District Profile

About Paterson Public Schools

Paterson Public Schools serves over 26,000 students from pre-K to 12th grade in New Jersey’s third-largest city. About 70.6% of the student population is Hispanic, 16.3% are Black, 6.5% are Asian, and 5.0% are Caucasian. Recognizing its proud traditions, diverse community, and strong partnerships, the mission of Paterson Public Schools is to provide an academically rigorous, safe, and nurturing educational environment that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. The district is committed to preparing students for post-secondary education and careers. Despite the Paterson community being classified as low-income, many of its students achieve high academic success. A growing number of elementary school students are reading at or above grade level, and more high school students are earning college credits through Advanced Placement exams and enrolling in college-level courses before graduation. Paterson Public Schools is distinguished as one of only 17 school districts in New Jersey to offer the competitive International Baccalaureate program and is among just four districts with a P-TECH high school. In collaboration with IBM and Passaic County Community College, the P-TECH program allows students to graduate with an associate degree in applied science and valuable tech sector experience. For more information, visit www.paterson.k12.nj.us

Mission Statement

Recognizing our proud traditions, diverse community, and partnerships, the mission of the Paterson Public School District provides an academically rigorous, safe and nurturing educational environment by meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of our students as we prepare them for post-secondary education and career.

Vision Statement

The district will be a leader of 21st century innovation where students develop habits of lifelong learning and excel academically to become future-ready leaders.

Goal Areas

Goal Area #1: Teaching & Learning

Goal Statement: To create a student-centered learning environment to prepare students for career, college readiness and lifelong learning.

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Objectives

Create high quality opportunities for educators to deliver research-based strategies that will ignite motivation and promote lifelong learning
Design, implement and monitor equitable, credible and rigorous K-12 assessments that are aligned to the curriculum and state academic standards that will inform students and educators of their progress
Empower educators to integrate the arts in all areas of learning, utilizing innovative activities, partnerships and incorporating students’ learning styles and differentiated instruction
Provide students the opportunities to have real world experiences via internships, work/independent studies and exposure to a variety of post-secondary institutions
Increase educators’ capacity to utilize technological resources and strategies to prepare students to become future-ready leaders

Goal Area #2: Facilities

Goal Statement: To enhance and maximize learning opportunities provided by first-class facilities and technological improvements that prepare students for 21st century learning.

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Objectives

Address facilities issues that impact student achievement by including this in the Five-Year Long Range Facilities Plan
Monitor and hold accountable the cleaning crews tasked with improving appearance and sidewalk appeal of school grounds
Provide instructional areas designed/equipped with special built-in equipment for industrial arts and vocational trade learning activities, including but not limited to cosmetology, electrical and plumbing
Develop a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that is geared towards the long term upkeep of all Paterson Public School facilities
Prioritize and align with the budget adequate resources for timely implementation

Goal Area #3: Communications & Connections

Goal Statement: To establish viable partnerships with parents, educational institutions and community organizations to support Paterson Public Schools educational programs, advance student achievement and enhance communication.

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Objectives

Establish mentoring programs:

Peer-to-peer mentoring that will support and assist elementary students transitioning into secondary schools
Support schools’ current community-based mentorship programs that assist in character building and academic growth
Assist in establishing new community partnerships with adult mentoring for students in grades 6-12 that will promote character building, improve student achievement and reduce chronic absenteeism

Partner with faith-based organizations to increase parental engagement to fulfill our district’s mission and vision
Increase partnerships to provide before and after school childcare resources to K-8 students
Utilize all available media platforms to promote the Paterson Public Schools’ brand, use social media and press releases as warranted to increase family and community engagement
Continue to improve clear and accurate internal and external communication with all stakeholders

Goal Area #4: Social – Emotional Learning

Goal Statement: Build the capacity of all stakeholders to address the social and emotional needs of the students and staff through professional development, instruction and support services.
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Objectives

Create a culture that recognizes the need to educate the whole child by meeting their social, emotional, academic and physical needs

Provide professional development regarding mental health for all stakeholders
Develop K-12 age-appropriate mental health curriculum to empower students by increasing their self esteem, confidence and character development

Mindfulness
Social Emotional Learning and Character Education
Mental Health First Aid
Crisis Prevention and Intervention

Identify root causes for at-risk behavior in students and develop appropriate interventions
Implement a comprehensive Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) awareness and prevention program

Superintendent
Dr. Laurie W. Newell

Dr. Laurie W. Newell is the Superintendent of the Paterson Public Schools. She oversees the education of New Jersey’s third-largest school district, with almost 30,000 students and 3,600 employees across 54 schools, as well as a number of collaborating preschool centers...