BCSS - RE-ENTRY PLAN

The NOVA North program, located at the Emerson Junior/Senior High School, educates students in grades seven through twelve who are academically capable but require support to handle a mainstream setting. NOVA North is an ideal setting for students who have had a variety of behavioral issues in the past, but have typically begun to develop insight into their behavior(s) by the time they enter this program. In school-level counseling, students continue to work on understanding their behaviors, substituting appropriate behaviors while finding and strengthening alternative coping mechanisms. Counseling is available to all NOVA students. The NOVA staff works with parents/guardians to ensure students are sucsessfull academically and socially.

The NOVA North program follows the Emerson Junior/Senior High School curriculum which is based upon the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS), as well as each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)–mandated services and modifications. Students participate in all state-mandated testing. Progress is formally reported with quarterly report cards that reflect Emerson’s grading system, midterm exams, final exams, and two mid-marking period reports.
NOVA students may participate in internships in their junior and senior years. A NOVA guidance counselor will assist sudents with postsecondary planning.

Students begin interacting in the mainstream process by participating in physical education class, electives, lunch, and extracurricular activities. Effective communication between the Emerson High School staff and the NOVA staff helps to maintain an excellent relationship as everyone works toward a mutual goal—the students’ success.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!

We are excited to begin another year filled with meaningful opportunities to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of our students. The Nova North Program, based at Emerson Junior/Senior High School, is dedicated to providing students in grades 7–12 with a traditional middle and high school experience enriched by individualized academic, therapeutic, and behavioral supports.

Our setting allows students to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities, including mainstream classes, the integration of technology to support learning, internship experiences, and guidance with post-secondary planning.

At Nova North, we take pride in preparing students for life beyond high school. Our dedicated staff work in close partnership with families and local school districts to ensure that each student’s transition goals are clearly defined and successfully met. The continued success of our alumni speaks to the impact of the work being done within our program.

We look forward to a productive and rewarding school year as we continue to meet the diverse needs of all our students.

Kelly Lopez