Curriculum highlights

Units of study that cover topics addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards can be found in a variety of subject areas throughout the PreK-12 curriculum. The documents below highlight some of the content areas and topics that are taught at each grade level.

Grade 1 Social Studies Unit - All Kinds of Families

Grade 1 is taking a closer look at the many cultural traditions and family heritages that contribute to the diversity within New Jersey and the United States. The Social Studies unit entitled, "All Kinds of Families" is a perfect unit for this time of year, a time when we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. The book, Families are Different, by Nina Pellegrini, is used to launch the unit and prompt students to consider the groups to which they belong. After reading Saturdays and Teacakes, by Lester Laminack, students study how families are special and unique family traditions. They recognize that differences between cultures should be respected and shared. The book, Papa and the Pioneer Quilt, by Jean Van Leeuwen, illustrates how families have changed over time. Students demonstrate an understanding of the change in family life over the years by noting and naming the similarities and differences between ‘then’ and ‘now.’

6-12 English Language Arts Tell Me Your Story Initiative

In September 2021, the English Language Arts Department will introduce the "Tell Me Your Story Initiative" for exploring topics of race, culture, and identity. Equity and inclusion are being prioritized in our instruction, which establishes a tone for the district's commitment to diversity and advances our compliance with NJ Bill A4454. Shared reading will facilitate community building.

Grades 9-12

All students will participate in memoir book groups to establish a community of reading. This process will facilitate the sharing of various experiences and metacognition of "thinking about how we think," which is essential in recognizing and understanding multiple perspectives. Below are the high school book group choices.