March 2013 Newsletter
Governor Christie signed a bill titled “TEACHNJ ACT� on August 6, 2012. Essentially this bill changes the evaluation system for certified staff including teachers and building administrators, mandates the selection of an evaluation rubric, staff training and the implementation by September 2013. Tenure law has also been adjusted now requiring a certified staff member to work for four years and a day rather than the previous three years and a day to obtain tenure. As part of this new legislation, the Hawthorne Board of Education approved a thirteen member District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC) in October 2012 comprised of instructional staff, parents, administrators, representatives from the Teachers Association and a member of the Board of Education. The committee was asked to select a commercial evaluation rubric from a list of 13 state approved models, establish professional development plans and to determine assessment software for the 2013/2014 school year. The DEAC recommended and the Board of Education approved the James Stronge Teacher Effectiveness and Performance Evaluation System. Staff training is currently being conducted and will be completed in early September. Training for the administrators is in the final stages and will also be completed prior to the start of the 2013/2014 school year. TEACHNJ regulations recognize that the most influential in school factor for student learning is the educator. The new evaluation system is designed to help professional certified staff improve instructional practice and in doing so enhance student achievement. The implementation of the Stronge rubric promises to be a challenging and rewarding professional experience for all.
Mr. Robert Mooney, Superintendent of Schools
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Spring 2016
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to read the District's Newsletter, which showcases some of the wonderful things happening in Hawthorne. I would also like to thank those who attended our last Coffee and Conversation night, which was held at Lincoln Middle School on January 30th. Though the main topic was "New Year, New Direction," in addition to showcasing some of the new and exciting electives and extracurricular activities at both the Middle and High schools, we had a lovely open dialogue with the public about topics such as the newly enforced peanut ban. I look forward to our next Coffee and Conversation, which will be on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Washington School. The theme of this night is "Kids and Conversation" as we have invited our students to join us and share what they believe are our greatest strengths as well as some areas they see as needing improvement. Abigail Goff, BOE- Public Relations
Along with dealing with our regular board business, the Board of Education trustees read through the applications of candidates for the Superintendent’s position. Thereafter, interviews were conducted, and a final candidate has been chosen. At this time we are working on the contract and once details are finalized and approved we hope to reveal to the public our new Superintendent of schools. Formatting the 2013/14 school budget has kept administrators & trustees busy. With a successful budget vote we look forward to implementing the new modified drop schedule in the high school beginning in September, as well as the various new electives. We are aware the district has needs at the elementary & middle school level, unfortunately with limited resources areas of need have to be prioritized. We will continue to work diligently towards filling those needs. Please remember to vote on April 16, 2013, polls will be open from 2 – 9pm. Michele Hyams, BOE
President
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Lincoln Middle School
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Spring 2016
LMS hosted the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Passaic County Battle of the Books Competitions again this year. Sixteen teams of students per grade level from nine Passaic County school districts participated in the activity. Carol Denise, Enrichment coordinator is commended for her efforts in organizing the worthwhile activity for Passaic County students. LMS instructors continue to implementing the use of the Promethean interactive whiteboards, including the use of interactive hand held devices. Observation and Evaluation of the teachers have enabled administration to observe the utilization of the boards by staff and students of the technology. LMS teachers have used the technology to view live Internet feeds, streaming websites such as Discovery Education, display curriculum materials, including Study Island, and writing activities on the board by staff and students with their classes to highlight various lessons.
Hawthorne High School Thirty-six senior athletes were among those honored at the Winter Sports Awards Senior Recognition Night held on March 20th. Special recognition went to our State Sectional Bowling Championship team and wrestler Ethan Ramos for winning the 170-pound class State Championship. The Student Council had a successful Blood Drive where 90+ students and staff helped donate to the Community Blood Services of Paramus. Members of the Student Council visited the elementary schools in order to participate in their “Read Across America” celebration. The Italian III and IV Honors classes participated in the Italian and Culture Day at Montclair State University on March 20th and placed 2nd out of 13 high schools participating from throughout New Jersey. The Italian Club attended the Saint Joseph’s Day procession at the Santa Croce San Giuseppe Camerina Society in Hawthorne on March 17th. The Italian Club held a St. Joseph pastry sale on March 19th in honor of the Feast of San Giuseppe. 3
Jefferson Lorem Ipsum School Dolor
Spring 2016
Welcome Spring! March had a few lamb days recently and it shows! The crocuses and daffodils have popped up in the Jefferson School garden! The birds have come to eat at the feeders. The students are enjoying going out for lunch recess. Winter is over and spring is here. Jefferson began the month with Celebrating Reading: Read Across Jefferson (our version of Read Across America) which this year took on a new direction. A HUGE thank you to the teacher committee for organizing the week-long event: Mrs. Shea, Mrs. King, Mrs. Mazzacca, Mrs. Weisz, Mrs. Yetter, Ms. Grunde-Allen and Mrs. Grunfelder, for planning a great Read Across Jefferson- Read across America Program. The theme this year was focused on good character and sportsmanship. Coach Dan Venezia, a local author and former professional baseball player for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Team, made a visit to Jefferson School to read his book, Coach Dan on Sportsmanship to the student body. He then personally signed his book for all students who had preordered his book. Coach Dan Venezia also signed a copy of his book and presented it to the Jefferson library. The staff did a wonderful job in coordinating all the activities: local author visitation/book signing, daily dress themes, Bagel Breakfast festivities and more! Mr. Schell and Ms. Russo, advisors, brought members of the HHS Student Council to the Breakfast to help celebrate with the activities. It is such a wonderful experience for the students. The PTO parents served the Bagel Breakfast on Friday, March 15th. PTO mothers have been presenting noted artists in the Art in Motion program, and have been very well received by students and staff. New artists have been introduced and the students have experienced their painting styles! March also celebrated Women in History by bringing to everyone’s attention the important contributions of women to the American society. Classes did various projects, read books, wrote poetry, and discussed famous women in history. Huge thank you to the Jefferson School PTO for the delicious Staff Appreciation Luncheon served to us on March 25th. It was greatly appreciated by all the teachers and staff members to be treated so honorably!
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Lorem Ipsum Dolor School Washington
Spring 2016 March 2013
Lights, camera, action were the buzz words heard this month as NJ Classroom Closeup visited Washington School to tape a portion of the Fifth Grade Wax Museum to be aired in October on NJTV. The fifth grade students worked diligently on their biography reports, timelines, and speeches to make this event a success. On March 22nd, all fifth grade students transformed into their historical characters and spoke on cue when their button was pressed. Many visitors attended the Wax Museum and were amazed at the talents of our students. A big thank you is expressed to the fifth grade teachers, especially Miss Temprano for coordinating the event, and additional staff that lent a hand in making the final production an experience that will not be forgotten. On March 4th, our 3rd annual St. Jude’s Math-a-Thon began under the direction of Miss Pisacreta and her fourth grade students. After submitting a signed permission slip, the students invited family and friends to sponsor them for each page completed in the math fun book provided to all students in grades K-5. All donations will be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help children battling cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. March 7th was our PTO Beefsteak Bingo held at the Brownstone. The delicious food and great prizes attributed to making this a fun evening. The PTO is commended for the exceptional job they did in preparing for this very special event to raise money for the benefit of our Washington students. Finally, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, our students were presented with a performance of the bagpipes. Keith Williams, a paraprofessional in Miss Barnes class, plays in a bagpipe band and entertained us with music, some family history, and a lesson on how to play the bagpipes.
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Roosevelt School
March 2013
The Roosevelt students and staff did not let the unpredictable March weather deter them from their persistent efforts toward learning and teaching. Each and every classroom was highly engaged in a variety of exciting lessons and activities which you will see in more detail later in this report. There were a large number of school-wide events that also warrant attention. An emphasis on literacy was touted the entire month with our participation in Read Across America. The festivities were kicked off with an assembly of many important dignitaries from Hawthorne who were kind enough to read to our students in their classes. A special thank you to all who took time out of their busy schedule including Mayor Goldberg, Mr. Mooney, Officer Carr, Sergeant King, Mrs. Wendy Hollis, students from the National Honor Society and members of the Hawthorne Historical Society and Board of Education. In addition to this, the students in grades 3-5 were treated to a presentation by children’s author Lisa McCann while K-2 students enjoyed a fantastic show by Mrs. Ponte’s “ Kimber’s Reading Express.” Ms. Pallotta deserves special recognition for organizing and participating in these events. Another enormously successful event was the grade 2 and 3 spring concert. This year’s theme was “I Love to Laugh” and judging by the smiles and compliments from the audience, the happiness was contagious. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Mrs. Brenda Van Der Eems for all her great work preparing the students.
The Roosevelt community banded together once again in order to lend some support to some Roughrider families in need. A caps against cancer spirit day was held to raise funds which resulted in over $900 being raised! As always, the Roosevelt PTO provided our community with some great experiences during the month of March. Students were provided with green bagels in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 15.
March 23 the annual Spring Breakfast was held in the gymnasium. In addition to a wide range of prizes, activities and great food, the students were also treated to a visit from the Easter bunny himself! The PTO also held the annual Roosevelt Tricky Tray on March 28 at the beautiful Venetian Banquet Hall where an impressive number of prizes were distributed. The Roosevelt community continues to involve all stakeholders, and we anticipate a much warmer month of April both figuratively and literally.
Special Education March was a fantastic month for this PreK ABA class! Everyone is progressing so nicely! Students are starting to raise their hands during circle time and are singing the songs for the Days of the Week and the Months of the Year. During this month we focused our attention on St. Patrick’s Day and spring. The students seemed to enjoy every bit of it! I have added many new academic programs for the students that are receiving one to one instruction. They are making so much progress! I have also started the ABLLS Assessment on some of my students. It is so great to see all of their progress over the past year! I now have a new student in the afternoon who I am assessing as well and will be implementing programs for him within the next few weeks. We have also noticed that the students are playing more independently with each other during play time. They are sharing toys and talking to one another. It is so great to see all of the socialization that is going on! We have had another great month in Pre-K. The students enjoy circle time every day. We review the calendar, weather, and count each day. The students are excited to see their new jobs each week. We have continued learning the letters. This month we have focused on O, P, Q and R. We also celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and Read Across America Week. For the letter O, the students learned about concepts on and off. They also learned about an octopus and made an octopus craft. For the letter P, the students loved hearing the true story about Pierre the Penguin and his struggles with being different from the other penguins. We discussed how not everyone is the same but it is ok! The students enjoyed making a classroom quilt for the letter Q. The students loved reading Rainbow Fish and making their own rainbow fish from their handprints for the letter R. They also participated in rabbit races! The students were very excited and surprised to see the leprechaun came to our classroom and made a mess. Also, they enjoyed following the shamrocks to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The students enjoy playing different learning games on the Promethean board for each letter. The students also love to participate in play centers. This helps them to play appropriately as well as initiate play with their peers. It has been a fun filled month!
Technology During the month of March, the Hawthorne Technology Department closed over 100 helpdesk tickets, and completed the installation of wireless access points at Washington and Roosevelt Elementary School. The Technology department also assisted with Lincoln Middle School and a consultant to fix the GPA and honor roll calculations for the President's Award and Greenough Award. The technology committee also met to discuss the technology plan, BYOD policy, PARCC, and the possibility of utilizing Study Island and the On-course data analysis tool. Seven staff members attended the NJECC Conference during the month of March. The staff members who attended shared their positive experience with the committee.