Parents & Students

Free Preschool for Paterson Children

Studies show that children who attend preschool have a long-lasting advantage in school. If you are a parent or guardian of a Paterson boy or girl who is 3 or 4 years old, they are entitled to a full day of preschool instruction at no charge. Registration should take place at the preschool center of your choice. Click on the link in English or Spanish for more information or call 973-321-2501.

Summer Reading Program

All K-12 students attending the Paterson Public Schools will have the opportunity to select books that they are interested in and motivated to read during the summer. Our aim is to keep students connected to reading habits and comprehension skills that were introduced during the school year, with the ultimate goal of building a love for reading within your child.

Books for students entering first or second grade

Books for students entering third, fourth, or fifth grade

Books for students entering sixth, seventh, or eighth grade

Books for students entering high school

Books for students entering tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade

Report Cards on Parent Portal Pilot Program

The District is making fourth marking report cards available online for a select number of schools in a special pilot program that is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 26th. The schools involved in this pilot program are:

• Public School No. 8
• Public School No. 13
• Public School No. 16
• Public School No. 29
• The New Roberto Clemente School
• The Urban Leadership Academy
• The School of Education and Training (Kennedy Educational Complex)
• The School of Business, Technology, Marketing & Finance (Kennedy Educational Complex)

In order to access student progress reports online, parents need an activation code to set up an account on the Infinite Campus parent portal. Parents can get their activation codes, as well as assistance in setting up their Infinite Campus accounts, by contacting the main office of the school their child attends.
Parents with an Infinite Campus account can access the parent portal on the district website or on the Paterson Public Schools mobile app.
Parents are able to access their child’s report cards by doing the following:

• Enter the user name and password on the Infinite Campus log in page.
• Look for “Campus Backpack” on the menu at the left of the page. Click on “Campus Backpack.”
• Select the student’s progress report by clicking its checkbox in the “View” column
• Click the checkbox next to the phrase “Please click OK to acknowledge receipt of this document.” It’s at the very top of the web page.
• Click on “Save” in the dialogue box to download the report.

Schools will continue to provide printed hardcopies of report cards for parents.
Click here to view a how-to video on accessing progress reports.

Free Summer Meals

Throughout this summer, kids and teens can get healthy, delicious meals and have a fun, safe place to hang out with friends.

The Paterson Board of Education will be participating in the 2019 Summer Food Service Program from July 8 to August 23, 2019.

The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program of the Food and Nutrition Services, United States Department of Agriculture. This program provides all children 18 years of age and under with free breakfast and lunch.

For more information regarding a site near you, please view the flyer with a listing of locations throughout Paterson where these meals will be available. Flyer: English    Spanish

Keeping our Children Safe on the Internet and Online

Today's children are the first generation to be born and raised with the internet as part of their everyday lives. They often know more about the internet than their parents and guardians. Please review this important presentation from the district's Director of Instructional Technology, Jose Correa, to help you understand what your children are doing online and to learn how to make smart choices to keep them safe when using the internet.

Kindergarten Registration

If your child will be 5 years old by October 31, 2019, and resides in Paterson, now is the time to register for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. Beginning Friday, March 1, 2019, you may call the Office of Central Registration at 973-321-2501 to schedule your Kindergarten registration appointment; scheduled appointments will take place Monday, March 25, 2019 through Friday, June 7, 2019. Evening appointments are available.

Kindergarten CHOICE Application

Kindergarten Registration Flyer

Check Out Our Student & Parent Portal

The Paterson Public Schools Student & Parent Portal is a secure website that provides parents, guardians and students with real-time access to information to better understand and participate in the education of Paterson students. You can access it by clicking on the top button in the left column. Here are instructions on how to setup the Parent Portal and detailed instructions for Parents on how to use it.

Paterson Unites for Literacy

Paterson Public Schools District Graduation Data

Paterson Public Schools 2018 graduates received a total of over 13 million dollars in grants and scholarships and over 900 of our new graduates will be attending college in the fall! Click here for a breakdown of the graduation data.

Information from Superintendent Shafer's Community Forums

Please review these three PowerPoint presentations for information relevant to all Paterson Public School parents, guardians, and students:

 2 Year Transitional Plan to Local Control

 Elementary Summer School and Promotion Guidelines

  Standard Based Report Cards

Paterson Public Schools Learning Table

Improving Reading Skills

Safety & Security of Paterson Public Schools

 PARCC Testing and Information Tips

 Using the New Infinite Campus Parent and Student Portals

 Student Reading Program

District Newsletter

Click here to receive the latest information about all that’s happening in Paterson Public Schools by joining our district newsletter e-mail list.

Get Connected with Paterson Public Schools

Be sure to download the New and Improved Paterson Public Schools App to your phone or other smart device! This is the best way to stay in contact with your school or schools, as well as the district itself. Timely, important school and district information of every kind will be at your fingertips. Visit your provider’s app store today (Play Store for Android, iTunes or App Store for Apple devices) and search: “Paterson Public Schools.” It’s easy, quick and free! After you install the app, go to setup and select your school or schools, along with the school district and you’re done. View our App flyer here.

For up-to-date information about district events join the official Paterson Public Schools Facebook page.

Project Child Find - Help Is Available

If a Paterson Public Schools’ student is having problems in their physical, social, communication, cognitive or sensory development, parents may contact the Department of Special Services at 973-321-0431 to obtain further information regarding help for students with potential disabilities.

Transportation Questions

If you have any questions regarding transportation, please contact 973-321-0830 or 973-321-0686.