September

Dear Essex Fells Families,

Welcome back to EFS for the 2025-2026 school year.  Essex Fells School is eager to launch this year’s character education initiative, “EFS Creating a RIPPLE EFFECT of Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness.”  

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.  

Students will identify positive choices they make that in turn impact others by filling out a “penny paper” that will be exchanged for a real penny to cast into our EFS Ripple Effect Pool at each Student Body Spirit Meeting.  Students also have the opportunity to fill out penny papers if they were impacted by someone else’s positive choices.

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 Wednesday, September 10, 2025.  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