Woodland Park School District News
Nov. 23, 2022
Welcome to the Woodland Park School District e-Newsletter which is sent out weekly when school is in session. It serves as a glimpse of some of the wonderful things going on in our schools, as well as a point of reference for upcoming events.
Your Partner in Education,
Michele R. Pillari, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
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A Helping Hand
Thank you to our friends at Little Falls ShopRite, especially store manager Rich Greco, who donated 25 $35.00 gift cards to Woodland Park families in need. These gift cards which were distributed to local families through the school district will ensure those who need a helping hand will have an abundance on Thanksgiving.
In addition, Beatrice Gilmore School and Memorial Middle School held food drives which will benefit local residents through the gracious services at St. Agnes Food Pantry in Little Falls, and Eva's Village in Paterson.
At Memorial Middle School, the food collection was run by the newly elected Student Council for 2022-2023. The following students comprise this year's council:
- Jayden Perez (President)
- Yoseph Khaled (Vice-President)
- Lena Preziosi (Secretary)
- Maritza Guevara (Treasurer)
- Jason Snyder (8th grade Representative)
- Loujain Lafi (8th grade Representative)
- Yakiel Chevalier (7th grade Representative)
- Christian Vazquez (7th grade Representative)
- Layla DeLuca (6th grade Representative)
- Darrin Aly (6th grade Representative)
- Adina Shanaa (6th grade Representative)
- Justin Zummo (6th grade Representative)
Thank you to all who participated in this very important service project.
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WPEA Pride
The Woodland Park Education Association is proud to have been able to donate water bottles to the Mustang Academy Weight Training and Nutrition Club. Funds were acquired through the NJEA Pride grant program. A special congratulations is extended to Christian Lopez who placed first in the final Kahoot Challenge! A special thank you sent to the advisors, Mrs. Carbonelli and Ms. McGarrity, for a job well done.
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Honoring Their Sacrifices
Mrs. Behnken’s class took great pride in participating in the Memorial Middle School community service project by writing letters to veterans. Students also created cards and notes of thanks for two very special people in her life. Mr. Harold Smith, who will turn 100 in January, was in the Army Infantry serving in both World War II and Vietnam. Mr. Gabe Vitalone, who turned 100 on May 31 also served in World War II as a lieutenant in General Patton’s Third Army. At 98, he enjoyed the thrill of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Yankee Stadium to honor his boyhood pal, Joe Romano, who was killed during the war. Room 107 thanks these men and all who have served for their sacrifices and service to this great nation.
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Gone Pink
To conclude our breast cancer awareness fundraiser and to celebrate meeting a monetary goal of $1,500 to benefit a staff member that is battling cancer, the entire Charles Olbon School community enjoyed watching Mrs. Sanducci spray Mr. Volpe’s hair pink earlier this month! Thank you to all who participated.
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Pumpkin Patch Fun
The students in Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Coffey's class at School 1 have been enjoying their Pumpkin Patch and market during dramatic play. In this area, the students sort large and small pumpkins, measure each against the leaves to see how many leaves it takes to meet the same size as the pumpkin, throw the leaves in the air, rake the leaves, and play farmer's market. This area enhances communication skills, counting, measuring, gross motor skills, sorting, and classifying, as well as many other objectives. The students sure do love their Pumpkin Patch!
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50th Day
Mrs. D'Amico and Mrs. Davidson's first grade class at Charles Olbon School sock-hopped their way into the 50th Day of school! The students learned all about what life was like during the 1950s. Students were excited to learn that telephones had cords, TVs were black and white, and music was listened to on a record player! Everyone enjoyed dancing to Elvis Presley songs and twisting to other 50s rock and roll jams! Students even created made "root beer floats" whice were featured in the hallway for all to see what individuals enjoyed during this decade.
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Partner Reading
Students in Ms. DiGiacomo's kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School have been enjoying partner reading activities. The students are learning to take turns, helping each other tap out words, and having fun reading with classmates.
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Friendsgiving
The Memorial Middle School staff gathered together last week to celebrate with a Friendsgiving meal. This was a Memorial School tradition which took place prior to the pandemic and everyone is so excited to have it back! Not only was it quite delicious, but it was also a great time together!
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Cereal Box Projects
Students in Ms. DiBona's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School had a great time making their cereal box book reports. They designed a cereal related to a fictional book. Students wrote the book summaries on one side panel of the cereal box. They identified and described the setting and main characters on the other side panel. On the back of the cereal box book report, students created a fun game or activity related to the book. Some made a word search, while others designed mazes, word scrambles, or hidden pictures. They were so excited to present their final projects!
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Afternoon Potluck
Charles Olbon School staff participated in a potluck luncheon on Nov. 16th. Each participant shared a favorite dish to nourish their colleagues in preparation for the afternoon professional development learning session. Everyone went home with a full mind and a full belly!
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Discount Card Fundraiser
Memorial Middle School's 8th Grade Dance Committee is running a community discount card fundraiser. The reusable card is $20 each and offers a year's worth of savings to all your local favorites. You’ll be sure to save much more than $20 from using your card. Discount cards also make great gifts! To order a card, contact Trish at wpmemorialclassof2023@gmail.com or 201-452-9212
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following programs. Visit the Library's website here or Facebook page here. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join in for stories, songs, crafts, and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m. - Bingo for grades K to 4. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 24 - The Library is closed
Friday, Nov. 25 - The Library is closed
Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. - Legomania for all ages. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go no judgment weight loss sharing group. Share stories, tips, and struggles, or just listen. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go and relax with us in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Registration is strongly suggested. We cannot guarantee time with a tutor if you are not pre-registered. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. - ESL/ELL Conversation Club (for adults) Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Join Miss Sara for bedtime story time. Pajamas are encouraged! This story time is for the whole family. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit Exercise Class. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water to hydrate. A health waiver needs to be completed prior to the program. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m. - Design an Ugly Sweater for all ages. All sweaters will be displayed in the Library. Prizes will be given. Sweater templates will be available all month to bring home and decorate.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club. Expand your palate! Each month, receive a packet with a new spice, recipe, and history of the spice. The group will meet to discuss our findings. Register here.
Friday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. - Lunch & a Movie. Join in for lunch and a viewing of "West Side Story" (2021). Register here.