Woodland Park School District News
Dec. 23, 2020
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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The preschool Early Childhood Advisory Council held a winter clothing drive last Saturday at School 1 for our Woodland Park families. The picture features council members Dr. Pillari, Mrs. Barreto, Dr. Irizarry, School 1 Home & School Association President Tami Hajbi, and School 1 Home & School Association Vice President Dana Camacho.
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Ms. Morris' second grade class at Charles Olbon School had so much fun learning all about ancient Egypt. As a Fun Friday Theme, the students in the class dressed up as individuals from ancient Egypt. See the picture above of all the beautiful Egyptian princesses alongside the mummy!
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Students in Ms. Miranda's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School had fun participating in the Grinch themed holiday spirit day last week.
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Students in Beatrice Gilmore School are enjoying PE classes! The students participated in Orange Theory Fitness at Home workouts. These workouts are helpful fitness resources for all to use at home while gyms are closed. The free videos introduce students to various exercises that challenge cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength/endurance. PE instructor, Mr. Pomante, constantly reminds students to stay active at home: "Fit, Don't Sit!" Shown above are some third and fourth grade students participating in their favorite exercise: toy soldiers.
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School District welcomes Ms. Julia Lee
The Special Services Department is proud to introduce Ms. Julia Lee. Ms. Lee was hired in September to serve as our school district's School Psychologist. After graduating college, Ms. Lee began her professional career as a paralegal for 15 years. Having grown up in two cultures and benefiting from the positive impact of educators on her own life, Ms. Lee reports wanting to help other students on their journey to become successful members of society. Returning to Seton Hall University, she completed her master's degree and Educational Specialist degree in 2020. Ms. Lee lives in Bergen County with her family and enjoys spending time outside at local parks with her 4-year old son.
Currently, Ms. Lee case manages students at Beatrice Gilmore School. As a member of the Child Student Team, she conducts evaluations and provides counseling as needed. She also works closely with staff throughout the school district in order to ensure the both the academic and social-emotional well being of all students.
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Memorial Times December issue is out
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Mrs. Castrovinci takes part in panel talk about education in COVID world
Please join us in congratulating, Ms. Elba Castrovinci, the School District's Supervisor of Language Arts. Ms. Castrovinci was selected to participate in a panel discussion on education in a COVID world. Her expertise was shared with participants from all over New Jersey and other states as well.
Throughout her professional career, Ms. Castrovinci spent 9 years in the elementary and middle school settings as a classroom teacher and reading specialist as well as 8 years as a supervisor of English Language Arts. She currently supports the coordination and implementation of the district's early reading multi-tiered systems support initiatives.
Ms. Castrovinci is one member of our leadership team who has contributed to the great work we are accomplishing as a school district. We are so very grateful for all she does for our educational community and proud to have her here in WP.
#ProudtobeWP
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Holiday Tips from the Special Services Department:
We all know that the winter break is a much needed time for all parents, students and staff, especially in these times of COVID-19. At the same time, we know and have experienced that unstructured times can prove difficult for many of us. If you would like some tips on how to navigate winter break during these unprecedented times, please read This article .
We hope that you enjoy a safe, happy, and well-deserved time with your loved ones. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. All programs are VIRTUAL unless noted. To view virtual programs, click here.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m. - Virtual storytime
Thursday, Dec. 24 - Library will be closed
Friday, Dec. 25 - Library will be closed
Monday, Dec. 28, 2 p.m. - Virtual storytime
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2 p.m. - Virtual storytime
Thursday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m. - Countdown to Noon! Join in on Zoom for a special New Year's Eve program. Make your own noise maker and hat, then countdown to noon. All supplies will be available to pick up at the Library. A Zoom meeting link will be provided after registering here.
Parent Survey
The library is dedicated to providing children and teens with fun and educational programming. As it continues with virtual programming, it is asking parents to provide them with useful information that will help implement these programs. The survey can be filled out here.
Teen Take Out Subscription Box
Alfred Baumann Library is excited to offer a new free subscription service for teens, grades 6-12! Teen Take Out is a bi-monthly subscription box that includes a book, sweet treat, and surprise gift. All you need to do is fill out the sign-up form, telling us your favorite genre and authors, then we will pick out a book specifically for you.
Registration for the January Teen Take Out is open here. All subscription boxes will be ready Jan. 4; you have one week to pick up your box. Once you receive your box enjoy the special treats inside and return the book after six weeks.