Woodland Park School District News
Sept. 17, 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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To Serve and Protect
At Wednesday evening's Borough Council meeting, Mayor Keith Kazmark and Acting Police Chief John Uzzalino swore in our four Special Police Officers William Gilhooley, Andrew Poremba, Michael Cossari, and Peter Martin for the 2021-2022 school year. They were joined by Board of Education members Christine Tiseo, Adam Chaabane, Dr. Joseph Giammarella, and David Amanullah. These four retired police officers will be stationed at each of our District Schools daily.
This program, which began with one officer years ago, has grown with a shared partnership between the Board of Education and the Borough. The safety and security of our students and staff is the first priority in creating a positive and productive educational environment.
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Ready For Reading
Students in Mrs. Hawkins and Ms. Caputo's fifth grade classes at Beatrice Gilmore School have cozy reading corners at home. Shown above are some photos of the student enjoying evening reading.
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A Solemn Remembrance
Woodland Park held its annual 9/11 Remembrance on Saturday evening, led by Mayor 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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Welcome Ms. Maier
We will be highlighting new staff members over the next few weeks in the e-news. Please welcome Memorial Physical Education teacher, Kimberlee Maier!
"Hello Memorial School Families! My name is Ms. Kimberlee Maier. I am the new Physical Education teacher at Memorial Middle. I am so happy to be here and begin my work with your children on the importance of Physical Education for the 2021-2022 school year! Based on my past professional experiences, I know the students, staff, and I can continue to build Memorial's program and support all of our student's needs. I have been teaching Health and P.E. for over seven years. My favorite sport is softball where I was a pitcher throughout my middle and high school years. I continued my softball love during my college years as well. I also played basketball and now coach a Little League baseball team since 2016. For my enjoyment, I play softball every summer on two teams just for fun! I also love cats and now have two furry kitties at home. I am looking forward to meeting everyone throughout the Woodland Park community! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can begin our collaboration!"
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Welcome Back Breakfasts
All four of our Home & School Associations provided the staff members with "Welcome Back" breakfast spreads on the first day of school. Shown is the breakfast at Charles Olbon School. Staff members were also treated at School 1, Beatrice Gilmore School, and Memorial Middle School.
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Fun With Masks
Beatrice Gilmore School fourth grade teacher Mrs. Yesenosky and Media Specialist Ms. Moore matched the other day! Pandas everywhere!
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Free Homework Help Is Available
All Alfred Baumann Library cardholders have free access to Brainfuse, which offers free homework help with live tutors every day from 2 to 11 p.m. Head to abwplibrary.org and click on the "Brainfuse Help Now" icon on the main page to get started.
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COHSA Plans Clothing Drive
Help the Charles Olbon School Home & School Association raise funds by cleaning out your closets, attics, garages, and basements. Used clothing, accessories, toys, household items and more will be collected on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Paterson Boys & Girls Club parking lot, 8 Memorial Dr.
Place your gently used/unwanted items in tightly tied bags. Every bag counts. Give your items a chance to be worn/used again. The more the collection weighs, the more the HSA raises. Any questions, contact charlesolbonhsa@gmail.com.
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BGHSA Launches Pizza Fundraiser
It’s pizza time! Starting today and until Oct. 15, the Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association is selling pizza kits and other treats to raise money that will go towards providing every BG student with a yearbook. It’s super easy and delicious!
To get started click here. Pizza Kits will be delivered directly to your home by FedEx, so send the link to your out-of-state family and friends, too. Every kit sold earns the BGHSA a profit and makes an impact.
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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 be 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. 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.
Monday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Join the group every Monday to discuss your weight loss journey via Zoom. Enjoy a relaxed, judgement-free zone to share your stories, recipes, health tips, and much more. Register here.
Monday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m. - Inside Out. Join Miss Sara for a very special story time centered on topics like diversity, inclusivity, teamwork, the environment, and more. Read, play games, do crafts, and discuss topics. Open to grades K-4. Register here.
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 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. 22, 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. 22, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 23, 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. 23, 4:30 p.m. - Crazy 8s Math Club starts for an 8-week session for kids in grades K-2. Engage with patterns, numbers, and other math skills in outlandish, creative, and, most importantly, fun ways. Register here.
Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Join in to celebrate the premiere of "Clifford the Big Red Dog" movie opening 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. 23, 7 p.m. - Infectious Disease Workshop with the Passaic County Department of Health Services. Residents will be informed and empowered. This program will be held in Borough Hall in the Council Chambers. All are welcome.
Saturday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts. Join Miss Dana for a fun and creative craft. For grades K-4. Register here.
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Important Upcoming Dates To Note:
- 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