Woodland Park School District News
Nov. 18, 2022
Welcome to the Woodland Park School District e-Newsletter which is sent out weekly when school is in session. It serves as a glimpse of some of the wonderful things going on in our schools, as well as a point of reference for upcoming events.
Your Partner in Education,
Michele R. Pillari, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
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The Berkeley Experience
Students enrolled in the Mustang Academy participated in "The Berkeley Experience". The students visited Berkeley College campus every Wednesday for six weeks.
On the first Wednesday, the students painted hearts that were sent to Texas and St. Joseph's Hospital. The students also had the opportunity to speak with Berkeley students and learn about the various programs available at the school.
The following week, the students engaged with the members of Berkeley's soccer team spoke to and practiced some drills on the campus lawn.
During the third week, the students spoke to members of Berkeley's "Justice League" and learned about the criminal justice program.
Students practiced mindfulness during week four and meditated with the head of Berkeley's counseling department.
Our students enjoyed a "paint and mingle" experience during week five with Berkeley students as shown in the group picture above.
In the final session, the students had the opportunity to visit the surgical room and tour the school. The students were very excited to learn about the medical field and see the "Jane Doe" medical dummy that Berkeley students practice on.
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House Event
Students at Memorial Middle School enjoyed afternoon fun during the Nov. 9th House event. Activities included a dress relay race, hula hoop pass, cup sorting challenge, basketball challenge, and Kan Jam Frisbee.
All students and staff at Memorial School are sorted into four houses: earth, wind, fire, and water. Each house represents a character trait that is instilled in the students and staff each and every day: earth - trustworthy, wind - respect, fire - responsibility, and water - caring.
The goal of the House System is to assist in improving the school’s overall climate, build a positive climate and provide every student, teacher, and staff member with a place to belong. The House assignment process is conducted through random sorting in order to ensure that each student is provided with opportunities to work and socialize with others outside of typical social circles and grade levels. This in turn promotes an overall sense of belonging and connections within the school environment.
While House of Fire was in the early lead, House of Earth has assumed first place after last week's events! Congratulations!
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Having Their Say
To honor Election Day, the PreK students at Charles Olbon School voted on their favorite color of the rainbow! Each student completed a ballot and cast their vote in a "voting booth". The winning color was announced and it was blue! Following the election, the students will have a Color Day based on the winning color.
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Custom Class Scarecrow
Mrs. D'Amico and Mrs. Davidson's first grade class at Charles Olbon School enjoyed planning and designing their very own class scarecrow. The students listened to the story, There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves followed by a whole group discussion about whether or not the book was real or fantasy.
Throughout the reading, the students noticed that the objects the old lady was swallowing were the items needed to make a scarecrow! At the conclusion of the reading, the students brainstormed all the items needed to make their very own scarecrow. Students were assigned groups and each group was responsible for planning and designing a different part of the scarecrow. The student carefully cut out the pieces parts and put them together to create their "Not So Scary" Scarecrow! After a whole class vote, the students named him, Happy Jack the Nicest Scarecrow in the Entire Galaxy. He prefers to be addressed by his full name!
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Anti-Bullying Assembly
Students at Beatrice Gilmore School recently enjoyed an assembly provided through its grant partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning. "Mad Dog & Me: Bullying and the Power of Kindness" was presented by David Gonzalez. Through an entertaining mix of world tales and personal stories, Mr. Gonzalez addressed the universal experience of standing up for yourself in the face of adversity and bullying. Through fables, myths, and personal stories about his life growing up in a rough neighborhood, Mr. Gonzalez offered the students insights and strategies for cultivating compassionate relationships and communities.
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Community Project
English learners in Mrs. Najim's class at Beatrice Gilmore School built their class community project. Students worked together on to recreate and discover places in the community. The students presented this project which represents some places in the community and the people who help in their community.
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Saluting Veterans
First graders in Ms. Tonti’s class at Charles Olbon School honor veterans every day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing The Star Spangled Banner. This year, the students made poppy flower pins to further show their pride for all that veterans have done to keep us safe and for all our freedoms. To all the veterans, these first graders thank you for your service!
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Excited Winners
Mrs. Hope’s class at Charles Olbon School was so excited to learn that they had won the door decorating contest. They can’t wait to celebrate with a pizza party on Nov. 23!
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Memorial Food Drive
The Memorial Middle School Student Council is sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive. Anyone wishing to make a donation can bring in canned and boxed goods by Monday, Nov. 21. Drop off donations to Mr. Pollicino's classroom - Room 115. All items will be donated to Eva's Village in Paterson.
Items needed: breakfast cereals, oatmeal, juice, water, sugar, Cup-O-Noodles, potato chips, salad dressing, granola bars, Stove Top Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy.
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December Dance Party
Save the date of Dec. 2 for Beatrice Gilmore School's Home & School Association December Dance Party! More information will follow shortly.
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Ax Throwing Fundraiser
The Memorial Middle School 8th Grade Dance Committee is holding a fundraising axe-throwing event at Stumpy's Hatchet House in Fairfield on Wednesday, Nov. 23. This event is for adults only. Cost is $40 per person. For tickets or any questions, contact Trish at wpmemorialclassof2023@gmail.com or 201-452-9212.
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following programs. Visit the Library's website here or Facebook page here. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts (K-4). Join in to make a fall craft and hear a story. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go no judgment weight loss sharing group. Share stories, tips, and struggles, or just listen. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go and relax with us in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 4:30 p.m. - Reading Rebels for grades 3 to 5. We will introduce the book, read an excerpt, then enjoy activities, crafts, or games based on the book. The book will be provided at the program. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join in for stories, songs, crafts, and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m. - Bingo for grades K to 4. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 24 - The Library is closed
Friday, Nov. 25 - The Library is closed
Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - Legomania for all ages. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Registration is strongly suggested. We cannot guarantee time with a tutor if you are not pre-registered. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. - ESL/ELL Conversation Club (for adults) Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Join Miss Sara for bedtime story time. Pajamas are encouraged! This story time is for the whole family. Register here.