Mr. Fox's Page: Northern Valley

Welcome To Demarest Middle School

We are in great need of substitute teachers!

If anyone is interested in becoming a substitute teacher,

please see Myriam Goldfeld in the Board Office for official paperwork.

Parent information brochures are posted in the important documents folder.

The goal of Demarest Middle School is to develop in each student a love of learning, strong self-esteem, ethical values, respect and appreciation for diversity to enable every student to reach his/her maximum potential. To be able to accomplish this the Demarest Board of Education will develop a nurturing, supportive educational environment which will:

* provide knowledge and skills needed in a changing society;

* foster creativity, independence, adaptability, citizenship and the ability to work cooperatively;

* utilize technology

Teacher home pages

I am thrilled to announce the creation of individual web pages for each teacher. Please click here to access the Demarest teaching staff page. To find homework, or other important class information, just click on the teacher’s name. Students should still make every effort to make sure that they completely understand the assignments each day before leaving school. Every student is given an assignment pad to organize their daily homework. It is the responsibility of the student to write down their assignments; however they could refer to a teacher home page for the Week at a Glance.

Overview of the school program

At Demarest Middle School we take tremendous strides to recognize each of our students as the unique individuals they are. We highlight their positive contributions to the school and the school community through a myriad of outstanding programs.

Of course, academics are highly stressed and valued at Demarest Middle School. At the conclusion of each marking period, the Honor Roll is established for the students in grades six, seven and eight. Students who earn placement on the Honor Rolls are presented with a certificate. In addition, the Honor Roll lists are significantly displayed outside the principal’s office. Each grade level hosts an end of the year awards program as well. At these assemblies, students are recognized for their achievements and their efforts during the course of the school year.

We have designed our staff to be extremely attentive to the needs of the students. In addition to our exemplary teaching staff, we employ two part-time guidance counselors, school nurse, and principal. Our entire staff works closely with the district’s child study team. We use a very proactive approach to handling student concerns and problems. Each of the professionals is extremely accessible throughout the school day. The students feel comfortable talking with our teachers and support staff.

The professional teachers who comprise the Demarest Middle School staff are student centered, caring educators who give their time to make the school an enjoyable place where students feel comfortable learning. These teachers establish high academic goals for the students to achieve. Our students continue to achieve at extremely high levels. Routinely we score at or near the top on the state standardized assessments.

Our teachers know each of the students on a personal level. The core academic teachers are assigned to grade level teams that meet to plan curriculum, schedule events, and discuss student progress in their classes on a daily basis. This “big picture” approach allows all of the professionals in the building to work as one to address student and school needs.

In addition, these teachers take an active role in organizing and providing a wide range of co-curricular activities and inter-scholastic sports. The school offers the students the opportunity to perform in the band and the chorus. In the spring, a drama production is produced. Other co-curricular offerings allow students to participate in yearbook club, technology club, among others. An elected student body serves their classmates through the Student Council.

Four interscholastic sports are offered for the students to participate in during the school year. Through our sports program, the students learn the finer points of teamwork and cooperation.

As a staff, we believe that a great deal of learning takes place in, and out of the classroom. Each year our students take part in many field trip experiences. Each grade level contributes a large scale field trip in addition to the other during the school year. The fifth grade participates in mission workshops at the Buehler Challenger & Space Center. The sixth grade participates in a three day Outdoor Education Program at Fairview Lakes in Newton, N. J. Our seventh grade students have the opportunity to attend the Bronx Zoo in the spring. The students in grade eight spend three days in and around Boston, Massachusetts.

The students are also involved throughout the school year in interdisciplinary and other projects throughout the school. The students have learned social awareness through many programs designed to raise money for those in need.

Last year with the assistance of Mr. Regan, a club called Global Care Unlimited was created. Students studied and researched social problems facing Africa, and decided to raise money to assist impoverished children in Ethiopia. Last year we raised over $9,000 and this year we plan to complete our goal to fund the cost of building a school. I encourage everyone to join us in this effort as we work together as a school to make a difference.

Our support staff, custodians, maintenance personnel, and secretaries, is made up of compassionate, student –centered individuals. Their first priority has always been the students of our school. Their caring attitude helps to make Demarest the positive school that it is.

As the principal of Demarest Middle School, I work extremely hard to establish a positive school environment for everyone. I have maintained open lines of communication with the parents and the community. I make it a strong point to make myself available to meet with parents at their convenience.

As you can see, I am extremely proud of this school. Our students are wonderful young people who know that we truly care about them. Everyone who makes up our school community, have always gone above and beyond their duties to work with and for the children of Demarest.

I hope this gives an outline of this outstanding middle school, which I have the privilege of being the principal.

Contact Information:

Office Detention Times: 3:05-3:30

Locations: Rooms change daily