Woodland Park School District News
Dec. 2, 2022
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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Sounds of the Season
Under the direction of music teacher Mr. Schaefer, members of the sixth grade band and seventh and eighth grade band together performed several holiday songs prior to the Woodland Park tree lighting in Dowling Gardens last Saturday evening.
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Ryan's Story
John Halligan, a nationally renowned speaker, came to speak to Memorial Middle School students about his son Ryan, who took his own life at age 13 in 2003 after years of bullying from peers. The program was sponsored by the Memorial School Guidance Department.
Following telling the students the story of his son Ryan's life and what led to his death, Halligan said he believed an underlying struggle with depression preconditioned Ryan to respond in this extreme way. In addition, he said he and his wife should have been monitoring and limiting Ryan’s computer access as the isolation exacerbated the depression.
“You are loved beyond belief," he told the students. "Don’t ever believe that you don’t matter, that no one would miss you if you were gone.”
He elaborated on the role of bystanders. “Bully or bystander - you’re guilty either way,” Halligan said. “Bystanders are a big part of the problem. They provide power and permission. If just one of Ryan’s friends would have had the courage to stand up, maybe things would have been different. I beg you – don’t be a bystander, be an upstander.”
He challenged students to apologize to someone they may have bullied. “At least one person here will go back after this and say, ‘I’m sorry,’ to someone, and that apology will be life changing.”
Halligan also stressed that students should speak to their parents or another trusted adult if they don’t feel good inside and let them help you. “Also if you see a friend struggling, get them help,” he added.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit www.RyansStory.org where they will find numerous resources and information.
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Mastering Fine Motor Skills
Mrs. Chiaravalloti’s Pre-K class in Charles Olbon School practiced fine motor skills and name recognition while making a pumpkin pie.
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Using Context Clues
Second grade readers in Ms. Greco's class at Charles Olbon School worked hard on raising their level of reading by using context clues to determine word meaning.
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Pinecone Paintings
Students in Mrs. Ficarra's PreK-3 class at School 1 class made pinecone paintings as they continue to learn about the tree study.
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Turkey Troubles
First graders in Ms. Tonti’s class read the book Turkey Trouble. They enjoyed listening to all the ways Turkey tried to disguise himself from the farmer. This turkey did not want to be a part of a Thanksgiving Day feast! As a follow-up to gain more ideas for their very own turkey disguise project, the children listened to the book How to Hide a Turkey. Needless to say, these students and their families put their creative skills to the test. Each family came up with a creative way to protect their turkey from being gobbled up on Thanksgiving!
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Snuggle Up and Read
What’s better than snuggling up with good friends and a great book? Ms. DiBona's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School has developed such a love for reading, that they don't want to put their books down. They proved this when they had their "Snuggle Up and Read Day" on Nov. 23. Creating a joy of reading creates excitement for learning. They go hand in hand!
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Holiday Fun
Students in Mrs. Morozowski's PreK-4 class at Charles Olbon School created Thanksgiving turkey hats and practiced their writing skills by creating a Thanksgiving turkey recipe for their families.
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Rainy Day Fun
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Balloons Over BG
In celebration of Thanksgiving, Ms. Arp's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School completed a STEM activity. First, the class read the story Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet. Then they designed, planned, and executed their own balloons for their class's version of the Macy's Day Parade. Finally, they took a walk around BG to showcase their accomplishment of balloon making!
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BG Winter Grams On Sale For $1 Each
The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association is selling Winter Grams for $1 each. Send your friends and don't forget to send one to yourself! This is for BG students only. A non-food item will be delivered on the last day before the winter break to the names on the grams. Include first and last name and the homeroom for the gram to be delivered. Return all your grams together and payment inside one enclosed envelope or baggie clearly labeled Winter Grams by Dec. 7. Please help the HSA by cutting each gram.
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library 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.
Monday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here. Monday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go no judgment weight loss sharing group. Share stories, tips, and struggles, or just listen. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go and relax with us in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Registration is strongly suggested. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. - Baumann Book Club. This month's selection is "Mr. Dickens and His Carol." Books can be obtained by visiting the library. Audio and eBooks are available online as well. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. - Coffee and... Looking for a friend or someone to chat with? Stop by for coffee and conversation. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. - Join Maria for a holiday Zentangle drawing class for grades 3-8. Everyone will create and bring home their own drawing. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join in for stories, songs, crafts, and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board meeting. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - Wonder Babies for ages 6 to 24 months. Join in for an interactive and fun program for children to help develop sensory skills through touch, sight, sound, and more. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit Exercise Class. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water to hydrate. A health waiver needs to be completed prior to the program. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. - Adult's holiday story time. Come relax and enjoy a magical story with guest reader Rick Lijoi. Register here.
Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. - Arts & Crafts for grades K to 4. Join in to make a special holiday clay ornament. Register here.
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. - Sounds of the Season. Come enjoy some seasonal favorites by the Memorial Middle School Choir. This event will be held in the Municipal Chambers in Borough Hall.
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. - Holiday Baking Swaps. Little Falls ShopRite dietician Heather Shasa will teach you how to make healthier versions of holiday goodies and desserts. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama Story Time for all ages. Join Miss Sara for some holiday stories. Pajamas are encouraged. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. - Join Maria for a holiday Zentangle drawing class for adults. Everyone will create and bring home their own drawing. Register here.