The Cresskill School District is committed to developing a robust and transparent curriculum that prepares students for lifelong success. As part of this effort, we have introduced the "Cresskill's 5 C’s” – Communication, Collaboration, Citizenship, Creative Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking – as core principles that enrich and bring our curriculum to life. In addition to our newly posted curriculum guides, these essential skills are a focus for our teacher professional development in order to weave important skills throughout our classroom instruction. It is our goal that we not only help students master content but also prepare them for real-world challenges and opportunities.
Our educators, in collaboration with our curriculum department, are the primary architects of this dynamic approach, creating lessons that will reflect the 5 C’s while engaging students in meaningful, hands-on learning. Through these principles, students should be encouraged to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, think critically, and solve problems creatively, all while understanding their role as responsible citizens. The dedication, creativity, and expertise of our teachers will help ensure that each classroom is an environment where the curriculum is vibrant, relevant, and impactful.
To keep our curriculum accessible, we published our curriculum guides online, allowing parents and the community to view the focus of our educational goals. We invite parents to use these resources to support and connect with the learning happening at school. Reviewing curriculum documents together at home can provide a starting point for discussions about what’s being learned, emphasizing questions such as, “What did you learn today that’s new to you?”
As parent-teacher conferences approach for our elementary schools, we encourage open communication as we work together to support each student’s educational journey. As we shift our instructional focus to these 5 C’s, we can build a well-rounded learning experience that extends beyond the classroom and into every aspect of our students’ lives. As always, thank you for your support!