May 22nd - June 5th - Food Drive Donations (Scroll down for more information)

May 26th - 12:35 Dismissal

Monday, May 29th - Memorial Day - School is closed.

May 30th - CHROMEBOOK FREE DAY!

June 1st - 8th grade Celebration Dance

June 9th - Kindergarten Celebration – 9:00a.m.

June 12th - 15th - 12:35 dismissals

June 13th - Pre K Graduation - 9:30a.m.

June 14th - 8th Grade Graduation

June 15th - 4th Grade Clap Out - 12:15pm

June 15th - Last Day of School

***PTA Updates were added to the bottom of the Newsletter!***

Little Ferry Public recognizes and congratulates our 2023 Teacher's of the Year! Victor Fernandes from Washington Elementary School and Michele Malki from Memorial Middle School!

https://lfboe.incidentiq.com/guest/AY427ANN/student-chromebook-issue-reporting?step=issue#top

Here we come down the final stretch! It has been a fun-filled and exciting time here in Little Ferry. We are preparing for many celebrations and graduations in the weeks to come. Concerts, shows, celebrations, graduations and more are all on the horizon. We just completed our 2nd Family Knight, which was another huge success. The attendance was amazing and we are proud of each of our teachers presentations and the Knight as w whole. I want to thank Mr. Dunn for all his hard work putting together this successful and important opportunity for our community. AS we close out yet another great year I want to thank the students, staff, administration, and parents for their dedication towards our successful year. I feel confident that I am leaving Little Ferry set up for continued success. I look forward to watching from the sidelines as this District continues to grow over the decades to come!

Royal Knight Families,

We are pleased to provide the press release below:

Little Ferry Public Schools Board of Education continues moving the district forward with plans to clear the Washington School building site in preparation for a new school.

“In addition to establishing a safe physical space, we envision a new school that is designed to meet current educational standards and practices,” said Superintendent Frank Scarafile. “This refers to appropriately sized classrooms, modern and efficient systems that support a healthy environment, and accessibility features so the building is welcoming to every student.”

The 109-year-old Washington School has served generations of families in the community of Little Ferry. The district, in discussion with community stakeholders, weighed preserving the historic structure against maintaining both its fiscal responsibility to the community and the highest educational standards for students.

Despite repairs over the years to preserve the building, Washington School no longer met building and accessibility codes, and classrooms and other spaces became outdated and in need of extensive updates. That led to the decision to vacate the building in 2018 and move pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade classes into modular units and Memorial Middle School.

Little Ferry Public Schools began working with an architect in 2018, who at that time estimated that the building would need $8.3 million worth of repairs. That figure could be higher in today’s market and doesn’t include costs for a much-needed addition to support current enrollment and the modernization of spaces. The Board of Education believes that addressing the extensive needs of the school by making these costly repairs would not be fiscally responsible for the community.

The initial phase of the project includes awarding a bid for the contractor that will complete the clearing of the site. Work is slated to begin in June, following the completion of this academic year, and is expected to take four months. The site will be secured by a full perimeter fence prior to any work being done.

The Board of Education is taking steps toward a bond referendum to ask voters’ permission to sell bonds to generate upfront funds for the construction of a new school. That vote could be held within a year. With voter approval, a bond referendum would bring the district a new type of state funding for this large-scale capital project.

“We are excited to continue the Little Ferry Board of Education’s work toward improving our schools and preparing for the future,” Scarafile added. “We are grateful for the board’s work to position our district for success for many years to come.”

Little Ferry Public Schools has activities planned to honor the history of Washington School and make connections between those who taught in and attended the school and the current and future school community. The district will inform the community about the activities and progress of the project through a dedicated website, lfboe.org/LittleFerryFuture. Questions about the project can be emailed to: LittleFerryFuture@lfboe.org.

Stay Mighty,

Your Board of Education

Dear Washington School Families,

I cannot believe how fast this school year has gone. We have had a lot of special days here in Washington Elementary with many more to come in such a short period of time. A big THANK YOU to the LFPTA for a wonderful Staff Appreciation luncheon during Teacher Appreciation week. I would also like to thank the LFPTA for the Muffins with Mom event that took place on May 12th. It was so nice to see our families and students enjoying a beautiful breakfast with perfect photo ops. We appreciate all the PTA does to make these events a success.

I would also like to acknowledge our third and fourth grade students who worked diligently during state testing. Thank you to our staff for all the positive messages that were displayed throughout the classrooms motivating our students.

Our fourth grade students had a day fit for royalty when they went to Medieval Times on May 11th. They had a great time cheering on their Yellow Knight who even won the jousting event.

Our second grade students visited Field Station Dinosaur on May 18th and had a "ROARING" good time!

Our Kindergarten students enjoyed their field day last Friday. Thank you to Ms. Provenzano and her 7th and 8th grade student helpers for organizing and facilitating all the activities.

Kindergarten Orientation was held on Wednesday and it was a pleasure meeting our future Royal Knights. Students were able to spend time visiting our Kindergarten classrooms while parents were able to gain insight into our program. Thank you to the LFPTA for the snack! If you know any 5 year old children that are eligible for our Kindergarten program please pass along this information.

Kindergarten Registration

The Road to Kindergarten is kicking off for our Kindergarten Class of 2024. Please see the attached road map with more information. The registration is live on our website.. (PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently enrolled in our preschool program, you do not need to register again.) Any questions, please email: TPeragallo@lfboe.org Thank you.

The Road to Kindergarten 2023-2024.pdf

Kindergarten Registration Step by Step

Our Family Engagement “Knight” was a huge success. A big thank you to Mr. Dunn for organizing it and Ms. DeBell for including our art show. We want to thank all the families that participated in this event.

Flag Football: If your child is interested in participating in flag football this fall please contact Kelly Dyer: scarletdevilfootball@gmail.com

June “Day” Calendar

As you know, we are on a Day 1 - Day 6 schedule. The only thing that changes for your child is the special they have on each “day.” Here is a calendar to help you and your child keep track of which “day” it is for the month. June

IMPORTANT DATES:

Friday, May 26th - Grade 3 Fifty Nifty - 9:30a.m. - Memorial School Gym

(SINGLE SESSION DAY)

Monday, May 29th - Memorial Day - School is closed.

Tuesday, June 6th - 4th Grade Living Museum - 10:30a.m. (SINGLE SESSION DAY) - Each 4th grade family will be receiving two tickets to this event.

Friday, June 9th - Kindergarten Celebration – 9:00a.m.

Tuesday, June 13th - Pre K Graduation - 9:30a.m.

Thursday, June 15th - 4th Grade Clap Out - 12:15pm

As always please feel free to reach out with any questions.

June Update

Hello Memorial School Families,

As we near the end of the school year, I wanted to thank all the families for their support and I hope you all have an amazing summer with your children.

June “Day” Calendar

As you know, we are on a Day 1 - Day 6 schedule. The only thing that changes for your child is the special they have on each “day.” Here is a calendar to help you and your child keep track of which “day” it is for the month. June

TREP$ Presentation

On Thursday, June 8th, Little Ferry Public School will be hosting its first TREP$ marketplace from 5:00-7:00 pm in the gym. TREP$ is short for enTREPreneur$ and our 4th - 8th grade future entrepreneurs participated in a 10-week-long course on building a business. They are finally bringing their ideas to market! Come support their business launch day. With moving-up ceremonies, Father's Day, summer weddings, and other upcoming celebrations, TREP$ market is a great one-stop shop to buy gifts for all your events while supporting future business leaders.

8th Grade Graduation

Graduation - Wednesday June 14th, will be held in Memorial Middle School Gym, door open at 5:30pm. Tickets will be passed out at the May 17th 8th Grade parent meeting. Reminder, no alterations to the cap or gown can be made. The only accessories that can be worn are ones provided from the school. Students should be dressed formally under their cap and gowns.

8th Grade Celebration Dance

Thursday June 1st. Students can arrive at the school starting at 5:30pm and gather in Memorial Middle School Gym, they will be bussed between the school and the Graycliff. Students may not be dropped off at the Graycliff. Students will be picked up from the front of the school at 10:30pm. Information about attire and dress code will be sent home to the parents

8th Grade 8th Grade Graduation

Friday June 9th at 2pm in Memorial Middle School Gym. Parents of the students receiving

awards will be notified June 1st.

Summer Learning Academy

As stated in the last newsletter, Summer Learning Academy is by invite only this year. You should have received notification already, but for your knowledge the dates this summer are:

This year’s dates are:

June 26, 27, 28, 29

July 5, 6

July 10, 11, 12, 13

July 17, 18, 19, 20

Hours: 8:30.am. - 12:30p.m.

Football and Cheerleading Registration

If you’re child is interested in participating in football or cheerleading , please contact the following representative to register your child.

Football registration can contact Ms. Dyer: scarletdevilfootball@gmail.com

Cheer Registration can contact Olivia : cheerotabs@gmail.com

Help take a bite out of hunger!

Help support Little Ferry Public School’s

Food Drive for Evangel Christian Church of Little Ferry

DATES: May 22, 2023- Jun 5, 2023

Drop-off Locations: Homerooms

We are asking that the following donations be made by Grade levels:

Pre-K & K- Canned Soups, Canned Stew, Gravy Mix and Tomato Sauce, Cake Mix, Frosting

Gr. 1 & 2 – Canned Fruits/Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce, Macaroni and Cheese

Gr. 3 & 4 - Rice, Pasta, Instant Potatoes, and Instant Stuffing

Gr. 5 & 6 – Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Peanut Butter, Jelly

Gr. 7 & 8 – Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Paper Towels, Canned Soups, Macaroni and Cheese

****** PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES ******

Please send in all donations by Monday, Jun 5, 2023

Brought to you by the Memorial Middle School Student Government

2023 Extended School Year

Extended School Year will run from June 19 – July 20, Monday – Thursday from 8:30am to 12:30pm. With no school on July 3rd and 4th.

Please contact any from the child study team with questions:

Administration:

mperrapato@lfboe.org - Director of Special Services

jparthesius@lfboe.org - Administrative Assistant to the the Director of Special Services

Case Managers:

elondono@lfboe.org Ed Londono - LDT-C

jmiller@lfboe.org Joselyn Miller - School Social Worker

astanziale@lfboe.org Ariel Stanziale - School Psychologist

Thank you.

Little Ferry Preschool Registration is now full for the 2023-2024 school year! If you are interested in registering your child please email: kbager@lfboe.org. Thank you all for your interest in our preschool program!

Please see the link below for more information about preschool. If you have any questions regarding registration or the program, please contact the Supervisor of Early Childhood Kerry Bager at kbager@lfboe.org.

Please see information below:

The Path to Preschool 2023-2024.pdf

• Students worked to the best of their ability putting forth great effort as evidenced by their time on task during testing.
• Memorial Middle School students who worked for 75% of the testing time on ELA, Math, and Science tests received a bonus recess. More than 95% of students at each grade level earned the recess.

Thank you to the teachers for all of their teaching to prepare our students this year and for all of your thoughtfulness throughout testing!

Thank you to all students for putting forth your best effort!

Thank you to the families for getting your children to bed early and on time to school!

• Thank you to all the families for attending a successful night!
• Thank you to all teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff for your support and efforts to make the night a success!

• Teachers presented their Professional Learning Community (PLC) to each other in a PLC fair

• Grade 4 math teachers are making a site visit to Saddle Brook to prepare for next year

• Preschool is preparing for next year's new sites with the support of William Paterson University Professor Emeritus Dr. Holly Seplocha

• ESL attended the New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (NJTESOL)/New Jersey Bilingual Educators (NJBE) conference to collaborate and hone with craft to meet the needs of our students

• Our team has grown to four teachers with the addition of Ms. Kristen Kajiwara, this will help us support our growing multilingual population

• TREP$ Marketplace on Thursday 6/8/23 from 5:00-7:00 PM

• Collaboration with Franklin Lakes schools will occur at then end of May to strengthen our program
  

Curriculum overviews available in the links below:

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Form

Grade 1-

Grade 1 Form

Grade 2-

Grade 2 Form

Grade 3-

Grade 3 Form

Grade 4-

Grade 4 Form

Grade 5-8

Classes have a health 1 marking period per year. Growth and development topics can be opted out on the Genesis Parent Portal.

Little Ferry PTA

The LFPTA had a busy month! Here are some things we did:

• Hosted the Muffins with Moms event on 5/12. We had a great turnout! Thanks to all of our volunteer helpers!

• Provided lunch for the LFPS staff for Teacher Appreciation week, catered by The Fiesta.

• Celebrated teachers with 25 years of service to our district at our 5/9 meeting.

• Spoke at Kindergarten Orientation on 5/24 and provided snacks for the students.

• Donated $500 towards a new Book Vending Machine for our school district.

• Donated $500 to Project Graduation for the Class of 2023.

• Awarded scholarships to Little Ferry to graduating seniors with top GPAs from RPHS, Bergen Academies and Bergen Tech.

Upcoming PTA Event: “Donuts with Dads” Breakfast: Friday, 6/9/23, 7am - 8:15am

• This event will be held at the American Legion Pavilion (same place as Muffins with Moms). Please park in the American Legion or church parking lot and not in the staff parking lots.

• Each student is invited to bring one special male to this event. The price is $3 per student (the male guest is free).

• Please send in the registration form and payment by Monday, June 5th. You may also pay at the door, but pre-registration is preferred. We hope to see you there!

PTA Officer Elections

• At our May 9th General Meeting, the LFPTA elected three new officers (terms beginning on 7/1/23). Congratulations and a warm welcome to:

• Danielle Rivadeneira, Vice President 1

• Nygera Mutis, Vice President 2

• Sumreen Islam, Treasurer

• Congratulations to Brenda Dieguez for being reelected as President for her second term!

• Thank you to our outgoing officers Purna Patel, Beatriz Alvarez and Virginia Blanco for all of your hard work and dedication to the PTA over the past few years. You’ll be missed!

End-of-Year Class Parties

• Elementary Class Parents have done a great job facilitating the class parties this year! They are gearing up for the 5th and final “end-of-year” party which will be during the last week of school. Thank you for all of your hard work!

If you have any questions, please contact us at lfpta@lfboe.org. Please also follow us on Facebook (@Little Ferry PTA) and Instagram (@LFPTA). Thank you for your support!

LFPTA Executive Board