Woodland Park School District News
March 26, 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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Morning announcements milestone
Wednesday, March 24, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of Anthony and Alexander Billson's Morning Announcements! To date, these siblings have made almost 200 videos! They have provided current happening in the schools, our town, and world happenings!
During their announcements, the boys note town and HSA events and fundraisers, give shoutouts for birthdays, share weather reports and so much more!
Please join us in congratulating and thanking the boys for their efforts and dedication! Check out their anniversary video on their YouTube page here and subscribe to their channel!
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End of study showcase
Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Lindsay's PreK-4 students at School 1 recently completed the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" study with an end of the unit celebration showcases the end of unit projects. During this study, the students were reminded why it is important not to litter as well as the importance of recycling. The children created instruments, artwork and other useful items from recycled materials.
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Studying symmetry
The third grade students at Beatrice Gilmore School have been studying mandalas for the past few weeks. After learning about the purpose and background of mandalas, the students created their own ephemeral art with "found object mandalas" around the home. The students drew mandalas focusing on symmetry. The mandalas were colored with balance and harmony in mind for the final product.
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Second graders wrap up annual Footprints for Life program
The Footprints for Life program for all second graders at Charles Olbon School wrapped up this week.
This program is used to teacher important social-emotional skills to our second grade students every year. These skills taught are especially important this year, so please join us as we extend gratitude to the Center for Prevention & Counseling for their flexibility in the facilitation of the program. The lessons were taught virtually, so all second graders could participate.
Footprints for Life is a six-week, classroom-based primary prevention program. The program is researched-based and designed to build developmental assets and teach skills through the use of puppets. The participants follow the story of a children’s soccer team as the animal characters experience real-life situations. The program offers many opportunities for students to practice the new skills they have learned in a fun and open way.
Topics covered in the Footprints for Life include: “I” messages, feelings, conflict resolution, decision making, tobacco, and other drugs, coping methods, and inclusion.
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Lucky charms
Ms. Tonti's first grade class at Charles Olbon School made shamrocks for the bulletin board to show the kindness of the students or as we might call our students, "our lucky charms" !
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High achievers
Deserving students have been nominated by teachers at Beatrice Gilmore School for a Certificate of Recognition. This week, four students were surprised by Principal Tomback in their virtual classrooms. Parents were invited on screen for the presentations and the certificates were emailed to the student and parents to print out. Students were recognized for accomplishments, such as improving multiple reading levels over the winter assessment period, consistent diligence and effort and improved participation in class!
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St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans
Ms. Tonti's first grade class at Charles Olbon School was all decked out in green attire in honor of St. Patrick's Day on March 17!
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Food service is free to all students
Free food service for all students is available at the entrance of Charles Olbon and Memorial School and the back entrance of School 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily when school is open. Pick up at the site most convenient to you.
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4-H offers free virtual programs
Looking for some fun interactive virtual programs for your little ones (K-3rd grade)? The Rutgers 4-H-From-Home Cloberbud Workshop Series offers several free new programs including "Art with Food," "Mask Making," and "Growing a Little Green Person." Find out more and register here.
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RWJBarnamas Health offers art, yoga programs for families
On April 7 at 6 p.m. join Capital Health and artist Sonya Fisher for a fun-filled evening of creating cartoons (program designed for families.) Register here.
On April 14 at 6 p.m., join Capital Health and artist Sonya Fisher for a fun-filled evening of mindful mandalas (program designed for families.) Register here.
Now more than ever, the importance of self-care and wellness needs to be part of our daily routines. A yoga series will begin on Tuesday, April 6, and run for six weeks. Register here.
On April 18 at 4 p.m. and April 29 at 6 p.m., join in for Beyond Fun: Play-Doh Workshop. Parents, join in with your children and explore the many benefits of play dough, learn how to make Play-Doh using simple household ingredients and share ways to relax, reduce worries and cope with everyday stressors. Register for the April 18 event here. Register for the April 29 event here.
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. All programs are VIRTUAL unless noted. To view virtual programs, click here.
Monday, March 29, 10 a.m. - Virtual Weigh to Go group meeting. Register here.
Tuesday, March 30, 6 p.m. - Join Heather Shasa, registered dietician for ShopRite in Little Falls, for a family cooking class. Follow along and create fun and healthy recipes. An ingredients list and Zoom information will be provided after registration. Register here.
Wednesday, March 31, 4:30 p.m. - Virtual storytime with Miss Phil and Miss Sara. Register here.
Monday, April 5, 10 a.m. - Virtual Weigh to Go group meeting. Register here.
Monday, April 5, 63:30 p.m. - ESL Conversation Club. Register here.
Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. - Curious about starting an indoor herb garden? Find out the proper timing and ways to go about doing so with Angel Family Farm. Learn about what to grow, when to plant and what is needed. Participants will receive a mini pot, soil and seeds to help you get started. Register here.
Wednesday, April 7, 11 a.m. - Welcome Spring with Miss Jolie! Move and groove with Miss Jolie on Zoom - silliness, stories, music, and fun for ages 1-6 and up. Register here.
The Library's website is www.abwplibrary.org. Phone number is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.
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