Superintendent: Mr. Ed Kemp

Principal: Mr. John Melitsky

MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT PROVIDES EACH STUDENT WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE HIS/HER POTENTIAL ACADEMICALLY, PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, AND CREATIVELY THROUGH INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

Introduction

Mansfield Elementary is a pre-kindergarten through grade six school located in Mansfield Township in Warren County, New Jersey. Founded in 1754 along the scenic Musconetcong River, Mansfield is the oldest and second largest municipality in the County, encompassing 30.5 square miles. Mansfield combines a welcoming hometown residential atmosphere with an appropriate mixture of agriculture and commercial life. Mansfield Elementary is a constituent district within the Warren Hills Regional School District. Upon promotion from sixth grade, Mansfield students attend Warren Hills Middle School for grades seven and eight and Warren Hills High School for grades nine through twelve. The experienced staff is committed to educating the whole child through an expert blend of traditional and innovative approaches designed to prepare students for continued education and for future contributions to society.  Mansfield insures that its kindergarteners receive a strong foundational start with a full day program. The staff utilizes differentiated instruction at all grade levels to meet individual student needs.  Academically, students receive instruction in computer technology, hands-on science, math applications, process writing, literature-based language arts, the appropriate social sciences, and American Sign Language.  Physically, students participate in the Walk, Jog, Run Program (grades 5 and 6), physical education classes, creative movement (K), and health instruction.  Socially, children receive support through D.A.R.E. (grade 5), School Counseling Program, and our Character Education Program (recognized for excellence by the Warren County Human Relations Committee).  This year we have added our Ride with Character program to promote safety and positive behavior on our buses. Creatively, students participate in art classes, general and instrumental music lessons, and performances. The district provides basic skills instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics; evaluation and intervention strategies in special education; English as a Second Language (ESL); occupational therapy; speech; and counseling services as needed.

Programs

The school currently maintains an average class size of twenty students.  All students in grades K - 6 receive instruction from specialists in physical education, art, music, library resources, science, health, and world language.  Technologically, the school has a state-of-art computer lab networked internally to all classrooms, special areas, and offices.  Mobile wireless laptop carts are available for classroom and special area use.  The entire school is able to access the Internet via the Warren Technical High School’s service, warrennet.org. Our science program has received both national and international recognition for its hands-on approach and spiraling concepts, which begin in kindergarten and are completed in grade six.  All students in grades K-6 use the Science Room for the hands-on experiences.  Our Science Department received the Presidential Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Elementary Science in 2002.  The language arts program utilizes a balanced literacy approach and is overseen by a reading specialist.  The Literacy Center provides each grade with leveled readings appropriate for all students.  Process writing begins in kindergarten and develops throughout the grades with fluency and love of writing as two of its main goals.  Hands-on geography is taught in grades 1-6 with an emphasis on manipulative maps and globes as the children learn about their state, country, and world. 

Assessment

The NJPASS is currently administered in grades one and two in the spring. Third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders participate in the NJASK, the State assessment program, in May. Individual student results are provided to parents.  School-wide achievement results are reported annually. Teachers in grades three through six also utilize data from Learnia, a formative, web-based assessment that provides information about individual student strengths and weaknesses, allowing educators to differentiate instruction as necessary.  

Involvement

The district believes that parental and community involvement is essential to continued progress and improvement as we collectively guide our children through these formative years. The active Mansfield PTA exemplifies the positive impact of community involvement through the contribution of their gifts of time, talent, and monetary support. The PTA brings cultural and educational programs into the district through its Arts and Education committee. Numerous volunteers assist with copying, field trips, classroom activities, etc. Special events such as Family Fun Night, the Book Fair, and the Variety Show provide enjoyable sources of community enjoyment and entertainment. This year we are working with the community to explore the viability of an education foundation to encourage educational innovation and to provide new or enhanced equipment, money, and services for the district.

Curriculum

The district curriculum is clearly and specifically aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.  Committees of teachers, administrators, and parents are involved in this alignment.  During the 2005-2006 school year, a revised curriculum in gifted and talented was approved by the Board of Education. The program was redesigned to offer more opportunities to students that are able to accept additional challenges. The Warren Hills Cluster, of which Mansfield is a part, has jointly created in-common curriculums in social studies, mathematics, science, and language arts.
To provide an extended school day and extend curricular areas, the district offers after school interest clubs for students in grades 2-6.

Child Care Services
The district now offers child care services before and after school. The program is directed and all services are provided by certified teachers on staff. The program includes organized play, nutritious snacks, homework time, and various other interesting activities that are appropriate for the children’s age groups. Breakfast is available for an additional cost.

Mission Statement

The Mansfield Township School District Mission Statement summarizes our beliefs:

The Mansfield Township Elementary School District partners with the community to provide a meaningful and rigorous education that instills the value of lifelong learning and empowers all students to reach their full potential and become productive citizens, in accordance with the comprehensive standards of our state.

Please email Ed Kemp(kempe@mansfieldelementary.org) or John Melitsky (melitskyj@mansfieldelementary.org) for answers to specific questions or for additional information.