Woodland Park School District News
Sept. 10, 2021
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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Welcome Back!
The Woodland Park School District began the new school year for students on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 with full capacity for the first time since March 2020. Charles Olbon School is temporarily housing 75 preschool students until the second PreK location is opened. Returning to school after all of this time has been an adjustment for children and adults alike. We are grateful for everyone's patience and cooperation as we get reacclimated to getting back to in person instruction and learning for all.
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Learning Letters
Welcome back to a new school year! During the first week of school, Mrs. Casasnovas' PreK-4 class at School 1 concentrated on learning each other’s names. After reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, students made collages of the first letter of their names.
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A Sweet Night Out
Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council, the Recreation & Community Relations Committee, and Alfred Baumann Library hosted a fun Kindergarten Ice Cream Social on Thursday, September 9 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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Support Our Home & School Associations
Our local Home & School Associations have been getting ready for the school year and have been busy planning events for the students and fundraisers. These volunteer groups rely on the support of parents, guardians, teachers, and the community to accomplish their goal of providing educational programs and fun activities for the students to enjoy throughout the school year.
Please follow your child's school HSA on Facebook (links below) to keep up on the meeting and event schedules. HSA membership links are below. We encourage parents to become members and help support the mission of the groups.
The School 1 HSA also serves the Pre-K students at Charles Olbon School. Its Board for 2021-2022 is President Tami Hajbi, Vice President Dana Camacho, Treasurer Amy Dean, and Secretary Gina Esposito. Join the group's Facebook page here to stay up to date on all the activities planned. Click here to become a member of the School 1 HSA. The HSA plans its first meeting on Wednesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. at Charles Olbon School outside, or inside if allowed.
The Charles Olbon School HSA Board for 2021-2022 is President Dana Camacho, Co-President Liany Dijol, Vice President Caitlyn Giannino, Secretary Gina McQuin, Treasurer Daniela Domicolo, and Co-Treasurer Jessica Sterba. Join the group’s Facebook page here. Click here to become a member of the COHSA. The COHSA plans its first meeting on Wednesday, October 6 at Charles Olbon School outside, or inside if allowed.
The Beatrice Gilmore School HSA Board for the 2021-2022 school year is President Maria Billson, Vice President Dana Camacho, Secretary Lucia Baccaro, Co-Secretary Michelle Colon, Treasurer Jennifer Rocco, and Co-Treasurer Christa Limone. Join the group’s Facebook page here. Click here to become a member of the BGHSA. Sign up for the 5th Grade Committee is on the site when you become a member. The group plans its first meeting on Thursday, October 7 at 7 p.m. outside, or in the school if allowed. The 5th Grade Committee will meet in November; members will be emailed any information. There will be no meeting unless necessary.
The Memorial Middle School HSA Board for the 2021-2022 school year is President Barbara Kruszewski, Vice President Danielle Natusch, Secretary Maria Billson, and Treasurer Lucia Baccaro. Join the group's Facebook page here. Click here to become a member of the Memorial HSA. Sign up for 8th Grade Committee is on the site when you become a member.
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Acting Police Chief Urges Vigilance Around Borough Schools
Acting Police Chief John Uzzalino reminds drivers to be extremely vigilant driving around our Borough schools before and after school hours, as many of our students walk home, and to expect minor delays. He also reminds those dropping off students to follow the school's drop off and pick up procedures and obey parking restrictions.
The Police Department will have officers present at each school daily. They are there to make drop-off and pick-up easier for parents. Drivers are asked to pay attention to their directions. Please give yourself extra time and be patient, as we are at full capacity for the first time since March of 2020, with additional students and staff at each of our schools. Charles Olbon School has an additional 75 preschool students in the building (on a temporary basis until the second Pre-K Center is opened). Parking will be extremely limited and, in most cases, you will need to park in the neighborhoods in and around our schools.
Afternoon hours are particularly dangerous. Over the last decade, AAA reports that nearly one in four child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.
Here’s how you can help keep kids safe:
- Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
- Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
- Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.
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Good Morning Woodland Park Morning Announcements Resume
March 23, 2020 marked the first day of daily morning announcement videos created and shared by the Billson Family. These videos were posted on YouTube every school day through the end of the school year. As noted, the first video aired on March 23, 2020, and over the next 17 months, almost 250 videos were posted. This school year, the boys are back with weekly morning announcements, which will be posted early each week on their YouTube page. Check them out and subscribe to their page here. Please join me in thanking the Billson Family for helping all of us to maintain a positive outlook during difficult times.
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Middle School Student's Non-Profit Donates School Supplies To Those In Need
From The Bottom Of My Heart, a non-profit organization run by one of our very own middle school students, Jayden Perez, sends its appreciation to all those who donated to his school supply collection for area children in need. "Thank you so much to everyone that helped me make this possible even within three weeks," Jayden said. "Thank you for donating to help the children in need during this new school year in my community and other towns. I was able to hand out 92 backpacks filled with school supplies."
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Cub Scouts Get Safety Lessons from WP Police Department Detectives
On Aug. 30, WP Cub Scouts Pack 31 took part in its "Meet the Police" pack event, where the scouts and their den leaders were given life lessons from Woodland Park Police Department detectives at the American Legion Post 238.
Det. Sgt. Leonard Schaefer, Det. Omaira Carino and Det. Al Panicci gave tips on safety and common sense advice to kids. They went through child safety scenarios for going back to school, having information handy for 911 calls, and what to do during an attempted luring by a stranger. In addition, they spoke about bullying, Halloween safety, and bike safety. After a Q&A, scouts were able to check out the functions of a police vehicle.
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Carvel Ice Cream Giveback Today
The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association is inviting everyone to celebrate the first week of school with a Carvel giveback event, which runs today from 2:48 p.m. until 10 p.m. Funds raised benefits the Fifth Grade Committee at Beatrice Gilmore School. Please show the flyer photo on your phone when checking out so that BG is credited with the sale.
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First Day Of School Photos Sought For CO & BG Yearbooks
First day of school photos are being collected for the Charles Olbon School and Beatrice Gilmore School yearbooks.
Charles Olbon School first day photos can be uploaded here. ID number is 416425983. Deadline is September 17.
Beatrice Gilmore School first day photos can be uploaded here. ID number is 416204870. Deadline is September 17.
- No photos will be accepted via e-mail, Facebook or text - only via the upload link. You do not need to download an app.
- Only students are allowed in the yearbook. No siblings or non-district students.
- Group photos for the first day have a better chance of getting in, so we can feature as many students as possible.
- Please do not put your child in multiple group shots. We will not repeat one student on the same page, so if you do this, all the photos will be cut.
- No hand gestures at any time.
- Looking for bus students getting on or off the bus, groups, walking to school together, with teachers, or entering the doors. Creative photos are a plus.
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Library Building Currently Closed To Public Due To Flood Damage
The Alfred Baumann Library building is currently closed to the public due to flooding, but they are still there for you. Next week they hope to resume curbside pick-up and some off-site programming. They are available to assist residents with FEMA forms and questions. There is a link to the FEMA form here. We will keep you updated on the progress as they remediate and restore the spaces that sustained damage. Hours are currently irregular; please check their website here or call 973-345-8120.
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. While the Library building is temporarily closed due to flood damage, please check the website for event locations. Programming may held outside, in the Municipal Building Community Room or via Zoom. The Library's website is www.abwplibrary.org. Its phone number is 973-345-8120. Reach the Library via email at library@abwplibrary.org.
Saturday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. - Farmers Market story time. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m. - Fall into STEM. Join in on Sept. 14 and Oct. 12 for glow stick-themed STEM challenges. First, learn to make a homemade glow stick in September. Next, complete a design challenge with glow sticks in October. Open to grades 3-8. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama Storytime. Babies - kindergarten children are invited to put on your PJs and join in for evening stories. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. - Trivia Night. Whether you’re solo, a couple, or a group of friends or family, trivia is a perfect choice. Grab some snacks for 6 rounds of fun. Questions are geared for adult players, but family teams are welcome. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. - Baby Snails story time for babies and toddlers. Join Miss Bri for early literacy outdoor story time on the lawn. Each week will have a new theme with stories, songs, rhymes and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales Storytime for children 3 and up. Join Miss Sara for stories, songs, rhymes and more, with a new theme each week. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 16, 12 noon - Sit & Fit chair exercises. Join in on the second floor of Borough Hall in the Community Room for low-impact chair exercises for adults. Chairs will be provided. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m. - Join in to celebrate the premiere of "Clifford the Big Red Dog" movie opening on Sept. 17 in theaters. Enjoy games, activities, crafts, and more. Go home with a free Clifford book and have a chance to win a plushie Clifford or tickets to the movie. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. - History of Montclair Mansions. Montclair is known for its incredible architecture. In this program, look at some of its beautiful houses, discuss architectural styles and the people who live there. This is a Zoom event and a link will be sent the day before the program. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m. - Books & Barks. Practice your reading skills with Delilah, a registered therapy dog. You will be assigned a 10-minute session with Delilah and Mrs. Parker; read any book for those 10 minutes. Register here.
Saturday, Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m. - Sunshine & Stories. This is a special-themed outdoor story time and a craft for pre-K and up on the Library lawn. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy. Weather permitting, otherwise, we will meet inside. Register here.
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Important Upcoming Dates To Note:
- Thursday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. - Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAC) is having a meeting and greet to meet the new director of Special Education at Charles Olbon School. For parents of students with IEPs or 504s only.
- Monday, Sept 20, 7 p.m. - Board of Education regular meeting at Borough Hall
- Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. - School 1/Early Childhood Center back to school night
- Wednesday, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. - Charles Olbon School back to school night
- Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Beatrice Gilmore School back to school night
- Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. - Memorial Middle School back to school night