Nova Elementary Re-entry Plan.pdf

Located in Emerson, New Jersey at the Patrick M. Villano Elementary School, the NOVA Elementary Program utilizes a number of strategies and tools to bring high- interest academic activities to our students. All of our teachers are Highly Qualifed Teachers (HQT). Our highly-trained, experienced staff creates a nurturing and supportive environment in a semi- contained setting.

NOVA Elementary:

• Educates students in grades three through six;
• Prepares students to function successfully in a mainstream school setting;
• Provides an emotionally safe and secure structured environment;
• Maintains allow student/staff ratio,and;
• Offers students mainstream opportunities in a general education setting.

NOVA Elementary students begin the inclusion process by participating in lunch, recess, art, physical education, Digital Citizenship, music, and Spanish. Students are invited to participate in the school band and chorus, to audition for school plays, and to participate in mainstream activities and field trips.

All students who are academically and socially ready may be placed in academic mainstream classes with support. Sixth- grade students are welcome to participate in sixth-grade activities, field trips, and dances.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!

We are excited for a year filled with meaningful opportunities that will support our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

Based out of Patrick M. Villano Elementary School in Emerson, the Nova Elementary Program is dedicated to helping 4th–6th grade students thrive in a traditional school setting. Our students benefit from a comprehensive range of academic, therapeutic, and behavioral supports tailored to meet their individual needs. The elementary school environment also provides a variety of opportunities, including mainstreaming, access to technology to support academic goals, and participation in school-wide activities and events.

At Nova Elementary, we are proud to prepare students for a smooth transition to middle school. Our program delivers grade-level curriculum with appropriate supports and modifications while focusing on building executive functioning skills to promote independence. In addition, we offer both group and individual counseling to support our students' emotional well-being.

We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with families and local districts to help each student reach their full potential and achieve lasting success.

Kelly Lopez