• Mission Statement

    Recognizing our proud traditions, diverse community, and partnerships, the mission of the Paterson Public School District provides an academically rigorous, safe and nurturing educational environment by meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of our students as we prepare them for post-secondary education and career.

    Vision 

    The district will be a leader of 21st century innovation where students develop habits of lifelong learning and excel academically to become future-ready leaders.

    Goal Area #1: Teaching & Learning

    Goal Statement: To create a student-centered learning environment to prepare students for career, college readiness and lifelong learning.

    Objectives:

    1. Create high quality opportunities for educators to deliver research-based strategies that will ignite motivation and promote lifelong learning
    2. Design, implement and monitor equitable, credible and rigorous K-12 assessments that are aligned to the curriculum and state academic standards that will inform students and educators of their progress
    3. Empower educators to integrate the arts in all areas of learning, utilizing innovative activities, partnerships and incorporating students’ learning styles and differentiated instruction
    4. Provide students the opportunities to have real world experiences via internships, work/independent studies and exposure to a variety of post-secondary institutions
    5. Increase educators’ capacity to utilize technological resources and strategies to prepare students to become future-ready leaders

    Goal Area #2: Facilities Goal

    Statement: To enhance and maximize learning opportunities provided by first-class facilities and technological improvements that prepare students for 21st century learning.

    Objectives:

    1. Address facilities issues that impact student achievement by including this in the Five- Year Long Range Facilities Plan
    2. Monitor and hold accountable the cleaning crews tasked with improving appearance and sidewalk appeal of school grounds
    3. Provide instructional areas designed/equipped with special built-in equipment for industrial arts and vocational trade learning activities, including but not limited to cosmetology, electrical and plumbing
    4. Develop a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is geared towards the long term upkeep of all Paterson Public School facilities
    5. Prioritize and align with the budget adequate resources for timely implementation

    Goal Area #3: Communications & Connections

    Goal Statement: To establish viable partnerships with parents, educational institutions and community organizations to support Paterson Public Schools educational programs, advance student achievement and enhance communication.

    Objectives:

    1. Establish mentoring programs:
      • Peer-to-peer mentoring that will support and assist elementary students transitioning into secondary schools
      • Support schools’ current community-based mentorship programs that assist in character building and academic growth
      • Assist in establishing new community partnerships with adult mentoring for students in grades 6-12 that will promote character building, improve student achievement and reduce chronic absenteeism
    2. Partner with faith-based organizations to increase parental engagement to fulfill our district’s mission and vision
    3. Increase partnerships to provide before and after school childcare resources to K-8 students
    4. Utilize all available media platforms to promote the Paterson Public Schools’ brand, use social media and press releases as warranted to increase family and community engagement
    5. Continue to improve clear and accurate internal and external communication with all stakeholders

    Goal Area #4: Social – Emotional Learning

    Goal Statement: Build the capacity of all stakeholders to address the social and emotional needs of the students and staff through professional development, instruction and support services.

    Objectives:

    1. Create a culture that recognizes the need to educate the whole child by meeting their social, emotional, academic and physical needs
    2. Provide professional development regarding mental health for all stakeholders
    3. Develop K-12 age-appropriate mental health curriculum to empower students by increasing their self esteem, confidence and character development
      • Mindfulness
      • Social Emotional Learning and Character Education
      • Mental Health First Aid
      • Crisis Prevention and Intervention
    4. Identify root causes for at-risk behavior in students and develop appropriate interventions
    5. Implement a comprehensive Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) awareness and prevention program