Bergen August 2022

{ BERGEN BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

TAKE SCHOOL IN STRIDE

The new academic year isn’t quite here yet, but you can see it coming—and so can your kids. Doubtless they’re excited about the prospect of getting to hang out with their friends at lunch again, and seeing their favorite teachers. But are they a little stressed too? Maybe.

That’s why BERGEN has assembled a special faculty of five, quoted below, to assuage student anxieties.

These folks know what school is about, and while it’s not a constant party, it also shouldn’t be a cause of suffering. Here are words of reassurance—with only the tiniest bit of teachery propaganda thrown in: n “Mistakes are a part of learning. Most skills and concepts are not learned instantaneously and without error. Give yourself time to ask questions and practice what you were taught.”

—Denise Doyle, Oradell, high school math teacher n “I wish students understood how much their teachers care about them. I also wish they knew how useless TikTok is!”

—Julia Franz, Maywood, sixth grade language arts teacher n “High school is a time to learn to be independent, and it’s a great time to self-advocate. If you’re struggling in a class, talk to a teacher to set up a time for extra help. If you have a scheduling issue, reach out to your counselor—in person or via email. If you forget to do an assignment, or leave it at home, don’t expect your parents to do it or drop it off. If it affects your grade this time, it will teach you to be more responsible in the future.”

—Brenda Lyons, Westwood, high school guidance counselor n “One thing I would want students to know for the upcoming school year is that we value them not just as learners, but as individuals. Some of the best moments of my school day are when I get to chat with them about what’s going on in their lives. Whether they talked about how stressed they were for an upcoming test, reminisced about winning a championship soccer game or shared memories from big events, these chats always end with big laughs and a strong feeling of community, all while allowing them to further develop their speaking skills in Spanish.”

—Elena Spathis, Hillsdale, high school Spanish teacher n “When it comes to learning, remember the power of ‘yet.’ Tell yourselves, ‘I don’t understand it YET.’ We all struggle with something at some point, but this one word can help us stay positive and motivated.”

—Jennifer Lynn Golden, Westwood, 5–8 special education teacher

YOUR ELEMENTARY SHOPPING LIST

Did little Kyle and Miranda accidentally misplace their teachers’ school-supply shopping list? That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. We’ve put together a checklist of must-haves for you and your elementary school student to follow as you navigate the aisles at Staples or Target. Remember, school supplies— from paper notebooks to notebook computers—will be tax-free in New Jersey from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, but keep in mind that stock sells out quickly.

Backpack Lunchbox Water bottle Wide-lined notebook paper or spiral notebooks n Pocket folders n 12-inch ruler n Pencils n n n n

Pencil bag Erasers Colored pencils Crayons Washable markers n Glue sticks n Safety scissors n n n n n

n Tape n Construction paper n Tissues n Hand sanitizer n Cleaning wipes

DID YOU YOUKNOW? KNOW?More The than total141 number ofcards students enrolled in Bergen public schoolstoduring theat2020–21 academic year was DID million are sent for Mother’s DayCounty in the U.S., according the folks Hallmark.

But the holiday only ranks 131,386.

That was down overChristmas the previous to the followed state Department of Education. third on the listnumber of top greeting card2,831 holidays. topsschool the listyear, withaccording 1.6 billion cards,

by Valentine’s Day (151 million).

BERGENMAG.COM

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AUGUST 2022

7/18/22 9:07 AM