Jen Crickenberger,
HEAD OF middle SCHOOL
Mrs. Crickenberger is honored to support The Park School’s community as Head of Middle School. This fall marks her 20th year in education across kindergarten through 8th grade. Before teaching 3rd grade and working as the Middle School Learning Support Specialist here at Park, she served on the leadership team at The Harbour School in Hong Kong as the Curriculum and Instructional Coach. Her contributions to a three-year study with Harvard University’s Project Zero & Catalyst Education Lab anchored the professional development she directed for all staff from multiage kindergarten through high school. Prior to her time abroad, she taught for a decade in kindergarten through second grade at two Title One Schools in South Carolina. Mrs. Crickenberger understands the importance of creating an environment where students are challenged academically, encouraged to explore their personal interests, and supported as they develop independence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Mrs. Crickenberger’s undergraduate degree from Winthrop University is in Early Childhood Education, and she is certified in NYS. She earned her master’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University in Education with an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education. In her free time, Mrs. Crickenberger enjoys reading, hiking, and skiing with her family.
If you have any questions about the Middle School, including the academic program, extracurriculars, and student life, please contact Mrs. Crickenberger at jcrickenberger@theparkschool.org or at 716-839-1243 x 152.
curriculum overview
Park’s Middle School combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a stimulating and supportive environment to help students negotiate those competing needs and to build each student’s responsibility for active learning while maintaining the joy of discovery. Recognizing that each child develops differently, our experienced faculty utilizes experiential learning and differentiates instruction to meet each student’s individual needs. Our mission is to develop in each child the foundational skills necessary for a successful future, including a sense of self-awareness; a respect for others’ rights; the ability to think critically and express ideas clearly; and an understanding of academic, civic, and personal responsibility.
From its founding in 1912, daily exercise has been an integral part of the educational program at Park. Park was one of the first schools in the country to understand that regular physical activity enhances a student's cognitive powers, ability to focus, stress management skills, memory, sleep, motivation and social/emotional development. At Park, daily exercise is structured into every student's day through a combination of gym class, interscholastic sports, recess and outdoor breaks.
