Woodland Park School District News
March 31, 2023
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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Cultural Presentations
Students in third grade at Beatrice Gilmore School prepared cultural presentations to share with their classmates. Students researched and learned about the countries and cultures that their families identify with. On March 20, the third grade class came together for an International Showcase in the gym to share with one another. Students spoke on the microphone in front of over 150 students as well as participated in a gallery walk.
ESL teacher Mrs. Najim is leading the way for BG’s first international event, which will be held on the afternoon of May 12. All students and parents who are interested in assisting or presenting on this day should contact Mrs. Najim at rnajim@wpschools.org.
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Brightening BG With Good Deeds
Students at Beatrice Gilmore are showcasing ways of being kind and doing good deeds this month as they fill their crescent moon with stars. A star is filled out with a good deed that the student did or that a student did for them. After it is initialed by a teacher, it is hung on the moon. Classes have discussed what a good deed is. It's not just being kind. It's also working to correct our behavior, speaking kindly, and giving to others. We want to Brighten BG!
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Special Guest
The students in Ms. Najim's class at Beatrice Gilmore School were working on their writing lesson with their special guest, Golden the fish. Golden the fish was helping the ESL students to generate writing ideas and to practice the question words for the week.
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Exploring Facts
Ms. Tonti’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School is very excited to embark on a new reading adventure: non-fiction reading. Students began by sorting their fiction and non-fiction books from their book boxes. Next, the children spied different non-fiction text features and learned that there are many but not all will have the same features. Then, the students chose one non-fiction book to read and study. Last, each child met with their monthly partner to share what they learned. This exploration of learning real facts is a favorite adventure for this class. These first graders are getting even more excited to become non-fiction authors! Stayed tuned to see how they create "All About Books."
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Music Month
Ms. Tonti’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School designed their very own musical instruments constructed from materials found around their home. Each child presented their instruments discussing what was made, how it was made, how it vibrates to make sound, and how it changes its sound. To conclude, the children orchestrated a band to perform with their instruments. The class was thrilled to turn noise into beautiful music.
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Spring Is In The Air
Spring has arrived at Charles Olbon School Preschool, completed with a March Tournament of Books. Note the bulletin board in which students have read and then voted on their favorite Eric Carle thus far.
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Building Blocks
After completing the building study, Ms. Face’s PreK-3 class at School 1 constructed buildings of their own out of everyday items.
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Learning All About Sand
The NJ Sea Grant Consortium brought its Oceans To Go hands-on marine science program to Beatrice Gilmore School. Third grade students learned where sand comes from, what it is made from, and how it gets to the Jersey Shore. A laboratory was set up in the media center so that each student used microscopes and used hand lenses to investigate sand samples from near and far. Students took home sand wheels, sand art, and sand cards.
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NJ's Native Americans
The NJ Sea Grant Consortium brought its Oceans To Go hands-on marine science program to Beatrice Gilmore School. Fourth grade students learned about our area’s Native Americans and how they utilized the coastal environment to survive. Students learned about the foods the Lenape ate, how they hunted, fished, and more.
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Local Inspiration
In their most recent Social Studies unit, second graders at Charles Olbon School have been learning about our country’s government and leaders and how they help solve community problems. After learning about the significant role of a mayor in helping a town or city run smoothly, they were inspired to write letters their mayor, Keith Kazmark. The students expressed their thoughts and ideas, and asked questions about the important work he does for the residents of Woodland Park. Mayor Kazmark was extremely impressed with the student's drawings and letters, taking the time to read every one.
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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.
Monday, April 3, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies. This program for babies age 1 to 23 months includes stories, rhymes, songs, and free play. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go weight loss support group. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 11 a.m. - Chair Yoga. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons club for teens in grades 6-12. New and experienced players are welcome anytime. Register here.
Monday, April 3, 7 p.m. - Baumann Book Club will meet to discuss "Dear Edward" by Ann Napolitano. Copies of the book are available at the Library and are also on Hoopla and Libby for easy download. Register here.
Tuesday, April 4, 11 a.m. - Coffee and ... Looking to make some new friends? Just want to chat? Come join us for coffee and... Guest speaker will be Police Chief John Uzzalino. Register here.
Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, April 6, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. - Spring Bingo for adults. Register here.
Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. - Join in for a very special story time to celebrate the spring holidays. Enjoy stories about Ramadan, Easter, and Passover! Register here.
Monday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Tuesday, April 11, 11 a.m. - Pickling class with ShopRite registered dietician Heather Shasa. Discover the process of pickling and preservation, which fruits and vegetables work best, and leave with your own jar of "pickles." Register here.
Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board for grades 6-12. Members will have the opportunity to share ideas for Library programs, help decide what to add to the Library's collection, and more. Snacks will be provided. Register here.
Thursday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. Rise of the Yankees. Join author Pete Laskowich as he explains how a dreary fifth-place club became the greatest dynasty in sports. Register here.
Saturday, April 15, 12:30 p.m. Spring Into STEAM for grades 3-8. Explore different aspects of science, art, engineering, technology, and more. Register here.
Tuesday, April 18, 1 p.m. Crafternoon for adults. Enjoy creating a beautiful craft to take home. Come and relax and let your creative juices flow with Linda. Register here.