Radix Elementary School - Williamstown, NJ

Radix Elementary School is proud to be among the nominees for the National Blue Ribbon Award. Our goals seek to support the whole child, academically and socially/emotionally. This was accomplished by dedicated staff who understand how to effectively engage learners in a way that fosters a love of learning.

The recognition for achieving exemplary test scores is especially significant because we did so while overcoming a huge challenge amidst district turmoil: the Radix school community embraced 400 students (K-3) and their staff from another district elementary school that closed suddenly in early October due to mold. These "new" students and staff were placed in every nook and cranny available at Radix, causing some classrooms to double-up and eliminating areas for small group instruction, intervention, and specials for the Radix students and staff. Radix interventionists and special area teachers had to alter their methods of instruction: art and music traveled class to class; Basic Skills and the ELL groups occurred in classes or on the floor in the halls. The way we did business had to change, all while the building principal purposely and constantly reminded staff of our mission: meeting the needs of our students.

The building principal hosted frequent lunch T & L meetings; teacher leaders were encouraged to step up and help monitor student learning; data was at the forefront so we could hone in on the best ways to instruct students to ensure maximum progress. There was no silver bullet, no single program or no simple effort, resulting in improved test scores. It WAS due to collaborative commitment and strong pedagogy, along with a community focused on celebrating successes and supporting the social/ emotional needs of the students.

With various recognition programs and opportunities to acknowledge members of our school community (staff and students) for effort, perseverance, kindness, and/or positive character traits, our school has flourished! And while the staff and students work hard, our very active and involved PTA provides many fun, engaging, and supportive events for students and their families that foster a great sense of school pride!