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About The School
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Founded in 1892, Washington School continues its tradition of providing students with an excellent, challenging education in a school environment that promotes and cultivates the acquisition of lifelong learning skills. The faculty, staff, and parents dedicate their time and talents to the school in order to make each student's educational experience special.
During the 2004-05 school year, many outstanding programs and activities designed to enhance student learning and social-emotional development were conducted. The students enjoyed the experience of participating in these activities while gaining knowledge and developing self-esteem. Highlights of the year included: assemblies (the stars, character education, bullying, and a real life author visit), Get Up and Go after school activities stressing physical fitness, Fun Night Out at the Montvale Roller Rink, Youth Power Club emphasizing community service, DARE, Washington School Read-a-thon (Finding Nemo), Field Day, Science Fair, etc. The WSPA continued its support and collaboration in numerous school programs and projects: school store, fundraisers, fifth grade yearbook, class mothers/fathers, morning call-ins, site-based council, and a multitude of other activities. The parents' association plays a vital, integral role in our school and its efforts and contributions are appreciated by all.
A total literacy approach to the teaching of reading and the expansion of Everyday Math to include kindergarten-third grades were top priorities at Washington School during the 2004-05 school year. Students were taught skills development in reading, writing, and spelling in a comprehensive manner using a variety of educational techniques and strategies in the various subjects areas. Everyday Math emphasized "giving students a wide, diversified range of mathematical experiences in real life contexts." Following a spiral curriculum, the teachers "ensure that students encounter and apply concepts over the course of the year, deepening their mathematical understanding." The program will be expanded to grades four and five during the 2005-07 school years.
Character Education continued to be a focus following a curriculum from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. Washington School's primary wing was wired for the internet, giving all students and teachers access to a myriad of educational web-sites facilitating student learning.
Staff members have taken a variety of educational and professional development courses to enhance their effectiveness in teaching Washington School's students. The following is a sampling: Practical Literacy Centers, Writing for NJASK, Strategies for Literacy Instruction, Holistic Scoring, Supporting the Struggling Reader, Instructional Models and Strategies, Collaborative Pairs Training, Everyday Math - Math Buzz, Classroom Management Strategies, Creating on the Computer, Activities to Enhance Learning, ADHD and 504, Effective Teaching of Systematic Phonics, Guided Reading, Top Rated Children's Books, Higher Order Thinking Skills, Emergent Literacy, and Problem Based Learning. |
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