Woodland Park School District News
Sept. 8, 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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Welcome Back!
The Woodland Park School District began the new school year for students on Thursday, September 7, 2023. We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience to ensure a smooth opening! Thank you to all students, parents, and staff for helping to make the first days of school safe and enjoyable! We wish everyone a wonderful year!
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Early Childhood Center Ribbon Cutting
The Woodland Park School District cut the ribbon to the Early Childhood Center at 377 Lackawanna Ave. on Sept. 5, 2023. On the first day of school yesterday, the center welcomed four classes full of 3- and 4-year-old PreK students.
The School District is currently leasing the property with the intention to purchase it within the next few years. Formerly known as Magic Years Preschool, the school was operated for over 40 years by owners Roger and Barbara Wood, who both retired last year.
Barbara Wood was hired in 1974 by Childcraft PreSchool at 377 Lackawanna Ave. as their head teacher. In 1978, Wood and her husband Roger purchased the business and buildings, and Magic Years Preschool Learning Center Inc. was born.
“When we were approached with this opportunity, I thought to myself that it might be a little too good to be true, but what an amazing opportunity for the residents of this town,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michele Pillari. "Magic Years has been a core fixture in the community for many, many years, and to be able to be a part of keeping it alive upon the retirement of the Woods was unimaginable to me at the time. Yet here we are expanding educational opportunities for the children of this town on a property that has been a core part of this community for so many years.”
Work on the ECC building was funded by New Jersey State Dept. of Education grant funding. Dr. Pillari noted how expansive the project was - involving vendors, architects, engineers, town officials, the DPW, police department, and fire department.
She expressed her appreciation to the Board of Education for its unconditional support; administration team for providing support throughout the two-year process; the teachers for setting up the classrooms during the summer in order to ensure the building was in compliance with state mandates; the custodial team for making sure that the building is safe, clean, and ready for the children; the police department for working to ensure the families and children remain safe during arrival and pick-up time; and the DPW which performed a tremendous amount of tree work.
Dr. Pillari thanked former Mayor Keith Kazmark for making the connection between the school district and Mr. and Mrs. Wood.
“Roger and Barbara have left such an incredible legacy and mark on so many families in this area,” Kazmark said. ”For every family that walked through these hallways, we are indebted to the both of you and your staff over the years for everything that you have given our children.”
Kazmark noted that during his last Magic Years spring show there, Roger Wood called up the grandparents of one of the students because the grandparent had attended school here and was able to present the diploma to their grandchild at the last show.
“If that is not the epitome of legacy and someone or a group of people who have touched children's lives over all of these decades, I don't know what is,” he said.
In 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. visited the school facility when it was the home of Dr. and Mrs. Rice. Rev. Dr. Rice was a pastor at a church in Montclair. His wife was a school teacher in town. Dr. King came to preach at the church in Montclair, and after the service, he was invited back to the building to share a meal with the Rice family.
Roger and Barbara Wood helped cut the ribbon to the new education center, encouraging local officials to keep the legacy alive.
“This is town land, or will be real soon,” he said. “Once you give up a piece of land, the town will never get it back, so don't give it up. Whether it's a park, whether it's a school… keep it. Keep it because you'll always have it.
“This is a great day. It's a great day for the Borough Woodland Park. It's a great day for us because these buildings will now be filled again with laughter.”
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Special Summer Guest Readers
At the Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College, Mrs. Ficarra and Mrs. Casasnovas stopped by to read at pajama story time this summer as special guest readers. Everyone had so much fun!
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Celebrating Community
The annual National Night Out celebration in Woodland Park took place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. The purpose of the evening is to build strong partnerships between the police and communities in an effort to promote crime awareness. Members of the Woodland Park Education Association joined with other community representatives for a night of fun, camaraderie, and entertainment.
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Harnessing The Wind
Ms. Rivera's rising fifth and sixth graders spent four weeks working on a novel study of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind during the summer session. The book, which is part of the One Book, One District initiative, recounts the tale of William Kambwamba who saved his village from drought and famine by building a windmill made from different materials. For their culminating project, students constructed their own windmill using household items such as plastic cups, rulers, chopsticks, saran wrap, and masking tape. In order to be deemed effective, the windmill had to be able to blow a tissue with its power. The students were able to showcase their final project to their younger peers.
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One District, One Book
Over the summer, students took part in the One District, One Book initiative, which brought students in grades PreK to grade 8 together to foster a love for reading throughout the summer and the school year. Shown above are Memorial School Principal Mrs. Socha and Memorial School ELA teacher Mrs. Ficarra enjoying the selected book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.
This shared reading experience aimed to unite the community through discussion and activities. The book follows the author, William, who overcomes adversity in order to change his community. Convinced that he can solve his family’s problems, he sets his mind to understanding the science behind energy production and proceeds to make his dream a reality. The book is about resilience and determination.
Students should be ready to discuss the book in various ways throughout the school year. Keep your copy safe so that you can use and refer to it.
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End of Summer Party
The Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College will host the End of Summer Party tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome! Celebrate your summer reading accomplishments and enjoy a special tea party for the whole family. Summer reading raffle prizes will be awarded. There will be games for the kids and adults! Lots of goodies, ice pops, popcorn, cotton candy, iced coffee for adults, and so much more. Register here.
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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.
Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - End of Summer Party for all ages. Celebrate your summer reading accomplishments and enjoy a special tea party for the whole family. Summer reading raffle prizes will be awarded. There will be games for the kids and adults! Lots of goodies, ice pops, popcorn, cotton candy, iced coffee for adults, and so much more. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 11, 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, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. - Chair yoga and meditation. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for grades 6 to 12. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. This program is for adults who speak a foreign language and would like to brush up on English speaking skills. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. - Story Time Tea Party for grades K-2. The whole family is invited to a special tea party. Bring a spill-proof cup with your favorite beverage and your favorite stuffy. Animal crackers will be provided. A craft will follow. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. - Baumann Book Club will meet to discuss "Hello Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano. The book is available for pick up in the Library or easy download on Hoopla or Libby. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales Mystery Letters for ages 3 and up. Join Miss Sara for an alphabet story time - with songs, rhymes, stories, and a craft. Each week will have a different mystery letter. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 14, 12 p.m. Sit & Sit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of your chair. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 15, 10:30 a.m. - Little Movers for ages 18 to 36 months. Join in for a fun story time for little movers. Register here.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. - Lego Mania for all ages. Use your imagination and create using Legos. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 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.