Woodland Park School District News
Dec. 15, 2023
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
Seasonal Showcase
The Memorial Middle School sixth grade choir and seventh and eighth grade choir performed three times this week in the community. On Sunday, they had a performance sponsored by the Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College in Municipal Chambers. On Monday, they visited the Summit Health building on McBride Avenue to sing for the Golden Years senior group. On Wednesday, they performed at the WP Boys & Girls Club for the Woodland Park Senior Club.
Winter Wonderland
Charles Olbon School second grade students, under the direction of music teacher Ms. Andresen, performed their winter choral showcase to family and friends on Wednesday morning.
Family Traditions
Ms. Tonti’s first grade students at Charles Olbon School celebrated each other’s holiday traditions. They love learning more and more about one another. The class not only learned about these traditions but also discussed how each is similar and different. The students become more accepting when they learn more about different traditions and customs. The class was very proud to represent their family’s holiday traditions. From their class to your homes, 1-Tonti wishes everyone a very happy holiday season.
Made With Love
Mrs. LaSala and Ms. Curl's PreK-4 class at School 1 made homemade ornaments. They measured and mixed apple sauce and cinnamon together to make the dough. They then used cookie cutters to create their shapes and let them dry. Finally, they added ornaments to the school's tree.
Brick Builders
Students in the Beatrice Gilmore School Lego Club after-school program, under the direction of ESL teacher Ms. Amos, used creativity and teamwork in facing a different Lego challenge each meeting! Most recently, these students won the competition for building the tallest Lego tower. On a previous day, students created a Lego flag of their choice.
Learning As You Grow
In their tree study, students in Mrs. Chiaravalloti and Mrs. DeLuca’s PreK-3 class at Charles Olbon School are learning about how trees change and grow over time. Students made connections to how they have grown and changed just like trees by measuring their current height and comparing them to their size as a baby.
Quiz Bowl
Memorial Middle School STEM and STRIVE teacher Mrs. O'Donnell organized and hosted a Quiz Bowl event for over 60 eighth grade students that was held at Memorial School. Eight visiting schools from various towns in Passaic County attended the event. It was a lot of fun for all involved!
Outgoing BOE Members Saluted
Board of Education trustees Jairo Rodriguez and Laura Spagnola Vargas (not pictured) were saluted by Dr. Pillari and the Board at Monday night's meeting for their years of dedication and commitment to the District. They were thanked for their time and efforts for all that they have done for our schools and students. Both trustees served the board for six years.
"We do have a special connection as we survived COVID together when you were the BOE President" Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari said of Mrs. Vargas, who attended the meeting virtually as she was under the weather. "Our success during this time is due to our ability to work side by side."
"She has been nothing but an advocate for the students and the families in this district for the years that she served," board member MaryAnn Perro said of Mrs. Vargas. "The amount of balls this woman juggles in a day in a 24-hour period could blow your mind and her brilliance is understated."
"When Jairo speaks, we listen," Dr. Pillari said of Mr. Rodriguez. "He doesn't always say a lot, but when he does, his words are meaningful and pointed. He helps to steer our ship and provides a direction sometimes when things need to be brought perspective. He is very diplomatic, very much a go-to person when you need a sounding board and a sign of reason. And believe me, he will be missed greatly."
"You serve this community so well and with such integrity," Perro said. "You will be greatly missed. You are a true gentleman, and I've said that from the day I met you, and it's been an honor."
WPEA Plans Educational Workshops
The Woodland Park Education Association will be hosting four educational events for parents, all held at Memorial Middle School. Open to all parents/guardians, these events are free and food will be provided.
The first event, on Jan. 18th from 5 to 7 p.m. will focus on "How to Use RealTime and Google Classroom to Support Your Child." Volunteers from the WPEA will be your expert companions, guiding you through how to get onto RealTime and Google Classroom. They're dedicated to ensuring you harness the full potential of these tools to engage actively in your child's academic journey.
Coming up at the Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College
The Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College, 44 Rifle Camp Rd., in Renaissance Hall, 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.
Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. - Legomania for all ages. Use your imagination and create using Legos. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Need some inspiration? Want to share your weight loss journey? Join us in a judgment-free setting to help you reach your weight loss goals. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m. - Bouncing Babies for ages 0-18 months. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and free play. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. - Chair yoga and meditation. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one slot per day. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one slot per day. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for grades 6 to 12. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m. - Low-Impact Dance Class. Get your exercise in while having fun. Don't forget to bring a water bottle. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. - Crafternoon for adults. Enjoy creating a beautiful craft to take home. Come and relax and let your creative juices flow with Linda. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one slot per day. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one slot per day. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales: Mystery Letters for ages 3 and up. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and a craft. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of your chair. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m. - Afternoon Movie. Join us for free snacks, drinks, and a movie. This month, we will be watching "Frosty the Snowman!" All ages are welcome. Register here.
Friday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. - Little Movers for ages 18 to 36 months. Join in for a fun story time for toddlers. Register here.
Saturday, Dec. 23 - The Library is closed
Monday, Dec. 25 - The Library is closed
Tuesday, Dec. 26, 6:30 p.m. - Craft Club for grades 6-12. Join in to make a cool craft! Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board meeting for grades 6-12. Members of the board brainstorm program ideas, help choose books and games for the Library collection, and more. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 28, 4 p.m. - Picture bingo for grades K-4. Prizes will be available. Register here.
Saturday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. - Join in for our annual Noon Year's Eve program. Enjoy games, a craft, and countdown to noon with balloons! For all ages. Register here.