Memorial News
August / September 2017
From Mr. Collier
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The summer went by very fast. It feels like yesterday that we said "good bye" to our fourth grade students, and now we are already welcoming everyone back to school. I hope that you and your family had a great summer, and everyone is ready to get back to school. As we enjoy the remaining weeks of August, many parents are starting to inquire about the start of school. Some are anxious to find out their child’s teacher and making sure they have everything ready for the first day of school. Try not to stress over it and enjoy the remaining days with your children.
During the summer, the building had some enhancement and improvements:
- Room 114 (Mrs. Ripston) has a new floor, mobile furniture, and a flat panel TV to replace her interactive board.
- Room 106 (Mrs. Ficarra-Morello) and room 113 (Mrs. Alvarez) had their interactive boards replaced with flat panel TV's.
- The first and second grade hallway was painted.
- New art tables were purchased.
- The library has a new circulation desk.
- The third grade wing has a new roof, ceiling and led lighting.
- The main office was painted.
- Rooms 101 and 102 have new tile in their bathroom's.
- The exterior doors were replaced on the side of the school.
- All staff have a new ID security badge to let them in the building.
- We also upgraded the internet in our school to accommodate more devices.
- Chromebooks were purchased so that every third and fourth grade student has their own to use in school.
This school year, we are focusing on staff collaboration and coaching. Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Walsh will be coaching and providing collaborative opportunities for our teachers to be reflective and strengthen their workshop techniques in the classroom. One of those ways is to examine each student's academic performance. Our teachers will be using a new informal assessment called M.A.P. (Measure of Academic Progress) to look at each student's strengths and areas for growth. It is our goal that this new tool will provide more insightful information about each child's performance.
Mr. Pellegrino is working on a character education program that will include a theme for the month and activities to go along with the theme. We will also continue the very popular "Family Night". We hope to see many family photos this year!
Finally, I would like to invite our Memorial parents and students to join Mr. Pellegrino and myself on Wednesday, September 6th at 8:40 a.m. for our traditional bell ringing, which will take place outside of the community entrance.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
From the Montvale Police Department:
Please be advised that there is NO parking near the DPW or in front of or on the side of the new firehouse. Due to the construction, this is the only available parking area for responding firemen for an active call. Also, there is NO parking in the front of Memorial School. This is a fire zone.
Any vehicle that is parked in those areas will be subject to a fine or being towed!
Milk Order
You can order your child(ren) milk online through the Memorial School website under Parent/Student Info or click HERE. Milk can only be purchased on an annual basis at a cost of $34.40 Please fill out the form online and be sure to hit send at the top of the screen to ensure your order is received. Then, a check made out to Montvale School Service Account needs to be sent to Memorial to the attention of Ms. Luparello by September 5, 2017.
Student Placements
On or about Monday, August 28th, you will be able to obtain your child(ren)’s placement on the Genesis Parent Portal. You will receive an email regarding the opening of Genesis from Memorial School. Please remember your user name and password. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, email our tech support at support@montvalek8.org (please allow our tech department time to respond to your request).
Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to our teachers and support staff for all of their hard work and diligence with the completion of this extensive process. There were so many variables that went into consideration for each individual placement. The staff has worked extensively developing a fitting learning environment for both the students and teachers.
Due to the individualized attention given throughout this process, and the makeup of each class, we will not be accepting any requests for a change in a student’s placement.
School Supplies
As the weekly sale circulars appear, and discounts become available on school supplies, I want to remind everyone that the grade level supply lists are available on the school website. Click HERE to access those lists. Please make sure that your child(ren) have the appropriate materials for September.
Staff Changes at Memorial
Over the summer, Memorial School has hired several new staff members who will be with us starting in September:
Mr. Steve Pellegrino: Assistant Principal and MCC Director. Mr. Pellegrino was the Assistant Principal at Fieldstone Middle School.
Ms. Briann Lafty: Third grade teacher who comes to us from the Haworth School District as a second grade leave replacement teacher.
Mrs. Karen Kantowitz: World Language Teacher who has returned to Memorial School. Mrs. Kantowitz was a part-time World Language Teacher at Memorial School prior to the position being dissolved. Previously, she was a part-time Spanish teacher in Midland Park.
Ms. Ashley Worthington: Special Education Teacher who graduated from Mommouth University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Ed. She will be our new resource teacher.
Ms. Allie Engleberg: Special Education Teacher who comes to us from New Milford as an instructional aide. Ms. Engleberg will be working in grade four as a collaborative teacher.
Ms. Julianne Delli Santi: Special Education Teacher who will be working in kindergarten as a collaborative teacher with Mrs. Diore. Ms. Delli Santi was an instructional aide in the Glen Rock School District.
Also, the following teachers are teaching a different grade level this school year:
Mrs. Lindsay Alvarez: Grade 3
Ms. Kristian Diore: Kindergarten
Mrs. Laurie D'Amaro: Grade 2
On another note, our secretary Mrs. Wright, has taken a position in the Mahwah school district. We are in the process of interviewing for her replacement and we hope to have a new secretary hired shortly.
Change in School Celebrations 2017-2018
Memorial School Supervision and Safety Procedures
Social Media
Genesis - Student Database System
For our kindergarten parents and new families to the Montvale School District, on the morning of August 28th, you will receive an email from the Genesis Student Information System. This email will provide you with the web address and your unique login information to use when the Genesis system is open to access. I have attached a link to the Parent Web Access Manual as a reference while you explore and become familiar with this informational system.
Safe Snacks for Snack Time
Memorial School has taken a stronger position to provide a safer environment for our students. With the growing number of students with food allergies, we will be enforcing safer snacks in the building. Mrs. Dugan, our school nurse, has provided a letter and list of safe snacks that can be brought to school for snack time and lunch. Click HERE for additional information.
Report Card Changes 2017-2018
Upcoming Events
September 15: PTO Ice Cream Social
September 21 and 22 : School Closed for Religious Holiday
September 28: Back to School Night
October 5 and 6: Picture Days
October 9: School Closed - Staff Professional Day