About.

​​                               Definition of a 21st Century Community Learning Center

The vision for New Jersey’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program is to develop high quality out-of-school time programs through community learning centers that provide services not just to the child but to the entire family. The goals of the 21st CCLC Programs are to:

1. Increase students’ career and college readiness by offering high-quality remediation activities in core academic areas such as reading and mathematics, enrichment activities including arts and culture, youth development experience, and physical activity
2. Increase positive student behavior by infusing social, emotional, and character development into the program;
3. Engage adult family members of participating students through an array of parental involvement activities;
4. Build partnerships and collaborative relationships to ensure participants’ access to all available resources

Established in September 2018

Choose 2 Connect is the successor to Project Launch which was implemented from September 2013 until August 2018. We look forward to continuing the successful work of this program for our students. 

Our Goals

1. To provide high-quality educational and enrichment programs that will enable students to improve academic achievement and promote positive behavior and appropriate social interaction with peers and adults. 

2. To implement activities that promote parental involvement and provide opportunities for literacy and related educational development to the families of participating students. 

3. To measure participants' progress and program effectiveness through monitoring and evaluating. 

Our Team

Elysia Ochs
Director of C2C

I am High Point Regional High School 2001 graduate.
I attended Rowan University for my undergraduate work and earned a BA in Collaborative Education and American Studies.
I then completed my Masters of Science in Teaching in 2006, also from Rowan University. I am certified as a Teacher of Reading, Elementary School Teacher K-8, and Teacher of the Handicapped K-12.
I completed my Masters of Administration in May 2016 through Rowan University Global Online University. I have also obtained my Supervisor Certification and my Principal Certificate of Eligibility.
 In my free time enjoy reading, doing stained glass, and spending time with my friends and family.

Kathy Bottoni
C2C Halsted Site Coordinator

I have been fortunate enough  to be in the Newton School system for the last thirteen years. I love the Newton students and look forward to another successful year in our new after school program, Choose 2 Connect! I hope that you will join us. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Casey Dillard
C2C Merriam Site Coordinator

I am a Newton High School graduate who could not wait to come home and be back in her community! I have been with Newton for five years, and I'm so pleased to add Choose to Connect as part of role here. During the day I am one of the third and fourth grade ELA teachers. After school I like to read along side my cat, hike with my dog, and do various crafts (without their footprints over everything!). I look forward to meeting each of you! 

District Mission Statement

The mission of the Newton Public Schools is to educate the whole child.

We believe today's students will become tomorrow's leaders. Therefore, it is our expectation that all students shall achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at all grade levels, and graduate ready for college, careers, and life.

We believe success is an unlimited commodity, and every child can be successful. Therefore, we focus all that we do on student learning, whether that comes through academics, athletics, the arts, student activities, or community service.

We believe in the power of diversity. Therefore, we look to identify the unique talents of our students, and help them to build those talents into strengths by expanding their knowledge and skills.
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We believe in the value of care. Therefore, we put trust, respect, and support at the heart of our school culture, and safety, security, and sustainability at the center of our physical environment.

​We believe parents, teachers, support staff, and citizens must partner in order to help children achieve their highest potential. Therefore, we organize ourselves as community schools to ensure we allocate sufficient resources to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our students as well as to their academic achievement.