Note from the New Bridge Center Assistant Principal
Welcome to New Bridge Center!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Michael Henzel and I am honored to be the Assistant Principal at New Bridge Center.NBC is home to all of River Edge’s kindergartners, our integrated preschool program, as well as our preschool, primary, and elementary Building Bridges classes. This year each kindergarten homeroom will welcome future Cherry Hill and Roosevelt School students. Combining the students will allow us to create an optimal learning environment for all, thus better preparing them for their future.
Our “modified full day” kindergarten program provides teachers and students opportunities for both large and small group instruction, giving students the skills they need to confidently move into first grade at Roosevelt and Cherry Hill. Lessons utilizing both Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop are being introduced, and teachers are using a variety of materials to address different types of learning styles. The kindergarten will again use the Everyday Math program to help students learn basic mathematical facts and appropriate applications of skills and patterns through hands-on activities. Additionally, kindergarten teachers address social growth and development on a daily basis and through the activities of the Zippy’s Friends program.
The integrated preschool program will give typically developing three and four year-olds a chance to participate with their peers in a program designed for kindergarten readiness. Following the state approved Curiosity Corner curriculum, the preschool class will feature opportunities for academic skill development, social growth, and responsibility awareness, all in an academic setting.
The Building Bridges program continues its successful way of monitoring student development through discrete trials in a small group setting. Lead teachers and aides work together to meet the needs of individualized education plans for the purpose of preparing students for the future. Frequent trips into the community to practice appropriate social tasks and communication skills highlight this model program.
As always, we are looking forward to working with both the Cherry Hill and Roosevelt PTO groups. They both have made many positive contributions to New Bridge Center.
My door is always open to current and prospective New Bridge parents so do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Michael Henzel, Assistant Principal