As a neighborhood school, Pennsylvania Avenue School #27’s primary mission is to engage our community in providing a learning environment that fosters independence, embraces change and values diversity. We recognize that jour school population is comprised of diverse cultures and backgrounds. We hope to develop life-long learners who are responsible citizens and are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society.
Our instructional program is aligned to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. It is shared by all Woodbridge Township School District elementary school. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, health, physical education, guidance, world languages, vocal music, instrumental music and art. The Language Arts program integrates reading, writing, listening, viewing, spelling and literacy. Whole class instruction with real literature, leveled guided reading groups, writer’s workshop and a sequential phonics program are key components. First and Second grades follow and evidence-based literacy model which incorporates a workshop format with a balanced literacy approach. The format for grades 3-5 includes reading and Writing Workshop. This provides a significant block of time for students to engage in predictable and structured reading routines as well as daily opportunities to write for extended periods of time. The mathematics program for grades K-5 is the respected Everyday Math. This is a research based program designed to develop understanding through repeated exposure to concepts. All strands are taught, reviewed and revisited throughout the year.
Our student’s special needs are met through a variety of services. We offer ASI-Academic Support Instruction in reading and math. We also have a Literacy Coach who provides Leveled Literacy Instruction to first and second graders and other students in need of additional help. Other services include Speech and Language, Child Study Team, an Intervention and Referral Services Committee and Special Education. School #27 currently has 3 self-contained Special Education classes and 1 in-class Resource Teacher.
Students in grades 3-5 participate in the web based program Study Island. It is a tutorial program designed to help students achieve skill level master, prepare for test taking and provide remediation in critical skill areas in Math and Language Arts. School #27 is proud that our students have placed First in the annual Study Island Olympics for three consecutive years. Participation in Study Island can occur at home, in school or anywhere in the world where there is access to the internet. Additionally, our school infrastructure is equipped with wireless internet access in all the classrooms. Laptop computers are available for our students and staff to use in an effort to enhance the curriculum.
As part of our comprehensive educational program, School #27 participates in the Learnia program which helps to assess student progress twice a year. In keeping with the State’s Character Ed/Anti-Bullying initiative, classroom lessons, special projects and school assemblies have been incorporated into our day to day activities. Student council members have the opportunity to make morning announcements which include a character education blurb, daily activities and safety tips.
To further enhance and enrich the school experience, Pennsylvania Ave. School #27 offers fourth and fifth grade honor roll, safety patrol, student council, vocal and instrumental music concert and participation in the district track meet. Students in grades K-5 are eligible to participate in the annual Evening With Young Writers and the Elementary Art Exhibit.
The Highly Qualified faculty of School #27 is committed to improving instruction. Our Professional Learning Committee has surveyed our faculty and identified our needs. A plan has been developed to achieve the set goals. Through on-going professional development, our goal is to deliver a comprehensive curriculum to meet the needs of all students. Our teachers have regularly attended workshops and in-services for Language Arts, Everyday Math and all content area subjects. Also technology training is the district is extensive. Our faculty takes full advantage of all educational opportunities offered.
We have set Pupil Performance Objectives and School goals for the year. Our PPO’s focus on NJ ASK Test preparation and achievement. We strive for all our third-fifth grade students to be in the Proficient or Advanced Proficient range. Although we are proud of our achievement on the standardized tests, we are aware of areas where we can improve. Our faculty is always analyzing and examining our instruction to further improve student skills. This year we offered an after school Instructional Strategies Club to better prepare students for testing challenges.
Our School Planning Committee is composed of parents and teachers. The committee establishes and organizes goals and objectives for the year. We focus on the following areas: academic, community and national pride, volunteerism, character ed., the environment, self-esteem, healthy lifestyle choices and new last year—Going Green. Classroom teachers design activities to meet these goals.
Our fourth and fifth grade Student Council is extremely active. All projects are service oriented and encourage volunteerism in school and the community. The Student Council sponsors food drives, a UNICEF collection, backpacks for foster children and pop tops for Ronald MacDonald House. The students also send holiday greeting card to our service men and women and Valentines to Senior Citizens. We are very proud of our Student council.
The members of our PTO are tireless in their efforts to provide many enhancements for our students. Through generous membership support, the PTO provides special programs, assemblies and class trips. The also publish our monthly newsletter and organize our field day. We are grateful for their help and collaborative efforts.
Pennsylvania Ave. School #27 is committed to providing each youngster with an outstanding instructional program. We are proud of all our accomplishments. We are also committed to meeting new challenges. Our Faculty is professional, dedicated and hard working. The teachers have dedicated themselves to professional development and improving instruction. We are constantly focused on meeting the increasing demands of standardized testing. It is our hope that each child will receive a well-rounded diversified education. With the continued support and partnership of the faculty, staff and parents, we are able to complete our goals. Pennsylvania Ave. School #27 is a caring community proud to be your neighborhood school.
