North Arlington High School
Monthly Report – January 2010
I.
Curriculum and Instruction and Implementation of Objectives:
English Department:

Mrs. Albuquerque’s English IV Regular and Honor students analyzed the novels
Night by Elie Wiesel and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Students cooperatively traced
the theme of violence developed within the plot and its effect on the readers. Specific
scenes and quotes were evaluated to validate students’ responses and interpretations.
Mrs. Albuquerque’s English III students viewed the 1991 production of the film Robin
Hood and compared/contrasted the similarities and differences existent between the film
and the ballad. This served as a culminating activity for the unit on medieval literature.
Students were capable of viewing some aspects of medieval life, society, and values.
Mrs. Albuquerque’s Journalism students composed, revised, and edited all of the
articles for the February issue of the Viking Saga.

In Mrs. Burns’ SAT Prep course students are taking practice tests and using the SAT
Online course as well as teaching test taking strategies. In English 3 Mrs. Burns has
been addressing multiple intelligences by allowing students to use music to learn about
Romantic Poetry. In Propaganda of Genocide and Oppression Mrs. Burns’ have just
completed a role playing assignment where the class was transformed into a country and
students took on the personas of a dictator, perpetrators, victims, and bystanders.
Students not only organized a rebellion and assassination of the dictator unassisted by
Mrs. Burns, but also conducted democratic elections after the rebellion.

Mrs. Hughes’ English I classes have finished their novel, Hiroshima, and handed in
projects based on their reading. They also viewed segments of BBC: Survivors of
Hiroshima. Mrs. Hughes’ English II classes have been working on their thesis papers,
which will be due in February. They were instructed in proper MLA format and are
diligently working on their final copy. Mrs. Hughes’ English I Honors class has
completed reading The Color Purple and has completed various cross-curricular projects
in conjunction with their studying of it. All classes have been prepping for the mid-term
examinations.

Miss Ingannamorte’s English II and English II Honors classes were busy this month
reading a short story and poetry by Edgar Allen Poe. They diligently prepared for
midterms. Ms. Ingannamorte’s Creative Writing class wrote and peer edited memoirs
which the class enjoyed sharing. They too prepared for midterms. All classes participated
in “No Name Calling” activities.

Mrs. Kaufman’s Strategies for Improving Reading Class used the on-line Study
Island to prepare for the state test given in March. Students were provided with study
questions, study sheets and opportunities to study with a partner prior to their exams.
Students listened to Martin Luther King’s speech “I Have a Dream” on the internet. Mrs.
Kaufman’s SRA students worked on the AHSA Language Arts Literacy. Mrs.
Kaufman’s Pass students worked on Biology Labs and math projects.

Ms. Singler’s AP English class is continuing to write an original novel. It has fictional
characters who attend an exaggerated North Arlington High School . The English IV
classes are reading contemporary novels, as well as, studying The Iliad. Ms. Singler’s
English III class is continuing to study Anglo-Saxon literature

Ms. Turner’s English I classes completed a four day group project called “Poetry
Survivor.” Each group selected a poet and presented a different poem by that poet every
day of the week. Each day had a theme and the class would vote on the best performance
of the day. At the end of the week the winning group was rewarded for their hard work.
They also completed a monthly writing prompt using the Study Island website. This will
help prepare them for the HSPA
Ms. Turner’s English IV Honors completed their
study of Oedipus, the King. They wrote an essay comparing this work to another work
they studied. The class also worked on peer editing. Each member of the class used their
student ID’s instead of their name so that scoring would be fair. They were then
responsible for grading at least three different essays using both the holistic scoring
rubric and a rubric used at Montclair State University. This enabled the students to see
what may be required of them in college. Ms. Turner’s Visual and Performing Arts
class compared and studied the musical Guys and Dolls. Each member of the class
learned about the four main characters in the play and discussed how they felt they
should be played. The class studied four pivotal scenes from the play and each student
performed them the way they felt the characters should be played. The class then viewed
several different stage versions as well as the movie version and analyzed each of the
performances.
Social Studies Department:

Mr. Galante’s USI classes were engaged in a Webquest project by utilizing the High
School Media Center. The students were to design a 1787 newspaper in order to inform
Americans about the new government that had been established. By using technology,
the students would go to the Constitutional Webquest, comprehend the task at hand (the
creation of a Constitutional newspaper), the process to be used, and the resources at their
disposal. Each student through their research wrote an article (ex. Why is the
Constitution a living document?), and provided an illustration supporting their article.
The students then assembled their newspaper to complete this group activity. Mr.
Galante’s USII class created research papers dealing with topics covered during the first
half of the school year. The paper followed the format that included a title page, written
report, visual aids, and a works cited page. The students used the High School Media
Center to research their reports over a two day period. Mr. Galante’s PEG class
analyzed a Smartboard PowerPoint presentation on the history of the Modern Middle
East and also viewed a video “The Story of Islam” to enhance their knowledge of the
major monotheistic religion of this region.

In Mrs. Kusher’s US History I Honors classes, students learned about the Boston
Massacre. Students then completed a project that required them to write a story about the
event as it would have been told in a colonial newspaper and a British newspaper.
Students had to include a headline for each story and a hand-drawn picture. Mrs.
Kusher’s US II students completed “Yellow Journalism Posters.” Each student had to
take an event from prior to or during the Spanish-American War and tell a story using the
technique of yellow journalism. Students had to include an illustration, headline and
story as part of their front page newspaper account. All of Mrs. Kusher’s classes
celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday by viewing a video by the band U2, named
“Pride in the Name of Love.” This song was a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and
included footage from the Civil Rights movement. In addition, the students viewed short
documentaries about incidents from the Civil Rights movement. Student reactions were
discussed after viewing the footage.

Mrs. O’Brien-Romer’s A.P. U.S. History class analyzed documents from World War I,
including the Zimmermann telegram and propaganda posters. In addition, the class read
an excerpt from The Jungle, which inspired President Roosevelt to create the Food and
Drug Administration. Mrs. O’Brien-Romer’s Sociology classes watched a juvenile
delinquency video from the 1930s and analyzed what actions were considered delinquent.
The classes also discussed and analyzed what acts are considered delinquent nowadays.
Also, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the Sociology classes viewed the
entire “I Have a Dream” speech on Youtube.com. Students analyzed the message and the
delivery of Dr. King’s message. Mrs. O’Brien-Romer’s PEG classes completed a map
of the Middle East and learned about the various religions of the region including
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Ms. Smith’s PEG Honors classes learned about the Babylonian code of laws and
compared King Hammurabi’s concept of justice with our concept of justice in America
today. Ms. Smith’s Economics class created graphic organizers weighing the advantages
and disadvantages of sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and franchises. Ms.
Smith’s Sociology students analyzed the corporal punishment studies of American
sociologists, Murray Strauss and Den Trumbull and researched internet sites for
information about corporal punishment in other countries. Ms. Smith’s AP European
History students analyzed the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) and The
Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) and compared their principals with those of
early Enlightenment thinkers.
World Language Department :

Ms. de Diego’s Spanish II classes have been communicating about going shopping,
buying and giving presents. The students are working on a magazine “Dress like a Star”
where they had to design an outfit, describe it in detail, list prices and the store where the
reader could buy it, etc. Mrs. de Diego’s Spanish III and III Honors classes have been
learning the preterit tense in Spanish. They presented a Power Point on major highlights
and events of their lives with pictures for each event to the class. Mrs. de Diego’s
Spanish IV classes have been working on the subjunctive mood and were able to express
wishes, hopes, desires and discuss hypothetical events.

As a mid-term review, Mrs. Murad’s Spanish II and Spanish II Honors classes
worked in groups to make up skits. Each group had to include all the grammar points
they have learned to date. Each student had to have two props. They performed their
skits to the class. Mrs. Murad’s Spanish I class brought in photos of famous AfricanAmericans. They pasted the photo to a piece of construction paper. They then had to
write sentences in Spanish describing the photo.

To initiate “No Name Calling Week,” Mrs. McKeown’s French I students have been
working with adjectives in special ways. While they are learning rules about agreement
and placement of adjectives, students are exposed to the real emphasis: making a kind (or
kinder) statement. Il est bete-he is not that smart! (The St….d word is gone). We have
omitted the word ugly from the lesson completely.

Ms. Sanabria’s Spanish I and Spanish I Honors worked in a foods unit and students
were asked to cook a dish that reminded them of a special person in their lives, and then
present the dish and recipe to the classroom in the target language. Students also had to
create a menu. This presented a wonderful hands-on activity for the class and many
cultural dishes were sampled. Spanish II students had to draw a sketch of a jewelry store
and the items that are sold in the jewelry store as a listening comprehension activity.
This provided an excellent listening and comprehension activity while adding a touch of
creativity.
Mathematics:

Mrs. Maresca’s SAT Preview classes are continuing to work on a unit covering
topics dealing with Algebra and Functions. Problems from the SAT Online
program and Study Island are being reviewed in class.

Mrs. Maresca’s Algebra 2 students were introduced to graphs of polynomial
functions during a graphing calculator activity. The students used the TI-89
graphing calculators to investigate the end behavior of the polynomial functions
and use these characteristics to identify various functions.

Mrs. Maresca’s Precalculus classes investigated the “ambiguous case” of the
Law of Sines during a Smart Board presentation. The lesson titled “CSI North
Arlington, Case 204” employed the help of CSI Miami actors to help solve the
case using interactive slides.

Miss Fash’s Math Tech classes have completed their “Budgeting for a Car”
project on the class wiki. The group projects were presented on the web page.
Students have completed mid-term exam reviews and are prepared for the midterm exam that consists of multiple-choice, open-ended math questions as well as
short answer questions on mathematicians studied the first half of the year.

Miss Fash’s Pre-Algebra class completed their unit project of researching the
comparison of calories of fast food restaurants and calculating the percentages of
daily allowances for a “typical teenager” for good choices and “typical choices”
for a diet. Projects were displayed on the class wiki.

Miss Fash’s SRA class has begun testing for the AHSA (SRA) process.

Mr. Dembowski and the Algebra II-B class has been working on using
exponential equations and power functions. Students have been familiarizing
themselves with TI 83 calculators. Each student used the graphing calculator to
graph exponential and power functions. They then compare and contrast their
results with other classmates. Students also searched and found examples of how
these functions can be used in different fields of sciences, health, and biology.

Mr. Dembowski and the Geometry Basic classes have worked hard to complete
chapter five and prepare for the midterms. Classes also demonstrate the
importance of the material and how it could be used in everyday life.

Mr. Dembowski and the Geometry Honors class has completed the chapter
four projects of congruent triangles. Students created their own stories and maps
that needed to be solved using congruent triangles. Some creative stories
involved Candy Land, Super Mario brothers, the signing of the Declaration of
Independence, and special plays in basketball. The project demonstrated how
triangles can be used outside the classroom.

Mr. Dembowski and the HSPA Math class is working hard to prepare for the
HSPA. The class has been focusing on individual areas of the exam to spot
strength and weaknesses of the students.

Mr. Nazi’s AP Calculus class completed the first part of Calculus (Differential
Calculus) and its applications. They are ready to start Integral calculus after midterms.

Mr. Nazi’s QBasic class completed all essential tools with regard to programming. They
are ready to investigate arrays, and its applications. Soon they will be able to write very
sophisticated programs and work their way up to game design.

Mr. Nazi’s Algebra II-H class had a very productive first half of the year in Algebra II.
They are ready to further their studies and explore more advanced topics in algebra.

Mr. Nazi’s HSPA classes are preparing for the New Jersey HSPA Test in mathematics.
The continuously practice multiple choice, short constructed response and open ended
questions.

Mr. Zukatus’ HSPA class has been working with geometry based word
problems. Students have shown how to solve said word problems using
geometric principles and formulas in order to prepare for the HSPA test.

Mr. Zukatus’ Geometry classes worked with triangles and bisectors of triangles.
Students are able to find mid-segments of triangles, including length, as well as
bisected angles and line segments, showing congruence in each.

Mr. Zukatus’ Statistics classes have been working with probability distributions.
Students are able to tell whether a distribution results in unusual results or not,
and are able to find probabilities for compound events using probability
distributions.

Students in Mrs. Khalil’s Computer Q Basics completed Chapter 8 and
reviewed Chapters 1 through Chapter 8 for the midterm. Students wrote various
types of programs using Input/ Output statements, fundamental statements,
control structures, loop structures, and String/ Standard functions.

Students in Mrs. Khalil’s Algebra II-A reviewed all forms of the equation of a
straight line. Students learned to find the slope, slope- intercept form, point- slope
formula and direct variation. Students reviewed for the midterm exam all of
Chapter one and Chapter two. The smart board is constantly being used for
graphing equations and number lines in all the Algebra 2A classes.

Students in Mrs. Khalil’s Algebra I-B were introduced to the elimination method
of solving systems of equations. Students now understand the three different
methods to solve a problem using graphing, elimination or substitution. Review
for the midterm was also being acknowledged. Students were given review
packets for Chapter six and seven. The smart board is constantly being used for
graphing equations and number lines in the Algebra I-B class.

Mr. Capriola’s Geometry Basic classes completed a Hands-On Enrichment
activity that involved geometric constructions. Students were presented with the
steps used in constructing medians, altitudes, perpendicular bisectors, and angle
bisectors within triangles. Students were than asked to give written explanations
on the procedures they used in creating the constructions. This project help give
students a better understanding of the physical relationships special segments in
triangles.

Mr. Capriola’s Algebra I classes completed Real-World activity about US
Population. Students were presented with an article and graphs on US Population
over the last century. The students gave written responses to questions regarding
the information and graphs and calculated the rate of change for different 10 years
periods. Students then compared these rates of change and made predictions on
future population growth or decline. This activity allowed students the
opportunity to see how the algebraic concepts of slope and rate of change are
modeled by many real world applications.

Students in Ms. Samko’s Algebra I-A course have completed ratios and
proportions as well as percent change in chapter three. Percent change was
applied to retail mark-up, sales tax, and discounts.

Students in Ms. Samko’s Algebra I-B course have completed deciding which
method of solving systems of equations is best for a given problem. Post-midterm
exam topics include a short review of graphing inequalities in 2 variables and
progressing to solving systems of inequalities graphically.
Business Education

Mrs. Tomko’s and Mr. Kenny’s Computer Applications students completed a
unit on creating and formatting tables, memos, and letters in Microsoft Word.

Mrs. Tomko’s and Mr. Kenny’s Advanced Computer Applications students
completed PowerPoint with a presentation project and comprehensive exam.

Mrs. Tomko’s Introduction to Business class students worked on Marketing
and Advertising. Teams prepared an original sportswear line that was presented
with storyboards. The entire school voted on the “best” idea in the cafeteria
during lunches. The students also prepared a “Got Milk” ad campaign with
original pictures taken in the spirit of the original advertising campaign.

Mrs. Tomko’s Wall Street class has completed the course content and prepared
for the midterm/final for this half-year class.

Mr. Kenny’s Accounting 1 students journalized entries (general journal) after
analyzing transactions. After journalizing, students posted to the general ledger
and prepared a trial balance and financial statements based on a general ledger

Ms. Rosolen’s Multimedia class worked on a comprehensive multimedia project
that was presented on the Exam date. This project consisted of all the skills
previously learned in this half-year course.

Ms. Rosolen’s Desktop Publishing class continued work on their design
portfolios which included a number of projects. This month each student created
a CD/DVD label and jewel case cover and a magazine cover.
Family and Consumer Science

Mrs. Comer’s Culinary Arts students have been working on recipe costing. As
a kitchen group, students were required to find a recipe to feed twenty people for
$6.50 or less. Math played a vital role in the completion of this project. Figuring
how much a cup of flour costs from a five pound bag was challenging and
rewarding as the students analyzed a variety of data. As a reward for their efforts,
we will be preparing four recipes selected as groups from each period.

Mrs. Comer’s Child Development students have been analyzing data they
collected throughout the fall, through textbook work. Understanding of physical,
social-emotional, and intellectual development has been gained through
classroom discussion, anecdotal stories, and student feedback.
Art

Ms. DuJack’s Art classes completed a project on one-point perspective cubes
and cylinders using a pencil, paper, ruler and colored pencils. They learned
various terms such as horizon line, vanishing point, receding lines and point of
view and applied them into their drawing.
The students also completed a 3-page typed essay on a famous artist and analyzed
a famous art work by combining the elements and principles of art into the essay.
They then created their own original art work and compared/contrasted their work
to the famous work.

Mrs. Branco’s Art students used guidelines in the CCCS to create their mid-term
works of art. They combined the elements of color, line, shape, form, value and
texture to complete foam core guitars. This was a multi layered project and the
students incorporated technology, writing, and art into a cohesive project.

Mrs. Branco’s Art Cycle students used the elements of art to create an original
work of commercial art by creating their own original cartoon using a humorous
scene from their own lives. They also had some art history using the work of
Georgia O’Keefe as inspiration for pastel works of art. They created drawings
using pastels of large scale flowers and insects.
Music

Mr. Kastner’s Instrumental classes worked on developing better technical
understanding of the skills necessary to perform in the keys of Bb, Eb, Ab, F, and
C. They utilize the “Foundations for a Superior Performance” method to work
through these keys.
Physical Education:

Brianna Ryan, Michele Vespoli, Dan Farinola Junior Health: In junior health
for the month of January we discussed long term and short term effects,
withdrawal symptoms, risks and dangers as well as what dangerous substances
can be put into a drug and how it can affect a persons body and mind. We
discussed peer pressure and ways to avoid it. We applied the knowledge we
learned from class to specific situations and made the best decision possible
already knowing the negative effects a drug can have on your system.

Brianna Ryan, Michele Vespoli Sophomore Driver Education: Students were
taught all of the knowledge they will need to know in order to become a safe and
good driver. On January 14, 2010 students were able to take the final test for the
class in which if they pass, they are one step closer to becoming a licensed driver.
We issue the students a form saying they have completed and passed the class,
they then take this form to the driving school or DMV of their choice.

Paul Marcantuono Freshman Health: In freshman health students learn a basic
knowledge of all health topics. A lot of class lessons were based on tobacco and
alcohol knowledge. In Mr. Marcantuono’s class, every Friday is dedicated to
working on a freshman health project. At the end of the marking period, their
projects are presented to the class and graded on presentation and well as the
information and facts used for the project.
As a Department: Physical Education
Fitness Friday is still on Mondays and seems to significantly help the
momentum of participation for the week. We finished partner badminton at the
end of December and introduced a singles tournament when the students came
back from break. They already knew the rules and skills needed to play
badminton, so this tournament was finished within a week. We then introduced
team handball into the class. Team handball is a fun, fast passed game that allows
all students of all athletic ability to actively participate and work together as a
team. This helps to introduce team work as well as sportsmanship. We divided
the entire gym into teams so every single student had a team to play on. This
significantly increases the participation level in the gym and the students really
seem to love the game.
II.
Workshops Attended:

The NAHS and NAMS English Department attended a District Professional
Development Writing Workshop on January 6, 2010 facilitated by Montclair State
University. A university professor shared expectations of colleges in regards to
student writing abilities as well as teaching and writing strategies to be applied in
classrooms.

The NAHS and NAMS Social Studies and World Languages Departments
attended a District Professional Development Workshop on January 6, 2010
facilitated by Supervisor Nancy LoPresti that included the ongoing pacing
charts for these disciplines. This was an opportunity for the middle school and
high school teachers to work collaboratively.

Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Kusher, Mrs. Murad and Mrs. O’Brien-Romer attended a
workshop entitled, “Grant Writing” on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. It was a
Bergen County Educational Association Instructional and Professional
Development Workshop.

On January 6, members of the high school and middle school math departments,
attended a workshop to set up curriculum mapping and pacing guides for all
the math courses in the middle school and the high school. The group worked in
small groups to curriculum mapping for a total of 26 mathematics courses.

On December 18, Miss Fash attended a workshop at Rutgers University about the
End-of-Year course exam. At this workshop, the presenter discussed the changes
to the standards, as well as the outline/make-up of the end-of-year exam. The
presenter discussed strategies for the test, as well as reviewed material to expect
on the test.
III.
Student Recognition:
 Six of Ms. Ingannamorte’s Creative Writing students, Danielle Choinski,
Gina Fantacone, Alissa Frederick, Tom Hoedt, Ashley Johnson and Megan
Trinidad wrote poems that were accepted for publication in the Fall 2009
Creative Communication periodical.
 Chris Cordeiro, a member of the North Arlington High School Math League,
scored 5 points out of a possible 6 points on the January contest. This is the
highest score received by any member in recent years.
 Miss Fash’s SRA class: 50% of the students in that class achieved the Proficient
level on the October administration of the HSPA. These students will not need to
complete the SRA process for graduation.

IV.
Artwork by Ms. DuJack’s and Mrs. Branco’s students is on display in the
school’s main hallway and in the Superintendent’s hallway.
Accomplishments:
 Mrs. O’Brien-Romer is on the District Professional Development Committee
which completed the professional development plan for the 2010-2011 school
year.
 SADD, under the advisement of Ms. Ingannamorte collected $500.00 in
donations for the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
 The Spanish Honor Society collected approximately 100 coats that were
delivered to Saint Francis’ Soup Kitchen in Newark, as NAHS Spanish Honor
Society students collaborated with Queen of Peace “HANDS” students in this
community outreach.
 Mrs. Maresca’s classes participated in a paper-folding activity for the holidays.
They created “Tetra-tetra Flexagons”, which, when opened, displayed various
holiday greetings.
 Mr. Dembowski is opening the weight room Monday through Thursday for
students that are not in season and need to be ready for spring sports.
 Mr. Dembowski and the junior class are selling fortune cookies to be delivered
on Valentines’ Day for a fund raiser.
 Mrs. Zukatus’ Geometry classes completed projects involving congruent
triangles. Students were able to make their own maps to lost items, and using
congruent triangles, write stories based upon them. Students showed much
enthusiasm for the project, and scored exceptionally well on all aspects of the
project.
V.

Mr. Kenny has continued as the Junior Lady Vikings Basketball coach. The team
is in the process of a very successful season!

In Mr. Farinola’s junior health classes, he successfully completed the career
planning paper with his students. Students are to research their job of choice after
high school and write a paper on it. This paper includes all of the steps it takes to
get from high school, into college. The paper also focuses on what each student is
interested in as well as what grades you need to be accepted and the price of
tuition. The students also research a job and the salary in that particular field.
Some students also add the average retirement age and ending salary so they have
a good idea of what to expect once college is over and life begins for them.
Special Programs:
 Mrs. Maresca, advisor of the North Arlington High School Math League, has
been conducting monthly contests in which the members compete with students in
high schools across the state. Individual and team scores are posted on the
Internet and score reports are generated for comparison of team scores.
VI.
Press Releases:
 The press release outlining the registration information for the Nursery School
Program was submitted.
 A press release highlighting Mrs. Tomko’s Intro to Business and Wall Street
students’ visit to the senior center was submitted.
VII. Field Trips:
 The Spanish Honor Society will be visiting the elderly residents of the Saint
Barnabas Nursing Home on Saturday, January 30, 2010, to entertain them with
songs, puppets and Spanish music.
VIII. Workshops Attended:

All Department Staff attended the Wednesday, January 6, Professional Learning
Community Meeting where work centered on updating course maps to align with
the updated Standards.

Wednesday January 6, 2010
Mrs. Bratowicz presented a Smart Board interactive lesson plan for the PE
department to aim to incorporate technology into our health or physical education
classes by June 2010.
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT:
During the month of January the following was implemented in Guidance:




Preparation of course of studies for the 2010-2011 school year was
completed.
Completion of reviewing progress reports.
Parent Teacher Conferences were held.
Counselors presented scheduling options to all grade levels which will be
followed by individual conferences with student and teacher
recommendation.
Workshops Attended:


Naviance Student System was evaluated by the entire Guidance
Department and presented to Dr. Stringham for student use. The focus of
this system is its ability to do career searchers, college searches and
applications, scholarship opportunities and much more. This month we
further researched for the SAT portion of Naviance with a visit to
Bergen County Technical School.
Kathy Puorro attended the HSPA workshop for an information session
on administering this year’s HSPA.
Activities
The following colleges visited NAHS this month:

Caldwell College held an instant decision day on January 8, 2010. Many
of our students were offered admission at this time.



Anti-bully presentation to grade 9 students was offered by the anti
bullying committee comprised of students in grades 9-12.
Activities for No Name Calling Week were coordinated by Marie Griggs.
A webinar was viewed by all guidance staff from the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
January Athletic Highlights
Boys Basketball:
The boy’s basketball team has a 4-9 record so far this year. The team has been
competitive in most games falling short at the end in several contests. The team is lead by
Senior Peter Santos who is averaging 16 points per game.
Girls Basketball:
The girl’s basketball team has a 10-3 record and has qualified to compete in the Bergen
County Tournament. The girls are presently in Third place in the league behind St. Mary’s and
Secaucus. Reema Sethi leads the team in scoring averaging 18 points per game. Tara Fisher set
the schools single game assist record with 12 against Wood Ridge. Reema Sethi set the school
record for most 3 point field goals in a career with 109.
Bowling:
Our bowling team is tied for first place in the league. Ashley Johnson and Matt Priore
lead a strong Viking team. Several bowlers will be competing in the state tournament next
weekend. Matt Priore won the Bergen County individual Bowling Tournament and Ashley
Johnson finished 5th in the Women’s County Tournament.
Wrestling:
Our wrestling team has a 6-5 record so far this year. The team is lead by senior Alex
Dembowski and junior Taylor Frato and Scott Bartlett. We close our league schedule against
Weehawken and before competing in District 15.
Cheering:
Our girls qualified once again for national which will be held in Orlando Florida in late
March. The Girls will continue competing throughout the winter season as well as performing at
all home basketball games.
Special Honors:
Reema Sethi Observer “Athlete of the week”
MONTH: ____January_____
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mathematics
 Miss Neubauer's Math students reviewed number sense by reviewing measurements on
a ruler and used a giant number line to place numbers. They also reviewed multiples of
numbers and LCM through a game called "Cheeseburger and Fries."
 Miss Maucione’s Math classes prepared for the NJ ASK. They completed worksheets
that contained open-ended problems. The students were required to solve each problem
and provide an explanation of their work. In order to help them prepare for the NJ ASK,
the students used Study Island. The students also prepared for their midterm. They were
given review sheets and many practice problems to prepare them for the midterm.
o The students were also working with coupons that involve discounts. The
students had to find the percent of increase or decrease of the item(s). Each
student was given a few coupons and had to find the original price, the discount
price, or the percentage of increase or decrease.
 Rounding out the first half of the school year, Miss Mezzina’s 8th grade Math students
have successfully completed through chapter six in their textbooks. The students recently
studied, in depth, functions and graphs. The students began by expressing relations as
tables, sets of ordered pairs, and as graphs. They also solved linear equations for a given
domain and/or range, and graphed linear equations. The students learned how to
determine if a relation is a function and how to use functional notation. Finally, the
students were introduced to using direct and inverse variation.
 Mrs. Macari’s Math classes spent the month of January studying fractions, decimals,
and percents, while finding ways to prepare for the midterms. The students found new
ways to study for math, especially on the Internet. From their textbook alone, there are
ample practice tests and quizzes found on every lesson from Glencoe.com, as well as
other familiar websites. YouTube and Teacher Tube have excellent mathematic lessons
too. Between comics, raps/songs, and formal lessons, students’ interest levels rose as
these sights captured their interest.
o On Tuesday’s, her class used the computer lab. Here, the students spend most of
their time on StudyIsland.com, which is not only great for midterms, but also an
excellent way to study for the NJASK.
o On Thursdays, some students come after school to practice basic math facts, such
as dividing and multiplying. In addition, the SmartBoard has excellent interactive
activities for practicing dividing and multiplying problems.
 The students in Mrs. Califano’s Math classes practiced using several math problemsolving strategies. They reviewed the four-step plan of problem-solving before
beginning:
1. to explore – determine what information is given and what they need to find
2. plan – select a strategy for solving the problem
a. guess and test
b. use a graph
c. look for a pattern
d .work backwards
e. make an organized list
f. draw a diagram
g. estimate
3. solve -- carry out the plan
4. examine -- does the answer make sense
Problems were solved utilizing various strategies to arrive at an appropriate answer.
Language Arts
 Mrs. Duff’s sixth grade Writing students spent a majority of the month writing poetry.
The types of poetry the students were introduced to were the following: Haiku's,
Limericks, Cinquains, Acrostic poems, Concrete poems, and Porqui's.
The finished products were displayed throughout the classroom for all to enjoy.
 Mrs. Boyd's Reading classes began the New Year with the genre of realistic fiction. Her
7th grade classes read titles including: Tears of Tiger by Sharon Draper, That Was Then,
This is Now by S.E. Hinton, Scorpions by Walter Dean Myers and Nothing But the Truth
by Avi. These realistic novels set the stage for authentic class discussions on pertinent
topics such as: friendship, loyalty, honesty, gangs, drug use, suicide and drinking and
driving. Writing was incorporated in the form of letters, articles, response logs, journals
and epilogues.
 Miss Keeler’s Writing class worked collaboratively in groups of three and created the
foundations of their own countries. This lesson successfully integrated NJCCCS from
several subject areas including Reading, Writing, and Social Studies. The seven groups
of students each creatively designed a flag, drafted a Bill of Rights, and composed a
National Anthem. To conclude the lesson, each group sharpened their public speaking
skills by presenting the proposed country to the class. Flags were displayed, Bills of
Rights were read and explained, and the National Anthems were sung to popular tunes.
This cooperative learning activity provided an opportunity to learn, which coincides with
all eight areas of Gardener’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
 In Mrs. Fisher's Writing class, students became super heroes. Each student transformed
into a super hero with three different super powers and one weakness. Then, posters of
the super heroes were created. Finally, stories were written about a challenge the super
heroes faced. Some students even created alliances in order to face difficult situations as
part of a team.
 Mr. Haines’ Writing class participated in a debate, which was tied to current events and
advanced their understanding of persuasive essays.
 Mrs. Helms’ Reading classes discussed No Name Calling. They discussed how unfair
African Americans were treated after the Civil War ended. The students read about racial
slurs that were used to describe African Americans. They also discussed how wrong it
was to use these terms and that everyone should be treated equally regardless of their
ethnicity or skin color. Finally, the class agreed that they will be more conscientious
about name calling and not do it.
 Mrs. Kowalczyk's Writing 6 started to learn about explanatory writing. They were
given some quotes to interpret (this process is in preparation for the NJ ASK 6 test
in April). In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., the students were given one of his
great inspirational quotes. The quote was "Everyone has the power for greatness, not for
fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service." The students wrote their
own interpretation of the quote and then the class discussed everyone's response.
 Mrs. Coughlin’s 7th grade Reading classes studied themes in writing. The students
indentified two themes noted in their current novel, Maniac Magee, and how knowing the
theme aids in understanding the authors purpose for writing the story. The class
discussed other books that they have read and the possible themes in those stories.
Learning about themes is part of enriching the reading experience, as well as the New
Jersey state standards.
 Mrs. Roller's ESL students read a short story in which the characters attended the rally
where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. They followed up
by writing letters to the editor about laws promoting segregation.
 Mrs. Callahan's 6th and 8th grade Reading students explored the genre of short stories.
The students were given the 'Elements of a Short Story' and applied those to each story
read. In addition, the classes covered character development and theme.
o Mrs. Callahan's 7th grade Writing classes continued to work on
writing Persuasive Essays. During January, much attention was paid to
elaboration and supporting reasons (opinions) with facts, examples and statistics.
World Languages
 Mrs. Marchese’s sixth grade students learned about the winter season, the cold weather
and the clothing items necessary to keep warm. The seventh and eighth graders went to
the computer lab to translate and research some animals in the Galapagos Islands in
Ecuador; as well as, the small skiing town of Bariloche in the Andes in Argentina.
Social Studies
 Ms. Demetroules' Social Studies classes focused on the celebration of New Year's. They
examined the customs and traditions different cultures take part in to ring in the New
Year, then compared them to our own. They also focused specifically on Chinese New
Year. The students made their own Chinese lanterns for the celebration, which takes
place next month.
 Mr. Barber’s Social Studies classes have completed their “Create a Nation” projects.
Here, the students were asked to create their own country with as little limitations as
possible put on them to allow for maximum creativity. Every project was to have both a
visual and a written piece handed in to receive full credit. The visual was to be put on a
poster board and all had to have the following: a unique flag, a map of their country, the
name of their country, the flags of five allies, the flags of five enemies, at least seven
examples of their nation’s money, and three main exports. The written components that
the students handed in described, in detail, what made their nation one of a kind. Here,
the classes were asked to write a 1-2 page brief history of their nation that should have
been written as if it were going to appear in a textbook, a 1-2 page constitution that
outlined the laws of their nation, a paragraph outlining the history between their nation
and each ally and enemy, 2-3 paragraphs describing their flag, and one paragraph
describing why other nations are willing to buy the three exports they put on their poster.
Science
 Mrs. Rinzivillo’s 6th grade Science students learned about metamorphosis and insects.
The activities that were completed to introduce and reinforce these concepts were web
quests, Brain pop exercises, video clips, worksheets and an end of the chapter project in
which students had to create their own insect.
 Mrs. Galante’s 7th grade Science students studied multistage rockets, space stations,
space probes, and space rovers. With the help of the SmartBoard, the students observed
these different devices used to collect data from space, planets, moons, and even where
they can live and work for months at a time. They also viewed pictures of the Apollo
Space program and the astronaut’s involved in the program. The students really enjoyed
this lesson and had many questions. They were so interested in this topic; as a result, they
actually did research on their own for extra credit. As a conclusion to this topic, the
students viewed the movie Apollo 13.
 Mr. Haines’ class completed a multi-disciplinary project on Thomas Edison, in which
they incorporated the scientific and cultural history relating to inventions by Edison and
how these inventions made it possible for many electronic and technical devices they use
every day. The students also completed two essays: a tall tale about an invention and a
persuasive letter. This cross-curricular activity addressed several aspects of the ASK8
exam.
Art
 Mrs. Branco’s Art classes started the year off with a bang!! They completed several art
projects that blew away the students and faculty in their school.
o The 6th grade completed two lessons so far. They worked with color, learned the
color wheel using primary, secondary and tertiary colors, then they translated that
into a work of art using blended colors in order. The students also covered the
creatures from the sea. They drew the creatures and then used two different types
of value to create depth in their works of art. The students learned how to do
cross hatching and stippling for value.
o The 7th grade started their work on masks. The mask project is done every
marking period and the students were very excited about it. Their creativity and
drive amazed everyone in their school.
o The 8th grade had lessons on contemporary art history. They also discussed the
correlation between monuments, memorials and public art, using the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial as their starting point. They then did a project using the art of
the Fauves and created self portraits using paint and wild color schemes to create
an outstanding work of art.
Music
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
 The students in Ms. DeBlasio’s classes concluded their second marking period in both
health and physical education. The students enjoyed the last week of physical education
by playing fun cardiovascular games. The focus during these activities, apart from
increasing cardiovascular fitness, was sportsmanship and teamwork.
o All three grades also completed their health projects for the marking periods. The
6th graders completed their books on "Everything you need to know about the
systems of your body". The 7th graders finished their comic strips about changes
in adolescent minds. The 8th graders completed their informational pamphlets
about sexually transmitted diseases.
Computers
 In Mr. Guanci’s Computer classes the grade seven students used Microsoft Word to
create a calendar. The students used different tools to enhance their project. The
calendars will be used for writing in important dates like exams, parent teacher
conferences and holidays. Many of the students added pictures and word art to make it
more personalized.
Special Ed (self-contained)
 Mrs. D. Brown’s 6th grade Reading Literature class studied Literary Elements. They
worked on the elements of theme, character, and plot. They also completed several
stories that featured figurative language. The class furthered this concept, by choosing an
example of figurative language and creating a visual comparison. Their illustrations and
written examples were presented to the class.
 As a part of “No Name Calling Week,” the student in Mrs. C. Brown’s Writing class
participated in two classroom activities. The first activity was called “I was Just
Kidding!” Throughout this lesson, students were asked to consider the difference
between good-natured teasing and bullying. They had discussions about various
scenarios and reflection on real-life situations. The students enjoyed this activity because
they were able to work in groups and discuss situations that may have happened to them.
The second activity was called “Instant Replay.” Throughout this lesson, the students
discussed and practiced safe and realistic responses to name-calling and bullying by roleplaying fictional scenarios. They were introduced to “SAFE,” a set of strategies for
responding to bullying and taking care of their personal needs.
 The students in Ms. Tzakis’ class debated the following topic: should the government tax
soda? They conducted an experiment in which they calculated the amount of sugar in a
can of soda; furthermore, they evaluated its effect on the obesity problem in our country.
The students used these facts to begin constructing their persuasive essay.
o The students in Ms. Tzakis’ Reading class explored the literary works of
Langston Hughes. They will continue their study of celebrated American writers.
Student Recognitions
The following students recorded straight “A” report cards for the second marking period at the
North Arlington Middle School:
Grade 8
Anna Doherty, Yarema Hrynak, Ryen Pezzolla, Yara Alrabaa, Gabriella Pietroncio, and
Alexandra Soden, Cara Beth Tillou, Amanda Pimentel, Nicole Moncayo, Vaidehi Pandya
Grade 7
Devon Keen and Nicholas Awad
Grade 6
Gianna Tetto, Hannah Herrmann, Indy Piccuirro, Maritza Cubelo, Joe O’Dowd, Victoria
Namnama, and Marvin Caballero.
School Accomplishments
 The Student Council began to collect donations to make a contribution through the Red
Cross for the Haiti earthquake disaster.
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No Name Calling week was recognized through:
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posters around the school
Morning announcements
A school wide writing contest
Mr. Cooper speaking to several individual classes
Special Programs
 Some students took part in Saturday Test Prep classes which will help them improve their
writing not only on essays, but also on the open-ended questions of the reading section of
the NJASK test.
MONTH: JANUARY 2010
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: JEFFERSON SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Ms. McCrea’s kindergarten class engaged in the following curricula and instruction activities:
 Social Studies – Understand that all living things grow and change. The students, teacher
and paraprofessionals brought in baby pictures. We recognized that some of us had
changed a lot, while others had changed very little from the time they were a baby!
 Science –Began our study of the weather. Students became familiar with different
instruments that measure weather, as well as identifying weather that is characteristic of a
specific season.
 Reading – Though the use of thematic literature we learned about the weather. identified and isolated short vowel /o /, consonants /b/and/k/. And word families – in and
–ip. High frequency words: me, for, where, do, you, look. Comprehension skills:
beginning, middle and end, and drawing conclusions. Writing: Exclamations and
making lists.
 Math – Completed our chapter on Number Patterns. Children practiced counting by 2’s,
5’s and 10’s. Identifying ordinals position first to tenth.
Mrs. Northrop’s Kindergarten class engaged in the following curricula and instruction
activities:
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Science- The study of Weather, Hibernation
Social Studies- Transportation, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Language- High Frequency Words, Robust Vocabulary, Comprehension, Benchmark
Assessments
Math- Geometric Shapes, Numbers 10-30, Benchmark Assessments
Writing- Story writing with illustrations, sharing stories with class
Character Ed.- No Name Calling
First Grade
Mrs. Pereira & Mrs. Paglucci's first grade classes worked diligently to write and
illustrate a class book, entitled “If I Had One Wish.” The book was sent to a publishing
company where it was bound, duplicated and a hard cover was created. This project was
a collaborative effort by all of the first grade students. A tremendous amount of time and
effort went into this book. The students learned a great deal about the publishing process
while they improved their vocabulary and writing skills. Being a young published author
gives our students a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Second Grade
Mrs. Nolan's second grade has learned about counting coins, pennies through half
dollars. They have completed Theme 3 in Storytown, as well as the theme assessment. Students
have enjoyed learning about fossils and dinosaurs, participating in a virtual dinosaur dig through
the Smithsonian Institute's website.
Ms. Palermo’s second grade class engaged in the following curricula and instruction activities:
 Social Studies- students identified various types of landforms in the U.S. and the climate
and weather of different regions
 Reading – students used sense adjectives in their writing to describe their favorite place
 Math – students began counting mixed collection of coins involving half-dollars,
quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies
Third Grade
Ms. Tokarz’ third grade engaged in the following areas of study:
 Technology-Students reviewed passwords and directions for Think Central, Harcourt.
and Study Island. Students and parents have been given URL’s and user names for
Math, Social Studies, and Reading for on line access. All Names from my class have
been imported and parents have been given information for their use at home during
parent conferences. My new student was added to this.
 Technology-Study Island –New student has been added to this list and given one two
one attention on how to work on this program.
 Social Studies- Martin L. King- students worked Friday prior to Martin L. King Day on
worksheets including “If I had a Dream!” They read their writing to the class on the
following Tuesday for the class as a written and oral language assignment.
 Character Education- Students have continued working with being caught doing
something good and random rewards are given at any time for a simple use of proper of
“Excuse Me” to “Thank Your”, helping others, etc. Written paragraph on “No Name
Calling Week!”
Mrs. Keogh’s third grade engaged in the following areas of study:
 Math- Students created an “Equivalent Coin” chart with a partner
 Math- Oral Times Table Tests are resulting in more 100’s!
 SmartBoard- used to do elapsed time
 Soc. St.- Dr. King- a book was read to the class about his life. Students filled in a booklet
with vocabulary, etc. about Dr. King
 Writing- Students wrote their own “I Have a Dream, too!” speech
 Science- Students created their own constellation picture and wrote a story about how it
got its name
 Study Island- Continued use to improve NJASK3 skills
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Rotondo’s fourth grade students created unique New Year resolutions. Students
engaged in oral activity in which children complimented another peer. A self-esteem boosting
short story was read by students. No Name Calling Week was acknowledged with a writing
prompt of how other students’ feelings get hurt from name calling and a mini-lesson on
respecting others was conducted. Students read Martin Luther King Jr’s biography. Students
shared what they felt was most memorable about MLK.
All fourth grade students attended The Meadowlands Environmental Center. We
engaged in hands-on activities with artifacts from the past. Students learned about the changes
of the Meadowlands over the past hundred years.
Mrs. Rotondo’s class is continuing weekly open-ended word problem solving strategy
assignments and daily practice during P.A.S.S. from Harcourt NJ ASK Test book. Students are
continuing weekly speculative and explanatory timed prompt writing assignments.
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Herrmann’s fourth grade Language Arts Classes read four short stories and a
chapter book entitled Class President. Reading skills taught and reinforced this month included
cause and effect, drawing conclusions, predicting outcomes, and using reference sources.
Students continue to learn new weekly robust vocabulary words and use the Study Island
program to enhance their reading and writing skills in preparation for the upcoming NJASK4 in
May.
Mrs. Herrmann’s fourth grade Social Studies Classes learned and discussed how New
Jersey was affected during the Civil War, World War I, The Great Depression, and World War
II. In addition, the class honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by performing a Readers Theater
script which showed the challenging times King faced as a teenager in our society. Students also
read biographies about King and wrote their own biographies.
Fifth Grade
Miss Jacobson’s 5th Grade Science classes learned about how all different ecosystems
survive and coexist. Students are able to identify and compare ways in which organisms adapt
and behave within an ecosystem. Students will be able to describe natural and human causes of
extinction, as well as identify ways humans can prevent extinction of endangered animals.
Students completed research on an endangered animal of their choice. They used the internet
and other resources to find information about the endangered animal. They researched the
animal’s habitat, diet, behaviors, reason of endangerment, and the actions that are currently being
done to prevent extinction. The students completed a written report on the endangered animal.
Miss Jacobson’s 5th Grade Math classes learned how to multiply numbers by 1-digit, 2digit, and 3-digit numbers. Students learned the step-by-step process of multiplication. Students
learned to multiply decimals using double digit multiplication. Students will multiply normally
and then place the decimal point. The classes were familiarized with Standardized Test Prep
Materials. Students will work on materials in Data Analysis & Probability, Measurement,
Number Sense, Operations, and Algebraic Thinking
Mrs. Applegate’s 5th grade Reading classes continued to use the Harcourt Reading
series, Storytown, Students continued to successfully access their reading texts from home.
Emphasis was placed on the focus skill of generalizations, making inferences, robust vocabulary
and reading comprehension strategies. The Theme Three topic was completed and theme three
review was used as a Benchmark Assessment tool. Leveled readers were used by students to
reinforce skills from their text. The Smart Board was frequently used to review stories and
workbook pages. Study Island lessons and tests were completed in the areas of making
inferences, plot, character, setting, figurative language and poetry. . Students completed free
choice book reports and reported on them in class.
Mrs. Applegate’s 5th grade Social Studies classes completed studying the Age of
Exploration and bean studying about the building of our first early colonies settled by the
Spanish, French, the Dutch, and the early English settlements at Jamestown and Plymouth,
Students also completed activities related to Primary and Secondary sources. Map skills lesson
included using elevation maps. Student watched ‘My Friend Martin” DVD and discussed the
role of Dr. King as a Civil Rights leader. Students also completed open-ended essay questions
about his accomplishments.
Mrs. Applegate’s 5th grade writing class completed work on Study Island lessons.
Emphasis focused on writing forms, audiences, and purposes, letter writing, and persuasive
writing. Writing Workshop selections focused on writing essays, point of view stories, and
expository writing. Students continued to work on grammar activities related to possessive
nouns, pronouns and antecedents, and subjective and objective case pronouns.
Art
Ms. Cronk’s art classes grades Pre-K through 5 began 2010 with a variety of festive
New Year projects, including banners with “Happy New Year,” in a many languages. The art
classes also celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and “No
Name Calling Week.”
Music
Mr. Mullen continues to provide instrumental instruction for upper grade students. They are
working on pieces which will be presented at the spring concert.
Mr. Nicolle reports
 Grades 3-4-5 Reviewed the movie "Polar Express" with relation to the music used, how it
was used, and the style of animation used, comparing it to newer movies like "Avatar"
where the animation is far superior and lifelike to where "Polar Express" was done
around 5 years ago. They were given a test to see how much of the story was retained.
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Grades K-1-2 Reviewed two Wee-Sing videos, "Wee Sing in Sillyville" and "Wee Sing
Big Rock Candy Mountain", from which some songs are selected for a grade to learn
with movements, (i.e.2nd grade works on "Once an Austrian", which is an Austrian folk
song.
Speech
Mrs. Hale’s students receiving speech and language services have made progress
towards mastery of the goals set forth in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Goals have
been addressed in the context of the general curriculum and/or NJCCS when appropriate. A
progress tracking system was created for target skills to provide students with clear objectives,
defining what is expected and the conditions and criteria by which achievement will be
measured.
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
Nurse Linda’s office report:
 I was glad to see families taking advantage of the H1N1 vaccine clinic held at the Senior
Center in January. Our students who received vaccines were all very brave!
 I have updated the school notes web page and will work hard to provide new information
on a monthly basis. If there something specific you would like to see, just give me a call.
 Hoping those in need of dental care is able to take advantage of “Give Kid’s A Smile
Day” on February 5th.
 Please remember to update your contact information should your child be ill and the
school needs to reach you.
 In addition, BE SURE you have a plan for who can pick up your child if they are ill. I
still have some children waiting many times over 30 min. for a parent to pick them up. I
do not have room in my office to make your child comfortable when they are ill and
waiting a long time for an adult to take them home.
 I have begun health screenings as mentioned in last months report. I will notify you of
any concerns over the coming weeks. Contact me if you have any questions.
 Flu season is NOT OVER! Please keep your child home if they are ill for their safety and
the protection of other students!
Mr. Cioffi"s Physical Education Classes
 Grades K-2 has begun developing their skills in the game of basketball. They have been
practicing their dribbling, passing, and shooting
 Grade 3: Preparing for Jump Rope for Heart
 Grades 4-5: Have begun their Olympic events. This events will run through January and
most of February
Computers
Teachers and students continue to use the computer lab and the laptop modules for
computer assisted instruction and for Study Island.
Basic Skills
Mrs. Young’s First grade students performed Readers’ Theater, “The Ugly Duckling”
for the First Grade classes. Students demonstrated reading fluency and expression. They enjoyed
performing for their classmates.
Mrs. Young’s second graders are continuing to work on reading fluency and
comprehension.
Mrs. Korycinski’s fourth grade math classes have been taking walks around the school
building to find parallel and perpendicular lines. On their “math strolls” they have also identified
right angles located on the floors and walls and have also found isosceles and scalene triangles
on bulletin boards and students’ projects.
The fourth grade classes are continuing to work on identifying the best summary of a story when
given several choices. Identifying the purpose of an author’s piece of writing is also a skill that
is being reinforced in the Basic Skills classes.
Special Ed
Mrs. Volpe’s Resource Class read about Martin Luther King. We discussed his
accomplishments and how they affect us today. We each wrote our own “I Have a Dream”
speech, using what we learned about the times and the man. Our goal is to have all students reach
the goals and objectives set forth in their Individual Education Programs (IEP).
Workshop Attendance
 Mrs. Hale attended an out-of-district conference entitled Current, Best Strategies to Help
Speech-Language Pathologist Enhance Student Literacy.
 Mrs. Keogh attended a BCEA- Grant writing workshop- 2 hours Jan. 20, 2010
 Mrs. Palermo facilitated the recent grade level meeting
Student Recognitions
Each month one child is selected from each class as the Student of the Month. The
decision process is a difficult one as many students regularly demonstrate extra-ordinary effort,
cooperation, kindness, a positive work ethic and learning attitude. North Arlington’s Jefferson
School teaching family is pleased to proclaim the following children as Students of the Month of
January 2010: Kristine Ramirez, Shanmathi Ravi Saminathan, Martyrous Beniamien, Amelia
DeJesus, Owen Hughes, Tierney Byrne, Damani Dias, James Phelan, Saba Sarwar, Renee King,
Billy Addeo, Nour Mohamed, Luke O'Donnell, Bryana Delgado, Kimberly Olmeda, Nicholas
Fernandez, Alia Elsafy
School Accomplishments
Student Council members
 Held a “Help for Haiti” Week; collecting monetary donations and holding a Bake
Sale. All proceeds to go to Haiti Fund.
 Continued recycling and collection of flip tops
Peer Mediation
 Two meetings were held in which students selected books and activities related to
bullying, peer pressure, and activities related to friendship and honesty. These
activities and stories will be presented to all classes within the next month.
 Teachers Northrop, Korycinski and Herrmann collaborated this month to develop
a School Professional Development Plan
Special Programs
 Martin Luther King day-students wrote their own interpretation of “If I had a Dream.”
They did this as independent writing and read what they wrote to the class as an oral
presentation on Tuesday.
 Students raised over $800 for the Haitian relief fund
 “No Name Calling Week”-students wrote one paragraph on this topic and presented them
orally to the class for discussion.
Field Trips
Jefferson School continues to make use of the Meadowlands Environmental Center on a
regular basis. Grade 3 will journeyed there on December 11th, 2009, while future visits are
scheduled; grade 4 January 8th , 2010 and grade 5 January 15th , 2010
MONTH:
JANUARY 2010
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
ROOSEVELT
Pre-K
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Mrs. Mack and her Pre-Kindergarteners hosted Mrs. Badiola’s 5th grade
students. Our grade 5 students helped the Pre-K children write kind words about
each other in celebration of No Name Calling Week. The kind words are written on
Sun Rays and will be displayed in our school.
Pre Kdg students also learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who he was and
what he stood for. Several stories were read about friendship and using kind words
when talking to each other.
Mr. and Mrs. Zeerajudeen, Aatif’s parents, and Mrs. Alho, (Grace’s mom), visited
the class and read wonderful stories to the children.
Kindergarten
 Mrs. Malanga’s Kindergarteners enjoyed a thematic unit on the Gingerbread Man.
The children listened to several versions of the story, acted out the tale, retold the
sequence using a flannel board and made a real gingerbread man! He ran away, but the
class found him in Mrs. Greene’s office. He was gobbled up by everyone. YUM!
First Grade
 Mrs. DiTommaso’s First Graders are concentrating on “No Bullying only Kindness”.
Mrs. DiTommaso read “Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Christy DeVillier and discussed
the obstacles that he endured. Students then discussed things they wish for regarding
their lives and made a poster regarding their wish. Students wrote about the topic and
drew a picture that reflected their wish. Later in the week, a review was made of kind
words and how they can help one another in the classroom with kind acts and words.
Children were then paired up to draw a sun with kind words radiating from it that
described a classmate. Suns will be displayed in the hallway.
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Mrs. Arena’s First Graders heard a book about Martin Luther King, Jr. The class
discussed his qualities that made him a good leader for the American people. The
qualities that make a good leader were then charted. Later the class discussed how they
could use these qualities in their daily lives.
Second Grade
 Mrs. Phalon’s Second Graders used laptop computers for internet research on the
Enchanted Learning Site.
 The Hackensack Trauma Center visited and discussed seat belt safety. They also
discussed the dangers of texting and talking on the phone while driving.
Third Grade

Mrs. Giuffre’s Third Grade class, as a culminating activity in Science and Social
Studies, was assigned a special project to make a map. This culminating activity is part
of their unit in science and social studies. The students are currently working on creating
and naming an imaginary country that has varieties of landform formations. The third
graders will label the landforms, such as mountains, valleys, canyons, plains, plateaus
and barrier islands. Students will also write a fact about each of their landforms and then
discuss their projects during the month.
Fourth Grade
 Ms. Jaume’s Grade 4 students celebrated Black History Month by celebrating the
contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. After analyzing his historic speech, the students
brainstormed for ideas on how they can make the world a better place. Their
inspirational compositions represented how an individual’s nonviolent attitude can have a
ripple effect like a stone skipping across a pond.
Fifth Grade
 Mrs. Badiola’s Fifth Grade celebrated Martin Luther King Day by viewing the “I Have
a Dream” speech on the Smartboard. The students then discussed the meaning behind his
famous oration. After discussion, the students wrote compositions explaining if he were
still alive today, what advice they believed Martin Luther Kind would give a President
Obama. The compositions were presented to peers.
Art
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ESL
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BSI
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Mrs. Cronk’s Art Classes in Grades Pre-Kindergarten –Grade 5 began 2010 with a
variety of festive New Year projects, including banners with “Happy New Year” in many
languages. The art classes also celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and “No Name Calling Week”.
Mrs. Stringham reports the following:
- Kindergarten students in the ESL program learned about poems by discussing what a
poem is, words that make a poem rhyme, and examples of poems. The Kindergarten
students narrated and published their own poems on animals.
- Grade 1 students learned how to sequence events using time-order words. After
reading informational texts, students put events into time-order sequence.
- Grades 3-5 students continue to work on their writing skills based on classroom
assignments.
Mrs. Wei’s Grade 2 BSI students have been practicing counting the value of coins
collections on the smart board.
Mrs. Wei’s Grade 1 BSI students have been working hard to master their high
frequency reading words.
World Language

Mrs. Gonzalez’ Spanish class students were given time during class to discuss a
specific type of name calling: racial slurs. Delicately, this topic was discussed in order to
increase student awareness of the seriousness of racial slurs.
Speech
 Mrs. Hale’s students receiving speech and language services have made progress
towards mastery of the goals set forth in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Goals
have been addressed in the context of the general curriculum and/or NJCCS when
appropriate. Language enrichment lessons were presented to Mrs. Malanga’s
Kindergarten class with the goal of enhancing listening skills/
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
 Mr. Cioffi reports:
- Grades K-2 have begun developing their basketball skills. Students have been
practicing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills.
- Grade 3 is preparing for the Jump Rope for Heart upcoming program.
- Grades 4 & 5 have begun their Olympic Events. These events will take place
in January and February.
Special Ed
 Mrs. McKenna’ 4th and 5th Grade Reading classes read a book entitled, Stone Fox.
While reading the book, the children completed various activities such as character webs,
graphic organizers, mini-dictionaries, etc. Upon completion of the book, the class was
assigned a project. Their choices consisted of making a diorama, poster or mobile to
depict their favorite scenario from the book. The students then presented these projects to
their classmates, followed by a question/answer period and a discussion of how students
made their projects.

Mrs. Whalen’s 4th and 5th Grade class has been exploring the five senses. The students
have been learning about the sense organs and receptor cells. Students were involved in
the following various activities using their five senses:
- used their sense of touch to guess what objects were in various brown bags. Using
adjectives, students had to describe the objects in the bags.
- used their sense of taste to distinguish between salty, sour, sweet and bitter tastes.
-
used their sense of hearing to distinguish between different sounds by guessing
which object was making each sound.
Learning about the five senses has been FUN, according to the class.
Nurse
 Mrs. Terletzky, Roosevelt School Nurse, reports the following:
- Screenings – height, weight, blood pressure, & audio. All information documented into
health charts. Referrals given when necessary.
- Completion of the state TB report – sent to designated agencies.
- Reviewing Grade 5 health charts to determine which students are in need of
immunizations required for entrance to Grade 6. Notices sent to specific students.
- Retraining of Epipen delegates.
School Accomplishments
 Mrs. Badiola, Roosevelt School Student Council Advisor, is holding a bake sale for
Haitian relief. The proceeds from this special event will be donated to UNICEF and
earmarked for Haiti. It was just announced that the cupcake sale generated $511.40.
 To date, the Roosevelt Student Council has collected, sorted, and counted almost
67,000 polypropylene bottle caps for recycling.
Special Programs
 Mrs. Terletzky, Roosevelt School Nurse, presented a multimedia lesson about
Pathogens to Mrs. Badiola’s fifth graders. The students viewed a video about transference
of microorganisms on the SmartBoard, held a discussion, and participated in a “Name
that Organism” game. The students wrote explanatory compositions about the
transference of pathogens in today’s world.

In December, on Crazy Hat day, Mrs. Giuffre’s Third Grade Class was visited by
Rotary Club Members, Mr. Antonelli and Mr. Fernandez. They gave each student a
dictionary, and engaged them in some fun activities to help them with using their newly
acquired dictionaries.

Hackensack University Medical Center Guest Speaker, covered topics of
playground/car/bicycle safety for the younger grades. Included in the presentation was a
lesson about using 911. Older students learned about head and spinal cord injuries and
measures to take to prevent these injuries. Real life stories enhanced the lesson. Our
compliments to our school nurse, Doreen Terletzky, for arranging this important
program for our students.
Workshop Attendance
 Mrs. Badiola attended the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey
workshop, Successful Strategies for Preparing for NJ ASKS Assessment – Updates.

Mrs. Hale, Speech Teacher, attended an out-of-district conference entitled Current Best
Strategies to Help Speech-Language Pathologist Student Literacy.
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
MONTH: January 2010
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: WASHINGTON
Pre-Kindergarten
Mrs. Johnson’s – Pre-K class

This month Mrs. Johnson's class has been learning about winter and hibernation.
We conducted a little science experiment with some ice collected from our
playground. The children predicted what they thought would happen to the ice
when we brought it indoors, and then they observed and recorded the results by
drawing pictures. We've been discussing cold weather and why animals hibernate.
We spent one week learning all about bears, and we all brought in our favorite
stuffed bears at the end of the week. We compared, measured, counted, and sorted
our bears. We've had a few parent visitors this month, and they provided some cute
crafts that the children were able to make in class and then take home. It's always
fun for everyone when the parents come in to visit our class!
Pre-Kindergarten
Mrs. Luciano’s – Pre-K class
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"Looking-A-Head" in 2010- We drew a picture of our face and made a creative hat
for our head. On the hat we wrote what the children would like to learn to do in
2010.
We collected a variety of items to use on our snow person. After reading Snowballs
by Lois Ehlert we created a unique snow person using the materials we collected at
home and outside.
Our student of the month is Gianna Rizzi
We discussed Martin L. King Jr. and read a wonderful story about his life.
We work daily to improve our fine motor skills by working with clay, coloring and
using scissors.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Haag’s – Kindergarten class
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Reading - We learned the letters Bb, Kk, Oo and we learned to read the words for,
where, do, you, look. We read stories about different kinds of weather.
Math - We learned numbers 10-30 and how to group sets of 10.
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Science - We classified animals into the following families: birds, fish, mammals,
insects, and reptiles.
Social Studies - We listened to a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and
understood that he had a dream that all people are equal (the same) even if their
skin color is different.
Kindergarten
Miss Pusaver’s – Kindergarten class
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Miss Pusaver’s kindergarten has learned how to count and write the numbers from
0-30 in Math. We also enjoyed using paint to make Snowflake Symmetry! The
students also made pictures using only the shapes- circles, squares, triangles, and
rectangles!
In Reading, we are continuing to learn how to read by sounding and blending letter
sounds together and incorporating the High Frequency Words that we know! We
are learning how to distinguish the middle sound in words! We learned about
different kinds of weather and storms, along with hibernation in the winter months!
The students drew portraits of Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr. in celebration of his
birthday.
First Grade
Mrs. Dillon’s – First grade classes

In January, the first grade learned about numbers to 100. In Science, they learned
about how animals need plants for shelter and food. We welcomed new student
Daniel Munoz. The students wrote New Year’s Resolutions. Some students
promised to be good in school. One student even wrote about helping the poor
people. We enjoyed the visit from Officer Phil early in the month.
First Grade
Mrs. Crismale’s – First grade class
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The students in Mrs. Crismale's first grade class made New Year's Resolutions for
the new year.
The first grade has been working very hard learning about Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. and his contribution to our nation. We discussed the differences of today and in
the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We also discussed where Dr. Martin Luther
King's most famous speech took place and the meaning of the “I Have a Dream”
speech.
Second Grade
Ms. Mielke’s - Second grade class
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Sharing our Poster Book Reports with the class.
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Learning how to subtract using regrouping in math class.
Starting our letters in cursive handwriting.
Writing Winter Stories and Acrostic Poems in language arts.
Third Grade
Miss Maier’s – Third grade class
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Math – Subtraction of 3- and 4- digit numbers with regrouping and across zeros.
Social Studies – Communities and Geograhy
Recognize different communities have different landforms and bodies of water.
Identify physical features of a community.
Use map and globe skills to locate relative and absolute locations.
Wrote thank you letters to the Rotary Club for their generous donation of
individual student dictionaries.
Created a thank you banner – The Rotary Club – Spreading Good Words to
Students!
Science – Soils
How soils forms
The different types of soils
Conserving soils
Literacy - Theme 2 – Together We Can
Focus skill – Main Idea and Details
Robust vocabulary
Grammar – Simple and compound sentences
Writing – Form: Summary; Trait: Sentence fluency
Study Island
Fourth Grade
Ms. Verrier’s – Fourth grade class
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Writing: The students wrote "New Year's Resolution" compositions
S.S.: the students listened to the "I Have a Dream" speech in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Day. We discussed its significance to our history and the
connection to topics we are currently learning about in our social studies text, the
Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Fifth Grade
Ms. Lonergan – Fifth grade class
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The fifth grade went to the Meadowlands Environment Center for a program
entitled "Solar Energy: That's Hot".
The student Council raised money for the earthquake victims of Haiti by sponsoring
a "Jam" day. Students are invited to wear appropriate pajamas to school after
giving a donation.
Pre-K 3
Mrs. Porfido’s – Pre-K3 class
o We reviewed during Daily Calendar the days of the week and moths of the year.
o Students learned the new year, 2010
We read the story, “Just another Snowy Day.”
 We discussed different weather conditions of winter.
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Students made a self portrait and dressed them for the winter
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We sang the song, “If All the Snowflakes.”
Pre-K-4/5
Mrs. Fasouletos – Pre-K4/5
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This month the students in Mrs. Fasouletos’ K-1 self contained class learned several
new sounds in Reading, s, r, and d. We also reviewed previously learned sounds. In
handwriting, we worked on the letters Ss, Jj, and Dd the students really enjoyed our
projects for those letters. We wrote our letters in sand and sugar, made jello and
ate donuts. The students also learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. and enjoyed
reading about him.
In social skills this month the students continued to work on how to share and play
nicely with friends. We enjoy our social skills group. We distinguish between the
right and wrong way to utilize these skills and we role play and practice these skills
both in the classroom and during our specials.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Mrs. Kosiakowski’s – Kindergarten class and First Grade

Mrs. Kosiakowski's class made posters of coins that add up to $1.00. We used play
money. First we glued a dollar bill on the poster. Then we glued ten fake dimes,
four quarters, twenty nickels and two half dollars to the poster. Then we counted
our collections of coins.
Second and Third Grade
Mrs. Cutruzzula’s – Second and Third Grade class

Mrs. Cutruzzula's class: In observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Mrs.
Cutruzzula's class listened to the Martin Luther King Jr. read along book. The
students discussed the important events in Dr. King's life and the changes he
worked to bring about. The students wrote their own dreams for the people of the
world. Their ideas included health care, ending the war in Iraq and providing
homes and food for the poor.
Physical Education
Mrs. Scalia’s – Gym Class

The students in the third, fourth and fifth grade are busy practicing their routines
for the upcoming “Jump Rope for Heart” event scheduled for February 23, 2010.
Art
Ms. Cronk’s – Art Class

Ms. Cronk’s art classes grades Pre_K -5 began 2010 with a variety of festive New
Year projects, including banners with “Happy New Year,” in a many languages.
The art classes also celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. and “No Name Calling Week.”
Nurse
Ms. DeVenio
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Welcome Back! Hoping everyone had happy healthy holidays!
Annual Health Screenings are continuing with referrals as needed; conferences with
parents as needed continue
Mandatory State Report filed
Epi-Pen training for NAMS delegates completed, Epi-Pen training review
for Washington delegates completed
Letter sent home to 5th grade parents about state mandated immunizations for
entrance into 6th grade
A CDC educational flyer Five Minutes for Health was sent home with 1-5th grades
with tips on health and safety
Students who participated in creating posters on hand washing received Award
Certificates signed by the Bergen County Executive and the Bergen County
Department of Health Services Director. A photo was taken with the students the
posters and certificates. We are proud of all those that participated. The posters are
on display in my offices and around the school as a reminder to WASH HANDS!