Monthly Highlights: April 2008
North Arlington High School
Curriculum and Instruction
Mathematics Department:
 Mrs. Maresca used the Smart Board in her Pre-calculus classes to research blue book
values of cars on Kelly’s Blue Book website. The students will be using this website to
collect data for their fourth marking period projects. Her HSPA Math class used the TI-89
graphing calculators to explore graphing linear equations. For most of the students, this was
their first time using these calculators, and they were very excited about the technology.
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Miss Fash’s SRA students have completed the SRA process and have been approved by the
county superintendent for graduation. Her Geometry Honor’s students completed several
mini projects involving similar triangles to find the height and distance of real-life objects.
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Mr. Dembowski has been working schedules for underachieving students to attend pass
period twice a week. Students are given two days that are mandatory for them to show and
parents are being closely informed. The turnouts and grade improvements have been very
positive this month.
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Students in Ms. Meichenbaum’s Math Technology classes are currently learning right
triangle trigonometry. Her Algebra 1 students are currently finishing a chapter on factoring
English Department:
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Ms. Albuquerque’s English 4 and English 4 Honors classes explored the character of
Hamlet through impersonation. In English 3 classes, Jr. Debates were conducted and
holistically scored. Also, students enjoyed a virtual tour of the Globe Theatre during the
Renaissance.
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Ms. Burns’ English 3 and English 3 Honors classes also presented their debates and are
writing a reaction paper to the entire process. They also have begun a unit on the short story
and are working to understand and explore this genre. The POGO class is discussing the
United Nations’ role and effectiveness in world politics. Visual and Performing Arts
students are preparing their final projects and rehearsing their scripted scene.
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Ms. Hughes’ English I and English I Honors students are researching the topic of the
epic poem, The Odyssey, and are continuing to work on their freshman historical fiction
paper. English II students made Greek masks from Antigone, constructed out of paper mache
and presented them to the class.
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Ms. Ingannamorte’s SAT students compare the SAT and ACT exams. English IV
students are reading the novel Night and are reviewing book reviews on the Smartboard.
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Ms. Nichols’ English 3 students also presented their debates and reaction papers.
Learning to Write/Writing to Learn students are concentrating on writing different kinds
of essays. This is helpful to these seniors as they prepare to enter college.
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Ms. Singler’s AP Lit students are discussing making a movie out of their traditional novel
that is completed throughout the year. English II and II Honors are reading The Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn and discussing the life of author Mark Twain.
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Ms. Turner’s students in English I read The Lady or The Tiger and hypothesized the
possible endings in small teams. They also read The Secret Life of Walter Middy and wrote
their own story where they became the outlandish character. Later, they peer edited each
other’s work. English II students have begun The Great Gatsby. They also participated in
mini debates as a preparation to next year’s requirement. The Journalism class is working
on layout skills and the importance of meeting deadlines.
Social Studies Department:
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Mr. Galante’s PEG Honors class completed a flag project, depicting the flags of Asia.
The Modern World students reviewed the aftermath of WWII, and the Sociology classes
presented a debate on the ten most important aspects to a happy marriage as they discuss
family relationships and roles in our society.
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Ms. Ingannamorte’s AP European History students are rigorously preparing for the
AP Exam by revieiwng primary source documents and answering DBQs. US I students are
following closey our presidential election and are applying the principles of our constitution
to everyday life.
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Ms. Kusher’s students in all classes are following the primary elections and are excited
to see the outcome of the Pennsylvania primary. US II students have been studying the
culture of the 1920’s, looking at slang terms, music, clothing, and the roles of men and
women. Smartboard presentations have facilitated the hands-on approach. US I classes are
studying the Jefferson administration and the importance of the Louisiana Purchase. This has
included the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Students in the pd. 6/7 USII class were a part of
the NJ Close-Up in the classroom and are very excited to be a part of this television
production which will air in the Fall.
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Ms. O’Brien’s PEG class enjoyed a virtual tour of the Great Wall of China and
examined some of the unusual traditions such as “foot binding.” Also discussed was the
current crisis in Tibet as well as the leadership of the Dalai Lama. The AP US History class
is concentrating on primary source analysis of the Ford, Carter and Reagan administrations
and are also preparing for the AP Exam. US Government students presented their Minor
Party projects and the US History II students are studying the roaring 20’s including a
Smartboard presentation on slang, and noted persons such as Georgia O’Keefe and Charles
Lindberg, Jr. Students also learned about the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and the
Scopes Trial..
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Ms. Smith’s US II Honors classes utilized Smartboard technology to create and play a
Jeopardy game reviewing the War of 1812. Also, students read letters written to Eleanor
Roosevelt during the Great Depression and analyzed how the First Lady impacted the nation
and the role of the First Lady in administrations to come. This was supported by viewing the
A&E Biogrpahy of Eleanor Roosevelt. The PEG classes enjoyed a virtual tour of the Taj
Mahal while studying South Asian Empires. They also discussed and wrote an essay
comparing the movie Gandhi to the real life Mohandas Gandhi.
World Language Department:
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Ms. deDiego’s Spanish IV Honors students immersed themselves into the richness of
Spanish Art and studied a number of well-known artists including Picasso, Dali, Velázquez,
Goya, and Kahlo to name a few. Topics such as cubism, the “blue” period and “fantasía”
were examined, discussed, compared and contrasted – all in the target language. Spanish II
and III classes are using their now polished Spanish to describe scenes, people and things in
the target language.
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Ms. LoPresti’s Spanish IV students have completed the subjunctive mood and have
reviewed all other tenses as well. Students are preparing to use these finely tuned skills in a
advanced reading of a Spanish novel by Fuentes entitled “Aura..”
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Ms. Murad’s Spanish II classes read the windmill episode of Cervantes’ “Don Quijote
de La Mancha” and watched an excerpt from the movie as well. Then the students created
their own adventure for Don Quijote and Sancho Panza, his squire. Students also learned
travel vocabulary and read about a train trip from Cuzco to the lost city of Machu Picchu in
the Andes Mountains of Peru. Spanish I and Spanish I Honors have reviewed nouns and
adjectives, noting the agreement by gender and number and participated in TPR activities to
enhance mastery. Additionally, Smartboard technology was used to review additional
grammar and vocabulary in everyday use.
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Ms. Perreira’s Spanish I and Spainsh I Honors students have worked on creating
compositions dialogues in the target language. Focusing on media and internet vocabulary,
students acted out authentic dialogues in Spanish. Also, students chose a scene from a
favorite movie and, in small groups, acted it out in the target language. Spanish 3 Honors
students have begun researching new vocabulary related to current day professions. Students
created a profile of themselves as to who they may be ten years from now and shared it in
Spanish with other students.
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Ms. McKeown’s French I students are studying food vocabulary and have engaged in a
number of related activities to use these new words in French. French recipes were written
using quantity vocabulary, students polled one another regarding their likes and dislikes of
some of the traditional dishes, and a shopping list was prepared in the target language for a
typical French family.
Business Education Department:
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Mrs. Tomko’s and Mr. Kenny’s Keyboarding students have begun work in Excel
Spreadsheets--formulas, calculations and formatting the worksheets!
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Mrs. Tomko’s and Mr. Kenny’s Computer Applications II students completed the
introductory/review work in Excel and are moving on to Functions & Formulas with related
projects. Buying a Car Project and Charts are being worked on.
Project- Students were asked to pick three cars that they would be interested in
purchasing (one moderate, one cheap, and one expensive). They researched these cars
and their prices. Using financial formulas in Excel, the students calculated their monthly
payments for each car (based on various interest rates and various time periods). Using
their findings, the students picked a car. The final step was to type a conclusion essay.
(This project utilizes Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word)
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Mrs. Tomko’s Intro to Business students are working on Insurance and have completed
chapters on Introduction to Insurance and Vehicle Insurance. Mrs. Tomko has also been very
busy arranging Mentor Day visits for students.
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Mrs. Tomko’s Personal Finance students completed Credit and Credit Card units.
Students have begun work on the Wedding Projects including budgeting and consumer
buying skills.
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Mr. Kenny’s Accounting students have been working with the closing process (closing
entries, posting, post-closing trial balance). They have also been reviewing the entire
accounting cycle.
Project/writing assignment: Students have continued to complete weekly current events
in accounting essays. The essays are based on a class discussion related to accounting
newspaper/internet articles.
Project: Students were given a business situation (chart of accounts and list of
transactions) and they were asked to complete the entire accounting cycle (journalizing to
post-closing trial balance)
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Ms. Rosolen’s Web Design students completed an Electronic Portfolio of work they
completed in the Desktop Publishing class using the program SeaMonkey Composer. They
are currently working on group projects highlighting the impact computers and the Internet
have on society.
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Ms. Rosolen’s Information Management students are currently working on reviewing
material and taking practice tests in preparation for the IC3 certification test.
Family and Consumer Science:
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Mrs. Comer’s Culinary Arts students wrapped up a unit on pasta and its nutritional
value. Students prepared dishes such as broccoli and cavatelli, baked macaroni and cheese,
and baked pasta primavera casserole to name a few. Students were asked to suggest ways to
add proteins to make complete meals. Discussions for easy preparation on hot plate and
microwave preparation with additions and subtractions of vegetables and proteins were
shared.
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Mrs. Comer’s Child Development students are completing their understanding of teen
pregnancy, pregnancy, and what to expect when baby arrives. In addition, the earliest stages
of planning for nursery school graduation have begun. “student teachers” are looking forward
with anticipated excitement.
Music Department:
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Ms. Corcoran’s Chorus classes are coming along very nicely. They are working on
expanding their singing techniques by working on new warm ups and breathing techniques.
The music for the concert is coming together.
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Mr. Kastner’s Instrumental classes are continuing their preparation of the concert
music and the skills necessary for performing with positive growth. They are also working
on their music for their performance in Epcot in Florida.
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Mr. Kastner’s Music Cycle class presented PowerPoint presentations after researching
an artist and working collaboratively in groups.
Art Department:
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Ms. DuJack’s Art classes worked on a variety of projects given during her absence due
to family illness:
 Writing assignments focusing on artists Pablo Picasso, Thomas Benton, Edward
Munch, and Vincent van Gogh
 Graphing exercises
 Pointillist pattern illustrations
 “Optidesign” work on color and pattern
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Students are also learning basic handing, cleaning, and techniques involved in working
with a new airbrush system recently received.
Physical Education Department:
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Ms. Vespoli, Mr. Marcantuono, Mr. Placenti, and Mr. Farinola’s students expanded
warm-up activities to include cardiovascular components of fitness. Students continued
utilizing our weight room to improve on muscular strength and endurance through various
strength training exercises.
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Mr. Cimo, Mr. Marcantuono’s student teacher, has taken on full responsibility of Mr.
Marcantuno’s Physical Education classes.
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Starting in late April and finishing in early May all Physical Education students will be
competing in a school wide Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge. Each student will
complete a timed sit-up and push-up event, shuttle run, broad jump, and pull-up/flexed arm
hang. These activities will test our student body on flexibility, endurance, agility, and
strength components of fitness.
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Classes continued the unit of indoor soccer/ outdoor stick ball/ and outdoor basketball.
These activities will foster student participation and improve game skills.
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Students will begin outdoor golf unit focusing on grip, stance, and swing. Students will
be taught the correct way to “chip” a golf ball. This unit will culminate with a chipping
competition using our outdoor targets.
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Students Participated in National Walk at Work Day on 4/16 promoting physical activity
through a 1.8 mile walk around town.
Health:
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Mr. Marcantuono’s and Mr Farinola’s 9th Grade Health focused on the benefits of
exercise identifying the 5 components of fitness, how students can improve each component,
and variations of each exercise.
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Mr .Farinola’s and Mr. Marcantuono’s 9th Grade Health completed units on Alcohol,
Tobacco, and various illegal and legal drugs.
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Mr. Marcantuono’s and Ms. Vespoli’s 12th Grade Health classes have just completed
a unit on relationships and marriage. The lessons focused on commitment and attributes to
look for in a relationship.
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Ms. Vespoli’s Dance Class was introduced to various Ballroom and Modern Dance
techniques.
Workshops Attended:
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On April 14, 2008, Mr. Abu-Hakmeh attended the Association of Mathematics
Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) and New Jersey Department of Education conference on
changes involved in Mathematics teaching and assessment methods. Topics covered at the
conference include: revised standards and high school end-of course exams.
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Mrs. Maresca attended two workshops this month. The first workshop, presented by the
South Bergen Jointure Commission, addressed the issue of “Differentiated Instruction”.
During this workshop, participants were provided with many hands-on activities that can be
implemented in the classroom. A follow-up workshop, which will address the topic of
“Assessment”, will be presented in May. The second workshop, presented by the
Glencoe/McGraw Hill Publishing Company, provided information on bridging the gap
between middle and high school math through the implementation of their textbook series.
The second workshop was also attended by Mr. Dembowski.
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Ms. Singler and Ms. Hughes completed their final session with NJPAA, and Supervisor
Nancy LoPresti created a graph using the data from the holistic scoring results of that
seminar.
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Nancy LoPresti attended an informative workshop on Differentiated Instruction on April
8th and brought back some interesting new ideas to share with staff.
Student Recognition:
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Miss Fash organized a school fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. Under her direction, the girls’
track team sponsored a “Jar Wars” which helped raise over $900.00 for Cystic Fibrosis.
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Mr. Dembowski’s students, Marlee Rodriguez, Shealyn Kenny, Eddie Tillou, Huihung Li,
and Madeleine Velez ended the third marking period with grades greater than 95.
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Mr. Dembowski and the freshmen class have concluded their t-shirt sale. Overall, the sale
was successful and raised money for future events.
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Klevi Fusha, a student in Ms. Meichenbaum's Algebra 1 class, continues to tutor his peers
after school.
Mathew Cordiero, Stephanie Moncayo, Kaitlyn Fischer and Erica Vigilioro showed
outstanding musical and ensemble leadership by setting examples with their hard work
The Junior Debates were a tremendous success with 100% of the students participating.
Debates were performed in front of two of six judges, scored on a rubric with a follow up
reaction paper as part of the final grade. English staff met briefly afterward to discuss
outcome and improvements for the following year.
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Parents were invited to a Summer Reading Committee meeting on April 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Several parents attended and a tentative list for this year was outlined. After reading
different selections, the Committee will meet again on May 5th to discuss the readings and
make some final selections.
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Freshmen English teachers are finalizing instruction on the Freshmen historical fiction
research papers. They final copies will be collected on April 20th.
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Social Studies teachers have been sharing creative Smartboard lessons including virtual
tours of famous places, “Jeopardy” review games and the presidential race to name a few.
This collegial sharing provides consistency and creativity in lesson implementation..
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World Language teachers have developed a strong cohesiveness in their department. It is
not uncommon for each of them to share supporting resources, TPR ideas, Smartboard
lessons, and cultural discoveries.
Accomplishments:
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Mr. Abu-Hakmeh’s AP Calculus students continue to prepare for the AP Exam which
will administered on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. Students were instructed to complete five
full AP style exams and bring their work to class to be discussed. Four of the five exams
were analyzed completely.
Mrs. Maresca’s HSPA Math class has completed a unit on graphing linear equations.
The students have made great progress with their graphing skills.
Mr. Dembowski students have been working extremely hard to have a successful third
marking period. Period two Geometry has been regularly coming after school for extra
help and reviews before tests. As a result, no student scored below a seventy for the third
marking period.
The Spanish Honor Society collected $254.38 in their “Pennies for Patients” fund raiser
to support Leukemia and Lymphoma research.
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SADD members attended the Lindsey Meyer Bowlathon raising $200.00 for the Lindsey
Meyer Scholarship fund.
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38 Students attended Drew University’s Holocaust/Genocide Presentation on April 30th
and had the privilege to meet the authors, Japp and Ina Polak of “Steal a Pencil for Me.”
This presentation included a 90-minute film portraying the book, which is a collection of
love letters written between the two while they were in a concentration camp in the
1940’s. The presentation was both educational and heart-warming. Our school was
provided a DVD of the video and a complimentary book.
Sports:
Baseball:
The baseball team currently has a 5-7 record with impressive wins against Secaucus,
Harrison, and Palisades Park. The team has already won as many games as the previous two
years combined. The coaches and athletes have worked extremely hard throughout the
season helping to improve on last year’s record. The JV team has a record of 6-5-2 with
wins over Palisades Park, Wood Ridge, and Secaucus.
Softball:
The softball team currently has a 7-7 record with impressive wins against Kearny,
Weehawken, Hasbrouck Heights, and Lyndhurst. The team needs four more wins to qualify
for the state tournament. The JV team has three wins beating Ridgefield, Wallington, and
Weehawken.
Boys Track:
The boys track team has a 4-2 record posting impressive wins against Ridgefield, Becton,
Secaucus, and Lyndhurst. The team has also competed in several invitational and county
tournament races. Anthony Orovio and Ruben Santos have excelled in the long jump and the
100m. The boys are currently in second place in the league.
Girls Track:
The Girls track team has a 5-1 record with wins over Becton, Secaucus, Ridgefield, Wood
Ridge, and Lyndhurst. The team has competed in several invitational and county tournament
races. Tara Fisher has set and broken her own pole vault school record, while the 4x400
relay team continues to improve on there own school record time. The Girls are in second
place in the league behind Hasbrouck Heights.
Golf:
Our Golf team has a 6-5 record good for 2nd place in the league with wins against
Weehawken, New Milford, and Palisades Park. The team consists of 8 golfers all of which
are underclassmen. In May the team will be competing in several tournaments.
Honors/Awards
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Matt Priore All-County Boys Bowler
Ashley Johnson All-County Girls Bowler
Samantha Veneziano pitched a perfect game against Kearny 4/2
Kerrin Dys pitched a no-hitter against Ridgefield 4/4
Joe Monahan pitched a no-hitter against Secaucus 4/22
Our programs were highlighted in several newspaper articles including the Star Ledger,
Bergen Record, and The Observer.
Varsity Cheerleaders received their championship rings at the April 28 BOE meeting.
Implementation of Objectives:
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Mr. Abu-Hakmeh’s AP Calculus class applied the concepts of Calculus to model and
analyze the dynamic behavior of natural systems.
Mr. Abu-Hakmeh’s Statistics class finished a unit on Hypothesis Testing where they
learned how to analyze claims, validate results, and draw conclusions.
Mrs. Maresca’s Algebra 2 classes began a unit on exponential functions. As an
application of the concepts covered in class, the students are investigating the effects of
different types of compound interest on an investment. As a culminating activity the
students were given a writing assignment in which they will research interest rates of a
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bank and compute the amount of interest accrued on an investment if the interest is
compounded quarterly, daily, and continuously.
Mrs. Maresca’s Pre-calculus classes are working on a unit exploring exponential
functions. The students are working on problems applying the concepts of exponential
growth and decay. Their fourth marking period project will require the students to
compute the rate of depreciation for a new car of their choice.
Mr. Capriola’s Geometry Basic classes completed a project that involved quadrilateral quilt
design. Students had to design a quilt block or drawing using geometric patterns that create
optical special effects. Students were instructed to do research about quilt making to find
how repeating patterns of triangles and quadrilaterals are used in their design. The students
were then asked to present their quilt design and write a report containing information on the
classification of the geometric shapes that were used, a list of the properties of each shape,
and some examples of reflections, rotations, and translations. This project gave students a
practical understanding of how geometrical properties related to real-life applications.
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Mr. Capriola’s Pre-Algebra classes participated in an experimental probability
activity. The activity involved the random tossing of a number cube. Students, in groups
of two, were to toss the number cube 50 throws and record how many times an assigned
number (1-6) resulted. Using these results the students then calculated the probabilities of
the experiment. This lesson helped students to improve their understanding of the
concepts of both theoretical and experimental probability.
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Mr. Capriola’s Algebra 1 classes completed an activity involving scientific notation.
Students asked to research the distance of the planets in our solar system to the sun. The
students were then instructed to show each planet’s distance from the sun in both scientific
and standard notation. Students had to also create a table listing the planets’ distances, in
scientific notation, smallest to largest. Students were also responsible for writing an
explanation of how scientific notation makes presenting and computing with large numbers
easier. This project helped students understand how both mathematical and scientific
procedures relate to real-world applications.
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Mr. Dembowski’s Geometry classes have been working with the area of polygons and
circles. Word problems are being worked out in groups to approach real life problems
consisting of area. The problems are also preparing the students for questions with
written explanations that may be asked in standardized testing
Mr. Dembowski’s Algebra 1A Classes have been working on graphing coordinate
points and solving equations by graphing. To reinforce the material in class, both algebra
classes have been making games to review the material. One game the class used to
check their understanding of coordinate points was battle ships. Students created a
coordinate plane on graph paper and then strategically would set up five different
measured lines on the graph paper. Two lines would consist of five coordinate points,
two lines with four coordinate points, and one with three. Students then took turns
guessing coordinate points trying to guess the other student’s lines.
Ms. Meichenbaum’s Math Technology completed a writing assignment that used word
problems to solve for distance, rate and time. This helped students practice applying the
formula d = rt in real-world word problem solving applications.
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Students in Ms. Meichenbaum’s Algebra 1 classes are currently finishing a chapter on
factoring. This section is especially important because students have to use critical
thinking skills to determine the factors of one number that add to up another. Later in
the month, students will be introduced to graphing quadratic functions which will prepare
them for Geometry and Algebra 2.
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Ms. Hazina’s Algebra II Honors class completed a unit on Exponential and
Logarithmic Functions, and started to analyze Rational Functions. Her Computer
Programming class is working on Windows Applications using Visual Basic net
methods and controls. Her SAT and HSPA Classes worked on test taking strategies.
Press Releases:
● Miss Fash was part of an interview process by NJEA’s Classroom Close-Up. She was
interviewed regarding her participation in the High School’s first year participating in the
Virtual High School program. The Classroom Close-Up taping is scheduled to air in October
of this year.
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The Leader printed an article about the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the program at the
High School. It can be accessed online as well as in print format.
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS: April 2008
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mathematics
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Miss
Neubauer's math classes are continuing to learn about geometry. They are
working on area and volume of various 2 and 3 dimensional shapes. They will also be
exploring tangrams again. In addition to constructing pictures using tangrams, they will
figure out the area of each piece and how the pieces all relate to each other.
Mr. Bernstein's eighth grade math classes teamed up with students from Ms. Janczak's
and Ms. Maucione's sixth and seventh grade classes to act as mentors. Topics covered
included Least Common Multiple as well as several geometry lessons on angles. The
students benefited by having several of their peers personally instruct them on the
technique.
Miss Thomas’ 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students worked hard preparing for the big NJ
ASK day. Students familiarized themselves with reference sheets, reviewed proper
calculator procedures, and most importantly, reviewed material from the beginning of the
year to now. Between the weekly questions, practice tests, and review days, students will
walk into the test feeling confident and strong.
Miss Maucione’s Grade 7 math classes worked on a project. This project consisted of
two separate parts. For the first part of the project each student had to create their own
tessellation. She provided each student with the oak tag paper needed to create their
tessellation. The second part of the project consisted of students creating their own word
problems based on advertisements. They were responsible for finding six advertisements
out of a newspaper or magazine and using those advertisements to create word problems.
Each word problem had to have a solution. When creating the word problems different
math concepts and operations had to be used.
Ms. Califano’s Basic Skills Grades 7 & 8 are covering Geometry. They are studying
measuring angles, polygons, similar and congruent figures, translations, triangles, area,
circles, and circumference. All the classes are using the textbook, supplemental
materials, reference sheets, calculators, and provided with extra help.
Language Arts
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Mrs. Boyd’s Grade 7 Reading classes learned about alliteration, onomatopoeia and
hyperbole. Her classes focused on poetry all month. The students read poems by
Langston Hughes, Robert Frost, Emily Dickenson and Edgar Allan Poe. They learned the
difference between an ode and a sonnet and even wrote some original poems of their
own. As a culminating project students had to research one poet and locate and analyze a
poem by that poet.
Mrs. Duff’s Grade 6 students read Where the Red Fern Grows. The story is a classic
and involves a young boy, his two dogs and the love of hunting. The students also learned
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many characteristics of a hunting hound. As a hands - on learning experience Mrs. Duff
brought her dog Shamus into the classroom. Shamus is a German Shorthaired Pointer
which is a hunting dog. The students were able to see first hand how a hunting dog
follows a scent, listens to directions outside of the classroom and retrieves a ball and
returns it to the ball handler. The students had a wonderful day with man’s best friend.
Grade 6 staff have been getting students ready for the NJ ASK test. The students in
reading classes have been locating unfamiliar vocabulary words in context. The students
have been writing the words on index cards, defining the word, composing a
grammatically correct sentence and using the word correctly in context and
then compiling them in an index card box. The students then trade the cards to check for
accuracy.
Mrs. Helms’ 8th grade reading class started an Edgar Allan Poe author study. As an
introduction to his life and works, the students did an Edgar Allan Poe “scavenger hunt”.
Using the internet, the students logged on to www.poemuseum.org and had to search the
website for answers related to Edgar Allan Poe. By answering these questions, the
students were given insight into Poe’s tragic life and what influenced his work. In the
days that followed the scavenger hunt, the students read a few of Poe’s works including
The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, and The Cask of Amontillado.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Miss Keeler’s Reading class was introduced to
various poetic forms, such as Haiku, English Sonnets, and ballads. The students read and
analyzed the works of several great literary minds, ranging from the historical classics
William Shakespeare and Emily Dickenson, to the modern minds of Shel Silverstein and
Jack Prelutsky. After familiarizing themselves with the poetic genre, the class began the
task of creating their own poems. The most popular form was perhaps the Haiku, as the
students enjoyed expressing their feelings on life and nature by counting the syllables in
the Japanese form.
The creative juices were also flowing through Miss Keeler’s writing class, as they
completed two very unique projects this month. Working in groups, the class came up
with 12 invented products and marketed them by drawing up billboards and planning
several commercials for each one. They continued using their skills as entrepreneurs
throughout the next assignment: creating a restaurant. Again in groups of 2 or 3, the class
planned and produced menus for their invented dining facilities. This resulted in eleven
beautifully decorated menus, all of different themes and cuisines, each with a complete
food selection and price list.
In writing this month, Mrs. Coughlin’s 6th grade classes learned how to write a
business letter. This was a follow up of the friendly letters the students did in February.
Students learned the correct format and a variety of reasons for using a business letter.
Each class made up their own Candy Company and came up with a problem that they
could have that would merit a complaint business letter. This activity was very enjoyable
for everyone and fulfills the CCCS 3.2 D 11.
World Languages
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Mrs. Marchese’s eighth graders learned all about camping in Spain. They learned that
middle class families go camping for a month at a time in the summer. The family
vacation is very important for the Spaniards to keep in touch with each family member.
The parents take time off from work to spend time with their children.
Mrs. Marchese’s sixth and seventh graders learned about marriages in the Spanish
countries. The wife takes on the husband's name as well as the father's name. It is
common for Spanish people to have two last names instead of one like we have here in
the United States. The father's last name is first and next is the mother's maiden name.
This was a fun month for Mrs. McNerney’s Spanish classes. To finish this marking
period each student prepared a special snack to share with the entire class. First they
created a list of ingredients and step by step instructions of how to prepare their favorite
snack, in Spanish. Every student had the opportunity to present their handy work by
making an oral presentation; later on they shared each one of their dishes. Peanut butter
and jelly was a popular choice, cupcakes and even chocolate pudding were part of the
menu. Seventh and eight graders are great cooks and even better Spanish learners.
Social Studies
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Grade 6 Social Studies classes are currently learning about the US and Canada. Since
the students already know the US states and their location, they are concentrating on
Canada. All the students are asked to be able to identify and locate the Territories and
Provinces of Canada, the Great Lakes, and other Canadian waterbodies.
Mrs. Fisher's social studies classes learned about the Greek and Roman gods and
goddesses. They realized that they were the same main gods with different names. The
students had to memorize the 12 gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus (plus the two
that rotate in and out), what the god/goddess represents, and how he/she is related.
Mr. Wolowitz had his Grade 8 Social Studies classes do a writing project. He asked
the students to write an article about a battle in the Mexican-American War. In the article
the students had to give a chronological list of the events that took place in the battle and
answer the questions: who, what, when, where, and how. These are the type of questions
the students are going to have to answer on the NJASK. In order to receive full credit the
students had to make sure they answered all the required questions completely.
Science

Mrs. Galante’s students have just finished their study of the Geological Time Periods.
As a final project they had to choose a time period and create a travel brochure. They had
to pretend they were a travel agent and design a booklet to advertise their time period.
Using prior information and experiences from their own personal vacations the students
created their brochures. For example: they had the Bedrock Hotel and Dino burgers from
the Mesozoic Era, and the erupting volcanoes and reptile punch from the Cretaceous
Period. The students made presentations to their classmates.
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Miss Scerbo’s Grade 6 Science students learned about the skeletal and muscular
systems. The students watched Brain Pop videos and answered the questions from the
Brain Pop quiz, labeled skeletons to learn the names of bones, watched Discovery
Streaming video clips to learn about joints, and learned new vocabulary. An activity that
the students enjoyed was playing the interactive game, called Muscle Hustle. This game
was played on the laptops and came from the science world website. Students used their
muscles to try to ride a bike. Students learned this was much harder than it looks and that
the brain has a lot of work to do to make the muscular and skeletal system work together.

Mr. Haines and Ms. Soliman have prepared the eighth grade class for the science and
writing NJASK8. The students have been preparing for the NJASK8 exams by
participating in student centered quiz show using Study Island, whereby the students lead
the program of questions and group review of incorrect answers then resolve the
misinterpreted and incorrect answers. Also the students have been reporting their work on
Study Island and in class working on the persuasive and speculative writing prompts.
They have also been working in class reviewing the New Jersey Department of Education
website’s online previous GEPA exams.
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The 7th Grade students created a wonderful project based on the Pop Art movement.
They used Andy Warhol as an inspiration and created pop art pieces based on his work.
The students were photographed and their portraits were printed in black and white 4
times. They chose color combinations for their portraits. Every portrait had to have a
different color combination. The students used watercolors to paint their portraits, the
ink used in printing the pictures was water based so they had to be careful not to use too
much water to color in the portraits or they would loose the details on their faces. Once
the paintings were completed the students mounted them on large poster board paper.
Art
Music
 Mr. Nicolle’s bands continued practice on music for the upcoming spring concert.
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Lessons are progressing to where approximately 5 students will complete their lesson
books in time to receive medals at the spring concert.
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The band successfully completed two fundraisers this month: Cookie Dough and
Magazines, currently sold $1635.00 in merchandise, (profit not known at this time), and a
bake-sale bringing in $255.
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education

Miss DeBlasio’s 6th graders learned a new activity that they enjoyed very much. They
began to learn the basics of Ultimate Frisbee. The students first learned how to correctly
throw and catch a frisbee. Then, they developed the beginning skills of offense and
defense when playing in a small group. Finally, the 6th graders were able to make teams
and play the game. They ended up loving it although in the beginning they were not so
receptive to a new idea. This is hopefully a lifelong skill they can take with them in life.

The 7th and 8th grade students began their intense Field Day training. For the 8th
graders, it was a time to review who did what last year in field day. The students were
very excited to start training for the big day. Students want to make this field day one that
is memorable for them. It would be nice to bring the trophy home to a new teacher!
Computers

Mr. Guanci’s 6th Grade Advanced Technology classes were able to create a Power
Point slide show on Earth Day. The students researched facts on Earth Day by using the
internet and inserted the facts into their slides. The students also added helpful tips on
how to help the environment, global warming, deforestation and other topics. The
students added pictures and animation to make their slides move. The students enjoyed
creating the slide show and learned a lot about their topics. After all their work was
completed they watched each others show on the projector.
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The Seventh Grade Advanced Technology classes used the SmartBoard to mix
chemicals and see how they react to one another. The students also combined two
elements to form new elements. Students also used the website www.frogguts.com to
dissect a frog and learn about its parts. The students also worked lessons in
www.brainpop.com and competed as teams to get the most correct answers.
Guidance
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Mrs. Bacek has been working this month, with groups of 7th grade students who have
not been completing class and/or homework assignments. Strategies and goals were
worked on in these sessions. Some students were discussed with Team staff.
Special Ed

Mrs. Callahan’s 6th grade reading classes worked on extending what they learned in
Saturday Test Prep classes by continuing to work on test prep skills and tactics. The
students worked on the Study Island computer program twice every other week and
continued working in their test prep books. They also learned effective tactics for
answering open-ended questions and became familiar with various types of text that is
found on the state test.
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Mrs. Callahan’s 7th grade writing classes continued to work on persuasive writing as
well as speculative writing in order to prepare for the state testing. Persuasive topics
included: Should the school be allowed to search students’ lockers? Should students be
required to participate in a sport during each season? Should the school enact a policy
whereby there would be separate classes for boys and girls? The highlight of their
persuasive writing unit was when they had to write an essay persuading the reader as to
which part of the toothpaste tube is the proper one to squeeze in order to best utilize the
tube.
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Mrs. Callahan’s 7th grade reading classes began reading the book Holes. While
reading the book, special emphasis was placed on character development, flashback and
irony. The students also prepared for the NJASK test by completing test prep activities
twice/week. These activities were either completed in their test prep books or on the
Study Island computer program.
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Mrs. Kowalczyk's 8th grade Writing classes wrote two essays, one speculative and
one persuasive. For the speculative essay, the students wrote about North Arlington.
They had to pretend that they were an expert on the town trying to promote tourism. For
the persuasive essay, the students had to persuade the mayor to help beautify the town
also to promote tourism and revenue.

Miss Janczak’s 6th Grade Writing students created “earth care” bumper stickers. They
created an appropriate message and design which they completed in class. As a
culminating activity, students prepared an Earth Day play in which they all participated.
The students enjoyed themselves and were very proud of their production and creations.
In Miss Janczak’s Science class the students identified the parts of the skeleton, learned
what the skeletal system does, and discovered which bones they use at different times.
They all enjoyed making the model of a skeleton and identifying each bone in the body.
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Workshop Attendance
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Mrs. Backek conducted an in house workshop for homeroom staff on how to input
attendance into Real time.
Mrs. Kowlaczyk attended Newspapers In Education
Mrs. Clarke attended Partners in Progress and Speech Therapy workshops
School Accomplishments
 Music held a bake sale to help defray costs for the Great Adventure trip. Band shirts went
on sale also for the same trip.
 Grade 7 held a raffle for Nets tickets for fundraising.
 The Junior Women’s Club, in association with the Bergen County Health Department,
conducted a program for Grade 8 on April 15th. The topic was a safety plan for teens.
Special Programs
Mrs. Roller's ESL students took the ACCESS for ELLs standardized test this month.
Afterwards, the beginning ESL students have been doing quick, game-like reviews of areas of
vocabulary such as foods and occupations. They are encouraged to work at home with
www.LanguageGuide.org to improve their vocabulary knowledge.
Press Releases Sent to Central Office

Miss Tzakis’s class, in honor of Earth Day, decided to plant flowers around the tree in
the school yard. they made a stepping stone and engraved it with
“Earth Day 08.” The students measured out a circle around the tree and planted pansies.
The students constructed index cards that explored the ways in which they could make a
difference.
Field Trips
 Grade 8 to Mahwah High School for a Shakespeare play
MONTH: APRIL 2008
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: JEFFERSON SCHOOL
Kindergarten
 Ms. McCrea’s Kindergarten engaged in:
o Number Patterns – Data, Graphing and Probability
o Letters N, G, R
o Plants
o Social Studies Work (needs vs. wants) and Volunteerism
o Thematic Units and Centers on Earth Day, Spring, Plants
 Mrs. Northrop’s Kindergarten engaged in:
o Science-- the study of plants
o Social Studies-- the calendar year
o Language-- beginning, middle and ending sounds, word basketball,
comprehension and guided reading
o Writing-- using more than one sentence to write a story
o Math-- graphing, measurement and probability
First Grade
 Mrs. Pereira and Mrs. Paglucci’s first grade classes went on a trip that proved to
be an educational extravaganza - to watch the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Circus in the Izod Center at the Meadowlands (East Rutherford, NJ).
They got to see the science behind the work, the trust of performance teamwork,
the dedication needed for animal-human partnerships, and more! Upon arrival,
students were asked to discuss and write about their favorite part of the circus.
Second Grade
 Mrs. Nolan’s and Mrs. Korycinski’s second grades participated in a Flat Stanley
project. The class read the book Flat Stanley. Each student wrote in a journal about their
experiences as if they were Stanley Lambchop. They then wrote friendly letters and
mailed paper Stanleys to people we know. We’re awaiting the returns of our Stanleys
after they visit with friends and family far away. In Math, we learned about geometry,
three digit place value, and patterns.
 Recently we were pleased to learn that Tatiana Yared submitted a poem to a young poet’s
contest and her poem will be published this fall. Presently she is working with a
computer program called Garage Band to put her poem to music.
Third Grade
 Mrs. Keogh’s 3rd graders created timelines related to math and social studies projects
and listened to a reader from North Arlington Women’s Club as she read a chapter book
entitled The War With Grandpa. For Earth Day the children sang a song and made
ladybug feeding sticks which they placed in gardens. They also constructed an Earth Day
Quilt. In Science they planted and observed seed growth and filled in chart over spring
vacation. In math the students are engaged in oral multiplication tests.

Mrs. Harte’s 3rd grade class wrote about their future plans and made egg-shaped
likenesses of themselves in the future---the project was entitled “Egg-ceptional Futures.”
Earth Day projects included writing activities about what each student might do to keep
the Earth clean. SmartBoard activities were included as well as art activities. In Math,
the class studied graphing using pieces of Lucky Charms cereal and graphing the
different kinds of marshmallows included in their individual bags of the cereal.
Fourth Grade
 Miss Jacobson’s’ 4th Grade Science class began to learn about and work with electricity
and magnetism. Students completed hands-on investigations. Each student made a bulb
light up by completing a circuit with a battery, wire, and a bulb. Students completed the
investigation “How magnets and electricity can interact.” Also, students worked with
magnets around the classroom to find objects that stick and objects that don’t stick. The
students identified characteristics of magnetism. Students learned about rainsticks and
created their own rainstick for Earth Day.
 Mrs. Rotondo’s 4th grade students read an Earth Day story and described ways in
which they can help the Earth. April is Mathematics Awareness Month which was
celebrated by various Math activities that incorporated Math in the students’ everyday
lives. Mrs. Rotondo’s fourth graders participated in Battle of the Books and will receive
a pizza party. Mrs. Rotondo’s writing class is focusing on weekly descriptive and
narrative essay writing assignments. Each student wrote and illustrated unique book
entitled Imagine in which they expressed their creativity through an imaginative story.
 Mrs. Herrmann’s 4th Grade Language Arts students studied how to make valid
judgments about writers’ statements in nonfiction books, ads, and articles, learned how to
make generalizations, focused on determining authors’ purpose and perspective for
writing, applied context clues to determine meaning of homographs and learned how to
get information from nonfiction texts using skimming and scanning methods. In addition,
students were engaged in Smart Board lessons, various writing assignments in preparing
for the NJASK4, and used laptops for reading and poetry lessons.
 Mrs. Applegate’s 4th grade Social Studies class began to study contemporary New
Jersey history and learn about recent challenges facing New Jersey residents. Students
also analyzed historical artifacts to identify people’s values. Leveled readers were also
used to supplement these topics. Students also began studying the levels of government in
the United States and New Jersey.
Fifth Grade
 Miss Jacobson’s 5th grade Science Class began to study the solar system. Students
studied the phases of the moon and characteristics of the planets. Students completed the
investigation “How Earth, the Moon, and the Sun Move through Space.” Also, students
learned about rainsticks and created their own rainstick for Earth Day.
 Miss Jacobson’s Language Arts class is preparing for NJASK. They are learning test
taking strategies and applying them in practice tests. Students completed numerous
persuasive writing prompts and speculative writing prompts.
 Mrs. Rotondo’s 5th grade math classes are focusing on higher level thinking questions
in preparation for the NJ ASK. Fifth graders are completing the geometry unit and will
work cooperatively on an assessment project.
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Art
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Mrs. Herrmann’s 5th grade Language Arts students applied reading skills and
strategies to determine author’s perspective and purpose in reading materials, focused on
recognizing text features, studied propaganda techniques, engaged in summarizing and
paraphrasing activities and actively used the SmartBoard to enhance class participation in
lessons. Students also participated in Literature Circle activities, Study Island activities
using lap tops, letter writing, and speculative writing prompts as well as preparing for the
NJASK 5.
Mrs. Applegate’s 5th grade Social Studies students completed the study of the early
English settlements in America. Emphasis was placed on finishing the Middle and
Southern colonies’ political and economic growth during the colonial era, as well
identifying and labeling colonies and specific cities of importance. Students also
reviewed economic terms and concepts related to trade-offs and the opportunity costs,
and did activities related to this economic concept. Students also presented orally their
Women’s History reports to their classmates.
Mrs. Applegate’s 5th grade writing class continued to work on Study Island. Focuses
this month centered upon mastering those areas where students were below proficient and
increasing the proficient scores of proficient students to the advanced level. Writing
Workshop pieces focused on timed writing of persuasive and speculative essays and
stories as preparation for state testing in May.
Ms. Cronk’s Art Classes continued their world tour this month! In April they visited
Africa and Europe. Each grade created several unique projects inspired by the cultures
and countries we studied. Some of our exciting projects included:
o Kindergarten- Egyptian Hieroglyphic Initial Necklaces
o 1st Grade- Scottish Plaid Cats
o 2nd Grade- Cave Art Paintings
o 3rd Grade- Safari Animal Portraits
o 4th Grade- African Masks
o 5th Grade- Medieval Family Crest Shields
Music
 Mr. Mullens’ instrumental music students are preparing for upcoming events which
include the Memorial Day Parade and the Spring Concert.
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
 Mrs. Robb’s Physical Education students in grades 3, 4, and 5 contributed $1505 to the
American Heart Association as a result of funds raised through a Jump Rope for the
Heart. The schools will receive a $100 gift certificate for physical education equipment
from US Games. Mrs. Robb also arranged for an assembly program with the New Jersey
Devils Hockey Association. Former Devil Rob Skrlac (right wing #32 ) spoke to
students in grade 3, 4, and 5. He spoke of sportsmanship, character and decision making.
Computers

Mrs. Paglucci, grade 1 teacher, recently received an Ed Foundation grant which enables
her to purchase an interactive computer assisted learning program entitled Reading A to
Z. All primary grade teachers are becoming familiar with its nuances.
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.
BSI and Supplemental Reading
 Mrs. Osinski’s and Mrs. Young’s first and second grade students continue to develop
their reading skills in phonics, decoding, comprehension, and reading fluency.
 Mrs. Osinski’s third and fourth grade reading students are continuing to develop critical
thinking and inferential skills.
 Mrs. Osinski’s first and second grade math students are continuing to work on addition
skills. The third grade math students are studying multiplication and fourth grade
students are learning about fractions.
ESL

Mrs. Nouravi’s ESL students completed the ESL Proficiency test (Access Test). The students
in Grade one and two began to read stories about the spring, and they also wrote about the
activities they like to do with their friends and family in spring.
Health Office
o Nurse-Doreen Terletzky continues to register new students and to formalize health
charts. She presently is reviewing PK/K health records to determine students in need of
state required inoculations.
Workshop Attendance
 Ms. McCrea participated in several Saturday workshops focused on delivery of early
childhood curricula
Student Recognitions
 Mrs. Maier, elementary grade reading coach, submitted an original poem written by
Tatiana Yared, a student in Mrs. Korycinski’s 2nd grade. After review by a panel of
educators, her poem was selected for publication in the 2008 edition of Young American
Poetry Digest. The selection panel chooses only the best poems submitted and are
especially well written for the age level of the student. This is the 12th year of this
National Schools Project which is designed to share our youth’s talents with others as
well as provide publishing opportunities for young poets. Complete information on the
National Schools Project can be found at www.youngpoets.org. Ultimately Tatiana
hopes to put here poem to music by using Garage Band which is an interactive computer
program.
School Accomplishments
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Activities for the month included Peer Mediation students putting on skits and reading
and discussing stories with students in Grades 1, 2, and 3. Students also continued
activities with Grade 4 and Grade 5 students. Student Council sponsored a very
successful bake sale for School Beautification in conjunction with Earth Day awareness
activities. Student Council members also researched facts about the environment, created
original poems, and made their own costumes which they utilized at Jefferson’s annual
Earth Day celebration.
Miss Jacobson is continuing Science Club for the Fifth grade students.
Ms. McCrea’s class hosted a guest reader, Mrs. Sarah Sherlock of the North Arlington
Women’s Club. The class also had a Safety Program from N.A.P.D.
Mrs. Herrmann’s 4th and 5th Grade Language Arts Classes
-Participated in Earth Day activities
-100% class participation for Battle of the Books
-Mrs. Laughlin and Mrs. Dennison read to class
- Mr. Caballero presented a “Saving for the Future” program to class
-Participated in Devils Hockey program
Mrs. Volpe planned and presented our 5th annual Earth Day celebration on Tuesday
April 15th which was attended by several Borough dignitaries and featured songs, poems,
and skits by the student body.
Special Programs
 Mrs. Young, moderator of our Battle of The Books, recently conducted The Battle of the
Books for grades 4 and 5.
 Ms. McCrea’s class sent paintings and cards to McCauley Hall Health Care Center,
Watchung, NJ, as part of their character education unit on volunteerism.
NEWS REALEASE
 Jefferson School has been very busy doing math problems for the annual St. Jude’s
Mathathon. They did a great job doing the math problems and raising $3500.00 this year.
This total also includes the sale of pencils and pens to the students, a bake sale
coordinated by Brady Marinho and Aadarsh Patel and other fifth grade students, and a
fundraiser night at the Uno Grill in Clifton. To date, the students at Jefferson School have
contributed over $27,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Mrs. Harte and Mrs.
Keogh, third grade coordinators, would like to thank all the participants, especially Mrs.
Denise King, who arranged the Uno Grill fundraiser. In these hard times, it is nice to
know that our Jefferson families and students think of our larger community and help to
make the world a little better.
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS: APRIL, 2008
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: ROOSEVELT
Pre-K
 Mrs. Mack’s class had a visit from Mrs. Santos who is a hair stylist and owner of a hair
salon. She spoke to the students about getting their hair cut and also read them a story.
The class also had an uncle, a mom, Mrs. Clancy, and another mom, Mrs. Rocha, visit
and read to the class.
 Students learned about Earth Day and how we can help the environment.
 The class visited the Book Fair where they were able to buy one book and get one free.
In addition, thanks to the generosity of our PTO, each child received a gift certificate for
a book which then entitled them to a free book.
Kindergarten
 Mrs. Malanga’s class has been studying measurement this month. The class compared
classroom objects while concentrating on related math vocabulary. As a final project for
this unit the children measured themselves!
 As part of science, the class has done many weather related activities. They graphed their
favorite kinds of weather, dramatized seed planting, made pinwheels and completed
experiments, such as how many drops of water can you fit on a penny?
First Grade
 Mrs. Arena’s first grade designed symmetrical flowers for our windows and hallway
bulletin board. The children were learning about symmetry. This hands- on activity made
them realize what a symmetrical shape really is. The activity included folding a sheet of
paper in half, drawing the design on one side and then cutting it out. As they opened
their papers they realized they had formed a symmetrical flower where both sides
matched.
Second Grade
 Mrs. Phalon’s class read and discussed examples of personal narratives. Each child then
began the process of writing his/her own. Students modeled their narratives after
Anthony Reynoso’s, Born to Rope (from our reading series).
Completed projects are on display outside the classroom on the corridor bulletin boards.
 Mrs. Phalon continues to provide instructions through use of learning centers utilizing
Harcourt.com each week.
Third Grade

Mrs. Giuffre’s class read the play, The Crowded House. After informally acting out the
story several times, students, at the suggestion of their teacher, rewrote the story using a
similar storyline. The whole class began the writing activity under their teacher’s
supervision, by discussing the setting, characters, and story problems. The class decided
the story would be called The Crowded Tree Trunk. The first scene was written by the
whole class but then small groups completed the play by writing the entire scene finale,
each group differing from the other. After the play was written, students worked to
create paper bag puppets as the characters and props appropriate to the play. The class
thoroughly enjoyed acting out their creations.
Third Grade
 Mrs. Crismale’s third grade class, after learning about the different ecosystems, were
assigned into groups to illustrate each of the ecosystems. A short explanation was written
about what they would find in each of the excosystems which included freshwater,
saltwater, desert and the rainforest. Each group chose a speaker to present their
information to the class.
Fourth Grade
 Ms. Jaume’s class prepared for “The Battle of the Books” by creating literature quilts.
Working in small groups, different aspects of their books were depicted. Groups
analyzed characters, narrative elements, sequencing and significant quotations. Their
quilts were both vibrant and enlightening.
Fifth Grade
 Mrs. Badiola’s class continued to connect NJ ASK 5 preparation with the curriculum. A
recent speculative writing prompt reflected Colonial America. The students wrote about
what a young boy of that era would encounter if he time traveled to our day. The class
also tied speculative writing into science. Students hypothesized what life would be like
if the carbon-dioxide oxygen cycle ceased to exist.
Special Ed
 Mrs. Mc Kenna’s students in grades 3, 4, & 5 read a story about Joe DiMaggio, one of
baseball’s greatest players. Student enjoyed it so much that they used the internet to
gather facts about his life and compile them into a booklet. The class is now in the
process of writing a Research Paper about a favorite baseball player. In addition, the
class is learning how to get information from the internet, make an outline and how to
write a research paper.
Basic Skills
 Basic Skills teacher, Mrs. DiTommaso had an objective to use the doubles and doublesplus-one strategies to find sums to 20. Using color counters, this method was modeled by
the teacher. Following this, students and teacher did one together. Finally, students
were given a sample to model showing how they solved the problem using color
counters. The group also used their bodies to make a double and then plus one student to
solve the problem. Students were asked to verbalize how they arrived at their answers.
Art

Ms Cronk’s Art Classes continued their world tour this month! In April they visited
Africa and Europe. Each grade created several unique projects inspired by the cultures
and countries they studied. Some of the exciting projects included:
KDG
- Egyptian Hieroglyphic Island Necklaces
st
1 Grade Scottish Plaid Cats
2ndGrade - Cave Art Paintings
3rdGrade Safari Animal Portraits
4thGrade African Masks
5th Grade - Medieval Family Crest Shields
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
 Mrs. Robb organized a NJ Devils School Assembly Program for grades 3, 4, & 5.
Devils star, Rob Skrlac, discussed character, educational values, goals, healthy lifestyle,
hockey and sports. Mr. Rob Skrlac presented his path to the NHL and described it as a
very difficult one that required years of his dedication, practice and perseverance to
accomplish. He also stated that many individuals along the way tried to discourage him
because of his size, lack of endurance and slowness. His continuous practice and tenacity
is why he believes he achieved his goal. He spoke to student goals and the students’ need
for an education no matter what the goal may be.
 Mrs. Robb’s “Thank you” gift presentations were made for students who participated in
the Jump Rope for Heart Campaign. Gifts included T-Shirts, Water Bottles, Jump
Ropes, etc. A $100 Gift Certificate was awarded to Roosevelt School for exceeding
$1500 in donations. The gift certificate to be used for gym equipment.
Computers
 Miss Tokarz’ students in grades 4 & 5 are working on Keyboarding using the Writers
for the basic lessons and continuing their practice of their skills on the computer with
Typing Pal Jr.
 Miss Tokarz’ Kdg – grades 3 worked on Starfall.com for an Earth Day game and
song.
Nurse
 Mrs. Terletzky has been continuing to:
- Register new students and formulate new health charts
- Review present Pre-K / K health records to determine students in need of
new state required inoculations. Written notices for parents were sent as
needed.
- Conduct health screenings and referrals

Mrs. Terletzky taught a Grade 1 program, “Keep Focused by Washing Hands” A
discussion was held on germs and bacteria and how and why to wash hands. After the
discussion, Mrs. Terletzky demonstrated proper hand washing and then, with the help of
an aide, assisted small groups of children in the bathrooms to wash and dry hands the
proper way. Certificates to the “Clean Club” were given to each child.
World Language
 Mrs. Gonzalez’ grade 4 class played a game of Bingo to practice day’s and month’s
vocabulary words. To integrate technology, Mrs. Gonzalez created a random spinner and
random prize selector on the computer to motivate student learning. The SmartBoard
was used where available.
Music
 Mr. Mullen’s Kindergarteners and 1st graders continue working on their “Phonic” songs,
through the letter J. 4th and 5th graders concluded their composer unit of study on
Mozart, Beethoven and Duke Ellington. Students were tested and finished with a fun
“Composer Jeopardy”.
Workshop Attendance
 World Language Teacher, Aimee Gonzalez, and ESL Teacher, Louisa Stringham,
conducted a Professional Development Faculty Meeting for Roosevelt School staff.
The topics selected were aligned to a survey conducted by the two teachers who are
members of the District Technology Committee. Included in the workshop were
instructions for writing Emails, Attachments, Save and Save As. All staff worked in the
media center under the supervision of the two teachers. The success of this workshop will
result in planning for future meeting.
School Accomplishments
The Roosevelt Student Council recently assisted the Brownie Troop to hold a “Baby Shower”
for Several Sources, which provides services for unwed mothers in our area. Our students
donated clothing, wipes, diapers, and toiletries to this worthy cause.
Special Programs
 Ms. Jaume’s fourth grade and Mrs. Badiola’s fifth grade participated in the fifteenth
annual Battle of the Books. Happily, all students participated in this event.
 Roosevelt School PTO conducted a Book Fair where children and parents were able to
buy a book and get one free. In addition, thanks to the generosity of our PTO, each child
received a gift certificate for a free book which then entitled them to a free book. We are
happy to report that every child received two free books of their choice at the Book Fair
thanks to our PTO.
MONTHLY HIGHTLIGHTS: APRIL, 2008
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: WASHINGTON
Pre-K
Mrs. Luciano’s – Pre-K class
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We enjoyed and learned so much during our “Sea Life” program. Did you know
that a starfish is now called a “Sea Star”? A special thank you to our PTO for this
program.
We planted seeds into terracotta pots and watched them grow into beautiful
flowers.
We made handmade puppets and made up our own stories and used them in our
puppet theater.
Pre-K
Mrs. Johnson’s - Pre-K class
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Mrs. Johnson’s Pre-K class has been learning about farms this month. They have
become aware of the animals found on a farm, the crops that are grown and sold at
stores and the tools farmers use to do their jobs. They sang songs, read books and
learned a few fingerplays about farm life.
We also explored life in the sea by reading and discussing many books and then
drawing pictures of sea creatures. We enjoyed a special program in the gym during
which we got to see and touch many interesting live sea animals. The PTO
generously provided the money to pay for this program.
We ended this very busy month with a fun chance to work with Miss O’Connell’s
second grade class on a very important lesson about teasing. The children watched
a video together, then discussed teasing and how it makes a person feel to be teased.
The children had to try to think of ways to handle the situation if they were teased
and also ways to “fix it” if they ever made the mistake of doing something that
makes someone feel bad. They made puppets and acted out very short scenes with
their second grade partners. It was a very special day!
Kindergarten
Mrs. Haag’s - Kindergarten class
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In Reading we learned the letters Nn, Gg, Rr and Xx
In Math we learned how to measure, make a graph and use a tally table
We talked about keeping our teeth clean and healthy and sang a song for our
parents about brushing our teeth
We went on a nature walk and looked at all the different plants, flowers and trees
that have started to bud. We also talked about the 4 basic parts of a plant: the
roots, stem, leaves and flowers.
First Grade
Miss Pusaver’s – First grade class
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Miss Pusaver’s first grade class has been busy learning about money. The students
know the values of all of the coins as well as the presidents and symbols on each
side. To reinforce how to count coins, the first grade has been practicing by
shopping at the “First Grade Supermarket”.
Language Arts
Read Frog and Toad
Learning about verbs
Science
Learning about fresh and salt water.
Second Grade
Ms. Mielke’s - Second grade class
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In our 2nd grade class, we have been working on the Dinosaur Unit in science. We
created a tally chart for our favorite dinosaur. We made fossils out of clay and
researched facts to create a footprint. After drawing our dinosaurs, we used
dinosaur bones, one foot each, and created life-size dinosaur lengths in our hallway.
Our unit culminated with a dinosaur movie!
Second Grade
Miss O’Connell’s - Second grade class
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The students in grade 2-O partnered up with Pre-K students in Mrs. Johnson’s
room. The partners created a puppet show that reflected on a short video on
teasing. Together they acted out their creative skits and both classes enjoyed the
activity!
Third Grade
Mrs. Schneider’s - Third grade class
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Students wrote free verse poems on “Favorite Outdoor Places”
Students wrote research reports on desert animals
Students created bar graphs and line graphs
Completion of St. Jude Marathon
Attended April 15th program on physical fitness and well-being
Stop and Shop bags decorated for Earth Day
Fourth Grade
 Ms. Verrier’s Class- Fourth grade class
 Participated in the Battle of the Books
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Class Trip to Ramapo College for the “Birds of Prey” show
Science Investigation-the homes and roles of living things
Fifth Grade
Ms. Lonergan’s – Fifth grade class
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The month of April was a busy month in fifth grade in that we were preparing for
the NJ ASK test. Washington School completed every prep test that Study Island
had to offer. Performance results were sent to Mr. Delaney. The last was dated
April 28th and the class average was above the state average.
Class participated in the Battle of the Books. Their performance was outstanding
with each group, except the winning group, missing only one question.
Class trip to Ramapo College to learn about birds of prey. Live birds kept the
students’ interest.
Class made biome mobiles which are hanging from the ceiling in the class.
Pre K-3 Class
Ms. Kenny’s – PreK-3 class
 The class read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and answered
comprehensive questions.
 Students painted various animals from the story and recreated the story on the wall
outside of the class.
 After reading Ten Little Ladybugs the students used paper plates to make red,
orange, and yellow ladybugs, matched dots on the ladybugs to numbers on other
ladybugs, and made cookie ladybugs using red icing and chocolate chips for dots.
First Grade
Mrs. Kosiakowski’s – First grade class
 The class read a story about clouds, then painted pictures of clouds. The students
saw a shark, a taxi cab, a submarine, a snow dog, a car, and a man with an invisible
head in the sky.
 The students practiced their spelling words with finger paints, and they did well on
their spelling tests.
 The class learned how to read dates on a calendar and can recite the months of the
year.
Second/Third Grade
Ms. Whalen’s – Second/Third grade class
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Ms. Whalen’s 2nd and 3rd grade class has had a wonderful month. We learned about
natural resources in science and made bird feeders using milk cartons and items
found outside. We drew pictures about Earth Day on Stop & Shop bags and talked
about helping to save the Earth. Congratulations to Daniel for raising the most
money in the school for St. Jude’s Hospital by participating in the Math-A-Thom.
Our health and fitness show was a great hit! Boy, can we jump rope and hula
hoop! We also had a fabulous field trip to the circus. We saw a lot of exciting
things. Come see our stories and pictures hanging in the hallway!
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Cutruzzula’s – Fourth grade class
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Mrs. Cutruzzula’s fourth grade class along with the other Special Education classes
attended the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Izod Center in
East Rutherford. It was a memorable experience for all.
The students took part in the Staying Healthy Program presented to the
Washington School parents. They each spoke about the importance of exercise and
then performed their “Jump Rope for Heart” routines.
Mrs. Cutruzzula’s students decorated paper bags for Earth Day. The bags were
then distributed to customers at the Stop & Shop in Lyndhurst during the week of
April 20th.
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Frederickson’s – Fifth grade class
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Mrs. Frederickson’s 5th grade class had a wonderful time at the Ringling Brothers
Barnum and Bailey Circus. We discussed how much the performers have to
practice and how important it is for them to take care of their bodies.
We have been busy working on Study Island to prepare for our standardized testing
early in May.
Physical Education
Mrs. Scalia’s - Physical Education class
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The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders continue to log their miles in the “WALK ACROSS
AMERICA” program. Using pedometers, students record the number of steps
taken during physical education class – 2,000 steps is equal to a mile and as of May
7, 2008, the students have walked over 740 miles. We are in the state of Indiana!