Woodland Park School District News
Nov. 9, 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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First Grade Voters
In Mrs. D'Amico and Mrs Davidson's first grade class at Charles Olbon School, students learned the value of an election. Students listened to the story, Duck For President. As a class, they thought of the reasons why each candidate would make a better president, Farmer Brown or Duck. The class took part in an "official" election where they were able to cast a ballot. The votes were counted and there was a tie! The class decided that both Farmer Brown and Duck could learn to work together as co-presidents
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Balanced Forces
Ms. Altomare's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School is using engineering to learn about balanced forces. The students were challenged with building a bridge using a maximum of two sheets of paper. Pennies were used to test the strength of each bridge.
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Comic Creators
Cinema Club students in Beatrice Gilmore School’s Bear’s Den created comic strips! Most comic strip themes were related to respect as they addressed topics, such as friendship and bullying. The BG school community is TRYing hard to be a community that is comprised of upstanders instead of bystanders. Upstanders stand up for themselves and others when an injustice occurs. Students are challenged to ask themselves; What will you do if you are presented with a situation similar to those presented in the comic strips? Will you join in the injustice? Will you ignore it? Will you tell others to stop? These are all questions which we will have to face at some point in our lives. We will be faced with the choice to do what is right verses what is easy.
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Art Happenings
Exciting things are happening in the art classes and clubs at Beatrice Gilmore and Memorial Middle Schools.
At top left, second-year Art Club students are continuing to work on the Mustang statue by adding additional details.
Pictured in the top row above, sixth grade students began creating paper mache sugar skulls by using a mold and wrapping paper mache over the top. Once it dried, the paper mache was removed and students painted designs which were created from various templates.
Pictured at the top right, this Art Club student created pig drawings and created a sculpture. Once the clay sculpture dried, it was painted.
Pictured on the bottom left, a fifth grade student is shown achieving comprehension of the Seven Elements of Art through a shift in media. Working on the whiteboard and making the comparison to the “My Plate” nutrition design allowed completion and successful execution.
Shown at the bottom center, Art Portfolio students practice drawing their hands before the final composition.
At bottom right, Art Club students were introduced to French Impressionist, George Seurat. Students used this as an inspiration along with additional inspiration from Leonid Afremov in order to create their very own works of art.
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Tree Study
Ms. Face’s PreK-3 class at School 1 combined their study of trees with their social-emotional learning time by reading When Sophie’s Feelings are Really, Really Hurt. This story tells of a little girl who goes to her favorite tree to calm down when she is upset. The book shares the story of Sophie and her classmates who are asked create a painting of their favorite tree. As the story progresses, Sophie worries as she believes the tree she creates doesn’t look like the real thing. The class ultimately realizes that everyone’s feelings and creativity shine differently through every tree painting.
Our PreK-3 Students looked at real trees, books, and used their imaginations to paint trees using their feelings and emotions.
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Dramatic Play
The students in Mrs. Ficarra's PreK-3 class at School 1 have been exploring dress-up in the dramatic play center and working on fine motor skills using the toys and games center during choice time.
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Chemical Reactions
Mrs. Voinov's and Mr. Krakower's fifth grade science class at Beatrice Gilmore School learned how chemical reactions create new materials that have useful and interesting properties. The students conducted an investigation to determine if the mixing of various substances resulted in a new substance. They discovered how to make goo!
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Life Cycles
Ms. Tobia PreK-4 class at School 1 learned all about pumpkins. The students planted pumpkin seeds and watched the plants grow.
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Mural Creation
Students in Mrs. Guariglia’s PreK-3 class worked on a class mural by illustrating animals who live in trees during their tree study.
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Halloween Fun
The students in Mrs. Murray class at School 1 had a great Halloween. First, the students examined a pumpkin by discussing its physical properties. Then, they cut it open and made a jack-o-lantern, and named it, Jack. Later, the students had a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
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Collaborative Art
The seventh grade at Memorial Middle School is proud to present its collaboration art celebrating Indigenous People Month. The collection is proudly hung in Spinnler Hall.
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Welcome Back
Ms. Ament’s seventh grade science classes at Memorial Middle School have welcomed back their class pet… Cardi P!
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Ax Throwing Fundraiser
The Memorial Middle School 8th Grade Dance Committee is holding a fundraising axe-throwing event at Stumpy's Hatchet House in Fairfield on Wednesday, Nov. 23. This event is for adults only. Cost is $40 per person. For tickets or any questions, contact Trish at wpmemorialclassof2023@gmail.com or 201-452-9212.
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Bundt Cake Sale
Memorial Middle School Home & School Association is running a Nothing Bundt Cakes fundraiser. Please print the form out and send in checks payable to Memorial HSA or cash in an envelope marked "Bundt Cake Sale" to school. Individual bundtlets are $6.50. Eight-inch cakes are $31 and 10-inch cakes are $10. Feature flavor is pumpkin spice. The last day to submit orders is Nov. 14 (no exceptions). Cakes will be available for pick up on Nov. 22 at 15 Westerholt Ave.
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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.
Monday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go no judgment weight loss sharing group. Share stories, tips, and struggles, or just listen. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go and relax with us in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. - ESL/ELL Conversation Club (for adults) Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. - Crafternoon for adults. Supplies will be provided. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m. - The Silk Road. Join the William Paterson University Galleries for a unique arts education activity for ages 8 and up. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama Storytime. Join Miss Sara for bedtime stories. Pajamas encouraged! Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join in for stories, songs, crafts and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 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, Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m. - Afternoon Movie for all ages. Join in to watch "Lightyear" and enjoy free snacks and drinks. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m. - Meet local author Cathy Pagano, who will discuss her book, "Heavenly Messages From Above." Have you ever felt uncertainty about your future? Your life? Your purpose? The book is a guide to help you. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club. Expand your palate! Each month you will receive a packet with a new spice, recipe and history of the spice. At the meeting members will discuss their findings. Register here.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts (K-4). Join in to make a fall craft and hear a story. Register here.