Our curriculum is driven by the New Jersey Learning Standards. Teachers develop lessons from district curriculum to ensure effective learning opportunities for our students. Our basic curriculum includes language arts literacy, math, science and social science.
Language Arts Literacy
With our curriculum, we will build a strong foundation in literacy for our children. With a
balanced literacy approach, we incorporate guided reading, shared reading, independent
reading, interactive read aloud, and word study into our language arts block. Our district uses
the Core Knowledge Language Arts program or CKLA, which is the leading early literacy
curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading. By combining knowledge-building and research based foundational skills, our instruction guides educators in developing strong readers,
writers, and thinkers.
Students’ reading levels are assessed three times a year using the research based Acadience
and IXL. These assessment tools enable teachers to identify students’ reading achievement,
document progress, and modify teaching methods to plan and implement instruction.
Mathematics
With our math Units of Study, we will continue to use the Go Math program as a teaching
resource this year. Go Math is based on critical foundational research and proven classroom
results. The program develops conceptual understanding through daily problem-based
interactive learning and visual learning. It is responsive to differentiate instruction to support
and challenge every child and includes a technology component.
Science & Social Studies
Often these subjects are the organizer of a classroom’s themes because they most represent
the child’s world. Teachers use the standards to incorporate opportunities for our children to
interact with the real world around them. Many science and social studies concepts are
integrated into our reading and writing instruction. The social studies standards are further
enhanced through our Global Studies Magnet theme. The district uses the FOSS science
curriculum which follows the Next Generation Science Standards.
Related Arts Classes
The Related Arts classes at Northeast are an integral part of each child's academic experiences. All students receive weekly instruction in music (vocal and instrumental), physical education, library, art, technology, and Spanish World Language. The related arts teachers work closely with the classroom teachers to integrate learning themes and activities. Also, all students participate in a weekly Global Studies class as part of our magnet theme and students in grades 4 & 5 have the opportunity to participate in our instrumental band program.
Homework
Homework is given to reinforce skills taught in school as well as to teach students responsibility for their learning. As per the district Homework/Make-Up Work Policy, P-6154, the Board of Education believes that homework “provides an opportunity to broaden, deepen and reinforce the pupil's knowledge”. The amount and type of homework will vary and increase as students progress through grade levels.
We also strongly encourage that every child reads at home daily. Children can enjoy listening to you read aloud; they can read to you and they should read independently.
We do not assign homework over the weekends or during holiday/vacation breaks.
Projects: Out of school projects are not frequently assigned at Northeast School. This is to encourage integrated project work at school as part of the learning day and to limit the time and expense that families incur to complete these projects.
Homework Requests for Unexcused Absences: Teachers will not provide work ahead of time if you are taking your child out of school for a vacation or trip that you have scheduled when school is in session. Children will make up missed work when they return.
Teachers will review their expectations for homework at the Annual Back-to-School Night. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's homework.
Report Cards
Report cards are completed three times during the school year. Our report cards are standardized across the district. The numbers and letters used for the keys (developmental/behavioral) should not be viewed as grades. There is no relationship between those numbers and letters, and numerical or letter grades. The report card reflects our efforts to give you an accurate and on-going assessment of your child's academic, social, and emotional progress. Families can access student report cards through Genesis.