Brandt Quarterly Newsletter
Marking Period 4
Inside this Edition
- Principal's Message
- Students of the Month
- Classroom Updates
- Counselor's Corner
- Specials Updates
- Nurse's Nook
Principal's Mesage
To the staff, it is never lost on me that your professionalism and dedication to the children of the community is stellar. I remember on March 14th, we met in small groups to prepare for remote learning. It was in those meetings I knew you were all ready, willing, and able to accept the challenges no teachers in history had ever been asked to face. As I know you've seen in my (countless) emails, there is a quote from Bruce Lee. It says, "Be water." Essentially, be whatever the situation needs you to be. You went with the flow, adapted, and excelled. I am proud of you. I am proud to be your principal, and I will sing your praises all throughout the summer months.
To our parents and caregivers - congratulations! You successfully navigated your way through thirteen (13!) weeks of remote learning. We could not have had the success we experienced during these unprecedented times without your support and partnership. While it wasn't always easy, while it wasn't always smooth, your feedback and willingness to step into the role of at-home educator allowed us to evolve and excel. Since you stepped into that role, that de facto makes me your boss - so as your boss I am giving you a directive to find a way to celebrate! A school's strength always stems from the community, and for being the wonderful community you are, I will sing your praises all throughout the summer months.
To the students - I miss you. So much. There have been countless times when I've spoken publicly, or during private conversations, where I say the smiles and the laughter of the children are the best parts about being in this line of work. I can't wait to see those smiles and hear that laughter in person again. I am incredibly proud of the work you did with us when we were at Brandt and the work you did from home during remote learning. We will be back together before you know it. You will all be a bit taller. You'll be a bit older. And we will continue to travel this path with you as you grow. The children of the community are always its most precious resource, and you indeed are all magnificent and precious. I will sing your praises all throughout the summer months.
Please, everyone, be safe and well. As guidance is given by the state regarding the coming school year, we will be in contact with you. Have a wonderfully spectacular amazingly stupendous summer Brandt Family!
Students of the Month
April
1st Grade - Dani Levy
2nd Grade - Brii Newby
3rd Grade - Snow Cercone
4th Grade - Damian Gotwols
5th Grade - Kimora Miller
Science Amelie Cademartori
Music - Kate Cherpitel
May
Douglas Critelli - 1st Grade
Jonathan McDonald - 2nd Grade
Raaga Hari - 3rd Grade
Mikaela Crimmins - 4th Grade
Alex De La Rosa - 5th Grade
Jackson Weisman - Physical Education
Avery Dunn - Science
June
Collins Roark - 1st Grade
Clara Cragnolin - 2nd Grade
Kieran Danko - 3rd Grade
Jaiden Martinez - 4th Grade
Quadir Ladson - 5th Grade
Gil Bezalel - Music
Mia Mazzalla - Science
Kindergarten
In ELA recently, the students have been working on the long vowel sounds, reviewing concepts that they have learned all year and elements of a story. The students have been writing their own story each week and stories have been pretty amazing. In Math, the students have been working with place value, addition, subtraction, word problems and graphing. The students have also been reviewing all the concepts they have been taught all year. They are doing amazing.
Thank you again for all your support throughout the year!
Have a wonderful and safe summer! We will see you soon!
Ms. Mount-Campbell's Class
Mrs. Dunn's Class
Ms. Farrell's Class
First Grade
Students watched videos and interacted with their teacher daily to learn new ELA and math concepts. In Language Arts, we have been learning how to use prepositions, suffixes, and pronouns. To strengthen our reading comprehension skills, we have been focusing on identifying a character's point of view, as well as describing causes and effects and problems and solutions in stories that we read. We have also been brushing up on our writing skills by practicing writing "how-to" stories.
In math, we have been practicing place value, adding and subtracting by ten, skip counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's, and solving word problems by applying a multitude of strategies. We keep it fun though--with dance parties, show and tell, and even rapid fire math fact questions! When not working hard on their daily lessons, some first graders got to take their “teacher” to all their favorite places and do all their favorite things!
Second Grade
Third Grade
Third grade went on a literary journey with Charlotte's Web thanks to E.B. White, and students embarked on a fantastic voyage to the Country. The story of Charlotte's Web demonstrated kindness, friendship and that a strong community can work on a common challenge and have wonderful results.Students demonstrated resiliency and the willingness to be brave and bold as we engaged in authentic Novel Study via the Remote Learning Pathways.
In Math, third grade has been diligently learning about division. Students learned to use their strong multiplication skills to help solve real world word problems. These new skills have helped identify math vocabulary words and combining all of their skills, students have been able to successfully navigate multi-step math equations. The experience has taught us that Brandt School is totally awesome and Brandt Bears can come together, grow, and learn ANYWHERE!
Fourth Grade
The 4th grade students of Joseph F. Brandt School have been tackling Remote Learning for the entirety of Marking Period 4! During this experience, students have taken on the
challenge of completing an entire novel study via Zoom. Throughout Marking Period 4, the fourth graders explored and discussed a coming of age story that includes a magical cupboard that brings plastic figurines to life. Can you guess the title of this beloved novel? If you said The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks, you are correct! Students analyzed higher-level vocabulary while discussing the morality of bringing plastic figurines to life from various time periods of our past. Was it right that the main character, Omri, had control of bringing these miniature humans to life or sending them back? In addition, students discussed the interactions between these miniature humans. Were they civil and respectful from the start? Or did they learn to accept and celebrate the differences between them? In the end, the novel was a success and students engaged in great discussion via daily Zoom sessions!
Throughout Remote Learning, fourth graders have truly tapped into their techy sides and embraced various digital platforms. Google Classroom was at the head of the pack, as this was where fourth graders independently accessed their daily assignments and turned in completed work to their teachers. In addition, fourth graders have explored Reading A-Z, an online platform that provided leveled texts of all genres. Students can work on their decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills by selecting various texts to read. Lastly, students have
wholeheartedly welcomed the newest addition, Epic! This digital platform allows our fourth graders to enjoy books that come to life right on their screens. Epic has certain texts with the “Read to Me” feature. This allows students to listen to the books they select; however, this isn’t your average read aloud--it often includes interactive aspects on the screen, sound effects, background music, and even different voices! It has kept our fourth graders engaged in their daily learning!
As our fourth graders close out this school year and prepare to welcome summer, they wanted to share positive thoughts, ideas, and quotes with each of you! May these brighten your day and remind you to keep reaching for your dreams and goals!
"Click on this link to see more positivity from your Brandt fourth graders!"
Fifth Grade
Congratulations to our "First Fifth" - the first group of fifth graders to move on to sixth grade from Brandt Elementary School! We wish the best of luck to and congratulate:
Alexander De La Rosa
Micaela Forcum
Olivia Gallo
Sophia Garcia
Jordan Holmes
Quadir Ladson
Suli Lebron
Anthony Lopez
Kimora Miller
Gianna Montalvo
Kallum Powell
Noelle Rivera
Dante Santiago
Andrey Sapronov
Gabriella Tarinelli
Emma Wehrhahn
The Counselor's Corner
Email: jhosbach@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Specials
Physical Education
This marking period was definitely a different yet inspiring one all around. All the students adapted to staying active, staying healthy, and making the best out of working out at home. These last few moths consisted of workouts that engaged the students with the last sport we would cover for the year (floor hockey) and went into all different types of workouts. These included: yoga and stretching, balance and coordination, strength training, and a core workout. There were also health assignments that explored all the ways students can take initiative into their own healthy lifestyle choices everyday. And there were special guests along the way - Adrienne G’s (2nd grader) sibling worked on single leg balance with her, and Logan D’s (1st grader) puppy watched him strike a yoga pose!
Chinese
Art
Project Lead The Way
Mrs. Pecoraro
Project Lead the Way K-2
Project Lead the Way K-2
Project Lead the Way K-2
Some Remote Learning Kindergarten Science Superstars
Dylan
Projects related to reducing, reusing and recycling from the fourth marking period.
Maria
She used a repurposed egg carton to plant seeds as part of a recent lesson.
Emma
Seasons and people, animals and plants in Winter.
Project Lead The Way 3-5
3rd grease students learned about the forces of flight, tested glider designs, recorded data, and analyzed their findings.
4th grade students learned about the enormous problem of the Pacific Garbage Patch for Earth Day and designed solutions to clean out a small model of a garbage patch.
Music
Spanish
Spanish Classes during Remote Learning focused on colors, food, animals, clothes, and parts of the house . Students learned how to say the words in Spanish and how to use the vocabulary words in different sentences.They all did an amazing job practicing and working at home.
Theatre
Remote Learning
You all have done a great job remote learning and the Brandt staff is beyond proud of all your hard work. We thank you for the support, flexibility and creativity you brought to the 2019-2020 school year. Here is our "Express Yourself" video that will hopefully send a smile from our homes to yours!
Nurse's Nook
Helping Children Cope with the Coronavirus
It is important to model calmness when talking to children about the virus. Please continue to practice safe Coronavirus precautions. Children will look to their parents/guardians as role models for their behavior.
DO’S
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others any time you are out.
- Go out only for essentials (groceries and medical care).
- Exercise outside only if you can stay 6 feet apart from others.
- Have phone and video chats.
- Drop off food to family and neighbors who cannot go out.
DON’TS
- Gather in groups.
- Get together with relatives and friends.
- Have play dates for the kids.
- Make any unnecessary trips.
Summertime Fun
- Swimming is the most popular summer activity. The best thing you can do to help your family stay safe this summer is to enroll in age-appropriate swim lessons. Do not go near water if you are not able to swim. Life Vests are simple way to prevent deaths of drowning. Vests save Lives!
- Protect yourself from the Sun! Wear sunscreen at all times. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet rays. To prevent skin damage, wear sunscreen with SPF of 30. Wear sun hats to cover those extra exposed areas of the face and neck. Don’t forget about your lip protection and your eyes. UV rays can cause eye damage so please make sure to wear sunglasses. Protection is KEY!
- WATER WATER WATER! Don’t leave the house without bringing a bottle of water with you. In warm temperatures our body’s need extra water. Thirst and dry mouth are early signs of dehydration.
- BUG PROTECTIONS: Mosquitos, ticks, and bees are very common bugs to see during this time of year. Before heading outside for activities, apply bug repellent. AVOID high amounts of the ingredient DEET-this is a toxic chemical. If playing in wooden or high grass areas, where socks, and layer clothing, long pants and sleeves especially at night. This provides a defense in case you encounter these pests.
- Protect your Brain- Wear A HELMET! When biking or riding your scooter ALWAYS wear your helmet! This is the best and safest way to prevent a head injury.
Please continue to monitor your email for messages regarding health related matters for the upcoming school year. Have a great summer and stay safe and wash your hands!!!!
Filomena Konopka, BSN, RN, CSN
Email: fkonopka@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsteps-whe