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Welcome To The Ocean Gate School

Superintendent's  Page

Mr. Frank Vanalesti CSA

Dear Parents, Guardians and members of the Ocean Gate community:

I am very pleased to welcome you back to the Ocean Gate School for the 2007-2008 school-year and it appears it is already shaping up to be another year of excellence. But, before we look at the new school year, it is prudent to look at where we were before, where we are now and then to plan and think about where we are going. Our school district enjoys a long history that dates back to the year 1914 when our one-room school house was first opened. Since that time, we have had a rich history of educating the children of Ocean Gate.

One year ago, our district personnel began school on opening day by developing a mission statement. This was a team exercise in creating a shared sense of vision. At that time, we dreamed of having a safe, school setting for students and a community that took pride in its school by sharing in a positive educational environment where children can all succeed.  As the year progressed, we moved forward to a new era and worked towards our shared vision and our goals. We experienced a professional educational environment and delighted in the successes of our children. The result was a close-knit, more collaborative Ocean Gate family of teachers, parents, students, and administration, with a strong, highly functional and dedicated Board of Education. We also passed a 1.2 million dollar building referendum and the annual school budget. We enjoyed strong staff and student morale and we now celebrate record breaking achievement test scores. Yes…very high New Jersey Ask scores. In fact, we now have some of the highest scores in Ocean County.

It is obvious the District has moved in the right direction and that we have demonstrated tremendous success as a learning community. We are now witnessing the results of our work as the new soccer field and playground stands before us, symbolic of a child centered Ocean Gate community and a testament to the fact that our vision is coming together. A new roof has been installed on our main building and a new lavatory is complete in our pre-school classroom.  The large facility has new highly efficient boilers and heating systems and much of the old flooring has been replaced in our hallways, offices and library. School security has also been upgraded with special surveillance cameras in strategic locations and more secure entrances and exits. Our beloved historic landmark and Kindergarten building also received a face lift with a new coat of paint and some much needed maintenance. None of the results listed above could have been possible without then participation of each individual in our learning community so I would like to personally thank you each for your support and efforts.

So where do we go from here? The teachers and the Board of Education are nearing completion of there contractual negotiations and we only have some salary guide calculations to review.  Most of the summer’s construction projects are also nearing completion which sets the stage for a great new school year. To begin with, we have three much needed programs that have been reinstated in our school including technology education, a skill-based, supplemental literacy intervention program known as “Coaches Corner”, and an expanded enrichment program for those students who are identified as gifted and talented. Teachers will continue to do professional development in the successful areas of test specifications and there will be greater emphasis on data driven instruction.  Math and Science will also be a focus in grades four through six.  This year the faculty, administration and the Board of Education must also do some housekeeping.  The Board will work on updating policy as the staff concentrates on curriculum and instruction.  There will be areas where these items will intersect as the Board and the staff will work side by side on some of these projects.  This will be done in preparation for the new state monitoring system known as the Quality Single Accountability Continuum or (QSAC). The Board of Education will actually receive training this fall and the administration and staff will also begin our work this year in planning and documentation. QSAC has over 600 indicators and a complex scoring rubric that the state has now mandated school districts go though every three years.

So in the year ahead we will build on the successes our school has had and continue to focus on the students learning needs throughout the year.  The “Ocean Gate Family” finds strength in our mission that always centers on the child, with mutual concern for the success of all of the students in our school. I am certain that 2007-2008 will be a great school-year for the children of Ocean Gate as we ALL face it with pride… pride in the past, pride in the present and pride in what’s to come.  Have a GREAT year.

The Ocean Gate School is a very special family of dedicated teachers, staff, parents and students.  There is an ethic of great collaboration and a spirit of positive energy in support of what is best for each child.  Once again, I am very pleased to serve you all!  Please stop by for a visit or give us a call at 732-269-3023. 

Educationally yours,

Frank B. Vanalesti

Superintendent of Schools

You can read this message and many more items of interest about your child’s school and class on the Ocean Gate School District Website: www.oceangateschool.net

REMINDER: For emergency school closings or emergency early dismissals please listen to the announcements on radio station WOBM 92.7 FM and Channel 12. 

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