Arbor Intermediate School
February 2024 Issue
School Leadership Team
School Leadership Team
Heather O’Donnell, Principal
Janell Smolk, Assistant Principal
Amy McLaughlin, Counselor
Ruby Shridher, Counselor
Karen Hoeg, Secretary
Corinne Fender, School Nurse
Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian
A Message from the Principal
Dear Arbor Families,
It has been a busy month here at Arbor School. Students and staff have been celebrating Black History Month with a variety of activities. In their classes, students participated in cross-curricular lessons that incorporated African American contributions to history, literature, music, science, art, and social justice. Students had the chance to collaborate with one another, explore new topics, and revisit topics that they have discussed throughout the year. Students also participated in the “Soup-er Bowl” Food Drive, bringing in items to donate to Replenish of Middlesex County. The Community Service Club has also just announced a drive they will be conducting for used eyeglasses that will be donated through Walmart’s glasses recycling program.
We are looking forward to an exciting month ahead, as we begin March with Read Across America Week and discuss the contribution of various women for Women’s History Month. We are also are looking forward to the Scholastic Book Fair and Breakfast with your Child Week. Look out for more information about these events!
Sincerely,
Heather O’Donnell
National School Counseling Week
The first week of February is National School Counseling Week. This is an opportunity to recognize the tremendous impact school counselors have on school communities. At Arbor, we are celebrating our counselor, Amy McLaughlin. Please join in showing your appreciation for her hard work and dedication in supporting our Arbor students.
Counselor's Corner
This month our students engaged in a thought provoking social emotional lesson centered around the concept of friendship boundaries. The session aimed to empower our students with the skills to navigate relationships in a healthy and respectful manner. During the lesson, we explored the importance of setting boundaries and respecting those of others. Through engaging activities, students gained important insight into the diverse ways in which classmates perceive and establish boundaries in friendships.
We emphasized the importance of effective communication, using I messages, to maintain healthy relationships. Encouraging students to express their emotions and understand others’ perspectives helps create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
Together we are creating an environment where students not only excel academically but also thrive emotionally. If you have any questions, suggestions, or simply want to share your thoughts, my door is always open. Wishing you a fantastic month ahead!
Amy McLaughlin
Nurse's Corner
February is Heart Health Month!!!
Make Your Heart Happy!
Your heart is a muscle. It works hard, pumping blood every day in your body.
Help your heart get stronger by doing aerobic (say: air-OH-bik) exercise.
Aerobic means "with air." When you do aerobic exercise, you breathe faster so you take in more air. Your heart beats harder too. This gives your heart a workout. It will get even better at its main job — taking oxygen from the air you breath Lots of exercises can get your heart pumping. Try these: walking, riding your bike, jumping rope
It feels good to have a strong, flexible body that can do all the things you enjoy — like running, jumping, and playing with your friends. Exercising can also put you in a better mood. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier. It's just another reason why exercise is a good idea!
Chorus and Orchestra Concerts
The chorus and orchestra students performed their winter concerts at Schor Middle School on January 30th. The chorus is directed by Mrs. Bollaro and the orchestra director is Mr. Mejias. As the students performed, their musical passion resonated throughout the auditorium. These talented students entertained the audience with a true celebration of music. Congrats to all!
Celebrating Black History Month
Students in Mr. Bennington's and Ms. Riddick's classes collaborated to create a Periodic Table of Black History bulletin board. The bulletin board is interactive as students can scan a QR code to learn more about the notable and influential individuals.
Bulletin board in the main hallway
Bulletin board by Mr. Bennington's and Ms. Khan's classrooms
Bulletin board by Ms. Moss and Ms. Lepski's classrooms
Black History Month Trivia
On February 22nd, The Jersey Cares organization conducted a virtual Black History Month Trivia event Ms. Salcedo, a 5th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher, guided her students as they engaged in this fun and educational activity.
Academic Award Ceremonies
On February 21st and February 22nd, Arbor students who earned an academic award were recognized at a ceremony. During the ceremony, Mrs. O'Donnell and board member Dr. Tom Connors addressed the students, praising them for their hard work and commitment to learning. When the ceremony was underway, teachers called the names of students who earned A or A/B Honor Roll. These students were awarded a Honor Roll Ribbon to signify their hard work and effort during the first marking period. Congratulations to these Arbor Students!
BINGO Night
Arbor families enjoyed a night of BINGO on Friday, February 23rd. A special thanks to the amazing PTO, Arbor staff, and National Junior Honor Society students from Schor and Quibbletown who helped make the event a huge success.
ARBOR PTO
Dear Arbor Families,
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and commitment throughout the school year. Follow our progress and engage with us on FACEBOOK.
Key Highlights:
Scholastic Book Fair: Our Spring Book Fair will run from Monday, March 4 - Friday, March 8 during school hours. Every book purchase earns a raffle ticket, and we have daily prizes for lucky winners. Our previous co-chair, 5th-grade parent Ms. Sandy Hegedus has graciously accepted to lead this initiative again.
Volunteers Needed: We rely on volunteer support to help us bring such impactful initiatives to life and cultivate the joy of reading amongst our students. Register to volunteer.
Upcoming Activities:
Scholastic Book Fair - Monday, March 4 - Friday, March 8
PTO Meeting - Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 pm
Important Links:
Sincerely,
PTO Officers:
Hesha Patel, President
Aaron Gibbs, Treasurer
Shameeka Gibbs, Recording Secretary
Read Across America- Spirt Week
Continue to encourage your child to read at home! The staff at Arbor enjoys hearing about the reading adventures of our students.
Community Service Club
The Community Service club is working with Lions Club International to organize a glasses and sunglasses donation drive. Lions Club International has a partnership with Walmart Vision and glasses donated will be used to help others who cannot afford glasses.
If you have any extra glasses to donate, please bring them to the main office or to Room 18. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Senora Garcia.
Arbor Awesomeness- Staff Recognition
Arbor Awesomeness is a way to share your appreciation for the wonderful staff at Arbor School. We encourage families to take some time to recognize staff throughout the school year. Please click on Arbor Awesomeness- Staff Recognition to complete a recognition. We will share your responses at staff meetings.
Students of the Month
Upcoming Events
- 3/4/24-3/8/24-Spirit Week- Read Across America
- 3/5/24- PTO Meeting (6:30)
- 3/11/24-3/15/24- Book Fair and Breakfast your Child Week