Samuel Smith Elementary School provides a positive, safe, and caring community for all learners in grades PreK3-2nd. Our staff of highly qualified teachers is committed to providing students with holistic educational experiences using best practices in all content areas. As a diverse school community of learners, we emphasize tolerance and acceptance of individual differences.
The elementary school curriculum is aligned to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) to ensure that our students achieve grade level benchmarks. Our Language Arts program consists of 90 minutes of uninterrupted instruction focusing on a balanced literacy approach to reading and writing. Students engage in meaningful writing assignments using the Process of Writing strategies to produce a final writing project. The Lucy Calkins Writing program challenges our students to become dynamic and creative writers.
Special area teachers, such as Technology, Physical Education, Library, and Music are encouraged to provide students with a wide array of experiences that make connections to the core content areas.
We use Everyday Math, a research-based comprehensive program that is taught in preschool through sixth grade. Students solve mathematical problems through tangible connections. They are also required to “communicate mathematically” their approach to problem solving.
Each classroom is equipped with internet-accessible computers allowing teachers and students to integrate technology into instruction. In the technology lab, students are able to increase their computer literacy skills and create computer-based projects that connect to classroom activities. Teachers use the web-based program, Odyssey to create skill building assignments for students in reading and math. Odyssey Writer guides students through the writing process to help them become proficient writers. Students and parents can access this program at anytime to monitor the student’s progress.
The school also provides support to special needs students through self-contained classes, inclusion, and resource services. All of our students are included in all aspects of the school environment throughout the day.
The Early Childhood Center located at Smith Elementary School, houses 12 classrooms and 4 classrooms at the Captain James Lawrence Elementary School. Our Early Childhood Program is one of the top-rated programs in the State. Please visit the Early Childhood Link to learn more about this outstanding program.
Students are offered a variety of opportunities to participate in activities such as the Safety Patrol, Morning Meetings, Smith Heroes, Second Grade Mentors, and lunch recess clubs. High school students also serve as mentors and role models through a variety of community service programs at Smith.
Parents attend and participate in school sponsored events such as Raising Readers, Math Matters, International Day, the Halloween Parade, and Field Day. We are fortunate to have the support of our community, as well as a hard working and dedicated PTA that sponsors family programs, assemblies, and book fairs for our students. Smith School continues to be goal oriented and success-driven in meeting the needs of the whole child.
Jean R. Stewart, Ed. D.
Principal/Director of Early Childhood
