About PV
Pequannock Valley School is a community of learners consisting of approximately 485 students in grades six through eight. Students receive academic instruction in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, World Language, Physical Education and Health, and various elective offerings throughout the year. Elective offerings are in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts, Technology and Engineering, and Financial Literacy. Students can choose to take French or Spanish starting in Grade 6 and continue their study of the language through high school.
The focus of our instructional program is to help students become independent learners in preparation for high school and beyond. The acquisition of essential skills is most important as students progress through our educational system. A staff of approximately sixty professionals provides instruction for our student body with this goal in mind. We recognize the importance of students as active learners and encourage them to use higher level thinking skills and a variety of instructional approaches to construct knowledge in the classroom. Cooperative learning, active participation, student research, and long-term projects are typical of the activities that help students achieve these goals. We recognize student differences in terms of learning styles and sense modalities and we plan instructional activities that honor these differences. Pequannock Valley School has a National Junior Honor Society Chapter that recognizes those students who excel in all aspects of their education and community service.
Each student meets for forty-nine minutes every day in their Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science classes. Physical Education, World Language and electives follow a rotational model. The schedule affords our faculty the opportunity to provide time for daily meetings in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Every member of the faculty is assigned to a PLC and contributes positively to our school improvement initiatives. The schedule also includes a daily “Panther Period” which provides opportunities for targeted small group reinforcement based on the needs of students.
We realize the importance of shared core values and beliefs and continue to stress character education in our school. Our students focus on six pillars of character -- Responsibility, Citizenship, Respect, Caring, Fairness, and Trustworthiness. This focus on character development has had a strong positive impact on our school environment.
STEM offerings take place on every grade level. Students are learning how to think critically and scientifically as they create, design, build and test their own models. In grade 6 students are introduced to these ideas in “Technology Innovation.” In Grade 7 students take a robotics and coding course, and in Grade 8 the students develop and design prototypes in the “Engineering and Design” course.
Pequannock Valley School strives to prepare our students for our technology-rich society and this includes the 1:1 Chromebook program. All students receive a Chromebook and our staff is committed to infusing the use of computer technology in instruction throughout the curriculum. Our students engage in meaningful learning experiences that connect to the real world.
Students at PV School can participate in a variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including musical performing ensembles, Drama Club, special interest organizations such as the Science Club, World Language Club, Art Club, yearbook, and interscholastic athletics. All of these programs enjoy strong student interest and participation and are geared to allow our students to explore and develop a wide range of talents.
We are fortunate to have a high level of parent and community involvement in our school. The Home and School Association actively supports our educational program and offers parents a chance to become directly involved in a variety of projects. Volunteer faculty committees work cooperatively to bring about change in various aspects of school life.
Pequannock Valley School recognizes its role in supporting the many changes that occur in the middle years of child development. We understand the importance of providing support for the whole child to foster academic, personal, physical, emotional, and social growth. We welcome your feedback and your participation in our program. By working together, we can help each child strive to reach his or her highest educational potential and make Pequannock Valley School a great place to learn and grow!
Knowledge. Spirit. Promise. We are PV!