The Gantner Avenue School has served the children of Elmwood Park since
1929. It has an ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse student
body organized in a Pre-Kindergarten through grade five model. The
school is a neighborhood school with respect for tradition and a
commitment to progress.
The primary goal of the Gantner Avenue School is to provide a
comprehensive educational experience in a safe and caring environment
that allows each and every child to realize his or her individual
potential. It is our intention to educate the whole child. Therefore,
academic offerings are blended with extra curricular and family
activities. The school views itself as a community which includes
students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, neighbors and
community organizations such as scouting and the recreation department.
Curriculum Offerings:
The Gantner Avenue School offers its students a challenging
curriculum taught by a team of elementary school teachers and content
area specialists. The Special Education Program has self contained,
resource room and modified mainstream options. Support services such as
Counseling, Child Study Team, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and
Physical Therapy are available as needed. A full day Pre-K Disabled
program and a full day Kindergarten program are also offered at Gantner
Avenue School.
Core Curriculum Content Standards:
All instruction at the Gantner Avenue School is based upon the New
Jersey State Learning Standards. These revised standards are being fully implemented.
Students and teachers are working hard to prepare for the PARCC in third, fourth, and fifth grades which will be given in the
spring. The assessments will determine a
pupil’s knowledge of the new standards in language arts literacy,
mathematics, and science.
Technology:
Technology is both a subject and educational tool at the Gantner
Avenue School. Technology is integrated into the curriculum. Every
classroom is equipped with a computer, Smart Boards, software, internet access, cable
television, video cassette recorders, overhead projectors, and
calculator sets. The library/media center houses a computer lab. All
students spend at least one period per week in this facility.
Parental Involvement:
Parents are very involved and always welcome at the Gantner Avenue
School. Numerous formal and informal parent-teacher conferences take
place on a regular basis. Parents serve on committees that develop,
implement, and monitor the school’s annual objectives. Field trips,
parties, dances, athletic events and promotion ceremonies would not be
possible without parent chaperones.
The Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) is very active at the
Gantner Avenue Elementary School. Fundraising by the P.T.O. finances
assembly programs every year, presented by independent professionals,
and provides funds for many of our field trips. On an annual basis, the
P.T.O. will ask the school to provide a wish list of items that they
can purchase to support the students of Gantner Avenue School. A PTO
fifth grade committee also plans events that ease student transition to
middle school, bringing positive closure to the elementary school
experience.