SNAP SHOT OF COVE ROAD SCHOOL
Cove Road is an upper elementary school for children in grades 5-6. Our goals are to continue the educational development of each child and to build a solid foundation for the middle school years. We are a child-centered school and provide a safe, orderly and positive learning environment for our students. We value the diversity, respect and individual differences of our students. Additionally, we regularly support community endeavors. Highly qualified teachers instruct students in language arts, social studies, math and science. Their goal is Authentic Activities and Assessments. Cove Road School has a comprehensive academic curriculum. Additional subjects include health, physical education, art, music, computer literacy and World Language - Spanish. Qualified students also receive services in our resource center, in-class support programs, basic skills, speech, enrichment and language learning disabilities program. A Pupil Intervention and Referral Services Team and a Child Study Team are available. Students in grades 5 and 6 have the option of enrolling in band. The curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for grades five and six. We will implement best practices and research-based programs such as data-driven instruction, unit lesson planning, “Understanding by Design”, Essential Teaching Behaviors and Essential Learning Behaviors, and differentiated instruction. Technology includes Study Island, Realtime and mylearningplan.com. The enrichment program includes writing, art, drama, social studies and problem solving.
Technology is changing all aspects of our lives. In the field of learning, students access information whenever and wherever they choose. It is allowing them to engage with learning outside the four walls of a classroom. The teacher is no longer the only “expert” and the technology that young people use to connect with each other and the wider world in their everyday lives is a central and important aspect of their world. It is one that schools and teachers must acknowledge to maintain their relevance in the learning lives of young people.
The Hazlet Township Public School’s Mission Statement is to ensure that each individual has the opportunity to maximize his or her potential in an information-rich, global society. Through high expectations and a strong academic program, aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, students will begin to self actualize through the life long learning process in preparation for future challenges and contribute good citizenship in a worldwide community. The learning community will achieve this mission through ongoing, honest self-reflections and a commitment to continuous improvement. Cove Road School joins forces with our counterpart across town, Beers Street School, two receiving schools, Lillian Drive and Middle Road, as well as Hazlet Middle School, to articulate a unified program.
Technology is playing a larger role year by year. Our computer room features twenty-four computers, a smart board and projector. Our new science lab has a smart board and our media center contains twelve computers. All classrooms have at least one computer with academic software. The school has twenty-four laptop computers on wheels (COW) for sixth grade. A net book cart is available in fifth grade. Study Island is a popular educational program our students use regularly for test preparation. At least five full mobile projection systems are available for teacher use with their classes.
Student clubs include art, chess, Circle of Friends, Community/Caring Club, Games club, digital photography/yearbook, and technology. Science/Social Studies Awareness Day is a special one-day program in which the PTO invites speakers to present “hands on” programs to our children. Our PTO also schedules assembly programs, fund raisers, International Day and assists with Field Day. The Hazlet Drug alliance has presented programs to students and parents. Peer Proof is a special program for all sixth graders.
Odyssey of the Mind is a problem-solving and critical thinking program for selected 5th and 6th graders. Team(s) compete regionally, statewide and often at the World level. Previous teams won 1st place in the State of New Jersey and have traveled to Disney World, twice to the University of Tennessee, Iowa State University, University of Maryland, Michigan State, and Colorado University for the World Championships. Band and Chorus perform at two evening concerts (winter and spring).
Through the years, Cove Road School has been an active participant in charity related programs and fund raisers, sponsoring walk-a-thons for Cystic Fibrosis and cancer. We have provided supplies for our troops in Iraq and offered local support through programs and organizations such as Reaching All In Need Everyday (RAINE), the Sherriff’s Toy Drive, local food banks and the annual community giving tree. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital has also benefitted from our fundraisers.
Our Building Objectives include technology education and academic progress on the NJ Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJASK) in mathematics and language arts. Students in need receive individualized educational plans, tutorial assistance from teachers and high school National Honor Society students after school
Our students participate in math and science leagues, the NJ Stock Market Game, a school science fair and a national geography and spelling bee. The state of the art science lab is used for experiments, demonstrations, and science activities. Live animals are cared for by students, families and school personnel, including Eli, our bunny rabbit.
Student teachers from local universities learn from us, as we help them to become successful teachers.
Special activities at Cove Road School include several PTO-sponsored assembly programs and book fairs, a Back to School Night by staff, a Seat Belt and Fire Safety presentation by the Hazlet Fire Fighters, and Field Day. Special recognition is devoted to national holidays such as Veterans’ Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Memorial Day. Celebrations include Red Ribbon Week, International Cultural Week, and anti bullying week.
School-home communication includes a Cove Road School website, principal’s monthly newsletter, message boards, monthly PTO meetings, a parent handbook, student progress reports each marking period, and parent-teacher conference during October and March. Our comprehensive District Professional Development Academy affords staff members training in instructional strategies, lesson planning and curriculum design, and project-based smart board science programs.
Cove Road is committed to providing a thorough, integrated educational program. We will always seek every opportunity to help each child achieve success, positive self-esteem, and personal development to their fullest potential.
Wayne C. Ramsey
Principal of Cove Road Elementary School
