Crescent School is located in Waldwick, New Jersey, a suburban community of approximately 9,600 residents. Crescent School has approximately 350 students in Preschool through Grade 5. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our school.

The Crescent School staff, parents, and community members work in concert to provide a safe, nurturing, dynamic learning environment for all students. The acquisition of 21st. century skills, coupled with educational methods based upon researched best practices, are the guiding elements of instruction at Crescent School. SMART Boards and computers are in each classroom, laptops are available for student use, and iPads are being utilized in the lower elementary grades this year as well. Technology is not an end in inself, but it is used as a tool for developing higher level, critical thinking skills, as well as establishing more global connections with others to reach beyond the boundaries of our walls to enhance learning.

 

Language arts and mathematics literacy are two critical goals for students. The Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project model is used extensively in the teaching of language arts literacy. Teachers have received and will continue to participate in meaningful professional development in these methods, which they in turn integrate into their instruction. Differentiation and collaborative learning are two hallmarks of these experiences. Mathematics instruction focuses upon attaining mathematical proficiency. Computational and problem solving skills are important acquisitions for students as they develop mathematical competency and fluency.

 

We also recognize the importance of content area skills in social studies and science. These are the venues where students often hone the higher level congnitive skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. These subjects many times awaken in our learners a lifelong passion for a new course of study or  later professions. Finally, a well-rounded education must incorporate the study of fine arts in music and art, as well as physical education. Our students are encouraged to develop their talents in these areas and also experience many performance aspects of these skills.

 

Formative and summative assessments are used to help inform instruction. Teachers use formative assessments to guide student learning each day, while summative assessments like end of unit tests and NJ ASK results in Grades 3-5 are used to help evaluate learning and instructional programs.

 

The Responsive Classroom is the cornerstone of character education at Crescent Elementary School. This year, we will focus upon respect, responsibility, and caring as the foundation for students as they build pride in themselves, each other, and their school. Meaningful, consistent character education is a primary force in the proactive development of building a positive school community.

 

Crescent School benefits from a strong parent/school partnership. Working together for the betterment of our students we are able to provide many enhancing programs. The PSO sponsors many activities and fundraisers that benefit students and their families. After school clubs are available for students, and many trips and assemblies are also scheduled. Please check the PSO link within the website to find out more about the PSO and ways that you can become an active member of this organization.

You are invited to check the teacher WebPages contained within our website where you can find more specific information about your child's class and program. We are confident that the more you know about Crescent School the more our school community will thrive. The foundation for a stellar school is a strong partnership between the school members, parents, and community. Working together we can accomplish so much!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

 

Diane G. Mardy, Ed.D.

Principal

mardyd@waldwick.k12.nj.us