Arbor Intermediate School
January 2023 Issue
School Leadership Team
School Leadership Team
Heather O’Donnell, Principal
Janell Smolk, Assistant Principal
Jessica Jerez, Counselor
Monica Pratt, Counselor
Karen Hoeg, Secretary
Corinne Fender, School Nurse
Marcela Ridley, Attendance Clerk
Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian
A Message from the Principal
Dear Arbor Family,
While 2022 began a bit unconventionally, I am full of excitement and anticipation of what the second half of the year will have in store! Our students continue to work hard, persevere, and grow despite the many challenges that we are faced with at this time. I truly inspired by them, as well as by the staff, who are consistently proving their commitment to our students. We are proud of and grateful for the collaboration and support that our families continue to offer no matter the obstacles.
The New Year provides us all with the opportunity to celebrate our students and their hard work. The end of the second marking period is coming up, which will allow us to recognize our Honor Roll students. We also have our Band, Orchestra, and Chorus concerts planned, and students are excited to show off how far they have come in their rehearsals.
We are looking forward to many fun upcoming events and fundraisers. We continue to have great participation from families for Family Fun Nights, concerts, Dine to Donate events, PTO sales, and fundraisers. The New Year will surely bring many more opportunities to gather as a community to celebrate our students' successes!
Sincerely,
Heather O’Donnell
Counseling Corner
This month, we are excited to begin implementing the Second Step Curriculum in 4th and 5th grade. Second Step is a program designed to build supportive communities through social and emotional learning. Our Second Step lessons will be taught collaboratively with teachers and counselors. Please see the link below for additional information.
Nurse's Corner
It’s cold outside! Please dress for the weather. It’s time to wear hats, gloves, scarves, winter coat and sometimes boots.
In addition to the Covid 19 virus it’s also cold and flu season.
It’s important to:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often
- Eat health food
- Keep moving and exercise
- Get plenty of sleep
We can stay healthy together!!!
Arbor Welcomes Ms. Gardner
Background: I grew up in Connecticut, then moved to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University. There I graduated with a BM in vocal music education and a minor in French. I first joined the Piscataway community through my student teaching, and this fall had the joy of working as the LTS choir director at PHS. I am now thrilled to join the Arbor community as the visual arts LTS.
Favorites:
Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Music: Depends on the day… often funk, indie, or soft rock
Book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Color: Blue
Food: Nutella
Hobbies: Learning guitar, traveling, sailing, hiking, baking
Family Fun Night
Arbor families joined together for a fun filled night on January 18th. During the night, hot chocolate was served by PTO members and parent volunteers. Attendees enjoyed watching DC League of Super-Pets. It was an evening filled with smiles and laughs. A special thanks to all the volunteers to helped to make this event a success!
Spirt Day
On Friday, January 27th, show your school spirit during Twin Day. Have fun and be creative by dressing up with a friend or a group of friends. See the flyer below for more information.
Check out the Student of the Month Winners- December
Arbor Magnets
If you are interested in purchasing an Arbor Magnet, please see the attached flyer.
Upcoming Events
- 1/24/23- Arbor Band Concert (6:30pm/7:30pm- Schor Middle School)
- 1/26/23- Arbor Chorus and Orchestra Concert (6:30pm-Schor Middle School)
- 1/27/23- Spirit Day- Twin Day
- 2/10/23- Spirit Day- Jersey Day
- 2/13/23-2/24/23- Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser
- 2/22/23- 4th Grade Academic Awards
- 2/23/23-5th Grade Academic Awards
- 2/27/23-3/3/23- Spirit Week- Read Across America
