Montvale Public Schools
Spring 2016: Volume III Issue III
Superintendent's Message
Spring Break Greetings! I am sure our students are excited for a week off from school. The break is well deserved after nearly four consecutive months of school. The consistency of school weeks provided wonderful opportunities for teachers and student to engage in learning activities.
As we begin to look ahead to next school year, the school district is in an excellent place. The strategic planning process in the fall provided us with an opportunity to thoughtfully examine all aspects of our school district. We were able to answer the questions, "Where are we now? "Where do we want to go?" and "How are we going to get there?" The outcome of strategic planning solidified what we already know about Montvale. We have all of the ingredients of a successful school district and we want to continue to encourage and challenge our students and each other to grow. We want our students to develop 21st century skills. We want our students to move on from Montvale with a commitment of service to others and a desire to assume leadership roles in an ever-changing world. With your continued support, we will make it happen.
Respectfully,
Darren Petersen
New Director of 21st Century Education, Curriculum & Instruction
Congratulations to Mr. Erik Parks, our new Director of 21st Century Education, Curriculum and Instruction! Mr. Parks will officially begin this position on July 1, 2016. Prior to Montvale, Mr. Parks served as an Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction for the Summit Public Schools. In assuming this new role, Montvale will benefit from his passion and knowledge for student-centered learning, 21st century learning environments, literacy, technology infused instruction, curriculum and out-of-the box thinking that excites students and staff to be open to trying new ideas and to having a growth mindset. We are thrilled to have Mr. Parks in this position.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: June 27 to July 22, 2016 - MSI
It is with great excitement that the Montvale Public School District announces a full day program for the Montvale Summer Institute (MSI). The Institute has a new look and new options. MSI will run from June 27 to July 22. MSI will be offering high quality essential learning opportunities for students of all grade levels and other exciting enrichment courses (on premises). Virtual courses will also be offered to provide students tremendous flexibility to collaborate with friends/peers and teachers from anywhere/anytime in the world! MSI is working with the Montvale Recreation summer program to provide an exciting 4 weeks. Please click HERE for more information.
Helping your Child Read at Home
Please click HERE to view Dr. Goldberg's presentation from Literacy Night. The presentation focused on what is happening in the classrooms and ways parents can support their children at home. Dr. Goldberg suggests that it is important to 1) read to your child, 2) read with your child and 3) read by your child. By doing so, you will foster a love of reading. Please click HERE to learn more about why reading to your child is important.
21st Century Learning Environments
The Montvale administrative team and teaching staff continues to explore different types of furniture and resources that will enhance learning environments to improve student engagement and learning. Research suggests that our students are challenged more than ever to develop 21st century skills and an intellectual curiosity and creativity in all disciplines. The demands of the future job market will require students to embrace work environments that are nontraditional and constantly evolving. We are excited to receive daily feedback from students about how and where they like to learn and work.
School Budget Presentation
The 2016-17 School Budget Presentation to the public will take place on May 2 at 7 p.m. in the IMC at Fieldstone Middle School. The presentation will highlight district plans for next school year. The budget addresses the social and emotional welfare and needs of all students including extracurricular activities to enhance students' overall learning experiences. The budget supports safe, secure, and well-maintained facilities and makes sure we have a well-qualified and well-trained staff. The Montvale Board of Education is committed to a high-quality educational program for all students.
PARCC Testing
During April, students in grades 3-8 took the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). This was the second year of the PARCC assessment. I want to congratulate our students on completing the PARCC and for doing their best on this new online assessment. The PARCC assessment will hopefully provide us with additional information to identify where a student may need help and/or is excelling. With this data, our goal is to enhance instruction to meet individual student needs. I want to especially thank Mrs. Walker (Fieldstone Guidance Counselor), Mrs. Fasano (Memorial Guidance Counselor), Mr. Valois (Technology Coordinator), Mr. Feather (Computer Technician) and the Administrative Team for all of their efforts to ensure a smooth administration of the PARCC.
Memorial Celebrates Special Friend/Grandparent's Day
Career Day at Fieldstone Middle School - May 6, 2016
On May 6, Fieldstone will celebrate Career Day. Career Day is a biannual tradition in Montvale. We are expecting over 20 speakers from all types of careers to speak with our students about their profession and about what helped them be successful in their careers. The speakers will share with students the importance of hard work and following your passion. A special thanks to Mr. Pellegrino, Assistant Principal and the Career Day Committee at Fieldstone for coordinating an exciting day!
Important Dates:
- May 6: Career Day at Fieldstone
- May 13 & 14: Spring Musical at Fieldstone
- May 25 & 26: NJ ASK Science (Grades 4 & 8)
- May 30: Memorial Day (Schools Closed)
- June 7: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Single Session Day)
- June 16: Graduation for 8th Grade
- June 17: Single Session School Day
- June 20: Last Day of School (Single Session)
Montvale Public Schools
Montvale Board of Education:
- Mr. Scott Rossig, President
- Mrs. Debra McGauley-Eichhorn, Vice President
- Mrs. Carol Harris-Bardes, Board Member
- Mrs. Anita Bagdat, Board Member
- Mr. John Carvelli, Board Member
- Mrs. Rachel Baskin, Board Member
- Mr. Ernie DiFiore, Board Member
Website: www.montvalek8.org
Location: 47 Spring Valley Road, Montvale, NJ, United States
Phone: 201-391-1662