Dear Members of the Hackettstown School District Community,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!

The mission statement of the Hackettstown Public Schools is as follows:

This mission is a result of a year-long strategic planning process that garnered input from the community, the board of education, parents, the administration, staff and students. 

An additional outcome of the strategic planning process was the identification of Hackettstown Public School’s beliefs. 

• They are in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment with clearly defined boundaries;
• Differentiated instruction is utilized to meet varying needs of each student through authentic experiences;
• Students feel valued and have ownership in their learning.

• Provide a loving, safe, healthy environment that broadens a child’s cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity;
• Advocate for positive change by being actively engaged with their child’s education;
• Be primarily responsible for developing a child’s character and values by setting appropriate expectations and remaining current with the challenges of modern society.

• Provide resources and support through an active partnership;
• Provide open communication regarding needs, expectations and resources;
• Work together to ensure a good quality of life for all.

We believe the role of staff is to:

• Facilitate a positive, nurturing classroom environment to meet the needs of the whole child;
• Motivate students to be life-long learners;
• Create pathways that lead to a successful role in the "community” world at large.

In addition to identifying our mission and beliefs, long term goals were established:

Communication-To improve communication between students, parents and community

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

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

Partnerships -To enhance partnerships on various levels

These goals have been implemented on a building level to ensure our entire district’s resources, energy and focus aligns with the district mission.  Our schools have improved as a result of this consistent focus combined with community support, dedicated teaching staff, and outstanding students.  In view of student performance in the classroom, on stage, in concert halls, on the athletic fields, and standardized assessments, it is evident our students and staff are meeting and exceeding expectations.

Additionally, our TI-GERS Program has grown to include a total student involvement of more than 1500 students (students may enroll in multiple clubs) and 35 clubs.  This is an increase of 51% over the previous year’s enrollment!  Students, parents and staff agree with the positive impact the program has had on student performance and the school environment.

You are encouraged to continue to review our district website (http://www.hackettstown.org/) and building level websites for information regarding activities, opportunities, and successes of our students and staff.

The Hackettstown Public Schools community is committed to providing the best opportunity for all students to succeed. This endeavor requires a partnership with our entire school community to ensure that students continue to meet the ever-increasing expectations of our competitive society.  We continue to do all we can to make sure students are college and career ready.

Thank you for your continued support of the Hackettstown Public Schools. I wish each and everyone a successful 2011-2012 school year.

Sincerely,

Robert K. Gratz