2012-2013 SCHOOL NARRATIVE

Raritan Valley School is a child centered Elementary School (Grades 1-4) which offers a balanced academic curriculum and a number of varied social learning activities for our students.  The district-wide comprehensive curriculum is continually being aligned to the New Jersey Department of Education Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Our fundamental academic curriculum includes: A Harassment Intimidation and Bullying curriculum, Reading, Language Arts, Inquiry based Mathematics and Science programs, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Art, Spanish, Vocal/Instrumental Music and Technology.  Qualified students also receive services in our Target Reading Program, our Enrichment Program and our Resource Center. Raritan Valley School is equipped for 21^st century learning with wireless internet capability throughout the school, newly installed smartboards with webcams that offer the students the opportunity of distance learning through video networking are in all of our classrooms and two carts stocked with net book computers that can be used in any room. We are proud of our newly renovated Media Center with a new computer station, Ipad carts and a built-in presentation projector. 

During the school year, Raritan Valley School has a variety of activities that are offered to our students and parents which enhance the education process. Those that have taken place this past year are First Grade Orientation for all new incoming grade one students, Back to School Night which gives an opportunity to all parents to meet our staff, Class Visitation Day which occurs during American Education Week, as well as other school-wide events.  We also have Fall and Spring Beautification Day, Spelling Bee, Parent/Student Activity Night, Halloween Parade, Holiday Shop, Winter and Spring Concerts, Supply Closet, Book Fair, Science Fair, Ladies’ Night, Grandparents’ Day, Mothers’ Day, Dessert With Dad, Field Day, Geography Bee and our Jeopardy event. Each month, students are awarded Character Trait Awards by their teachers for making good decisions and demonstrating positive character traits. Our fourth graders compete in an annual spelling bee that begins in our school and ultimately may give them the opportunity to compete at a national level.  

At Raritan Valley School, our devoted teaching staff is committed as educators to implement our district’s initiatives and essential teaching behaviors. Differentiated instruction, incorporation of technology into the education process, data driven instruction, cross curricular instruction and a commitment to becoming lifelong learners through our very own Professional Development Academy, are all part of our everyday culture and aimed to give our students the necessary skills to be successful in the changing world we live in.

The aspiration of Raritan Valley School is to provide the best possible educational experience for each and every student.  It is important to us to provide a concrete educational foundation for our students to reach their full academic potential.  Raritan Valley School is “A Good Place to Grow”.