Elmwood Park Schools
District Newsletter/End of School Year 2018
Board of Education
Website: www.elmwoodparkschools.org
Location: 60 East 53rd Street, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Phone: 201-796-8700
Louise Gerardi, President
Keith Cannizzo, Vice President
Dorin Aspras
Douglas DeMatteo
Chakib Fakhoury
Jeanne Freitag
Jakub Golabek
George Luke
James Monaco
Spotlight on AP
The “AP”: Another Helping of Alphabet Soup
In recent weeks, the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) and the new NJSLA-S (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment--Science) have likely been topics of numerous conversations at home and in school. In fact, an article appearing in the Spring 2018 issue of the District Newsletter discussed the upcoming science assessments.
You may have also heard about a group of tests to be administered to a smaller segment of the high school student population: the “AP” Exams.
You may recognize this term, which is also used to describe certain high school courses, but what do the “A” and “P” of “AP” mean?
Ahead of the Pack?
Always Prepared? (Sounds like a good motto.)
Accomplished Pupils?
Not quite--although these descriptions could certainly apply to the AP students of Memorial High School!
“AP” is actually a registered trademark of the College Board and an abbreviation for “Advanced Placement.” AP® courses are rigorous, college-level curricular programs, across many disciplines, which are offered in high schools throughout the United States and Canada. After nearly a year of intensive study in an AP course, students are given the opportunity to take the AP® Exam, which may qualify them to place out of college courses, receive college credits, and/or place into more advanced courses, depending on their test results.
Taking an AP class is no easy endeavor, but the benefits make the extra effort worthwhile. Not only does enrolling in an AP level class give a student an edge over his/her peers when applying to colleges and universities, but success on the AP Exam could also mean significant cost savings in college tuition. In addition, freeing up some time in one’s college schedule would allow one to double-major, select a minor, enroll in additional elective courses, and/or pursue other interests.
What does it take to succeed in an AP course?
A willingness to make the commitment and an openness to challenges, as well as time management, problem-solving, and study skills, are key elements for success. Teachers’ recommendations and evidence of achievement in prerequisite courses are used to determine eligibility.
AP Exams will be administered to our students, throughout the month of May, in the following nine subjects: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English Literature, European History, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art, and United States History.
Did you know...?
144 AP Exams will be administered to Memorial High School students this May.
Twenty-two students will be taking three or more AP exams.
The AP Scholar Award is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher, out of 5, on three or more AP Exams. Nine Elmwood Park students were named AP Scholars in 2017.
One member of Memorial High School’s Class of 2017 received an AP Scholar with Distinction Award, which is a special designation for students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Mrs. Monica Brown, Supervisor of Instruction, will not be taking an AP Exam, but she has been invited by the New Jersey Department of Education to participate in the NJ State Assessment Collaborative. This group will convene in June to discuss the transition to the next generation of statewide assessments.
The College Board has provided a number of resources for students, parents, and teachers interested in learning more about Advanced Placement courses, exams, test fees, score reports, and awards. Please visit the following website to view them: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/
Best wishes to our Academically Precocious students, who are Accelerating Prosperity!
Mrs. Monica Naughton Brown, Supervisor of Instruction
Interdisciplinary Theme-Based Collaboration
In February, several of our middle school and high school teachers attended a professional development opportunity where dozens of teachers and supervisors from across Bergen County got together to discuss and create interdisciplinary assessments that integrated themes in the Social Studies and English Language Arts curricula. The workshop was great, because we got to hear what other districts were currently doing to collaborate with another, and then we received time to plan out lessons ourselves.
After conducting several additional meetings to work out logistics, in early April, several of our teachers (Mr. Allen, Ms. Petito, and Mr. Serra) implemented one of their lessons in a 9th grade class setting. Mr. Allen/Mr. Serra’s world history class and Ms. Petito’s 9th grade English language arts class met in the media center for several days to create a theme-based project. At the time of the lesson, students in world history were learning about World War I (and even more specifically, African American soldiers), and students in ELA were reading The Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell. Students were broken into groups and had members from both classes represented in each group, therefore, requiring students to work with both familiar and new faces. The project culminated with a presentation of what they learned from working with one another, focusing on the theme of “Teaching Tolerance.”
For a brand new initiative, I have to say how truly impressed I was with how students rose to the challenge and used the entire time they were allotted to brainstorm and work through the activity. While I was observing the lesson, students were working on their chromebooks and had flexibility in how they chose to gather; some were at the front desks, others in the chairs in the back, and still more in the computer lab. It was a genuinely collaborative environment, resembling a college-level independence in a 9th grade classroom setting.
Because of the success of the lesson, we aim to include more students and teachers in these collaborative activities in the future. I think it is very important for students to see the power of interdisciplinary work and how everything is connected to one another. Our hope is that students will begin to make associations outside of their classes, linking something they learned in one class to another. This higher-order thinking is essential for college-and-career readiness, and I know our students at EP are ready to make those connections!
Ms. Nicole Thompson, Supervisor of Instruction
Wicked Choral Workshop
On May 2, 2018, several cast and crew members of our high school Musical, Bring It On, and our middle school Musical, Beauty and the Beast, as well as some students in the high school dramatic arts class, attended an exciting day in New York City. Under the organization of Mrs. Marlene Matsko and Mrs. Lara Rodriguez, students attended a Wicked Choral Workshop on Broadway and then had lunch in the city. They closed the day with attending the Broadway Musical, Wicked. Mr. Douglas Bender had taught our students the song, “One Short Day” from Wicked. When students arrived, they were broken into sections according to vocal range and mixed together with six other schools from New Jersey. In the theater, students reviewed the number with the musical conductor of Hamilton and proceeded to learn a portion of the choreography by four cast members of Wicked’s ensemble. To say excitement, wonder, and laughter filled the room is an understatement. Two students from each school took to the Avenue Q Broadway stage to perform what we all learned. Chelsea Plaza and Laylaine Chiffriller were two of our volunteers. At the close of the workshop, there was a question/answer session where many in our group participated. To hear the response of professional Broadway actors/actresses was amazing! After groups had lunch at our reserved tables, we all headed to one of the most awesome musicals ever produced! Whoever didn’t have the theater bug, certainly does now, and as for our actors and actresses, many of them grew wings!
Teen Arts Festival 2018
Vapes
Smoking, whether through more traditional means or via electronic smoking devices, is an unhealthy habit with the potential for addiction and lasting physical effects. Many are under the impression that because vaporizers don’t contain tobacco, they pose little risk to health. Wrong. Recent research has turned up evidence that vaping can pose many brand new risks.
At the heart of every vaporizer is a metal coil used to heat up the flavored e-liquid or juice that will become a vapor. Scientists have found a number of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde (For-MAAL-de-hide) and acetaldehyde (Ass-et-AAL-de-hide), which are linked to cancer. In addition, toxicologists at the University of Rochester decided to investigate what the vapors inhaled might be doing to mouth cells. Evidence showed those vapors inflame mouth cells in ways that could potentially promote gum disease. That gum damage can destroy the tissues that hold teeth in place.
Younger people were particularly interested in fruity and candy-flavored products. In fact, this is one reason the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned cigarettes flavored with anything but menthol in 2009. It was to limit their appeal to kids. The added perspective of how simple it is to use electronic smoking devices to inhale drugs also needs to be fully recognized and understood by parents/guardians, because it can happen anywhere and at any time without being easily identifiable. Many electronic smoking devices are small and look like other things (such as a USB flash drive), and most of these devices can be manipulated to expel drugs instead of tobacco products. Some devices expel a great deal of vapor while others release hardly any vapor at all, making them that much harder to detect.
National Junior Honor Society
Gifted & Talented
This year’s middle school gifted and talented students have been hard at work on their projects since October! The project is aimed at educating peers and adults about issues that the students feel passionate about, such as recycling, school cafeteria food, and deforestation. On June 8, the students will be showcasing their hard work in the middle school media center for their peers and teachers to see. Parents, guardians, and families are also welcome to attend from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm. We hope to see you there!
Mrs. Shelly Robinson and Mrs. Bridget White, Middle School Teachers
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation Night
Spanish
Despite the fact that our school year is coming to an end, the Middle School World Language Department continues to create engaging opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture through innovative ways.
Recently, students in Señorita Rebelos’s Spanish 8 class learned how to identify parts of the body in Spanish. They used their creativity and new vocabulary to create and label a cute, scary or whacky "monstruo." Using new and old vocabulary students not only drew their own monster, but then wrote a biography to go along with their drawing.
7th Grade Spanish Trip
In order to expose students to the diversity of the Latin America, Señora Trejo planned an educational cultural trip for 7th grade Spanish students. Students were able to experience the melody of the Latino culture as seen through the performing arts. They viewed musical and dance performances that pay homage to the traditions of different Spanish speaking countries. The performances showcased the juxtaposition of Caribbean, European Indigenous, and African influences that interconnect to create the rich Latino culture. The show included music from many different genres including, flamenco, cumbia, salsa, bachata, and Argentine folk music played through drums as well as other non-conventional instruments. Students were not only entertained, but also culturally enlightened while learning the history behind many important Latin American customs. Students were left in awe as they watched the intricate moves of the dancers and harmonious melodies played by musicians.
EP students even got the chance to go on stage with choreographers and perform a traditional latin dance.
After the show, students enjoyed an authentic Cuban meal overlooking the New York City skyline.
International Food Celebration
Interim Principal at Gantner Avenue School
Mr. Carmine Guinta is the new interim principal at Gantner Avenue Elementary School for Principal Allison Jackter. He arrives from Belleville Public Schools, where he retired in July 2017 after four decades as a teacher and administrator. As a teacher, he taught junior high/middle and high school English in grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12.
During that time, his three decades of active involvement in the Belleville Education Association (BEA) included many responsibilities, committee chairs and officer positions, including secretary and vice-president.
As a civic volunteer for two decades in Bloomfield, NJ, he has coached baseball, basketball and soccer, was the Bloomfield Northern Little League President for many years and was Chairman of the Bloomfield Recreation Commission for several years.
His years as an administrator include a variety of assignments. Having served as an elementary and middle school principal, he also was an English as a Second Language (ESL) supervisor, district testing coordinator, affirmative action officer, new principal mentor and Director of Curriculum for English Language Arts and Social Studies K – 12.
He recalls his years as a teacher and administrator warmly, having met and befriended many administrators, parents, teachers and students, some of whom are employed in Elmwood Park.
He joins a dedicated, welcoming and professional staff at Gantner Ave.
He extends his congratulations and best wishes to the family of Principal Jackter.
Gantner Avenue School Safety Team
Gantner’s School Safety Team is responsible for developing, fostering, and maintaining a safe and positive school environment. They address school issues and implement response plans when necessary. Most recently, the team discussed how to ensure a smooth transition in the hallways and stairwells.
In order to improve the climate and safety of Gantner Avenue School, the Safety Team members created safety road signs. These signs aid as a reminder to students, to be safe in the hallways and stairwells by adhering to all directional signals. Each doorway has a stop and go sign to help students identify which door they should enter and exit to move about the stairwells in a safe manner. Teachers and the school counselor have created “Slow Down” signs and “Stay to the Right” for the hallways. Gradually, students are learning to follow the rules of the hallway in a fun and meaningful way. More signs to come!
Thanks for Everything Offered for Successful 2018 PARCC Testing
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) testing at Gantner Avenue Elementary School is almost completed. Our very successful testing session was structured and monitored by Ms. Ariella Luberto and Ms. Kathy Arose. They are commended for making it a very successful one.
Our staff has put great effort into preparing our students for the online assessment, starting with the preparatory and academic foundational skills that are taught in kindergarten through second grade and continuing through the tested grades: 3, 4 and 5. Every teacher is sincerely thanked.
Our third, fourth and fifth grade students are also recognized. They have taken the test very seriously and worked very diligently during their testing sessions. We are very proud of their efforts.
Finally, it is with appreciation the school also acknowledges the parents/guardians for their support during testing, keeping students’ absences to a minimum and having their children arrive ready for the rigors of testing. It makes testing much easier when an extensive make-up testing schedule is not necessary. Your efforts are applauded. Thank you.
Gantner Avenue School Teacher of the Year
Ms. Allison Dombrowski, our art teacher, has been recognized as the recipient of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for the 2017 - 2018 school year. We congratulate her for her achievement and honor her for her educational accomplishments.
She was honored at Gantner Avenue Elementary School by its Home and School Association (HSA) on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, with a luncheon hosted by the Home and School Association, which is led by president, Jennifer Solicito.
She will be honored by the district on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Glen Pointe Marriott in Teaneck, NJ.
Ms. Dombrowski has been an Elmwood Park teacher since September 2017.
Touch Math
In Ms. Zoccoli's MD class, we've started using Touch Math! Touch Math is a multi-sensory math program that makes critical math concepts appealing and accessible for students who struggle to understand grade-level content. Students use manipulatives to identify touch points. The touching and counting technique is an essential part of the Touch Math program. By using pictorial objects and touch points, students learn to associate numerals with real values. Students count aloud as they touch the single touch points once and double touch points twice. This multi-sensory approach engages students on auditory, visual and tactile/kinesthetic levels.
Gilbert Art
Special Education at 16th Avenue
My name is Laura Allen. I joined Sixteenth Avenue School in January 2018, and I am currently a multiply-disabled special education teacher in a self-contained classroom for primary students in grades K-2. I teach many different subjects each day and work with several special education aides who assist with daily activities for all of my assigned students. In my classroom, we all work closely with the child study team members as well as the school's behaviorist. I hold a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. I also have an M.Ed. in the field of Special Education. I have taught for the past couple of years in the United States, Europe and Asia. I am committed to helping students achieve their goals. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and improve upon my yoga practice.
Miss Allen
MD Teacher
Hello everyone. My name is Samantha Apgar, and I am the new K-2 LLD teacher at Sixteenth Avenue School. This is my first year teaching, and I am excited to be a part of the Elmwood Park family. I graduated from Centenary University in 2014 with a degree in history. Through Centenary’s education program, I completed my student teaching and earned teaching certificates for K-6 elementary education, 5-8 middle school social studies and teacher of students with disabilities.
After graduation, I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a few different school districts. Most recently, I worked as an ABA teacher’s assistant for a preschool autism classroom. I love anything to do with Disney. I watch all the movies and visit Disney World a few times a year. I also enjoy being outside and laying on the beach. I hope to meet everyone soon. Please say "hi" if you see me in the hallway!
Miss Apgar
LLD Teacher
Preschool at Sixteenth Avenue School
Preschool has been very busy learning about spring themes and learning new springtime songs. They are also very happy about getting to play outside with the return of the warm weather. The students enjoy going down the slides, learning how to ride on the swings, and running around the playground. The preschoolers also participated in Field Day. They really enjoyed the hippity-hops, the scooters, and the parachute game. The preschoolers are also working hard at practicing for their upcoming graduation ceremony. Each preschool class will perform their own individual songs along with movements and dance moves. They will also sing three songs as a group and recite a very cute poem about their year in preschool. We will also honor one of our most dedicated teacher's assistants, Mrs. Passucci, by having her perform an interactive read aloud with all the preschool classes during the graduation ceremony. Mrs. Passucci always enthusiastically engaged all the preschoolers in read alouds and songs throughout this school year. The preschoolers are also looking forward to more fun times this summer while attending the ESY program.
Ms. Gallagher, Ms. Gjokaj, & Mrs. Kunkel
Preschool Teachers
Kindergarten at Sixteenth Avenue School
In kindergarten, we learned how to make how to books. The children wrote books on topics such as how to make pizza, how to take out the trash and how to get ready for a party. We had a blast teaching our friends new things.
We also had a great time visiting animals on our class trip to Turtle Back Zoo. The kids enjoyed touching stingrays, seeing giraffes, and taking a ride on the train.
We will be ending our year with our “Moving-Up” ceremony. The students are looking forward to learning new songs and sharing their big day with their families.
Ms. Cohen, Mrs. DiPasquale & Mrs. Fisher
Kindergarten Teachers
Grade 2 at Sixteenth Avenue School
We have been very busy in second grade. We are working to wrap up one of our most exciting math units, focused on the value of dollars, coins, and making change. During this unit, students applied these real-life skills during a project in which they worked to create grocery shopping lists, and to use a variety of combinations to purchase items of their choice. In reading, we explored different types of fiction texts such as mysteries, and fairytales. Students acted as detectives to assist in inferring, finding clues, and working to solve a variety of mysteries during our whole-group read aloud of the Cam Jansen series.
In writing, students have been working to develop more detailed sentences to be applied to their realistic fiction stories. Students have focused on in depth descriptions of characters, settings, problems, and solutions within their writing pieces. As the end of the school year approaches, we are excited to apply all that we have learned in science about animals and their habitats while on our field trip to the Turtle Back Zoo.
Ms. Cioffi, Mrs. Nova & Ms. Ribeiro
2nd Grade Teachers
Grade 5 at Sixteenth Avenue School
The 2017-2018 school year is coming to an end! Summer is just around the corner. The fifth grade students have a number of events coming up. Our wax museum will take place on May 29th. Students chose a person who has contributed to the world in a positive way and transformed themselves into the character. The students have been working on this project since the beginning of the year, and they are super excited to present! Our Fancy Dance will be held on June 8th. Our 5th grade end of the year trip to Funplex will be on June 11th and graduation will be held on June 18th in the middle school auditorium. We have been enjoying the challenge of our new STEM kits this year! Our final project was building a super sneaker. The students can’t wait to start this project!
Mr. Bacigalupo, Mrs. Buscio & Mrs. Montone
5th Grade Teachers
Physical Education at Sixteenth Avenue School
These past few weeks in Physical education class have been exciting! Students in all grades have been eagerly awaiting Field Day! Field day is a monumental day all the students look forward to. Several field day events the children are excited for include the two water events (water sponge bucket fill and the water cup relay race) as well as the grand finale of field day...the tug-of-war! Classes in all grades have been placed in teams, either red or white. One team is the winner at the end of the day. The competitive anticipation is always fun for the students at 16th Ave!
Field Day for students in grades prek-2 will take place on May 1st.
Field Day for students in grades 3-5 will take place on a May 21st.
Mr. Schwartz and Mrs. Dopozo, Physical Education Teachers
Name the School and Location
*The answer will be posted in the next newsletter.