In the 2010-2011 school year we enter the third year of our Strategic Plan, a four-year plan focusing on our district-wide initiatives of communication, student achievement, environment, and partnerships.   Due to the reduction of over $2,000,000 in state aid, our budget and staff have been reduced.   Additionally, we are faced with a state imposed 2% cap on tax increases.  We will require reallocation of our resources to maintain initiatives with a conscious effort to do more with less.  Our administration is currently analyzing the impact of current and future spending limits on our curricular and co-curricular programs.  With the decrease in funding, a reduction in staff, and an eye on what programs and activities are affordable, it is certainly an understatement to say that the 2010-2011 school year will not be business as usual in Hackettstown Public Schools.  However, please be reminded that all of our essential programs will still be provided for our students.  Now that we are entering a time of austerity, items that are deemed by the New Jersey Department of Education as requirements must be a priority and funds must first be allocated to meet those responsibilities.  Other activities that have been traditionally expected as part of our program will be analyzed and reviewed to determine what we can and cannot afford.  This is an honest and sober message, yet it is not a message of defeat.  Hackettstown Public Schools is still a vibrant program that provides outstanding educational opportunities for all students.  As we move to the future, your involvement and voice is essential.  I invite you to be a part of the process to determine what educational programs will be provided in the years to come. 

During the 2009-2010 school year we had great success in addressing district-wide initiatives.  Please review our website for specifics regarding those successes.  One program that had significant impact on academic success of K-8 students was the TI-GERS Initiative (Talent Identification – Growth & Enrichment through Resource Sharing).   The TI-GERS Initiative in the 2009-2010 school year was a smashing success. Over one thousand students participated in 24 clubs and activities.  This represents significant growth from the previous year when we had 20 clubs with approximately 500 students participating.  Students, parents, and staff alike indicate the positive impact of TI-GERS on student performance.  We anticipate this program will continue with expansion to grades 9-12 in the 2010-2011 school year.  Additionally, we will continue to determine how we can better utilize the talents and skills of our students, our staff, and our community.   If any community member has an area of expertise, a resource, or talent they would like to share with our students and our school community, please contact me at 908-852-2800 to discuss possible utilization of that resource.

A Review of our Mission Statement and Goals

“The Hackettstown School District, building on tradition and success, educates and inspires students through school, family and community partnerships, so that all become positive, contributing members of a global society, with a life-long commitment to learning.”   This mission statement was revised in the 2007-2008 school year.  The following long term goals were identified at that time:

Student Achievement:  To ensure that all students achieve their maximum potential through ongoing program expansion, implementation and assessment

In the 2009-2010 school year, high school departments began the development of a common matrix to determine grades and evaluate student achievement.  Throughout the school year we continued to train our K-12 staff in the utilization of Understanding by Design (UBD) for instruction and assessment.  In the middle and elementary schools there is extensive use of data gathered from SuccessMaker, Waterford, Learnia, and Study Island to help guide instruction.  Throughout our district we continued to work on inclusion and differentiated instruction.   Additionally, there was increased use of technology throughout the district.  A long term initiative is the development of a K-12 writing project. The K-8 writing project was completed and 9-12 is now in progress.  Hackettstown High School continues to be a part of the High School Redesign Consortium.  College and career curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Department of Education initiative, The American Diploma Project.  The proposed change in the high school schedule aligns to meet these new graduation requirements and curricular expectations. 

Communication: To improve communication between students, parents and community

Staff websites and phone utilization enhancements are provided to encourage parents to contact teachers either by e-mail or by phone.  District, building and teacher websites provide updated information.  I encourage parents to view our building and teacher websites on a regular basis to access information regarding course expectations and programmatic updates.  The parent notification system was in full use during the 2009-2010 school year.  This year (2010-2011) the parent notification system will be expanded for to provide proactive messages regarding student performance, curricular updates and scheduled events.  Be aware that the parent notification system will continue to be used for unexpected school closings and delayed openings.  Detailed information, as always, will also be posted on our district website, www.hackettstown.org .

Environment:  To create effective, educational space by improving infrastructure and social climate in our schools

Significant effort was made in the 2009-2010 school year in anticipation of the H1N1 pandemic.  Buildings received thorough cleaning, hand sanitizers were installed, and facility conditions were reviewed on a regular basis.  It  should be noted that the Hackettstown High School received  special recognition from the Warren County Department of Health for its efforts during the H1N1 preparation process. 

Additionally, conditions of our facilities are reviewed on a regular basis.  Major facility upgrades included roof repair, ceiling tiles, windows, floors, reconditioning of fields, and the addition of a new turf field. 

School climate is a central part of the district environment.  The code of conduct and crisis plans are reviewed regularly and revised appropriately. 

We continue to upgrade our technology infrastructure.  We emphasize the use of technology, web literacy, the use of Smartboards, software programs, and the expansion of wireless opportunities.   Safe and responsible use of technology is also part of our environmental initiative with emphasis on appropriate internet skills addressing cyber security and cyber safety.

Partnerships: To enhance partnerships on various levels

Our relationship with Centenary College continues with the Scholarship Program and high school students having access to college classes.  Additionally, our veterinary science program gained exposure to the Centenary equine science program.  There has been increased articulation focusing on curriculum redesign and the High School Reform initiative.  Partnership opportunities continue to develop within our community.  Examples of our community relationships s are the American Heart Association, The United Way, Norwescap Back-Pack program, Hackettstown Municipal Alliance, The Hackettstown Police Department (Shooting for Safety Program), The Metropolitan Opera Program, The Red Ribbon event, young consumers program, SMILES Program, FFA alumni group, a partnership with Picatinny Arsenal on development of the STEM Program, Trinity Methodist Church and Haitian Relief, The Presbyterian Church,  The Hackettstown Foundation for Educational Excellence, Warren County Community College dual credit program, Booster clubs, and we continue to work with Hackettstown town events such as the Veterans’ Day and St. Patrick’s Day parade.  In the 2010-2011 school year we will maintain our existing partnerships and continue to expand other partnerships.

Thank you for your ongoing support to Hackettstown Public Schools.  I encourage you to stay involved in your children’s education, and I wish you an outstanding 2010-2011 school year.

Sincerely,

Robert K. Gratz