From the Morris School District:
The New Jersey Department of Education has selected the Morris School District’s grade 3-5 Sussex Avenue School as one of two schools in the state to be honored as a 2018 National Title 1 Distinguished School.
The Title 1 Distinguished Schools Recognition Program, which is sponsored by the National Title 1 Association, honors schools whose population includes students who are academically disadvantaged (migrant, English language learners, etc.) and which exhibit exceptionally high levels of student achievement.
Sussex Avenue principal Peter Frazzano shared the credit for his students’ exceptional achievement with the staff at Sussex’s “sister school,” Alfred Vail, where Sussex students begin their educational journey in grades K-2.
“Our students’ success is the result of the great partnership between Sussex and Alfred Vail,” said Frazzano.
Both Frazzano and Alfred Vail principal Janet Kellman consider their schools as one continuous and cohesive K-5 school.
“Alfred Vail and Sussex Avenue staff work together to identify common goals and strategies for each student to help ensure a smooth transition between schools. It is that teamwork and focus that has led to this honor and our students’ success.”
National Title I Schools demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents, and community.
“We are extremely proud of this national distinction,” said Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast. “It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Sussex staff and reflects the District’s commitment to ensure that each student will consistently ascend through our schools.”
In addition to a monetary award for this honor, Sussex Avenue elementary school will have the opportunity to attend the 2018 National Title I Conference, which will be held in Philadelphia, PA, from Feb. 8 -11, 2018.
