September 2024
Dear Bradford School Families,
Welcome to the start of a new school year at Bradford School, the University Magnet, where everyone teaches and everyone learns.
At Bradford, we recognize that every student is unique and learns in different ways, and we are committed to helping your children achieve their highest potential. Therefore, we continue to offer a differentiated and challenging curriculum with a focus on developing critical thinkers and thoughtful members of the community. This year, special emphasis will be placed on social-emotional support for our school community; the health and emotional well-being of staff and students will be prioritized. Our Bradford CARES values of Cooperation, Acceptance, Respect and Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Control will continue to play a significant role in developing vital characteristics in our students.
Our partnership with Montclair State University must also evolve, and we are still in discussions with university staff to see how we can best utilize the resources of MSU in a safe and healthy manner. Field trips to MSU are restricted, so we are exploring other ways to capitalize on our connection.
Recent changes in our world, country, and community have had a profound impact on all of us. We believe that an antiracist school is one where we continually examine our school practices, create inclusive and equitable spaces, and ensure that all members of our community are valued, heard, treated with dignity and respect, and accepted for who they are. We are committed to holding conversations about race with our students to combat stereotypes and to empower them to stand up for what is right. Bradford is also a Restorative Justice school, which is an important part of this work. More information on Restorative Justice can be found later in this handbook.
Developing a partnership with our community stakeholders is of paramount importance. This handbook is designed to provide you with information that will allow us to operate the school with a common understanding of what is critical to teaching and learning. Please familiarize yourself with its contents, as collaboration with you is critical to a successful school year.
We thank you for allowing us the opportunity to guide your child on their educational journey. We invite you to become as active a member of our learning community as you can, and we look forward to a productive school year!
Frances A. Aboushi
Bradford Principal