Woodland Park School District News
Nov. 17, 2023
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
Special Visitors
City and education representatives from the City of Biñan, Philippines, visited Woodland Park and New York City this week to learn about Teaching Strategies’ The Creative Curriculum and GOLD assessment programs, which they will be implementing in 2024. They toured School 1 in Woodland Park and Bronx Regional High School in New York to see the curriculum in action and gain insight from educational leaders.
Here in Woodland Park, they toured School 1 classrooms and had a roundtable discussion with Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Sharon Tomback, Director of Early Childhood Education Mrs. Mireya Gutierrez, Director of Special Education & Student Support Services Mrs. Giovanna Irizarry, and School District Master Teacher Mrs. Kimberly Leary.
The City of Biñan is a large metropolitan city located near the capital city of Manila. The city's leadership is eager to reform early childhood education. Binan will begin a pilot program of The Creative Curriculum and GOLD assessment in January 2024 in their kindergartens, with a larger roll-out in preschool and kindergarten, and possibly in some daycares in August 2024.
The roundtable discussion covered numerous topics including making the decision to implement the Teaching Strategies curriculum, vision and goals for the program, challenges with program implementation, and student success data.
A Closer Look
Mrs. Ficcara's ELA students at Memorial Middle School had a visit from West Paterson Fire Department Assistant Chief Anthony Ficcara on Wednesday morning to learn about his experience with 9/11 and his journey into fire service.
The students recently took part in a state-wide essay contest sponsored by The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute and the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education. The 9/11 Never Forget contest challenged students to research and write an essay detailing the good that came after the 9/11 attacks.
Asst. Chief Ficcara told the students on 9/11, he was doing what they were - sitting in Memorial Middle School. He was in seventh grade and recalled how they gathered the students in the gym during the emergency. Ficcara was curious and slipped into the library, where teachers had gathered to watch footage of the events unfolding. He said that day was a primary factor in his decision to join the fire department.
Several students read their essays at the meeting before the group went outside to explore one of the fire department's engines. The student essays have been submitted and results are expected in November. The winning essay will receive a visit from Tunnel to Towers’ Foundation 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit in the spring of 2024.
Authors At Work
Mrs. Davidson's and Mrs. D'Amico's first grade class at Charles Olbon School has been hard at work during Writer's Workshop. They learned all about the steps of the writing process and how all good writers always go back to their stories to add more and more. The first grade authors completed and published their stories to share with the class.
Ecosystems Exploration
Students in Mr. Krakower's sixth grade science classes at Memorial Middle School showcased their hard work and understanding of food webs. Over the past few weeks, students have delved into the intricate world of ecosystems, learning how energy moves through interconnected relationships.
In this engaging project, students have explored the fascinating dynamics of food webs, which represent the connections between various species within an ecosystem. They've not only learned about who eats whom but have also grasped the essential concept of how energy flows through these intricate systems.
Throughout this journey, the students embraced various learning methods to comprehend the complexity of food webs. These methods have included discussions, interactive activities, and research assignments, all of which have broadened their understanding of the natural world. They've examined the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as the consequences of changes within a food web.
Predictions And Results
In science, Ms. Altomare's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School determined that friction influences the distance objects travel. A carpet, ramp, ball, and toy car were used. Students made predictions as to which object would travel farther under which circumstance. Then the distance was recorded. Students compared the results to their predictions.
Making Their Choice
On Election Day at Charles Olbon School, kindergarten students got to vote for their favorite color. They entered the voting booth and cast their choice. Shown are students in Mrs. Morozowski's class.
Turkey Trouble
Ms. Tonti’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School kicked off November by reading Turkey Trouble. The children wanted to help Turkey escape from being eaten for Thanksgiving Day dinner. They read more books like How to Hide a Turkey and I’m Not a Turkey to grow ideas. These first graders came up with innovative disguises that could help Turkey hide and be free to explore the wilderness.
All About Trees
PreK-3 is studying trees this month, and students in Ms. Tobia and Ms. Bonnie's class at School 1 talked all about the trunk of the tree, which has bark. They discussed patterns and textures of tree bark with this bark-rubbing activity. Another activity students took part in was a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book activity where the students created a coconut tree using letters in their name.
Educator, Service Professional of the Year Nominations Are Due By Nov. 20
Each year, educators across the state are recognized for their hard work and dedication to the teaching profession. The Woodland Park School District would like to honor hard-working educators by participating in the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.
The purpose is to highlight one teacher and one educational services professional who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to support the instructional success and development of all learners. Please note that special area teachers such as art, music and physical education count, as well as Academic Interventionist, ESL and G&T teachers.
Please fill out the nomination form here and return it in a sealed envelope addressed to the building principal by no later than Monday, Nov. 20. We value and appreciate your input and hope you choose to participate in honoring such a dedicated staff. Please submit one form for the classroom teacher you are nominating, and one for the educational services professional.
Examples of Educational Services Professionals: Behavior Specialist, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, School Occupational Therapist, Anti-Bullying Specialist, Paraprofessional, School Physical Therapist, Library Media Specialist, Guidance/School Counselor, School Psychologist, Child Study Team, School Nurse, School Social Worker, Speech Language Specialist.
Coming up at the Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College
The Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College, 44 Rifle Camp Rd., in Renaissance Hall, 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, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts for grades K-2. Make fun seasonal silhouette Halloween art and hear a story. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Need some inspiration? Want to share your weight loss journey? Join us in a judgment-free setting to help you reach your weight loss goals. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. - Chair yoga and meditation. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. AP math and English high school students will be available for math, science, and English test review, homework, and general tutoring help. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for grades 6 to 12. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. - Low-Impact Dance Class. Join certified instructor, Karen, as she leads the class. It's a great way to get your exercise in while having fun. Don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Register here.
Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. This program is for adults that speak a foreign language and would like to brush up on English speaking skills. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m. - Explore the History of Berkeley College. Gain insight into the historical roots of the property from the 1780s until today and its place within the community. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. - Superhero Story time for grades K-2. Hear stories, sing songs, make a craft, and more. Be sure to dress up as your favorite superhero! Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales: Mystery Letters for ages 3 and up. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and a craft. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of your chair. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers for grades K-8. Register for only one timeslot per day. Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m. - Afternoon Movie - for all ages. Join in for free snacks, drinks, and a movie. This month, we will be watching "Casper." Register here.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m. - Wreath Making with Lynda. Create a beautiful holiday wreath to take home! All supplies will be provided. Register here.
Friday, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. - Little Movers story time for ages 18 to 36 months. Register here.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. - Legomania for all ages. Use your imagination and create using Legos. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m. - Crafternoon. Enjoy creating a beautiful craft to take home. Come and relax and let your creative juices flow with Linda. Register here.
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 4:30 p.m. - Reading Rebels monthly book club for grades 3-5. This month, we will introduce "Guts" by Raine Telgemeier. Read an excerpt, and then enjoy activities, crafts, or games based on the book. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. - OverBooked Book Discussion Group for Gen X and Millennials. Copies of the monthly selection are available at the library for checkout. Copies are also available in eBook or digital download format on Libby or Hoopla. Register here.