Welcome to Maple Avenue School

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Maple Avenue School is located in the South Ward of Newark, NJ.  It is a kindergarten through eighth grade school. The administration and faculty are proud to provide a nurturing environment for our younger children while simultaneously creating a middle school atmosphere for our preteens and teens. Maple Avenue is a safe haven for all of its students. We believe that children must feel secure in order to do their academic best. Conflict resolution is an on-going program at Maple Avenue and students know they can always find a concerned adult here.

Over the years Maple Avenue has become a Literacy School, with a strong balanced literacy program. It is the basis of all subjects taught. The school day begins with all students reading during the sustained reading period. During the course of the day, students write and read related literacy material in social studies, health, science, and math classes. Teachers are trained to use the most modern methods of instruction; which allows students to realize value of reading and writing.

Maple Avenue provides for students at all different points in their education. We have a gifted and talented program for students who show a particular interest in technology and the arts. The technology program has gone well beyond the technology primer with our students helping to create Web Sites producing multimedia presentations, and publishing their own literary works. The Visual and Performing Arts Departments are exceptional. The visual art component has allowed many students to achieve special awards throughout the city and state. The music component is divided into vocal and instrumental classes. The two music teachers are working together and our students are experiencing the joy of a well-rounded musical program.

Maple Avenue is the home of the award winning elementary school debate team. We have been the city champions for four years. In addition to our academics, our students enjoy the excitement of bringing league championships to Maple in all sports, but particularly basketball.

Our science program is developing into a strong discovery-based approach to the scientific process. We are establishing a science lab so that our students will be able to realize the wide range of scientific knowledge available to them.

At Maple we also have a before and after school program. There are many clubs and organizations for our students to foster their school spirit and raise areas of academic deficiency. Students can plant a garden, write a poem, explore math, create art, integrate technology, or play chess. Students have fun and learn at the same time.

Learning experiences are provided for adults at Maple Avenue. Teachers are empowered to expand their learning through our professional development plan. Our support staff provides assistance to students and share teaching strategies with teachers. Staff development is necessary to address the diverse needs of our students.

Our most significant area of growth in relation to the Core Curriculum is the advancements of Technology. Technology has reached new heights at Maple. Many members of our staff have been trained in the use of computers. They have integrated
technology into their core subjects, and use it to instruct students. Together, everyone is forging ahead into the world of technology; we know this is the only way to ensure the success of Maple Avenue Alumni in the years to come.

Maple Avenue School is working collectively with the parents of the community to improve the conditions of the school and community at large.

Maple Avenue School has developed a Parent Involvement Plan that involves all stakeholders. This plan includes monthly community forums to discuss issues that exist within the South Ward community; Family Fun Nights that tailor activities that will bridge the gap between parent, child, and school. Computer Workshops organized by our Technology Coordinator are organized monthly to assist parents, community members with integrating technology within their daily lives. Education workshops that communicate vital information about the curriculum models that are implemented within our classrooms.

Deneen Washington
Principal