Carson School offers its students comprehensive educational programs in a modern, state of the art facility. The building houses sixteen classes consisting of eleven regular education classrooms for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Four. Two all-day Kindergarten classes are offered. In order to address the special learning needs of its students, educational programs are offered in five special education classes. A resource center is offered for students eligible for additional assistance in reading and math. These students are mainstreamed into the regular education program. Basic Skills remedial programs are offered in reading and mathematics for students who scored below the minimum level of proficiency on the Terra Nova Test. Two after-school programs are offered. Project SOAR (Students Outreach for Academic Results) utilizes student volunteers to provide reinforcement activities for grades one to three students who have been recommended by their teacher. A NJ Ask Program is taught by two certified teachers to provide extra test preparation to fourth grade students.

The district's Gifted Child Resource Room Program is housed at Carson School. Students who participate are recommended by their classroom teacher based on academic achievement. Placement in the program depends upon the results of multifaceted criteria, which includes testing. The children selected for the program are given the opportunity to reach their maximum potential and explore new domains of knowledge.

In addition to basic programs of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, special area programs are offered in the following areas:

HEALTH and PHYSICAL EDUCATION - The health and physical education program includes activities to develop physical fitness and efficient use of the body. It also prepares the student to participate in physical activities throughout life. Adaptive Physical Education is available to the special needs population.

MUSIC - The vocal music program includes classroom instruction in the reading and appreciation of music. A chorus and instrumental music program is available to all interested students in grade four. A strings program beginning in grade four is also offered.

COMPUTERS - The computer program prepares the students for the computer-oriented world through a computer program offered to students in grades one through four. The computer program gives students an opportunity to utilize the computer and to learn how computers are used in the work force. The kindergarten will have the opportunity to experience a program designed to assist the children in developing reading and writing skills. All classrooms have five computers, access to the internet, and a wide variety of software in areas of language arts, math and science. Besides the computer lab and classrooms, computers are available in the library for student and teacher use. Seven big screen computer monitors are available to the teacher to help integrate the computer into their daily instruction.

SCIENCE - Carson School is one of the district's three elementary schools with a state of the art science laboratory. The program is offered to students in grades three through four.

ART - The art program inroduces students toa variety of media and encourages them to express their creativity through these experiences. A Partners in Art Program, in cooperation with Pennsauken High School, is provided for students in grade three.

SPEECH - The speech department, as a component of the Special Services Department, works with students to develop their communication skills in the areas of speech, language, voice and fluency.

In addition to the academic and supplemental offerings, student incentive programs are incorporated to motivate and build school spirit. A "Student of the Month" program is used to recognize the achievement of outstanding students. The students are selected by their classroom teachers using criteria established by the school staff. A homework and good behavior award is awarded to each classroom, kindergarten through four, on a monthly basis. A schoolwide goal: "Be Kind To Each Other" is our objective. After fifteen weeks of showing kindness, a schoolwide reward is given.

Carson School gives students an opportunity to participate in student government through the Student Council. Representatives are elected by the students in each classroom. The Student Council meets monthly and fosters benevolent projects and school spirit activities. The student council also organizes a variety of theme days throughout the school year.

A guidance counselor is assigned to Carson School. The guidance counselor aids students in determining various ways to identify solutions to academic, social and emotional problems.

In order to assist students in making the right choices when dealing with peer pressure, the following programs are offered:

To promote harmony among students and provide alternatives to fighting, Carson School offers a Conflict Resolution Program for all students. The program provides training for students in grade four who act as peer mediators.

Parental involvement and the PTA is exceptional. The PTA sponsors a cultural arts program, and invites students to perform concerts for its general meetings. Parental support and participation in school activities is positive.

Andrea Rivera
856-662-5751