STRATEGIC PLAN 2008-2011

Policy

Policies are the foundation of an effective and efficient school district. They are at the core of all decision making. Therefore, policies need to be treated as a “living” document. This document requires constant care and should reflect the community and society in which we live.

1. Revise and update policies on a monthly basis at the Board of Education level.

(a) District Advisory Council will present teacher recommendations/suggestions in regards to policies on a monthly basis.

(b) Administrative meetings, held monthly, will serve as a forum for administration to present recommendations/suggestions in regards to policies.

(c) The Superintendent of Schools will present all policy recommendations/suggestions to the Board Policy committee every month.

(d) The Superintendent of Schools will present new policies/revisions based upon the NJ Department of Education, the United States Department of Education, and district consultants (NJ School Boards Association, Strauss & Esmay).

(e) The regular Board of Education meeting shall be used as a forum for community input on policies.

2. The district must ensure policies are accessible and available to the public, and that efforts are made to increase public awareness of such policies.

(a) District events such as Back-to-School Night, concerts, etc. should be utilized to increase public awareness of policies.

(b) The district webpage shall be updated on a monthly basis.

(c) Develop and add a Policy Q&A section on the district web page.

(d) PTO/PATHS meetings will include policy updates on agendas.

Personnel

We recognize that people are a school's most valuable assets and that the parent-school connection should be valued and nourished. The Great Meadows Regional School District believes that learning goes beyond school walls and open lines of communication between home and school are essential for developing social emotional skills and academic abilities.

1. To support student learning with shared responsibility between parent, student and teacher.

(a) Utilize available technology to inform community: list-serve emails with appropriate links, parent newsletter, etc.

(b) Clarify guidelines for special education parents.

2. Provide adequate funding to ensure the maintenance of high quality staff and to reduce staff turnover.

(a) Utilize competitive salaries aligned with those of other school districts in Warren County.

(b) Assess and investigate procuring personnel for Encore subjects such as World languages, Wellness, GATE, BSI etc.) as to better accommodate student enrollment.

(c) Assess and investigate the expansion of the arts (string lessons, theater, etc.)

(d) Through policy, maintain and adhere to small class sizes in order to deliver the best education experience.

3. Support instruction through consistency among sending district schools and continuous professional development in research based programs and strategies.

(a) Continue to align curriculum and professional development among K-8 staff within GMRSD and with our cluster group (Allamuchy, Hackettstown).

(b) Provide teacher professional development time during school year utilizing in-service days (full/half).

(c) Promote the use of internal resources for professional development (administration, lead teachers, etc.)

Buildings/Grounds

A quality school district places great emphasis on its infrastructure in order to provide an excellent teaching and learning resource for staff and pupils. The management of the buildings and grounds reflects how much it values and recognizes pupils’ needs. A well cared for facility can translate into improved staff morale, improved pupil behavior and standards, and an improved school environment.

1. Pursue buildings and grounds support through traditional and non-traditional methods.

(a) Keep updated on resources/monies made available by the state to upgrade building systems.

(b) Develop a list of volunteers who have expertise in various buildings/grounds trades to utilize as a resource for ideas/suggestions.

2. Engage students, community, and staff in maintaining current facilities.

(a) Develop a district-wide cleaning program that involves all members of the Great Meadows educational community.

(b) Utilize such resources as parent teacher organizations, education foundation, etc. to contribute to upgrading/sustaining facilities (playground, walkways, etc.).

3. Develop and facilitate efficient energy initiatives aligned with ‘green’ standards.

(a) Investigate programs/projects that will make the district more energy efficient (solar tubes, fade technology, etc.)

Technology

Technology plays a critical role in supporting 21st Century learning environments. Preparing today’s youth to succeed in the digital economy requires a new kind of teaching and learning. Skills such as global literacy, computer literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation have become critical in today’s increasingly interconnected workforce and society--and technology is the catalyst for bringing these changes into the classroom. In a 21st-century learning environment, all students are able to learn. Project-based learning allows students to acquire 21st-century skills in the context of real-world scenarios, and the integration of video and other media to support instruction links students with outside resources and enables teachers to address many learning styles at once. In fact, the 21st-century learning environment doesn’t just wait for teachable moments; it literally creates them at will.

1. To make staff aware of available technology, provide training on its use and integrate it into the curriculum

(a) Utilize in-service days, and before-during-after school sessions for quality staff training in technology (interactive whiteboard, document camera, ppt, etc.)

(b) Ensure technology education support of staff by providing internal resources such as Quick-Glance guides, personnel, and web based instruction.

2. Expand academic opportunities to students through the use of technology (BUILD IT, etc).

(a) Develop, upgrade and expand Technology Planned Course on yearly basis (Honors English, etc) in partnership with our cluster group and Centenary College.

(b) Utilize computer lab time efficiently for grades 3-8.

(c) Continue creating 21^st century classrooms (interactive whiteboard, document cameras, interactive student systems, wireless laptops etc.)

3. Increase community awareness of school district technology

(a) Continue working with PTOs and Foundation to build up wireless laptops stations in each school.

(b) Update and enforce AWP to safeguard systems.

(c) Utilize technology to give better access to student grades, homework, etc. via OnCourse.

Strategic Planning Committee – Finance

The Great Meadows Regional School District recognizes that school budgets do not exist in a vacuum. They are the financial expression of the district’s educational goals and aspirations. In order to provide efficient and effective use of education dollars, planning is essential-planning of both the educational aims and the financial implications of those aims.

1. On the BOE level – more active on state level with regards to state funding formula:

(a) Need to search for expertise/expert to be a “Lobbyist for the Taxpayer” – LAY LOBBYIST.

(b) On-going governmental function.

(c) School Funding is a revenue problem, not an expenditure one. This is a Trenton issue.

2. Superintendent to further deepen the relationship with townships with regards to resource sharing.

(a) Justification in combining Recreation Programs for both townships.

(b) Bring the three schools together under one PTO – promote a sense of community.

(c) Explore resource sharing within the community.

(d) Tap into the resources of the community for grant opportunities/major corporation funding/grant writing expertise.

(e) Approach town councils for their expertise.

(f) Use of Centenary College for survey writing/public relations.

(g) Use of survey – a good medium for finding local expertise in many areas.

Curriculum

The GMRSD feels the purpose of a written curriculum is to provide a consistent body of knowledge and skills for all students across the district. It provides continuity of required knowledge and skills related to the NJCCCS and the “real world”. A quality written curriculum should provide stakeholders with a clear and concise accounting of knowledge and skills to be learned by district students. For the professional teacher it provides continuity across grade levels to eliminate unnecessary duplication and gaps in student learning and a framework for outcomes important for students. It is a breathing document that must be reexamined on a regular basis to reflect our society.

1. Sustain consistency between elementary schools in the delivery of instruction and content.

(a) Provide quality articulation time during in-service days, before/after school, etc.

(b) Utilize curriculum council for interschool communication

2. Constructively utilize technology such as software, web based programs, etc. in conjunction with 21^st century materials/equipment.

(a) Investigate programs that are effective and provide data rich evidence.

(b) Develop honors classes that are web based in partnership with other schools, higher learning institutions, etc.

(c) Utilize GATE web page for independent projects, etc.

3. Utilize problem based learning/independent learning projects to challenge students with meaningful and consistent homework.

(a) Integrate PBL into curriculum in all content areas.

4. Integrate geographical benefits of Warren County into curriculum-agricultural, wildlife, etc (Pequest Fish Hatchery, local farms, etc.).

(a) Develop school based learning environments such as eco systems, nature trails, gardens, etc.

(b) Project WILD, WET, etc.

5. Structure recess and activity times to develop consistency and challenges such as Project adventure, social skills, etc.

(a) Ensure students are constructively engaged and activities are aligned with NJCCCS/state statutes and regulations.

(b) Integrate healthy habits in the classroom such as nutrition, personal grooming, etiquette, self discipline, etc.