The Anthony V. Ceres Elementary School is a grade K – 5 facility with approximately 560 students. The school implements Professional Learning Communities. Teams of teachers work together to plan lessons, review data, identify the needs of our students and to identify and utilize best practices. Teachers are provided a daily, 45-minute common preparation period which allows them to meet at least once a week. There are other programs in place that also assist the school in ascertaining that all students learn. 

 

Our literacy curriculum consists of a 90-minute language arts literacy block which includes guided reading, vocabulary, phonics, and a writing workshop. Differentiated instruction strategies are used to meet the students’ instructional needs.  Learning stations are strategically placed within the classroom with motivational learning activities for the students. Each classroom has a leveled library thematically labeled.  In the area of Mathematics, our curriculum includes a 60-minute block of instruction with a focus on the individual and diverse needs of the students.  Math is integrated in the content areas to provide real life experiences.

 

Updated technology has been infused into each classroom by providing 1-1 Chromebooks.  The students use computers to reinforce skills, conduct research, and complete classroom assignments. Every classroom also houses a teacher’s station, which consists of a computer designated for teachers' use only. Among various uses, the teacher takes attendance on this computer through a district web-based application known as Infinite Campus Online and has access to an application known as Safari Video Networks and Montage. This database can be searched for educational videos that coordinate with their lesson plans and display them via a mounted Epson Bright Link projection system.  Our network provides students with their own Google Docs account, which allows them to access their work at school or at home.  Each classroom is equipped with an Epson Bright Link projection system and document camera for smooth integration of technology into the curriculum.  The school’s curriculum also includes: Science, Social Studies, Health, Music, Art, Media/Library Skills, Physical Education, and World Language: Spanish and English as a Second Language.

 

The school provides co-curricular and after-school programs, such as: Family Workshops for parents / families on school-related topics and skills, Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS), a Dance Program, the Creative Crew Program, and the Musical theater program.  In addition to our outstanding staff of highly qualified teachers, we have specialists and other support staff, such as:  a Child Study Team (Psychologist, Social Worker and Learning Disability Consultant), a Non-Traditional Psychologist, a Technology Educator, a Computer Technician, Guidance Counselors, Physical Education/Health Teachers, a Librarian, Music Teacher, (2) Nurses, Speech, English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers, a Home/School Liaison, Paraprofessionals and (2) Security Guards.

 

We highlight school, teacher and student achievements in various areas, which include: the 21st Annual School Leader Award, the National School Change Award Finalist for 2006 and winners of the Stock Market Game, Governor / Teacher of the Year Award, student of the month awards, Character Education, and Starblazer of the Month. In addition, we have implemented many outstanding programs: Food Baskets for the needy, the Giving Tree during the Christmas Holiday, School Spirit Activities, School Assemblies, Say No to Drugs, Red Ribbon Week, Week of Respect, and Ruby Bridges Day.

 

The Anthony V. Ceres Elementary School Staff, in partnership with the parents and community of Perth Amboy, dedicate themselves to creating a safe, nurturing environment conducive to learning for all of our students. Through the application of standards-based instruction, students will achieve the standards through opportunities to develop independent learning skills, creative problem-solving strategies, and a sense of responsibility while respecting the diversity of others. Instruction will be promoted, recognizing different learning modalities to foster individual success for all students, to ensure that truly no child is left behind.