Report Card

Report Card Narratives
New Jersey Department of Education


CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE

The Captain James Lawrence Elementary School, located in the historical district of Burlington City, is a community of learners where the best interest of students comes first. It is home to approximately 190 students in preschool through grade two. Our goal is to foster strong academic and social values for students, staff, and parents.

We have a dedicated staff that truly believes all students can learn to high levels of achievement. Teachers refine their lessons to increase their instruction in order to raise the level of student achievement. Teachers incorporate a balance of whole class, small group, and individual instruction to differentiate and best meet the needs of all students. Our teaching staff works diligently to focus on student achievement and use data to drive instruction. All teachers meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act as a Highly Qualified Teacher.

Our curriculum is driven by the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Students receive instruction in Language Arts Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Health & Nutrition, and Social Studies. Special Area teachers instruct in art, music, physical education, library, and technology.

In Language Arts Literacy, a Balanced Literacy Approach to learning is incorporated. Balanced Literacy includes interactive read aloud, shared reading, guided reading, writing, word work, and spelling. Students listen, speak, read, write, and view daily in all subject areas. To reach the standards and benchmarks at each grade level, teachers use “The Units of Study for Teaching Primary Writing” by Lucy Calkins and the “Storytown” Reading Program published by Harcourt.

In Mathematics, instruction focuses on real-life problem solving, a balance between teacher-directed instruction and opportunities for open ended explorations, and applying technology. Students explain their mathematical thinking and solve problems in more than one way. The “Everyday Mathematics” program published by McGraw Hill enables students to experience success in the five mathematical strands: number & numerical operations, geometry & measurement, patterns & algebra, data analysis, probability & discrete math, and mathematical processes.

In the Preschool Curriculum “Curiosity Corner,” published by Success for All, students use their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing skills in Language Arts Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Health & Nutrition, and Social Studies. Students are encouraged to think, question, explore, problem solve, and to speak in complete sentences.

The Captain James Lawrence Elementary School offers a quality education in a warm and positive climate where children are mentored, nurtured, and challenged. Our instructional goal is to increase student achievement beginning in preschool by exposing the students to strong academic rigor.

Deborah Banecker, M. Ed.
Principal
(609) 387-5859