Principal's Message

From the Office of Mr. Anthony Vouvalides:

Roosevelt School is a "kid's place." It is a place where dedicated staff and parents work cooperatively to ensure that every child reaches their highest potential. High academic standards and opportunities for involvement in innovative programs encourage each student to develop fundamental skills and thinking processes.

A balanced literacy program, including phonics and process writing techniques, allows students to develop as readers and writers through daily involvement with literature. Teachers use a variety of materials in their lessons which are tailored to the learning styles of their students. Junior Great Books have been introduced at many grade levels. Mathematics lessons emphasize not only basic mathematical skills, but also the application of those skills in meaningful problem solving. The fifth and sixth grades use a cross-grade organizational scheme for math instruction.

Our exciting Science Program has been enhanced with the opening of our award winning "Discovery Room" where students engage in exciting hands on science activities which include topics in the physical, life, and earth sciences. The Discovery Room is staffed by a full-time science teacher. The Science Program also includes astronomy lessons using a portable planetarium and outdoor evening "star parties." In addition, the district is recognized as a pioneer in the use of satellite imaging technology. The district received a New Jersey Best Practice award for the Satellite Program. A fully automated WNBC weather station permits students to gather local environmental data.

The computer program introduces our students to the computer and its powerful capabilities. Internet conductivity enables our students to break through the walls of the classroom and into the global community. Computers are used to enhance learning. Formal lessons take place in a computer lab while classroom projects and lessons are extended in the classroom using laptops in a wireless environment. Classes also have the opportunity to take virtual field trips from their classrooms. A camera in the classroom allows students to talk to presenters directly, in realtime.

Equally important and exciting are the programs offered in Art and Music. Art students study famous artists and their work. The classroom lessons extend the studies by having students work in the same mediums and using the same techniques as the artists studied.

The music program in our school exposes students not only to music theory, but also performance opportunities through dance, vocal and instrumental experiences. Students learn about the whole spectrum of music including a multicultural component. The chorus, made up of students in grades 4 through 6, performs at the Holiday and Spring concerts. Students sing, dance and play instruments as part of the performances. Our band has grown over the past years and has won critical acclaim for their performances at the Bergen County Band Festival.

Our comprehensive curriculum along with attention to the social and emotional needs of students makes Roosevelt School an exciting, warm and comfortable educational environment. We are proud of what we do and who we are.