ESC Schools

The school year launch has been a flurry of activities with staff changes and students settling into new routines, new classrooms and new policies. Both campuses have introduced the new Code of Conduct and have been using it to collaboratively work on the behavioral issues within the school communities. The schools behavior committee led by Principal Lou Johnson did an excellent job at organizing the Code of Conduct and sharing it with staff and students. A presentation of the Code of Conduct will be done at Back to School Night by principals.

All staff received training in the mandated trainings at the opening of school. Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying policies and procedures were all reviewed. School nurse Mariellen DeForte provided training on Blood Born Pathogens, Asthma and Diabetes with a much-needed update about the H1N1 Virus. Staff also listened to presentations on “what’s new in education” presented by Director of Schools Andrea Romano. This prepared staff for changes to curriculum updates to New Jersey Core Content Standards, State-testing changes with regard to SRA and End of Course (EOC) Biology and Algebra testing. New lesson plan formats inclusive of field trip and movie watching, were presented and to be implemented for this school year. The Curriculum Committee worked to make effective change in preparation of the 21st Century Learners. Finally behavioral trainings in Crisis Prevention (CPI) by Supervisor Dennis Schiller and Beyond Fat City (what it feels like to be a student with special needs) were presented to staff.

Within the schools, the students at the ESC Academy at Tewksbury have been involved in a Problem Based Learning project based on a true Alaskan adventure. The students are reading the novel, “Into the Wild” and identifying areas the main character could have done differently which may have allowed a different outcome. In addressing the problems, students have been developing skills in reading, research, mapping, mathematics, geography, and science and group dynamics.

Work in the garden at Tewksbury has included harvesting the last of the tomatoes, peppers, melons and cucumbers. Much of the garden has been weeded and composted and students have begun to mix and mulch for the cold weather. Broccoli and cabbage have been planted for Fall Harvests.

The students at West Amwell have been getting used to the changes in staffing. The new dynamic provides for 2 teachers in each classroom and minimal teacher assistants. Students are feeling the value of two content area or special education teachers working through the academic areas with them.

At West Amwell, the students are being reminded daily of the ESC Pledge: I am respectful, responsible, safe and prepared! Counselor Tom Bill integrates this and sound words of inspiration over the morning announcements. Counselor David Lutzky has attended multiple community meetings regarding School Violence Prevention, Character education Grant Writing, and Hunterdon County JOA.

Teacher Mary Gaspari is planning to run a school store with students as part of the transition program. Ms. Gaspari has identified work sites for the fall semester and has identified students to participate in both off campus and in-house work placements. Teacher Gina Hand will be leading the yearbook staff with students as part of the REAP Grant. The Dreams Come True Therapeutic Riding Program Grant will allow for students to participate in horseback riding.

State testing has begun. Students are preparing for the HSPA October Administration. Staff has attended the trainings on HSPA and APA.

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