Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 A p r i l 2 0 1 8 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.ctsdnj.org I N O U R S C H O O L S : Spruce Run School Celebrate! April is National Autism Awareness Month! The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity to educate the public about A utism. During the month of April at SRS, we celebrat e National Autism Awareness Month and we invite students and staff to wear BLUE each Wednesday in April. This celebration shines a bright light on A utism and helps to increase and develop knowledge of A utism and share information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, we celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with Autism, and we also celebrate our teachers who are dedicated to supporting our programs for individuals with A utism. A special thank you to our special educators, Mrs. Kelli Portland and Ms. Elise Pozensky- Cohen , and the many teacher assistants who support in the classroom everyday. Please join Spruce Run School in our effort to inspire compassion, empowerment and hope by recognizing National Autism Awareness Month. Thank You, PTA! In April, kindergarten and first grade students will have the opportunity to learn more about science in a fun and exciting way through assemblies funded by the Clinton Township PTA. Special visitors from The Franklin Institute will present the Traveling Science Show on the topic of "Flight". Up, U p and away! Patrick McGaheran School "Autism Awareness Month" by Danielle Nugent April is Autism Awareness Month! According to Autism NJ, "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person's social communication and interaction. Individuals with ASD also have restricted and repetitive behavior, interests , and activities. These characteristics fall across a "spectrum" ranging from mild to severe. While one person may have symptoms that impair his or her ability to perform daily activities, another may have only mildly noticeable differences and have few, if any, functional impairments." Here at Patrick McGaheran School, Autism can look many different ways . It could mean that you see someone communicating using devices , such as iPads or specialized communication books. It could mean learning about cool, new and different things from student experts. It could mean having students in class, in the hallways and at assemblies who learn in different ways. Most importantly, here at PMG, A utism looks like making good, true friends who understand and celebrate our differences as much as our similarities . We hope our Clinton Township community continues to learn about and understand Autism Spectrum Disorder , because chances are, you know and love somebody special with ASD . If you're looking for more information about autism, www.AutismNJorg is an awesome resource . Round Valley School During the economics unit in social studies, fourth grade students learned how to start a business by figuring out a budget, their wants/needs and creating business cards and advertisements. On the last day of the unit, students set up their businesses, along with their advertisements and business cards. Some students even brought in samples of their products! What better way to celebrate the Olympics than to bring them to Round Valley School. Students took part in the Round Valley Biatholon Competition. Endurance included the cross country skiing (gym - hallway - gym) and the air rifle (bean bag toss) target. The teams all cheered for each other – a true show of sportsmanship! A L e t t e r f r o m Pamela C. Fiander, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools The Clinton Township Board of Education will hold its final public 2018-2019 budget hearing on Monday, April 30, with a presentation that includes highlights on curriculum, programs and capital improvements, tax levy information and what it means to the taxpayer, along with details relative to increases, decreases and overall allocations. As part of the budget-building process, information about the district on maintaining the school system, raising standards, building professionalism, protecting the district's investment, and planning for the future is submitted to the NJ Department of Education. This year, it includes these attributes: Maintaining Our School System – In the Clinton Township School District, children come first. In partnership with the community, Board of Education, faculty and staff, the District provides a rigorous curriculum that exceeds state-approved standards. Differentiated instruction is delivered to support students in their learning. Curriculum guides, lesson plans and materials are continuously reviewed and updated in keeping with leading edge research on thinking and learning. Programs such as Responsive Classroom, Renaissance, and the NJ Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports are used. Technology is woven into the tapestry of district programs, including a successful 1:1 initiative in grades six, seven and eight. R a i s i n g S t a n d a r d s a n d E x p a n d i n g Opportunities – A rigorous and challenging educational program helps every child to realize his/her fullest potential. Purposeful articulation occurs regularly between grade levels and subject areas in both a vertical and horizontal fashion. Ongoing professional development programs support multiple curricular areas to ensure student achievement, and data analysis of test scores and student growth objectives (SGO's) help to guide instructional decision-making. Student enrichment across subject areas is supported, as well as a full continuum of services for eligible special education students, inclusive of a co-teaching model. Specific student supports are included in this budget. Building Professionalism – The Clinton Township School District believes that modeling is the highest form of teaching and, with this, the adults purposefully practice lifelong learning. A new personnel orientation is held for all new staff members, facilitated vertical and horizontal articulation meetings are continuously held, common planning time for team members is scheduled, and the District embraces the active participation in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for instruction, evaluation and improvement. The Danielson Framework for teacher evaluation and the Multi-Dimensional Principal Performance Rubric for administrator evaluation are used. Staff members actively participate in professional development in relevant areas including: curriculum, instruction, technology and data analysis. Staff and administrators participate in articulation meetings with regional districts, including the high school. Protecting Our Investment – Since "buildings cannot talk," the Board of Education and its administrative staff carefully plan and implement long range facility and long range maintenance plans to protect the community's investment in its school buildings. In addition, there is focused attention on review and upgrades relative to safety and security measures. Planning for the Future – With the nationwide trend in a decline in elementary school population, the District continues to experience declining enrollment. The Board of Education created an ad- hoc Feasibility of Closing a School Committee which continues to research the most effective and efficient way to manage facilities in this climate. This spring, a new demographic study is being launched, and experts are being consulted relative to funding and viable options. We hope you will join us for the budget hearing on April 30, and the opportunity to learn more about this vibrant school district. – Pamela C. Fiander, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Dear Clinton Township Community Members:

• Cover