Dr. Jenaro Rivas - Associate Superintendent - 201- 413-6996
Ms. Linda Colon - Director - 201-309-1611 

The Department of Programs and Services is committed to ensuring that every student, parent, and teacher is afforded the appropriate assistance and support to meet their specific needs, and enable them to fulfill their respective, individual role, the acquisition of learning, monitoring of the learning, and the daily delivery of instruction, through the provision of specialized programs and/or services that foster sound, emotional and physical health through school, community and home links. 

      

Dr. Jenaro Rivas Associate Superintendent

Introduction  The Department of Programs and Services is composed of numerous programs that provide specific services to support students, parents, and teachers. In order to assist in the academic improvement, as well the social and emotional well being of the student, we offer a cadre of programs that address the whole child. In a multi-ethnic, multicultural urban city that is daily undergoing dramatic change, our school community is also increasing its already rich tapestry of diversity. Within the many cultural and linguistic challenges, the district also recognizes the various socioeconomic levels and its impact on the academic development and growth of our total school population. In an effort to address the needs of every ethnic, cultural, linguistic and other subgroup populations in Jersey City, we implement numerous specialized programs. As we embrace our diversity, and keep pace with this renaissance, we must provide programs that link the school with the home and community. In doing so, we have established partnerships with business, schools of higher education as well as various local, state, and federal agencies. Students and parents are recommended for services according to their specific needs. This handbook will provide you with in-depth information on the services offered under the categories of Student Readiness, Student Achievement, Career Exploration and Post Secondary Education, as well as Parents/Community, and Private School Student Support.      

STUDENT READINESS In its support of the district’s mission to afford the highest level of teaching and learning, and build an effective and efficient community of learning and character, the department of Programs and Services has a cadre of intervention and referral programs and services readily available. Students in both general and special needs programs, exhibiting learning or behavioral problems, are assisted and supported through the implementation of numerous support systems. In the effort to alleviate all problems that could prevent or interfere with success and academic growth, certain services are provided to students and families. These resources build the foundation for positive behavior and performance while preparing students for learning. 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Numerous factors can contribute to a student becoming at-risk at any level in his/her academic growth. The Department of Program and Services is responsible for meeting the needs of the district’s at-risk students. As early intervention is important, the department has various programs and services in place to address a range of challenges, and properly meet our students’ needs. Among the existing services, there are early literacy programs, tutorial programs, truancy programs, home instruction, college preparation, and a program for scholarship assistance. In the area of instruction, the Department of Programs and Services provides programs that meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and correlates with the district‘s curricula to improve student achievement.   

CAREER EXPLORATION AND POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Each one of our Jersey City Public High Schools has magnet programs within them. These magnet programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive academic foundation as well as technical knowledge, and skills which will prepare them for entry to a two or four year college. In addition, students are also prepared for other post-secondary training or direct employment in science, legal, technological, art, travel and tourism fields, and cosmetology.  

PARENTS/COMMUNITY The district firmly believes, and research indicates, that parental involvement in the educational process of their children improves student achievement and benefits the overall development of the child. Under Title I and No Child Left Behind (NCLB), parents must not only be informed, but they should also be involved in their children’s total education process. The Department of Programs and Services is committed to making certain that parents are an integral component of our daily mission. With this in mind, our department makes every effort to provide assistance, support, and disseminate information to every parent in the district. We conduct ongoing training to keep parents abreast of standards and new trends in education and also demonstrate how they can assist their students at home. The department staff works cooperatively to develop activities that foster parental participation and collaboration. The Department of Programs and Services also cultivates partnerships with local community based agencies, and organizations. These alliances help to promote positive links between community, school, and home.  

PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPORT Under the Title I legislation, and the NCLB Act, public schools must provide service to students attending nonpublic schools. As both these bylaws are earmarked to meet the needs of students in disadvantaged communities, it is the responsibility of the local public school district to provide these services to the students and teachers of the nonpublic schools in their respective community. The Jersey City Public School District, via the Department of Programs and Services, ensures that provisions are made for services to students, training for teachers, and instructional and technological supplies are available.

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) recognizes that all children can achieve to the same high standards when taught by highly qualified teachers using proven methods in an appropriate learning environment. NCLB is built on four principles (e.g. accountability for results, more choices for parents, greater local control and flexibility, and an emphasis on doing what works based on scientific research. Under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, when schools do not meet the State targets for improving the achievement of all students, parents need to have better options, including the option to send their child to another school. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) responds to that need by giving parents of children enrolled in schools that receive Title I funding and that are identified for “school improvement,” the opportunity to transfer their children to a school that has not been so identified. These provisions of the statute, along with other elements that focus new attention and resources on turning around the schools identified for improvement, are critical mechanisms for achieving the vision embodied in NCLB, a high-quality education for all children. It is important that school officials engage energetically both in efforts to improve low-achieving schools and in implementing the public “school choice” (CHOICES) provisions, so that this vision can be achieved. Another very important option is “Supplemental Educational Services” (SES).