Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us A L e t t e r f r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dear Members of the Clinton Township Community: December is quite the busy month for everyone and schools are no exception! School districts start working on their budgets for the coming year, since our fiscal year is different from most. We run from July 1 to June 30. Much work needs to be done in putting a school budget together, from reviewing the previous years expenses, to facilities and needed repairs, as well as New Jersey Department of Education coming initiatives and any "unfunded mandates". This year we are really reviewing the declining enrollment and recommendations we might make for the future of the district. So much has changed over the years in education and research on how children learn. As a child, I sat in a classroom of 56 students. The rows were so tight we could barely move our feet. Perfect behavior was not only expected, but misbehavior meant you were out of school and parents would not tolerate a call from the teacher, certainly not from the Principal without disciplining their child. We learned everything by rote; memorization was the rule of the day – from spelling words to multiplication tables to catechism. We did not have discussion groups. We did not read on our own level – you read what you were told or you didn't keep up. I am sure many of you reading this did the same. We played in kindergarten, took naps and started reading primers in first grade. Too bad if you could read it anyway, you did it over and over again. This is not what school is about anymore, at least not good schools, and certainly not high performing schools. This wasn't acceptable five years ago, but with the demands of the common core, classrooms look very different in 2015. Rows of desks are not the norm. We have small groups and tables. We have centers for reading and technology. Space to move freely is mandatory. Square footage requirements are reported on and if you don't have them, the state requires waivers be obtained. Walls are sometimes moveable to create different learning configurations and communities. There are rooms with two teachers, one who is a special educator and adapts learning to the different needs of some students and another who is a general educator for all students. Small group spaces are needed for speech, reading and math support, occupational and physical therapy and English as a Second Language. We now have specialized classrooms for children with Autism and learning disabilities. Many of our buildings have special classrooms for Sensory Disabilities. There are science labs and technology/media rooms, as well as music, band and world language spaces. Schools are not what they used to be and if you do not have these things available, the legal system is quick to invade these spaces as well. Schools are now all things to all types of students. It is their right and our obligation, both legally and ethically. The definition of what a school district must provide is called "FAPE", otherwise known as a free and appropriate education. That definition is continually tested and expanded in the courts. What one person needs and is appropriate may just be the beginning for someone else. Schools must meet the needs of the 21st century learner and ready students for college and careers. Think of how most of us work in our offices. We often have teams, discussion groups; do online research and presentations of information. This is a very different classroom from years ago. The classroom of today requires more specialized spaces. All of these points makes the decision to close a school so very difficult in this day and age. Declining enrollment does not tell the whole story. It is only part of what will make a good decision for future planning. The Ad Hoc School Closing Committee has been studying this for the past year. They will be discussing their ideas and recommendations at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Education. Please watch for information on the date and time and join us to be part of the decisions being made for the future of our schools and our Township. It will not be easy. Let's work together for the future! As always, please send any questions to the Superintendent of Schools at: dclark@ctsd.k12.nj.us. With appreciation for a great community, Dr. Drucilla Clark The CTFEE is a non-profit, grassroots o r g a n i z a t i o n w h o s e m i s s i o n i s t o provide unique educational enrichment opportunities for all students in the Clinton Township school district. Operated by a Board of Trustees, the Foundation works in conjunction with the Board of Education and school district representatives. The Foundation is committed to funding innovative educational programs, services and material/equipment purchases initiated through grants from teachers and administrators in the Clinton Township School District. These programs and services would not otherwise be funded through the regular school budget. The Foundation truly enhances the education of every student in the Clinton Township school district — providing enrichment beyond everyday education! Did you know that donations are tax deductible (the Foundation is a 501(c )(3) tax-exempt organization) and might be eligible for your employer's corporate matching gift program? Donations are accepted at any time. There are two ways to make a donation. 1. Mail a check payable to: The Clinton Township Foundation for Educational Excellence, P.O. Box 183, Annandale, NJ 08801. 2. Donate online by clicking on the "Network for Good" link. t h e C l i n t o n t o W n s h i P f o u n d a t i o n f o r e d u C a t i o n a l e x C e l l e n C e P a r t n e r i n g f o r i n n o va t i o n C a m P a i g n 2 0 1 5 Please join us in Bringing Innovation Into Our Classrooms! Invest through the CTFEE! • Innovator Sponsorship: $500. Celebrated with an auditorium seat at CTMS with personalized inscription. • Patron Sposorship: $250. Applauded with a Bleacher seat at CTMS with personalized inscription. • Benefactor Sponsorship: $100. • Investor Sponsorship: $50. All levels will be recognized with an acknowledgement on our website! H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S f r o m t h e C T S D

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