Woodland Park School District News
Jan. 21, 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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Kindness Adventure
Beatrice Gilmore School students enjoyed the NED's Kindness Adventure virtual assembly on Thursday, January 21st.
The character education assembly is led by NED, a cartoon character whose name is an acronym for "Never give up," "Encourage others," and "Do your best." NED and his human friend, Abraham, shared details of their kindness adventure to a school in Kenya, Africa. NED and Abraham learned about their new friends – how they are unbreakable, “like sticks in a bundle.” "We are stronger when we stick together, " Abraham said. BG students learned about the Kenyan school which has 56 students in the classroom, culture, and way of life.
The themes brought forth were: "Caring is cool;" "Include others;" "I can make friends anywhere;" "Each person matters a lot;" and "Different can be good."
The NED Show came to BG at no cost. The school will make Kenyan artisan-created items available for purchase for the next week, which are tangible reminders that increase the students’ ability to retain NED’s message long after the assembly. Proceeds from the sale will allow another school to benefit from the program. In addition to paying it forward to another school, proceeds also benefit the African artisans and help provide clean drinking water to residents there.
Find out more about the program here. The site offers resources for teachers and parents.
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Gym Floor Complete
The Memorial Middle School gym floor has been completed and is now able to be used. The gym floor was replaced due to flood damage from Hurricane Ida last September. The design of the new floor will greatly reduce the cost and time needed for repair if damage is incurred in the future.
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Collaborative Work
Students in Mrs. Guariglia’s PreK-3 class at School 1 work collaboratively in small groups to retell the story The Three a Billy Goats Gruff using a felt board.
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Young Dreamers
Mrs. LaSala’s PreK-4 class at School 1 talked about their very own dreams after learning about Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Silly Names
The children in Ms. Gilhooley's PreK-3 class at School 1 created "silly names" as a way to identify and create alliterations using their own names.
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Snow Much Fun
Mrs. Mete's PreK-4 class at School 1 is having "snow" much fun making snow by measuring and mixing. The students added people, animals and Styrofoam to help with language development and cognitive growth while engaging in sensory play.
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Assessment Time
The students in Mrs. Tundo’s Kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School enjoy using iPads while taking the i-Ready math diagnostic assessment.
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Get to Know The BOE Trustees
January is designated Board of Education Appreciation Month. Every week during this month, we will spotlight each of our Board of Education members in order to celebrate and honor their volunteer service and dedication to the students and families of Woodland Park.
Dr. Joseph Giammarella has lived in Woodland Park for 15 years with his wife, Fran. They have two children and two grandchildren. Dr. Giammarella is a retired educator, serving over 30 years as a science teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Hudson County Schools of Technology.
Entering his third year as a member of the Board of Education for the Woodland Park School District, Dr. Giamarella has been recently elected vice-president. During his time on the Board, he has served as a member of the Policy and Finance committees and currently serves as Chairperson of the Education Committee. Dr. Giamarella also serves as the Board of Education liaison and ex-officio member of the newly launched Woodland Park Education Foundation.
His goals for the district can be summed up in three statements:
1. Continue to work collaboratively with board members, superintendent, and mayor and council to ensure that the students of Woodland Park receive the education that they deserve.
2. Support the school district in maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment for our students and staff.
3. Enhance the educational opportunities for our students through the work of the Education Foundation.
Prior to being elected to the Board of Education. Dr. Giamarella was a member of the Woodland Park Planning Board.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Giamarella for his time and service.
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Souper Bowl of Caring
Beatrice Gilmore School is running its annual SOUPer Bowl of Caring collection drive. Every year BG helps tackle hunger by donating canned goods to a local food pantry. The school is accepting donations until Feb 4. Two years ago, the school was able to donate over 1,000 food items, and this year, they hope to exceed that goal. Items being collected include: any canned goods: soup, vegetables, tuna, etc.; cereal boxes; pasta; Knorr sides; rice; and baby food.
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Lunch Menu Changes
There has been a change recently to the posting of our monthly lunch menus. To view the menu, click on Food and Nutrition (on www.wpschools.org). Then on the top bar, click on menus, then click on view interactive menu. Choose which school you would like to view. This new format allows parents or students to view ingredients, calories, etc., by clicking on the selection of the day.
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BGHSA Snack Sale
The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association Fifth Grade Committee is running an early dismissal days snack fundraiser on Feb. 9, 15, 16 and 17. Students will be permitted to bring a healthy snack (that can be eaten in less than 15 minutes) to school on early dismissal days since lunch will not be provided. Snacks can be brought from home or purchased from this HSA fundraiser. Orders are due by Feb. 4.
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Clothing Drive
Save the date for the next Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association collection drive, which will be held on Saturday, March 19, from 9 to 12:30 p.m. in the WP Boys & Girls Club parking lot on Memorial Drive.
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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, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go weight loss journey discussion group via Zoom. Share stories, recipes, and more. Register here.
Monday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Join in via Zoom for a relaxing yoga and meditation session. Let your problems go for a while and relax. Register here.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama story time for babies to kindergarten-age children. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m. - Monthly winter picture bingo for kindergarten and up. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 3 and up. Join in for story time, songs, and a craft. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. - January Adult Book Club will be discussing "The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner. The eBook and audiobook version of this title is available for instant download with your library card via our Hoopla app at hoopladigital.com. Register here.
Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club. Join in via Zoom to discuss new, various spices. Come to pick up the packet of the spice beforehand and a suggested recipe. Discuss the history of the spice and your thoughts about the recipe. Register here.
Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. - Families are invited to join Heather Shasa, dietitian at ShopRite in Little Falls to create healthy and fun recipes. This program will be virtual. An ingredients list and Zoom link will be provided after registration. Register here.
Thursday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m. - Photography Workshop with Jennifer Arcuri. Learn how to take those great shots that you've always dreamed of. The program will be held at Borough Hall unless otherwise decided as we approach the meeting date. Register here.