Office of Curriculum & Instruction
Welcome!
Westwood Regional School District is deeply committed to fostering progressive, research-based practices that support the personalization of learning for all students in the district.
This website Is the main site for our K-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (C&I). The C&I is designed to provide you with access to information and resources about the educational experience in our district to help you feel more connected to what our students are learning in the classroom to prepare them for success. Beyond simply adhering to national and state reagulations, the WWRSD curriculum supports our students growth by pushing them to reach their full potential and drive their educational experiences to adequately prepare them for an Interconnected, technologically sophisticated, global society.
WWRSD C & I Department
Mrs. denise vÉlez
Director of Elementary Education (K-5)
Denise Velez embarked on her educational path as a high school English teacher with the Summit public school system in 2005. She successfully obtained her Master's degree in English Education from New York University and dedicated her expertise guiding students in various courses including AP Literature and Transition English.
In 2013, after receiving her principal's certificate through Montclair State University, Mrs. Velez proceeded to assume the role as the K-12 English Language Arts supervisor in Kinnelon, NJ. During her tenure she collaborated closely with the faculty to prioritize sustained student growth.
Mrs. Velez is an active member of several professional consortiums, including NCTE, where she has delivered presentations at national conventions on topics such as data informed instruction and effective leadership. She also recently served on the state calibrating committee for NJSLA.
Mrs. Velez is an avid reader and dedicates her time to pursuing academic journals and indulging in light fictional reads while raising her two school aged children.
Email: denise.velez@wwrsd.org
Dr. Bronwen Calderón
Director of Secondary Education (6-12)
Ms. Calderón began a career in education by studying undergraduate-level courses at Montclair State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Following her undergraduate studies, she started teaching as a 7th/8th grade, Algebra 1, HSPA, and Geometry teacher. During her teaching days in diverse communities, she learned how to teach math through differentiated instruction utilizing 21st-century programs.
During this time, Ms. Calderón enrolled at Montclair State University and received a masters degree in Educational Leadership. Shortly after, she became a Math and Science Supervisor for grades 6-12 and a middle school Assistant Principal.
She currently graduated from Kean University's Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership and received a doctorate degree in K-12 Higher Education. Her dedication and research will support producing the next generation of educators' role in narrowing the gap in mathematics for all subgroups.
Email: bronwen.calderon@wwrsd.org
2024-2025 Curriculum Updates
new this year:
students Will use ixl as a diagnostic assessment in ela & math
IXL Real-Time Diagnostic
The IXL Real-Time Diagnostic helps teachers assess a student's grade-level proficiency in math. Getting started is simple!
Complete the Initial Diagnostic Arena
Students will answer diagnostic questions until all of their levels are up to date.
Follow the Action Plan!
Using insights from the diagnostic, IXL creates a personalized action plan for each student. Students can click directly on their recommended IXL skills to start closing gaps.
Work on IXL Skills Regularly
When students work on IXL skills, their progress is automatically incorporated into their diagnostic levels so that a teacher will have a full, meaningful portrait of the student's knowledge.
WWRSD AI Integrity Philosophy 5th-12th
WWRSD AI_ChatGPT Integrity Policy FINAL.pdfOur goal is to integrate AI tools thoughtfully into our educational framework, empowering teachers to make informed decisions about incorporating AI into their teaching practices. This aligns with our school's dedication to academic integrity and anti-plagiarism. Teachers bear the responsibility for clear communication with students, setting out the permitted uses of AI tools and outlining any specific guidelines or restrictions.
For more Infomration, please visit the AI webpage.
Community Resources for Dealing with Hate and Bias
We would like to offer parents some resources to address our community’s hate incident and feature some resources when speaking with children. Our school counselors are available as resources for students to talk to at any time if they are troubled by this event or others they may have heard about in the news or from their friends. Students can also take action if they see or hear bias incidents and report to a trusted school staff member.
Resources for Community Members
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Kids about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism
PJ Library: How to Talk to Children about Anti-Semitism
ADL, Anti-Defamation League: Anti Semitism Today; Table Talk
Educate Against Hate: Parent Resources
This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other resources and local synagogues in the area that can assist. Reach out if you need anything more.