CGSD Newsletter
September 2019
Dear CGSD Community,
As the school year ramps up, students across the CGSD find themselves learning to balance priorities, working through social dilemmas and juggling various responsibilities, not the least of which includes homework. This past spring, members of our community took a deep dive into the role homework plays in our school houses and homes, having developed recommendations for the Board of Education to consider as part of a comprehensive review of Policy and Regulation 2330 - Homework.
Like any successful initiative, communication will be key to ensuring that the changes made to Policy and Regulation 2330 are implemented with fidelity. Afterall, homework connects the instructional plan to retention and the application of problem-solving, much of which is done at home without direct supervision of the classroom teacher. Homework extends the learning experience, provides practice in the mastery of skills and knowledge, and develops each student's ability to work collaboratively or independently, both skills of which need nurturing.
Collectively, we also agreed that homework should be based on the ability and needs of each child, should be clearly assigned and its product evaluated and reported back to our students.
Please visit https://tinyurl.com/yy3gllpe to access the complete version of Policy and Regulation 2330.
#WeAreCedarGrove
Sincerely,
Michael J. Fetherman
Superintendent
SE 3rd grade students in Mrs. Placenti’s class and Mrs. DeNunzio's Comp Tech class had the opportunity to connect with elementary students from a school in Sarasota, Florida for International Dot Day (http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/). On this day, educators from around the world encourage students to harness their own creativity and embrace their own confidence as they make their mark on the world in their individual ways! Using Flipgrid (https://info.flipgrid.com), a social learning platform that allows educators to ask questions that students respond to in video format, students from both classes created a short video answering the question ‘How will you make your mark on the world?’. The class in Florida viewed the videos and responded with comments, and our third graders did the same. This was a great opportunity for students to digitally connect with students in other areas, and learn appropriate ways to communicate online in an authentic, real life situation. It also encouraged the children to think about how they want to contribute to the world in a meaningful way and be able to articulate that in a video format. Check out one of the videos here: https://tinyurl.com/y4usc5bb
NE and SE 4th graders experimented with a variety of printing techniques using cardboard and "found objects" over watercolor, warm or cool, and were thrilled with the results!
NE and SE 3rd graders practiced naming notes to prepare for their recorder unit!
NE and SE students, after performing the song "Bow Wow Wow" with a partner, filled in the missing rhythms using quarter notes, rests and eighth notes.
MMS 7th grade English classes composed their own Six Word Memoir. Based on a story written by Ernest Hemingway, students brainstormed ideas before narrowing down their word choice to just six. Students finalized their memoirs by adding illustrations and/or pictures before presenting them to their classmates.
MMS Computer Application students utilized Chromebooks (and courtyard) to work on their technology pioneer webquest project.
MMS 8th grade math students conducted an experiment to explore a linear relationship (how bridge thickness is related to its strength). Students created bridges using strips of paper and tested the strength of their bridges by adding pennies into a paper cup placed in the center of the bridge. Students displayed their collected data in tables and graphs, looked for relationships and made predictions.
MMS students in Mr. Luogameno’s STEM class use CAD programming to design 3D printable objects.
CGHS will host the ACT for students in Grade 12 on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. Seniors are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselor, if interested.
CGHS students Ben Krizek and Alex Rosamilia put the finishing touches on their VEX Robot in Engineering Robotics II.
CGHS Engineering Robotics II students Abby Warkentin, Alex Rosamilia, Michael Zampini and Jillian Muszynski battled it out on our VEX Robotics competition field in the new STEM Lab.
CGHS students in Mr. Krehel's Chemistry class created chemical changes in lab. Safety goggles? Check. Safety apron. Check!
CGHS Studio Art students proudly display their work on shading and value.
CGHS band students prepare for the upcoming Winter Concert. It'll be here before you know it!
CGHS students in Mr. Tedesco's Computer Science class created animations utilizing the program Code.org
Music Matters is a family-school organization supporting the music program at Cedar Grove High School. We work with the students and teachers to partner with and support community events and organizations in our wonderful town.
Please visit CGHS Music Matters online at: https://www.cgschools.org/cghs-music-matters/
On Facebook: CGHS Music Matters
On Instagram: cghsmusic
On Twitter: @cghs_Music
The mission of the Cedar Grove Education (CGEF) is to enrich and enhance the educational experiences of Cedar Grove students above and beyond the scope of the curriculum and to provide lifelong learning opportunities for the entire community.
Follow us on Facebook: Cedar Grove Education Foundation
CGSD Social Media: GET CONNECTED!
Email: fetherman.michael@cgschools.org
Website: www.cgschools.org
Location: 520 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 239-1550
Facebook: facebook.com/CedarGroveSuperintendent
Twitter: @Cgssuper