Collings Lakes Elementary School Share

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Monthly Awards are presented for various accomplishments. Students of the Month Awards are given, focusing on specific character traits such as Kindness, Honesty, Responsibility, etc. Monthly awards are given for selected students in Physical Education/ Health, Art, and Music. Atlanticare has provided Grants to our school for activities dealing with Healthy Schools. Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional Awards are given annually to staff.

Learn more about Collings Lakes Elementary School.

At Collings Lakes Elementary School, our diverse programs are geared to meet the needs of all students as we embrace the district’s philosophy that “All Children Can Learn”. Students’ accomplishments are rewarded with praise, their failures addressed with understanding. We strive to promote a love of learning and believe in our logo referring to our school community as “Simply the BEST!”

Wonders Reading, My Math, Explore Learning Reflex Math, and Keyboarding without Tears are offered. Social Studies and Science are integrated into the Wonders program. To expand students learning experiences, field trips to the Cape May Zoo and to the Pitman Theater were provided by the PTO.

Students are involved for many activities with the Atlanticare Healthy Schools Program. A Mileage Club has been established by the Physical Education Teacher. The Music Teacher provides Music experiences that, in addition to classroom lessons, include Choir, Bell Choir, Playmakers/Drama Group, and the Recorder Society. A Character Education Program has been organized by the Guidance Counselor.

An on-sight Before and After School Program for students in Grades K to 3 is operated by the Cumberland County YMCA. Parents have the opportunity to register throughout the year.

All staff received training in Dyslexia, HIB, Vision Therapy and Frameworks for Understanding Poverty and are required to complete Global Compliance in the areas of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Awareness, Anti-bullying (NJ) Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse, Ethics & Boundaries for School Employees, Lyme Disease, Sexual Harassment and Suicide Prevention. Staff meets several times a year as a Professional Learning Community to enhance their teaching strategies to meet the needs of their students.

Support Services included a Guidance Counselor, Resource Teacher for Students with disabilities, a Speech-Language Pathologist, and two Literacy/Math Specialists that provided Basic Skills Instruction. The Intervention and Referral Services (I & RS) Team services and the Child Study Team are available to assist students who many be experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties.

Atlanticare provides many Health and Wellness activities for students and staff. Chartwells, our Food Service Provider and responsible for maintaining the School Breakfast and Lunch Program. Healthy snacks are also offered in the cafeteria during lunch times. Jump Rope for Heart, Motor Lab (Movement Room), Student Fitness Day and Mileage Club are some of the many activities that promote health and physical fitness.

A well-organized PTO is a highlight of our school. Volunteers spend countless hours with fund raising projects to contribute to the class trips, assembly programs and school activities. The annual Spring Fling continues to provide a wonderful experience of unity and spirit. Other activities included the Holiday Shop, Book Fair, and Family Nights. School sponsored events included the annual Honor and Memorial Book Shelving, Grandparents Day and Donuts for Dad.

The school was built in 1968. A four room addition was dedicated in 2000. Several years ago, the building was renovated and a new HVAC system, windows and wiring were installed. There is a large Multi-purpose room used as a cafeteria as well as a place for programs and school functions.

Enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year consisted of students from Kindergarten to Grade Three. Support services include a Guidance Counselor, Resource Center teacher, a Speech-Language Specialist and two Literacy/ Math Specialists. The special area teachers in Physical Education/Health, Art, Music, and Library follow a six day rotation schedule with the other elementary schools. The district Child Study Team also provides services to the school. At CLES, our experienced teaching staff continues to work well as a group to promote the educational process and strives to meet the requirements with rigor. Our goals continue to emphasize improving reading, writing, and math skills for all students. We continue to focus on programs to help make students stronger independent readers. The Character Education program was organized by the Guidance Counselor and highlighted throughout the year with assembly programs and motivational activities that recognize monthly character traits leading to the selection of “Students of the Month.” In addition to their many teaching responsibilities, the staff continues to volunteer their time to plan activities that promote school and community involvement. The students participated in local and national charitable causes through activities that increased student awareness and strengthened community relations. The annual visit to the Collings Lakes Firehouse highlighted Fire Prevention Week and helped to gain respect and awareness for the important role that volunteers play in our community. Many visits from the State Police Community Officer enhanced awareness and support of Law Enforcement. A School Safety Team was formed to plan and organize drills to meet the needs of the State requirements. Contributions from the “Friends of Joey Foundation” have helped to maintain the upkeep of our playground area. The beautiful pavilion constructed by this foundation is used for outdoor classroom activities and during recess.