When asked what two words best describe Lake Riviera, former principal Susan McNamara answers, “Family and service.” Surrounded by woodlands trails, wetlands, and a small lake, the school is an oasis where the six pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are at the heart of a harmonious, focused, and respectful school family. Lake Riviera has extensive and exemplary programming for deepening student learning through service learning. They have established a professional learning community (PLC) framework for teachers to collaborate in regard to student data and curriculum. Teachers report that this structure has the flexibility to allow the school to be responsive when needs arise. Dr. Alyce Anderson, principal, notes that “kids have come” to PLC meetings to add student perspectives. Lake Riviera uses character education as the “lens” through which they address all areas of programming.
Signature Practices
Promising Practice: Book Buddies
Approximately 30 eighth-grade students of various academic levels from Lake Riviera Middle School embarked on a new service-learning endeavor entitled Book Buddies. Eager to promote a lifelong love of reading, they prepared and presented two entertaining nights of reading and literacy activities for K-2 students in the district.
Promising Practice: Kettle Creek Crusaders
At Lake Riviera Middle School, the enthusiasm, engagement and conservation concerns of students and staff in utilizing the “environmental area” on the school grounds spurred the creation of the Kettle Creek Crusaders. This group is a dedicated group of 20 students wanting to expand the already extensive environmental studies curriculum of Lake Riviera Middle School to include the study of watershed management.
Promising Practice: Lil' Scientists
The Lil’ Scientists program offers a unique service-learning opportunity for eighth grade science students at Lake Riviera Middle School. With the help of eighth grade and kindergarten teachers, a team of 16 eighth grade students plan and organize four visits yearly to the Primary Learning Center (PLC) of Brick where they develop positive relationships with approximately 40 kindergarteners. All lessons and activities are researched or created by the students themselves.
Promising Practice: The Laker Delivery System
Eager to provide an inclusive opportunity for special needs students, staff members and custodians created The Laker Delivery System to develop good character at Lake Riviera Middle School. Students involved in this program distribute classroom supplies and Value of the Month posters to staff throughout the building.
Contact Information
Mrs. Janet CzarneckiAssistant Principal
171 Beaverson Blvd. Brick, NJ 08723
Phone: 732-262-2600
Email: jczarnecki@brickschools.org
Website: www.brickschools.org