Welcome to a new and exciting school year at Jefferson School. As the new Principal of Jefferson School, it is extremely heartwarming to be a part of a loving and nurturing school community of caring faculty, staff, students, families, and community members. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment that will encourage a life-long love of learning for all students. Our goal is to develop the academic, social, and emotional well being of a diverse student population.

We have a rich history in developing the academic talents of all of our students. We have a fantastic faculty and staff that is forever mindful of the needs of our children. With the use of Renaissance Learning and STAR short-cycle assessments, we are able to electronically track student growth over time. Teachers are able to utilize Renaissance as a rich data source as well as an instructional tool to help students improve and deepen learning. This data stream is shared with parents and tracked over time to properly monitor students’ progression.

Jefferson School is committed to the “growth” model and will research all options in which to improve student performance. We have embraced the importance of technology in all of our classrooms. Each grade level classroom is equipped with a SmartBoard to aide with instruction and learning. In addition to Renaissance Learning, students also can utilize Study Island as a learning resource for remediation and enrichment from home as well as school.

Our Character Education component is second to none. We are extremely proud of our “Citizen of the Month” program. Each month we focus on a character trait and students who exemplify that trait may be nominated from their class to become the “Citizen of the Month”. Students are honored with their picture displayed in the foyer of the building as well as being a part of our end of year recognition luncheon. Other important programs we take part in include but are not limited too; No name calling week, week of respect, “Caught doing Good”, and Big Brother Big Sister to name a few. We are also excited to bring in “Better than Broadway” production of Rotten Princess in April to introduce the children to the fantastic benefits of the performing arts.

Jefferson School as well as the entire Bergenfield School District is taking part in a District Wide Middle States Excellence by Design Accreditation Process. Our staff at Jefferson School, along with our Building Leadership Team have been vigorously preparing for the Middle States visit in April. It is a perfect time for Bergenfield and the entire Jefferson School Community to show how FANTASTIC we are.

Please make sure to get involved in any way possible with all of the wonderful community-building events that the Jefferson School Parents’ Association has planned for. From the fund raising activities to the Spooktakular, to Field Day. These events are perfect venues to take part in and experience “why” Jefferson School is a very special place for our children to learn and grow. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have a question or concern. It is going to be a great year and I look forward to experiencing it with you!

Craig Vogt
Principal – Jefferson School