Connors School Scoop
April 12, 2024
Dear Connors Families,
This week was such an exciting week with our Solar Eclipse lessons, Veolia Water Presentations in our 1st and 2nd grade science classes, 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Museum of NYC, 4th Grade Whale ID program and 4th grade CTY Field Trip to the Hudson County Consortium. As always, we have lots of events coming up as well, so please make sure to read the Connors School Scoop.
PTO CORNER
PTO Meeting Recap + Minutes
Thank you to everyone who joined our April PTO meeting! Didn’t make it to the meeting? Review the Meeting Minutes to learn about our many exciting upcoming events and volunteer opportunities!
Karaoke Parents Night Out (PLEASE NOTE THE RESCHEDULED DATE OF 5/1)
Green Team Initiatives
Teacher Appreciation Week
Annual International Dinner
5th Grade Happenings
Field Day
District PTO Golf Fundraiser
If you didn't get a chance to hear it live, here is the “Innovations in Literacy” presentation our very special guests, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Sandra Rodriguez-Gomez and K-12 ELA Supervisor Ms. Christy Gaudio, shared with us during our meeting this week. Really great information in here so be sure to take a look!
The Hoboken Green Fair & Toy Swap (April 13)
The annual Hoboken Green Fair, hosted by the City and the Hoboken Green Team, is this Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Church Square Park. The fair aims to raise awareness regarding environmental issues and how consumers can reduce their impact on the earth by selecting sustainable, eco-friendly products and services, reducing energy consumption, conserving water and limiting their dependence on fossil fuels. This year, the fair will also include a toy swap where families can bring and exchange their clean, gently-used toys! For more information, visit https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/green-fair.
Second Annual District PTO Golf Outing (Event June 13; Register April 15)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Registration will open on Monday, April 15 at 10 am and space is limited – the event is expected to sell out, so if you’re interested in attending please register ASAP on 4/15 beginning at 10 am using this form! More details and flyer below.
The PTOs of all 5 district schools are combining forces to host the 2nd Annual Hoboken Public Schools PTO Golf Outing on Thursday, June 13, at Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City. The cost is $175 per golfer. (You will be able to register and pay for up to four golfers.) Check in will start at 4:00pm and the actual golfing will commence at 5:00pm. This year there will also be a “Dinner Only” ticket option available for $75.
Eclipse Glasses Collection (Throughout April)
Connors Green Team is collecting throughout April any unwanted eclipse glasses for donation to Latin America for their eclipse in October. Glasses cannot be damaged. There is a collection box in the Connors lobby next to the security desk.
Yearbook Photo Call
Submit your photos for the 2023-2024 yearbook! Group photos are best, and must be in .jpg and .jpeg file format only. Submit photos now that you already have from earlier in the school year, and continue submitting throughout May!
Stay connected and “in the know” when you…
Read the April PTO Meeting Minutes (Next Meeting: Tuesday, 5/7 at 8:30am with special guest Dr. Johnson)
Visit (and bookmark!) the PTO Website (updated regularly!)
Sync the PTO "Live" Calendar (all important dates and reminders on your calendar)
Join the PTO Facebook Group + PTO Email List
ADDITIONAL SCHOOL REMINDERS
SCHOOL LUNCH and SNACKS
Here is lunch order form for the week of April 15th 4/15-4/19 Lunch Order Form. Please ensure that you have set up a Payschools Account on our district website. Please make sure that you packed a healthy snack for your child to eat at school.
ATTENDANCE
If your child will be absent from school, please email connorsattendance@hoboken.k12.nj.us along w/ your child’s homeroom teacher with the following information:
Child’s Name
Reason for absence
Date of expected return
Any documentation for your child’s absence (i.e. doctor’s note, court note, etc.)
School begins at 8:15 am. Please ensure that your child arrives on time to school and enters the building with their homeroom class.
EARLY PICK-UP
If you are picking up your child early from school, please Email connorsattendance@hoboken.k12.nj.us along w/ your child’s homeroom teacher with the following information by 10:00 am.
Time that you will be picking up your child
Who will be picking up your child. Make sure that whoever is picking up your child is listed on your child’s approved pick-up list.
Parents will not be able to sign children out between 2:30 and 3:00 PM. After 2:30 PM, you must wait until regular dismissal time.
HOBOKEN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION AND VISION
Students have been learning about our Hoboken Public School District's Mission and Vision!
MISSION: The Hoboken Public School District will prepare confident and resilient graduates who value academic achievement, embrace challenge, honor diversity, appreciate collaboration and respectfully contribute to their local and wider-communities.
VISION: The Hoboken Public School District will be recognized as a premier educational choice and widely known as a best-practice model for academic growth, high quality instruction, innovative and equitable programs, engagement, facilities and personalized pathways that are essential for college, career and life preparation in our ever-changing, interconnected global society.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
- April 12th-Last Day of the 3rd Marking Period
- April 15th-19th-Week of the Young Child
- April 17th-Field Trip G4-G5 CTY Meadowlands Environmental Center
- April 18th-Blue Ribbon Schools Visit
- April 19th-1st Grade Theater Showcase @ Connors 10am
- April 19th-NJ Symphony @ HHS for all 5th Graders
- April 23rd-Whale ID Program for Grade 4
- April 25th-National Bring Your Child to Work Day
- April 26th-Connors PEP Rally
IMPORTANT LINKS
- Connors Family Manual, FAQ's
- Connors Calendar of Events 2023-2024
- Hoboken Public School District Calendar 2023-2024
- Chromebook Handout
We make it our priority to partner with parents in the academic growth and success of every child. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
All the best,
Principal Addi
The Museum of the City of New York
2nd Grade Field Trip
2nd graders went to The Museum of the City of New York. Founded in 1923, this history and art museum preserves and presents the history of New York City and its people. Thanks to the Hoboken Public School district for planning this grade level trip across all elementary schools. 2nd grade teachers also want to send a big thank you to all the chaperones who joined us during the trip!
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
We ADORE our PARAPROFESSIONALS!
Rosie's Adventures in 107
Rosie's adventures continued this week in Ms. Watson's class! The students loved having Rosie in class this week and looked forward to seeing her everyday! Each day we gave Rosie some treats, let her play in her ball, and of course gave her lots of pets and cuddles! We learned about how to properly care for an animal and how to be gentle and kind to Rosie. The students even got to "babysit" Rosie in her ball each morning when Ms. Watson cleaned up her cage. We learned that Rosie LOVES to chew and loves to climb on the walls of her cage, which is pretty silly to watch! We will miss Rosie Posie so much!
KARAOKE NIGHT (NEW DATE: 5/1)
Our Parents Karaoke Night Out has been moved to Wednesday, May 1, and will be a joint event with Brandt PTO! Join us for a fun night out in the private Wintergarden room at Hoboken’s Pilsener Haus & Biergarten to connect with friends and meet other district parents.
Expect an incredible karaoke DJ equipped with 8 mics (and countless songs) for a unique, energetic and fun group sing-along karaoke experience and a lively atmosphere for all. No pressure to perform solo; join in when you hear your favorite song – or just enjoy the music (and spectating) while also enjoying the company, food and drinks. All food and drink purchases (except for the 1 drink ticket) will be your responsibility. Proceeds from this event will benefit Connors PTO & Brandt PTO.
Tickets: $35 each (includes: 3 hours of the karaoke DJ, 1 drink ticket, and 1 raffle ticket)
RSVP: Secure your spot by sending $35/person via Venmo (@Connors-PTO) or Zelle (ConnorsPTO@gmail.com). Be sure to note your name and Karaoke Night in the notes. Advanced RSVP preferred.
EARTH DAY "SPRING CLEANING" DRIVE (April 22-26)
Help us help the Hoboken Shelter while keeping items out of trash + landfills! Students should bring in items from 4/22-4/26, and each Homeroom that fills its collection bag will earn an extra recess period!
Disposable Utensils (all types including wooden chopsticks)
Paper Plates + Small Cups (extras from birthday parties/food delivery)
Condiment Packets (especially ketchup)
Take Out + Plastic Food Containers (clean + with matching lid attached)
Reusable Grocery Bags (Fresh Direct, ShopRite, Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
Please don’t buy anything; donate what you already have that you no longer need and might otherwise end up in the trash.
SECOND ANNUAL DISTRICT PTO GOLF OUTING (6/13)
TICKETS ON SALE THIS MONDAY (4/15) AT 10AM – DON’T DELAY…THEY WILL SELL OUT! REGISTER HERE!
The PTOs of all 5 district schools are combining forces to host the 2nd Annual Hoboken Public Schools PTO Golf Outing on Thursday, June 13, at Skyway Golf Course in Jersey City. The cost is $175 per golfer or $700 for a foursome. (You can register and pay for up to four golfers.) Check in will start at 4:00pm and the actual golfing will commence at 5:00pm.
There’s also a “Dinner Only” ticket for $75. So if you are not a golfer but would still like to attend, come for strictly drinks, dinner, and fun! It is sure to be an excellent evening enjoying golf, dinner, and mingling with parents from all over our amazing school district.
Skyway is a 9 hole golf course, so the outing will have a capacity limit of 72 golfers. Registration will open on Monday, April 15 at 10 am. Space is limited so please register ASAP on that date! You may scan the QR code on the flier or use this RSVP link to register. Once the 72 golfer mark is reached, registration will be closed. If any registrations are taken after we reach capacity, you will be informed immediately and placed on a waitlist.
So dust off your clubs, get to the range, and get ready for an incredible evening of golfing enjoyment! Please reach out to connorspto@gmail.com with any questions.
** Please note we are not able to offer golfer-refunds. However player registration is transferable. **
Register here on 4/15 at 10am!
1st GRADE THEATRE SHOWCASE
Hoboken HS Class of 2024 Senior Walk a Thon
Hoboken HS Class of 2024 Senior Walk a Thon
Come out, walk, and support the Senior Class.
Saturday, April 20, 2024-10am to 2pm
Louis M. Taglieri Jr. Stadium
To register, all members of the public can scan this flyer or visit: https://forms.gle/ff6QbDjpsBMRbt9q8 (Seniors do not use this form, please refer to your Google Classroom.)
There is a $25.00 donation to participate.
HHS Lego Drive
Girls in Gear
Elementary School Spring Concert
Middle School and High School Spring Concert
Extra Recess
The Reading Specialist Corner
The Hoboken Public School District is proud to have a certified Reading Specialist in each of our three elementary schools and Hoboken Middle School. Teaching children to read requires that every child receives excellent reading instruction and that children who are experiencing reading difficulties receive early intervention and additional instruction from professionals specifically prepared to teach them. The role of the district Reading Specialist is to provide research-based, small group reading instruction using the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) Orton-Gillingham (OG) methodology.
The purpose of the Reading Specialist Corner is to provide families with at-home literacy tips to ensure strong home-school partnerships. This week, the Reading Specialist Team is excited to share the importance of the magnificent vowel E.
The Magnificent E
The vowel E has several jobs in the English Language. We usually just think about the magic e or silent e rule but there are so many other purposes for the vowel e. We are going to break down all of its jobs down below.
#1. Magic E: The magic e gives power to the first vowel so the first vowel can say the long sound. ex. like, take, poke
#2. Not a Plural: If the word horse did not end with an “e”, we would assume that the word was plural, or more than one. We add the “e” so we can show that the word is not plural. Some other words that this applies to are: house, mouse, please.
#3 Helping V in the Final Position: Most people use the terms “magic e” and “silent e” interchangeably but a silent e is slightly different. As stated previously, magic e gives power to the first vowel so it can say it’s long sound (ex. save, hive), but in a silent e the “e” does not give power to the first vowel to say it’s long sound as it is just there because words in English don’t usually end in a “v” (ex. give, have). The purpose of the “e” is that we do not double that last consonant when adding a vowel suffix to the base word. When adding the base word (have) + suffix (-ing) we create the word “having”, but if the base word was spelled “hav” and we added the vowel suffix -ing, we would need to follow the doubling rule and double the v when adding a vowel suffix, therefore it being spelled “havving”, which could get mistaken for “hawing”. Due to that confusion in print, we use the silent e to prevent doubling the consonant in the base word. Pretty interesting!
#4 To Make a Letter Say the Soft Sound: Words that end with a “c” and “g” will need the vowel “e” to make the soft c /s/ and soft g /j/ sounds like in the words change and trace.
#5 Turn a Blend into a Syllable: It creates a blend (like bl-) into a syllable -ble like in the word table. At the end of the syllable in the world table, you will hear a schwa sound, which is a neutral sound that usually says the short /u/ or short /i/ sound; in this case it says a short u sound /ta- bul/. That schwa sound helps blend bl- turn into the syllable -ble and it sounds like “bul”.
Check out the following video from the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education for more information about how magnificent the vowel e really is!
Connors Class Learning Activities
Kindergarten
Ms. Bartolotti, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Fleischer, Ms. Watson, Mrs. Schain
ELA: This week's essential question was "Where do animals live?" Kindergarteners listened to the story Bear Snores On, made predictions before reading, during reading, and confirmed their predictions at the end of the story. They also were able to write about what caused Mouse to go in the cave and were able to draw the cause and the effect of Bear waking up! A job well done by everyone. Kindergarteners also did an amazing job reading the story A Vet in a Van, sounding out their words and reading with fluency. The letter of the week this week was Vv and Xx and the phonics focus was /x/ and /v/. The sight words of the week were want and said. Kindergartners worked very hard during learning centers. We are still working on our published books and can't wait to share our writing!
Math: This week in kindergarten math we started a new unit, unit 7 How many Noses and Eyes investigation 1 how are they the same and how are they different? We started by reviewing sorting activities. We sorted shapes and buttons by different attributes. We also did a super cool domino sorting activity! Then we played two new games! First we played pattern block grab. We sorted shapes and put them in order by quantity. Then we played attribution dominos. We also started learning about surveys and organizing data. We did a survey on our favorite foods to eat for lunch. We then organized our data by different categories such as "sweet or not sweet". We ended our week with a "Do you like ....." survey. The students all got to make and organize their own survey! Over the next two weeks we will continue working on surveys, data, and graphs.
Social Studies: In social studies this week we started learning about needs and wants. Students learned about different money values. We talked about how people earn and use their money wisely.
Science: To start off the week, our kindergarten classes delved into the fascinating topic of solar eclipse. Students learned how this rare astronomical event occurs every 20 years. An eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and blocks all or part of the sun's light. To deepen their understanding, the students engaged in hands-on learning by creating solar eclipse projects, allowing them to visually represent and comprehend this celestial phenomenon.
Additionally, throughout the remainder of the week our students continued their exploration in science dimensions focusing on the captivating realms of plants. Each student planted Marigolds. Within the next few weeks students will write down observations in their plant journals.
1st Grade
Ms. Vayda, Ms. Klag, Ms. Sheridan, Ms. Criqui, Ms. Romanowski
ELA: This week our essential question was, "How can we classify and categorize things?" Students discussed different ways to organize objects and made a lot of text- to- self connections. Our phonics focus was r-controlled vowel- ar. We practiced this skill by sorting word cards and finding "ar" words in our decodable Reading Wonders texts. During guided reading, students focused on point of view. They had to find text evidence through dialogue and illustrations to determine how a character feels. We used graphic organizers to write down the characters and clues given. In grammar, we reviewed irregular plural nouns. We also practiced using adverbs that tell when in our writing. Our red words this week were: none, large, four, round, put, and only. We also began our How- To writing pieces. Students began by brainstorming topics that they knew a lot about. Then they used a graphic organizer to list the steps. After that, they added detail and descriptive words for each step. Everyone did an amazing job writing this week!
Math: First Graders played Investigation games to help determine the quantity represented by a given number of tens and ones. Students understand that the first digit of a 2 digit number designates the number of groups of 10s and the second number designates the number of ones. Students are also comparing two 2-digit numbers and using the correct notation (<,>, =) to record the results of the comparison. In Unit 7 of Investigations, students worked on solving story problems that relate to slip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. Great Job First Grade Mathematicians!
Social Studies: This week in Social Studies, we read our Young Citizens text, exploring the chapter of "How are Other People the Same and Different from Me". We kicked off the week by learning the seven continents. We participated in a variety of engaging activities such as songs, games, and readings to help us remember the continents. Students were then given the chance to apply their knowledge by creating their own maps and accurately labeling the continents and oceans. We also defined climate and what it is like in different regions. Next week we are excited to learn how the environment shapes how people live around the world.
Science: On Monday, April 8th, all classes learned about the solar eclipse! First we listened to the read aloud, “Eclipse” by Andy Rash. Next we learned all about how a solar eclipse occurs as well as how to stay safe during a solar eclipse. Students were very excited to receive their special, protective glasses as well. First grade classes also wrapped up Unit 4 in Science Dimensions by learning all about how plants and animals respond to their environment. This included exploring how senses such as sight, hearing and smell can help animals process information and react to their environment. Classes will continue to enhance their knowledge learned in unit 4 as we move on to the PLTW unit titled, “Animal Adaptations”. Through various investigations, students will explore examples of adaptations related to locomotion, protection, and camouflage. First graders will complete a scientific inquiry investigation to explore how different beak structures are related to gathering food.
2nd Grade
Ms. Rinaldi, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Criqui, Ms. Courtney, Mr. Donovan, Mrs. White
ELA: This week our amazing second graders started a new text set. The essential question for this text set was, "what do good citizens do?" They read the realistic fiction story "A Difficult Decision" where a little boy had to decide if it was the right thing as a citizen to keep a game console that he found in the park. Students made, revised, and confirmed predictions while reading the story. The reading skills for this text set include character perspective (POV) and identifying the plot of the story. Students had to see how the character felt about the story events and were able to relate and make real life connections. Writers Workshop: Second graders started writing their opinion essays. Students used a graphic organizer to organize their ideas! They picked a topic and their three reasons to support their topic. Next week we will start with our rough drafts and revising. They are so excited to share their topics with the class!
Math: This week in math, 2nd graders continued collecting and representing data. We started off the week by collecting data from our own class about how many teeth we have lost so far in our lives. We then represented our data together as a class. Afterwards, we came up with a plan on how to take a survey from different classes around our school to collect their teeth data. We had so much fun going into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classes to gather data from their rooms and to compare and contrast it to our own class' data. We ended the week by being able to represent teeth data in a line plot. We are learning so much about not only collecting data, but also about representing data in different ways. Next week, we will be taking our Unit 4 assessment on data.
Autism Awareness: The month of April is Autism Awareness month. 2nd graders read a mini-reader together as a class to discuss Autism. We learned that it is important to remember that every person with Autism is different from the next person with Autism. As an extension to this mini-reader, 2nd graders created their own class puzzle to build cohesiveness and awareness of others. We were able to explore how we all "fit together" as a group even though we are all different. 2nd graders were so amazed at how our puzzle came out. We are proud to display it outside our classroom to bring awareness to Autism!
Science: Students were introduced to the design problem through the three fictional characters who are planting a wildflower garden at their school. The students are faced with the problem of how plants are already growing in the cleared area and how they will quickly and efficiently disperse wildflower seeds once the area is cleared again. In addition to curriculum related content, the 2nd grade did a fantastic job participated in the Veolia Water Presentation on Wednesday.
3rd Grade
Ms. Hall, Ms. Schmidt, Ms. Gillen, Ms. Layson, Ms. Goodwin, Mrs. White, Ms. Criqui,
Mrs. Schain
Math: This week in Math the students began to explore how to organize data. The students used frequency tables, tally charts, bar graphs and pictographs. The students were able to make their own bar graphs and pictographs while organizing data they collected themselves. Next week we will continue this skill.
ELA: This week, the third graders continued reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane while also exploring various elements and types of poetry. They identified and analyzed figurative language, word choice, and imagery in order to deepen their understanding of author's craft. Students were excited to recognize and create their own examples of similes, metaphors, idioms, alliteration, personification, and onomatopoeia. Additionally, students focused on analyzing repetition, rhyme, and syllable structure in order to understand and create their own limericks, haikus, and free verse poems.
Social Studies: After a few months of honoring and celebrating Black History Month and Women's History Month, third graders resumed their third unit of social studies, focusing on the history and connection of New Jersey and indigenous people. This week students continued learning about the significance of natural resources in the American Indian way of life. Students expanded on this by discovering why European settlers explored American Indian land, and the connection between these explorations and our indigenous people.
Third Grade Thrills: Third graders returned from Spring Break in extraordinary fashion, as their first day back in school included a solar eclipse! Third graders learned about the different parts of solar eclipses, the dangers that can come with these events, and the safety protocols that we should follow in order to enjoy the eclipse in a safe and fun way. We hope everyone was able to safely partake in the fun!
Science: This week was filled with discovery, curiosity and active engagement in the wonders of science. To start off the week, our third grade classes delved into the fascinating topic of solar eclipse. Students learned how this rare astronomical event occurs every 20 years. An eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and blocks all or part of the sun's light. To deepen their understanding, students created observation journals.
Additionally, throughout the remainder of the week third grade students dove deeper into their final project in PLTW Variation of Traits. Students were tasked with creating a fictitious animal, complete with a detailed explanation of its inherited traits within its natural habitat. It was truly inspiring to witness the creativity of third graders as they designed their unique creatures and carefully considered how various traits would contribute to their survival in their representative environments. Not only did students showcase their understanding of genetics and inherited traits but also demonstrated their ability to apply scientific concepts to real world scenarios. Great job third graders!
4th Grade
Ms. Schulz, Mrs. Rodriguez, Ms. Stubbe, Ms. Goodwin, Ms. Courtney, Ms. Romanowski,
Mr. Donovan
Math: 4th Grade Mathematicians continued their study of Unit 4: Measuring & Classifying Shapes. Students worked on area & perimeter as well as symmetry. Students identified the lines of symmetry in designs and were able to make symmetrical designs from given polygons. In addition, students were able to utilize the formulas for area & perimeter to solve word problems. Students continue to work well together and enjoy learning new concepts.
ELA: Phenomenal 4th Grade Readers are really enjoying the core novel "Wonder." They finished reading Part I, which is narrated from Auggie's perspective. Students analyzed the character traits exhibited by different characters Auggie met during his first days at school. Next week they will read Part 2, which is told from the perspective of Via, Auggie's sister. Students also completed their first week of practice and review activities for the upcoming NJSLA state test.
Social Studies: Fourth graders have been working hard to learn about the beginning and lead up to the Revolutionary War. They have been answering thoughtful questions about the people involved on both sides and the important places. Students are participating in thoughtful conversations with the questions as the leading conversation starters. Keep up the great learning 4th graders!
Science: Lesson 1 How does Water Shape Earth's Surface.
Students this week identified and recorded evidence of how water, weathering, erosion and deposition shape the Earth's surface. Students investigated how water impacts Earth and then examined relationships between Earth's surface and physical forces of weathering, erosion and deposition.
The 4th grade classes on Tuesday during The Whale ID program proudly gave names to 4 Humpback Whales. In the coming weeks I will reach out to Whale ID and see if photos are available of the Whales. The names are as follows Mrs. Rodriguez's class voted on Biscuit, Ms. Arciero's class voted on Raincloud, Mrs. Schulz's class voted on spotters and Ms. Stubbe class voted on Pickle.
5th Grade
Ms. Schultes, Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Courtney, Mr. Sottolano
Math: This week our mathematicians used hundredths grids to represent and reason about dividing by powers of 10. They looked for patterns and discussed placement of the decimal point when multiplying or dividing decimals by powers of 10. Students also used what they know about division, place value, and decimals to solve and discuss division problems involving decimals. Students then used what they have learned about multiplying and dividing decimals to solve problems involving customary units of measurement.
ELA: This week 5th graders continued reading our core novel Chasing Lincoln's Killer. The novel is filled with a lot of action and gives the true events of what happened when Lincoln was assassinated. We focused on asking and answering questions related to the plot. While reading nonfiction in our Reading Wonders curriculum, we focused on finding the central idea and relevant details. Keep up the great work!
Social Studies: This week students reviewed the causes of the civil war and then worked in small groups in order to create posters that explain the causes of the civil war. Students were also able to use their artistic abilities to illustrate the causes as well.
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
CTY - Field Trip to Hudson County Dream Flags Project Celebration (4th Grade)
On Thursday, 4th grade CTY students from all of Hoboken’s elementary schools traveled to Washington Middle School in Harrison, along with 4th graders from other Hudson County school districts, to partake in a Dream Flags Project celebration sponsored by the Hudson County Gifted and Talented Consortium.
In preparation for this celebration, students created Dream Flags keeping with the tradition of Nepalese Buddhist prayer flags, which are inscribed with important symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Buddhists for centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the good vibrations across the countryside. Prayer flags are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the surrounding area.
Against the backdrop of their beautiful dream flags, students enjoyed a variety of art and poetry activities centered on dreams and positivity. They created thoughtful gratitude jars, constructed precious friendship bracelets, and even turned ordinary rocks into artwork by painting positive messages on them. The highlight of the field trip occurred when three of our little dreamers from each of our elementary schools courageously climbed onto the auditorium stage and read their touching poems to no less than two dozen teachers and two hundred kids. Well done to them and to all of our CTY students!
Mini PGP
G3
Wednesday was a big day for the STEAM Tank Regional groups who had an opportunity to present their enhanced presentations to the panel of STEAM Tank judges. Every group did a fantastic job with presenting, answering judges’ questions, and using a prototype to explain how their invention/product looks and/or works. The judges gave constructive and helpful feedback to the teams that later sparked some amazing reflections among the team members after they finished presenting. It was beautiful to hear their reflections and how much they care about their work as well as value the feedback to improve upon their projects. Big round of APPLAUSE to the teams!!
G5
Future Activists are wrapping with crafting the authentic TED talks. They are using Google Docs to draft their speech and Google Slides/Canva to put together an interactive slideshow to complement their overall presentation. They are incorporating research skills to support their claims to make their speech more persuasive and credible. Great work is underway!
Music with Mr. Azzarto
Hi Connors Families,
As our students got back into the swing of being at school after spring break, the week of April 8th was filled with some band rehearsals and the Baroque period of music.
The 4th grade was busy learning some of our songs that we are going to perform at the district spring concert. We chose some pretty difficult songs and our drummers are diligently learning the complex rhythms that are part of the songs. Many different types of drums are being used and the students love playing everything from the Cajon to the maracas. Here is Maya laying down some serious grooves on the Cajon.
In Ms. Schulz’s class it was time to start learning about the important subject of music history. As you all know, music began many years ago and studying various periods of music helps the students understand that what we are listening to today has its roots in music that was created hundreds of years ago. Here are Audrey, Journey, and Kayla showing off their Baroque Era quizzes!
Art with Ms. Capalbo
5th graders began their art show projects this week! Reflecting on our time at the Newark Art Museum, we learned about different style vases; what they were used for, and some painting and sculpting techniques that went into their creation. 5th graders were able to create a clay pot at the museum using the coiling technique; They rolled out their clay into logs and layered them into their desired shape. This week they learned how to create a pinch pot from clay. They chose which sculpting process worked best for them and reached their artmaking goal.
Mandarin with Ms. Ni
This week in Mandarin we started Unit 6 on animals. We learned how to say some of the most common animals by playing Bingo, the Memory Game and Go Fish. Grades 3-5 wrapped up their restaurant project and will present them next week.
Thomas G. Connors Elementary School
Email: juliana.addi@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Website: http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us
Location: 201 Monroe Street, Hoboken, NJ, USA
Phone: 201-356-3684