Principal: Mrs. Celeste Gagliardi Secretary: Mrs. Mary Jo Sita Phone: (973) 633-3170 Fax: (973) 872-1215 Nurse: Cathryn Eck (973) 633-3171

Student Population: 510

     School Visitations on Monday, August 30 and Tuesday,

Augsut 31 from 12:00 to 1:00

The PTO Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

6:00 p.m.

on the playground!!!!!

SUMMER READING LISTS NOW POSTED

Click on new icon in left directory

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES!!!!!

PACKANACK PRESS JUNE EDITION

Click the Paper!!!

NOW ONLINE!!!!!

Mission Statement

The mission of the elementary schools in Wayne Township is to prepare students to function in a global society, to reach their academic and social potential, to become lifelong learners, and to build strong character through an emphasis on honesty, responsibility, caring, and respect for self and others. 

One of the factors that is unique to Packanack School is the belief that the exchange of knowledge between students and teachers is an important part of the educational process.  The thrust of units-of-study and projects is geared towards this belief.

The staff of Packanack School is dedicated to creating an atmosphere that allows children to become actively engaged in an educational environment that places lifelong learning in the forefront.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

District Website information

LITTLE LEARNERS PRESCHOOL

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 Highly Qualified Teacher Status

The federal law, called No Child Left Behind (NCLB), requires teachers to be “highly qualified” in the subjects they teach.  As parents you have the right to inquire about the qualifications and the “HQT” status of your child’s teacher.  At Packanack Elementary School, every classroom has a “Highly Qualified Teacher” who is dedicated to the success of each child.  I encourage you to continue to support your child’s education and communicate with his or her teacher on a regular basis.  By partnering with your child’s teacher, together we can provide your child with the best education possible.

Celeste Gagliardi, Principal

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!