Click Here To See Items Needed For The First Day Of School
A Message From The Principal:
Dear Parent(s) & Guardian(s),
Happy May! We are in the final stretch of the school year. Classroom teachers will be sharing information this month about their end-of-year celebrations.
We hope you can join us for our final Wonderful Wednesday on May 13th at 1:30 PM.
As a reminder, please do not go around cars when using the car drop offline. Kindly remain patient and wait in line to exit the parking lot.
Sincerely,
Nicole Grillo, Ed.D.
Principal
Important Information Regarding Parking On The Street:
When parking on local streets, you are reminded to always be mindful and always obey posted street signs. Do not obstruct driveways, double park, block fire hydrants and/or park in the factory complex on Kipp Avenue in Elmwood Park. We thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this very important parking matter.
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Garfield Public Preschool is to develop an environment which fosters the growth of all children in becoming creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and responsible members of our community; to instill in them a sense of self-worth; compassion for others and assist them in developing in all educational domains-academic, cognitive, social –emotional and physical.
The educational community of Garfield believes that the ultimate goal of each school is to provide intellectual experiences within the context of a multi-cultural setting. This environment will enable each student to achieve their maximum potential. Each school shall seek to assist every student in the development of social skills and moral attitudes needed to successfully meet the challenges of a complex, dynamic, and everchanging world. Each school shall continue to cultivate an appreciation of cultural and aesthetic values so that each student can make choices indicative of a knowledgeable and contributing member of a democratic society. To fulfill this role, the district is committed to creating a flexible educational environment addressing the individualities and potentialities of each student. The staff will endeavor to complete the development of a thinking, tolerant person, well prepared to meet the challenges of school and the life they choose to encounter.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Young children learn best when provided with developmentally appropriate practices that are both individualized and age appropriate. Within this philosophy, equal attention is given to all four areas of development (social, emotional, physical and intellectual). Children are provided with a wide variety of materials and activities within a print-rich classroom. The early childhood teachers provide leadership in developing a child-centered classroom and facilitate cooperation and communication between family, school and community, so that each child will learn and develop to his/her full potential. We believe that parents are the first and primary teachers of their children, and are viewed as equal partners in their child’s education. We also believe that parents will join us in a partnership and take responsibility for preparing and developing their children to be receptive and active learners.
Garfield Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC)
Mission Statement:
The Early Childhood Advisory Council is to provide an opportunity for local stakeholders in the education and welfare of pre-school age students to participate in community wide planning as conducted by the school district. In addition, the council is to review progress towards full implementation of high-quality programs, regardless of venue, and to consider and propose resolution of issues that arise during implementation.
When families, schools, and community institutions collectively agree upon their goals and decide how to reach them everyone will benefit. By all of us working together the schools, families, and communities can prepare for a more promising future.
Goals and Visions:
Identify with the council members what each stakeholder can bring to the Garfield Preschool Program.Continue to increase family involvement in the preschool program.Assess the needs of families with preschool children with and without special needs and develop workshops and activities for families and students. Conduct periodical reviews of our outreach program to ensure all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds are being served by our preschool program. Identify and assess what the Garfield Preschool Program has accomplished in relation to the DOE guidelines and in relation to the SAVS. Continue to infuse a multicultural program throughout the preschool program. Work in collaboration with the transition committee to ensure a smooth transition for students. (2025-2026 School Year – updated)