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

Dear Arbor Families,

It has been a busy beginning to the winter season here at Arbor School. Students have participated in awards ceremonies, food drives, fundraisers, holiday sales, and more. We were able to recognize the hard work and achievements of our over 200 honor roll students from the first marking period. The energy and liveliness in the classrooms is a joy to see, and we are excited to see what the new year brings.

As the winter comes in, it is imperative that we keep the health and safety of our students as a primary goal. Please help to maintain the health and safety of students by ensuring they come to school in appropriate clothing for the weather, especially outerwear. Students who misplace these items are encouraged to check the lost and found in the cafeteria. Often times, we display them on the stage so students can see them easily.

I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and restful winter break. I am looking forward to seeing all of our students back in the building in the new year!

Sincerely,

Heather O’Donnell

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment.

We are committed to the safety and well being of the students and staff at Arbor. The administration, faculty, and support staff is dedicated to guiding and protecting our students throughout the school day.

Parent Tips:

• Create healthy anti-bullying habits early. Teach your children what to do – spread kindness, be empathetic, play fairly, and engage in positive interactions.
• Be a good example of leadership, kindness and compassion
• Talk with and listen to your kids
• Learn the signs. If you suspect that bullying may be occurring, reach out to the school. You can also access bullying resources on the Piscataway Schools Website.

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!!!

On November 7th, Master magician David Hagerman performed his science-based magical wizardry at Arbor Intermediate School. The students enjoyed every minute as they watched the magic happen.

Background on David Hagerman:

Hagerman travels the US inspiring children to pursue futures with math and science through his edutainment magic show. His science and math-based shows make kids hungry for knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.

“Technically, I’m a real modern-day wizard, using science and math to achieve illusions,” said Hagerman. “Through my spectacle and performance, my real goal is to wow and inspire kids to consider science and mathematics as a future. It can be hard to get kids excited about STEM fields today and considering that science and technology are our future right now, through wizardry, I am happy to show them the awe and wonder behind the science.”

Performing a full-fledged science show that incorporates magical elements, Hagerman demonstrates visual science that stands on its own without the help and support of magic. Cognizant of the fact that children’s attention is sparing and fleeting, Hagerman delves into the importance of entertainment for really piquing children’s interest.

“My show is designed to be one of the most entertaining live performances that students will ever see related to science and math,” said Hagerman. “By the end of the act, students will not even realize they have learned a considerable amount during their entertainment enjoyment. I look forward to sharing my performance art with the students at Piscataway Township Schools this month.”

Similar shows to Hagerman’s have demonstrated a 33% increase in test scores for the children attending the spectacle. (Science in the Movies)

Known as the world’s most secretive magician, Hagerman works hard to protect magic’s secrets as the rise of smart devices and Internet tears down the mysticism behind the performance.

This was a great performance!

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and togetherness. During the Thanksgiving season, Arbor students and staff participated in activities centered on the holiday. In Art class, students were drawing their favorite food to eat on Thanksgiving, In Math classes, students had to solve problems related to the holiday, in literacy students put on plays and there was even a Thanksgiving Feast in Ms. Scinto's room.

The PTO worked hard to make the 2022 Holiday Shoppe a huge success. Students had the opportunity to attend the Holiday Shoppe with their homerooms. As they perused the items , PTO members and parent volunteers were able to assist the students. A special thanks to all the staff, parents and community members who helped with the Holiday Shoppe.

On December 6th and 7th, Arbor students who earned an academic award were recognized at a ceremony. During the ceremony, teachers called the names of students who earned A or A/B Honor Roll. These students were awarded a Honor Roll Ribbon to signify their hard work and effort during the first marking period. Congratulations to these Arbor Students!

On December 21st, 4th and 5th grade students enjoyed a musical performance by Quibbletown music students. The band and orchestra students performed a variety of songs for our Arbor students. It was a room full of smiles as students enjoyed the performance. A special thanks to Mr. Mejias and Ms. Torres for helping to coordinate the event.

If you are interested in purchasing an Arbor Magnet, please see the attached flyer.

• 1/11/23- Dine to Donate- Panera
• 1/18/23- Family Fun Night (Hot Cocoa and Movie)
• 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