“TRANSITION DAY” CREATES SPECIAL MOMENTS AND LASTING MEMORIES FOR SICKLES THIRD GRADERS “TRANSITION DAY” is a long-standing tradition that celebrates a turning point in the lives of Fair Haven students. In June, the third grade class said a fond farewell to Viola L. Sickles School and prepared for their next journey as incoming fourth graders at Knollwood School. The heralded ride from Sickles to Knollwood School – either on bicycles or in the big red trolley – commemorates the new paths these students will take as they continue their education. Transition Day 2017 began with a song-filled Parent Show organized by Sickles School Vocal Music Teacher Vince Mottern and the third grade staff. After the show, students and their families headed to nearby McCarter Park. Then it was time for the always highly anticipated ride to Knollwood School. Teachers and their students in first and second grades – excited by the prospect that someday soon they would be taking part in this wonderful tradition -- lined the sidewalk in front of Sickles School as the third graders departed. Community members with balloons and posters cheered as the group – led by Fair Haven Police officers, school administrators, Knollwood School peer leaders, and Security Officer Frank Litriello on his motorcycle – made their way along the route. At Knollwood School, the incoming fourth graders were treated to a musical performance by the Knollwood School glee club, band, and orchestra (led by Music Teachers Mel Chayette,
Sickles School third graders prepare for their trip to Knollwood School along with their supporters - Principal Cheryl Cuddihy (far left), Superintendent of Schools Sean McNeil (left, on bicycle) and school Security Officer Frank Litriello (on motorcycle).
Karen Hauge, and Sara Marino) as well as a presentation about Knollwood school student life. They also received an official welcome from Knollwood School Principal Amy Romano. “We have so many fine opportunities for you to learn and grow here,” said Romano. “We are going to have a spectacular five years together.”
FAIR HAVEN NATURAL AREA COMMITTEE HOSTS SEMI-ANNUAL WALKING TOUR LED BY ECOLOGIST BILL SHADEL be transformed into a vibrant natural ecosystem that provides residents a break from the hustle and bustle. It is surprisingly diverse with forest, meadow, streams, pond, and vernal pools,” said Bill Shadel, “and this helps support diverse wildlife. The borough has done well to preserve the land and steward its growth over the past 43 years. It’s wonderful to see young and old come out to learn on the walk/talk, but more importantly, to enjoy the use of the natural area every day of the year.”
Left to right: Fair Haven Councilman Christopher Rodriguez; Jim Ingle, Fair Haven Natural Area Committee; Future Fair Haven Natural Area Committee members Isabella and Jack Rodriguez; Bill Shadel; and Stephen Sheenan, F.H. Natural Area Chairman
RECENTLY, the Fair Haven Fields Natural Area Committee hosted its first of two nature walks for 2017. Two dozen residents, ranging in age from nine months to 90 years, strolled the sprawling natural area listening to local environmental expert, Bill Shadel, on topics spanning the beauty and diversity of the preserve. The tour helped residents identify the local flora and observe the changes of the season. Mr. Shadel also pointed out some items to heed including how to identify poison ivy and invasive plants. “Fair Haven Natural Area is one of the crown jewels of the borough, and a great example of how a once-developed site can
Mr. Shadel is an ecologist and associate landscape architect with more than 25 years of experience in natural resource management, landscape design and maintenance, and organic gardening. Mr. Shadel holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and an M.S. in Plant Ecology from Rutgers and University of Vermont respectively. Recently, the natural area got freshened up by local volunteers including a pond clean up, invasive plant removal, trail clean up and planting of new trees in the nursery for future use in the natural area. “The walk & talk was a great chance for the community to learn about our environment and enjoy the hard work recently put on by scores of volunteers on Earth Day,” said Councilman Christopher Rodriguez. “Natural Area Chair Stephen Sheenan and the rest of committee dedicate their time and passion to make the natural area the best it can be. Please consider joining the committee or lending a hand during the next clean-up day in the fall.”
www.CommunityMagazineNJ.com JULY 2017
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