From the Superintendent's Office

Dear Essex Fells Families,

Welcome back to EFS for the 2026-2027 school year.  Essex Fells School is eager to launch this year’s character education initiative, “EFS Making a Wave of Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness.” Our ripples are now swelling into waves as we focus on showing respect to ourselves, others, and our school environment, taking responsibility for our actions, and practicing kindness in our interactions with others.

Students will learn and practice making positive choices to experience how those choices can make an impact on themselves and others. Formal lessons covering subjects such as; honesty, trustworthiness, courage, perseverance, and empathy will be taught by our two school counselors and reinforced by the teachers in all classrooms across the district. Project Wisdom emphasizes the importance of taking initiative to choose what is right over what is popular. Daily messages will be shared during morning announcements to encourage students to make it a great day or not, the choice is theirs.

Students will be recognized by staff during the school year for displaying respect, responsibility, and kindness in a significant way by earning a “Wave Maker” certificate. The students will also be recognized at a Spirit Meeting by the Superintendent. These monthly student body meetings are an impactful way to focus all EFS students and staff on the importance of our district expectations inside and outside of our classrooms.

Our motto, “Studies Pass Into Character” is supported by current and relevant academic lessons that have been planned for by all content area teachers and are guided by the newly revised EFS Curricula aligned to the latest NJSLS. Staff members utilize a myriad of educational materials and resources to not only meet but exceed the learning standard set by the State of New Jersey for Public Schools. Professional Development covering topics to support student learning styles through differentiated instruction, executive functioning, and depth of knowledge assessments are woven into the teachers’ calendars. These training opportunities afford our staff the necessary tools to meet the needs of all students through customized learning plans and individualized goals.

Safety and Security remains a priority at EFS and is paramount in daily routines and decision making. Administration works alongside the EFPD and EFFD to provide an optimal learning environment that balances safeguards with a nurturing atmosphere. The Board of Education ensures that the District Policies of Essex Fells School maintain the level of academic rigor and developmentally appropriate social emotional development necessary to carry on the school community's expectation for excellence in education.

You are invited to our annual Back-to-School Night parent event on Thursday, September 10, 2026.  This is an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and learn about the expectations for each grade level and content area.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle V. Gadaleta
Superintendent/Principal