Ocean City Schools Named A Lighthouse District

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Education named the Ocean City School District a Lighthouse District on Wednesday. The Lighthouse District Initiative recognizes New Jersey schools that demonstrate progress across diverse groups of learners.

OCSD was chosen based on its development and institution of diverse programs that focus on infusing equity and addressing the achievement and opportunity gaps. The district was also recognized for creating initiatives relating to student health and wellness, building foundational academic skills for equitable access to coursework, and its ability to tell students stories through data.

Lighthouse Districts show strong improvement by using data to individualize support for students and school communities. The LDI also helps elevate and empower voices of experts in the field to strengthen teaching, leading and learning in NJ classrooms.

The Lighthouse District program offers structured professional learning experiences to further the district's quest for continuous improvement. These experiences include diversity, equity and inclusion training. This will give OCSD the opportunity to participate in mentoring opportunities with staff from other districts.

OCSD launched the Raider Ready program last school year. The program gives new students and families opportunities to acclimate to a new school, helping students entering kindergarten, fourth grade and ninth grade. The sessions help students with foundational skills and concepts needed to succeed in the next grade.

The district also participates in the New Jersey Consortia for Excellence Through Equity (NJCEE). As a member, administrators and faculty participate in professional learning and networking opportunities, which are shared within the district.

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