About
Tiger Time
Tiger Time serves the Princeton Public Schools in all four elementary schools: Community Park, Johnson Park, Littlebrook, and Riverside. The program is built around a simple goal: to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where students can engage, connect, and thrive after the school day ends.
Tiger Time prioritizes safety, engagement, social-emotional learning, and alignment with district initiatives. The program is designed to reflect the broader goals of PPS while meeting the day-to-day needs of students and families.
FOCUS
Tiger Time centers around four core priorities:
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Safety & Structure: Clear expectations, secure spaces, and well-organized transitions
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Daily practices rooted in student voice, empathy, and reflection
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Engagement & Choice: Age-appropriate activities designed to promote movement, creativity, and collaboration
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District Alignment: Practices that mirror PPS goals and complement students' in-school experiences
Tiger Time centers around four core priorities:
-
Safety & Structure: Clear expectations, secure spaces, and well-organized transitions
-
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Daily practices rooted in student voice, empathy, and reflection
-
Engagement & Choice: Age-appropriate activities designed to promote movement, creativity, and collaboration
-
District Alignment: Practices that mirror PPS goals and complement students' in-school experiences
STAFFING
Tiger Time is staffed by trained staff who understand the unique needs of elementary-age students. Each site is led by a dedicated Site Supervisor with experience in youth programming or education. Staffing is supported by a full-time Program Director, along with additional assistants and, where appropriate, carefully vetted volunteers. The hiring process prioritizes interpersonal skills, reliability, and alignment with Princeton’s school culture.
SUPERVISION
Controlled chaos is not acceptable. Staff ensure students are supervised at all times, using proactive zone coverage and structured routines. Tiger Time aims to exceed the supervision ratios required by the state. Staff are also trained in conflict resolution and positive behavior supports.
STREAK MEETINGS
Every Tiger Time day begins with a Streak Meeting, a short, structured gathering where students check in, eat snack, and build community. These meetings are powered by CharacterStrong, an evidence-based SEL curriculum designed to be student-friendly, engaging, and practical. CharacterStrong is expanding to all four elementary schools for the 2025-26, making Tiger Time a natural extension of the school day. Streak Meetings help students settle into the afternoon and create a consistent daily rhythm.
PAW PRINTS
Tiger Time staff regularly send home Paw Prints - short, positive notes highlighting a positive experience from your child's day. These are designed to build reflective skills and strengthen the connection between home and school. Families can expect to see Paw Prints coming home throughout the year as a small but meaningful way to celebrate their child’s time in the program.
