Principal   Dr. Harry Laub                                             
Phone: (973) 633-3170  Fax: (973) 872-1215
Nurse      Cathryn Eck  (973) 633-3171
Student Population: 510

 

Packanack School is located on the north shore of Packanack Lake in Wayne Township. Presently the school has an enrollment of 510 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5. Along with 23 regular education classes, the building also houses two special education classes and the district’s Gifted and Talented Program, which is comprised of two self-contained classes of fourth and fifth grade students, and two sessions of preschool handicapped children. Instruction in all academic subjects is based on thematic and integrated units-of-study and teaching strategies that address and develop high level thinking and problem solving skills. The successful utilization of cooperative learning strategies, differentiated instruction modalities, curriculum supported by technology and thematic units have helped to make Packanack a special place to learn.

At Packanack School the mission is to build strong character through emphasis on the basic philosophy of educating the “whole” child. Children should be made the center of the learning process and their individuality is a major focus. They are unique individuals and they should be treated as such when being taught. However, children should be responsible for their behavior and know that there are rewards and/or consequences for their actions. These district initiatives are “alive and well” at Packanack School and the children take ownership of their behavior by taking part in Peer Mediation, Student Government and Cooperative Discipline. Staff members have been trained in these concepts and they reach out to the parent constituency group on these topics.

In the area of instruction, teachers are aware of the differences among their students and they plan and teach accordingly. They realize that active learning can be realized only through consistent effort by the home and the school working together. This balance allows for the learning to continue while teaching study skills and test taking strategies that will serve them in their later school years. The strengths of Packanack School are many and these qualities help us to accomplish our goals. We promote school pride on many fronts and there is consistent home contact by the staff though phone calls, conferences, and newsletters.

At Packanack the enthusiasm and a desire to learn that emanates from the children is evidenced in the classroom. The efforts of the staff are directed towards making our school the best possible learning environment for the children. Our school sign reads: “Childhood should be a journey - not a race.” At Packanack School we think we accomplish this goal!

Harry Laub, Ph.D. Principal
hlaub@wayneschools.com