River Vale School Board Discusses New Math Curriculum and Literacy Initiatives
- Meeting Overview:
The River Vale School Board meeting focused on key educational strategies for the upcoming year, including the introduction of a new K-8 math curriculum aligned with state standards and a grant-funded literacy screening initiative. These developments are part of the board’s broader strategic focus on teaching and learning, health and wellness, operations, and technology.
The unveiling of a new math curriculum for grades K-8 was a focal point of the meeting, with board members highlighting its alignment with state standards and its basis in prior student data and feedback. This curriculum aims to address specific areas of need, such as data literacy and measurement. A new word study program for grades three through five was also discussed. This program is designed to enhance the transfer of skills in student writing and reading, addressing critical literacy components.
Complementing the curriculum updates, the board discussed a grant that will fund literacy screening tools, such as Dibbles, for early literacy assessment. Clarification was provided on the grant’s purpose and reimbursement process, underscoring its significance in bolstering literacy initiatives. These tools are expected to play a role in monitoring progress and enhancing the educational landscape for students.
In addition to curriculum advancements, the board outlined its strategic focus across four main areas: teaching and learning, health and wellness, operations, and technology. The teaching and learning goals emphasized cultivating an innovative and inclusive environment, particularly in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Plans to introduce new data monitoring tools and personalized coaching models for educators were detailed, with a strong focus on improving instructional practices through collaboration among teachers across different grade levels.
Health and wellness were also topics of discussion. The board highlighted collaborative efforts between the child study team and guidance counselors to address increasing mental health needs among students. Programs like “unstuck and on target,” aimed at improving executive functioning skills, are set to expand to include general education students. The introduction of vision boards at the middle school level will help students set and achieve personal goals, further supporting student wellness.
Operational updates included the completion of referendum construction projects, with progress anticipated over the summer. The board also discussed the expiration of the administrators’ contract and upcoming negotiations for the new year. These negotiations are expected to factor into the financial planning and budget presentation scheduled for early in the new year.
In the technology segment, the board outlined plans for refreshing the one-to-one initiative, which involves deploying new devices for students in grades six and two. Communication improvements are also on the agenda, with the introduction of a new website and messaging platform. Security and cybersecurity practices are a priority, with enhancements planned for the virtual server infrastructure and the introduction of multi-factor authentication.
The meeting also covered personnel resolutions, where the board acknowledged the retirement of a long-serving educator, reflecting on her impact and contributions. The board expressed appreciation for her service.
Despite the comprehensive agenda, public engagement was minimal during the meeting. Public comment periods were opened twice—once for agenda items and once for general items—but no attendees presented remarks, allowing the board to proceed through its discussions.
Melissa Signore
School Board Officials:
Steven Rosini, Patrice Pintarelli, Jamie Assor, Louan Austin, Cheryl Berkowitz, Virginia “Ginny” Senande, Arthur White, MELISSA SIGNORE (Superintendent), KELLY IPPOLITO (School Business Administrator/Board Secretary)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/27/2025
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Recording Published:
05/27/2025
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Duration:
35 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:
River Vale
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