Woodland Park School District News
February 26, 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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BG student takes 2nd place in County Poster Calendar Contest
The winners of the 25th Annual 2021 My County Poster Calendar Contest have been announced by Danielle Ireland-Imhof, Passaic County Clerk. Beatrice Gilmore School fourth grader, Victoria Califano, took second place with her depiction of the Paterson Falls. Her artwork is shown for the month of October. Fourth grader, Zain Yazaji, received an honorable mention.
Despite this untraditional school year, over 240 submissions were received. All winners received medals and t-shirts, with first, second, and third place winners also receiving gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, courtesy of the Passaic County Clerk’s Office.
Copies of the poster will be on display at schools, libraries and government buildings throughout Passaic County and available to download here.
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Bucket fillers
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An arctic experiment
Over the past few weeks, Mrs. Yesonosky’s fourth grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School has been studying animal adaptations. The students conducted an experiment to test how blubber helps arctic animals stay warm as a culmination of the unit. The students measured the length of time it took to feel the cold with and without the class-made “blubber.”
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Using their heads
A student in Mrs. Cieslak’s preschool class at Charles Olbon School was so inspired by their study on clothing that he wore a paper bag as a hat to the class read aloud. He inspired everyone in the class to find a hat and join in the fun! While learning about clothing, the students also designed socks. On the last day of the study, the class will celebrate their learning by wearing "special" clothes. What will the students wear? We can’t wait for Mrs. Cieslak to share photographs from these days.
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Memorial School's Miss Ament receives Newsela teacher certification
Congratulations to Memorial Middle School science teacher, Ms. Ament, who just completed the Newsela certification and is now a certified Newsela teacher!
Newsela is a standout resource for supporting students' non-fiction literacy. Their assessment features offer a rich, flexible way for students to demonstrate what they've learned, to practice their close reading skills, and to use their writing to analyze and discuss what they've read. Students are exposed to and read scientific articles to support their learning within the classroom as well as be able to interact with scientific data as it becomes readily available to the public.
The certification consisted of a five-hour course in which Ms. Ament learned the best uses to integrate this learning platform seamlessly in the classroom.
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Joining together
Every morning students in Mrs. Brunini's fifth grade class Beatrice Gilmore School join together on Zoom to share their daily writing prompts as a whole class.
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Star readers
Charles Olbon School kindergarten teacher, Ms. Odaman, noticed that she had a lot of students obsessed with Baby Yoda, so she wanted to come up with something educational and enjoyable for them! This month, the class celebrated Star Wars Reads, in addition to all the other fun things we had to celebrate. Students read their favorite books all month and kept track on a reading log as part of the challenge. Students also dressed up as their favorite Star Wars characters, shared their favorite Star Wars toys and drawings as well as sharing and reading their favorite books.
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Fresh air fun
Beatrice Gilmore School students are once again able to enjoy outdoor recess! Gym teacher, Mr. Pomante, did an excellent job combining his recent learning from his attendance at a PE conference and the weekly lessons he has taught so far this year. Students participated in a warm-up, a fun movement activity, and practiced skills they had learned this year through the virtual lessons. Students depicted in this photo are seen playing a game called "Bop It" - clap it, jump it, spin it, then dab it.
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PVHS to host Coffee & Conversations: Parent Workshop Series
The Passaic Valley High School Teen Center is launching a series of parent workshops to be held every Wednesday beginning March 3 at 6 p.m. All are welcome. In the sessions, parents can expect to discuss specific topics in an organized compassionate virtual setting. Parents will be brought together to not only support one another, but also receive support and resources from the Teen Center Staff. If interested, you can register here.
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Registration open for Boys & Girls Club spring sports
The WP Boys & Girls Club is gauging interest in forming teams for Spring Flag Football. Games would be played weekend nights in Wayne. The program is open to children in kindergarten through 8th grade. If interested, reach out as soon as possible to Tommy Bolen at mbt2004@optonline.net, so the Club can see if it would be possible to get some teams together.
The Club has also opened registration for spring baseball, softball, and Wiffle ball. Registration closes on March 22. The season will run from April 1 to June 14.
Wiffle ball is offered to pre-K age children, where they are introduced to the game and work on the fundamentals of catching, throwing, fielding, and hitting off of a tee. Baseball and softball kindergarten to second grade teams will practice once a week and have a game every Saturday. They will focus on the fundamentals and teamwork. Third to eighth grade teams will learn more advanced softball skills and team concepts. There will be at least one team practice a week, one game a week, and one game on Saturday.
There will be 10 games and everyone makes the playoffs. Though games are competitive, all children will receive equal playing time with the focus on learning and fun first. Registration information can be found here.
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Parent support groups offered by NJ's NAMI branch
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a number of online support groups that are open to all. The groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need. To find out more about NAMI, click here.
The NAMI Family Support Group meets on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. This peer-led support group is designed for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Participants can gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. To register, click here.
NAMI also offers a Spouse/Partner Support Group on the second Thursday of the month. To register, click here. They also offer a a Siblings Support Group on the fourth Thursday of the month. To register, click here.
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Library offers virtual arts education workshop
The Alfred Baumann Library has partnered with William Paterson University for a special virtual arts education workshop. This workshop will be investigating themes of identity and masks with a book discussion and craft. All craft supplies will be available for pick up at the library and Zoom information will be provided after registration.
The fourth and fifth graders session will be Thursday, March 4 at 4 p.m. Sign up here. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade session will be Thursday, March 11 at 4 p.m. Sign up here.
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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, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. - Join in for Virtual Bingo! Prizes will be available for winners. Please register each child individually. The Zoom meeting link and a Bingo card will be provided the day before the program. All ages welcome. Register here.
Monday, March 1, 10 a.m. - Virtual Weigh to Go group meeting. Register here.
Monday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Wednesday, March 3, 11 a.m. - Frozen Fun with Miss Jolie - Join Miss Jolie for a "Frozen"-themed program, including singing, dancing, and more. Ages 1-6 and up. Zoom information will be provided after registration. Register here.
Wednesday, March 3, 4:30 p.m. - Virtual storytime with Miss Phil and Miss Sara. Register here.
Thursday, March 4, 11 a.m. - Check those old jars, tins and attics! Do you have coins minted before 1965? All half dollars prior to 1970 have extra value. Receive cash for older silver coins. Mr. Morgan will be at the Library to give coin values. He offers a buy-back program or you can schedule an appointment with him at 973-464-5094. Register here.
Thursday, March 4, 4 p.m. - Join William Paterson University Galleries for a Virtual Arts Education Workshop for grades four and five. Investigate themes of identity and masks through a discussion of the book "New Kid" by Jerry Craft (available on Hoopla) and the artist book titled "Runaway Girls" by Sarah Blake and Robin Kahn. Supplies for the craft will be available for pick up at the Library. Register here.
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