I.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
Doyle School
Principal’s Notes- Mr. Albro
• Principal’s review of staff collection of writing/math portfolios-100% compliance
• Continued to conduct interviews/screening of substitute staff candidates
• Addressed WRBOE in closed and open session 1/15/14
• Held 504 Plan Meetings
• Conducted individual parent conferences
• Second Round Teacher Observations
• Emergency School Closings- January 3 & January 22, 2014
• Grade Level PLC’s conducted weekly along with Team Leader meetings
• Team Leaders:
o Mrs. Nass (Pre K-1) and Ms. Hogan (2nd-3rd) met on grade level at least one period per
week during common planning time.
 Writing/Math Portfolios
 Professional Development Plans
 SGO’s revision
 Scheduling 14/15
o A Principal’s meeting with the Team Leaders takes place every Friday afternoon
o Principal’s meeting with CST Case Managers weekly
 14-15 planning
 Individual student discussions
 RTI
Pre K Inclusion Program- Ms. DiMauro
This month, the Pre-K students learned all about Doctors and Nurses. We enjoyed playing in our make
believe centers which consisted of the following: Doctor's Office, Ambulance and Police Station,
Pharmacy, Hospital Cafeteria, Nursery, and a Hospital Gift Shop. We had special visitors like Mrs. T and
Ava's mom come in to talk about their job as nurses. We explored real x-rays and learned about the bones
inside of our bodies. We even made our own x-rays using Q-tips.
This month we also focused on our five senses. Each day we learned about one of our senses and
engaged in interactive activities that allowed us to explore our nose, eyes, ears, tongue, and hands. For
taste, we had a blind taste test using different ice cream flavors and graphed our results. For smell, we
created scratch and sniff paintings using Kool-Aid for paint. To explore our sense of touch, we had
various bags filled with different objects and had to use our hands to guess what was inside.
We continued learning a new letter of the week and reviewing the letters we have completed so far. This
month, we learned letters H, I, J and K. On Fridays, everyone brought something in that started with the
letter of the week. We also learned a new game called Freeze on the Number. Just like freeze dance,
when the music stops you freeze but you need to count the number of objects on a picture and hold up
that number of fingers
Page 1 of 52
Kindergarten- Mrs. Carnevale
Our class just finished reading and writing about Jack and Annie’s journey to Ancient Japan! They
listened to a chapter each day and wrote a summary about it in their own words. Their writing skills have
gone to new heights and most of the children are using word patterns in their writing. Last week, the
class learned so many facts about the layers of the rainforest and all of the different plants and animals
that live there. They are ready and excited to go on a new adventure with Jack and Annie in our current
book: Afternoon on the Amazon.
The class is transitioning to more advanced Literacy Centers where essential skills will be practiced and
refined. Students will visit the dramatic play center where they will dramatize the story just once a week
now. The other centers focus on listening comprehension, observation skills, fluency, penmanship,
memory, phonics, sound and sight word recognition and lots of writing skills. Up until this point, my
students learned how to be a good study buddy and developed their self-regulation skills in order to be
ready to work more independently in these new learning centers. I am very excited to begin small guided
reading groups, now that our centers are beginning! This is one of the most gratifying parts of my job as
a kindergarten teacher – watching my student’s blossom into enthusiastic readers!
In math, the children learned new games that reinforce addition, place value, tallying, analyzing and
comparing 3-dimensional shapes according to their attributes, and sorting and classifying. Math takes
place as a whole group as well as in small group centers, where children use hands-on materials.
In science, we will continue our study of rainforests and learn more about the children’s favorite animals
– bats, jaguars, frogs and monkeys!
Kindergarten- Mrs. Hahn
January began with a journey to Japan, where the students learned about Japanese culture and ninjas. We
read Night of the Ninjas and explored what is like to be a skilled ninja. We learned that pottery was first
made in Japan and the students got to make their own pottery bowls in class. Students also participated in
a Japanese Tea Ceremony. We followed all the rules of the customary tradition.
In math, we explored concepts of counting and writing numbers up to 20. We used many hands on math
activities to reinforce this concept. We also incorporated physical activities in our number counts.
Students chose a number and an exercise card and performed that activity. One of my students did 20
pushups like a real champ!
In social studies we learned about Martin Luther King Jr. and how he’s helped so many people. We
listened to his “I Have a Dream” speech and students illustrated what their dream for peace is.
In science, we learned all about camouflage. Through Brain Pop Jr. and several books, the students were
able to understand the concept of camouflage and how so many animals depend on it to survive. Then the
students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge by selecting an animal and creating an environment
for them that would allow them to be camouflaged. We also investigated the topic of shadows and how
they are made. With flashlights, students were able to create shadows not only with themselves but with
other classroom objects. After both of these investigations, the students were able to explain how Jack
and Annie used these two techniques in the story. They understood the importance of camouflage in
regards to Jack and Annie returning safely to the tree house.
Page 2 of 52
Kindergarten- Mrs. DePalma
Beginning in January our program went from five centers to eight centers. We now have a listening
center, an investigations center, a sound center, a “make a book” center, a dramatic play center, a literacy
center a penmanship center, and a word puzzle center. In each center the children work independently
and with a study buddy to check their work. These are the must do’s. They write in each of these centers.
The children do two each day. On Friday the work is checked, if incomplete the child must complete. If
the child is done then they have free choice. While all of this is going on I am beginning to pull small
groups to read on their designated level. Books will be sent home for the child to read to their parents.
Also, we will be sending home the Raz Kids site for the child to work on at home.
In math, we completed our second cycle of assessment for SGOs. Some areas have to be taught, for
instance, three D geometric shapes. – a sphere, a cube, a cone, and a cylinder. We have been reviewing
these shapes. We have added to math tallying, market farm, base ten counting- a direction game – right,
left, back, and front.
Kindergarten- Mrs. Pagliocca
Our KP family returned from winter recess looking bigger and smarter. The children are so excited to be
reading. We are constantly rhyming and learning new word families. The children have a special folder,
that goes home with a book to be read to someone that includes the word families and memory bank
words we are learning. The folder is returned with comments that tell how the child read the book. It is a
wonderful way to get feedback from the parents to see how their child is progressing at home as well as at
school.
The children are able to count to higher numbers and skip count to reach 100 quickly. They love playing
games at the center with their buddy to help them with learning numbers and the value of them.
It has been very exciting learning about Jack and Annie’s adventure in the rainforest. It is wonderful to
see how their minds are absorbing so much information about the rainforest. I get such a thrill watching
them learn each day!
Speech Therapist- Ms. Allen
• (1) ESLS Planning meeting at CED
• (3) ESLS Initial Evaluations, Eligibility/IEP meetings completed
• (1) ESLS Annual Review completed
• (2) CST Pre School Evaluation planning meetings
• Continued speech instruction for all students working toward complete carryover of accurate
sound productions and/or improvement of language goals.
Speech Therapist- Mrs. Feinberg
• (1) initial meeting with parent and teacher at CED
• (1) functional assessment for re-evaluation of student at CED
• Classroom instruction continues daily working toward complete carryover of accurate sound
productions.
• (1) Out of District planning meeting @ Prime Time in Paramus
• (2) annual reviews conducted with teacher and parent for CED students
• (1) evaluation of referred grade 2 student
• (1) pre-school planning meeting with CST/parents/child
• Preparation of second semester progress reports
Page 3 of 52
•
•
Preparation of student created winter speech bulletin featuring the sounds of winter
Attended
professional
development-Effective
Classroom
Management,
Teacher
Evaluation/Professional Learning, and Assessing Student Growth Objectives (weekend long
conference)
Grade 1- Ms. Zielinski
In reading, we have been working on summarizing the beginning, middle, and ending of various stories
and finding details to support the main idea. The students’ reading levels have really been strengthening
and developing and they are increasingly able to read more and more text independently. We have been
working on identifying words with the long “a” sound and magic “e” endings.
In math, the students have been practicing identifying the place value within a number as tens and ones,
as well as breaking apart a number into tens and ones. The students are very successful when they are
able to use the manipulatives (counters, connecting cubes) to help them see how to represent the numbers.
We are continuing mad minutes and I am seeing consistent progress in each student’s individual results,
as well as a better distinction between the addition and subtraction symbols.
In writing, we are continuing to develop weekly pieces, including the four parts of a good sentence
(uppercase letters, punctuation at the end, five words or more, check to see if it makes sense). As a goal,
each student is striving to write at least five sentences including a topic sentence, supporting details, and a
closing sentence. Each student’s writing piece is scored using the developed first grade rubric.
Grade 1- Mrs. Jupinka
In reading, the children have embarked on their third anthology. The focus has been on long vowel
sounds. They have learned the “cvce” rule with the silent “e”. Along with learning new decoding skills,
the children have been introduced to comprehension skills such as compare/contrast, generalization,
cause/effect topic sentences, as well as looking for details in stories. The children have made such strides
in reading as you probably have seen through their STAR results as well as our Running Records that we
administer. The children have all moved up at least 1 reading level since September! We take our weekly
trips to the computer lab to work on RAZ kids. The kids have told me that they have even gone on at
home! So proud of everyone!
In math, we have begun place value which is prepping us for 2 digit addition and subtraction. Although
many of them are already working on this skill in Math Club!! Each Friday the children take their "Mad
Minute" quiz. We continue to work on subtraction, but are now down to
4 minutes! They are doing great and LOVE the challenge.
In health, we have just completed our unit on Germs! They learned so many ways to keep themselves
germ free! I think we will have the healthiest first grade yet! As February rolls in we will be beginning
our unit on Dental Health. They always love this unit as first grade is such a huge year for losing teeth!
Kidz Care Club: The Kidz Care Club is a club that is open to all 3rd graders at Doyle. We meet once a
month (next meeting Tuesday, February 11th @730a.m.). In keeping with our NED theme, the children
of Doyle School were asked to create a cut-out of them describing all of the great things they are and can
do. What a great turn out we have had! Check out the hallway to see our friendship chain.
Page 4 of 52
Grade 1- Mrs. Sabo
In reading, we began learning about long vowel a and our "digraph kids" (sh, th, wh and ch). We learned
the “CVCe” pattern ("magic e") and learned about exclamatory sentences. We also learned how to
distinguish between the different kinds of sentences. We had our first teacher read aloud without a big
book, Two Japanese Frogs and The City Mouse and The Country Mouse, where the students had to listen
and focus on questioning what they heard. We have been practicing our strategies of compare and
contrast and making generalizations.
In math, we finished Topic 7, Counting and Number patterns to 120. We practiced counting by 1s, 2s, 5s,
and 10s and used patterns to solve word problems.
In social studies, the students are learning about and discussing wants and needs. We also learned about
making choices and what a “trade off” is. They learned the term "opportunity cost" when it comes to
making choices. We started talking about goods and services and how scarce resources impact a
community.
Special days we have commemorated:
We read about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and talked about his contributions to our world. The students
wrote and illustrated their own "I Have a Dream" pieces. We also held parent-teacher conferences to
discuss the students' mid-year progress.
Grade 1- Ms. Peterson (MLR for Mrs. Engel)
Math: We have covered the following topics this month.
• Making Numbers 11-19
• Using Numbers 11 to 19
• Counting by 10s to 120
• Counting on a Hundred Chart
• Using Skip Counting
Reading: We have been working on the following reading strategies.
• Comparing and Contrasting
• Making Generalizations
• Summarizing
I used the stories, The Two Japanese Frogs and The City Mouse and the Country Mouse for shared
reading. We practiced the skill of retelling a story as well as making predictions during shared readings.
The students also read, Moving Day by Robert Kalan and Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney.
Phonics: We have been working on the following phonics skills.
• Digraphs: sh, ch, tch, hard and soft th, wh
• Long a (CVCe)
• Endings: -nd, -ng, -nk
• Types of Sentences- Telling, Asking, and Exclaiming
Page 5 of 52
POR/RTI Grade 1- Mrs. Nass
The first graders started the year off right by reading about pets. They enjoyed reading The Best Pet, and
then got to write about a pet they own or wish they owned. Next they began a unit on homes. They
listened to The City Mouse and the Country Mouse and Mouse’s House. They then got to compare and
contrast these two stories. They also read Moving Day and Me on a Map! After reading these two stories
the children discussed fantasy and reality. The children have also learned the three types of sentences and
practice writing sentences daily using their sight words.
In math, the children continue to practice adding and subtracting numbers to twenty. They use a variety of
manipulatives to help them with this, such as, number lines, counters, and ten frames. They also learned
how to compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19, by using objects and drawings. Next they
practiced skip counting by twos, fives, and tens. They learned the difference between an odd and even
number. Next we will begin to compare and order numbers to 100!
Inclusion/RTI Grade 2- Ms. Lanzo
This month in RTI, the focus was on identifying the main idea and supporting details in a story. Students
read many different titles ranging in fiction to non-fiction. My groups learned that the main idea is the
"key concept" that is being expressed. Details support the main idea by telling how, what, when, where,
why, how much, or how many. The students agreed that by locating the main idea and supporting details,
it helps you understand the point that the writer is attempting to get across. Identifying the main idea and
supporting details will increase comprehension!
Attached is a picture of one of the projects we completed in RTI. The students found it easier to
remember the main idea and supporting details by thinking of it as a table. The top of the table is the main
idea and the legs that support a table are the supporting details.
FYI- Did you know germs multiply when you forget to flush the toilet?
Page 6 of 52
Inclusion/RTI Grade 3- Ms. Moccia
The students in 3-H literacy class have been working extra hard this month!
Since last month students have had plenty of opportunities to gather research for their informational
books, including in-class research time using the IPads. Students have used their research to put together
information books which include; a cover page, table of contents, introduction, four chapters, and an
about the author page. In addition, as a class we are currently reading the book “Lucky Lottery” while
working on making inferences.
This month in math, Mrs. Campagna and I continue to work on multiplication. The students have
currently been introduced to all the multiplication tables, zero to twelve. Also, the students have learned
how to solve tricky multiplication problems, which they may not have mastered yet, using four different
strategies. These problem solving strategies are drawing groups, using arrays, using reverse subtraction,
and creating fact trees. Lastly, students have been introduced to multiplication centers. Multiplication
centers aim to reach the many different learning styles of our class; these centers are hands-on, visual,
social, physical, and verbal. Mrs. Campagna and I scaffold the students throughout multiplication centers
until we are sure they can independently complete these activities on their own.
In RTI this month, students have been introduced to “Fluency Warm-Ups.” Each class begins with a
“Fluency Warm-Up” which is based on each student’s reading level. The students read the same passage
for four weeks, during this time students get to track their own progress and target struggling words. The
students in the math RTI group also begin class with “Fluency Warm-Ups.” These warm-ups consist of
addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. This allows students to continue to practice and
improve on basic math skills. Students get to monitor his or her progress and graph their development.
All students completing “Fluency Warm-Ups” have shown progress and enjoy recording improvements.
Grade 2- Mrs. Delatorre
Math: Students have learned how to regroup, with subtraction and addition. They have learned how to
subtract two digit numbers from two digit numbers, and check their subtraction with addition. They also
show subtraction problems using a number line and solve two step word problems.
Writing: Students have learned about the components of poems (structure, mood, etc.). They looked at
objects through their own poet’s eyes, and written their own poems, using real life objects and comparing
them to other things. They are beginning to use a graphic organizer to create their own stories. They are
using all story elements (problem, solution, setting) and creating a character sketch about the main
character, using character traits.
Reading: Students continue to read independently daily. Students are continuing to identify details in a
story, and are using their own independent books to practice. Students are now reading Charlotte’s Web
and are using the five finger strategy to summarize each chapter. Homophones, singular and plural nouns,
and contractions are some skills the students have been practicing.
Social Studies: Students have learned how people make decisions before a purchase. They also read and
watched part of Martin Luther King’s speech. We discussed his character traits, how people were treated
unfairly, and how he was a role model. Students also learned how producers and consumers play a role
with goods.
Page 7 of 52
Grade 2- Ms. Hogan
Students in my second grade class are learning story elements in Writer's Workshop. They are creating
their own characters, setting, problem and solution. They are learning that writing is a process which
includes the revision and editing processes. After they decide on their characters, setting, problem and
solution, they will write their story. They will use their revision/editing kit to make necessary changes to
their writing so it is interesting and grammatically correct. They are learning that a good writer thinks
about the reader.
In Reader's Workshop, students are listening to a read aloud of Charlotte's Web as they follow along in
their own copy of the book. After learning many comprehension strategies throughout the year, students
are now applying them to this novel. They are conducting character sketches, learning new vocabulary
(dictionary skills along with context clues), identifying setting, charting changes in characters, answering
higher order questions, and utilizing the text as a resource to find details that support their responses to
these questions. This project will cover all the skills learned to date while introducing new skills along
the way.
In math, the students are wrapping up Topic 9 which has students subtracting two two-digit numbers with
and without regrouping. Most students have mastered this skill and have practiced explaining how they
achieved certain differences, and, have successfully identified the strategy they used to find the
difference. They are most eager to learn multiplication so on those days when we complete the lesson
early, they practice multiplication facts and understand they are the same as repeated addition and
arrays. The next topic in Math will be a return to place value -- up to one-thousand.
In health, all students are learning about family and are researching their own family histories. They are
in the midst of creating family trees. During the project, they will use the iPads to locate information
about the countries from where their families come. They will conduct an interview with a family
member, and, create a family album page that will be placed in a class book. The culmination of this
project will have students presenting their finished project to the class. Everyone is excited to learn about
their own family and that of their classmates.
Grade 2- Ms. Goodlin
In Writer's Workshop, we have focused on writing different types of poetry. We are just worked on
writing similes and metaphors. Outside our classroom, we made a bulletin board about Sweet Similes. We
compared how sweet and cold ice cream is to another object. In Reading class, we will switching from
nonfiction to fiction genres, with the focus point of characterization. We have also started working on the
class read-aloud of Charlotte's Web. We have already read three chapters and made an acrostic poem
about a good friend we have on our Charlotte's Web bulletin board.
In math class, we are presently on chapter 9, which focuses subtracting double-digit numbers. We have
also studying our basics by using on-line programs such as Xtra Math, Raz-Kids and Spelling City during
our center time and on our IPads once a week. In Science class, we are collaborating with our classmates
in sharing our Animal Posters we worked on. These posters will give other students hints based on their
research, what their animal is like and will give them the suspense of guessing what the animal is based
on their research characteristics. The posters will be on display in the hallway and other second grade
classrooms for all to see.
Page 8 of 52
Grade 3- Mrs. Rose
The New Year has begun with many of us “turning over a new leaf”! In literacy class, we are learning
about idioms and how they can be incorporated into our writing. We have also explored the many
different ways to form plural nouns. Our informational text projects are in the completion stages, we
have learned a new word every week with our “Word of the Week”, and we have begun our daily
independent reading and response activity in a bag. As you can tell, January has been a very busy month
for us!
Our study of multiplication has been enhanced with the inclusion of division. To help us understand the
process of division, the students have learned yet another one of Mrs. Rose’s original songs entitled “I
Will Divide”. We are practicing all of our basic multiplication and division facts in anticipation of the
upcoming Mad Minute tests in February, which will now be testing our ability to multiply and divide
proficiently! We are also so proud of how well we were all able to solve those confusing multi-step word
problems using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. It’s amazing how much progress we have made
so far this year!
This month science class rocks! Of course, we are learning about none other than the three types of
rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. As always, the children have learned a catchy tune to
help them remember these rocks and how they are identified. American Idol here we come!
Multiple snowstorms can’t put a damper on all of the excitement in third grade!
Grade 3- Mrs. Campagna
In G & T reading this month, the students enjoyed reading The New Year Dragon Dilemma. We had
lively book talks and literature circles as we traveled to San Francisco to take part in Chinese New Year
with the Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Each student turned into author Ron Roy and wrote their own new
chapter for the book. Predictions made by the students were very impressive! Students continued with
their independent reading centers. Our reading class has now finished 7 novels! The students are experts
at identifying theme, main idea, mood, and supporting details. The students continue to “shop” for
individual reading books to help strengthen independent reading skills and strategies.
The students continued to work on their informational text books this month. A lot of incredible authors
can be found right in our classroom! Our work will continue into the month of February. We are looking
forward to having our 2nd Publishing Party when our books are finished. Want to know some interesting
facts about different topics? Come visit us!
In math, the students continued to sharpen their multiplication skills and strategies. Cooperative groups
and centers continue to allow children to work together to strengthen multiplication basic facts
The grammar focus this month was identifying and using singular and plural nouns. The students enjoyed
learning the different ways to turn a singular noun into a plural noun. The class time continues to be split
between teacher directed and student directed activities. Grammar centers reinforce concepts weekly.
Each grammar skill carries over to Writer’s Workshop during their Literacy block.
Page 9 of 52
Grade 3- Mrs. Caicedo
Mathematics- Students have been working on different multiplication strategies such as making arrays,
break-apart method and drawing a picture to solve multiplication facts. They have been very enthusiastic
about learning multiplication and are extremely eager to move into a new unit on division and seeing how
multiplication and division are related. Students have also been participating in STAR Testing for
Mathematics and Literacy and results have been sent home to parents.
Literacy- Students have been working hard during Reading and Writing Workshop. They have been
working on the comprehension skill Author’s Purpose and have been using the skill reading to inform in
their information writing pieces for writing workshop. Students are getting ready to publish and share
their information pieces. Additionally, we have been working on a nonfiction class read aloud The
Adventures of the Shark Lady to reinforce comprehension skills.
Social Studies- Students completed a Five Regions of the United States poster project. We are moving
into a unit on Early American Settlers and have been focusing on Native Americans and the Iroquois
tribe. Students have been using the IPads to complete a web quest on the Iroquois and the homes
(longhouses) that the Iroquois lived in.
Grade 3-Mrs. Hynes
Reading: Students have completed their first informational “big books” on a research topic of their
choice. Student books included a table of contents, various chapters each including text features, and an
“about the author” page. Upon completion students conducted a gallery walk and made kudos sheets for
their classmates at our publishing party. Also this month students began reading our next novel “Lucky
Lottery” with a focus on drawing conclusions and making inferences.
Math: Our math class began learning division this month. Our focus was on the meaning of division and
the various types of real world problems that can be solved using division. Students learned a number of
methods including repeated subtraction and using tally and multiplication tables to solve equations. With
the Super Bowl quickly approaching students also learned about reading and writing Roman numerals.
Informational Text: Classes focused this month on reading non-fiction articles for information.
Students read articles about animals, space, and science this month and completed various written
activities to demonstrate understanding of the information presented. Classes also learned about timelines
and completed personal timelines.
Physical Education- Mrs. Rose-Rella
Students practiced various loco-motor skills, such as skipping, galloping, and jumping while using the
parachute. In addition, students in all grade levels practiced various fitness activities/gross motor skills
by practicing the crab walk, bear crawl, frog jumps, military crawl, hurdle jumping and etc. For both
activities, the level of activities progressively increased for the higher grade levels.
World Language- Mrs. Perez
This month we learned about classroom objects. Students will identify in Spanish the names of 10 to 28
classroom objects both in writing and aurally. Using manipulatives, students will be able to ask a partner
if they have various classroom objects and respond appropriately when asked the same question. Students
collaborate with other members of a group to categorize classroom objects in Spanish using given criteria.
Student assessment for this lesson plan is a basic matching quiz
Page 10 of 52
Students watched “Muzzy”, MUZZY’s multisensory approach to language learning appeals to students.
Students watch the story learn characters names and repeat in Spanish. We also learned about the
community, places we find in the community in Spanish. Students completed worksheets, and made a
map labeling all the places in Spanish.
Library/Media- Mrs. Goggins
The library media center has had a very exciting month. For the beginning of January, students showed
off their knowledge by taking the STAR test inside the technology lab. Students are very excited to check
out books during their class time and have been excitedly talking about their favorite books and authors.
There have been a total of 305 books taken out at Doyle Elementary School for the month of January!
3rd Grade: Third graders are beginning to learn about Native Americans during Social Studies and have
been using the media center to begin their inquiry. They have learned about the first Native Americans in
New Jersey and are beginning to study the Iroquois. 3H also used Padlet to show what they learned about
Native Americans digitally. You can see the informative websites used by clicking on the third grade
page on Symbaloo, then clicking where it says Native Americans.
http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/nativeamericans20
2nd Grade: 2nd graders really enjoyed the chance to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the media
center. They watched a fantastic video on Brain Pop Jr. and sang a wonderful song all about
remembering and honoring the memory of Dr. King.
1st Grade: 1st graders also learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the media center and they had a
chance to try to solve an online puzzle about Dr. King using Jigsaw Planet. They are also practicing their
addition and subtraction skills in the technology lab!
Kindergarten: Students in kindergarten have been listening to stories about Curious George. Are you
curious like George? At Doyle School, we are all curious about learning new things! They have
consolidated their knowledge about Curious George and are practicing using their mouse skills by going
on Curious George’s website and learning about new things!
Pre-K: Students in Pre-K love using the iPads in class where they are learning about letter & number
recognition and having a marvelous time! They are also listening to stories in class, like Frank Asch’s
Happy Birthday Moon and Peggy Rathman’s Goodnight Gorilla.
Technology Club: Students in the technology club are continuing to learn about coding. They are using
Tynker to solve many puzzles and even write their own code to program a game. They have also enjoyed
using Espresso Coding to work on their skills.
Art- Mrs. Amerman
Kindergarteners have been learning about complementary colors by first reading the book Hello, Red Fox
by Eric Carle. It's an interactive book that makes magic happen with our eyes! Students discovered that
after they stare at each animal in the story for a certain amount of time, when they look at a white page
they see the animal in the opposite, or complementary, color. We used our color wheels to predict what
colors we would see next, since each color's complement is directly opposite it on the color wheel.
Students had previously drawn flower petal shapes on paper they painted with the primary colors, which
they will now be cutting, arranging, and gluing around their secondary colored circles to make a collage,
being sure to match the color of the flower petals to a circle in its complementary color.
Page 11 of 52
First grade artists spent the month of January painting, cutting, and gluing watercolor paper to create
beautiful collages of a winter scene with birds and birch trees. They began by creating a wax resist,
painting with red watercolor on top of patterns they had created and drew in crayon. Then, they painted
with blue watercolor and sprinkled salt on top, so that the salt could soak up the paint and create white
spots that look like snow. Next, we looked at images of birch trees and noticed the various black markings
on their white bark, which inspired us to create our own birch trees with black watercolor. Students cut
bird shapes out of the red patterned paper then arranged them on top of the blue background along with
the birch trees to create a scene they liked. After gluing everything in place, students used black oil pastel
to add details like branches, the bird's feet and eyes, and a nest to finish off their collages.
Second graders created color wheels to learn about the primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary
colors. They also learned that some colors are warm colors, because they remind us of things like sun and
fire, while others are cool because they remind us of things like grass, water, and ice. One student related
warm and cool colors to the map they show on the weather report, showing different areas of the country
in different colors depending on the temperature there. What an excellent connection to the real world!
They are now putting their color knowledge in action by choosing four of the five color families to apply
to their Pop Art Images.
Third grade artists have been working diligently on their realistic cake drawings inspired by the paintings
of Wayne Thiebaud. They've transferred their sketches of their cake designs onto black paper, and have
been adding color with oil pastels. As one student told me, "the oil pastels really look great on the black
paper!"
Music- Mr. LaBelle
Third Grade: For the month of January, third graders worked on reading notes on the music staff,
counting rhythms and applying their knowledge to playing songs on xylophones. Repertoire included:
Cotton Eye Joe” and “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore”. NJCCCS: 1.3.2.B.1, 1.3.2.B.3
Second Grade: For the month of January, second graders worked on reading notes on the music staff,
counting rhythms and applying their knowledge to playing songs on xylophones. Repertoire included,
Cotton Eye Joe, Michael and Row Your Boat Ashore. NJCCCS: 1.3.2.B.1, 1.3.2.B.3.
First Grade: For the month of January, first graders worked on identifying rhythms as “Ti” and “Ta”,
identifying instruments in the brass and percussion families and United States geography using the song
“Train Is A Comin’” NJCCCS: 1.1.5.B.1, 1.1.2.B.3.
Kindergarten: For the month of January, Kindergartners worked on identifying rhythms as “Ti” and
“Ta” using songs such as “Little Black Bug”. Kindergartners worked on what to do if there is a stranger at
their door (lock the door, tell an adult) using the song “24 Robbers”.
 Intermediate School
Grade 4 – Borrelli
Reading- The G&T has begun reading the novel Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. This is an amazing
story about a boy who changes the lives of many in a racially divided small town. Students will be
learning and exploring the use of literary devices such as irony and slang. We will also be talking about
figurative language as well.
Page 12 of 52
Students have finished their informational textbooks! On January 24th, we celebrated our books by having
a publishing party. We invited parents to join us and read each other’s books. Students got to read the
praise that their books received at the conclusion of the party. This was a great ending to our writing unit.
The students worked extremely hard on their work and we were all very proud of the results
.
Math – We have completed Topic 8 in Math. We have learned 2-digit multiplication. Students truly
worked hard on multiplication and have gotten better with their basic facts as well. The class is now
moving on to Division. We are excited to take on this challenge!
Science- Students have begun work on their planetary postcards. They have been assigned a planet to
research using the Chromebooks. Using that research they will be writing a postcard and designing their
planet as well. The students have already learned so many interesting things about their planets! The
class will then be moving on to Electricity and Magnetism.
Page 13 of 52
Social Studies –We have completed Chapter 3 The American Revolution and have now begun Chapter 4
The Civil War. This chapters talks about NJ’s role during The Civil War and explores many Civil War
heroes such as Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman worked in Cape May, NJ at one point in her life. The
students are extremely interested and excited to learn about this war. They have a lot of questions on
slavery and civil rights. This chapter will explore all of that in depth.
Grade 4 – Cirillo
Reading- In our class, we have begun our Nonfiction unit for Reader’s Workshop. The students are
enjoying the time spent reading books about real topics that they see in their everyday lives. We are
continuing independent reading time in class using our independent nonfiction books. We have also
begun to identify and study text features of nonfiction selections. The students have worked together to
complete a “scavenger hunt” of text features using different books. They have also created Nonfiction
Text Feature posters in class. The students have looked at nonfiction articles and Time for Kids
magazines to identify main idea and details as well. We plan to continue this unit throughout next month,
finishing up main idea and details, and then moving onto Biographies!
Writing - We are excited to have begun our Informational books, where the students will become authors
and illustrators! We examined informational books in class and have studied the text features. The
students began brainstorming to collect ideas about topics they love and feel they are “experts” at. They
have made charts in their notebooks to prepare for writing. We then began creating chapters for our books
and started writing rough drafts. We will continue working hard into next month on our books!
We are also continuing our biweekly NJ ASK writing samples in class which are scored using a holistic
rubric, charted for progress, and filed in a folder for each child.
Math - We completed Topic 7 and 8 in which we practiced long multiplication skills and varieties of
ways to solve problems. They have worked on different strategies to solve multi-step word problems in
class as well! We have worked using our chrome books in class as well, to practice the skill that we are
learning and multiplication facts! The students loved collaborating with our media specialist, Mrs.
Martelli, to work on “Drag and Drop” multiplication on our computers.
Students have continued with Mad Minutes to work on improving multiplication automaticity weekly
which are scored, charted for progress, and filed in a folder for each child. Students should continue
working on their basic multiplication facts as we continue working with long multiplication throughout
the year.
Grade 4 – Johnson
Math – Our class has just finished learning how to multiply with 2-digit multipliers. We have worked
with multiplying larger numbers in the hundreds, thousands, and ten thousands. We have also practiced
multi-step problems using the correct order of operations. From here we will begin to learn the steps
involved in long division. We will start with dividing by 1-digit divisors and then continue on to 2-digit
divisors.
Language Arts – In reading, we are currently working on reading non-fiction texts. The students are
learning that reading this type of text requires them to read a bit differently than they do when reading
fiction stories. We have learned about the different text features that are in non-fiction books and how to
use them to help read and understand the text. In Writer’s Workshop, we are continuing to work with nonfiction. The children have started working on writing their own informational books. They have chosen a
topic in which they feel they are an expert, and are writing at least 4 chapters on that topic. Each child
will be sure to include some of the text features that we have learned about in their book.
Page 14 of 52
Science – We have completed our study of the solar system. We learned about the sun, planets, moons,
and other objects such as stars and constellations. We will begin our unit on electricity, both static and
current. From there we will learn about the layers of the Earth and what causes earthquakes and
volcanoes.
Social Studies – We have learned about the events of the Revolutionary War and the part New Jersey
played in helping the Americans become victorious. In our next chapter, we will learn about New
Jersey’s role in the Civil War and the fight against slavery.
Grade 4 – Romoff-DiCori
In Language Arts, the students furthered their understanding of text features by observing the text features
in magazines and non-fiction texts. The students also created “Text Feature” posters, which are currently
on display outside our classroom. The children are also working on becoming experts on a subject of their
choice and have been researching and writing individual books. The students are also working on
identifying the main idea of a text and the supporting details, as well as skill of problem/solution.
Math has been a lot of fun in our class. The children have been using fraction manipulatives while
working on many different fraction concepts. Some of the skills the children have been able to
demonstrate are being able to find equivalent fractions, simplify fractions, and add and subtract like
denominator fractions using the manipulatives and mathematically.
The class has learned the important role New Jersey played in the fight for independence from British
rule. The students are able to explain General George Washington’s strategy for the major battles that
were fought in New Jersey. The students also learned about the Constitution and how the Bill of Rights
became important in guaranteeing American citizens their basic rights.
Science has been out of this world. The children have learned about the Solar System, the characteristics
of each planet, and asteroids and comets. The children were excited to learn that new discoveries are
taking place all the time and we researched the planets to find the latest information.
Grade 5 – Diaz
Grade 5 Social Studies class is working on the Create A Colony Project. Students will research and
consider important aspects such as; location, weather, food and water, economic activities, responsibilities
of the colonists, workforce, governorship, and the security of their colony.
Mrs. Diaz’s Science class is working on the Digestion Process. Mr. Colbert, Asaad’s dad, from New York
Presbyterian Hospital will be visiting our class to talk to the students about the start of the process, on the
way to the stomach, in the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, and the end process. Students
will also have an opportunity to examine the Owl’s digestion process as well as how and what they eat
through dissecting Owl Pellets.
LAL class is working hard on their Historical Fiction reading strategies. In January students began
infusing the book Paul Revere into their Readers and Writers Project as well as extending it into their
Guided Reading activities. The children are doing a great job on determining the author’s purpose and
character traits.
G & T Math students are finishing up Topic 7 on dividing decimals. G & T students are performing a
self-assessment on their JSS Solar Sprint car designs. Most groups have been working before and after
school, as well as any “free” period throughout the day (and evening) to complete their solar cars. They
are ready to take them for a spin.
Page 15 of 52
Grade 5 - Ciliotta-Lanfranchi
Math- Topic 6 focused on multiplying decimals. Students have been reinforcing their multiplication and
estimating skills. At the end of our topic study students were given a budget, created shopping lists and
used their estimating skills to stay within their budgets. Our shopping spree was a success and students
successfully completed their task. We continue to use center work and technology to reinforce concepts
taught in class. We will be moving forward with Decimal Division.
Reading -Language Arts Students are enjoying the novel Dear Mr. Henshaw. We
have been discussing character traits and development as well as letter writing
skills. In collaboration with our Media Specialist Mrs. Martelli, students were able
to successfully utilize their keyboarding skills as well as an online template to type
and print their letters. Letters have been mailed out and students are eagerly
awaiting a response from their author and business of choice. Please check your
mail boxes and have your child bring in their letter to share with the class.
Science- What Biome has the warmest /coldest climate? These are some of the sample questions students
were able to answer after becoming a Biome expert. Students used their chrome books in order to
research the types of plants, animals and other features specific to their Biome. They created and
presented posters to showcase their knowledge. What’s for dinner? Our other topic of study during this
month included an extension lesson on food chains and ecosystems. Students were able to conduct a
virtual owl pellet dissection to prepare for the real thing. Groups of students worked together to dissect a
real owl pellet.
Social Studies-How did settlements take root? During
this month students focused on learning about early
colonization. We discussed the lost colony of Roanoke
as well as the almost failed colony of Jamestown.
Students then utilized their knowledge and tried to build
their own successful virtual Jamestown Colony by avoiding the mistakes made in the past. Soon they
realized that starting a Colony is a very difficult process.
Grade 5 – Koernig
Language Arts- Students are completing biography or autobiography, independent reading books in class
as well as at home. As our mentor texts, we read Michelle Kwan and Mae Jemison. We are focusing on
the following reading skills: locating main ideas, details, text features, and facts and opinions. We are
keeping detailed notes and are collecting Post-It notes daily.
Page 16 of 52
In Writers Workshop, students have finished their Informational Books, and enjoyed participating in their
publishing party. We continue to work NJASK writing practice prompts to improve our writing skills.
Math-We have completed Topic 5 and 6 on dividing by two digit numbers and multiplying decimals. We
have started Topic 7 on dividing decimals. Students are enjoying using the Chrome Books and working in
new math centers. We continue to take Mad Minute tests weekly to help improve our knowledge of basic
adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing facts.
Social Studies- Chapter 4, Life in the Colonies, is teaching students what life was like in the Middle,
Southern, and New England Colonies. Students will enjoy learning about the colonies by watching three
historical reenactments of artisan jobs on their Chrome Books.
Science- What’s for dinner? Students discovered that owls have weak digestive systems. Their systems
don’t allow them to fully process all of their daily food, and they regurgitate pellets which are undigested
fur, bones, and feathers into wet slimy pellets. Using the scientific method, students hypothesized,
observed, and finally dissected these pellets. Students were surprised to find a number of bones from
rodents and birds.
Mrs. Koernig’s students completing their owl pellet labs!
Grade 5 - Ripp
In Math, students have been learning the procedures for multiplying and dividing decimals. Some specific
topics include: multiplying decimals by powers of ten, whole numbers, and decimals as well as dividing
decimals by powers of ten, whole numbers, and decimals. The students have been working at several
different centers to reinforce their multiplication and division skills. The centers implemented during the
month of January include a vocabulary center, division problem solving center, computer center, and
meet with the teacher center. The students enjoy working in small groups and collaborating with peers
during the center activities. This month the class has also started working on a new math project. For the
project, the students are working in groups to design a game board with questions aligned to the content
and topics we have covered in class.
Page 17 of 52
In LAL, students have been practicing their reading skills at a variety of centers for the month of January.
The centers include a fact and opinion center, author’s purpose center, non-fiction reading center,
computer web quest center, and a guided reading center. The students also continue to work in their
independent reading books to reinforce the habits of good readers including making predictions,
inferencing, summarizing, making connections, and questioning. We have also just started to read Dear
Mr. Henshaw, by Beverly Cleary as a class. The students look forward to reading the book over the
course of the next several weeks. In writing, the students have been learning all about the power of
persuasion! The class has been studying how writers use evidence including facts, statistics, and expert
opinions to persuade others to agree with their position. The students each wrote an essay on the subject
of extending the school year, which is a hot topic issue for 5th graders. Each student took a position on the
issue and developed their arguments using current information and evidence to support their thesis.
In Social Studies, the 5th grade class has been learning about the New England, Middle, and Southern
Colonies. We have been discussing what life was like in the colonies and how it differed from each
region. The students worked on a project comparing aspects of colonial life to modern life. The students
researched information about education, recreation, and food in the colonies. They compared each of
these aspects of colonial society to their life and created an informational booklet. Currently, the class has
been learning about the impact of slavery in the colonies.
In Science, the students have been learning all about vertebrates and invertebrates. Some of the topics
discussed include: lifecycles, habitats, reproduction, food habits, communication, and behavior. The
students worked with partners to research a specific vertebrate or invertebrate and create a poster and
essay to share with the class. Currently, the class has been focusing on learning about different modes of
animal locomotion and how this relates to their habitat and food needs. The students are working groups
to build a model of two different animals to compare and contrast their body structure and locomotion.
PE/ Healthy U - Aranda
In January the students of WRIS have transitioned from fitness testing to the sport of basketball. Besides
learning the basic dos & don’ts and the simple rules of the game the students have also started off the unit
by learning and practicing the basic fundamentals of basketball, such as; dribbling & ball handling,
pivoting, passing, and shooting. The first few weeks into the unit students were engaged mostly in skill
building and skill practice activities. Activities as such are designed to help the players develop muscle
memory thru repetitive practice of the skill(s) both in controlled and dynamic environments. Furthermore
increasing the players’ comfort level and self-confidence when playing in a live basketball game. More
toward the end of the month is when the classes started playing actual basketball games against their
classmates. However, after all of their practicing they didn’t just jump right into playing the game, instead
they were playing modified basketball. Modified basketball is the game of basketball with modified rules,
which are designed to slow down the pace of the game a bit, involve more teammates, and promote &
continue the game flow.
Some examples of these modified rules include but are not limited to; a player in possession of the ball
can take no more than 3 steps before s/he has to pass or shoot, passive defense, and no or limited
boundaries (out of bounds) which is great for everyone but most ideal for beginner basketball players. As
time moves on the students will gradually move up to playing more advanced basketball.
Read 180 – Carroll/ Hamerling
Fourth Grade: This month, students finished their studies on Ancient Egypt. Students learned how to
conduct research about Howard Carter, King Tut, mummy making, and pyramid construction. Using this
research, students created and wrote their own informational book about Ancient Egypt. It included a
table of contents, meet the author page, three chapters, and a glossary. Students were also taught how to
incorporate text evidence and using direct quotations from a text. In Language Arts, students reviewed
the skills commas with introductory words and present/past tense irregular verbs.
Page 18 of 52
Fifth Grade: This month, students finished their Edgar Allan Poe author study. Students wrote a six
paragraph literary analysis paper about the theme of the short story “The Fall of the House of Usher”.
Students were also taught how to incorporate text evidence and using direct quotations from a text. In
Language Arts, students reviewed the skills possessive nouns and subject/verb agreement.
Sixth Grade: This month, students finished their Edgar Allan Poe author study. Students wrote a six
paragraph literary analysis paper about the theme of the short story “The Fall of the House of Usher”.
Students were also taught how to incorporate text evidence and using direct quotations from a text. In
Language Arts, students reviewed the skills possessive nouns and subject/verb agreement.
Grade 6 – Drudy
Students in sixth grade are now being introduced to Earth science topics. Students are examining the
theories of continental drift and plate tectonics and how these theories help us understand and explain
how Earth changes. Students were introduced to this topic by singing the song “Continental Drift”.
Besides continental drift, students have been singing and rapping about Earth’s layers, Pangaea,
Wegener’s evidence and sea floor spreading. Students also traveled back in time to 1912 in order to be
contemporaries of Alfred Wegener and explain how his evidence supported the theory of continental drift.
Students also made models of Earth’s interior, tectonic plates, and sea floor spreading in order to make
sense of concepts they cannot directly observe.
Grade 6 – Schweiger
Students enjoyed revealing the layers of information displayed on their classmates’ Padlet research walls
as multi-media brought the topics to life on the computer screen. The students continue to discover facts
reading informational text on the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius which buried Pompeii in volcanic ash. These
facts helped the students identify clues to the theme of the historical fiction story set there. The students
can make connections while also identifying aspects of both fiction and nonfiction text. Students are
structuring their writing responses to explain a topic or quotation. With a purpose for each paragraph,
students’ explanatory writing is organized and well developed. On the PolyVision board, low, middle
and high level sample responses, as well as their own drafts are projected in order to share possible
revisions to improve student writing. When misused pronouns became apparent, correct pronoun use
became the focus for our grammar review this month.
Grade 6 – Radulich
Students continued their study of ancient China. They learned about the Silk Road and the important
contributions of the Han dynasty. The children discovered that the Han dynasty had jade carving, silk
weaving, and bronze working. In the area of medicine, the Han developed acupuncture and herbal
remedies. They also discovered that blood travels through the body. Technological advances included
making paper, the iron plow, rudder, compass, and wheelbarrow.
The classes are now studying ancient Greece. They reviewed the geography and learned that Greeks
became traders, ship builders, and fishermen. Students learned about three famous philosophers:
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The classes are studying the Golden Age and the Dark Ages of Greece.
The children are finding out how games were much different from what is played now.
Grade 6 - Begyn
Students began working with irregular figures, which is a combination of the 2-D figures. Students
needed to find the area and perimeter using their understanding of the rectangles and triangles. They were
given measuring tape and used it to measure figures around the hall. Students gained an understanding of
not only area / perimeter of irregular figures, but a conceptual understanding of measurement.
Page 19 of 52
Centimeters and inches are very small units of measure when finding area / perimeter, where feet are
easier for larger figures. Students are learning where to apply surface area and that surface area is an
irregular figure.
Grade 6 Inclusion - Panayoti
• Collaborated with Grade 6 colleagues to create Summer Reading Assignment for the upcoming
school year
• Researched nonfiction books that support Grade 6 content areas and appropriate lexile scores
• Continued to provide extra time for students to complete classwork and assessments, if applicable
• Provided students with models of class work and projects to use as a reference so they can complete
them independently
• Continued to check planners for ICS students and assist them with morning organization and packing
up backpacks at the end of the day
• Scheduled and attended parent conferences to discuss student performance
• Created instructional handouts to assist students in using both the glossary and chapter content to
comprehend scientific vocabulary
• Collaborated with teachers to design classroom seating charts to enable students to work
cooperatively in class
Art – C. Sterba
Grade 4 - Students are finishing up work on artwork based off of the style of Franz Marc. They are
focusing on the arbitrary color animal paintings he created, starting their projects by drawing an animal
and figuring out how to create it with a single sheet of cut paper.
Grade 5 – Students are finishing their heritage inspired designs. They are studying the symbols used in a
coat of arms and what meanings were associated with them. The students will then create their own shield
designs.
Grade 6 - Students used the Suminigashi prints they created, producing some interesting marbleized
paper designs to use as the covers of hand-made books. Then after their book-binding, students studied
artist Romare Bearden and created artwork in his style.
Foundations of Art: Grades 7&8 – Students created clay tablets in the style of ancient Egyptian funerary
artwork. They carved in instructions or items that they would need in the afterlife.
Music – J. Sterba
Our patriotic song for January is “America” (aka. My Country Tis of Thee.) Students are also learned “Oh
When the Saints” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Fourth
graders learned how to play “To Make Words Sing” on the recorder. Fifth graders are learning how to
write rhythms using quarter, half and whole notes and rests. Sixth graders are learning about different
genres of music. Band and choir students are becoming acquainted with their concert repertoire.
Perez – World Language
This month we learned about classroom objects. Students will identify in Spanish the names of10 to 28
classroom objects both in writing and aurally. Using manipulative's, students will be able to ask a partner
if they have various classroom objects and respond appropriately when asked the same question. Students
collaborate with other members of a group to categorize classroom objects in Spanish using given criteria.
Student assessment for this lesson plan is a basic matching quiz.
Page 20 of 52
Students watched “Muzzy”. MUZZY’s multi-sensory approach to language learning appeals to students.
Students watch the story learn characters names and repeat in Spanish. We also learned about the
community, places we find in the community in Spanish. Students completed worksheets, and made a
map labelling all the places in Spanish.
Speech – Allen/Feinberg
Feinberg…
1. Re-Evaluations at WRIS along with parent meetings
2. Continued speech instruction for all students working toward complete carry-over of accurate sound
productions.
3. Functional assessments of students being re-evaluated.
4. Student dismissal with meeting including parent and teacher due to students’ achieving all goals
and objectives.
5. Out of district meetings
Guidance – Gottlieb
• Scheduled and attended 504 update meetings and I&RS meeting with parents, teachers and CST
members.
• Attended CST meetings with parents and teachers.
• Conducted HIB investigations, interviewed students and wrote ABS report.
• Met with parents and students, called parents to discuss allegations and resolution.
• Review HIB procedures.
• Read and reviewed IEP’s for students grades 1-6.
• Counseled students for social, academic, interpersonal and emotional matters.
• Reviewed acceptable behavior and reminded students of anti-bullying policy.
• Worked with LDTC to revise I&RS information collection form for teachers.
Media/Library – Martelli
Media Grade 4: Fourth Grade students are learning how to use a Media Center when researching. They
enjoyed the book, "R" is for Research," by Toni Buzzeo. Students are learning to choose a topic, find
sources to use, analyze the information, and present it to an audience.
Tech Grade 4: Students are using the Chrome Books to find information in a WebQuest to create class
newspapers or newsletters about New Jersey.
Media Grade 5: Students have been studying biographies. Following reading biographies in the Media
Center, they wrote biographies of their classmates for our "Biography Walk of Fame."
Tech Grade 5: Students in Mrs. Ciliotta's class used keyboarding skills to type letters to their favorite
authors.
Media/Tech - Grade 6: Students learned how to evaluate Websites for their research projects. Students
also completed Acrostic Poems with the words Research Skills. Internet Safety Skills is a big topic with
our 6th Graders as they learn the safety of social media websites.
Page 21 of 52
Extra-curricular
Drama Club – Radulich
Auditions have been taking place for the spring performance of “101 Dalmatians.”
Safety Patrol – Cirillo
Our first term of Safety Patrol ended with a job well done by Squad One! These students were hand
chosen in September and worked very hard to arrive early and on time each morning through the end of
January! They worked as a team to keep the students in our school organized and safe at the beginning of
the day before the students entered their classrooms. They also helped in the gym with the AM
Supervision program. We had a party afterschool last week to congratulate the students on a fantastic job
being the very first Safety Patrol team at WRIS! The next team, Squad Two, will begin their duties
February 3 until the end of the school year! I know these students will do just as well as our first squad!
Student Council - Ciliotta
While 150 million people were preoccupied with the Super Bowl, the WRIS Student Council organized
their own “Souper Bowl.” They collected over 150 cans of soup which they brought to the Wood-Ridge
Food Pantry. Thanks to Mrs. Ciliotta for organizing this charitable cause.
Chess Club – Maniscalco
Students met and paired off on practice and gamesmanship.
 Jr/Sr High School
MATH DEPARTMENT
Gabriel Ben-Nun:
• Calculus: The calculus students are working on finding critical points of a function.
• Pre-Calculus Honors: In pre-calculus honors, the students are learning how to find the arc length of a
circle.
• Pre-Calculus: All pre-calculus students are learning how to solve exponential functions.
• Algebra 2: The algebra 2 students are learning polynomial long division in class.
Jim Santangelo:
• AP Calculus AB - Students have just finished studying derivatives and now are moving on to the final
part of the course, integrals. In the next couple of months, students will be applying rules for
integration and use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course concludes with real world
applications of integrals and applying integrals to three-dimensional geometry.
• Algebra I - Students are extending their knowledge of functions to the coordinate plane. Students are
finding and applying slope of a line, which will lead into solving systems of equations algebraically
and graphically. Students are using Think Through Math to supplement and reinforce concepts
learned in class.
• Geometry - Students are learning about polygons, more specifically quadrilaterals. Students are
applying triangle congruency to proving why properties of quadrilaterals are true. Students are also
using Think Through Math to supplement and reinforce concepts learned in class.
Page 22 of 52
Lisa Ames:
• Geometry: To end marking period 2, students applied their knowledge of lines of concurrency to
determine the points they will meet at in various triangles. Then, students discovered the triangle
inequalities using the Explore Learning Gizmos and hands-on investigations. After the midterm
review and midterm exams, we started chapter 6 by discovering the polygon angle sum theorems for
interior and exterior angles. Throughout the marking period, students completed Think Through Math
lessons weekly to remediate and review Algebra 1 and Geometry topics.
• Geometry Honors: To end marking period 2, students began by discussing vocabulary related to
polygons and discovering the polygon angle sum theorems for interior and exterior angles. Then, we
discussed the basic properties of every quadrilateral and how they are interconnected. We began
looking more in depth at the properties of parallelograms and discovering what properties prove that
something is a parallelogram. Throughout the marking period, students completed Think Through
Math lessons weekly to remediate and review Algebra 1 and Geometry topics.
• College Math (MP2) - Chapter 5 Topics of Acellus are centered on trigonometry including identities,
graphing trigonometric functions, and applications of trigonometry to real world problems. Students
also completed the final exam for the College Math Acellus course.
• Statistics (MP3) - Students started their study of statistics by creating posters where they
brainstormed concepts and applications that involve statistics. Then, we began chapter 1 which
includes the two branches of statistics, the difference between samples and populations, and
quantitative and qualitative data. Students discussed the different types of measurements and applied
them to the first part of their own statistical study.
Stephen Olsen:
• Algebra 2:
o Solving Quadratic equations by Completing the Square
o Solving Quadratic equations by using the quadratic Formula
o The Complex number system
o Operations with imaginary numbers
o Simplifying polynomial expressions
o Exponent Rules
o Classification and characteristics of Polynomial Functions
o Polynomials and Linear Factors
o Think Through Math Project
o Mid Term Review
o Mid Term Exam
o 1 QUIZ's / 1 Chapter TEST / 1 Mid Term Exam
• Algebra 2 Honors:
o Solving Polynomial Equations
o Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
o Rational Root Theorem
o Conjugate Root Theorem
o Binomial Expansion
o Pascals Triangle
o Roots and Radical Expressions
o Multiplying and dividing Radical Expressions
o Binomial Radical expression
o Think Through Math Project
o Mid Term Review
o Mid Term Exam
o 2 QUIZ's / 1 Chapter TEST / 1 Mid Term Exam
Page 23 of 52
•
Engineering the Future:
o Testing for energy efficiency
o Testing materials for R value
o Thermal energy flow
o Scale drawings
o Model Drawings
o Design a building of the future project
o 1 Project / 1 QUIZ / 2 Log Book Reviews
Gary Minervini:
• Math 7:
o Mad Math Minutes Mondays
o Solved problems by writing equations
o Wrote and graphed inequalities
o Solved inequalities by adding or subtracting
o Solved inequalities by multiplying or dividing
o Wrote numbers in scientific notion and standard Form
o Participated in a fun learning competition, working in pairs to solve math problems on miniature
whiteboards for a small prize
o Think Through Math, Web-based lessons that provide adaptive math instruction
o NJ ASK Prep
 In lieu of a mid-term exam students participated in completing a NJ ASK Practice test
 Students also strengthened their assessment skills by discussing and solving DO NOW
problems during NJ ASK Friday’s
• Algebra XX:
o Found the union and intersections of sets
o Represented mathematical relationships using graphs
o Identified and represented patterns that describe linear and nonlinear functions
o Wrote and graphed equations that represent functions
o Determined whether a relation was a function
o Found the domain and range of functions
o Identified, extended and represented arithmetic sequences using functional notation
o Found rates of change and slope
o Wrote and graphed equations of a direct variation
o Think Through Math, Web-based lessons that provide adaptive math instruction
• Algebra 1 Honors:
o Found the union and intersections of sets
o Represented mathematical relationships using graphs
o Identified and represented patterns that describe linear and nonlinear functions
o Wrote and graphed equations that represent functions
o Determined whether a relation was a function
o Found the domain and range of functions
o Identified, extended and represented arithmetic sequences using functional notation
o Found rates of change and slope
o Wrote and graphed equations of a direct variation
• Think Through Math, Web-based lessons that provide adaptive math instruction
Pre-Algebra
o Mad Math Minutes Mondays
o Graphed translations
o Graphed reflections and identified lines of symmetry
Page 24 of 52
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Graphed rotations and identified rotational symmetry
Identified prime and composite numbers
Found the greatest common factor of two numbers
Simplified fractions and wrote fractions as decimals
Compared and ordered rational numbers
Think Through Math, Web-based lessons that provide adaptive math instruction
NJ ASK Prep
 In lieu of a mid-term exam students participated in completing a NJ ASK Practice test
 Students also strengthened their assessment skills by discussing and solving DO NOW
problems during NJ ASK Friday’s
Marc Fazio:
• Math 8:
o Pairs of angles
o Angles and parallel lines
o Classifying quadrilaterals
o Classifying polygons
o Area of polygons and circles
o Circumference of circles
o Finding the sum of the interior angles of a polygon
o Exterior Angles of a Polygon
o Think-Through-Math
o Mad Minutes
o Gizmos
o Big Ask Ticket-Out of the Day
• Math 7:
o Ratios
o Rates
o Unit rates
o Shadow Proportion Problems
o Writing a equation
o Solving a proportion
o Think-Through-Math
o Mad Minutes
o Big Ask Ticket-Out of the Day
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Debra Beck:
• Financial Literacy
o Students investigated different investment options (stocks, bonds and mutual funds).
o Students learned how to read a stock quote and researched companies they would be interested in
investing in.
o Students learned how to file a federal tax return.
• Sports & Entertainment Marketing
o Students learned how advertising and promotion are used in sports marketing.
o Students created and presented a marketing plan for a sports team. They identified a location by
researching population and business support. They created a team name, logo, mascot and
designed a jersey. They made decisions and samples of an advertising and promotion campaign
for their team.
Page 25 of 52
•
o They completed the business simulation software for sports and entertainment marketing.
Stock Market
o In pairs the students researched and presented the causes and effects of a financial crisis in
history.
o Students learned how finical investors use complex financial instruments (derivates, swaps and
options) and the associated risks of these investments.
o Students summarized and analyzed the performance of their investment portfolio.
David Porfido:
• TV Production - TV Production students finished the marking period by creating their own reflection
videos and by producing PSA's for their midterm! Uploads for December included: The Holiday
Concert, Holiday Gift Guide, Tech News, and Deck the Doors. January included sumo wrestling, Top
Chef, and more! Select students also produced the Jimmie Johnson Technology Grant video and are
working on a Wood-Ridge Pride video.
• Web 2.0 - In January, students were taught to create web-based screen capturing tutorials. Students
created demonstrations and tutorials to finish out the douse.
• Tech Literacy - Students in 7th and 8th grade have made video cast commercials for their final
product of the class. Students used FlipCams and various editing software to edit and upload their
finished commercials.
SCIENCE AND ELECTIVES
AP Biology – Mr. Colarusso
• Students are completing their studies of cellular reproduction, along with the mechanisms of mitosis
versus meiotic cell division.
• The AP students measured the rate of reproduction in dividing cells within onion root tips and
whitefish blastulas, calculating approximate time spent in each stage of reproduction.
• AP Biology students have the opportunity to explore and interpret the electro-cardiac pathway by
using an EKG machine that translates electrical impulses generated by the heart muscle into a wave
pattern. A dissection of a mammalian heart will be included in the experience.
• Students are now learning Mendelian Genetics, calculating phenotypic and genotypic ratios of
offspring and control mechanisms of the cell reproductive cycle. They will perform a Geneticsbased virtual lab by breeding Drosophila and calculating offspring trait ratios.
Physics - Mr. Hassinger
This month in Physics we have been working on the following topics: In Physics and Physics Honors we
worked on understanding the rules governing collisions, specifically momentum. Students learned to use
this principle in solving real world situations, from analyzing car crashes to understanding the geometric
symmetry of fireworks explosions.
Chemistry – Mrs. Popowich
January started the topic of ionic and covalent bonding. Students were challenged to determine the
correct formulas for compounds bound with both ionic and covalent bonds. Students:
• Created a human atom to understand how ions are formed. The entire classroom became an atom with
the center being the nucleus, home to the “fighting” protons and the “bouncer” neutrons. The
“dancing” electrons circled around the nucleus while spinning in opposite directions. The electrons
occupied different energy shells dependent on the atoms built. As a finale to this performance piece,
students formed two atoms which when bound together created a precipitate which then fell out of
solution forming a massive solid on the floor. All of this was done to the music of the Pointer Sisters
and their 1980s hit The Neutron Dance.
Page 26 of 52
•
•
•
•
•
•
Explained why the outermost electron configuration of elements is important in terms of bonding.
Performed a lab on the differences between ionic and covalent bonding, citing the sharing vs. transfer
of elections.
Completed a self-learning packet to understand how to name compounds.
Played a group jeopardy game to review for midterm exams.
Made posters of ionic compounds formed, labeling the ionic charges, names and formulas
Worked on finding colleges that they would like to attend by researching the admission policies of
colleges.
Biology
• Mr. Colarusso’s class is currently completing work on the topics of cellular growth and division.
Students are exploring how the mechanisms of the two reproductive processes are utilized in
prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We have also completed a lab using prepared slides of onion
root tips to visualize the stages of mitosis in cell division.
• Students were exposed to the cell cycle and the regulation controls that exist in dividing cells.
Students then compared those controls with regulatory factors in cancerous cell growth.
• Students utilized the compound light microscopes to perform a lab on plant cell mitotic growth
estimating time spent in each mitotic stage.
Biology- Mrs. Sistarenik
• The Biology classes will be analyzing different cellular processes. These include photosynthesis,
cellular respiration, and cell division. Students will examine how these processes aid the cell in its
daily functions as well as maintain the existence of life on earth.
Honors Biology- Mrs. Sistarenik
• The Honors Biology class will be finishing their class discussion on cellular processes and begin
investigations into genetics. Students will utilize their own DNA and traits to calculate the probability
that had to receive those traits.
Anatomy & Physiology – Mr. Colarusso
• Students are currently working on the nervous system, and have completed the physiological
functions of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.
• A cerebral lobe group practicum was conducted in a cooperative setting.
• Students are learning about the physiological mechanisms of the "Fight or Flight" mechanism and are
relating personal experiences to those mechanisms.
• The culminating lesson of this unit will be a lab experience where students were given the
opportunity to test their somatic sensory perception and skills. They learn how to take and measure a
simple knee-jerk reflex, hand-eye coordination, sense of touch, visual perception of color, and
mapping of the tongue for areas of taste.
Robotics - William G. Maniscalco, MS, DABR, DABMP
A new class of students have begun develop an understanding of robot design and programming.
• They are constructing their 1st robot in order to begin the job of successfully completing a variety of
tasks
• They begin to understand NXT Robotic Language and they will eventually display this understanding
in the programs they develop to solve an ever increasingly difficult array of tasks.
• Discussions are an important part of classwork. Students are learning about development of
“automatons”, early precursors to robots in the late 1800’s.
Page 27 of 52
Medical Terminology
Students continue learning “The Language of Medicine.”
• Memorization, props, worksheets, reading X-ray, CT scans and videos of actual surgeries, each
followed by class discussion are important to the classwork as always.
• Students expand their knowledge of medical language by expanding into body organ systems.
Presently they are working on terms connected with the “Urinary System”.
• Discussion is a major part of the course. Students are using the terms in medical conversations as
often as possible.
• Students continue experience surgical procedures and the language the physician would use.
Honors and AP Chemistry*
Students continue to look more deeply into the interactions between molecules.
• They are working with balancing more complex equations, molarity and molality. Discovering how
salts and solvents interact.
• They are performing the solution and conductivity Lab. This lab helps them understand the effects of
solutions on solids and the new chemical properties that may be the result.
* Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry cover the same topics. The depth of analysis and the speed of
coverage will vary
Forensics- Mrs. Sistarenik
• The Forensics class will be examining different types of physical evidence that may be found at a
crime scene. Students will be analyzing hair and fiber samples, as well as different types of
impression evidence. Students will work to create a tire track bank to solve a hit-and-run crime scene.
Genetics- Mrs. Sistarenik
• The Genetics class is just beginning and will start by examining the structure of DNA and the
contributions made by scientists and their experimental research. Students will research genetic
abnormalities and investigate important genetic tests that are offered to pregnant women.
Grades 7 & 8 Science
• Students in Ms. Sanzari's 8th grade classes are continuing their current unit on basic chemistry. Using
atom building models students created 3-D models of atoms and studied ionic and covalent bonds.
• Students also practiced writing chemical formulas and naming binary compounds and polyatomic
ions. In the upcoming chapter, students will continue with chemistry learning how to balance
chemical equations.
• Mr. Hassinger’s students will be using what they learned this month and completing the "WoodRidge Power Plant Project".
• In Science 8 G&T we focused on understanding matter and what it is made of. Students learned about
3 simple types of materials and how their different properties impact their uses.
• Students in Ms. Sanzari's 7th grade classes have started a new chapter entitled "Fossils & Evolution."
The 7th graders began this chapter reading a case study about whales and their evolution from a land
animal to the current whale. Students learned all about Darwin and his studies and completed a lab
about the adaptations of Bird Beaks.
• Students are now beginning a chapter about classifying organisms and recently completed a project
using Greek and Latin prefixes to properly name unknown organisms.
• Students in Mr. Colarusso's seventh grade science class have been working on a DNA, protein
synthesis, incomplete dominance genetic problems, and how to read a pedigree chart using symbols
to determine individual genotypes. The seventh graders recently determined the number of codons
relating to amino acids and created a "secret messaging code" to send encoded messages like RNA!
Page 28 of 52
•
The students constructed a DNA ladder labeling nucleotides and complementary bases in a creative
illustration. In addition, the students created a cartoon that represented the stages of protein synthesis.
During the genetic and pedigree activities, students used both math and science skills to complete
Punnett square problems and identify the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.
Art Department
• All classes are being introduced to the rules and procedures of the class because it is a new semester.
Introduction to art students and Foundations of Art are going to begin a drawing unit in which they
will practice the basics through observational drawings in graphite.
• The graphic design class is establishing a definition of graphic design through critiques of different
examples: logos, magazine ads, business stationery, etc. They are also going to begin working with
Adobe Creative Suite- beginning with Photoshop.
• Art and Design classes are reviewing the elements of art and establishing the principles of design.
Students will create an original composition highlighting contrast and emphasis through the use of
scratchboard and watercolor.
• Art Club is working on making bowls for the Empty Bowls fundraising event in which they will raise
money for a local food pantry or soup kitchen through the creation of ceramic bowls.
Family and Consumer Science Classes
• During the month of January, the Culinary Classes are focusing on preparing foods that will be served
at the culminating “Top Chef” competition. Students are competing in several different categories
including best appetizer, best entrée and best dessert. A special thank you goes to all of our faculty
judges!
• January 27th is the beginning of a new marking period for all my classes. They will be learning
classroom procedures, and what is expected of them in order for them to do well this semester. They
will also be introduced to the classroom set up, equipment and curriculum that they will be working
with this semester.
LANGUAGE ARTS
AP ENGLISH - CHRISTINE GREEN
Students are preparing for the AP Literature Exam in May 2014. They are completing timed prep tests in
class, so they are familiar with the College Board testing format. They are also reading various novels as
outside reading selections in preparation for the test.
ENGLISH IV HONORS - CHRISTINE GREEN
Students completed "Oedipus" in class and also various novels as outside reading selections. They are
responsible for textual analysis of each novel they read.
ENGLISH IV AND ICS - CHRISTINE GREEN AND ROBIN WOODS
Completed in class reading of "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles. Classes have also completed
Renaissance unit which included sonnets from Shakespeare.
ENGLISH III/HONORS - PETE FORMAN-ICS WITH COLLEEN KOZIBRODA - KIM MILLAR
Mr. Forman’s Junior American Literature courses are currently working on selections by Henry David
Thoreau including Walden. The HSPA Challenge is underway.
Ms. Millar’s English III classes have kicked off the new marking period with their HSPA Prep
competition! Students are excited to compete in daily exercises in an attempt to have a chance to fill out a
lottery ticket. Each team of students must correctly answer multiple-choice questions in response to a
HSPA reading passage. Each team that answers the daily questions correctly gets to fill out a lottery
ticket. Lottery tickets are placed in a box for a weekly drawing, awarding the winning team with gift
Page 29 of 52
cards. Additionally, students have just begun to study Transcendentalism, a movement in America that
spanned from 1830-1840. Students have been introduced to the philosophies and customs of the era and
they are now reading the literature of Thoreau (Walden, Civil Disobedience), Emerson (Self-Reliance,
The American Scholar) and Fuller (Woman in the 19th Century) to examine how Transcendentalist
philosophies are reflected in the literature and how such philosophies influenced American history.
ENGLISH II and II HONORS-KIM MILLAR
The English II and English II (H) classes are beginning an inter-disciplinary unit on feminism. As the
students learn about the woman’s suffrage movement in U.S. History, the literature classes are reading
feminist works from various genres: Dorothy Parker’s poetry; Kate Chopin’s short story The Story of an
Hour; Emilia Pardo Bazan's short story The Revolver, Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named
Desire, and Betty Friedan’s non-fiction work The Feminine Mystique (Honors). Mini lessons will
incorporate Google Groups (Honors) in which students will post comments and respond to other students'
comments and threads. Students will also examine song lyrics from both the past and modern day to
assess how feminine roles are depicted in each and to conclude if women's roles/stereotypes have
progressed. Aside from reading the extended works in class and at home, students will trace the common
feminist themes of these works and complete and present a short project of their choosing to culminate
the unit.
ENGLISH I/ENGLISH I HONORS - VALERIE HUNTER - ICS WITH COLLEEN KOZIBRODA
The English I classes created and presented public service announcements utilizing all three persuasive
techniques (logos, ethos, and pathos). English I Honors students gave persuasive speeches on topics of
their choice using the same techniques. All classes analyzed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's use of persuasion
in his "I Have a Dream" speech. Students also spent time reviewing for their mid-term exams, and are
now working on gathering sources for their interdisciplinary research papers.
ENGLISH 8 G&T/8 - AXEL OSLE
8th grade students have been working on improving their writing and editing skills in January. We've
been reviewing literary terms and learning new vocabulary. We continue to stress quality of
writing. G&T have enjoyed reading Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Lastly, he NJASK
challenge with 7th grade is underway.
ENGLISH 7 G&T/7 - MATT BOGERT
Students are finishing their first novel The Westing Game. Individually students continue to strengthen
their speculative and persuasive essay writing with peer editing and revision. Lastly, he NJASK challenge
with 8th grade is underway.
ENGLISH 7 AND 8 - ROBERTA BLENDER
In Mrs. Blender's, POR classes grades 7 and 8 we have been focusing on NJ ASK Prep activities. These
activities all center on reading comprehension and written expression. The students need guidance in
understanding what the question is asking and how to target their answer in a written format. We also
have been discussing as a group how to analyze what is being asked in each question. In addition, we are
working on how to prepare a Bibliography, examples have been modeled and we are navigating through
the data websites. This is in preparation for one of the research paper deadlines, which is Feb. 6th.
READ 180 - KATHY MARQUET
The students completed their quarterly Scholastic Reading Inventories (SRI's) to track their progress and
determine their new Lexile scores. A majority of the students increased their Lexile scores, some by over
100 points. We are utilizing the writing component of the Read 180 program to incorporate the skills
necessary for the successful completion of the school-wide research paper. Students continue to advance
Page 30 of 52
through the reading comprehension, reading fluency, spelling and writing components of the program at a
highly individualized, self-adjusted pace. Students also read books from the Read 180 Library that
correlate to their Lexile scores. From there, they complete writing activities that further develop their
comprehension and elaboration skills. Students are challenged to utilize skills that range from basic recall
skills to higher thinking skills such as analyzing and evaluating information, drawing conclusions,
applying background knowledge to what they have learned, and creating new connections to learned
information.
JOURNALISM-KIM MILLAR
The journalism class continues to work on the January issue. The Devil’s Advocate is posted on Miss
Millar’s website (the link is on the school’s main website) – see attachment
SOCIAL STUDIES
AP US HISTORY- VICTOR MINNOCCI
In preparation for the AP exam, AP US History is currently analyzing the American Revolution and the
Constitution. Students are expanding and refining analytical skills of historical documents, skills of
critical reading and writing, and simulated AP exam experiences to increase AP exam achievement.
US HISTORY II - STEPHANIE GAVEN, MALLORY GARVIN - ICS COLLEEN KOZIBRODA,
VICTOR MINNOCCI
US History II classes took a closer look at the Vietnam war exploring the new way in which the war was
fought, the various offensives and weaponry used by both sides, and analyzing the impacts of the war.
Students created a photojournalism VoiceThread project chronicling one event or aspect of the war. Half
way through the year and the fun has just begun!
WORLD HISTORY-MALLORY GARVIN-KIM FORSYTH
World History classes were able to explore the exciting, violent, and chaotic French Revolution through
reading primary sources from Maximilien Robespierre and analyzing the role of the Reign of Terror in
creating a more "just" society. Ms. Garvin’s class then moved on to midterm review collaborating to
make a great wiki study guide: http://mgarvinwh.wikidot.com/midterm-study-guide-period-1.
After midterm reviews and exams, Mrs. Forsyth’s class spent some time learning about the connections
between the French Revolution and France's motto, national anthem, and the colors of their flag
8TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES-STEVE SCHNIEDMAN
We finished the chapter on the North and South moving in different directions, as we move closer to the
Civil War. We are currently on the chapter on social reform, which deals with such movements as
temperance, women's rights and reforms in education. The 8th grade was given a mid-year assessment
and they are currently working on their research paper.
7TH GRADE-STEVE SCHNEIDMAN-KIM FORSYTH WITH ROBERTA BLENDER AND
Mr. Schneidman’s7th grade finished the chapter dealing with colonial government and how it was based
on the British government. There was also a section on colonial society, the introduction of slavery into
the colonies and the beginnings of public schools and the Great Awakening. The 7th grade was given a
mid-year assessment and they are also working on their research paper.
Mrs. Forsyth’s 7th grade social studies class is currently studying the formation of the 13 colonies. We
have learned about the factors that led individuals and religious groups from leaving the Massachusetts
Bay Colony and what challenges they faced as they set out to form new settlements.
Page 31 of 52
We are also learning about the development of the west by European nations through acquisition and the
mission system. Students are making connections daily between the early settlements in our area with the
communities we have today.
HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE STUDIES-STEPHANIE GAVEN
In January, students collaboratively presented about some of the lesser-known victims of the Holocaust,
such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Poles, Homosexuals, Sinti and Roma Peoples, and the handicapped. To end
our class, they became journalists that reported about the war crime trial proceedings of a 21st century
genocide of their choice.
ECONOMICS-VICTOR MINNOCCI
The class is analyzing the national debt and exploring remedies to decrease the debt- both pros and cons.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Mrs. Iannacco
• The Italian I classes worked on learning vocabulary acquisition regarding the weather the seasons and
the months of the year. They watched a video spoken entirely in Italian and were able to understand it
and answer key questions. They learned idiomatic expressions and proverbs. They can form complete
sentences and ask questions to their classmates regarding birthdays and dates.
• Italian II/III classes prepared to review for the midterm exams. Prior to that, they learned how to
pronounce the combination letters of “gl” and proverbs related to it. Students learned idiomatic
expressions related to food shopping. Culturally, they watched a video and related to students their
age, living in Italy. A comparison of life in Italy vs. here was noted: i.e. daily habits of :prendere un
caffe’, comprare un dolce, preparare la cena.
Mrs. Angela Daniele
• Spanish I
o Current events of the Spanish-speaking countries
o Oral Presentation: “Pronostico del Tiempo”
o Continued working with noun gender
o The Definite Article
o Wrote dialogs on current theme vocabulary
o Review and Preparation for Mid Term Examination
• Spanish II
o Weekly Biographies on famous Hispanics
o Daily vocabulary word drills
o Paragraphs on themed vocabulary
o Oral Presentation: “Las Escuelas en los Paises Hispano-Hablantes”
o Review and Preparation for Mid Term Examination
Mr. Mojkowski
• Espanol IIo vocabulary having to do with daily routines
o reflexive verbs / indirect object pronouns
o serv.s. estar
o possessive adjectives – long and short form
o chapter oral presentation ; preparations for special event
• Espanol III
o vocabulary having to do with nutrition and exercise
Page 32 of 52
•
•
o command tense both when addressing one or many people
o object pronouns when used in commands
o mid-term project; teach the class what need to do to improve health via nutrition
Espanol IV
o Pablo Picasso and cubism
o Guernica painting and relation to Basque people and events during Spanish Civil War
o student created cubist painting project
o mid-term project; groups create play-doh diorama of famous Spanish painting covered in class
and use to teach about painting in video
AP Spanish
o interpersonal speaking exercises
o interpersonal writing exercises
o long and short narratives
o reading comprehension exercises
o short writing grammar review practice
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Baumgartner
• History of Rock & Roll:
o This class has been exploring the roots of rock and roll from the early 50’s. They have been
listening to and analyzing many songs. Our January units were on Soul, Surf, Woodstock, Punk,
Heavy Rock and Disco!! The students took an end of semester exam.
o The end of the month brought a whole new group of students into this semester class. They are
learning about origins of rock and roll. Students are listening to early rockabilly artists including
Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and more.
• AP Music Theory:
o These advanced musicians are developing their listening skills by sight singing, conducting,
performing rhythms in this fast paced, exciting class. Students are composing short pieces of
music and taking dictation.
o Piano compositions were transcribed and arranged into small ensemble groups. These pieces will
be performed at the Band Festival on March 28, 2014.
o One student in the class, Joshua Skorupski, is completing a full-length composition for our band
to play at the spring concert in May!
o The AP Music Theory music tech lab is in room 110.
• Jr/Sr Band Classes:
o 98% of all band members take band as a class! This is a huge increase from previous years. We
have 30 students participating in band and they look and sound great.
o In January the band got back to basics of sight reading, rhythm counting and playing a lot of new
music. Some titles are: Phantom of the Opera, We’ve Got Spirit, Armed Forces on Parade.
o The band participated in a promotional video to keep future students in band. This video will be
shown to the lower grades and on the school website as well (I hope.) Students in the TV
production class did all the work. They filmed a rehearsal after school and interviewed several
students. Final edits will be completed in February.
Mrs. Manolakakis
• Sight-Singing – Choir 1 – Full year course - Periods 1, 2, 4, 6 & 7; Vocal Technique – half year
course – Period 2 – Both classes were wrapping up the marking period together with the same
project assessments. This month was full of assessments! During the first two weeks of January
students began learning the spring concert music and reviewing for the mid-term exam. Students
Page 33 of 52
were tested in sectionals of SATB songs “Lean on Me” and “Idol Encores”. The written exam was
50% of their mid-term grade which consisted of naming notes in treble and bass clef, notes and rests
identification and duration; and identifying the solfege syllables using the “Movable Do” technique.
The other 50% was their performance at the Holiday Concert which we had 99% attendance. The
Concert performance is up on the school’s YouTube account.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH
Teacher: Andrea Marino
• Grade 9
o Scooter Handball
• Grade 8 Health:
o Building Responsible Relationships
o Conflict Management
o Abstinence
Teacher: Lucia DiNapoli
• Grades 7, 9, 11, 12
o Badminton
• Health:
o Conflict Resolution
o Medicine/Drugs
o CPR/First Aid
o Teen Pregnancy
o Fetal Development
o Contraception
Teacher: Chris Lange
• Grades 7, 10, 12
o Driver Ed
o Weight Room
o Basketball
o CPR
Teacher: Joe Vaccaro
• Grades 8, 12
o Basketball
o Weight Room
• Health:
o Building Responsible Relationships
o Abstinence
o Conflict Management
Teacher: Joe Gingerelli
• Grades 7, 11
o Pickle ball
• Health
o Parenting
o Stress Management
Page 34 of 52
Teacher: Taylor Condal
• Health
o CPR
• Friday’s are fitness days in Physical Education. It includes ways to help the students build endurance,
flexibility and cardiovascular strength.
• Physical education tournaments were held during exam week including Volleyball, Basketball, and
Knockout. The students were observed enjoying the time in the gymnasium while also being graded
for their participation.
ATHLETICS
Boys Basketball
The boys’ team is currently 6 and 9. They have had strong competition in showcases and tournaments
such as the Coaches Vs Cancer in Patterson, and the South Bergen Festival. A number of teams in the
division have also improved creating a tougher schedule. The team is looking to have a better second half
of their season.
Girls Basketball
The girls’ team is currently 10 and 5. They made it into the Bergen County tournament and lost to
Teaneck in the first round. They have been playing well and look to continue into the second half against
some strong competition to win the division.
Competitive Cheer
The Comp. Cheer team has been doing very well in their competitions. They won their division at the
Hackensack, and Saddle Brook. They also hosted the Blue Devil Invitational as a fund raiser along with
the Recreation department. It was run smoothly and many teams from around the state were impressed
and happy to compete at Wood-Ridge.
Bowling
The Bowling team is currently 7 and 6. The coach continues to look for consistency from our bowlers
who are competing well against some tough schools including Lyndhurst who just won the county
tournament. The bowling team will be competing in the varsity sectionals on February 8, 2014 at Bowler
City, Hackensack.
Indoor Track
The co-ed track team competed in two Garfield invitationals as well as the NJIC and a separate Varsity
tournament both held at the New Balance Armory Track & Field Center in New York. These meets are
preparing them as they enter into the Stat Sectionals in Toms River.
Wrestling
The wrestling team was struggling in the beginning of the season due to transfer athletes and injuries.
They are now coming together as a stronger group of young men with a current record of 6-9. The
wrestling team is looking to continue their growth as they enter the districts in February.
Page 35 of 52
Other Highlights and/or announcements
• Shaun Williams, a recruiter from William Paterson came in to meet with some of our senior football
players.
• The Athletic Club has been selling a large selection of snacks and drinks at many basketball games to
help raise its balance. We also held a Sumo Wrestling event on January 10, 2014. Many district
teachers, coaches, and parents volunteered their time to give the Wood-Ridge community a wonderful
evening.
• A meeting was held to help increase the number of students involved in the Marching Band on
January 9, 2014.
• Pep Rallies were held at Doyle School and the Intermediate School on January 10, 2014 to
acknowledge the recreation athletes in Comp Cheer, Basketball, Wrestling, and Indoor Soccer.
• On January 14, 2014, Jason Cata, and some athletes met with 30 eighth graders from Moonachie to
discuss the many advantages of coming to Wood-Ridge Junior-Senior High School. Other students
were also present to discuss our classes and other extra-curricular activities.
• A meeting was held with Joe Ryan, founder and CEO of Web Star Recruits to bring in a recruiting
software package that will allow our student athletes and coaches to reach out to more colleges and
promote themselves.
Library/Media Center Report - Eileen Layman
IN-HOUSE MONTHLY
Wood-Ridge High School
Total
18
BCCLS - 4 books borrowed;
BELS - 4 books lent; 3 books borrowed
78 Research classes were scheduled in the Media Center
The following statistical report is a summary of the circulation of books within the Media Center, broken
down by genre. Additionally, the in-house circulation states the reference books used only in the Media
Center and were not borrowed by students or staff:
G
rap
Page 36 of 52
LUNCH TIME REMEDIATION
Mrs. Layman is coordinating the lunch time remediation program.
• HSPA, Think through Math and Acellus students are engaged in the web-based program.
o Each student is participating 2X per week.
• STAR testing took place in the Media Center January 13-15, 2014.
II. MAD MINUTES - DECEMBER

Doyle School
Grade 3
Addition:
CLASS
1
Average Correct: 33.4
Average Attempted: 34.17
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
CLASS 1-4
Grade 3 Average
20.09
22.12
16.1
22.92
21.13
23.25
18.5
24.28
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
14.31
15.62
11.6
19.10
15.5
17.12
15.9
20.73
Subtraction:
CLASS
1
Average Correct: 32.9
Average Attempted: 34.4
 Intermediate School
Grade 4
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
CLASS 1-4
Grade 4 Average
×
Average Correct:
39
56.95
42.8
36.85
43.9
×
Average
Attempted:
41
61.14
43.8
38.89
46.2075
Page 37 of 52
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
÷
Average Correct:
29
45.64
40.6
34.3
37.385
÷
Average
Attempted:
32
49.95
42
36.28
40.0575
Grade 5
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
CLASS 1-4
Grade 5
Average
×
Average Correct:
33.33
73
44.49
51.5
50.58
×
Average Attempted:
35.04
73
45.56
52
51.4
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
÷
Average Correct:
27.8
70
48.85
38.4
46.2625
÷
Average Attempted:
28.46
69
50.07
45.2
48.1825
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
Grade 6
CLASS 1-4
Grade 6 Average
×
Average Correct:
71.2
34.5
52
56
53.425
×
Average Attempted:
72.6
41
54.7
58.2
56.625
CLASS
1
CLASS
2
CLASS
3
CLASS
4
÷
Average Correct:
69.3
35.5
51.9
54.2
52.725
÷
Average Attempted:
71.1
40.4
54.8
57.5
55.95
Page 38 of 52

JR/SR HS
Grade 7
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
CLASS 1-5
Grade 7
Average
48.4
59.1
54.71
66.01
57.96780952
49.91428571
60.43333
55.785
67.165
59.10714219
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Average
Correct:
50.9047619
40.39393
47.48275862
49.2
66.38
51.2722901
Average
Attempted:
54.2857143
41.18181818
50.17241379
50.05
68.1
52.75798925
Class 1
×
×
÷
÷
Average
Correct: 61.61904762
Average
Attempted: 62.23809524
Mad Minutes Monthly Averages – Grades 3 – 7
OCTOBER
₊ Average
Correct
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
13.875
20.25
33.2
26.68
26.36425
₊ Average
Attempted
15.6875
21.35
35.325
29
28.29688
₋ Average
Correct
11.375
16.675
26.15
25.11
22.4921
₋ Average
Attempted
14.73643
18.95
27.925
27
24.22515
NOVEMBER
× Average
Correct
× Average
Attempted
Grade 3
Addition
18.97
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
35.55
47.785
57.25
53.87135
37.6825
48.775
59.8
56.4191887
Addition
20.04
Page 39 of 52
÷ Average
Correct
÷ Average
Attempted
Subtraction
15.45
Grade 3
22.76
₊ Average
Attempted
23.87
₋ Average
Correct
19.58
₋ Average
Attempted
20.91
Grade 3
Addition
22.92
Addition
24.28
Subtraction
19.10
Subtraction
20.73
× Average
Correct
× Average
Attempted
÷ Average
Correct
÷ Average
Attempted
41.835
54.25
48.1076772
31.3275
43.855
56.25
50.2310846
Subtraction
17.83
DECEMBER
₊ Average
Correct
JANUARY
28.8325
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
26.5575
31.655
33
31.030577
27.95
32.9825
35
32.434652
18.945
29.1
30
28.615856
20.7075
30.6475
31.75
30.022406
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
43.9
50.58
53.425
57.96780952
46.2075
51.4
56.625
59.10714219
37.385
46.2625
52.725
51.2722901
40.0575
48.1825
55.95
52.75798925
III. WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
 Doyle School
Date
Teacher
Event
01/08/14
Bonnie Campagna
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Carol Rose
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Jennifer Hynes
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
Page 40 of 52
01/08/14
Dawn Caicedo
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Beth Hogan
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Renee Goodlin
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Jacqueline Delatorre
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Samantha Lanzo
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Heather Goggins
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Ann Marie Moccia
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Allison Sabo
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Tracey Jupinka
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Lynnae Peterson
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Brittany Zielinski
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/08/14
Theresa Nass
Reader’s Workshop at Doyle
01/09/14
Kelly DiMauro
Tools of the Mind Training
01/24/14
Anthony Albro
BCPSA
01/24/14
Jacqueline Delatorre
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/24/14
Beth Hogan
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/24/14
Samantha Lanzo
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/30/14
Dawn Caicedo
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/30/14
Ann Marie Moccia
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/30/14
Jennifer Hynes
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/30/14
Carol Rose
Reader’s Workshop –Scott School, Leonia
01/31/14
Nicole Carnevale
Tools of the Mind Training
01/31/14
Arlene DePalma
Tools of the Mind Training
01/31/14
Debra Pagliocca
Tools of the Mind Training
Page 41 of 52

Intermediate School
Begyn
January 15th, 2014: BCEA PD – School Safety: “Lock Down” and “Current Youth Trends in Narcotic
Use.” The PD elaborated on the importance of “Lock Down” procedures and weaknesses in schools
defenses, along with the current narcotic use in the state of NJ. The PD explained warning signs and what
current trends in narcotics are doing to students.
All Language Arts Teachers
January 24 - Readers Workshop Training -To continue to build on the new reading program we are
implementing
Feinberg
Week-end professional development workshops on: Effective Classroom Management; Teacher
Evaluation and Professional Learning; and Assessing Student Growth Objectives.
Gottlieb
Attended BCSCA K-8 meeting in Englewood Cliffs.
o Presentation from NJ CAN on career exploration.
o Discussion of attendance policies.
o Viewed film on prejudice regarding sexual orientation—“Love Is All You Need,”
o Followed by discussion.
Radulich
January 15, 2014 - School Safety: “Lock Down”/”Current Youth Trends in Narcotic Use”
 Jr/Sr High School
•
1/9 – J. Cata – AD Meeting
•
1/15 – J. Cata – AD Meeting
•
1/22 – M. Barrows – HSPA Training
•
1/29 – J. Cata – AD Meeting
Page 42 of 52
IV. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
 Doyle School
Date
9/12/2013
9/20/2013
10/11/2013
10/15/2013
11/18/2013
11/22/2013
12/5/2013
12/19/2013
01/13/14
01/30/14

Time Out
2:15 PM
9:15 AM
9:00 AM
8:30 AM
9:20 AM
10:20 AM
12:30 PM
10:30 AM
9:30AM
9:38AM
Time In
2:21 PM
9:25 AM
9:04 AM
8:40 AM
9:25 AM
10:25 AM
12:55 PM
10:35 AM
9:37AM
9:55AM
Type of Drill
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Fire Drill
Shelter in Place
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Shelter in Place
Fire Drill
Fire Drill
Active Shooter Drill
Time In
10:19 AM
8:40 AM
10:22 AM
10:20 AM
10:49 AM
11:03 AM
10:08 AM
9:25 AM
Type of Drill
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Fire Drill
Active Shooter
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Non-Fire Evacuation
Fire Drill
Time In
10:06 AM
8:20 AM
8:26 AM
8:34 AM
2:27 PM
10:02 AM
11:40 AM
1:18 PM
Type of Drill
Fire Drill
Non-Fire Evacuation
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Lockdown
Fire Drill
Fire Drill
Lockdown
Intermediate School
Date
9/17/2013
9/27/2013
10/24/2014
10/29/2014
12/4/2013
12/16/2013
1/13/2014
1/15/2014
•
•
Time Out
10:00 AM
8:30 AM
10:15 AM
9:50 AM
10:46 AM
10:57 AM
9:57 AM
9:20 AM
Elevator Inspection/Tests – Sept 18 – 3:30pm
Bus Evacuation Drill – Friday, October 18
 Jr/Sr High School
Date
9/13/2013
9/24/2013
10/22/2013
10/30/2013
11/21/2013
11/26/2013
1/27/2014
1/31/2014
•
Time Out
10:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:20 AM
8:22 AM
2:00 PM
9:56 AM
11:34 AM
1:05 PM
Elevator Inspection/Tests – once monthly
Page 43 of 52
V.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – Teachers
Doyle School
Student Name
Samuel Garces
Kyle Graham
Christian Hutchison
Rocco Laurito
Nelson Malave
Sophia Miuccio
Matthew Murray
Zack Nipal
Randelle Scott
Mackenzie Burke
Thomas Burniston
Sophia Cosentini
Julia Dellapena
Matthew Kikkert
Luke Mele
Abigail Oliver
Gianna Pasquinucci
Alexandra Theodoracopoulos
Jenna Velez
Emilie Dine
Dominick Genario
Miranda Gregory
Olivia Waytowich
Danielle Arno
Yhara Barba
Dakota Bentley
Owen Caprio
Darius Enshae
Connor Ferguson
Braden Negro
Nida Rana
Kenneth Tayaba
Lia Wollerman

Straight A’s
Grade
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Teacher
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Dawn Caicedo
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Bonnie Campagna
Jennifer Hynes
Jennifer Hynes
Jennifer Hynes
Jennifer Hynes
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Carol Rose
Intermediate School
Student Council – “Souper Bowl” cans of soup drive
o Mrs. Ciliotta and her students delivered 150 cans to Wood-Ridge Food Pantry
Page 44 of 52
 JR/SR High School
None reported
VI. STUDENT RECOGNITION
 Doyle School
None reported

Intermediate School
Winners of the WRIS Elks Hoop Shoot (1st round) free throw contest:
8 & 9; Gianluca Phelan (4J) & 10 & 11; Nicky Makarewicz (4J)
Both students placed 1st for their respective divisions in the first round of the Elks National “Hoop Shoot”
free throw contest. As a result both boys advanced to the next phase of the contest which was held at St.
Mary’s school in Dumont, NJ. At that competition Nicky did not place in the top spot this time around,
however Gianluca once again finished in 1st place. This means that he will yet again advance to the next
phase being held at some point in mid-February, location not yet known.
 JR/SR High School
None reported
VII. PRESS RELEASE

Doyle School
Kindergarten Registration 2014-2015 Press Release
• pressrelease@woodridgenews.net (Wood-Ridge News)
• fritz@hasbrouck-heights.com (The Gazette Newspaper)
• Community News 12-38 River Road, Fair lawn

Intermediate School
Grade 5 submitted article on science (Owl pellet scientific method of discovery; it was sent to the
Community News. Susan Clark, correspondent for Community News and The Gazette
Page 45 of 52

JR/SR High School
None reported
VIII. FIELD TRIPS/PROGRAMS/EVENTS

Doyle School
None at this time

Intermediate School
Pep Rally – January 10 --- recognizing the winter Rec teams.
 JR/SR High School
•
•
•
•
1/7 – HSPA PREP RALLY
1/10 – Varsity Home Debate, W-RHS Debate Team achieved 1st Place in the Bergen County
Debate Tournaments:
o 1/14 – 8th Graders from Robert L. Craig School in Moonachie visited WR Jr./Sr. HS
o 1/21-1/24 – Mid-Term Exams
o 1/27 – 10th Grade Class Ring Presentations
o 1/29 – Student Council trip to The Ronald McDonald House
1/30 – Robotics Preliminary Competition at NJIT
IX. TEAM LEADERS

Doyle School
•
Mrs. Nass (Pre K-1) and Ms. Hogan (2nd-3rd) met on grade level at least one period per week during
common planning time.
o Writing/Math Portfolios
o Professional Development Plans
o SGO’s revision
o Scheduling 14/15
A Principal’s meeting with the Team Leaders takes place every Friday afternoon
Principal’s meeting with CST Case Managers weekly
o 14-15 planning
o Individual student discussions
o RTI
•
•
Page 46 of 52
 Intermediate School
Mrs. Schweiger …
• Developed a list of strategies implemented by all grade 6 teachers for improvement of state test
results
• Discuss student progress across content areas and parent conference requests
• Developed a book list arranged by Lexile for both fiction and nonfiction for summer reading with
input from content area teachers for nonfiction (Schweiger and Panayoti)
• Planned better coordination of test dates using a centrally located calendar
• Made recommendations for second semester Safety Patrol candidates
• Discussed SGO revisions due by February 15
• Discussed supplies needed and ED-DATA entries
Kim Diaz…
• Attended the January Bergen County Curriculum Consortium meeting on PARCC
• Attended the workshop on Teachers College Reading Writing Project
• Worked with media specialist to promote the library fundraiser
• Worked with teachers to prepare for January conferences
• Worked with teachers on how to use the STAR Assessment as a tool for parent/teacher conferences
• Gathering information on curriculum that needs to be updated.
• Working with teachers on budget related topics
Accomplishments:
• Council for Exceptional Children Executive Board Newsletter Editor
• Council for Exceptional Children March 17, 2014 Conference Preparation
• PetCo Pets in the Classroom Grant --- Mrs. Diaz’s class has “Buddy”
“Buddy” The Bearded Dragon
Page 47 of 52

JR/SR High School
TEAM LEADERS – Mrs. Gaven, Mr. Colarusso, Ms. Ames, Mrs. Barrows:
- Preparation and review of mid-term examinations
- Development of summer reading and summer assignments
- Review of AP/Honors course offerings and related policy for student enrollment
- Review of Program of Studies and related course descriptions
- Coordinated Winter STAR testing and conduct data review of Fall and Winter scores with
respective departments
X. STAFF INFORMATION

Doyle School
None reported
 Intermediate School
Martelli
• Mackin 4 Books Fundraiser - Thanks to all the parents, faculty, and PTA who helped raise $1,000.00
for new books.
• Fiction Books shelved from the Jr/High School.
Students at WRIS love reading - 200 books have been checked out from the Media Center and also
virtually! Happy Reading!
 JR/SR High School
None reported
XI. STAFF ATTENDANCE

Doyle School
Staff Attendance – by percentage & number
Teaching Staff Attendance from _01/02/14___ to 01/31/14 = _69__% _13__ number
Paraprofessional Attendance from __01/02/14_ to 01/31/14_ = _99__% __1__number
Percentage of absences from beginning of year = __59%_____
Staff Punctuality - by percentage & number
Punctuality from ___01/02/14__ to _01/31/14____ = _99_% _1__ number
Number of Tardies
Percentage of tardies from beginning of year - ____99 %____
Page 48 of 52
Substitute Information:
During ___01/02/14___ to __01/31/14_, _28___ substitute teachers have been hired.
Total substitute teachers hired from beginning of year = _79___
Blue Slip Information:
Number of blue slips used in lieu of substitute coverage: __9_____
 Intermediate School
Total days possible through January 31, 2014 = 2208
Total days absent through January 31, 2014 = 110.5
Teaching Staff Attendance from September 3, 2013 to January 31, 2014 = 95% (present); 5% (absent)
•
•
•
•
•
September (24 staff members / 20 days of school = 480 possible days)
13 full days
14 - ½ days = 7 full days
20 days out of 480 days = 4%
October (24 staff members / 21 days of school = 504 possible days)
12 full days
2 half days
13 days out of 504 days = 2.5%
November (24 staff members / 17 days of school = 408 possible days)
19 full days
15 half days
26.5 days out of 408 days = 6.4%
December (24 staff members / 15 days of school = 360 days)
18 full days
4 half days
20 days out of 360 days = 5.5%
January (24 staff members / 19 days of school = 456 days
22 full days
18 half days
31 days out of 456 days = 6.7%
Para-professional attendance (3 paras Sept 1-October 25; 2 paras October 28 to present)
September = 0 absences
October = 4 absences
November = 1 absence
December = 2 absences
January =
2 absences
STAFF PUNCTUALITY --- by percentage & number
Punctuality from September 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014 = 1 staff member or .06%
NUMBER OF STAFF TARDIES --- 1
Percentage of staff tardy from beginning of year - .06%
Sept - 0 out of 480 days = 0%
Oct- 1 out of 504 days = .19%
Nov- 0 out of 408 days = 0%
Page 49 of 52
Dec- 0 out of 360 days = 0%
Jan – 0 out of 456 days = 0%
SUBSTITUTE INFORMATION --Total substitute teacher s used from September 1 = 64
56 teachers
9 secretary subs
Blue Slip Information:
Number of blue slips used in lieu of substitute coverage: 3

JR/SR High School
Staff Attendance – by percentage & number
Teaching Staff Attendance from January 1 to January 31= 96.5%
41 number
Paraprofessional Attendance from January 1 to January 31 = 100% 0 number
Percentage of absences from beginning of year = 95%
Staff Punctuality - by percentage & number
Punctuality from January 1 to January 31= 100%
Number of Tardies
Percentage of tardies from beginning of year – 0%
Substitute Information:
During January 1 to January 31, 34 substitute teachers have been hired.
Total substitute teachers hired from beginning of year = 170
XII. HEALTH OFFICE REPORT
 Doyle School
Teri Trivingo RN BSN, CSN
Staff visits
Meetings
Attendance reports
SBJ restrain reports
Lice screen
PRN (as needed meds)
Accident reports student
Parent calls
Visits
SBJ student visits
Home
Vision Screen
Hearing Screen
H/W screen
BP screen
Scoliosis screen
January 2014
111
3
18
10
0
0
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
4
22
Page 50 of 52
Ref
Local reports
State Reports
In-service (PD)
Accident reports employee
Audits (charts reviewed)
Daily meds
Daily ,TX,PX
SBJ meds
CST/IRS
Transfers out
Transfers in
State/county audit

1
0 (WR) 0 (SBJ
22
39
0
0
4
0
0
0
1
20
Intermediate School
Maria Monda, RN NP
STAFF VISITS
MEETINGS
DAILY MEDS
DAILY TREATMENTS/procedures
PRN MEDS
STUDENT ACCIDENT REPORTS
EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT REPORTS
PARENT CALLS/conference
STUDENTS SENT HOME
VISION SCREEN
HEARING SCREEN
BP SCREEN
H/W SCREEN
SCOLIOSIS SCREEN
REFERRALS
STATE/LOCAL REPORTS
PD
Notes home
Student visits
Lice screen
audits
January 2014
8
2
2
2
4
2 DE, SF
1RC
62
17
1/1
3
411
 JR/SR High School
Submitted by: Lu-Ann Fontana, School Nurse
• # OF STUDENT OFFICE VISITS: 261
• # OF STUDENTS SENT HOME:
24
• ACCIDENT REPORTS: 6
• 911 CALLS: 0
Page 51 of 52
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
HEALTH SCREENINGS: 94
CST SCREENINGS: 0
REFERAL LETTERS TO PARENTS: 0
REFERAL TO SAC: 0
# OF STAFF VISITS: 5
OTHER:
1/13/14 – District Nurse’s Meeting at Wood-Ridge Jr/Sr High School
1/23/14 – NASN on-line course “The HPV Vaccine – Enhancing School Nurse Knowledge to
Support Informed Vaccine Decision-Making” (1.5 continuing nursing education contact hours)
XIII. ENROLLMENT
Doyle School
Grade Pre-K
#
9
Intermediate School
#
JR/SR High School
Grade 7
#
105
Grade K
Carnevale
DePalma
Hahn
Pagliocca
74
18
18
19
19
Grade 4
Borrelli
Johnson
Cirillo
Romoff
95
25
24
21
21
Grade 8
Grade 9
84
79
Grade 1
Engel (Peterson)
Jupinka
Sabo
Zielinski
79
19
20
20
20
Grade 5
Koernig
Diaz
Ripp
Ciliotta
88
23
22
21
22
Grade 10
Grade 11
92
101
Grade 2
Goodlin
Hogan
Delatorre
70
25
22
23
Grade 6
Begyn
Schweiger
Drudy
Radulich
92
27
20
24
21
Grade 12
83
Grade 3
Caicedo
Campagna
Hynes
Rose
83
21
21
21
20
SE
79
Total
315
Total
275
Total
Grand Total
544
1134
Page 52 of 52