Woodland Park School District News
January 22, 2021
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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Kindness counts
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STRIVE team takes part in virtual quiz bowl
The seventh grade STRIVE team recently took part in the first competition of the school year. Three Woodland Park team members - Tanush Patel, Joseph Iannacone, and Kayla Valer - participated in a virtual quiz bowl competition against students in three different schools. Joseph Iannacone took second place at the event! Congratulations, Joseph, and great job to all the students who participated!
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MLK service project launches
To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Alfred Baumann Library, Mayor Kazmark, Junior Girl Scout Troop 96790, and the School 1 Early Childhood Advisory Council have launched a toiletry drive for babies and children in the community. The launch was promoted by a video featuring our Girl Scouts and Director of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Irizarry. View the video here.
Running through Feb. 19, new toiletry items for babies and children can be dropped off at the Library, 7 Brophy Lane, or School 1, 665 McBride Ave. Items being collected include formula, diapers, pull-ups, wipes, washcloths, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, etc.
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Learning baking basics
School 1 PreK-3 teacher, Ms. Wittig, and classroom aide, Mrs. Cuntrera, conducted a baking lesson with their class last week. Students made biscuits from scratch. Ms. Wittig and Mrs. Cuntreara modeled the steps of the recipe as the children followed along. The students had a great time and enjoyed a delicious treat!
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Kids in the kitchen
The Alfred Baumann Library hosts monthly family cooking classes via Zoom with ShopRite dietician, Heather Shasa. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required. Call 973-345-8120 to register. An ingredients list and Zoom meeting link will be provided after registration.
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COHSA is running virtual Book Fair
The Charles Olbon School Home & School Association is running a virtual Scholastic Book Fair through Jan. 28. All purchases will benefit the school and connect children with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and so much more. All are welcome to shop, as orders ship directly to the home. The website offers over 6,000 items, including new releases, best sellers, and value packs. There is free shipping on book-only orders over $25. All purchases support the HSA and earn 25 percent in rewards. Visit the Book Fair homepage here.
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HSA committee launches cupcake fundraiser
The fifth grade committee at Beatrice Gilmore School launched a Mr. Cupcake fundraiser that will run until Feb. 10. The funds raised will ensure the fifth grade students have a fun and memorable "Moving Up" party at the end of the year, when they will leave elementary school and head to middle school. Cupcakes can be ordered here.
Free special education process video is available in Spanish
A free parent training video is available in Spanish for parents to understand the special education process. Does my child need special education? What does this mean and what is the process?
The workshop walks parents through the process of pre-referral to IEP. It explains the intention of special education to clarify cultural misunderstandings and the pre-referral processes of RtI/MTSS, define IDEA/LRE/IEP. The video gives understanding to disability evaluations with and without standardized scores, and dispel some myths about bilingual evaluations. In addition, some important research points on bilingual development that parents should be aware of are highlighted.
To access the video, click here.
Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. All programs are VIRTUAL unless noted. To view virtual programs, click here.
Friday, Jan. 22 - Last day to register for "Snail Mail."
The Library now has a new pet snail. Register here for Snail Mail, which includes a fact sheet, activities, and a craft. Pick up anytime during Library hours or have it mailed to you.
Monday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. - Virtual Weigh to Go group meeting. This Zoom meeting provides a relaxed, stress free, judgement free environment to share your stories, share recipes, health tips, guest speakers and much more. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m. - Virtual storytime with Miss Phil and Miss Sarah. This week will be about snails. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. - Join the January Adult Book Discussion Group with a live, virtual book discussion via Zoom. The group will be discussing "Search for Sylvie Lee" by Jean Kwok. Register here.
Friday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Celebrate National Puzzle Day with a fun winter-themed Digital Breakout for those in grades 4 to 8. The Zoom meeting link will be provided before the program begins. Register here.
Monday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. - Virtual Weigh to Go group meeting. Register here.
Monday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. - What’s in a Name? Learn about surnames derived from occupations, one of the most common origins of last names. Register here and a Zoom link will be emailed to you after registration.
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. - Move & Groove with Miss Jolie on Zoom. Enjoy silliness, stories, music, and fun for ages 1-6+. Register here.
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