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Dane Barse School

240 South Orchard Road
856-794-6940

The mission of the Dane Barse School is based on the conviction that all students can and will learn. Students will become knowledgeable, skillful, lifelong learners who are contributing citizens in our changing society. Learning is the result of a strong partnership of our parents, teachers and community. Our goal is to ensure a safe, creative, stimulating and carinfg environment which promotes self-esteem, sound character, responsibility and respect for diversity. We expect the best from our students and will give no less of ourselves.

Improving the Barse family today by … nurturing academic excellence through creative teaching and learning … building character through diverse partnerships … achieving value, respect and tolerance for tomorrow’s world.

Our school is named for Dane Barse, a prominent clothing manufacturer, civic leader and School Board Member and President for many years.

The original Orchard Road School was destroyed by fire before W.W. II. A new four room school was built in 1951 (originally called Orchard Road School, later changed into Dane Barse School.) with Dante Giuliani as Teaching Principal. In 1950, during construction, some classes from the area were housed in empty rooms in E. Vineland and Oak and Main, under Mr. Giuliani. When the school opened, the 6th grade class was still housed in another school. Parents protested and after 2 months the large basement room was prepared and the 6th Graders placed in the Orchard Road School.

In 1952 Mr. Giuliani returned to Reber School as a Jr. High teacher and Gladys Gavin (from Oak & Main) became Teaching Principal. In 1962 when the first addition was built (11 rooms) Miss. Gavin became full-time principal and remained in that position until she retired in June 1976. Eight more rooms were added in 1966 (total 23 classrooms and library in basement, (the library was moved upstairs to a classroom in 1984 (total 21 classrooms, 1 supplemental instruction room and library). Pauline Petway became principal in 1976m retiring in June 1985. She supervised North Delsea Day Care Center also.

Initially Barse was a K-6 school, then Grades 1-6 when the Kindergarten Centers were formed in 1979; then Grades 1-4 in 1981 when the Intermediate Schools (5-8) were organized. Over the years a variety of Bilingual and Special Classes have been housed in Barse School. In 1984-85 there were 3 Bilingual, 3 E.M.R. and 1 E.D. classes. Anne Valentine, Helping Teacher, was appointed Principal for 1985.