OVERVIEW

 

Washington Township is located in the southwestern part of Morris County.  It is the county's largest municipality, covering 45 square miles including Schooley's Mountain, one of America's first resorts.  Incorporated in 1772, it was primarily an agricultural area, and it still maintains its rural character.

 

The population is approximately 18,000 and still growing as new areas are developed.  The availability of land, the scenic beauty of the area, and the westward extension of the suburban frontier make Washington Township a most attractive place to live.

 

OUR SCHOOLS

 

The Washington Township Schools include five schools and a central office.  The Old Farmers Road School serves the southern section of the district and houses approximately 450 students in grades K-5.  The Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School is a two building complex serving the northwestern section of the district.  Kossmann houses approximately 315 students in grades K-2 and Flocktown houses approximately 340 students in grades 3-5 for a total of 655 students.  The Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School serves the northeastern section of the district and houses approximately 750 students in grades K-5.  The Long Valley Middle School is centrally located in the valley and serves the entire district.  Long Valley Middle School houses approximately 1050 students in grades 6-8.

 

There are approximately 2900 students currently enrolled in the schools served by 230 teaching staff.  The average class size is approximately 23.7.  There are four building principals and four central office administrators.  Fifty percent of the teaching staff and all the administrators have masters degrees; four administrators have doctorates.

 

Upon graduation from eighth grade, district students attend West Morris Central High School which is part of the West Morris Regional High School District.

 

THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

 

The goal of the Washington Township Schools is to develop a "Community of Learners".  Our educational program is based on the premise that each child is a unique and important individual.  Therefore, curriculum and instruction provide varied content and experiences to help each child reach his/her potential.  The enjoyment of learning is of utmost importance.

 

The core academic program includes in language arts literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science.  Students attend special classes in computers, comprehensive health/physical education, art, music, library, and foreign language.  In addition, middle school students are offered the opportunity to explore courses in computers, family and consumer sciences, industrial technology, and instrumental music.

 

The K-8 instructional programs maintain high standards for all students.  Both content and strategies for all areas of the curriculum are based on the current best educational research and practice.  The staff develop-ment program helps teachers deliver quality educational programs.  Monitoring of student progress includes various performance assessments as well as teacher observation and tests.

 

Meaning-centered activities are the core of most instruction.  Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills are taught using an integrated approach, including literature-based reading and process writing.  Mathematics, science, and social studies instruction emphasize "hands-on" activities and projects.  Problem-solving is the basis of many activities.

 

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

 

Washington Township's philosophy regarding special education is to provide an appropriate program within the least restrictive environment.  A major goal in planning the program for a child with a disability is to enable him/her to participate in the regular classroom program as much as possible, while also providing appropriate special education services.  Program options include resource centers, full time special education classes, and special out of district placements.

 

The Department of Special Services of Washington Township includes:

·         Child Study Team Services

·         Special Education

·         Speech and Language Therapy

·         Program for Preschoolers with Educational Disabilities

·         Elementary Guidance

·         Services for Students of Limited English Proficiency

·         Academic Assistance

·         Programs for the Gifted

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of the educational program of the Long Valley Middle School.  The district is proud of its strong tradition of offering students unparalleled opportunities to develop their talents, explore a variety of interests, and enjoy music, the performing arts, and sports.  Following is a list of some of the clubs and activities offered:

 

                Art Workshop                      Band/Chorus

                Panther Press                        Student Council

                Cheerleading                         Track & Field

                Computer Club                     Drama Club

                Chess Club                            Baseball/Softball

                Modern Dance                     Yearbook

                Wrestling                              Orchestra

                Ski Club                                 Field Hockey

                Cross Country                      Basketball

                Soccer                                   

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

The Washington Township Schools are fortunate to serve a community in which there is strong commit-ment to high quality education.  Voters elect a nine-member board of education.  Members of the board serve staggered three-year terms.  Annual school board elections take place in April at the same time the community votes on the school budget for the following year.

 

Members of the school board for the 2008-09 school year are:

 

                Greg Antonelle

                Craig Compoli

Kevin Daly

                James Harmon

                Chance Healy

Kathleen Koop

                Michael Rec

                William Roehrich

                Michelle Skurchak, Board President

 

 

The Board of Education encourages all residents to have a voice in the education of Washington Township's children.  Regular public meetings are held twice a month at 7:30 pm in the Long Valley Middle School Library.

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

District

 

John Sakala, Interim Superintendent                                                      876-4172

Leslie Schwartz, Assistant Superintendent                                                     876-4172

Liz George, CPA, Board Secretary/Business Administrator                         876-3616

Stephen Jason, Director of Special Services                                                   876-9211

 

Schools

 

Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School

Grades K-2                      850-1010

Grades 3-5                       852-1376

Nancy Canning Ed.D., Principal

TBD, Assistant Principal

Old Farmers Road School (K-5)                  876-3865

                Marie Roberts, Ed.D., Principal

Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School   850-3161

                Richard Papera, Principal

                Jolene Battitori, Assitant Principal

Long Valley Middle School (6-8)                876-3434

                Mark Ippolito, Principal

                Stephen Melofchik,  Assistant Principal

                David Collier, Dean of Students

 

 

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

 

The New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJASK) and the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) (grade 8) are assessments administered to all third through eighth grade students statewide.  These tests are intended to indicate the progress students are making in mastering the skills necessary to meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

 

2007 NJASK RESULTS

Grade	% of Students Above the State Standard (including Special Education Students)
	Language Arts Literacy	Mathematics
3	94.1%	97.5%
4	92.1%	96.0%
5	98.8%	97.1%
6	95.3%	90.3%
7	94.3%	83.5%

 

2007 GEPA RESULTS

Section                   % of Students Above

                                                                                                                                                                the State Standard

Mathematics                         90.4%

Science                                  95.5%

Language Arts Literacy      88.9%