The NJSBA, a federation of the state’s local boards of education, offers awards to school programs that tap into community resources, use technology and the arts, and boost academic achievement, according Frank Belluscio, NJSBA director of communications. The School Leader Award was started in 1985 and recognizes New Jersey school districts that improve student learning through unique educational efforts.

"The School Leader Award was started in 1985 and recognizes school districts that improve student learning through unique educational efforts," he said. "School districts submit curricular programs for consideration. The NJSBA looks at various criteria including originality, comprehensiveness and how it ties to state academic standards, including results. The program that PVHS submitted offers these credentials and the judges commended the business course for its design, application and community aspect being that there is an actual local business that participates in the program."

The winning PV program - International Business Practice Firm (IBPF) - is not a traditional course. Students work cooperatively to run a virtual chocolate candy company called Favor-It Inc.

Started by students from the class of 2005, the course simulates a community-based business. Students learn the mechanics of small business and economics as they market their product through activities such as trade shows. The program also partners with a local confectionery company, Bromilow’s Chocolate Company, a family-operated West Paterson based business that assists students with tours and real-world business insights.

"This course was categorized and identified as an exemplary program," added Belluscio. "The NJSBA then shares these outstanding school programs with other districts throughout the state. The IBPF course will be highlighted in our journal this year as a program leader."

Besides the PVHS district, other honored programs came from the school districts of Bergen County Special Services, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional, Delaware Township, Egg Harbor Township, Irvington and North Brunswick Township. With 36 entries, the judges based their evaluations on the level of innovation, results, how well the programs address specific needs, and the relationship to the state’s Core Curriculum Content Standards, according to Belluscio.

NJSBA will present the school districts with the awards during the closing general session of Workshop 2008 on Oct. 30 in Atlantic City. Workshop is the state’s major training conference for local school board members and administrators.

"Passaic Valley is extremely proud to receive the NJSBA School Leader Award for our international business practice firm class," said Matthew Conforth, PVHS director of educational technology. "IBPF epitomizes the connection between the classroom and the 'real world.' It is greatly enjoyed by the students in the class because it allows them the opportunity to put into practice, business related skills and abilities that they have learned about in other theory classes."