The COnnection
MARSD Central Office Newsletter
From the Desk of Dr. Majka - Superintendent
Spring season is a time of transition and rejuvenation. It offers a welcomed change from the cold, long and dark days of winter to more enjoyable temperatures and sunshine. The sounds of winter winds are replaced by the songs of birds to start our days. The growth on trees and flowers remind us that there is always an opportunity for a fresh new start. But for me, the most favorite sign of spring is baseball and opening day. It brings the child out in all of us and invites us to be somewhat reflective and welcome change with a positive attitude. So as we enter this final marking period of our school year, remember, it is never too late to put your mark on things and take away important lessons both in the classroom and in life.
Happy spring!
March 8, 2019 - In-Service Day (Elementary Schools) - By: Mrs. Tobia
Lifelong Learners
The March 8th in-service day provided an opportunity for the PreK-5 teachers to collaborate and continue to enhance instructional practices. Our pre-school and kindergarten teachers had an opportunity for vertical articulation. Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers received further training in Wilson Fundations. The Grade 2 & Grade 3 teachers debriefed on best practices for the implementation of our newly adopted reading program, Literacy By Design. Finally, our Lloyd Road team focused on content specific strategies for instruction as well as ways to address social and emotional learning through the Nurtured Heart approach. K-5 Special Area teachers received training on Sheltered English Instruction (SIOP) in which they learned research based best practices for supporting English Language Learners.
Feedback from the teachers on the activities was extremely positive. Teachers indicated the time was valuable and would have an immediate impact on daily interactions with students.
March 8, 2019 - In-Service Day (Secondary Schools) - by: Dr. Rawls
On Friday, March 8, 2019 the MAMS & MRHS staff celebrated a day of Professional & Personal Learning. During the day, teachers, counselors, and administrators shared a holistic retreat that was designed to provide staff with practical practices to support self-care and professional growth. Over 20 presenters provided staff with meaningful sessions on topics such as Mindfulness, Yoga, Team Building, Questioning & Discussion Techniques, Effective Math Practices, Writing Strategies, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Design Cycles, Art Therapy, Dance, and much much more!
Dr. Majka kicked off the day with a warm welcome and words of encouragement. He focused on the idea of self-care and working as a team to reach our goals. Following Dr. Majka’s welcome, Dr. Rawls introduced the focus for the day of development. His words touched on the theme of: Learn.Encourage.Collaborate. Teachers left the opening session and embarked on their individualized day of learning and self-care.
There was a buzz in the hallways and the classrooms as participants engaged in lively discussions based on the various topics. As if the professional learning was not enough, the MAMS PTSO donated gift baskets containing cool Husky gear and gift cards. The Curriculum & Instruction office donated Starbucks gift cards for lucky winners.
Thanks to all, it was a Great Day to be a Husky! Special thanks to Darlene Gallagher in the office of Curriculum & Instruction for her hard work and dedication in organizing the event! Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Title I & ESL Family Night
NJSLA- State Assessment Begins
Our 3rd-10th grade Students will be taking the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) this April and May. Please check on the Parent Notification of Standardized Assessments for a list of all local and state assessment dates.
NJ Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) for English Language Arts and Mathematics
Class of 2019 and 2020 High School Graduation Assessment Requirements
Community Viewing of Screenagers: Growing Up in a Digital Age
Monday, Apr 15, 2019, 07:00 PM
Matawan Aberdeen Middle School, Matawan Avenue, Cliffwood, NJ, USA
Screen-Free Zones, How to Encourage More Face-To-Face Time
Building Communication Skills via Summer Jobs
Congratulations to Dr. Rawls - Husky of the Month
Parents of Special People
Some upcoming events include a trip to Medieval Times, Liberty Science Center over Spring Break, the 15th Anniversary Party at Monmouth Racetrack in June and our year-end celebration at Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center. All events are free or of lower cost to families. Membership is open year round! For any questions, please visit parentsofspecialpeopleinc.com or email pospnews@gmail.com.
School Closures/Holidays
Please mark your calendar for the following dates that district schools and offices will be closed.
Spring Break - April 19th - April 26th (District will reopen on April 29th)
Memorial Day - May 27th
(Pending the April 29, 2019 Board Meeting and approval, the district will be closed on Friday, May 24th and Tuesday, May 28th. Please check the district calendar after the board meeting for confirmation.)