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Bells School first opened in 1967. Split sessions were held during the first year because construction of the building was not complete. The official opening of the school occurred in September 1968 and the building housed students in kindergarten through grade 6. The first principal was Mr. Howard Hausmann.
As the population of the district increased, portable classrooms were added to the building. In the spring of 1996, a new addition was built, adding an art room, gymnasium, music room, library, four additional classrooms and rooms for small group instruction. A state of the art computer lab, which is networked and Internet accessible, was also added.Academic Achievement – Student achievement is evaluated through the use of multiple measures. These include student portfolios, performance assessments, criterion-referenced tests, the Terra Nova standardized test, and the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK). Student achievement on the state assessments tests exceeds the state and district averages. Improved student performance on the state assessments continues to be an annual goal.Participation and Recognition – The staff at Bells School encourages participation in a wide-range of activities. A team of fourth and fifth grade students presents daily school-wide morning opening exercises. Students may also choose from a variety of co-curricular activities. These include the Student Council, intramural sports, the vocal and instrumental music programs, and the Safety Patrol. All students display artwork in the annual school-wide Art Show.Quality Staff – The professional staff at Bells School continually refine and update their teaching skills through participation in professional development programs and graduate course work. They provide support to the students through a Homework Club, the Good Morning Math and the Math in the Community programs. In addition, teachers present the Family Math, Family Science and Family Literacy programs, providing enjoyable learning activities for students and their families.Parent and Community Involvement – Parent involvement is greatly encouraged through participation in classroom activities. The Home and School Council supports the educational program through sponsorship of assemblies, the Book Fair, the first grade Bedtime Story Hour, a children’s author program, and student recognition programs. The ongoing support and cooperation of the parents, community members, and the school staff create a nurturing learning environment, which prepares the students to become successful, productive members of society.