Montclair Public Schools

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Basic Information

Address: 22 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone Number: 973-509-4000
Superintendent: Dr. Jonathan Ponds

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Additional Information

Member Schools: Bradford Elementary, Charles H. Bullock Elementary, Edgemont Montessori, Hillside Elementary, Nishuane Elementary, Northeast Elementary, Watchungn Elementary, Buzz Aldrin Middle, Glenfield Middle, Renaissance Middle, Montlclair High School
Board of Directors: Montclair Board of Education
Mission Statement:

The Montclair Public School District is dedicated to creating a culture of learning and continuous improvement that provides every child with a high quality, creative, innovative and challenging education, through a magnet system of integrated schools in which every school represents a strong, diverse and vibrant community of learners.

District Characteristics: There are 11 schools in the Montclair Public School System: seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one comprehensive high school. In Montclair, children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their homes. The Board of Education has developed specialized programs in each of the schools and believes children are best served by a program that most closely supports their individual learning styles. Although the basic curriculum is the same, each school offers special programs consistent with its own magnet theme. It is important to understand that learning styles are not related to intelligence. Many able learners work most productively within a well-ordered schedule. Others do well with greater direction from the teachers. Educational research suggests children learn best when they have a peaked interest in their learning. A different specialized program has been established at each school. All schools follow the same basic curriculum, but each offers a different structure or special activities related to its own special theme. As a public school, we are required to incorporate the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in all other content areas as established by the New Jersey Department of Education. In addition to the state required academic areas, students have access to computer technology at all 11 schools. At the middle and high school levels, students have the option of enrolling in a variety of elective courses in addition to those indicated above. Additionally, at the high school level, students can participate in small learning communities or traditional high school programs.
School Municipalities: Montclair Towship
History:

The "choice" system in the Montclair Public Schools was implemented originally as a voluntary desegregation plan in 1977. Beginning with only two magnet programs, the plan has grown continually and now includes all seven elementary schools and three middle schools. The term "neighborhood school" no longer exists in Montclair; the entire township is the neighborhood for every school.

Implementing the magnet program was no easy task. Following the approval of the magnet schools concept by the Board of Education and State Commissioner of Education, a year was spent developing, designing, marketing and selling the plan.

A call went out for volunteers to serve on a citizens' advisory task force established to make recommendations about the future magnet programs. More than 100 people responded. Magnet schools in other districts were researched and visited by administrators, teachers and community members. Meetings to describe the magnets were held with organizations such as the PTA, Board of Realtors, local agencies and church groups. Input from parents was sought on desired courses, course content, program and structure.

In September of 1977, the district's first magnet schools opened: a gifted and talented program to draw white students to a school with a predominance of students of color. A fundamental back to basics program also opened to draw students of color to a predominately white school.

Montclair's magnet system has come a long way in the past 36 years. What started as a desegregation plan has turned into a dynamic and intricate process. When parents register their children for elementary school at the district's central office, they must list their ranking of schools.

In February 2010, a new student enrollment/assignment-by-zone policy was approved by the Board of Education. Under the plan, the township was divided into three zones, labeled Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. (These zones were conceived by the Task Force for public school enrollment purposes only, and are not intended to replace existing township or ward delineations.) Students are now assigned to zones based on census data, including household income and Title 1 status (eligibility for Free or Reduced Lunch). Students from all three zones are represented in each school.

Notable Alumni:

Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Josh Allen, football player
Dale Berra, baseball player
Robert Trent Jones, golf course architect
Aubrey Lewis, football player
Christina Ricci, actress
David Tyree, football player
Joe Walsh, musician
Alex Winter, actor

Other Facilities: Aubrey Lewis Sports Complex, which is comprised of Fortunato Field, Woodman Field, Furlong Field House
Athletics: Montclair High School Mounties -- Cheerleading, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer (Boys), Soccer (Girls), Tennis (Girls), Ice Hockey, Basketball (Girls), Basketball (Boys), Bowling, Fencing, Swimming, Track & Field - Winter (Boys, Girls), Wrestling, Gymnastics, Girls Volleyball, Baseball, Crew, Golf, Lacrosse (Girls), Lacrosse (Boys), Softball, Tennis (Boys), Track & Field – Spring, Boys Volleyball
Curriculum:

As a public school, we are required to incorporate the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in all other content areas as established by the New Jersey Department of Education. In addition to the state required academic areas, students have access to computer technology at all 11 schools. At the middle and high school levels, students have the option of enrolling in a variety of elective courses in addition to those indicated above. Additionally, at the high school level, students can participate in small learning communities or traditional high school programs.

Belief Statements:

Core Beliefs

We believe:

Challenging all students by providing high-quality academic opportunities is essential to student success.

All children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels.

Effective educators are key to improving growth in student achievement. In addition, the Board of Education and Central Office must promote an environment of continuous improvement and innovation that results in a high performing district that is 100% focused on student achievement and success.

Supportive and engaged parents, guardians and members of our diverse community must be welcomed and encouraged to become active participants in the education of our students.

Organization Goals: 2020-2021 Board Goals Goal 1: The Board believes in the importance of communicating its governance role and Board functions to the community. During the 2020-21 school year, the Communications Committee will work with the Superintendent and District Administration, to develop and improve, through collaboration, an understanding within the district and the Montclair Community, how the Board operates. The Committee will keep the Board informed through their monthly reporting. Goal 2: The Montclair Public School District believes “All Students Can Learn” and “Every Child is Special.” To that end, the Board will work with the Superintendent, through its policies, to ensure that every student attending Montclair Public Schools is treated equitably, without bias, and is supported to meet their needs. Every Montclair Public School student will have the opportunity to attain their highest level of learning and achievement.
Academics: Academically challenging high school with a diverse curriculum, more than 25 AP classes, small learning communities (the Civics and Government Institute, Center for Social Justice and STEM); and visual art and performance options in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA)
Assets and Achievements: Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the district’s local education fund, annually awards over $200 thousand to the Montclair Public Schools through: teacher-initiated classroom grants, social and emotional learning projects, professional development experiences, and district-wide initiatives. Recent innovative projects include non-traditional seating options and focus tools to improve student learning in the elementary schools, hands-on science equipment for all three middle schools, and a state-of-the-art Media Center at MHSMontclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the district’s local education fund, annually awards over $200 thousand to the Montclair Public Schools through: teacher-initiated classroom grants, social and emotional learning projects, professional development experiences, and district-wide initiatives. Recent innovative projects include non-traditional seating options and focus tools to improve student learning in the elementary schools, hands-on science equipment for all three middle schools, and a state-of-the-art Media Center at MHS.
Vision Statement: The Montclair Public Schools will cultivate and support our students to become high academic achievers, curious and creative thinkers, and socially adept young people who are prepared for college, careers, and livelihoods in the 21st century.
Delay/Closing Information: When a decision is made by the Superintendent regarding a school closing or delayed opening due to inclement weather, an alert message will pop up on the front page of the district website. The announcement usually appears by 6 a.m. There may be an occasion where a decision is made the night before, in which case, the alert will appear at that time. The district's automated system is activated to call, text, and/or email the families of all students in the case of either a school closing or delayed opening. Emails and phone messages to families and recorded school open/closed status messages are both in English and Spanish. SMS (text messages to cell phones) messages are English only. In the event of a delayed opening, schools will admit students two hours after the normal opening time. Students should report to their regular bus stop two hours after the normal time; riders should be prepared for possible delays due to poor road conditions and slower moving traffic.
A.P. Classes: Academically challenging high school with a diverse curriculum, more than 25 AP classes, small learning communities (the Civics and Government Institute, Center for Social Justice and STEM); and visual art and performance options in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA)
Transportation: Transportation to and from school is available for students in the Montclair Public School District who meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements are based on the shortest walking distance from the students’ residence to the school they are attending. According to board policy, transportation will be provided for the following students: All elementary students who reside 1 mile or more from their assigned district school. All middle school students who reside 1 mile or more from their assigned district school. All high school students who reside 2.5 miles or more from the district high school. Eligible students will be automatically assigned busing to and from the home address by the Transportation Office. Parents will be able to see their students’ assignment on Genesis under the busing tab a week before school begins. Subscription busing is offered for a limited time.
After School/Extracurricular Programs: MHS offers more than 100 clubs, including community service, salsa dancing, bridge, Ultimate Frisbee, robotics, and literary magazine.
Computer Capabilities:

The Technology Department supports all aspects of information technology, including Internet connectivity, wireless networking, various databases and servers, the phone system, and the software and devices used every day. Montclair Public Schools has over 4,000 devices connected to the network, which all require maintenance and support. In addition, each classroom has a projector and interactive whiteboard. Some of the applications which the Technology Department supports include Genesis Information System, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Google Chrome OS, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Apple iOS, as well as many different cloud applications.

Awards and Recognition: An award-winning magnet system with elementary and middle schools identified by the themes global studies, science & technology, creating connections, Montessori, university, STEM, environmental science, and gifted & talented NJ Monthly ranks MHS in the top 100 of public high schools. Newsweek recognition as one of the top 1,000 schools in the nation. US Department of Education distinction as one of six exemplary magnet school programs in the nation Charles H. Bullock and Edgemont Schools recognized for achieving the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification
Support Services:

The School District is committed to providing educational programs and services that will support meaningful educational progress for each student with special needs. The goal for students with special needs is the same as for all students, as stated in the District's Mission Statement: "…that students will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the ever-changing global society." The District supports the education of students with disabilities with students who are non-disabled to the maximum extent appropriate, as determined by an IEP team, which includes the parent(s) and student. The District recognizes that this approach benefits the entire educational community. The District is committed to implementing best practices and innovative approaches to provide a broad and flexible range of program options.

The District recognizes that there are students whose needs cannot be met with the available range of in-district program options. When this occurs, the District works closely with other public school districts and private schools to provide needed services.