Table of Contents
Board of Education......
Student Outcome Goals......
School Board Meetings......
Schools......
Administration......
P-T Presidents......
Organization of the Schools......
ABOUT WESTFIELD......
School Hours......
School Office Hours......
“Snow Days”......
Delayed Opening...... 5
Four-Hour Sessions......
Student Instruction Hours......
Instruction......
Marking Period/Grading Calendar 2004-05......
Home and School Working Together......
Testing Schedule......
Homework Guidelines......
Make-up Work......
Attendance......
Registration......
Withdrawing a Student From School......
Equal Opportunity......
Department of Health Services......
Communicable Diseases......
Board of Education Policies......
Kindergarten Curricula......
Language Arts/Social Studies Strand......
Mathematics/Science Strand......
Art/Music/Movement and Health Strand......
Grades One Through Five Curricula......
Language Arts......
Mathematics......
Social Studies......
Science...... 28
SPANISH...... 32
Art...... 32
Music...... 33
Physical Education, Health and Safety...... 34
Family Living Education...... 35
Community Involvement in the Strategic Planning Process...... 37
Strategic Plan – 2003-2008...... 37
Beliefs...... 37
Purpose...... 37
Mission Statement...... 38
Goals...... 38
Strategies and Action Plans...... 38
Board of Education
Mrs. Anne Riegel, President
Mrs. Ginny Leiz, Vice President
Ms. Beth Cassie
Ms. Arlene Gardner
Ms. Alice Hunnicutt
Ms. Kimberly Rhodes
Mr. Richard Solomon
Mrs. Julia Walker
Mr. William Ziff
Dr. William J. Foley, Superintendent
Mr. Robert Berman, Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Student Outcome Goals
Students shall acquire measurable skills in reading, writing, mathematics and world languages.
In addition to prerequisite skills, students shall also acquire measurable knowledge in history and
other social sciences, literature, science, physical education, health, and other state-mandated areas
of the curriculum.
Students shall have opportunities to appreciate and developskills in the fine, performing, and practical arts.
Students shall demonstrate the ability to think logicallyand critically, to engage in reasoning to analyze problems and reach objective conclusions.
Students shall develop self-discipline and responsibility in order to learn.
Students shall develop a positive sense of self-worth, an understanding of their individual abilities,
acceptance of the dignity of work, and the commitment to achieving their own unique potential.
Students shall develop an understandingof and demonstrate the application of ethical principles and values.
Students shall develop skills and attitudes necessary for responsible participation in a democratic society as national and world citizens.
Students shall interact cooperatively with respect for the rights of all persons and with an
appreciation for diversity.
Students shall develop confidenceand skill in articulating and expressing ideas and feelings
effectively through reading, writing and speaking.
Students shall develop skills in the use of technology and its related practical applications.
School Board Meetings
Your Board of Education holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Private sessions, which are not open to the public, are scheduled as needed and according to the “Sunshine Law.”
All Board business and voting on agenda items are conducted at regular or special meetings and are open to public observation. Time is allotted for public input. To find out what is on the agenda, please telephone 789-4402.
Tapes of Board of Education meetings are broadcast over Cable TV Channel 36. Tune into the TV 36 Program Guide for dates and times of these broadcasts. Also, a "Synopsis" of Board meetings can be accessed on the Internet at
Schools
Franklin School, 700 Prospect Street……………... / Dr. Mary Fleck….……. / 789-4590… /Jefferson School, 1200 Boulevard………………… / Mrs. Jeanette Munoz / 789-4490… /
McKinley School, 500 First Street………………… / Mrs. Claudia Andreski / 789-4555… /
Tamaques School, 641 Willow Grove Road……… / Mr. Michael Cullen…... / 789-4580… /
Washington School, 900 St. Marks Avenue………. / Mr. Joseph Malanga….. / 789-4600… /
Wilson School, 301 Linden Avenue……………….. / Dr. Andrew Perry ……. / 789-4605… /
Edison Intermediate School, 800 Rahway Avenue / Mrs. Cheryl O’Brien….. / 789-4470… /
Roosevelt Intermediate School, 301 Clark Street… / Dr. Ken Shulack……… / 789-4560… /
Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Road………… / Dr. Robert Petix ……... / 789-4500… /
WHS TV 36…………………………………………………………… / 789-4622… /
Administration
Superintendent of Schools……………………………………………… / Dr. William Foley ------789-4420
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Programs... / Dr. Janie Edmonds ------789-4415
School Business Administrator and Board Secretary………………… / Mr. Robert Berman ------789-4401
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources …………………….. / Dr. Margaret Dolan ------789-4425
Assistant Superintendent for Student Personnel Services……………. / Dr. Theodore Kozlik ------789-4442
Director of Guidance……………………………………………………. / 789-4530
Supervisor of Instructional Technology…………….…….…………… / 789-4430
Supervisor of Athletics…………………………………….……………. / Mr. Edward Tranchina ------789-4512
Supervisor of Fine Arts………………………….……………………… / Dr. Linda King ------789-4417
Supervisor of Gifted Education K-12…………….…….……………… / 789-4597
Supervisor of Language Arts K-8 ……………………………………... / Ms. Barbara Ball ------789-4464
Supervisor of Mathematics K-12……………………………………... / Dr. Regina Kiczek ------789-4487
Supervisor of Social Studies K-12 / Dr. Maria Schmidt------789-4546
Supervisor of World Languages K-8…………………………………... / Mr. Robert J. Roth ------789-4465
P-T Presidents
Parent-Teacher Council ………………. / Ms. Nancy MusatFranklin School PTA ………………….. / Ms. Jackie Cash and Ms. Sara McKeown
Jefferson School PTO………………….. / Ms. Barbara Giordano and Ms. Rose Hughes
McKinley School PTO …………………. / Ms. Lisa Black-Polak and Mr. Kenneth Sumner
Tamaques School PTO ………………… / Ms. Carol Fahrenthold and Ms. Ann Ormsby
Washington School PTO ………………. / Ms. Carolyn Fromm and Ms. Nancy Hartzell
Wilson School PTA …………………….. / Ms. Kelley Komar and Ms. Laura Napolitano
Westfield High School PTO …………… / Ms. Eileen Passananti
Edison Intermediate School PTO……... / Ms. Ann Bergin and Ms. Vivian Strano
Roosevelt Intermediate School PTO…... / Ms. Cindy Gallagher and Ms. Deirdre Gelinne
Organization of the Schools
Thirteen years of education are provided, beginning with kindergarten and ending with twelfth grade. There are nine schools in Westfield: six elementary schools for grades K-5, two intermediate schools for grades 6-8, and one high school for grades 9-12.
There are no cafeterias in the elementary schools; however, elementary students may eat lunch in school (in the
all-purpose rooms and/or classrooms). Lunches can be purchased on a monthly basis. Busing is provided for
elementary students who live more than two miles from school.
About Westfield
Westfield, NJ celebrated its bicentennial in 1994 and has been a community since pre-Revolutionary times.
The town is nearly fully developed, with a population of 29,644 (2000 census). Westfield is well known for its
excellent school system, attractive small-town environment, vibrant downtown shopping and recreation—including its own symphony orchestra and a thriving YMCA (which provides an array of family activities, including before- and after-school programs for children). As reported in the September 2002 issue of New Jersey Monthly magazine, which featured its biennial ranking of the top public high schools in the state, Westfield ranked 25 on its “top 75” list of public high schools. The ranking was based on statistical data compiled from 307 college-preparatory and comprehensive high schools for the 2000-01 school year.
A strong commitment to education and volunteerism forms the backbone of Westfield citizens. Community volunteers within the school district include those serving on the Board of Education; Technology Advisory Committee; Sharing Talents and Skills (coordinates presentations by volunteers within the classrooms), the Education Fund of Westfield (an independent philanthropic organization raising funds for items not included in the school budget); active parent-teacher organizations, and superintendent advisory committees. Recent advisory committees
recommended two bond referendums (in 1998 and 2000) which were overwhelmingly approved by Westfield
voters. The bonds funded additions to Franklin and McKinley elementary schools, an addition to Westfield High School, as well as technology infusion and capital improvements throughout the district.
School Hours
Elementary Hours / Kindergarten Hours8:35 a.m. Teachers arrive
8:40 a.m. Students arrive
8:45 a.m. Instruction begins
11:30 a.m. Instruction ends for morning session
11:30-12:30 Teachers' lunch time
11:30-12:35 Students' lunch time
12:35 p.m. Instruction begins for afternoon session
3:05 p.m. Instruction ends
3:05-3:25 Teachers remain after students depart / Morning session instruction 8:50 to 11:25 a.m.
Afternoon session instruction 12:30 to 3:05 p.m.
Intermediate School Hours
8:15 a.m. to 2:47 p.m.
High School Hours
7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
School Office Hours
All school buildings are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September through June. The Administration Building and school offices are also open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during July and August and on some school holidays.
“Snow Days”
Regularly scheduled school days may be canceled due to snow or other serious conditions involving danger to staff and students on the way to and from school. Such “no school” days are often called “snow days.” When school is called off, announcements will be broadcast over the following radio and TV stations:
☼New Jersey 101.5 FM☼
☼Cable TV Channel 36☼
or accessed on the Westfield Website at:
☼
Parent-teacher groups also telephone parents about “no school” days.
If school will not start at the usual starting timedue to snow or other conditions involving danger to staff and
students on the way to and from school, all schools will have a delayed opening. The same notification procedures for a “no school” day will be followed for delayed openings.
Delayed Opening Student Hours:
Elementary schools begin at 10:00 a.m.
Intermediate schools begin at 9:45 a.m.
Westfield High School begins at 9:30 a.m.
A.M. Kindergarten 10:00 am. to 12:30 p.m.
P.M. Kindergarten12:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Four-Hour Sessions
● District staff in-service days
● Wednesday before Thanksgiving
● Elementary parent/teacher conference days
● Last two days of school K-8
Four-Hour SessionStudent Instruction Hours:
8:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. A.M. Kindergarten
10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. P.M. Kindergarten
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Elementary Schools
8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Intermediate Schools
7:30 a.m-12:24 p.m. High School
Instruction
Marking Period/Grading Calendar 2004-2005
Report cards are issued to all elementary students, with letter grades for third, fourth, and
fifth grade students.
Kindergarten report cards are issued second and fourth (not the first and third) marking periods only.
First Marking Period / 43 days / Wednesday, September 8 – Friday, November 12Grade 1-5 Report Cards Issued - Friday, November 19
Second Marking Period / 46 days / Monday, November 15 – Monday, January 31
Elementary Report Cards Issued - Tuesday, February 8
Third Marking Period / 46 days / Tuesday, February 1 – Thursday, April 21
Elementary Report Cards Issued - Friday, April 29
Fourth Marking Period / 44 days / Friday, April 22 – Thursday, June 23 (or other last day of school)
Elementary Report Cards Issued – Last Day of School
K-5 Report Card Grading Systems
Westfield’s grading system for kindergarten, first and second grade as well as for Art, Music, Health & Safety, and Physical Education in grades three, four and five.
E = Consistently Progressing Above Grade Level
P = Progressing at Grade-Appropriate Level
I = Demonstrates Growth, but Inconsistently
N = Needs Improvement
For English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Spanish in third, fourth and fifth grades:
A = Excellent Achievement
B = Achievement of High Quality
C = Satisfactory Progress
D = Work Meets Minimal Standards
F = Not Passing
Overview of Westfield Public Schools’ Commitment to Excellence in Education
BASIC CURRICULUM- Language Arts--Revised 2004
- Mathematics—Revised 2002
- Science—Revised 2004
- Social Studies—Revised 2003
- Spanish grades 3, 4 and 5
- Art—Revised 2000
- Health (health, drug/alcohol, & family living)—Revised 1998
- General Music (including
- Handwriting
- Physical Education and Safety
- Library/Information Skills--
- Computer applications within
- Spanish
- Art
- Physical Education
- Music (Chorus, Band & Orchestra)
- Library/Media
- Advanced Learning Program
- ACHIEVE/Basic Skills
- School Nurses/Health Educators
- Learning Assistance Teams
- Social Workers
- English-as-a-Second Language
- Learning Disability Consultants
- School Psychologists
- Speech/Language Therapists
- Specialists for the Auditorially
- Occupational Therapist
- Adaptive Physical Education
- School Counselors
- Gifted and Talented
- Special Education Programs
- Resource Centers
- Special Needs Classes
- ACHIEVE/Basic Skills Improvement
- Enrichment Program, grade 2
- Advanced Learning Program grade 5
- ACT (Artistically Creative and
- Library/Media Centers—Internet access
- English-as-a-Second Language
- Instrumental Music Lessons, grades 4 & 5;
Chorus, grade 5
- Sharing Talents and Skills (STS)
speakers into the schools)
- Learning Assistance Teams
- Internet access throughout the schools
- Gifted Program
Westfield’s implementation of its vision of education has proved successful by any measure. Westfield students demonstrate outstanding achievement in all areas, whether assessed by tests, individual portfolios of work,
individual or group projects, or creative productions. Our charge for the future is to continue rigorously researching and upgrading our curriculum and methods and tools of instruction to ensure that we continue to prepare each
student for career, citizenship, and individual attainment.
In 2004 the New Jersey Department of Education reviewed and revised its Core Curriculum Content Standards originally mandated in 1996. The standards now address nine academic areas: visual and performing arts; comprehensive health and physical education; language arts literacy; mathematics; science; social studies; world languages; technological literacy; and career education and consumer, family and life skills. These content standards define what students should know and be able to do in a specific discipline. They place emphasis on the knowledge students should acquire and the understandings they should develop in the course of their K-12 experience. The indicators describe age-appropriate results that students are expected to achieve by the end of certain grade clusters: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
In each of the nine areas, Westfield’s curriculum and expectations exceed those suggested by the New Jersey
Department of Education. In the 2004-2005 school year, Spanish will be offered in grades three, four and
five. The expanding Gifted Education program targets students who have an identified need for intervention.
Home and School Working Together
Close cooperation between the home and the school is desirable for the maximum
development of our students and is enhanced by:
- Visiting Schools - Parents are urged to visit the schools. To avoid interruptions of classroom routines or testing programs, it is requested that all visitors telephone ahead.
- Parent Conferences - When parents wish to confer with teachers, principals or counselors, a simple telephone call to the school office will result in determining a time convenient to all. It is also helpful if parents mention why they are seeking a conference so that necessary test scores or other relevant materials can be available for the conference.
Student records are available for parents and guardians to see — simply telephone the school
office for an appointment.
- Volunteering - Parents and other citizens are encouraged to volunteer in the schools. Volunteering can be arranged by telephoning the school office for an interview and appropriate placement by the school principal.
Opportunities for citizens to share their careers, hobbies, travels and experiences with students are provided
through the “Sharing Talent and Skills” office in the administration building. For more information on this
program or to become a volunteer, telephone the STS office at 789-4463.
- Addressing Concerns and Problems Through Appropriate Procedures –
People seeking answers to specific questions or concerns are urged to contact the person involved.
Thus, if a parent has a question or concern about the classroom, he or she should contact the teacher
involved first, then the school principal or department head, and then, if there is still no satisfaction,
an administrator at the central office, 302 Elm Street. Finally, if necessary, the Superintendent of Schools
may be called upon to clarify or help bring about a solution before these very specific problems are
brought to the attention of the Board of Education whose main function is to set districtwide policy for
the Westfield Public Schools. Answers to questions of a systemwide nature can be obtained by telephoning
the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at 789-4420.
- Fundraising – Fundraising by students should be limited to non-instructional time. Activities that are an integral part of the curriculum such as book fairs, may be permitted during instructional time if the school principal determines that they have significant educational benefits. School-related organizations, such as PTA’s, PTO’s, PTSO’s, student clubs, booster groups, and faculty groups should consult with the school principal about their fundraising efforts.
- Parent Involvement - Parents are involved in their children's education in Westfield. That may be one of the reasons student achievement is so outstanding. Parents can get involved in school and non-school organizations and activities in the community. Opportunities include:
The Parent-Teacher Council represents each of the town's nine schools.
All schools have active Parent-Teacher Associations or Organizations.
A representative from the Board of Education serves as a liaison with each school.
Parents attend P-T meetings, parent education meetings and school programs, athletic events,
and assemblies.
Parents, appointed by the Board of Education and/or the Superintendent, serve on all advisory
committees.
Parent-Teacher conferences are held for each elementary student. Conferences for secondary students may be requested at any time during the year by parents.
Secondary level group meetings and individual conferences are scheduled for each student about course selection and graduation requirements, etc.
Parent education and information sessions are scheduled throughout the school year.
“Back-to-School Nights” attract the largest numbers of parents.
The District publishes a "Districtwide Calendar of School Events" (listing ALL school and P-T events) and a "Directory of School Information" that are mailed to every parent.
Parents are involved in school planning teams to develop school plans and goals.
Parents are invited to observe classes in all the schools, and some of the schools set aside special days as"Parent Observation Day."