribbon School
2005 A Governor’s School of Excellence
Just For the Kids – Benchmark School 2004, 2005, 2006
2011 Rewards School

Our instructional program is one shared by all Woodbridge Township's elementary schools. Our program includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, health, physical education, guidance, world languages, vocal music, art and instrumental music. We use the Everyday Math program in all grades. It is a challenging and highly motivating program. We are also offering the intermediate grades a web-based program called Measuring Up which provides practice in math, science, and reading. Students can log on to the site from any computer with internet access. In kindergarten, our Fundamentals First program focuses on literacy. Whole class instruction with award winning literature, leveled Guided Reading groups, writing workshop, and the Fundations phonics program are key components of our literacy program. The first and second grade language arts curriculum is entitled Literacy First. The Word Work portion of the curriculum incorporates print knowledge, alphabet awareness, phonological and phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, spelling, fine and gross motor skills, critical thinking, speaking and listening skills. The writing component provides independent writing time supported by daily individual and small group writing conferences. Grade 3 hosts a new Journeys language arts program that emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction in the areas of reading, fluency, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Also new to Grade 3, Scott Foresman Science uses the National initiative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to ensure that all students achieve the knowledge and skill needed for success in the 21st century workforce. Our language arts programs in grades 4-5 are based on reading and writing workshop models. All students are given multiple opportunities to participate in read-alouds, shared and individual reading of authentic literature. These grades also enjoy leveled instruction in guided reading groups. Writing is taught through genre units.

To meet our students' special needs we offer Academic Support Instruction in reading and math, a grade 1 and 2 Academic/Literacy Coach, Speech services, a Gifted and Talented program, and Special Education services. We have an Intervention and Referral Services Committee to help teachers assist children who are experiencing difficulties in school. Kennedy Park is the district's magnet school for our students whose first language is Gujarati. Bilingual instruction in reading and math and English as a Second Language are provided to students learning English.

To enrich and expand our students' school experience, we have many special programs which address emotional needs, expand our instructional programs, provide motivation and incentives, support family participation, and develop school spirit and goals. We are proud of our Student Council, Safety Patrol, Track Team, Field Day, Honor Roll, Club 100, Vocal Music and Instrumental Music concerts, Annual Talent Show and our Kennedy Park Citizenship program. Our citizenship program includes our Character Education/Anti-bullying initiatives and focuses on the six pillars of character. The six pillars are: respect, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, citizenship, and fairness. Classroom lessons, school assemblies, a monthly bulletin board, and special projects, such as the Student Council's food drive and charitable giving, reveal our student's efforts to become thoughtful citizens of our community. Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, Kennedy Park has been committed to helping others in our community and the world. The year long efforts and dedication of students and staff helped us to raise $4,400, which was donated to various charities including Toys for Tots and the American Heart Association. A third of the money was utilized to help one of our Kennedy Park families through a difficult time. A plethora of non-perishable food items were donated to local food pantries. “Cupid Cards” were sold in February, raising money to send care packages to soldiers overseas.

Kennedy Park has an extremely active Parent/Faculty Group that fosters a wonderful collaborative relationship with the administration, staff, students, and parents. It generously provides special assemblies, parties, class trips, materials and volunteers that help support our school programs and activities.

We set Pupil Performance Objectives focusing on NJASK preparation and are pleased with our students’ performance. On average, Kennedy Park students have scored significantly higher than students both district and state wide. We are extremely proud of the number of our students scoring in the Advanced Proficiency range in mathematics-Grade 3-74%, Grade 4-70%, Grade 5-67%. 78% of the fourth graders were Advanced Proficient in Science. We are also extremely proud of those students who scored a perfect score in mathematics-Grade 3-32%, Grade 4-25%, Grade 5-24%. 24% of the fourth graders also scored perfectly in Science.

The Kennedy Park educational community, consisting of students, parents, teachers, administration, and support staff, will work in a cooperative manner to meet our students' social and emotional needs and help them achieve academic success. We will continue to strive for excellence!