Woodland Park School District News
Nov. 3, 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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On Parade
Students in the Early Childhood Center, School 1, Charles Olbon School, and Beatrice Gilmore School enjoyed dressing up for Halloween. Everyone enjoyed a parade outside to show off their costumes for family and friends. At Beatrice Gilmore, the Memorial Middle School band set up outside to perform festive tunes to accompany the parade.
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Door Decorating Contest Winners
The Woodland Park Municipal Alliance Against Alcoholism and Drug Abuse sponsored its annual door decorating contest this month in our schools in honor of Red Ribbon Week. Winning classrooms will be treated to a pizza party from the Alliance. The winners were as follows:
ECC winner: Racing - Ficarra
ECC runner-up: Pac Man - Samra
School 1 winner: Adventure Awaits - Woessner
School 1 runner-up: Healthy Choices - Casanovas
Charles Olbon School winner: Toadly - Florez
Charles Olbon School runner-up: Bat Tree - Healy/Burke
Beatrice Gilmore School winner: Got Brains - Facciollio
Beatrice Gilmore School runner-up: Piano Keys - Rivera/Wilson
Memorial Middle School winner: Taylor Swift - Ament
Memorial Middle School runner-up: Evil Queen - Sonners/Kelly
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Quiz Bowl
Ms. O'Donnell's sixth grade Strive students were deep in thought as they participated in the Gifted & Talented county Quiz Bowl in Haledon. They did a wonderful job and made Memorial School proud!
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Raising Awareness
Staff members at Memorial Middle School recently shared breakfast together. They also wore pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Day and celebrated one of their own.
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Pumpkin Experiment
Students in Mrs. Pasquale's kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School have started an experiment! After reading the book Pumpkin Jack, the students were so interested in seeing what would happen to their very own jack-o-lantern as it decomposes. After carving the pumpkin, they placed it in a jar with some soil and this is where it will stay for the next few months. The students then drew their own jack-o-lanterns and gave them each a name.
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Partner Reading
The students in Ms. Bernardo and Mrs. Bouroult's kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School have been working on partner reading during Reader's Workshop. Students worked on finding safe places to read within the classroom, which allowed them to sit, read, and share their findings. Following that, students took the microphone to discuss what they had learned from their stories and what they liked best about partner reading with their peers.
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Character Creations
Students in Mrs. Morozowski's kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School created book character pumpkins based on their favorite stories.
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Celebrating Literacy
Ms. Tonti’s first grade students at Charles Olbon School enjoyed a campfire-themed day to celebrate literacy. Students snuggled up with blankets and stuffed animals while sharing their favorite books and personal writings. The class even brought in their favorite yummy camping treats for a picnic snack time. The day ended with a special guest reader, Mrs. Paliandro, the school counselor, who read a special book that addressed bullying and led a class discussion on how to be upstanders and speak up. The children expressed their joy for this day, “This was the best day!” These young learners enjoy reading and writing even more with special themes.
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Peace Out
Beatrice Gilmore School third grade students in Ms. DiBona's class wore tie-dye during Red Ribbon Week and said "Peace out to Drugs."
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Too Bright For Drugs
As part of Red Ribbon Week at Beatrice Gilmore School, students and staff declared they are "Too Bright for Drugs!" The theme of Red Ribbon Week was "Be Kind to Your Mind" and the students engaged in lessons and announcements learning how to make positive choices and stay drug-free!
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Safety First
Officers from the Woodland Park Police Department visited Charles Olbon School, Beatrice Gilmore School, and Memorial Middle School in October to provide age-appropriate safety lessons and tips. At Memorial, Sgt. Carino and Sgt. Panicci talked to the students about internet safety, cyberbullying, and sexting. They made students aware that just because they may delete something, whether it be a snap on Snapchat, a text, or a photo, does not mean it cannot be retrieved by police.
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Fun Night Out
The Memorial Middle School Home & School Association's Eighth Grade Dance Committee hosted a Halloween Dance last Friday evening. The students enjoyed time dancing, socializing with friends, and food.
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Coming up at the Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College
The Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College, 44 Rifle Camp Rd., in Renaissance Hall, 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, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Need some inspiration? Want to share your weight loss journey? Join us in a judgment-free setting to help you reach your weight loss goals. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 10:30 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time for babies and toddlers age one month to 18 months. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and free play. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. - Chair yoga and meditation. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. AP math and English high school students will be available for math, science, and English test review, homework, and general tutoring help. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for grades 6 to 12. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m. - Low-Impact Dance Class. Join certified instructor, Karen, as she leads the class. It's a great way to get your exercise in while having fun. Don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. - Baumann Book Club will meet to discuss this month's title, "SOLD" by Patricia McCormick. The title is available for pick up in the Library or via easy download on Hoopla or Libby. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 - The Library is closed for Election Day
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales: Mystery Letters for ages 3 and up. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and a craft. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board for grades 6-12 will meet. Brainstorm program ideas for teens, help choose books and games for the Library collection, create a newsletter, and more. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of your chair. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 6 p.m. - The Art of Making Pasta with Chef Lisa Lisanti-Britting. Come and learn the art of pasta making. Participants will learn how to prepare homemade cavatelli. Register here.
Friday, Nov. 10 - The Library is closed in observance of Veteran's Day
Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts for grades K-2. Make fun seasonal silhouette Halloween art and hear a story. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m. - Explore the History of Berkeley College. Gain insight into the historical roots of the property from the 1780s until today and its place within the community. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. - Superhero Story time for grades K-2. Hear stories, sing songs, make a craft, and more. Be sure to dress up as your favorite superhero! Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m. - Afternoon Movie - for all ages. Join in for free snacks, drinks, and a movie. This month, we will be watching "Casper." Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m. - Wreath Making with Lynda. Create a beautiful holiday wreath to take home! All supplies will be provided. Register here.