School Motto Sets Tone at West Dover Each Day | Toms River Regional School District

This year, we're highlighting what our schools are doing toward our three primary district goals: attendance, kindness, and academic achievement. Today, it's the West Dover Blue Jays.

October 10, 2024 -- Every morning at West Dover, the school's inspiring motto ends the student-led daily announcements. It sets the tone for each school day and serves as a powerful reminder of students' expectations for the day ahead. The bar is set high and Principal Shannon Brown and Supervisor Kate Melson encourage students to continually work towards their goals.

The motto comprises a few different areas that the school, and district, are focusing on this year. Attendance, which has been a district goal for a few years, is at the top of the list. Supervisor Melson says, "At West Dover, we believe that daily attendance is key to student success." She continued, "Consistent presence in the classroom allows students to fully engage with their lessons, foster meaningful relationships with their peers, and develop essential habits for their future."

That's why if you stop by West Dover on a Monday, you'll see students and staff wearing their "Monday Matters" t-shirts. The hope is that the shirts are a reminder about starting the week off on a positive note and igniting school spirit. Additionally, the school shares tips and encouragement about daily attendance on Instagram and in weekly newsletters.

"This initiative not only reinforces our focus on attendance but also builds a sense of community within our school, making every student feel valued and connected," said Supervisor Melson.

That sense of community at the school also leads to students showing kindness to one another, whether it's on the playground, in the classroom, or in the hallway - it's on constant display at the school. Hanging in the hallways are displays highlighting students who are making a difference in people's lives with positive contributions in the community.

The peer mentorship program is another opportunity for West Dover students to feel empowered with the skills to build positive relationships. Classroom displays are a visual backdrop reminding students about kindness and reinforce the importance of compassion and respect in daily interactions.

In the area of academics, Principal Brown says that at West Dover by focusing on individual student's needs "...it not only fosters accountability but also promotes the development of crucial skills like time management and perseverance." Over the summer, West Dover teachers spent time creating personalized math tool kits for students. The tool kits were designed to enhance conceptual knowledge by incorporating manipulatives and hands-on tools that will help students grasp complex mathematical concepts. Brown feels that, "By providing these resources, we ensure that our students can actively engage with math in a meaningful way, building a solid foundation for future success."

$West Dover Math Tool Kit$

This year, the school implemented WIN (What I Need) periods during which students can receive tailored support based on their individual learning pathways. The periods are meant to help strengthen foundational skills or work on advanced skills to help promote their growth.

"By engaging in goal-setting, mid-year evaluations, and WIN periods, we empower our students to reach their full potential, fostering a sense of community and collaboration at West Dover Elementary," Melson concluded.