Welcome to the Teaneck Public Schools!
Barbara Pinsak, Superintendent
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! Summer is a busy time for the district as we rush to prepare for another opening while providing our students with some opportunities designed to sustain their progress and/or enrich their educational experience. Many students with IEPs participated in an Extended School Year (ESY) program. Our Title I grant again provided a Summer Mathematics and Literacy program for students in grades 3-8. This summer, thanks to the generosity of The Puffin Foundation, we were able to offer a Literacy and Mathematics Enrichment program to almost 100 students in grades 2-8. Early reports from a number of parents and students indicate that the program was highly successful. Finally, we offered a Summer Reading Club for students entering ninth grade so that they could complete their summer reading assignments in a “study group” type atmosphere.
I am pleased to tell you that our district has been named as one of ten districts in New Jersey to pilot phase two of a new teacher evaluation system. Our application for the Excellent Educators for New Jersey (EE4NJ) grant was selected for the pilot and we were awarded approximately $104,000 to be used for principal and teacher professional development and resources. Since this is directly aligned with Board of Education goals and community input from the strategic planning process, we will focus a great deal of time and attention toward this initiative. Check periodically on our website for information and updates on the grant.
A strategic planning update to the community is planned for early October, based on work from the August 4th Board of Education Retreat. District administrators joined the Board to provide input for the Board goals and the strategic plan. This, as well as a draft plan document, will be presented to the community at that meeting for further input and also to keep everyone informed.
You may have noticed construction activity as you passed some of our schools. Last year, the Teaneck Board of Education concluded the planning phase of a solar energy project and entered into a power purchase agreement. This summer, ground mounted solar canopies are being erected at five of our schools and at Eugene Field. The canopies will result in energy savings for the district as well as being environmentally responsible.
A number of new administrators have joined the “Teaneck Team” for this year. These administrative positions are not “new” but replace those who have retired or resigned. They include:
- Ms. Trina Gillet, K-12 Supervisor of Mathematics and Science
- Ms. Patricia Dent, K-12 Supervisor of Language Arts Literacy and ESL
- Mr. Raul Sandoval, BFMS Assistant Principal
- Mr. Pedro Valdes, THS Assistant Principal
- Mr. Tony Thomas, Science Department Chair 7-12
I am excited and optimistic about the year ahead and I hope that you are too. I want to extend an invitation for you to join me for the first “Sunday with the Superintendent” on October 21st in the Conference Room at Eugene Field School. This informal discussion provides me with an opportunity to hear your feedback, questions and concerns and also gives me a chance to share some programs and information.
I want to thank all of the parents and community members who work so hard to support and promote the activities and achievement of the students in our schools. I am always grateful for your participation and feedback.
I wish you all a most rewarding school year!
(Please note the goals are being updated)
