Connors School Scoop
March 22, 2024
Dear Connors Families,
This week was such an exciting week with our 1st grade field trip to the Children's Museum of Staten Island, Connors Pop Up Library, Connors PTO Faculty and Parents Basketball Game, and Leprechaun Activity with our SRO's. We have also been enjoying our Women's History Month Learning Activities. As always, we have lots of events coming up as well, so please make sure to read the Connors School Scoop.
BLUE RIBBON SURVEY
You should have received an email with a unique code to complete the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Parent & Guardian Survey. Please click this link to find out more information regarding this survey. Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Parent & Guardian Survey Information Smore
CURRICULUM NEWSLETTER
Here is the MP3 Newsletter from our Content Area Supervisors/Director. They are sharing the content that students will be delving into for this period.
PTO CORNER
Parents vs Staff Basketball Game
**Please view and add all photos + videos here!**
Move over March Madness, the annual Connors Parents vs Staff Basketball Game was the real highlight of March 21. We loved having mixed teams of staff and parents this year, and we were VERY impressed with the basketball skills displayed on the Hoboken High School court. Best part: Everyone had FUN and the well-played game ended in an amazing 37-37 tie! Our K-2 and 3-5 interactive halftime games were a hit as were the generous gift card prizes from Napoli’s Pizza and Thomas’ Ice Cream. And, Mr. Favino won the staff 3-point contest! This PTO fundraiser event will support the awesome 5th grade graduation festivities. THANK YOU to our party planner extraordinaire, Michelle Mazurkiewicz for planning and organizing the entire event and THANK YOU to all of the families and faculty and staff that helped out to make this event so special! See photo highlights below.
HUGE THANKS from the Connors PTO team to:
All our parent and staff players (and cheerleaders!) and all who helped during the halftime games as well
All our volunteers (parents and students!) because we truly cannot put on these events without help from volunteers
All our Connors families who attended the event and supported the PTO
Principal Addi, VP Hamlin, and Mr. Favino for their help and support behind-the-scenes to make this event a success
Our referee Mr. Damon Murray
Hoboken High School for hosting and helping us put on this event
Michelle Mazurkiewicz for planning and organizing the Connors PTO Faculty and Parents Basketball Game.
PTO News + Events
Scroll down for full details on upcoming events, activities, and fundraisers including:
Spring Swag Sale (now through 3/29)
Place orders through our vendor website; only time to get these items (including shorts!) and to get things personalized!
More details here!
Parents Karaoke Night (4/17 @ 7pm; Pilsener Haus + Biergarten)
Reserve your spot now; $35 to Connors PTO
Full event details here.
District PTO Golf Fundraiser (6/13 @ 5pm; Skyway Golf Course)
Save the date! More details to follow.
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 March PTO Meeting Minutes (Next Meeting: Tuesday, 4/9 at 8:30am)
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
THE YEAR OF THE ARTS MUSEUM FIELD TRIPS 4/11
In honor of the Year of the Arts field trip theme, all grades K-8 will visit museums across New Jersey and New York. For each K-5 museum trip, all students will receive an engaging and hands on experiences. Students will delight in their themed guided tours, workshops, planetarium shows, and guided educational play opportunities. Here is the PERMISSION SLIPS: CONNORS YEAR OF THE ARTS MUSEUM FIELD TRIP.
- April 11th - 2nd Grade-Ms. Rinaldi and Ms. Garcia
SCHOOL LUNCH and SNACKS
Here is lunch order form for the week of March 25th 3/25-3/28 Lunch 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:
- March 28th-1:00 pm Dismissal, no PTL
- March 29th-April 5th-Spring Break, School Closed
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 YEAR OF THE ARTS
1st Grade Field Trip to the Staten Island Children's Museum
We had an amazing learning experience at the Children's Museum. We enjoyed imaginative, creative, and cultural hands-on experiences through play and art!
Hoboken Public Pop-Up Library at Connors
PARENTS VS STAFF BASKETBALL GAME
**Please view and add all photos + videos here!**
SAVE THE DATE
Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony
5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
SPRING SWAG SALE
Check out the awesome lineup of items available in our online exclusive spring swag sale.
IMPORTANT: This is the ONLY time to order these items (e.g., shorts are only available once a year and only through this sale; sweatshirts only available here, etc) and to personalize items (i.e., shirts with names on the back).
All orders must be placed through our vendor website by 3/29.
Orders will be delivered the week of 4/22 to Connors and distributed by the PTO/office. (Be sure to put your child's name and grade in the shipping info on the order.)
For youth apparel, typical numeric sizing is: YXS- 4/5, YS-6/8, YM-10/12, YL-14/16, YXL-18/20.
Double check your order before submitting.We are not responsible for wrong size choices or personalizations. These are customized items, there are no returns or exchanges.
Email SwagConnors@Gmail.com with questions.
CONNORS PARENTS KARAOKE NIGHT (4/17)
Join us for a Connors Parents Karaoke Night at the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten on April 17 at 7pm. Tickets available now!
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.
About the Event: Join us in the private Wintergarden room at Hoboken’s Pilsener Haus & Biergarten for our first-ever Connors Parents Karaoke Night on April 17th at 7pm. 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. A great opportunity for a night out with friends and to connect with other members of our Connors parent community. Your $35 ticket includes karaoke, 1 drink ticket, and 1 raffle ticket. Beyond the included drink, all food and drink purchases will be your responsibility. The event will end at 10pm. All net proceeds from this event will benefit Connors PTO.
SAVE THE DATE: PTO GOLF FUNDRAISER
Save the date of June 13th for a joint fundraiser at Skyway Golf Course! More details to follow.
1st GRADE THEATRE SHOWCASE
Potions and Pasta
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
Seniors, refer to your Google Classroom to sign up.
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.
Girls in Gear
Elementary School Spring Concert
Middle School and High School Spring Concert
Spring Youth Service Day 2024
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 creative ways to practice spelling words at home.
The Importance of Spelling
According to the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (2020), “Spelling is one of the most important and most forgotten aspects of literacy development.” Furthermore, the article goes on to express, “learning to spell enhances reading, writing, and literacy skills for young children in elementary school.” Therefore, to continue to build spelling concepts, students should be practicing at home as well. Students do not need to practice with just a paper and pencil; but rather they can have fun while practicing spelling words! Use the link below to find creative ways to practice spelling. For students in third grade and above, these creative ways can be used to build students’ vocabulary and high frequency word knowledge.
Connors Class Learning Activities
Kindergarten
Ms. Bartolotti, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Fleischer, Ms. Watson, Mrs. Schain
Math: We started off the week by celebrating St.Patrick's day! To make math a little more interesting we decided to work with a leprechaun's favorite cereal, Lucky Charms! We sorted our marshmallows by shape, we used our findings to make a bar graph, we answered questions about our data like "which marshmello did you have the MOST or LEAST of" and we added different marshmallow shapes together! It was so much fun! This week we also completed the math LINK IT C assessment. We have been practicing so much and did amazing this time around! We started 6.3 How Many of Each, which focuses on story problems! We have been completing more and more story problems together! We reviewed the game toss the chips and racing bears. We will be finishing up unit 6 next week!
ELA: This week's essential question was "How do you take care of different kinds of pets?" Kindergarteners listened to the story The Birthday Pet and made predictions before reading, while reading, and at the end of the story, confirmed if their predictions were correct. Our letters this week were Gg and Ww and our phonics focus was /g/ and /w/. Our sight words this week were they and of. Our Kindergarten students read the story I Hug Gus and did an amazing job sounding out their words! Our KOALAfied Kindergarteners did a FANTASTIC job completing their third DRA and final LinkIt Assessment! We can't wait to share their progress. Keep up the great work Kindergarteners!
Social Studies: This week students learned about Irish Heritage Month. We learned about St Patrick's Day celebrations around the world and focused on Irish culture. Students took a virtual tour of the castles and cliffs in Ireland. To end our tour we learned an Irish jig.
Science: This week kindergarteners began learning a new topic. Students were introduced to plants and their needs to grow. Kindergarteners learned that plants are a living things that need water, air, light, and food to grow.
1st Grade
Ms. Vayda, Ms. Klag, Ms. Sheridan, Ms. Criqui, Ms. Romanowski
Math: This week we began learning all about tens and ones and place value. Students are learning how to count tens and ones with two digit numbers. They are using manipulatives to help them count up to these higher numbers. Students also completed their math link it assessments. Students showed excellent growth since the fall. We are so very proud of our first grade learners!
ELA: This week our essential question was, "How do people work with animals?" We read non-fiction texts about guide dogs and training animals. When reading we focused on the sequence of events and used graphic organizers to summarize the texts in our own words. Our phonics skill this week was long e: ey, y. Students searched for this spelling pattern in our decodable books. Our red words this week were: found, hard, near, woman, would, and write. Compound words really "crack" us up. Students thought of a spring compound words and created a cute hacked chick craft to go along with it. We also used that compound word to write a riddle along with it. In grammar, we learned about adverbs that tell when, such as tomorrow and soon. We also completed our spring Linkit assessment!
Social Studies: This week in Social Studies, we continued our exploration of influential women for Women's History Month, focusing on women in STEM. Through engaging activities, first grade students learned about the lives and contributions of Katherine Johnson, Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, Sally Ride, and Rachel Carson. The students read and researched about these women, discovering fascinating details about their accomplishments, childhoods, and more. This project was so much fun for our first grade students. They were inspired by the women’s accomplishments and some even expressed that they would like to have similar career paths in the future!
2nd Grade
Ms. Rinaldi, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Criqui, Ms. Courtney, Mr. Donovan, Mrs. White
ELA: This week second graders continued to prepare for LINKIT and took their LINKIT assessments. Everyone worked so hard! We also wrapped up our third marking period DRA's. Students also wrote an opinion writing piece about screen time usage. They brainstormed their ideas on a graphic organizer and then they wrote their opinions on a "gaming device". Students also did a craftivity on the story "Ceasar Chavez". We are so proud of all of their hard work!!!
Math: This week 2nd graders took their math LinkIt Form C assessment. The 2nd grade teachers are so proud of all the 2nd graders for all of their hard work and dedication. 2nd graders also reviewed math skills this week.
Social Studies: This week 2nd graders continued their study into Women's History month. We learned about many influential women. We also completed a group poster together as a class. Everyone had to follow the directions given to color in their own part of the poster. Once finished, we pasted it together to come up with one giant poster. We are so proud of the teamwork and collaboration used to complete this project.
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 took their last LinkIt, Form C. Once testing was over, the students continued to practice comparing fractions, finding equivalent fractions and writing fractions on a number line. At the end of the week they took their final quiz for Unit 6. We look forward to finishing up Unit 6 next week
ELA: This week, the students began exploring elements of poetry by analyzing text structure, word choice, and rhythm. Additionally, the students continued to review many of the literary skills they have learned throughout this year to prepare for and complete their Final Linkit Assessment! To celebrate all their hard work, they celebrated the end of this unit by watching the movie adaptation of our core novel, Charlotte’s Web, in order to compare and contrast this version with the book.
Social Studies: This week third graders continued to learn about the impactful contributions of courageous women, in honor of Women's History Month! Students learned about various women who reached new heights, like Junko Tabei, Ellen Ochoa, and Sally Ride. Third graders explored the wild discoveries of primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, as well as the explorations and influence of American explorer Sacagawea. Next week, students will choose a woman of their choice to highlight and honor in a research project.
Third Grade Thrills: This week the Connors 3rd Grade Basketball team won the semifinal game, leading them to the championship game which took place on Wednesday, March 20th. The third grade team gave it their all until the final buzzer, demonstrating sportsmanship and teamwork along the way. Way to go, team!
Science: Third graders continued learning about variation of traits. Students were introduced to Gregor Mendel and his interest in traits in pea plants and Punnett Squares. Punnett squares provide a visual representation of how genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next. Students learned how to complete punnett squares during 8 center rotations. They did a great job!
4th Grade
Ms. Schulz, Mrs. Rodriguez, Ms. Stubbe, Ms. Goodwin, Ms. Courtney, Ms. Romanowski,
Mr. Donovan
Math: Phenomenal 4th grade mathematicians completed Link It this week. Students worked very hard and tried their best. Students continued to review skills and practiced standards using the Link It site and IXL.
ELA: Phenomenal 4th graders wrapped up the core text "What Would She Do?" by completing a culminating choice board project for one of the women they read about during the unit. Examples of choice board projects include writing poetry, creating a collage, creating a slideshow presentation, designing a Facebook page, and making a bio-cube. Students completed the final Link It assessment, applying the skills and strategies learned this school year to demonstrate their learning. They all demonstrated focus and effort when completing the assignment.
Social Studies: 4th graders continued their learning about the beginnings of the United States and the lead up to the Revolutionary War. They learned about the Boston Tea Party and what "quartering" soldiers meant. Continue the fantastic work 4th graders!
5th Grade
Ms. Schultes, Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Courtney
ELA: This week 5th graders took the ELA Link It assessment and finished reading our core novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham. The novel was filled with a lot of humor, but also gave a clear picture of the reality of what was happening in the United States - particularly in the south - during the 1960s. We are very excited to watch the movie next week and write a compare and contrast essay. We are so proud of how well the 5th graders have been doing with their Link It assessment! Keep it up!
Math: This week in Math, students solved problems about sharing brownies that resulted in fractions and mixed numbers. They had to discuss the relationship between the numbers in the division expressions used to solve problems and answer problems. Students also had to find decimal equivalents for fractions by interpreting a fraction as division and applied this idea to comparing the win/ loss records for a set of teams.As a review, we played a Jeopardy game for Fractions as division, We also completed Link It Form C and students did wonderfully. We are so proud of them.
SCIENCE: Students had a wonderful week in science with their new 5th Grade science teacher, Mr. Sottolano! This week in science our students completed Form C of the LinkIt! assessment. We also concluded our Chapter 1 Introduction of Robotics and Automation within the PLTW program. We are also working daily to familiarize ourselves with NJSLA 5th Grade Science Practice Problems (given to the students daily as a "Do Now"). The class worked to read through PLTW Activity 1: Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Disaster and answer questions relating to the topic. Now that we have learned that robots can help humans in many ways, they have been given a specific robot to research with a small group. The robots assigned were the first of their kind, some being the 1994 ABE (first autonomous submarine), the 1995 Predator (first remotely piloted aircraft, and the 1997 Sojourner rover (rover robot put on Mars). Research will conclude next week and groups will present to the class!
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Fourth Grade CTY Dream Flags Project
Fourth grade CTY students created dream flags for the annual, nationwide Dream Flag Project, which was inspired by the poems of Langston Hughes. Our students wrote beautiful, heartfelt poetry about their personal dreams and their dreams for the world. They added the poems to “flags” and decorated them in the tradition of Nepalese Buddhist prayer flags, which are inscribed with important symbols, prayers, and mantras. For centuries, Buddhists have planted these flags outside for the wind to carry the good vibrations across the countryside.
On April 11th, students will partake on a field trip to the Hudson County Gifted and Talented Consortium’s Dream Flags Project celebration at which they will enjoy a variety of poetry and art activities and where their dream flags--along with those of other Hudson County students--will be proudly hung. Since the dream flags will “only” be displayed indoors, the good vibrations may not quite reach the countryside, but they will certainly be felt by everyone at this wonderful event!
Check out the CTY Student Poems !
Mini PGP
G3
Future Innovators continue to work with their STEAM Tank team members on the STEAM Tank Project and on a Marketing Project. This week, same as last week, STEAM Tank Regional groups are continuing to apply the feedback from the mentorship sessions with the STEAM Tank mentor to their presentations to make their product/invention better and ready to present to the panel of judges. In addition, students are rehearsing their presentations to better deliver their showcase of the product/invention for the next round. Great work is underway!
G5
Future Activists are continuing to craft the authentic TED talk using the Planning Pages that they have filled out to help them with brainstorming the ideas and gathering together information pieces. They are expanding on their idea/topic and starting their journey with crafting their original TED Talk using the Google Docs, Google Slides and Canva. 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,
During the week of March 18th, our students had a guest performance and were waking up early to play the ukulele.
In Ms. Hall’s class we were busy working on our recorder technique and notes, when at the end of the lesson one of the students asked if they could play the piano. Of course the class got excited and all of a sudden we were serenaded by Niyantri’s beautiful playing of the piano. Having students demonstrate their musical talents that are learned outside of our four walls is such a treat and also builds musical bonds between our students that will last forever. Thank you Niyantri for your beautiful performance and showing the class that music is a part of your life wherever you go!
Bright and early in the morning we have a ukulele practice session every week that is a huge success. The students work on their technique and learn how to play various songs. Sometimes we even get some students that show up before the rehearsal starts. Here are the early, early risers with their ukuleles, learning the “Banana Boat” song. You rock!
Mandarin with Ms. Ni
This week in Mandarin students started their restaurant project. They needed to promote their restaurant with a menu and commercial. K-2 learned about all things spring in Mandarin.
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