Woodland Park School District News
Sept. 16, 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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A Helping Hand
Burlington Stores, a major off-price retailer offering "wow" deals on customers’ favorite brands for the entire family and home, through its partnership with the national non-profit organization, AdoptAClassroom.org, has donated $5,000 towards school supplies to Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park in celebration of its new store now open in Pine Brook at 44 Route 46.
A representative from AdoptAClassroom.org contacted school administrators and helped to secure the donation for Beatrice Gilmore School, which will provide $5,000 in new supplies for teacher classrooms.
According to Principal Mrs. Tomback, the teachers will have the flexibility to use their allocations on items that will enhance their learning environment.
“On behalf of Beatrice Gilmore Elementary School, I would like to welcome the new local Burlington store and thank them and AdoptAClassroom.org for their generous donation to our school,” said Mrs. Tomback. “Our teachers are so excited to purchase the tools they need for their classrooms this year. We are thankful for the support we received from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org.”
Burlington is committed to supporting education through its partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org. Each time Burlington opens a new store, Burlington celebrates by adopting and funding a local school in its store community. The new Burlington store is now open at 44 Route 46, Pine Brook, and provides "wow" deals for the entire family and home.
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Sweet Night Out
Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council, the Woodland Park Recreation Department, and the Alfred Baumann Library hosted a fun Kindergarten Ice Cream Social on Sept. 8 at Charles Olbon School to welcome the new kindergartners and their families to the school community. Our families heard a story, enjoyed some ice cream, and each student in attendance was provided with a book to take home.
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State Essay Contest Award Winner
At its monthly meeting last week, the Woodland Park American Legion Post 238 Auxiliary recognized Beatrice Gilmore School student Damian Casado for winning first at the state level in its annual Americanism Essay Contest. Damian won at the unit level, county level, and in the state competition in the 3rd and 4th grade group. He is shown with his parents, Principal Mrs. Tomback, and Auxiliary President Cathy Pagano. Also shown is one of his two teachers from last year, Mr. Melton.
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Solemn Remembrance
Woodland Park held its annual 9/11 Remembrance on Saturday evening, led by Mayor Keith Kazmark and Councilman Vincent DeCesare. In addition to several speakers, Father Daniel Grigassy of St. Bonaventure’s Church and Pastor Joel LaTorre from Living Water Church of God provided the invocation and benediction. Brownie Troop 97702, Cub Scout Pack 31, and Boy Scout Troop 238 lent a hand by passing out programs and candles, as well as singing "God Bless the USA" and "God Bless America."
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The First Letter
Students in Mrs. Morozowski’s PreK class at Charles Olbon School were working on identifying the first letter in their name by decorating a letter cut with various art materials.
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Making Promises
During the beginning of the year study in Ms. Casasnovas' PreK-4 class at School 1, children work on creating a positive classroom environment together. As a promise to each other, they came up with a list of things to remember while being in school. Each child had a chance to “promise” by putting their handprint on the list.
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Team Building
Mrs. O'Donnell's STEM class at Memorial Middle School took part in a team-building activity where they needed to stack six cups using one rubber band and one string per person, without using their hands. They had fun!
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Class Helpers
On the first day of school, this class of seventh grade band students at Memorial Middle School assisted with the art classroom set-up with art teacher Mrs. Farrell. Their first day of art went over expectations and procedures along with organizing colored pencils. Students learned this was their studio and participated in organizing their supplies.
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Be Kind
Principal Mrs. Tomback, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Farraye, and School Nurse Ms. Roehrich held grade level meetings at Beatrice Gilmore during our first week back. Students were reminded that if they can BE KIND (notice their shirts) that they would never have to be concerned that they were hurting someone's feelings or violating the HIB-protected characteristics. Students were also reminded of our motto "I Can Be Me at BG" and the importance of each letter in TRY. The fourth and fifth graders are excited to be role models for our new BG family members.
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Flag Donation
The 2021-2022 Memorial Middle School Eighth Grade Committee donated house flags to the school as a gift at the end of the school year. They will be proudly displayed around the school and used at house events. In addition, due to the success of its fundraising efforts, the committee also left funds behind for the current 2022-2023 class to use.
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BGHSA Membership Drive
The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association is running its annual membership drive. Membership is $15 per family and goes towards the required insurance to allow HSA members to attend events and activities that are run at the school. Become a member by clicking here. Non-members will not be permitted to volunteer at HSA-sponsored events in the building/on-premises. Field Day is June 2 and the fifth grade moving up party will be June 12. Parents that are not members will not be able to volunteer at these events and others that may be planned. Deadline to sign up is Sept. 24.
In addition, parents can stay up to date with what is going on at BG by joining its Remind Group. Get reminders of upcoming school activities, school events, fundraisers, and more. To sign up, text 81010 to @7437g9. They are aiming to send weekly reminders of what is happening. The HSA's website can be found here.
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Celebrating Summer Readers
The Alfred Baumann Library held its annual end of summer reading party at Dowling Gardens last Saturday. The event is held to celebrate the accomplishments of the Library's summer reading program participants.
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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.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m. - Fall into STEAM for grades 3-8. This month, join us for lunar lunacy where we will be learning some out-of-this-world facts. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. - Join in for a relaxing Yoga & Meditation session in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 4:30 p.m. - Reading Rebels monthly book club for grades 3 to 5. We will introduce the book, read an excerpt, then enjoy activities, crafts, or games based on the book. The book will be provided at the program. You must have a library card to attend. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Enjoy stories, rhymes, a craft, and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 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.
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 4 p.m. - Bingo for grades K-4. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board meeting. Members in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to share ideas for programs, help decide what books, movies, and more to add to the collection, promote the library's role in the community, and more. Snacks will be provided. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club meeting. Each month you will receive a packet with a new spice, recipe, and the history of the spice. We meet on the last Thursday evening of the month to discuss findings. Register here.