Curriculum & Instruction
Our school's mission is to create an environment where all children are made to feel unique and special and where staff believe that ALL children can learn. The district's data driven curriculum supports our mission of working to help each child achieve success while providing learning opportunities that are personalized for the various levels, ages, and abilities of our students. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to support all students through engaging lessons that are infused with STEM activities, Technology, and 21st Century College and Career Readiness Skills. Students have various authentic learning opportunities like hydroponics, robotics, gardening explorations, astronomy, mock trials, and field experiences within our local community organizations such as the Bayshore Center. Additionally, we offer school-wide Response to Intervention and enrichment opportunities. Gifted and Talented Art, advanced math, and Algebra are among the course selections. The curriculum is supported using Envision Math, Mystery Science, Elevate Science, Open Scied, Pearson Social Studies, Amplify ELA, Fundations, Making Meaning, and Being a Writer.
Fundations
Fundations® is a multi-sensory and systematic phonics program that also focuses on spelling, vocabulary and handwriting for all students grades K-3.
Making Meaning
Making Meaning is a researched based program for reading and vocabulary instruction (Grades 2-5).
Being A Writer
Being a Writer is a researched based writing program used in grades K-5. The instructional model includes individual practicing and conferring, language and conventions, read alouds, and shared & modeled writing opportunities.
Reading A-Z/ RAZ Kids
Reading A-Z is a supplemental reading program available to teachers and students to support our reading program and provide additional skill practice for students.
Amplify ELA
Amplify ELA is a blended ELA program for grades 6-8 that engages students in lively discussions, digital content, and complex texts.
Science
Grades K-3 Curriculum Guides
Mystery Science
Mystery Science is a hands-on standards based science program that engages students through engaging stories and interactive lessons.
Grades 4/5 Curriculum Guides
Elevate Science
Elevate Science is a comprehensive K-5 science program that focuses on active, student-centered learning. The blended print and digital curriculum engages students in phenomena-based inquiry, three-dimensional learning, and hands-on investigations. Elevate Science builds students’ critical thinking, questioning, and collaboration skills. It fuels interest in STEM and creative problem solving while supporting literacy development for elementary-age learners. Raise student interest and approach science teaching with a new level of confidence! elevate thinking, learning, and teaching.
Grades 6-8
Generation Genius
Generation Genius is a K-8 teaching resource that brings school science standards to life through fun and educational videos paired with lesson plans, activities, quizzes, reading material and more.
Social Studies Curriculum Guides
Social Studies is embedded throughout our ELA and Special Areas curriculum. Additionally, students participate in Project Based Learning, read a variety of nonfiction and literary text, and engage in authentic learning opportunities to explore and master the NJSLS Social Studies Standards. Students are also exploring A their community through a partnership with 4-H and other local community organizations. Recently grades K-5 are integrating Studies Weekly to solidify content and integrate ELA and SEL across the standards.
Fine and Performing Arts Curriculum Guides
World Language Curriculum Guides
NJSLS Health and PE (link to standards)
NJSLS Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills (link to standards)
NJSLS computer Science and Design Thinking (link to standards)
Intervention & Enrichment
This year our district is using IXL to individualize learning for students. Please take a moment to read the letter on this link to learn more about our program.
Gifted & Talented
Appeal Process
Please contact Karen Cassady, Elementary Supervisor or Neils Clemenson, Middle School Supervisor.
Karen Cassady (856) 825-7411 ext. 224
Neils Clemenson (856) 825-7411 ext. 269
An alternative assessment can be administered for inclusion review.
If further action is needed, please contact Dr. Cohen, Director of Gifted and Talented at jcohen@mrtes.com or (856) 825-7411.
If further action is needed, As per state law, an individual may then file a petition of appeal of the board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.
Policy & Procedures
The district shall provide a program of study for exceptionally able students in grades Kindergarten through 8 who display outstanding intellectual abilities, academic aptitudes, unique creativity, productive thinking leadership traits or exceptional talent in the visual and performing arts. The district will carry out a broad-based screening of all students at all grade levels (K-8). Students are selected using multiple measures including but not limited to Aimsweb Plus, IXL, Oncourse data, teacher recommendation, student work and surveys. Lists of Gifted and Talented students are maintained and data is provided to teachers. The CSA coordinates development of criteria to identify gifted and/or talented students and presents them to the Board for approval. The Board directs the CSA to develop educational programs for gifted and talented that discover and develop special skills but also provide the opportunity for all students to express their special skills and talents.
Board Policy link
Continuum of Services
Students identified as gifted and/or twice exceptional have the opportunity to "demonstrate knowledge and application of the NJSLS" in multiple content areas. Gifted/Twice Exceptional Students participate in various activities: Gifted and Talented Art, Gifted and Talented Spanish, coding, and thematic stem activities. This year, GT students in grades 6-8 are participating in Powersave, an energy conservation program. Students transferring into the district, as well as those identified, receive gifted and talented modifications and enrichment throughout the school year. Additionally, students are provided with out of district enrichment opportunities through the SJ Gifted and Talented Consortium.
Students identified as gifted and/or twice exceptional have the opportunity to "demonstrate knowledge and application of the NJSLS" in multiple content areas. Gifted/Twice Exceptional Students participate in various activities: Gifted and Talented Art, robotics, coding, drafting,and thematic stem activities. Students have access to a personalized learning plan through IXL and teacher driven activities to challenge students. Additional opportunities include Gifted and Talents activities, where students identify passions projects, take leadership roles in STEM, and participate in other authentic learning activities. Students transferring into the district, as well as those identified, receive gifted and talented modifications and enrichment throughout the school year. Additionally, students are provided with opportunities outside of the district through the SJ Gifted and Talented Consortium.
Resources and Opportunities
Gifted & Talented Opportunities
GT Art
Chess Club
Curriculum Based Enrichment Opportunities
Robotics, Drafting, STEM competitions, thematic STEM activities, Coding