Woodland Park School District News
Dec. 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
____________________________________________________
Congratulations!
Please join us in congratulating our 2021-2022 Governor’s Educator of the Year Winners!
Educator of the Year:
School 1 - Ms. Murray
Charles Olbon - Ms. Hope
Beatrice Gilmore - Ms. Voinov
Memorial School - Ms. Skibinski
Services Professional of the Year:
School 1 - Ms. Leary
Charles Olbon - Ms. Sanducci
Beatrice Gilmore - Ms. Scarpa
Memorial School - Ms. Yildrim
Ms. Murray – School 1 Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Murray is an amazing teacher who is dedicated and passionate about her work! She continuously looks for new ways to engage her preschool students and extend learning in the studies. Mrs. Murray has prepared the children to love learning and coming to school each and every day. Her early childhood teaching practices are always developmentally appropriate and highlighted in the progress that her children are making. Most importantly, Mrs. Murray goes above and beyond supporting our families and students in the community. She is well respected in the community and the connection she has made with her students will last a lifetime.
Ms. Leary - School 1 Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ms. Kim, as she is known by many, is our master teacher for the Woodland Park Preschool Program. As a master teacher, she provides and maintains high levels of quality instruction by helping and supporting preschool teachers at School 1 and Charles Olbon School. Ms. Kim visits classrooms and coaches teachers using reflective practices in order to improve instruction. She is an experienced early childhood educator who provides professional development in our schools for educators and parents. Her knowledge, expertise, and dedication are admired and supports all stakeholders. Ms. Kim is well respected not only in our school community, but throughout the state as well. The Woodland Park School District is so fortunate to have her on our team.
Ms. Hope - Charles Olbon School Educator of the Year
Mrs. Hope is a dedicated teacher to her students and a well-respected colleague amongst the teaching staff. Mrs. Hope works tirelessly to understand each of her student’s strengths and develops lessons to reach all of her children. She makes learning engaging and fun for her students!
Ms. Sanducci - Charles Olbon School Educational Services Professional of the Year
Mrs. Sanducci is very well deserving of this honor. Mrs. Sanducci is a very caring and selfless person who puts our students' social and emotional needs at the forefront of all that she does. She makes it her mission to not only listen to her students but to also provide them with the proper strategies to learn and grow as well-rounded individuals.
Ms. Voinov – Beatrice Gilmore School Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Voinov’s nomination came from both a parent and a colleague. She is described as inspiring, a positive light, and a kind human. Mrs. Voinov truly puts the needs of her students and her colleagues first. She has spent countless hours preparing instructional videos for her teammates. No matter the hour or day of the week, Mrs. Voinov is there to assist. Her knowledge is valuable, her advice impeccable and her input at meetings focused and relevant. She is patient and kind.
Ms. Voinov gets to know her students on mulitple levels as well. She challenges the students as well as pushes them to be their very best. She is attuned to their social/emotional needs by working closely with families and the guidance counselor to provide all necessary support.
Ms. Voinov has been involved in the community in the past.
“Mrs. Voinov is a true representative of what it means to be a ‘great’ teacher.”
Ms. Scarpa – Beatrice Gilmore School Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ms. Scarpa is a truly dedicated professional who routinely goes above and beyond to ensure the students get what they need. Ms. Scarpa immediately steps into action and adjusts her schedule whenever needed. She is patient and always remains calm and positive despite the situations. Ms. Scarpa is always seen praising new behavior and encouraging the children to do their very best. Mary Rose gets to know her students well and always holds her students to high expectations and never settles for less than the best the child has to offer on that day.
This year, she spearheaded the door decorating contest and made T-shirts for everyone in her classroom that denotes “Our Heroes” on Superheros day. Her energy is contagious.
Ms. Scarpa is also very involved in the school community. She is a member of the Stigma Free Task Force and regularly participates in the township Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Municipal Alliance. Ms. Scarpa is truly deserving of this recognition.
Ms. Skibinski – Memorial School Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Skibinski is an exemplary special educator. She has worked in the Woodland Park School District for six years and has been teaching both general and special education for over 10 years.
Mrs. Skibinski is dedicated to meeting the needs of all of her students by teaching to their different learning styles, implementing hands-on lessons to engage her students, and incorporating her students’ interests within her lessons. As a special educator for many years, she addresses the daily challenges of her classroom including following student behavior intervention plans, deescalated problem behaviors when they occured, and maintained the safety of her students and staff in crisis situations. Mrs. Skibinski creates a warm, welcoming environment in her classroom in which her students feel safe and comfortable to come to school and learn. This is evidenced by the love they have for their teacher.
Mrs. Skibinski received her Master’s Degree in Special Education and furthered her professional career by completing her Wilson Reading System instructor certification.
She also volunteers her time by attending school events (school concerts, dances, school plays, etc.) and attending community programs (the special needs Christmas party, Woodland Park Day, etc.). Mrs. Skibinski is an advocate for her students and makes decisions daily which reflect the best interests of her students.
Ms. Yildirim - Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ms. Yildirim was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and moved to United States in 2000, living in Woodland Park since then. She has been married for 21 years and has two daughters. Her older daughter is 20 years old and studies Sociology at Ramapo College. Her younger daughter is 14 years old and is a freshman at Passaic Valley High School. This is her 10th year working in the Woodland Park School District as a paraprofessional. She has had the opportunity to work with great students and teachers at Charles Olbon, Beatrice Gilmore and Memorial Schools these past 10 years. “Working with children is such a rewarding job,” she said. “I feel lucky and proud to be part of Woodland Park community.”
____________________________________________________
Beginner Band Showcase
The Fifth Grade Beginner Band at Beatrice Gilmore School, under the direction of music teacher, Mr. Schaefer, gave its first ever performance on Tuesday afternoon for family and friends. The band, which is 75 members strong, has only been playing their instruments for less than two months! Tuesday's dress rehearsal earlier in the day was the first time the entire ensemble was able to be together as typically, the students meet with Mr. Schaefer twice a week in small groups with their particular instrument. If you missed the show or would like to share with family and friends, the performance can be found on YouTube here.
____________________________________________________
Festive Spirit
Students have been enjoying the district-wide holiday spirit days. This week's themes included festive hat day, Winter Vacation, and Frosty the Snowman day.
Shown above are students in Ms. Casasnovas PreK-4 class at School 1 with festive hats; Ms. Odaman's kindergarten class at Charles Olbon School wearing their Frosty best; Beatrice Gilmore School students with their festive hats; students in Mrs. Wittig's class at School 1 ready for the beach; and fifth graders in Mrs. Hawkins class at Beatrice Gilmore School, who were ready for Paris and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Next week, spirit days continue as follows:
Monday, Dec. 20: Merry and Bright Day - Wear the colors of any holiday you celebrate!
Tuesday, Dec. 21: Humbug Grinch Day - Dress like the Grinch and wear green!
Wednesday, Dec. 22: You're a Gift Day - Add some bows, ribbon or stickers to your outfit.
Thursday, Dec. 23: Pajama Day - Wear your holiday or favorite pajamas! No dress code bottoms today, since it is pajama day. (MMS wear your House Shirt for the House event)
____________________________________________________
Sounds Of The Season
Charles Olbon School first grade students held two outdoor winter caroling performances on Thursday morning under the direction of new music teacher, Ms. Isnardi.
____________________________________________________
Sign Study
Ms. Casasnovas' PreK-4 class at School 1 just started the study of signs. The children are learning about the various characteristics of signs. They created their own signs using different paper shapes and popsicle sticks.
____________________________________________________
Smart Cookies
Ms. Tonti’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School read and discussed various books on kindness and being generous. The children wrote phrases on how they can express generosity during the holiday season and everyday! They attached their ideas to their very own designed gift boxes.
The class also honored each other’s achievements and progress by designing gingerbread cookies to express what smart cookies they are becoming. The students have been and are continuing to work so hard to use their ears and eyes to listen and learn.
____________________________________________________
A Sweet Fundraiser
Members of the Memorial Middle School Student Council, shown with Mr. Pollicino, are shown managing the candy gram sale table. The sale has been going on all week and the Student Council has sold over 100 candy grams!
____________________________________________________
Experiments With Seeds
Students in Mrs. Facciollio's fifth grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School did a science experiment in which they took two seeds and put one in a paper towel with water and one in a pot with soil. The pot with soil was the one that grew.
____________________________________________________
Fresh News From Memorial
Check out the latest issue of The Memorial Times. The student-created newspaper features stories about local and national news, sports, history, video games, and much more. The latest issue can be found here.
____________________________________________________
Tac Ops Fundraiser Extended
The Memorial Middle School Home & School Association has extended its laser tag voucher sale until Jan. 20, 2021. A parent vs. student game is being planned for Feb. 17, 2021. You can go on your own or join in on Feb 17. Email the HSA at wpmemorialHSA@gmail.com to let them know you'd like to join the parent vs. student game after you purchase your tickets. Purchase tickets at https://memorialhsa.square.site/.
____________________________________________________
Scouts Running Holiday Collection Drive
The Woodland Park Juniors and Brownies Troop 97702 is running a holiday collection drive to benefit wGt, a non-profit organization based in Little Falls which serves those in need in Newark and surrounding towns. They are collecting new blankets, socks, gloves, and hats for those in need.
____________________________________________________
Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following 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. Visit the Library's website here or Facebook page here. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.
Sunday, Dec. 19 - Memorial School performance at Dowling Gardens has been CANCELLED.
Monday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Join the group every Monday to discuss your weight loss journey via Zoom. Enjoy a relaxed, judgment-free zone to share your stories, recipes, tips, and more. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m. - Chair Yoga. Come and find your inner peace during our chair yoga and meditation sessions. The class is held in Borough Hall's Community Room. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Family Cooking Class. Join Heather Shasa, registered dietitian from ShopRite in Little Falls, for a special virtual program. Heather will take you and your family through fun and healthy recipes, one step at a time. An ingredients list will be provided after registration. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m. - Reading Rebels book club for grades 3-5. We will introduce the book, read an excerpt, then enjoy activities, crafts, or games based on the book. This month we will be reading "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama story time for babies to kindergarten age children. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m. - The adult book club will meet to discuss this month's selection - "Libertie" by Kaitlyn Greenidge. The eBook and audiobook of this title is available for instant download via the Hoopla app at hoopladigital.com. Find the e-Book here. Find the audiobook here. Register for the meeting here.
Thursday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. - Countdown To Noon. Join in for a special New Year's celebration with games, stories, crafts, and more. Help count down to noon with confetti and balloons. Register here.