Arbor Intermediate School
November-December 2023 Issue
School Leadership Team
School Leadership Team
Heather O’Donnell, Principal
Janell Smolk, Assistant Principal
Amy McLaughlin, Counselor
Ruby Schridher, Counselor
Karen Hoeg, Secretary
Corinne Fender, School Nurse
Marcela Ridley, Attendance Clerk
Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian
A Message from the Principal
Dear Arbor Families,
It has been a busy beginning to the winter season here at Arbor School. Students have participated in awards ceremonies, food drives, fundraisers, holiday sales, and more. We were able to recognize the hard work and achievements of our over 200 honor roll students from the first marking period. The energy and liveliness in the classrooms is a joy to see, and we are excited to see what the new year brings.
As the winter comes in, it is imperative that we keep the health and safety of our students as a primary goal. Please help to maintain the health and safety of students by ensuring they come to school in appropriate clothing for the weather, especially outerwear. Students who misplace these items are encouraged to check the lost and found in the main foyer. Often times, we display them on the stage so students can see them easily.
One goal that we have here at Arbor is to celebrate and recognize the staff for their hard work. One way families can help us do that is to complete the staff recognition form. We can then share the appreciation you have for them at our next faculty meeting. The link can be found here, but will also be in each of our subsequent newsletters.
I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and restful winter break. I am looking forward to seeing all of our students back in the building in the new year!
Sincerely,
Heather O’Donnell
Counseling Corner
This month’s Counselor focus for classroom lessons was coping skills. Helping children develop coping skills is crucial for their overall well- being. These skills empower our children to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. By teaching coping skills,we equip them with tools to manage stress,handle difficult emotions, and cope with various situations they encounter. By instilling coping skills early on, we offer children a lifelong gift,enabling them to face adversity with confidence and resilience.
Each student received this handout detailing coping strategies to use when feeling stressed. Together we found new ones to try!
HIB Information
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment.
We are committed to the safety and well being of the students and staff at Arbor. The administration, faculty, and support staff is dedicated to guiding and protecting our students throughout the school day.
Parent Tips:
- Create healthy anti-bullying habits early. Teach your children what to do – spread kindness, be empathetic, play fairly, and engage in positive interactions.
- Be a good example of leadership, kindness and compassion
- Talk with and listen to your kids
- Learn the signs. If you suspect that bullying may be occurring, reach out to the school. You can also access bullying resources on the Piscataway Schools Website.
Nurse's Corner
It’s cold outside! Please dress for the weather. It’s time to wear hats, gloves, scarves, winter coat and sometimes boots.
It is also cold and flu season.
It’s important to:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often
- Eat health food
- Keep moving and exercise
- Get plenty of sleep
We can stay healthy together!!!
Sun Protection Assembly presented by Rutgers Medical Students
Ms. Fender, the school nurse at Arbor Intermediate School, organized an assembly on November 14th, 2023 for 4th and 5th graders. The assembly was led by Rutgers 2nd Year Medical Students who are members of the SPOTS (Sun Protection Outreach by Teaching Students) focus group. During this assembly, Arbor Intermediate students learned about safe health practices when playing in the sun. In addition, they learned about the benefits of sunscreen and normal skin changes that will occur throughout their lives. The Rutgers Medical Students shared a YouTube Video and presented a PowerPoint presentation. Arbor students were extremely engaged and left the assembly with valuable information regarding sub protection.
Arbor Holiday Shoppe
The PTO worked hard to make the 2023 Holiday Shoppe a huge success. Students had the opportunity to attend the Holiday Shoppe with their homerooms. As they perused the items , PTO members and parent volunteers were able to assist the students. A special thanks to all the staff, parents and community members who helped with the Holiday Shoppe.
4th and 5th grade Academic Awards
PHS Chamber Orchestra Winter Tour
Latkes with Ms. Stern
After completing a mini unit reading and learning about Hanukkah customs and traditions, the Arbor students from room 28 welcomed guest cook, Ms. Stern into the classroom for a lesson on latkes. Students enjoyed learning important math, science and language-based skills while preparing the mouthwatering latkes. But mostly, they enjoyed feasting on Bubby’s latkes. Some preferred applesauce while others opted for sour cream with their latkes, but all loved getting a taste of Jewish culture. Although possibly the best part, the celebrations didn’t stop with latkes, they included reading Queen of the Hanukkah Dose, Hanukkah in Alaska, and playing competitive games of dreidel.
Arbor Awesomeness- Staff Recognition
Arbor Intermediate PTO
Dear Arbor Families,
As the year draws to a close, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and commitment. To ensure the continued enhancement of our students' enrichment through effective programs and initiatives, we kindly request families to complete this short survey by Friday 01/05/23. Follow our progress and engage with us on FACEBOOK.
Key Highlights:
JUST LAUNCHED: ONLINE DONATION PLATFORM: In response to the expressed interest from busy working parents who find it challenging to contribute time, we are excited to introduce a convenient, streamlined and secure way for you to support Arbor PTO financially. Explore our new online donation platform today - LINK. We appreciate your generosity!
Holiday Shop: Our week-long holiday shop wrapped up on Friday, Dec 8. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to over 20 parents, grandparents, and guardians who volunteered and helped us spread joy, cheer and kindness to our students. A special call out to our co-chair, 5th-grade parent Ms. Sandy Hegedus for her outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication.
Bookshelves Replenished: The PTO ordered a collection of exciting Scholastic books, ensuring our bookshelves in the library and classrooms are fully stocked to promote the joy of reading among our students.
School Staff Appreciation: The PTO recognized our amazing school staff and administrators whose commitment to our students' well-being is genuinely appreciated. From cookie platters to handwritten thank you cards to gift cards and baskets we conveyed our gratitude for the profound impact they have on the lives of our students.
Volunteer Appreciation and Engagement: In our ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming community, the PTO has taken significant steps. We have eliminated volunteer registration fees, implemented event co-chair positions, and introduced a system of incentives, delightful snacks, meals (where applicable) and recognition for volunteers at every event to enhance the overall experience. These changes are designed to encourage greater participation and express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers.
Upcoming Activities
Dine to Donate - Panera - 1/10
Family Fun Night - February. Exact date TBD
School Interactive Assembly (Science, reading or math) - Jan/Feb
Important Links:
We extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season. May this festive time be filled with moments of joy, love, and well-deserved relaxation.
Happy Holidays!
PTO Officers:
Hesha Patel, President
Aaron Gibbs, Treasurer
Shameeka Gibbs, Recording Secretary
Check out the Student of the Month Winners- October
Check out the Student of the Month Winners- November
Upcoming Events
- 12/18/23- Spirit Day- Wear your favorite comfy clothes
- 12/19/23- Spirit Day- Winter Wonderland. Wear white and/or blue
- 12/20/23-Spirit Day- Channel your flannel
- 12/21/23-Spirit Day- Grinch Day. Wear green and/or Grinch themed clothes
- 12/22/23- Spirit Day- Pajama Day
- 1/10/24- Dine to Donate (Panera)
- 1/17/24- Coffee with the Counselor
- 1/25/24- Arbor Band Concert (6:30pm/7:30pm- Schor Middle School)
- 1/26/24- Spirit Day- Twin Day
- 1/30/24- Arbor Chorus and Orchestra Concert (6:30pm-Schor Middle School)