Montvale Public Schools
Fall 2018: Volume VI Issue I
Superintendent's Message
Last school year, I shared with 8th graders in my yearbook message that in the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at the end of the movie, the main character George Bailey (James Stewart) receives a book with a note on the inside cover. It reads: “Dear George: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love, Clarence.” In the film, George Bailey was able to look back on his life and see how it positively impacted others. He realized that he was indeed rich; not in material things, but rich in friendships.
In a world that is so technologically connected, I think we have lost some of our routines that have provided opportunities for face-to-face friendships. Thankfully, in school we still have routines that provide opportunities every day for children to connect with each other. Thankfully, we have a wonderful staff that models the importance of collaboration and communication.
As we approach November, I want to thank the administrative team for all of their hard work in getting us off to a great start. In particular, our administrative team invests a tremendous amount of time in hiring top-flight educators and staff members to teach, serve and lead our students. A special thank-you to our support staff who work diligently throughout the year to ensure our schools run well. Their dedication and collaborative efforts are much appreciated. Thank you to Mr. Valois (Technology Coordinator) and Mr. Feather (Computer Technician) for installing/organizing/updating our district technology and communications. A very special thank-you to Mrs. Wasserman (School Business Administrator/Board Secretary) for coordinating summer work, and a BIG thank-you to our custodial staff. And thank you to our teachers for making it happen inside and outside of the classroom. Our school year is off to an excellent start!
Best regards,
Darren Petersen
Reflections from Mrs. Donna Myhre
Mayor's Gala - October 25, 2018 Fundraiser for Mrs. Donna Myhre's Daughter (Ticket Info Below)
Recent Happenings
During the past few months, there has been a plethora of activities in our schools.
There were improvements to our school facilities:
Paving project behind Memorial.
Painting of several classrooms.
Installation of new floors, new access systems for doors, new TV’s, new computers, new access points for WiFi & new furniture.
Installed new air conditioners (thank you PTO) & new electrical panel.
We hosted:
The Montvale Summer Institute (MSI), Safety Town, Region II Special Education program & Montvale Recreation Summer program.
We had several teachers participate in professional development (over 400 hours):
Several teachers attended an eight-day workshop with Innovative Designs for Education (IDE). IDE specializes in supporting staff in working with students in a learner-active technology infused classroom.
In addition to IDE, several teachers participated in writing curriculum and attended programs to support their work.
We implemented a:
New student information system (RealTime), new budgetary accounting system - Computer Solutions Incorporated (CSI), and much more.
Thank You to the PTO & MEF!
Thank you to the PTO for funding several new air conditioners for our school district. Thank you to the Montvale Educational Foundation (MEF) for your ongoing support of all of our programs; especially this year, our character education program at Memorial School and for funding book clubs at Fieldstone Middle School. We appreciate all of the resources that will provide opportunities for students to "learn by reading” & “by doing" in climate controlled environments.
If you are not currently involved, please consider actively participating in our PTO and MEF. Both organizations offer wonderful opportunities for you to work collaboratively to support children. Your involvement will make a difference and is a wonderful way to model for your children the importance of giving back.
Montvale School District Goals 2018-19
- Leverage student data to improve individualized instruction, and communicate data to parents to support student growth.
- Continue to provide for student and staff wellness, safety and security, and additional resources to support students socially and emotionally.
- Evaluate the anticipated impact of population growth in Montvale on the school district, with an ongoing focus on safety and security.
Hills Valley Coalition (HVC) - Presentation on the Dangers of Vaping
The Hills Valley Coalition is sponsoring an important public health workshop on the dangers of vaping. There has been a rise in vaping among teenagers in our country. The workshop, "Vape: What's in the Mist" will take place on November 14, 2018 at 7 pm, at Pascack Hills High School. Please click HERE for more information.
Upcoming Dates
October 22: Board of Education - Public Business Meeting at 8 p.m.
October 22-26: Red Ribbon Week
October 25: Mayor's Gala at Seasons
October 25: PTO Meeting at 9 a.m. at FMS
October 31: Halloween Parade at Memorial & 3 R's Day Walk-a-thon at FMS
November 1: Montvale Educational Foundation (MEF) Meeting at 7 p.m. at FMS
November 8 & 9: Schools Closed for NJEA Teachers Convention
Montvale Public Schools
- Mr. Scott Rossig, President
- Mrs. Debra McGauley-Eichhorn, Vice President
- Mrs. Anita Bagdat, Board Member
- Mr. John Carvelli, Board Member
- Mrs. Rachel Baskin, Board Member
- Mr. Ernie DiFiore, Board Member
- Mrs. Alisha Foley, Board Member
Website: www.montvalek8.org
Location: 47 Spring Valley Road, Montvale, NJ, USA
Phone: 201-391-1662