VERONA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAGAZINE 2018 EDITION

"With a highly committed school district and community we can ensure that all students become successful. When we do all of this well in a constructive and productive fashion, the results speak for themselves." Dr. Rui Dionisio

We are proud of the progress of the Verona Public Schools, grateful for the efforts of our dedicated and talented teachers, staff, and administrators, our highly engaged and intellectually curious students, and supportive Board of Education and parental community. We remain steadfast in our belief that all students can achieve at a high level and maximize their individual potential.  To become a model school district, one that excels in every category, we must dedicate ourselves to educating the whole child. Academics are critically important. But we are more than that. The Verona Public Schools is a community of learners where we value educating our children socially, emotionally, and academically. Each child deserves to be healthy, safe, and supported. With a whole child approach to learning, we create highly engaging environments that appropriately challenge our students.

Healthy schools require much more than one dynamic person or innovative program. It starts with a culture that is created, molded, and sustained over time with a central focus on high caliber teaching. These results are a tribute to the dedication and efforts of many people who help make Verona a special place to raise a family. The importance of building strong relationships cannot be underestimated.

When children feel safe, a sense of belonging, and valued in school, great things will happen and students will blossom in all aspects of life. Such accomplishments are just one indicator of success and the culmination of a concerted effort, one where all the key people work together as a community, to support our students’ achievements. 

There exists a high degree of cohesiveness and collaboration between our teaching staff, leadership team, students, parents and community across the entire district. Strong relations are a testament to the product of rigorous and diverse curriculum, robust district goals, and horizontally and vertically aligned objectives in our district strategic plan. Our elementary staff supports important efforts such as the Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project to help young people become avid readers and writers along with a science program that engages students in inquiry. A focus on peer mediation and conflict resolution teaches students important life skills to navigate the inevitable challenges in life. Verona’s One District, One Book initiative each year brings our entire community together and teaches valuable lessons that will support students for years to come.  

Verona Public Schools A great place to learn... A great place to work... A great place to live. It is not only the result of our dedicated and talented staff in Verona, but also the whole child approach which begins in our close knit neighborhood elementary schools and transitions with the guidance and support of our middle school staff in small, personalized learning communities. A team-based, middle school grade level approach is possible because of the dedicated professionals who support students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being by empowering staff in the decision making process. Cultivating a sense of trust and confidence in children through improved social and emotional learning will continue to be sustained as the foundation of our school community. A district commitment to our progress is evident in our community action committee efforts on mental health and respect. The Verona High School Capstone Program provides authentic and relevant intensive internship experiences for senior students. Our partnership with universities has enabled expanded college course options through dual enrollment classes where students earn college credit while in high school. Our music program, the arts, extra-curricular activities, and athletics are the pride of our district and integral in educating the whole child. In Verona, we have been utilizing important metrics for the past four years to drive important conversations on a student’s academic potential, rather than limiting their participation in high level courses. We look for reasons a child can achieve more, not arguments as to why students cannot or should not challenge themselves, if they so choose. We emphasize our commitment to removing barriers to higher level coursework as one of the main pillars in our vision. Our efforts have identified students, previously not engaged in rigorous coursework, who are capable of finding success in challenging academic study.

Simply put, we believe students will rise to the level of expectation set for them when provided quality teaching, appropriate supports, and the necessary encouragement along the way.  There exists a complex yet critically important issue of affording opportunities to all students, not just the few. We are committed to challenging our students from all backgrounds, providing equity and excellence for all children. Our theoretical approach is grounded in research, and both strategic and thoughtful action in how we support each student to become his or her very best self. At Verona High School, our counselors have made a commitment to meet with each student and parent every year. In these meetings, our counselors have discussions with students about the student’s goals and how we can help the student set the conditions to achieve their goals. Our counseling department has made a commitment to opening access to higher level coursework for students, discussing the cognitive and non-cognitive skills needed to achieve academic and personal goals, and focusing holistically on every child.

We continue to pave the way forward and establish a culture for learning that is purposeful and rooted in the idea that with hard work, good strategies, and perseverance, students will achieve greatness. Our work can be challenging at times, yet incredibly satisfying to know we are all fortunate to perhaps have a small part in making a difference in the lives of our future generations. It takes a village to raise a child. With a highly committed school district and community we can ensure that all students become successful. When we do all of this well in a constructive and productive fashion, the results speak for themselves.

Learn more about the Verona Public Schools by reading stories on the amazing people, programs, and community by clicking the following link:   Verona Public Schools Magazine 2018 Verona Public Schools | Verona, NJ | 973-571-2029 | www.veronaschools.org STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ‌