Dear Parents,

I would like to welcome you all back to a new school year.  I am very excited to begin the next phase of my career as Principal of Columbus School.  My goal is to foster a safe, nurturing environment where parents and educators can work together to maximize the potential of each student to achieve academic excellence, while focusing on each child’s social and emotional development.        

I have been in the field of education for 14 years. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Rutgers University, I attended New York University where I earned a Masters of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education and Curriculum. While working in the Union City School District, I earned my school administrative certification through St. Peter’s College Masters program in Administration and Supervision.  My educational experiences include teaching fifth grade, computer technology integration grades 1-8, World History, US History I & II, video production, and advanced web design.  

It is my fervent belief that all children can learn.  Having worked with very needy children in an urban district, I can attest to this fact.  My elementary school had incredible success, including being recognized as a NJ State Star School, Best Practices School, and Federal No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.  I have learned a lot about Carteret working at the middle school for the past three years, where we made incredible gains.  It is my hope that I can share my experiences in a collaborative effort to continue the progress that has taken place at Columbus School.  

At Columbus School, your child will continue to be immersed in a literature-rich curriculum.  The principles of Early Literacy adhere to the Scientifically Based Reading Research (SBRR), process writing, and the six components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and motivation & background knowledge).   

We will continue with Everyday Math, which is a K-6 curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project.  Students learn math concepts through real-life problem solving, an emphasis on communication, and a variety of teacher-directed instruction with opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term projects and on-going practice.  

Literacy across the curriculum will be a major focus this year.  In Social Studies, students will explore civilizations, cultures and customs from around the world.  A new science program, HSP Science, will be implemented with a focus on engaging experiments demonstrating scientific principles.  All students will have a block of time once a week for those experiments.   

Remember, as parents, you are your child’s first teacher. Please join us and stay involved in your child’s education. Feel free to contact our office at 732-541-8960 Ext: 2002 if you have any questions regarding our school or programs.  We are eager to help your children reach their full potential.   I look forward to an exciting year working together.  Thank you in advance for your support.  

Christian Zimmer, Principal