Totowa Torch
January - February 2017
Superintendent's Message
With the third marking period well under way, we want to express our gratitude to everyone for your continued support of our students, teachers, and school as we collectively strive to provide optimal opportunities for learning each and every day. We look forward to many exciting programs and events in the upcoming months and continue to celebrate the milestones our children have achieved.
The spring musical, Aladdin, Jr., will take place on March 23, March 24, and March 25, 2017 , at 7:00 P.M. in the Washington Park School gym. Tickets are on sale through Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Our students have worked tirelessly and dedicated many hours to the show under the direction of Ms. DiDio, Mr. Carl, Mr. Reddin and Mr. Latka. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and support our students in their performance.
The Art Show and Science Fair will take place on April 4, 2017, at Washington Park School. Students in kindergarten through grade eight have worked extremely hard on their projects, which will be displayed that evening. Please plan on attending, as it is a wonderful experience for our students and families.
As we complete the third marking period, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that the students of the Totowa School District have achieved. We truly have a special school environment which is the result of our students, staff and parents working together!
Saint James Spelling Bee
On January 9, 2017, five of our eighth grade students competed in the Saint James Spelling Bee sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. We are proud to announce that first place was awarded to Jibran Uddin, second place to Mattia Polibio, and third place to Jessica Duque from Saint Francis Academy. Congratulations to our winners!
Passaic County Calendar Poster Contest
The Passaic County Calendar Poster Contest is a program that is open to all fourth grade students in Passaic County. Aligned with their social studies curriculum, the contest gives students the opportunity to express their creativity and create a poster that reflects all that is special and unique about Passaic County.
On January 31, 2017, Kristin M. Corrado, Esq., Passaic County Clerk, announced the winners of the 21st annual Passaic County Clerk poster calendar contest. The twelve winning entries are reproduced on the 2017 County Clerk Calendar along with a poster of all the honorable mention winners that will be distributed to schools, government offices, libraries, and other public places. Fourth grade students Marielle Balonze, Sean Puglise and Valerie Schoperth received honorable mentions. Great job!
Reading Incentive Program
On February 6, 2017, Memorial School students kicked off their Reading Incentive Program. The program ran for four consecutive weeks and students were asked to read books, independently, by sharing with a family member or friend, or by listening to others read.
Each week, the students’ reading logs were collected and totaled by homeroom. Students were awarded prizes from the treasure chest for their achievements and the homeroom that read the most books proudly displayed the Dr. Seuss award on their classroom door. “Events” were scheduled throughout the month, but I would say the two favorites were Crazy Socks and Pajama Day!
The big celebration took place on March 2, 2017, and all the books were tallied. The students of Memorial School read a total of 6,222 books! Students gathered in the auditorium, gym and cafeteria to commemorate their accomplishment!
Nations Night
On February 16, 2017, our fourth grade students celebrated our 19th Annual Nations Night. Our nation is diverse and it is important for students to understand and respect different cultures. Nations Night was a night for our children and their families to celebrate and embrace all cultures and foster a climate of cohesion and unity. The fourth grade students performed a variety of songs in many different languages and afterwords enjoyed a buffet of international specialties.
Students also raised awareness for students in need of cleft palette surgery and raised money for the organization Smile Train. Our goal is $1000, which would provide cleft surgery for four children, to date we have raised close to $700 and we are going to continue to work until we meet our goal.
Reminders and Upcoming Events
March 22nd - BOE Meeting - Budget Presentation
March 23rd, 24th and 25th - Aladdin, Jr.
March 30th and 31st - 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
March 31st - MP 3 Closes
April 4th - Art Show and Science Fair
April 7th - MP 3 Report Cards Online
April 10th - 17th - Spring Break