Elmwood Park Schools
District Newsletter/Spring 2018
Board of Education
Website: www.elmwoodparkschools.org
Location: 60 East 53rd Street, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Phone: 201-796-8700
Louise Gerardi, President
Keith Cannizzo, Vice President
Dorin Aspras
Douglas DeMatteo
Chakib Fakhoury
Jeanne Freitag
Jakub Golabek
George Luke
James Monaco
PARCC Ready
In April and May, students all over New Jersey and around the country will sit down to take PARCC once again. PARCC, or The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, ensures students have mastered the key concepts in math and language arts that will help prepare them for future experiences post high school.
One major initiative the Elmwood Park Public School District has invested in is online benchmark assessment platforms. Measuring Up (1-8) and LinkIt! (6-12) provide our teachers and students the opportunity to experience practice questions that mimic PARCC wording and style. This ensures that when they take the test, they will already be familiar with its format. For the primary and middle school grades, Measuring Up includes games and incentives to promote excitement about learning! Once a student’s level is established, the program will create quests individualized to each student’s needs to allow him or her to practice the skills and standards he or she has yet to master. Both Measuring Up and LinkIt! provide teachers and the administration data to inform our instruction and to help us in preparing our students for the future.
While benchmarks help us to determine our students’ strengths and weaknesses, we have also made it a point to be creative in our delivery of instruction in order to keep our students motivated and engaged. Through Socratic seminars (student-led oral discussions), hands-on activities, learning stations, differentiated activities, and more, we are focused on making our students globally-aware citizens who are able to think for themselves and make their own decisions. Our students/children are our future, and we aim to prepare them for that future in the best ways possible.
Nicole Thompson, Supervisor of Instruction
Spotlight on Science
Three Times the Science:
Transforming Science Education in Three Dimensions
Lionel Richie and the Commodores almost had it right.
You’re once
Twice
Three times a lady... (1)
...the science!
With the adoption and implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS-S), K - 12 science instruction is undergoing a major shift.
Moving away from simple recall of facts and figures, performance expectations in science now call for student learning across three dimensions: engagement in science and engineering practices (SEPs), application of crosscutting concepts (CCCs), and conceptualization of disciplinary core ideas (DCIs). The new statewide science assessments, to be administered to fifth, eighth, and eleventh-graders later this spring, will reflect these changes.
What will this mean for science instruction in Elmwood Park Public Schools?
Our students will be given opportunities to make sense of real-world phenomena and/or design solutions to problems. They will explore science-based issues facing society, ask questions, plan and carry out investigations, collect and analyze data, develop and evaluate arguments, and provide evidence to support their claims, while choosing and using appropriate models and technological resources. These learning activities will foster students’ interest in the sciences, prepare our students for college and/or career, and help to develop an informed, innovative, and productive citizenry. (2)
Elmwood Park Public Schools have been preparing for this transformation in science education. Our K - 12 science curricula have been revised, and district teachers have received professional development to assist them in the implementation of the NJSLS-S. Additionally, the Curriculum Office has worked to procure suitable and engaging instructional resources, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) project kits for our elementary and middle school students. These kits will harness students’ natural curiosity, while boosting analytical and problem-solving skills, as they investigate everyday phenomena and challenges.
In other exciting district science news…
Ms. Amanda Madrid, teacher at Sixteenth Avenue Elementary School, has been selected by Hess Corporation to receive a free Hess Toy Truck STEM Kit for her classroom! Using resources developed through a collaboration between Baylor College of Medicine and Hess Corporation, students will explore simple and complex machines. The STEM learning experiences will include activities, which were designed to address the three dimensions of science learning, such as “Lifting Forces,” “Bridges: Supporting Heavy Loads,” and “Traction and the Center of Gravity.”
Ms. Lindsay Fitzpatrick, teacher at Gilbert Avenue Elementary School, and Ms. Monica Brown, Supervisor of Instruction, participated in the Bergen and Passaic County Science Assessment Task Writing Consortium. These educators received valuable training on designing assessments that integrate all three dimensions of the NJSLS-S and contributed to the development of a statewide science item bank.
Hello
Is it me you’re looking for
‘Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do (3)
The State of New Jersey Department of Education has provided a number of resources for parents who would like to learn more about its new vision for science education. Please visit the following website to view these informative materials and, like Mr. Richie, say “Hello” to the three newly integrated dimensions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science: http://www.state.nj.us/education/aps/cccs/science/parent/
Ms. Doran's Class
Ms. Doran's Class
Ms. Doran's Class
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s Class
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s fourth-grade students investigate weathering and erosion in their environment. (5)
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s Class
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s Class
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s students use model cars and ramps to explore speed and energy. (5)
(1) Lyrics from “Three Times a Lady,” which was written by Lionel Richie and released on The Commodores’ album Natural High in 1978.
(2) Heinz, Michael. New Jersey Student Learning Standards: Science, New Jersey Department of Education, www.state.nj.us/education/aps/cccs/science/.
(3) Lyrics from “Hello,” which was released on Lionel Richie’s album Can’t Slow Down in 1984.
(4) Photos by Ms. Ryanne Doran.
(5) Photos by Ms. Lindsay Fitzpatrick.
Monica Naughton Brown, Supervisor of Instruction
Elmwood Park Arts and Humanities: Creating, Discovering, and Sharing
The arts and humanities are thriving in Elmwood Park! Students are expanding their horizons and exploring worlds that exist outside of Snapchat and Twitter. In the visual arts, students are diving into current events and reaching back to rediscover the Renaissance. In the world languages, students are set to explore abroad and discover and share other cultures. In the music department, students are telling stories through sound and with skill. As a whole, the arts and humanities are teaching cultural awareness, perseverance, artistry, and respect. Included in this section are submissions from each of these areas about what is happening inside and outside of the classroom. See what we’ve created!
Memorial HS Arts:
Memorial High School Art students continue their creative journey in order to build their knowledge, skill and art portfolios. Some of the activities that Ms. Bush’s advanced art classes participated in throughout the months of December/January incorporated studying various art forms of the Renaissance including the art of stained glass, leading into studying the works of Italian master artist Michelangelo. Students designed and executed their own unique concepts into a cut paper stained glass project which were successfully planned, executed and displayed on the window wall of the 5th wing. Classes then continued to touch upon the many artists and art forms of the Renaissance, focusing on the exemplary works of Michelangelo in order to prepare them for a field trip to New York to see the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This field trip was a true inspiration and motivation to all of our fine artists who attended.
During the month of February, Ms. Bush’s Art 200 students honored various influential African American artists by investigating each of their backgrounds, works, and influence to our culture. Students then created a portrait of each artist in their choice of medium and critiqued each other’s work while presenting their work(s) to their fellow classmates.
Design students created graphic design visual footprints that successfully incorporated the text of a choice inspirational quote depicting strength within their own unique footprint. Mrs. Capizzi’s multimedia classes were introduced to the artist behind the iconic Obama “HOPE” poster. Students then chose and researched a famous influential African American and created a computer generated poster depicting these inspirations. Continuing throughout the department, Art 100 classes created works of art inspired by a variety of influential artists, poets, and printmakers. All of these fine works were displayed throughout the school in honor of Black History Month.
Memorial HS Italian:
It is important that every student is given the opportunity to open their minds when it comes to other cultures. Many students in today's society are not taking opportunities to learn about each other; who we are, where we come from, how our individual history has brought us to where we are today. Being in Italian world language, it is imperative that students find respect and understanding in the Italian culture. Our students have been learning the history of Italy, mainly focusing on the Renaissance. This was the perfect opportunity to have not only the Italian language students, but also the amazing art students with their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Bush, to attend the Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
This exhibit presented a stunning range of Michelangelo's works of art, from sculptures, paintings to even his beginning sketches. It was truly a remarkable thing to see as it represents the culture’s history, but also gave every student a broader sense of amazement and appreciation for art and history. The trip gave students in Elmwood Park an experience that provided a more holistic, more involved picture of the exhibit that, in the classroom, may have only been presented through writing and pictures. The success of this amazing trip not only resulted in the utmost respect for the Italian culture, but also broadened their young minds in gaining more respect for each other. No matter what history represents to us individually, we are here today because of that cultural history, and that is what makes us one.
Memorial MS Art:
In middle school art, the sixth grade students just finished a unit on both color theory and landscape painting. In order to become inspired, the students watched a video of Bob Ross, discussed landscape composition, and how to create depth in a painting. Each student then made their own Bob Ross inspired landscape. They enjoyed watching Bob Ross paint, his easy going style, and making their own "happy" trees! Some paintings from sixth graders can be seen below.Memorial HS Multicultural Club:
Greetings from the Multicultural Club! The Club held its first Movie Night on February 8th, 2018. The members chose a movie using a voting process and the winner was ¨Train to Busan¨. The members informed me that this movie was ¨the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time in South Korea¨. The film is from the horror genre and it was about a man, his estranged daughter and other passengers who become trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea. After viewing the film, the students then discussed the irony of the plot with what is currently going on with North and South Korea; the zombies representing North Korea. Although a bit gory at times, a good time was had by ALL as we watched, cringed, laughed, oohed and ahed while enjoying our snacks and the film.
Memorial MS/HS Music:
There are many sounds that come out of the music room in Memorial MS/HS. Some of them are gorgeous, some of them “need improvement,” but all of them represent progress. This year has been one of significant progress in the EP music department. Our marching band, consisting of students in middle and high school, had its most successful season ever, bringing home seven different awards, including two first place trophies, from three different competitions this season. Our winter concert featured the high school concert band, hs choir, vocal soloists, and our largest middle school music representation in recent memory. In fact, our middle school program has grown so substantially over the last two years, that it had to be split into a sixth grade band and a 7th/8th grade band. This growth is expected to continue and we couldn’t be more excited by the student involvement!
Coming up in the near future is the Memorial HS/MS spring concert on March 28th. The students have been working toward this evening performance since December and are looking forward to sharing their hard work. As the year continues, the music department will have a performance at the Teen Arts Festival at Bergen Community College in May, a parade on Memorial Day, an end-of-year concert in June, a music competition trip in June, and a collaborative Night of the Arts with a date that is yet to be determined. It is always a busy season in the music department, and we hope that you can share in our excitement!
Written collaboratively by:
Douglas Bender, HS/MS Band & Choir Teacher
Susan Bush, HS Art Teacher
Kate Capizzi, HS Art Teacher
Matthew Nicolosi, MS Art Teacher
Sueanne Pace, HS Spanish Teacher
Giovanna Vitamia, HS/MS Italian/Spanish Teacher
Social Studies Department Uses Technology to Stimulate Civic Participation
Integrating technology into education enables the use of research to transform the
classroom into a global education unit. The role of technology in education is transforming teaching, learning, and educational research. While preparing students to become lifelong learners, technology enables students to be intellectually challenged through evaluating multiple streams of information, while providing them with a realistic expectation of the modern real world.
The State of the Union, one of the most-watched political events of the year, provided an
excellent opportunity for the Social Studies Department to use technology in striking
constructive conversations regarding civic participation amongst students. The department invited all high school students to become involved in a live stream discussion of the State of the Union address. While utilizing Google Classroom to comment and discuss during the event, the student participation overwhelmingly reached over 900 entries. The two hour live discussion was a tool designed to engage students in critical thinking related to important domestic and international issues.
The Social Studies Department is seeking to replicate the success of this initiative by exploring other national, state, and local events where students can actively examine relevant issues in real time.
Joana Galanti, Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair
Blind Date with a Book
This February, our readers in the Elmwood Park Memorial Media Center participated in “Blind Date with a Book.” Well-known love stories were wrapped up as a mystery. Students checked books out, went home, unwrapped the book, and decided to love it or try again.
Each book was given a bookmark to be returned along with the book. The bookmark would eventually include a quick summary about the book and how the date went. Readers were intrigued by the display when they entered the library and dates were quickly made!
The EP Trivia Challenge
Geography. Current Events. Biology. Music. Presidents. Art History. Mythology. World Literature. Mathematics. Sports. The gifted and talented students at the high school have amazed the audience with their knowledge of these and a myriad of other topics in our inaugural E.P. Trivia Challenge.
This awesome challenge of wits has been taking place on an ongoing basis, and is about to enter the quarterfinals stage. The stakes are higher, the questions more perplexing, as the competition elevates to a soaring, searing fever pitch. We have all stood in awe watching as our students put themselves on the line and display a fascinating breadth of knowledge, answering rapid-fire questions on any subject you can imagine. The students are in groups of three, and compete in the high school media center in front of an audience of peers, teachers and administrators; the audience sits in a special gallery area set up by our media specialist, Mrs. Alfonso. The remaining teams are hurtling towards a late-spring championship game, which will be a thrilling, culminating event not to be missed!
The popularity of The Trivia Challenge, and the prodigious performances of the teams is a by-product of an excellent school system, teachers and parents, and students with a thirst for knowledge. With all the overwhelming positives, there is, however, a negative. The minus is that in every match, one team must lose; some of the contests have been nail-biting battles down to the last question. The tension has been taut, the excitement audible, and the students amazing; and, yet, the pre-eminent part of the tournament still lies ahead!
So, stay tuned as Elmwood Park High School's varsity scholars dazzle and astound us, and compel us yet again to be proud of Elmwood Park.
Mr. Ira Wallin, High School Teacher
Spelling Bee
Memorial Middle School held their annual school spelling bee on January 30th. Last year’s winner, eighth grader Asha Chauhan, won the school bee, the regional bee, and went on to the national bee in Washington, D.C. This year, eighth grader, Hargun Sawhney, took the title and will be going to the regional bee on March 15th to compete against students from all over Bergen county. If he wins, he will be headed to Washington, D.C. to follow in Asha’s footsteps in The Scripps National Spelling Bee and hopefully win! Good luck, Hargun!
Middle School Volunteer Club
Mr. Frank Lucibello, MS Volunteer Club Advisor
Middle School Track Team
The Elmwood Park Middle School track team is in full swing. The track team has been meeting multiple times a month since the beginning of the year. There are over thirty students participating, and we are hoping to continue gaining interest from the middle school students. The practices consist of stretching as a team, dynamic warm ups, conditioning, running drills, and relay races. The team is learning different drills and exercises to increase their knowledge of the sport. The athletes are learning basic fundamentals of track as well as the different events involved in track. Our goal is to aid in improving overall athletic ability and interest in the sport. Please come out and support the team on May 3, 2018 in Waldwick, NJ! The track team will be competing in their first meet!
Ms. Courtney Williams, MS Track Coach
Crafts for Love Club
Club members, in grades 4 and 5, create crafts to brighten the day and share happiness with various community members such as hospital patients, assisted living residents, soldiers, and veterans. The crafts will reflect a specific season or holiday that we celebrate.
5th Grade Reading Research Project on Biomes
Fifth graders learned the importance of researching to learn about new topics. Incorporating cross-curricular material between science and reading was a wonderful way for students to become experts on a biome/ecosystem. To begin, students chose between a variety of biomes and developed questions to answer. They researched about the ocean, arctic, grasslands, desert, coral reef, and the rainforest. Then, students had to gather information from a number of different sources such as library books, articles, interviews and videos. During the research process they practiced note taking skills and how to organize their information in a logical order then drafted a speech to share the information they learned. They learned the importance of focusing on specific questions to answer, using reliable sources, writing in your own words, and editing and revising your work.
This exciting experience has helped students develop into genuine researchers and has helped them understand the purpose and process of researching! They are now taking what they have learned as researchers and applying this skill in our next unit of study: debates! Students have generated a list of issues that they feel strongly about and are beginning to gather information to build their argument. We have discussed that debating on issues can open our minds to gaining new insights on topics. We have also discussed that in a debate it is important to learn about both sides of the argument and to share just the facts! Soon, students will have the opportunity to engage in a debate with their classmates! Can't wait to hear their stance on some relevant fifth grade issues!
STEM Activity - Grade 5
Mural to Highlight Students' Artistic Achievements
Take a Sneak Peak into Grade 1 at Gantner
The students in first grade have been working hard across the curriculum! They’ve embraced the workshop model with reading and writing. These eager students continue to climb the reading ladder approaching their year-end goal to be at a reading level K.
While these six and seven year olds learn to write narratives, how-to pieces, teaching books, and opinions, they continue to produce books to add to their libraries. Who would’ve thought…these young writers are adding craft moves such as ellipses, pop-out words, bold print, speech bubbles, and exact actions into their writing! To conclude each of their published writing pieces, they have become quite the proud authors and illustrators when celebrating with their fellow classmates.
In addition to that, since February was African-American History month and the 100th day of school, the students took a step into multiple team-building exercises that challenged their minds! They compared and contrasted their lives to those during the time of Ruby Bridges, and they created a collaborative classroom mosaic poster to complement our Black History month unit. Furthermore, these adventurous children embarked upon several STEM activities to celebrate the 100th day of school. We think it is safe to say that these first graders are indeed 100 days smarter!
Mrs. Kittaneh & Miss Eso’s Classes
Third Grade News
The Third Graders at Gantner Avenue School have been very busy. In ELA, students enjoyed reading fiction chapter books from various genres. They put their creative juices to work by making Fiction Book Report Projects. They summarized what they read and presented their information in creative ways.
Ms. Gaydos' 3rd Grade
Mrs. Murray's Kindergarten Class
Character Education Project
Fifth grade students in Mrs. Gawrylo's class created a project where they walked around the classroom writing positive and kind words to their classmates. They then were able to read all of the amazingly kind things their peers wrote about them. This was a fun learning experience for all students. Some of the students even came to tears when they were reading some of the comments. It was nice to see how kind the students could be, by spreading positivity and kindness around. The projects will be displayed in the hallway for the entire school to see.
Ms. Planthaber’s Fifth Grade Reading Classes
The fifth grade has worked tremendously well researching and preparing information for several debatable issues.The students spent their time reading websites, books, and listening to multimedia, in order to find the best information to support their claims. Some of the debatable issues that they researched were, "Is it worth the risk to climb Mount Everest" and "Should plastic bags be banned?". After all their hard work, students were able to argue and advocate their claims in front of the class.
Ms. Michalski’s Preschool students are hopping out of winter and into spring!
Ms. Lubin's Class
This March, Megan Lubin’s reading and writing resource room fully funded its Donors Choose project. Donors Choose is a nonprofit organization that links individuals directly to public school classrooms. A teacher or school employee can create a project with a wish list of materials he or she would like in the classroom. Donors Choose then launches the project and works as a platform for donors who are interesting in giving back to the education world in a personalized way. The project granted 70 new books to Ms. Lubin’s resource room in Gilbert Avenue. The students are so excited about having more books to choose from on a variety of topics.
Mrs. Hayton's Kindergarten Class
Mrs. Galati’s 1st Grade
The first graders have been having so much fun learning about compound words. The students watched a video called The Compound Boogy and sang a song called The Compound Words Song by Jack Hartman. After learning about compound words, they applied what they learned by making their own compound words. Each student received an index card with a word on it and had to walk around the room to find a student with another word on it that when combined together would make one compound word. The students really enjoyed this activity, and many of them were able to come up with more than one compound word by finding two different words to use with their index cards. This activity was very successful, and the students had a lot of fun learning!
Autism Awareness
In support of Autism Awareness for the month of April, Sixteenth Avenue School will be displaying an art show created by our special needs students entitled, “Worth a Thousand Words.” The exhibit will be showcased on April 20th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am in the gym at Sixteenth Avenue School. A special thanks to our principal, Mr. Silla, our art teacher, Allison Dombrowski, and our CST case worker, Jennifer Surniak, for organizing this activity as well as our teachers; Laura Allen, Jeanmarie Gallagher, Jennifer Gjokaj, Tara Kunkel, Taylor Meurer, Cheryl Rossetti, Kelly Wilson, and to all of our special education aides assisting and supporting this event!
Kindergarten at 16th
In kindergarten, we have been learning all about weather, meteorologists, and weather tools. The three kindergarten classes came together as a grade level, and collaborated while creating a STEM project. During this STEM activity, the students had an opportunity to work together. All of the students planned and drew a rain gauge. To complete the STEM activity, they worked in groups to create a rain gauge and discuss its use.
Ms. Cohen, Mrs. DiPasquale & Mrs. Fisher, Kindergarten Teachers
Grade 2 at 16th
We have been very busy over the past few months in second grade. In reading, we have been working to establish a deeper understanding about the characters in stories we have read. During this time, we have also been working to think beyond the text, inferring how we think our characters might react to different events and problems they face throughout their stories. In writing, we have been studying realistic fiction texts, and using the steps of the writing process to plan and develop our own realistic fiction writing pieces. In math, we recently wrapped up one of our biggest units of the year, subtraction of double-digit numbers. To celebrate our hard work, our grade-level recently held our 1st annual Subtraction Super Bowl in our gymnasium. To prepare for this big event, students designed paper jerseys, decorated the field, and the two teams competed to see who would receive the title of the 2018 Subtraction Superstars! It was a fun-filled day for all. In science class, we have just completed our unit focusing on states of matter. Throughout our unit, the students acted as scientists, studying a variety of objects, and conducting experiments to develop a deeper understanding of solids, liquids, and gases. The students have been working very hard over the past several months. As the end of the school year approaches, excitement is growing for our field trip, field day, all that we will learn and accomplish in the weeks to come.
Ms. Cioffi, Mrs. Nova & Ms. Ribeiro, 2nd Grade Teachers
Grade 3 at 16th
Grade 3 students at Sixteenth Avenue School have been busy little bees. In reading, students have become expert book club members! Reading the same chapter books on their reading levels with a few of their classmates and then meeting to discuss and debate about the characters, story elements, and theme. Students who are in the Gifted and Talented program put their creativity to the test by making sock puppets and performing a show in front of their peers based on social issues such as bullying, poverty, and equal rights. In writing class, students learned how to write persuasive speeches providing reasons supported with evidence and examples. During math, students have learned all about fractions. What a fraction is, how to write fractions, and how to solve fraction word problems. To help understand and apply these skills, students used construction paper to create themselves in fraction form!
Ms. Doran, Mrs. Dransfield & Ms. Madrid, 3rd Grade Teachers
Grade 4 at 16th
Students have been working hard in 4th grade preparing for their PARCC exams in math, reading, and writing classes. Students have also been doing lab activities involving light and mirrors. They now understand the behavior of photons and how they reflect off different objects. We are looking forward to a wonderful trip to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in NJ this April! This ties in nicely to our delving into the unit on New Jersey in social studies. Keep an eye out for the upcoming grade 4 play this June!
Ms. Martin, Mr. Nuiver & Ms. Rosolen, 4th Grade Teachers
Grade 5 at 16th
The fifth grade students have been enjoying the challenge of our new STEM kits. During the month of February they researched various bridge structures and how they were constructed. They enjoyed watching the history of the George Washington Bridge and how it was built. Upon completion of the research, students began building their bridges. They worked in groups and designed and built their bridge. Once the bridges were completed, it was time to test them! Using matchbox cars they tested the bridge for stability and effectiveness. The students really enjoyed this hands-on assignment! They are looking forward to their next STEM project design to create a sneaker!
Mr. Bacigalupo, Mrs. Buscio & Mrs. Montone, 5th Grade Teachers
Basic Skills at 16th - Math
What is happening in basic skills math? Students continue to review skills during basic skills instruction (BSI) time.
Students use BSI class time to address skills needing extra support in a small group instruction program. Mrs. Sammarco plans and coordinates skills to support the same instructional needs addressed in the homeroom classes.
The basic skills math extra help program on Tuesdays after school has been a success! Fourth and fifth graders continue to work with students in grades kindergarten, first, and second in order to help review grade level math skills.
The older students love being "teachers." The younger students enjoy working with older students and are learning study skills to become more independent mathematicians. The students enter the media center on Tuesday afternoons and find "partners" to start work!
It’s been a lot of fun for all! During April, BSI students will start to review for the PARCC assessment and practice problems with skills that are related to standardized testing. The BSI math program has been busy since September and a much needed benefit for many students.
Mrs. Sammarco, Basic Skills Math Teacher
Basic Skills at 16th - ELA
Read Across America was the focus of our reading programs for the last week in February. Students enjoyed themed days that coordinated with the district’s planned events. We added a few special touches based on Dr. Seuss’ book titles. Sixteenth Avenue School was a beautiful colored rainbow, as each grade wore different colors to represent My Many Colored Days. “Guest Reader Day” was themed after, Are You My Mother? It was so sweet! Students enjoyed listening to stories read by the moms, and a few grandmothers of Sixteenth Avenue School. Ms. Cioffi made special visitor guest badges/keepsakes for all the readers. I’m not sure who had more fun, the moms or the kids!
Additionally, all students had their work displayed in the gym for our Nonfiction Curriculum Fair. Every grade from pre-k to 5 had work and projects out for parents to view. This after school event was a hit, and many families came back to school to see all the great work. Of course, no reading celebration would be complete without a visit from the Cat in the Hat. The Cat shared a story with the students and even did a little freeze dance. As always, it was a team effort from all the staff at Sixteenth Avenue to promote reading and the love of reading as we guide our students on their reading journey!
Mrs. Clark, Basic Skills ELA Teacher
Speech at 16th
Speech therapy is a time and place where our students learn and practice specific language concepts based on their individual goals. During therapy, we incorporate music and songs, iPad apps, and games and crafts in order to develop fun and productive therapy sessions. Though most of our speech sessions occur in the therapy room, we are working to incorporate more push-in sessions in order for the the classroom teacher and aides to get a better idea of what concepts are being targeted to better facilitate carryover. We are also trying joint sessions with other related services such as occupational therapy. This gives us the opportunity to bounce off ideas with one another and learn to incorporate speech and fine motor skills together in therapy sessions to further enhance generalization of skills.
Ms. D’Agostino & Ms. Soto, Speech Teachers
Name the School and Location
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