"Mario J. Drago School of the Tigers: The Place to Hunt for Knowledge" The fall of 1999 marked the 125th anniversary of the school. Mario J. Drago School #3, named for a former principal, was first known as Franklin School. In September 1874, classes for Franklin School #3 began in a rented room in a building on Westervelt Place and Franklin (now Main) Avenues. Then in 1890, School 3, which was a two story, nine classroom building, was built on Van Houten Avenue at Waverly Place. A third story was added in 1910. In the 1940's School #3 had no gym, and students had to go to Ahavas Israel Annex for their gym class. The Gym/Auditorium Wing was built in 1949 at a a cost of $359,157.00, and the dedication service was held on Saturday, May 13, 1950 with Mayor Paul DeMuro cutting the ribbon to the building. This wing also added six classrooms and a library at the time. The main Academic Wing, which houses the current school, was built at a cost of $713,705.00 in the sight of the former playground. It contains 18 classrooms, two kindergartens, office, nurse's room, and teachers' room. The cornerstone was laid in 1965, and the building was officially dedicated on Sunday, May 19, 1968. In 1991, the Park Branch Library, which was located in the school building, was closed to make more room for teaching. That space of 35 x 45 ft. was converted into two classrooms. An addition to the school is planned for the future. Mario J. Drago #3 currently services approximately 700 students in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth. The staff consists of over 100 dedicated people hired by the Passaic Board of Education and volunteers who willingly give of their time. Our mission statement is: Mario J. Drago School, a community of learners, envisions its purpose in the following manner: Students shall acquire those skills needed to obtain information, solve problems, think critically and communicate effectively. Through an appreciation of cultural diversity, our students will develop into citizens who have a sense of respect and responsibility for themselves and others. The school promotes student programs that will lead to productive citizens who can meet the highly demanding technological needs of the 21st Century. A well-rounded education is the goal of everyone at Mario J. Drago #3.