CGSD Newsletter
March 2019
Dear CGSD Community,
In this edition of the CGSD Newsletter, we highlight, among other awesome activities, the #takeovertuesday initiative at CGHS. A student-centered experience, #takeovertuesday uses @cgpantherpride social media to provide a glimpse into a day in the life of a CGHS student. Those chosen are given an iPad for the entire school day (see pic below) to snap pictures and videos as their experiences unfold, sharing with our viewing audience the twists and turns that inspire them to grow socially, emotionally and academically. With the support of our teachers and administrators, we believe #takeovertuesday is a great way to connect with the community and showcase the amazing opportunities available at CGHS from the most important perspective of all - the students! A video sample can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y6am247u
School Performance Reports Released:
In other important news, the NJ Department of Education has published the 2017-18 School Performance Reports on the NJDOE website and www.njschooldata.org. These reports contain valuable information that can be used to start conversations about our strengths and areas that need improvement, as well as compare us to other schools, districts and to statewide results.
#WeAreCedarGrove
Sincerely,
Michael J. Fetherman
Superintendent
The Essex County Education Association (ECEA) held their annual PRIDE EXPO from March 15-22 at the Livingston Mall to celebrate the talents of Essex County students.
Do you have the need for speed? Super scientists at NE in Mrs. Massotto's and Mrs. Grossman’s 4th grade classroom investigated how the height of a ramp will affect the speed of an object.
First graders at NE acted out related fact problems during a Math lesson this month. The students had to move around while holding their numbers to solve addition and subtraction facts.
NE and SE Art...
Kindergarten students had fun designing animals in "artsy" colors, while creating a sunset background and animal print collage border.
What better way to learn how to be a great writer than to listen to a published children's author tell her story! Grade 2 and grade 3 students at SE and NE had that opportunity when author Mary Amato visited on March 14.
Soul Steps taught students to use their bodies as a percussive instrument and invited them to participate in the rhythmic jam! Thank you to the SE FSA for sponsoring this worthwhile program. Check out the video clip: https://tinyurl.com/y26mj8ox
MMS 5th grade STEM students are exploring circuits. The first project is the "Dark Dilemma Challenge" where they are trying to create either a portable and wearable light or a device to help if the power goes out.
MMS grade 5 students In social studies students have become travel agents and tour guides for their European country project.
Congratulations to Amanda Eustice, MMS 7th grader, who placed third in the Essex County Education Association - Pride in Public Education Essay Contest entitled “Why is it important to accept others for who they are?” Amanda will have the opportunity to read her essay at the awards ceremony being held on March 21st, as well as having her essay on display at the ECEA Pride Expo at the Livingston Mall that same week. Well done, Amanda!
MMS 7th grade math students played a game called Roller Derby. The goal of the game is to remove all pieces from the game board using knowledge of probability to formulate strategies that would help you win. Students recorded their observations and collaborated to develop game-winning strategies. All teams then put those strategies to the test to determine who would be the Roller Derby champion!
MMS grade 7 students in science, students finished up the Microscope Unit by viewing and drawing prepared slides and making their own Wet Mount slides of plant cells and their own cheek cells.
MMS 8th grade math students participated in a Properties of Exponents Scavenger Hunt to review the rules for properties of exponents. Twenty stations were placed around the classroom. Each station has a problem on the top half and a solution from another station on the bottom half. Students go to one station, solve the problem, and use the answer they just found to determine which station to go to next. If they do not see their answer on the bottom of another station, then they have to rework the problem. Great fun!
MMS 8th grade Peer Leaders took part in the Sidekicks Program for the second time. They were trained and then visited 5th grade classes to talk about empathy and making positive choices. The 5th grade students learned a great deal by taking part in this interactive lesson!
MMS 8th grade ACE students continue to develop their own philosophy lessons based off traditional and nontraditional philosophers.
MMS 7th grade ACE students continued to apply their knowledge of bridge structure and trusses to make their toothpick bridges. Each group created their own unique design for their trusses, bridge towers, road deck and truss tops.
At CGHS, students in Mr. Coster's Robotics class mentored some of their schoolmates on how to use a 3D printer to create, among other things, key chains using a new computer program.
Plans are being made for their next project that includes the design and creation of cookie cutters made from plastic that is food safe.
Students involved in this apprenticeship have expressed interest in joining CGHS's new 3D Print Club and look forward to working together again in the near future!
Music Matters is a family-school organization supporting the music program at Cedar Grove High School. We work with the students and teachers to partner with and support community events and organizations in our wonderful town. Our 2018-19 theme is “It Takes Two!” and we are enjoying incorporating this theme into many of our music department activities throughout the year.
Please visit CGHS Music Matters online at: https://www.cgschools.org/cghs-music-matters/
On Facebook: CGHS Music Matters
On Instagram: cghsmusic
On Twitter: @cghs_Music
The CGSD District Advisory Committee, through the generous assistance of the CG Education Association and the NJEA, hosted a dinner and discussion on the district homework policy. Participants were asked to consider the role homework plays in education and provide suggestions for improving our HW policy. Thank you to all who attended!
The mission of the Cedar Grove Education (CGEF) is to enrich and enhance the educational experiences of Cedar Grove students above and beyond the scope of the curriculum and to provide lifelong learning opportunities for the entire community.
Follow us on Facebook: Cedar Grove Education Foundation
CGSD Social Media: GET CONNECTED!
Email: fetherman.michael@cgschools.org
Website: www.cgschools.org
Location: 520 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 239-1550
Facebook: facebook.com/CedarGroveSuperintendent
Twitter: @Cgssuper