Cliffside Park School Board Reinstates CarePlus for Student Mental Health Support
- Meeting Overview:
The Cliffside Park School Board meeting highlighted the reinstatement of CarePlus, a mental health support program for students. This service will provide on-site clinicians to address students’ emotional and academic concerns at no cost, regardless of insurance status. Other topics included the introduction of cursive handwriting in the curriculum and updates on school facilities.
The most notable development from the meeting was the reinstatement of the CarePlus partnership. This program aims to support students facing emotional, academic, or home-related challenges by offering on-site assessments and resources. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between school and home. Importantly, the program is accessible to all students without financial barriers, as it operates at no cost to both the school and the students.
In educational updates, the board discussed the reintroduction of cursive handwriting into the curriculum for grades three to five. This change aligns with a New Jersey Department of Education mandate. The board acknowledged that some teachers may need additional training to effectively teach cursive handwriting, given its previous exclusion from the curriculum.
The meeting also covered various logistical updates as the school prepares for the new academic year. The board noted that only a few staff positions remain open, with interviews planned to fill these roles shortly. Additionally, the district’s schools have undergone several maintenance projects, including renovations and preventative maintenance, to ensure readiness for the upcoming school year.
In other business, the board approved additional teachers for the district’s morning and after-care programs, offering flexible options for families. Furthermore, a new procedures manual for special education services will be made available, providing guidance to parents and staff on identifying and supporting students in need of individualized education plans.
Dr. Mark Hayes
School Board Officials:
Joseph Capano, Teddy F. Tarabokija, Judith Abreu, Lisa Frato, Kleidon Ndreu, Marcos Garciga, Dr. Letizia Pantoliano, Carl Raincourt, Michael Russo, Bryan Yannuzzi (Fairview Representative), Louis Alfano (Business Administrator/Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
07/29/2026
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Recording Published:
07/29/2026
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Duration:
16 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Cliffside Park, Fairview
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