Alder Weekly Update
Week of October 10 2021
Message from the Principal
Hello Parents, Staff, and Students,
I hope that this past week was a good one for you. We were busy here at Alder with many learning activities and meetings. Our Sports and Clubs are off to a great start. If you need information, please go to our school website. Also, we completed Start Strong testing and make-up tests this week. So, our testing is concluded. We will share information and results with you as we receive them.
Parents- I am asking you to speak with your child about respect. This week was a challenge with respect to 8th grade and cafeteria behavior. Beginning this Wednesday, our 8th grade students will have assigned seats. We are asking our teachers to create seating charts, escort students to the cafeteria and pick up at the end of the lunch period. We have had many issues with: 1) misuse of cell phones, walking/wandering around the cafeteria, lack of following directions and procedures and disrespect to adults. We have tried to address this individually and it is not resolving the problem, because it is larger than desired with the number of students acting out. I am asking for your help, because it is needed. Please remind your child to listen to adults and follow their directions. Also, please remind them that adults should be addressed by title and formal responses should be used. Remind them that “yea”, “nah”, eye rolling and shrugging shoulders is disrespectful. Have them consider that when we ask to speak with them, it is not necessary to respond with a rude or sarcastic answer; such as, “what?” or say/do something that draws attention; such as laughing or a comment that is not necessary. The adults will give direction and do not need a middle school student backing up our direction with a rude comment. While we would think this goes without saying, I am asking because we need your help. I would like to see a return to traditional manners, as I know many of us were raised with strict upbringings and formalities in how we speak to adults. Thank you for any support you can offer us with 6th, 7th or 8th grade students. While our greatest concern is with 8th grade right now, we have had incidents of concern in all grades.
LOOKING AHEAD:
October 18-21, 2021: School Violence Awareness Week I know that typically I reflect on the week that ended; however I also want you to prepared for this week. Every school in New Jersey is observing “School Violence Awareness Week”. During this week, we will be spending time reflecting on the ways our conflicts can lead to violence and ways to solve our conflicts peacefully. Each day this week, we will be hearing a goal toward having a peaceful school building. Please see below for our dress down days.
Our School Store opened this week with non food items available for purchase. Students enjoy making these purchases and it supports the Student Council. Our Student Council representatives run the school store too. This is a great way to promote leadership and practice job skills.
Parents- please be certain that you access the Parent Portal. Interim grades are posted. This is a great opportunity for you to check grades and be certain that your child is progressing and completing work as expected. If there are any concerns, please get in touch at 609-383-3366 ext 1402.
Have a great week,
Maryann GIardina
Student Achievement
CLIMATE and CULTURE
Alder Runs On.....
HARD WORK
Alder is down to the business of hard work this month! With our students in full swing of their academics, and Start Strong testing completed, we are ready to learn! Our staff will be looking for some hardworking students for the "Munchkin of the Month" Let's see who is up for the challenge!
SCHOOL VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEK
This week every school in New Jersey is observing “School Violence Awareness Week”. During this week, we will be spending time reflecting on the ways our conflicts can lead to violence and ways to solve our conflicts peacefully. Each day this week, we will challenge our staff and students to set a school goal of having a peaceful climate in our building and within our classrooms!
Teacher Feature
Andrew Baumgartel Art Teacher
What attracted you to Alder Avenue Middle School/Egg Harbor Township School District?
I have a long history with the EHT School District. I Graduated from EHT High School in 2015 and I have lived in the Township for my entire life. I feel a strong sense of pride in my community, so when the opportunity presented itself to give back, and teach something I am passionate about, I dove in head-first!
What is your favorite part so far?
So far, it has been extremely rewarding to see progress in my student’s work after a long period of difficult teaching in the virtual classroom. I was a long-term substitute art teacher at EHT High school for the 2020-2021 school year, and I never had this amount of participation and energy; not since my student teaching experience.
What has been/or do you think will be your greatest challenge this year?
The greatest challenge for me is creating a personal connection with as many students as possible. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, I will have had around 500 students who will be enrolled in my class.
What are you most excited about this school year?
Getting to know all of my new colleagues and all of the students. I am also looking forward to seeing how my students rise to the complex challenges of art class, and how efficiently I can guide them through their exploration of art.
Where did you go to school? What degree did you earn?
Stockton University. Bachelor’s. K-12 Art Teaching Certification. A specific program designed to produce art teachers.
Any fun facts you would like to share about yourself?
I love my family. I work for LPBP during the summer months; and I rock climb, surf, and manage a small photography business on the side!
Nurses Corner
Fun Facts
HOME EYE SAFETY MONTH – October
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/home-eye-safety-month-october/
Fact: Microwave popcorn is a number one leading cause of eye injury in the home. Looking into a bag after it comes out of the microwave can cause injury as it continues to pop.
Fall Sports are underway!
Check the link below for schedules
and come support your teams!
https://www.capeatlanticleague.org/public/genie/344/school/7/
Winter Sports are Basketball and Wrestling
If interested, schedule physicals now.
Physicals will be submitted online
Please refer to HS athletics for more information
Check our site for information and updates!
Community Pride
About Us
Email: ehtnjalder@eht.k12.nj.us
Website: http://eggharborams.ss13.sharpschool.com/
Location: 25 Alder Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-383-3366
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHTNJAlder/
Twitter: @EHTNJAlder