MONTH: March 2013
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Jefferson
Kindergarten

Miss McCrea’s Kindergarten studied story elements, particularly character and
setting. The class learned that characters are the people, or animals in a story. The
setting is where the story happens, perhaps a house, the forest or even a castle!
The students retold favorite stories taking note of the beginning, middle and end.
While listening to new stories, the children began to recognize that there is
usually a problem or conflict and a solution. The budding authors tried to devise
their own solutions to problems presented in stories that were read.

Mrs. Northrop’s Kindergarten enjoyed celebrating Read Across America this
month. The children had fun acting out The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss. They also
sang songs and read their favorite Dr. Seuss books.
First Grade

Mrs. Pereira’s & Mrs. Barroqueiro’s First Grade classes...In Honor of Dr.
Seuss's birthday & Read Across America made “Green Eggs and Ham” (green
jello & whipped cream), designed and decorated our very own hats like “The Cat
in the Hat,” and made “Oobleck” (solid/liquid goo). This day entailed lots of
books, lots of Dr. Seuss activities, and lots of enjoyment! In Science, we are on
Chapter 7. We are beginning to discuss Weather. In Math, we just started Unit 4
Geometry and Addition and Subtraction to 20. (Perfect for figuring out all of the
people who live in Who-Ville!)
Second Grade

Students in Mrs. Nolan's second grade class at Jefferson School published
several books this month. We published our annual Clifford book, which was a
collaborative class book. We also published a book of partner stories about
undersea adventures, as well as runaway kite stories written by individual
students.

Mrs. Palermo’s second grade class In 2P's Science class the students studied
dinosaurs and made dinosaur dioramas.
Third Grade

The students in Mrs. Korycinski's third grade class have been reading the
novel Freckle Juice, by Judy Blume, to study character traits and to improve
fluency. The students analyzed each character's dialogue, thoughts, and actions to
better understand each character's motivations throughout the story. Students are
writing diary entries for each chapter of the book as if they were the main
character.

Mrs. Buchanan’s third grade class has been learning about the concept of
division in math. The students have learned various types of strategies to solve
division problems. The students have enjoyed using the many strategies they
have learned to remember their division facts.
In social studies the students have been learning about the seven continents as
well as how locate the continents on a map. The students have learned many map
skills including longitude and latitude to help them better understand how to
locate a specific place on a map. They were very excited to create their own map
of the continents.
Fourth Grade

Mrs. Herrmann’s Fourth Grade studied various women who made significant
contributions to the world in observance of Women’s History Month. Students
read biographies and discussed the women and their contributions.
In science class, students engaged in making root-view farms with carrot, radish,
and onion seeds. Root-View Farms allow students to plant root veggies in potting
soil and watch the roots develop. Students filled large containers to the brim with
potting soil, and planted radish, carrot, and onion seeds. Students will record their
weekly observations on a chart and present their observations/findings to the
class.
Students also studied renewable and non-renewable resources, created posters and
presented them to their peers.

Mrs. Rotondo’s Mrs. Rotondo’s class studies various women who made
significant contributions to the world in observance of Women’s History Month.
Students read biographies and discussed the women and their contributions.
Mrs. Rotondo’s science classes engaged in making root-view farms with carrot,
radish, and onion seeds. Root-View Farms allow students to plant root veggies in
potting soil and watch the roots develop. Students filled large containers to the
brim with potting soil, and planted radish, carrot, and onion seeds. Students will
record their weekly observations on a chart and present their
observations/findings to the class.
Mrs. Rotondo’s science classes studied renewable and non-renewable resources,
created posters and presented them to their peers. Students also created persuasive
posters to encourage recycling in their community.
Fifth Grade

Mrs. Applegate’s Fifth Grade Social Studies studied the evolution of women’s
right in the world in recognition of Women’s History Month. Students were read
a book reviewing the suffrage movement in America. They also studied a variety
of selected articles of important women in history, sports, politics, education, and
the arts and sciences. We discussed the impact of these individuals on societies
throughout the world. Students were then asked to write essays in which they
discussed the role of Women in contemporary society. They were asked to use
research from internet to support their views which included their personal
reactions as to how the changing roles of women have influenced their lives and
the lives of their family and friends.

Miss Jacobson’s 5th Grade Class is encouraged daily to work on Study Island
and Raz-kids to reinforce content area skills. SmartBoard technology was
employed for various Mathematic activities and Language Arts lessons. The class
continues to use Edmodo, Tagxedo and Wordle as interactive websites.

Mrs. Sanchez’s Art Classes Mrs. Sanchez’s art classes continued a unit about
folk art based on a grant from Target. Mrs. Sanchez’s fifth grade classes received
a visit from a representative from the American Folk Art Museum in New York.
The museum representative presented works from the museum collection and led
a discussion. This was a worthwhile experience for all of the students.
Art
Music

Mr. Nicolle's 3rd grade classes at Washington, Roosevelt, and Jefferson began
recorder study; Grade 4 - Resumed recorder study from last year; Grade 5 - Began
study of musical notation in preparation for composition.

Mr. Mullen's General Music Classes
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education

Mr. Cioffe’s Physical education classes have begun a unit involving
baseball/softball. Each grade level has been focusing on the different skills it
takes to perform in the games of baseball/softball. The skills throwing, catching,
and hitting. Each skill will also be used in a mini game that goes with the theme
of baseball/softball.
World Language

Mrs. Baeza’s Fifth grade classes worked on class items. We played class item
Bingo and name that class item. Students also applied the feminine and masculine
la/las, el/los to the class items. In celebration of, Women’s History Month, fifth
grade students went on Learning A-Z and learned all about the first Hispanic
female to become a Supreme Court judge, Sonia Sotomayor.
Counselor

Ms. Hourihan Special Ed finished up her classroom lessons with the fourth
grade students. In the last few classes together, fourth graders had the opportunity
to work in learning centers. Students worked in reading, writing, and art center
groups related to career awareness. In the reading group, students learned about
the Young Person’s Occupational Outlook Handbook and other great books that
have information about education, job outlook and salaries for different careers.
In the writing group, students had a chance to learn about the format of a resume
by filling in a basic resume template. Finally, students were able to use their art
skills by coloring scenes from different careers and drawing pictures of
themselves in their future careers.
Ms. Hourihan continues to work with the fifth grade students. Students recently
learned about the concept of self-talk and the benefits of using positive thinking.
Special Education

Mrs. Volpe’s Special Education Class studied a variety of historical women this
month from New Jersey as well as other parts of the world. The objective was to
enlighten the students to the struggles and accomplishments of these women in
history. The goal of the Resources class is to have all students reach their
individual goals and objectives set forth in their Individual Education Programs
(IEP), at the same time using a cross curriculum approach to teaching.
ELL

Mrs. Nouravi’s ELL students read stories about spring and wrote about the
activities they like to do with their friends and families in spring. Also NJ Access
test was administered to K-5 ELL students in order to assess their social and
content language proficiency.
BSI

Mrs. Keogh’s BSI first grade students used their math “doubling” skills to create
a “Doubling and Doubling Plus One” game. The students created answer sheets
with numbers 0+0 to 9+9 and then added an additional one to each number. They
used this sheet when playing the game. When they landed on a number, they had
to double the number. If they landed on a +1 space, they would spin, double the
spun number and add one more. Partners would use their answer sheets to check
for correctness. The students used them in class and at home to practice.

Ms. Maier’s BSI reading / literacy classes focused on the common core
standards to address and develop college and career readiness anchor standards
for reading. The focus of instruction targeted the key ideas and details of the
common core state standards for English language arts and literacy. Students
analyzed the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and
larger portions of the text relate to each other and the whole and structures to
develop the author’s point of view and purpose. Students assessed how point of
view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
TECHNOLOGY

All the students in Mr. Guanci’s Grade 4 technology classes were introduced to
Microsoft Power Point by using Easy Tech on www.learning.com. Once the
students’ mastered the material by completing tasks and passing quizzes, they
were able to create a power point of their own. The students learned the lyrics to I
Like Jersey Best during music this year and were able to type the lyrics into a
power point presentation. The students used animation and pictures to make
wonderful and interesting presentations to the class.
Highlights
Roosevelt School
March 2013
Pre-K- Mrs. Mack
This month students in Mrs. Mack's Pre-K class celebrated “Read Across America” day
with Mrs. Arena's first grade students. The first graders read to the Pre-K students and
then completed a connect the dots picture. The first grade students were proud to show
off their reading skills! A fun time was had by all!
Kindergarten-Mrs. Haag
Mrs. Haag’s Kindergarten learned how to measure with cubes, paper clips and yarn.
They went on a measuring walk and measured various objects in the classroom. They
also learned the letters Ee, Vv, and Jj and are almost finished with the alphabet.
Kindergarten-Mrs. Malanga
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Malanga’s class learned about measurement this month.
One math lesson involved a reading of Leo Lionni’s book, Inch by Inch. After the story,
the children used square inch mosaic pieces to measure various classroom items. Objects
were then compared to each other. The rug was the longest thing measured!
First Grade-Mrs. Arena
The first grade children learned about food chains. We explored several habitats and the
animals that live there. The class then created paper food chains with pictures.
First Grade-Mrs. Hennessy
We celebrated Dr. Seuss by having Detective Horton come and read to us and by reading
tons of Dr. Seuss books. We learned about bossy r's and long a's, e's and o's. We saw
March come in like a lion and hopefully will see it go out like a lamb. We made lion and
lamb masks to demonstrate this. In math, we learned about symmetry and made
symmetrical butterflies. We also learned to follow directions using right, left, up and
down. In science, we learned about simple machines and will be using them to catch a
leprechaun. Happy St. Patty's Day!
Second Grade-Mrs. Phalon
Second graders learned to count and use money. They also learned about the solar
system.
Third Grade-Mrs. Giuffre
I invited former New Jersey Nets Basketball Player and Coach Michael O’Koren to read
to my class and other students in the school for,“Read Across America”. Mr. O’Koren
read Balto to my class and then he spoke to them about his former career with the NBA.
All the children were interested and enthusiastic with him being in the class, and they
were especially thrilled when he gave them his autograph.
Fourth Grade-Mrs. Crismale
The fourth and fifth grades worked together on a natural disasters science project. The
students truly enjoyed working together in groups to explore some of Mother Nature’s
natural phenomenon.
Fifth Grade-Mrs. DiTommaso
High School students Kaitlyn Pichardo and Beth Kowalczyk came to Roosevelt School
on March 7, 2013 to present ways to create a PREZI to the 4th and 5th grade students. It
was a great experience for the 4th and 5th grade students and the high school students.
Spanish-Mrs. Baeza
Fifth grade classes worked on class items. We played class item Bingo and “Name that
Class Item.” Students also applied the feminine and masculine la/las, el/los to the class
items. In celebration of Women’s History Month, fifth grade students went on Learning
A-Z and learned all about the first Hispanic female to become a Supreme Court Judge,
Sonia Sotomayor.
Resource-Mrs. McKenna
Students in Grades 3,4, and 5 Language Arts classes learned about using dialogue in
writing. We practiced writing sentences using quotation marks as well. Then we used
this skill to write a St. Patrick's Day comic strip entitled "Clever Quotations".
Music-Mr. Mullen
Mr. Mullen's general music classes finished their musical compositions. The
instrumental music classes also performed at a "Parent Night" with Dr. Stringham at
Washington School.
Music-Mr. Nicolle
Washington and Roosevelt’s grades 3, 4 and 5 worked and performed a spring concert for
parents and the concert was a big hit! Washington, Roosevelt and Jefferson’s grade 3
began a recorder study. Grade 4 resumed their recorder study from Last year. Grade 5
began the studying of musical notation in preparation for the composition.
Art-Mrs. Sanchez
Mrs. Sanchez’s art classes continued a unit about folk art based on a grant from Target.
Mrs. Sanchez’s fifth grade classes received a visit from a representative from the
American Folk Art Museum in New York. The museum representative presented works
from the museum collection and led a discussion. This was a worthwhile experience for
all of the students.
ELL-Stringham
Kindergarten students worked on personal narrative writings based on the book, When I
Was Five.
First graders worked on personal narrative writing based on the book, My Big Brother.
Second graders examined and learned about different reference materials. Third grade
students reviewed the elements of informative essay writing taking details/facts from the
book, Gentle Giant Octopus. Fourth grade students worked on writing their
autobiographies.
Physical Education-Ms. Vespoli
Ms. Vespoli's P.E. classes enjoyed learning about, and playing Hockey and Basketball.
BSI-Mrs. Young
Mrs. Young’s reading groups worked on answering inference questions and using context
clues to increase comprehension and improve critical thinking skills.
Mrs. Young’s math classes learned concepts of measurement, geometry and number
patterns.
Washington School
Monthly Highlights
March 2013
Pre-K 3 – Ms. Depken
Ms. Depken’s Pre-K3 class had so much fun during the month of March. They celebrated
Dr. Seuss’s birthday by reading some of his wonderful books and were introduced to
some crazy and unique characters. They also had fun trying to catch a leprechaun and
creating rainbow crafts to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. With a couple of warm days, they
were able get outside and play on the playground while working on their gross motor
skills.
Pre-K 3 – Ms. Paserchia
Miss Paserchia’s Pre-K class had a ball with the color green in March! The students
experimented with building when trying to create a log to help ten fat frogs float in water.
The class tested it out and learned that if something doesn’t work the first time, you can
always try again. They explored green even further when discussing St. Patrick’s Day
and trying to catch leprechauns! The class realized, maybe it is easy being green!
Pre-K a.m. – Mrs. Johnson
Mrs. Johnson's Pre-K class enjoyed learning about rhyming this month. They started the
month by celebrating the works of Dr. Seuss. What a perfect way to begin the exploration
of rhyming! They identified and discussed word pairs that rhyme, made up silly rhymes,
listened to and discussed nursery rhymes, and created nursery rhyme crafts.
Pre-K p.m. – Miss Albonico
Miss Albonico’s Pre-K class spent this month learning different nursery rhymes. The
student’s favorite nursery rhymes were “Hey Diddle Diddle” and “Humpty Dumpty.”
The students also learned about floating and sinking. The class made predictions about
which objects they thought would float and which objects they thought would sink. The
students then enthusiastically tested the objects and were shocked by the results. This was
one of the student’s favorite science experiments!
K-1 – Mrs. Fasouletos
Mrs. Fasouletos’ kindergarten – first grade class celebrated Read Across America with
Ms. Paserchia, Ms. Palmer, and Ms. Depken’s classes. Mrs. Russo was our guest reader.
She read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss to the classes and then we made green eggs
and ham. The student’s had fun and enjoyed eating what they helped cook.
Kindergarten – Mrs. Dillon
Mrs. Dillon’s kindergarten class celebrated Read Across America. Ms. Hilton from the
North Arlington Public Library was a guest reader. The kindergarten students paired up
with Ms. Mielke’s third grade students. The third graders read to the kindergarteners and
they illustrated their favorite part of the story. The pictures were then put together to
make a story quilt.
Kindergarten – Mrs. Luciano
Mrs. Luciano’s class enjoyed learning about rainbows! The children caught a rainbow by
observing the reaction of milk, dish soap and red, blue and yellow food coloring. The
children observed how the food coloring mixed together to form the other colors of the
rainbow.
Grade 1 – Mrs. Wei and Mrs. Kosiakowski
Mrs. Wei’s and Mrs. Kosiakowski’s first graders have been enjoying learning geometry
in math. Students have been working with solid figures and shapes. After finishing the
chapter, students used shapes to create a picture of their choosing.
Grades 2-3 – Miss Palmer
Ms. Palmer’s 2-3 grade class welcomed spring in the month of March. The class learned
about the life cycle of a plant, and the parts of a plant. The class then planted plants, and
will discover the life cycle in action.
Grade 2 – Miss. Pusaver
Miss Pusaver’s second grade class was busy writing “Opinions” this month. The students
reviewed books, movies, games, TV shows and more! The students were anxious to write
and read their opinions to each other!
Grades 2-4 – Mrs. Cutruzzula
Mrs. Cutruzzula’s 2-4 grade class celebrated Read Across America by watching a Brain
Pop video on the Smartboard about the life of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the real Dr. Seuss.
Students then practiced their rhyming skills with real and nonsense words they found in
Dr. Seuss books. They were delighted when Pastor Joan, a guest reader, stopped by to
read I Can Read With My Eyes Closed by Dr. Seuss.
Grade 3 – Mrs. Phelps and Ms. Mielke
Mrs. Phelps and Ms. Mielke third grade class was very busy in the month of March. In
Science class, each student did their own research of an animal of their choice on an I
Pad. After taking notes, they wrote an essay on their animal in Language Arts class,
going through the entire writing process. The children printed out a picture of their
animal at home and brought it in to help them illustrate it in class. Finally, they
published their work and added their picture. They really enjoyed being researchers,
writers and artists!
Grade 4 – Ms. Verrier
Ms. Verrier’s fourth grade class used the writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit and
print published “Spring” cinquain poems, “The Signs of Spring” essays, and a realistic
fiction story of their choice. “The Signs of Spring” essays were accompanied by an Art
project completed with Mrs. Sanchez.
Grade 4 – Mrs. Drozdowski
Mrs. Drozdowski’s fourth grade class celebrated Read Across America with Mrs. Wei’s
first graders. The children shared their favorite Dr. Seuss classics and created awards for
the books. Mrs. Drozdowski’s class also welcomed several guest readers from the North
Arlington community, including Mr. McDermott and Pastor Joan. The students
thoroughly enjoy listening to classic stories that were read aloud.
Grade 5 – Mrs. Sauchelli
Mrs. Sauchelli’s fifth grade class used World Book Online to conduct research on
assigned topics in Social Studies. The students worked in cooperative groups and were
responsible for researching and taking notes on their topic using iPads. The students then
utilized their notes to type their research papers. This not only helped the students learn
the subject matter, but it also furthered their technological skills.
Resource – Mrs. Keegan
Mrs.Keegan's third grade math class has been working very hard solving money
problems. The students have been practicing their addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division problem solving skills using the "fake money" in the class. Each student
worked with a partner to shop and make change. They have also used the activity box
cards to solve real life money problems.
BSI -Lana Wandzilak
Ms. Wandzilak’s language arts students have been focusing on completing graphic
organizers. After reading a selected story from Storytown or www.readinga-z.com,
students collaborate and had a discussion about the most important aspects. Students
then individually completed a graphic organizer that contained the following: making
inferences, main idea, characters, cause/effect, and plot. If there was a problem in the
story, students would also include it and jot down how the problem was solved.
BSI - Miss Iuele
Miss Iuele’s second grade students used their number sense strengths to count coins and
make change. Students shopped for their classroom on a budget, and took turns as the
classroom cashier. At the end of the shopping trip, students related their classroom
shopping experience to real life experiences with money.
Art – Mrs. Sanchez
Mrs. Sanchez’s art classes continued a unit about folk art based on a grant from Target.
Mrs. Sanchez’s fifth grade classes received a visit from a representative from the
American Folk Art Museum in New York. The museum representative presented works
from the museum collection and led a discussion. This was a worthwhile experience for
all of the students.
Music – Mr. Mullen
Mr. Mullen's general music classes performed in the first Spring Concert, singing a wide
variety of material.
The instrumental music classes also performed at a "Parent Night" with
Dr. Stringham.
Music – Mr. Nicolle
Mr. Nicolle’s students in Pre-K and grades 3-4-5 performed a spring concert for parents,
singing two songs each. Grade 3 student began recorder study while grade 4 resumed
recorder study from last year. Grade 5 began studying musical notation in preparation for
composition.
Physical Education – Ms. Vespoli
Ms. Vespoli's physical education classes have enjoyed learning about and playing hockey
as well as basketball.
World Language – Mrs. Baeza
Mrs. Baeza’s fifth grade class worked on class items. They played class item Bingo and
name that class item. Students also applied the feminine and masculine la/las, el/los to the
class items. In celebration of Women’s History Month fifth grade students went on
Learning A-Z and learned all about the first Hispanic female to become a Supreme Court
judge, Sonia Sotomayor.
Speech -- Mrs. Hornstein
Mrs. Hornstein’s speech and language students have been working on improving their
working memories by engaging in short term memory drills and other auditory
processing type activities. Preschool speech students are working on expanding their
expressive and receptive language skills in coordination with the activities presented
within their classroom curriculum according to the Verbal Behavior Network program.
Nurse – Mrs. DeVenio
The fifth grade had Thinking about Epilepsy presentation. The school staff had a Seizure
Training for School Personnel presentation. Both programs were offered by the Epilepsy
Foundation and were very informative.
MONTH: March
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mathematics
This month Grade 7, Mrs. Arapao’s math classes celebrated Pi day. The students
were given a few skittles each and made a frequency table based on the colors they had.
Once the frequency table was complete they took each amount and turned them into
degree measurements. The degree measurements were then made into a circle graph.
The circle graph represented the different colors and the amount of each color. The
students then colored the circle graph accordingly.
During the month of March, Miss Neubauer's math and writing classes celebrated Pi
Day. In math, students brought in an assortment of pies (chocolate pudding, apple,
pumpkin, etc.) and enjoyed them while they worked on creating a frequency table using
the first 101 digits of Pi. In writing, students wrote stories in pairs using the digits of Pi
to control the numbers of words in each sentence. The day was fun for all!
Mrs. Araujo's Basic Skills Math
This month the students expanded their skills in solving equations with variables on each
side of the equal sign. They solved equations involving grouping symbols by using the
Distributive Property. The students also wrote and graphed inequalities and learned to
solve inequalities by using properties of inequality. Finally, they solved inequalities
involving more than one operation.
The students in Miss Mezzina’s class completed chapter eight in their textbooks this
month. They explored powers and roots like never before. The students were faced with
new material in relation to powers and roots dealing with multiplying and dividing
powers, negative exponents, scientific notation, square roots, estimating square roots, and
the Pythagorean Theorem.
As students look forward, the NJ ASK assessment will be here soon. All math classes
have begun to prep for the assessment with mini practice tests.
March 2013 Highlight from Barbara Coughlin:
In March, Mrs. Coughlin’s 8th grade math classes learned about the Pythagorean
Theorem as part of their studies on triangles. The students had already reviewed
protractor use and how big an impact triangles have on geometry. With learning the
Pythagorean Theorem the students learned how this formula, a²+b²=c², can be used to
solve real world problems
The students in Mrs. Macari’s math classes have been studying proportions. They were
introduced to this unit through a hands on activity involving geometric figures. They
solved proportions with triangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, and hexagons. Then after a
formal lesson, each student solved many word problems that involved setting up
proportions through daily “do now’s,” and created word problems by looking at
proportions. Through this, the students also discovered how to find the percent of a
number using proportions and made predictions based on given information.
Language Arts
Monthly Highlight – March Mrs. Boyd
This month as an activity for Read Across America, the students were asked to
email one faculty member of NAMS about books they have enjoyed reading. The
students were excited about this assignment and some really wrote extensive letters
describing authors, series, or plots they have enjoyed. Some students received emails
back from the staff describing their favorite books and some are still anxiously waiting
for a response! This activity included technology, writing and summarizing skills.
The students in Mrs. Helm’8th grade read class the novel The Outsiders by S.E.
Hinton. The novel takes place during the 1960’s and discusses many social inequalities as
well as pop influences. 8th grade students were asked to create a pop culture collage.
They were given a list and had to find images of 1960’s pop culture. Finally, they had to
write about the significance of each image and how it related to the novel. Finished
collages are on display in room 307.
Mrs. Kowalczyk's 6th grade Writing classes celebrated Women's History Month.
Using Explanatory Writing, the students interpreted quotes made by famous women in
history. Also, the students continued working on test prep items to get ready for the
NJASK.
The history of poetry is being addressed in Writing.
Mrs. Duff's writing class has begun to write poetry. The students will be exposed
to various types of poetry such as, Cinquain, Limerick, Diamante ,Haiku,Porquia(why
stories), Alliteration,Onomatopoeia and Free verse poetry. The students will write poems
about various types of ideas prompted from classroom participation. Final copies will be
displayed on the "Poetry Corner" bulletin board in the classroom.
This month Miss Keeler’s writing class practiced their persuasive writing skills
by writing arguments to support claims using clear reasons and relevant evidence. After
several lessons focusing on structure, elaboration, and craft of argumentative writing, the
students put their persuasive powers to the test. Each student wrote a persuasive letter to
Mr. Keeler (Miss Keeler’s father), urging him to repair her classroom podium. The class
gathered logical evidence to support their claim, even weighing and measuring the
Teacher’s Edition Textbook (7 lbs., 21 inches when open!) Mr. Keeler read all 32 letters
carefully and enthusiastically, even returning some with personal comments. Needless to
say, the assignment was a success and the students witnessed firsthand how the power of
quality persuasive writing can have real-life results: after collecting dust for nearly two
years in his home garage, Mr. Keeler has finally moved the podium from his home
garage in Rutherford to his professional woodshop in Montclair and has begun prepping
the piece for repair work!
During the month of March, Ms. Demetroules's Writing class continued their
study of Realistic Fiction Essay Writing. This genre allowed students to tap into their
creative sides, making for some very interesting stories! One prompt in particular allowed
students to take their imaginations to a whole other level. Their task was to write a story
that included the sentence "Suddenly, the rope snapped!". Responses range from objects
falling off of the back of vehicles to Indiana Jones reenactments.
Mrs. Callahan's 8th grade reading class continued its unit, "It Happened in America" by
reading Code Talker. This novel is about the Navajo Indians' contribution to World War
II by writing and utilizing an "unbreakable" code to use against the Japanese in the
Pacific Campaign of the War. In addition to learning about the historical significance of
the Navajo code talkers, the students also learned the importance of setting in historical
fiction novels.
Mrs. Callahan's 8th grade writing classes completed their unit on Persuasive Writing by
writing essays about installing web-cams in classrooms and students facing discipline due
to using social media web-sites. The students were instructed in the use of compositional
risks in their writing and graded according to their use of these compositional risks.
Mrs. Callahan's 6th grade reading classes concluded their unit on Ancient Egypt.
During this unit, the students learned about the life of an average child in ancient Egypt
as well as the mummification process. As a culmination to this unit, students completed a
term paper and oral presentation on a topic related to ancient Egypt. One part of this
assignment included the students learning how to write a bibliography using the MLA
format.
World Languages
March Highlights Mrs. Marchese
In Spanish classes, the sixth graders learned about family and housing. They
made a picture booklet in the computer lab with labels in Spanish. The seventh graders
learned about many foods and beverages. They practiced speaking using those terms in
sentences.
Social Studies
During the month of March, the students in Mrs. Fisher's classes learned about the
Mongols. One of the main leaders of the Mongols, Genghis Khan, became a focal point
for many discussions. Not only did the students learn about him in the textbook, they
also read a book about him. To wrap up the unit, the students created a resume for him.
Many chose to have him apply for a job that exists in the United States today. The
finished products were both informative and creative.
During the month of March, Ms. Demetroules's Social Studies classes studied the
civilization of Ancient India. They explored India's contributions to modern mathematics,
medicine, and astronomy. They learned about Gandhi and Buddha: Two important
historical figures who helped shape not only India's culture but global culture. One
activity the students found extremely entertaining was the in class debate over which
religion was more desirable : Hinduism or Buddhism. Each student was responsible for
writing Ms. Demetroules a persuasive letter trying to convince her to "convert" to this
wonderful religion they discovered. The debate became verbal in class when the students
were split into 2 teams, each trying to persuade Ms. Demetroules to join them.
The students were the teachers during the month of March in Mr. Barber’s Social
Studies class. In February, they were randomly assigned a President of the United States
to write a two page biography on and present to the class. All of the students showed how
much they learned about their president by creating either a PowerPoint presentation or
poster depicting and discussing what occurred during their presidency. Every
presentation was unique with interesting pictures and points that opened the class to
many discussions. There have only been forty-three men to be elected to the highest
office in the United States and every project did them justice.
Science
March 2013
Michele Galante
The 7th grade science students have completed their study of seismic waves.
After studying, researching, illustrating, and seeing how seismic waves affect the earth
after an earthquake, the students did an analyzing data graph. The students had to observe
the P waves and S waves on a graph from a seismograph. They had to observe the arrival
time of the waves produced by an earthquake. After comparing the times, the students
had to answer specific questions which were related to the graph. They had to tell the
variable of the x and y axis, how long the seismic waves took to travel under the earth,
and what the differences were between the P wave and S wave arrival times. The students
used graph paper to map the waves and answered the questions in their science journals.
This activity was used as a review of reading graphs for the NJASK test for math and
science.
In Mr. Haines 8th grade science classes, the students spent a great deal of time solving
chemical equations by balancing them on the whiteboards. The classes were broken into
teams to work on a series of problems which were ever increasing in difficulty. There
was a great deal of friendly competition and cheering of successes.
For "Pi day" March 14th 3.14 the science classes participated in hands-on-math day by
creating 2-dementional models which explained and proofed the Pythagorean Theorem.
Art
March 2013
The 6th grade learned 7 techniques for using watercolor paints. They were given a
tutorial on the water color technique of ombre, wet on wet, dry brush, sponge and
removal of color. They used these techniques and created beautiful paintings of the
ocean. The students had to include the water, the sky, the beach, birds in the sky and at
least one tree. The results were amazing and are now on display in our hallways.
The 7th grade created booklets, first having a tutorial on making a value scale,
then used the three types of value, cross hatching, shading and stippling, Using these
techniques, these students created a series of simple into complex drawings. The students
studied the drawings carefully and created beautiful works of art.
The 8th grade created POP art works by using commercially produced products
for the subject of their artwork. They made pencil contour drawings of their object. The
students then used oil pastels to color their images using strange and diverse color
combinations. Their works were not to look normal. The students then watched a
documentary on the artists Christo and Jean Claude and their environmental work of art
“The Gates”. The students had open discussions about the video and their feelings about
the work of art and their opinion of what the artists went through to get their work up in
NYC.
Music
March - Mr. Nicolle - Music
Grade 6 -finished up a study of Composers, completed a review of Handel's "Messiah" in
1742, will be starting a project of a "classical" version of the Harlem shake using music
of the four composers.
Grade 7 - Studying "The Pirates of Penzance" to use as our in-class play production.
Grade 8 - Completed study of the Beatles with a project of reports on the group or an
individual Beatle, working on a look at Michael Jackson, and will be starting work on the
NAMSie's.
Chorus - Continuing to work on music for the upcoming Spring Concert.
Computers
The students in Mr. Guanci's 8th grade cycle classes have been preparing for the
NJASK by taking sample tests on Study Island. The students have been working on
Math, Reading, Writing, and Science skills. They are allowed to use any resources they
see fit to answer any and all questions. The students have been learning to eliminate
answers that are not relevant to the questions to better increase their chances of getting a
correct answer.
Special Ed
The students in Mrs. C. Brown's 8th grade Science class have been preparing for
the NJASK exam. They have been reviewing topics like the periodic table, acids, and
bases. To help with comprehension, the students have also been utilizing study island,
along with interactive flash cards and virtual labs.
Ms. Whalen’s class made a five minute chocolate mug cake. They read and
followed the directions step by step. They added the ingredients by correctly measuring
them and putting them into the mug. They learned the importance of correct
measurements and correctly following the directions. After each student was done
preparing the mug cake, they cooked it in the microwave for three minutes. At the end of
the day, they enjoyed their cake with some ice cream.
Mrs. D. Brown’s 6th Grade Social Studies Class concluded their study of
Buddhism by creating spring flowers. The flowers represented the Eightfold Path of
Buddhism. The students made one path on eight separate flower petals to reinforce the
major ideas of Buddhism. The center of the flower was depicted with the word Nirvana.
The flowers were displayed in the classroom for the beginning of spring.
Special Programs
This month the Drama Club production of “Aladdin” took place. The drama club
crew is an incredibly hard working group of students, they dedicate their time to our
production and clean up and they did an amazing job this year! I am so proud to be a part
of such a great program!
North Arlington Middle School’s seventh grade students participated in a Career Day on
March 21, 2013. Mrs. Succol, the Guidance counselor and Mrs. Gagliano, the Physical
Education teacher organized the sessions for the event.
Linda Rentschler (writer and published author), Stephen Rentschler (agriculturalist),
Janet Thomas-Fea (teaching/career education), Joshua Reinitz (attorney), Victoria
Auresto (business manager), Luis Goncalves (police officer and volunteer firefighter),
Brian Kropp (police officer), and Clare DeBlasio (nurse) came to the school to talk about
their careers.
This event promoted career awareness and helped to motivate the students to work hard
towards a goal or career they are passionate about. The students also learned on the
previous day about work ethics, including a discussion on appropriate attire for
interviews and the workplace. Following this discussion, the students were asked to
“dress for success,” on Career Day. It turned out to be a fun learning experience for
everyone involved this special day.
North Arlington High School
March 2013 Report
I. Curriculum and Instruction and Implementation of Objectives:
English Department

Mrs. Albuquerque’s English IV students took notes on humanism, Boccaccio,
Petrarch and Alighieri. Students cooperatively evaluated literature from humanist
writers and identified humanistic traits and themes. In addition, students engaged
in public speaking by presenting their analyses to the class. Students segued into
the renaissance period by researching other humanist authors and analyzed the
impact they had on the renaissance period in England. Seniors also read Orwell’s
1984 and analyzed themes correlated with a totalitarian government.

Mrs. Albuquerque’s Journalism students continued writing articles and created
Public Service Announcements.

In Mrs. Burns' English 3 students have focused realism and regionalism
covering authors like Willa Cather, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman.
Students just finished reading Catcher in the Rye and will be writing their
Benchmark Essay on this topic.

In Mrs. Burns' English 3 Honors students have finished the study of Realism
and Naturalism. Their benchmark essay will discuss the relationship between
these two time periods and how they relate to Modernism. Students have been
reading Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy and will be using this as a key
stone of their thesis for the essay.

In Mrs. Burns' English 2 students have finished on their study of Drama for unit
3. Reading works from Russia and Mexico. Students completed projects where
they acted scenes for the class and read passages of dramatic works.

In Mrs. Burns' Propaganda of Genocide and Oppression students are dictators
in the 20th century and the application of International Humanitarian Law and
how the United Nations tries to keep the peace. Students will be doing research
projects of different dictators of the 20th century and presenting their findings to
the class.

Mrs. Hughes’ English I began the Freshmen Research Paper. In addition,
students completed their semi-independent study of the novel, Of Mice and Men
by John Steinbeck. Finally, students completed reading the play, The Miracle
Worker by William Gibson. Students paired up and performed skits of certain
scenes.

Mrs. Hughes’ English I Honors began the Freshmen Research Paper. In
addition, students completed their semi-independent study of the novel, To Kill a
Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A final culminating activity was the completion of a
webquest whereby students created the newspaper, The Maycomb Times.

Both Mrs. Hughes’ English I and Honors English I students began reviewing
for the PARCC.

Mrs. Hughes’ Advanced Placement English IV completed their close readings
of the following: Oedipus Rex, Antigone, The Iliad, and Othello. Students
presented projects on Ancient Greek culture, such as, but not limited to, food,
fashion, and weapons of the Archaic period. Each week, students are quizzed on
Biblical and Mythological Allusions to prepare them for the AP Exam in May.
Finally, students completed their 13th formal writing assessment based on the AP
Literature and Language Free Response questions, their 6th Independent Critical
Analysis of a Literary Work, and their 7th Reading Assignment with the selections
being A Doll House and The Glass Menagerie. Students began the Poetry Unit,
reviewing some 84 poetry terms in preparation for the test in May.

Ms. Ingannamorte’s English IV class has just completed a unit on Humanism.
They enjoyed reading Chaucer and Boccaccio.

Ms. Ingannamorte’s Creative Writing class is enjoying writing poetry and is
creating original lyrics.

Ms. Ingannamorte’s Sociology Classes are completing a unit on deviance and
society. They are relating their studies to lively discussions of current events.

Ms. Shaver’s English I: English I classes completed the third marking period
Drama unit with context and point of view studies of Helen Keller. They have
completed research on Helen Keller and developed a new kind of writing –
PowerPoint writing to present their findings. In addition, they wrote analytical
essays on William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker.

Ms. Shaver’s English II: English II students began the second marking period
with the start of the Drama unit and the study of William Shakespeare and his
historic play, Julius Caesar. Students have worked hard to decode the language of
Shakespeare while also noting his classic themes that still resonate today.
Students continued their Reader’s Choice novels and I received positive feedback
on this novel option.

Tracey Turner Turano’s English II class has been studying drama from
different parts of the world. We performed Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar,
Chekov’s The Marriage Proposal, Niggli’s The Ring of General Macias, and
Pinter’s That’s Your Trouble. The class is also working cooperatively to make
film versions of their favorite scene. The class has also begun working on their
thesis papers and has spent time in the library working with Mrs. Bratowicz to
learn how to effectively use Elibrary.

Tracey Turner Turano’s English III Classes completed the novel The Great
Gatsby and discussed its importance to American Literature. We also completed
a unit on Regionalism and Realism and read short stories by Chopin, Wharton,
Twain, Crane, and Cather. The class has also begun working on the junior
debates. The class was divided into teams and voted on which topic they were
most interested in debating. Mrs. Bratowicz has been helping them use the
opposing viewpoints section of Elibrary to help find reliable up to date
information.
World Language Department

Mrs. de Diego’s Spanish II classes have been working on the chores and the
rooms in the house. They created a video showing how they do the chores around
their house and presented it in front of the class.

Mrs. de Diego’s Spanish IV classes are learning about the Imperative Mood,
they created a video for a TV Campaign on how to be happy.

Mrs. de Diego’s Spanish III classes are learning about physical descriptions in a
lot of detail and personality traits, among other activities they created a police
profile based on a written description of a person.

Mrs. Murad is working with her student teacher, Andrea Salguero, a senior from
St. Peter’s College. Mrs. Murad is mentoring Ms. Salaguero while Ms. Salguero
is teaching the Spanish classes. The Spanish II Honors class is working on
preparing a flyer in Spanish entitled “Se Vende” (For Sale) promoting the sale of
a home. The students must describe the home, its location, the rooms, the
amenities the house has to offer, etc.

As a review for chapter 4A, Mrs. Murad’s Spanish classes worked on a project
entitled “Lugares que Visito Yo” (Places I Visit). Mrs Murad took the students
to the library where the students had to download photos of places and the means
of transportation by which they got there. They had to write in Spanish that they
go to a certain place, when they go, how they get there, with whom they go, and
what they do when they get there. The students in Mrs. Murad’s Spanish I
Honors class also had to write the sentences in the past tense.
Social Studies Department

Mr. Galante’s MWH and Global Studies classes utilized the HS Media Center
to create Power point presentations on various topics dealing with the Industrial
Revolution. This culminating activity was weighed as a test grade.

Mrs. Kusher’s US II Honors, read and analyzed a primary source, “Vanzetti’s
Speech to the Jury”.

Mrs. Kusher’s U.S. History classes came up with a list of reasons why people in
the 1920’s might have wanted prohibition and then looked at the actual reasons.
In addition, students analyzed a political cartoon on the effects of prohibition.

Mrs. Kusher’s US History students looked at fashions of the 1920’s on the smart
board and discussed the new trends in fashion.

Mrs. O’Brien Romer’s U.S. History I class learned about the Roaring 20s.
They viewed and analyzed video clips from the time period including Steamboat
Willie and examples of the dance crazes the Charleston and the Fox Trot.
Students also learned about the Prohibition Era and analyze political cartoons on
the effects of Prohibition.

In Mrs. O’Brien Romer’s AP U.S. History class, students worked on practice
exams to learn and hone their test taking strategies. Furthermore, students learned
about the FDR’s New Deal and the Dust Bowl. Students viewed a video clip
about the Dust Bowl and analyzed the effects it had on the Midwest and the
country as a whole.

Ms. Smith’s United States History I students learned about post-World War I
America and the Roaring 20s. The class discussed the social issues of the 20s, the
conservative presidencies of Harding and Coolidge and the technological
achievements that changed our country indefinitely.

Ms. Smith’s United States History I Honors class discussed the events of
World War I and the Treaty of Versailles by analyzing primary sources like the
Zimmerman Note and by recreating the Paris Peace Conference.

Ms. Smith’s AP European History class learned about Italian and German
unification. Students mapped the stages in the process of unification and analyzed
primary source documents from Giuseppe Mazzini, Camillo Benso di Cavour, and
Otto von Bismarck.
Math Department

Mrs. Maresca’s Algebra 2 classes participated in a discovery lesson in which
they determined the graph of the inverse of a function by plotting points. After
finding the equation of the new function from the graph, the students found a
method of producing the same equation algebraically.

Mrs. Maresca’s Honors Precalculus classes have begun working on their final
project which involves finding inaccessible distances using trigonometric
functions. The first part of the project involves constructing a clinometer to
measures angles of elevation and depression. These devices, which were
constructed in class, were made using file folders, washers, straws, and
protractors.

Mr. Dembowski’s Algebra 1 class has been solving inequalities and compound
inequalities. The class also completed their system of equations project this
month. Each student researched something that interested them and then
compared the data using the three methods of solving systems of equations
(elimination, substitution, and graphing). They then created a booklet showing the
math as well as a well-organized paper what the data represented. Projects ranged
from tanning salon prices, cell phones, town populations, animal populations, and
many more interesting subjects.

Mr. Dembowski and the Geometry Honors classes have been learning about
the golden ration and how it applies in the real world. Students watched an
educational film, “Donald Duck in Math-a-magic land.” The film showed
different uses of the golden ratio followed by a work sheet that had students solve
for the golden ratio using the Fibonacci series and the quadratic function.
Students also explored the golden ratio through the website
www.goldennumber.net/. The website gave detailed examples and pictures of
how the golden ratio is used in nature, human body parts, human faces, human
development, and plant.

Mr. Dembowski and the Geometry class have been learning about the golden
ration and how it applies in the real world. Students watched an educational film,
“Donald Duck in Math-a-magic land.” The film showed different uses of the
golden ratio followed by a work sheet that had students solve for the golden ratio
using the Fibonacci series and the quadratic function. Students also explored the
golden ratio through the website www.goldennumber.net/. The website gave
detailed examples and pictures of how the golden ratio is used in nature, human
body parts, human faces, human development, and plant.

Mr. Dembowski and the HSPA math class are discovering how to solve
different word problems that could be on the HSPA test. As they solve the
problems, they are being walked through how to write an effective and correct
response to the open ended questions on the HSPA.

Mr. Zukatus’ HSPA Math classes took the HSPA test. Students were confident
about their skills and will see in June their results. Since then, students have been
working on SAT problems to prepare themselves for that test, as well as college
entrance examinations.

Mr. Zukatus’ Geometry class worked with similar figures. Students are able to
tell if figures will be similar by examining the given angle measures and looking
to see if side measures are proportionate to each other. Students have used this
information to form fractal patterns, of which, they will be completing projects
based upon forming similar figures. Students also worked with the golden ratio,
and found hands on that their bodies are built to the golden ratio.

Mr. Zukatus’ Intro to Statistics class worked with approximating binomial
distributions using the normal distribution. Students are able to find an
approximation by forming a range of data surrounding given binomial values.
Students have found this quite simple and showed understanding of material
presented.

Mr. Zukatus’ Algebra 2B class has worked with rational functions. Students are
able to graph out functions, add and subtract functions, and simplify any rational
function. Students struggled with graphing, but have found it to be easier to
visualize the infinite asymptotes of functions.

Ms. Khalil’s Algebra 1 class completed BMIII exam. Students in Algebra 1
solved inequalities using properties of addition, subtraction, division and
multiplication. They also solved numerous problems containing compound and
absolute value inequalities.

Ms. Khalil’s Algebra 2 completed BMIII exam. Students learned to perform
function operations and compositions, inverse functions, solving radical equations
and graph exponential growth functions.

Mr. McCarthy’s Exploring Computer Science classes are using help videos on
Edmodo.com to complete their music video assignments. Students are
responsible for choosing school-appropriate music and then animating it using the
Alice 3-D graphic environment to create a visual aesthetic to accompany the
music playback.

Mr. McCarthy’s Visual Basic class was introduced to the finch robot, a robot
that interfaces with Alice programming language. The students took turns
moving the robot about the classroom chairs and Angelo De Gregorio
successfully completed one lap around the class.

Mr. McCarthy’s Algebra II class used a custom-built ASSISTment problem set
to challenge the class to a Pi Day themed scavenger hunt. Students competed in
groups of two to find out just how much roundness exists in our modern world.

Mr. Nazi’s AP Calculus class is able to represent differential equations with slope
fields, solve separable differential equations analytically, and solve differential equations
using numerical techniques such as Euler’s method.

Mr. Nazi’s JAVA class commenced their studies of sound and animation by looking at
how these things are accomplished on a very basic level. They are learning to adhere to
the basic laws of physics such as timing and character appeal.

Mr. Nazi’s Algebra IIH classes are exploring exponential and logarithmic functions and
their applications in business and social sciences.

Mr. Nazi’s HSPA classes finished their HSPA test and are currently practicing sample
SAT questions in order to be better prepared for the June SAT test.

Mr. Nazi’s AP Statistics class are designing a new study to investigate if the mean
weight of M&M’s is the same for each of the six different color populations and whether
or not the company Mars, Inc. has a problem requiring corrective action.

Mr. Capriola’s Algebra IB classes completed a real-world project involving
factoring polynomials. The students were asked to create an original designed
brochure promoting an Algebra book about factoring polynomials. Students were
instructed to create a standard tri-fold brochure highlighting all the steps and
procedures involved in factoring polynomials. Students were instructed to create
a professional quality brochure that included illustrations utilizing computer
software. The students had to design their brochure with the idea that the
information contained could be easily understood by anyone. This project
reinforced the concepts of factoring polynomials and allowed students make
connections between mathematics and real-world applications.

Mr. Capriola’s Geometry classes completed a project that involved quadrilateral
quilt design. Students had to design a quilt block or drawing using geometric
patterns that create optical special effects. Students were instructed to do research
about quilt making to find how repeating patterns of triangles and quadrilaterals
are used in their design. The students were then asked to present their quilt design
and write a report containing information on the classification of the geometric
shapes that were used, a list of the properties of each shape, and some examples
of reflections, rotations, and translations. This project gave students a practical
understanding of how geometrical properties relate to real-life applications.

Mrs. Afonso’s Algebra 2B class is using the TI graphing calculator to explore
parabolic functions. They are comparing the function to the graph and its
characteristics.

Mrs. Afonso’s Algebra class is beginning a unit of problem solving involving
mixture and weighted averages. Students are working in groups to complete
problem solving activities. Students present solutions on whiteboards.

Mrs. Afonso’s AHSA class is completing the second testing window and will
begin college placement test review
Science Department

Mrs. Abdel Messih Biology Classes. Students have worked in pairs to
demonstrate different patterns of inheritance through creating a dragon park.
Also, they have used the computers to research the experiments that led to the
discovery of DNA and on (To Clone or not To Clone) Research. The youngsters
have uploaded their essays on the turnitin.com.

Mrs. Abdel Messih Chemistry Classes. Students have worked in pairs to
demonstrate the ionic bond through the ionic bonding puzzle lab. The youngsters
have used the whiteboards to compare and contrast covalent and ionic bonds.
Also, they have used the computers to work on covalent bonding web quest.

Mrs. Abdel Messih Exploring Science Classes. Students have worked on Frog
pollution and Dragons activities.

Mr. Necoechea’s Honors Chemistry Classes have completed “Stoichiometry,
Part 2” from the Arizona State University modeling curriculum, and have also
extended stoichiometry concepts to equilibrium processes. Activities have
included the PhET simulation “Reversible Reactions”, as well as the white
boarding of a large set of problems from the ASU website and the Holt resource
Guide. Particular attention has been paid to the consistent use of units throughout
the entire problem.

Mr. Necoechea’s Exploring Science classes have completed a series of
simulations from the “Molecular Workbench” website
(http://mw.concord.org/modeler/). These simulations have all revolved around
key concepts in solid-state physics/chemistry which are typically not taught in the
chemistry curriculum, but are natural extensions of topics in atomic structure and
chemical bonding. The simulations include “semiconductors” and “transistors”,
both of which explored the band theory of solids and how it can be used to
explain semiconducting behavior.

Mr. Necoechea’s Physics II classes have started a unit on astrophysics and
cosmology. They are currently using the tutorial sections of “universe adventure”
to explore how spectral red shifts, observations of gravitational lensing and the
microwave background radiation can be used to develop a model for the age and
evolution of the universe.

Mr. Mott’s Chemistry class has continued in the inquiry method of learning.
Through several web quests the students have discovered the trends and
usefulness of the periodic table. They were able to examine elements and observe
how the elements with similar properties were arranged. This allowed prediction
of the elements properties based on location in the chart. In addition the students
did several hands on labs where they observed various properties of elements first
hand, and then related them to their location on the chart. In addition they
performed various experiments to observe the type of reactions which occur
between compounds.

Mr. Mott’s AP Biology Course continued their study of genetics and genetic
engineering. Using the shock method they were able to transform a bacterium into
a glowing bacterium by inserting a gene for glowing into the bacteria. This
allowed them to observe recombinant DNA. In addition they worked with three
types of DNA restriction enzymes and created a DNA fingerprint for each. Using
the data collected they moved forward and estimated the size of each fragment. In
addition they studied the Circulatory system and observed various variables which
affect the heart and its behavior. They continue to run their inheritance lab,
collecting data from the flies that have developed, and collecting their seeds and
preparing them for planting to grow the 2nd generation of fast plants.

Mr. Mott’s Anatomy Class has completed several forensic labs; using hair from
suspects they generated a court report to indicate who committed the crime at the
crime scene. In addition they performed a lab, working with mock skeletons, to
identify 4 bodies found in a lack with 5 missing people in the area. Through the
collection of various data from the bones indicating age, gender, and size they
were able to identify the bodies found. They continue their study of the skeletal
system and identifying the bones on the body

Mr. Rapp’s Chemistry classes performed a “displacement” reaction involving
silver nitrate and copper wire. The students determined experimentally the
coefficients in an equation for the participants in the chemical reaction.

Ms. Rosen’s Environmental Science Classes are participating in an ongoing
effort to raise awareness for recycling in school and at home; through the
collection and organization of discarded paper. Students learned about the
importance of species diversity and the major ways that humans are affecting the
diversity of the planet. Students then created a pamphlet to teach others about the
endangered species of their choice.

Ms. Rosen’s Exploring Science Classes investigated the different phyla of
invertebrates by doing on-line web quests and labeling diagrams for each phylum.
Students also created PowerPoint presentations about assigned classes of
invertebrates to teach each other about the economic, medical, and resources uses
for each class.

Mr. Maloupis’ Physics 1 is investigating the effects of friction on the motion of
objects. They are solving problems to find the coefficient of static and kinetic
friction, two body problems, pulley system problems, incline plane problems, and
two-body incline plane problems that include pulleys. The class experimentally
calculated the acceleration of masses on an Atwood machine and compared their
values to the calculated value, the found using Newton’s 2nd Law of motion.

Mr. Maloupis’ Honors Physics 1 is investigating the effects of friction on the
motion of objects. They are solving problems to find the coefficient of static and
kinetic friction, two body problems, pulley system problems, incline plane
problems, and two-body incline plane problems that include pulleys. The class
experimentally calculated the acceleration of masses on an Atwood machine and
compared their values to the calculated value, the found using Newton’s 2nd Law
of motion.
● Mr. Robinson’s Physics 1 Honors classes have completed their study of
momentum, including analyzing situations requiring multi-step problem solving
and working extensively with bar charts as a representation. They have begun
their investigation into energy developing various types and using the bar chart as
a representation here as well.
● Mr. Robinson’s Physics 1 classes have completed their study of momentum,
including analyzing situations requiring multi-step problem solving and working
extensively with bar charts as a representation. They have begun their
investigation into energy developing various types and using the bar chart as a
representation here as well.
Business Education
●
Mrs. Tomko’s Personal Finance students have completed a unit on cover letter
and resume writing and the interview process. Students went on mock interviews
with volunteer teachers and administrators to experience the real thing. In
preparation for the interviews, students learned proper greeting and grooming
technique, rehearsed answering tough questions and even learned to tie a tie with
our special guest, Mr. Zukatus. Students were given feedback by the interviewer
and expressed their appreciation of the experience.
●
Mrs. Tomko’s Finanacial Literacy students are working on lessons about
earning income. They have completed the Income and Expense project which
explores how expenses are met with limited income. Students have also been
exploring their interests and passions and connecting how to turn them into
careers. The relationship between education level and income level has been the
focus of many lessons.
●
Mrs. Tomko’s Computer Applications students are preparing for Benchmark 3.
Students have been working with Excel spreadsheets, creating, formatting and
entering simple and complex formulas.
●
Ms. Giampaolo’s Computer Applications is getting ready for their 3rd
benchmark. The students have been formatting spreadsheets in excel. They are
currently working on a movie project. They are organizing their own movie
database in excel.
●
Ms. Giampaolo’s Accounting I students have just finished their 3rd quarter
project which consisted of completing the accounting cycle from start to finish.
The students were required to taking everything that they have learned from the
beginning of the year and apply it to the problem.
●
Ms. Giampaolo's Financial Literacy students have successfully finished and
presented their cost of living project. The students are now learning about
entrepreneurs and what it takes to own their own business.
●
Ms. Rosolen’s Journalism/Multimedia students completed audio Public Service
Announcements and are currently working on a video PSA.
●
Ms. Rosolen’s Web Design students worked on the web design program called
PageBreeze and designed an Electronic Portfolio highlighting their work from the
Desktop Publishing course.
Family & Consumer Science
● Ms. Dempsey’s Culinary Arts I & II students have continued learning about
Mealtime Etiquette and Customs. Students have also been learning what they
need to know before going food shopping. Students have continued meal planning
make Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day and Ham,
Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Glazed Carrots for Easter.
● Ms. Dempsey’s Child Development I & II students been learning about Teen
Pregnancy and Parenthood. Students have watched the movie Pregnancy Pact, and
have researched what areas in the United States have the highest and lowest rates
of teen pregnancy and why. Students have also continued to prepare age
appropriate lessons for our preschoolers.
Art
● Ms. DuJack’s Art Studio and Exploratory classes have prepared all of their art
work including release forms, labels, mounting, etc. for the GM Art Show. Over
100 pieces have been submitted. Students have also completed Benchmark #3
which included creating personalized money illustrations using editing tools on
the computer. Illustrations have been mounted in various color variations and are
displayed in the hallway. Students are also working on various acrylic paintings
of wildlife, athletes, etc. in which they are mixing and creating secondary and
tertiary colors and experimenting with textures using modeling paste.
● Mrs. Branco’s Art Studio & Visual Art classes have prepared their best art
works including release forms, labels, mounting, etc. for the George Miller Art
Show. Over 50 pieces have been submitted. Students have also completed
Benchmark #3 which was a video presentation of "The Gates" with artists Christo
and his wife Jean Claude and their 25 year quest to have a piece of public,
temporary, environmental art put up in Central Park. The students discussed the
process of creating this type of art and the artists dedication and perseverance.
The students then had an essay based quiz using information they took notes on
for the video and also had an opinion question on the art installation. The
students did a work of art which used the elements of line and value to create
broken glass works of art in which they created line drawings and then broke the
images up into sections in which they did individual value scales in each section.
The image disappears in the value variations and creates a shadow image. The
students are beginning a project using oil pastels and impressionists works of art.
Music
● Mr. Kastner’s Instrumental Music have completed their benchmarks and are
continuing to prepare for their spring concert and other performances. Their trip
to Virginia is next month as well as some students will perform at the George
Miller Art Show.
Virtual High School
● The VHS Open house held on March 20th at NAHS for area schools. Faculty
and teachers shared their experiences working in a completely online
environment. Our school earned two seats in the online consortium for hosting
this event.
Physical Education Department
● Ms. Rosado’s, Mr. Marcantuono’s, Mr. Farinola’s and Mrs. Scalia’s Physical
Education classes participated in units of volleyball, basketball, and
fitness/weight room. We spent some time working on skill building and then
made teams working on team play, team work and sportsmanship. Once students
applied skills adequately to game play they began double elimination tournaments
within each class.
On March 18, 2013 we sat down all physical education classes and
reviewed/reinforced our department rules and regulations. We discussed all
procedures related to our class from entering the gym to leaving the gym at the
end of class. Participation requirements, language, phones, headphones, taking
responsibility for equipment, respect for each other, showing support for one
another and not putting each other down were just a few of the topics we
discussed. We are in the process of printing up the rules and will post them in the
gym and locker rooms.
● Ms. Rosado’s Junior Health classes have recently completed the alcohol section
in the substance abuse unit. Students learned about the effects of underage
drinking, BAC and associated diseases. Currently students are midway through
the tobacco section.

● Mrs. Scalia’s Freshman Health classes completed chapters on both the male
and female reproduction systems as well as the chapter on sexually transmitted
infections. Group activities, partner work, videos, and power point presentations
were incorporated into the lessons. Students were engaged in activities which
focused on resisting peer pressure and practicing refusal skills to help them make
healthy decisions regarding sexual health.
● Mr. Marcantuono’s Senior Health class discussed topics pertaining to family
life. To incorporate technology for the 21st century learner, class met in the media
center and computer labs, where they used interactive health websites and
collected research about the hardships of teenage pregnancy. Students collected
used this information to help write a research paper. Power Point presentations,
YouTube videos, and lecture where used to present health information. They
also researched current health topics which were discussed in class. They also
had debate/open discussions about various topics pertaining to family life issues.
Senior Health has been using Edmodo for assignments. The material covered this
month were as follows; Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases, HIV and
AIDS, Contraception, and Pregnancy. The classes had a viewing of Discovery’s
Realty Matters:Sex and STDs and also PBS’ Life’s Greatest Miracle to help
support the book and their research.
II. Workshops Attended: (title, date, site, participant, summary)
● All staff members in the Business, Art, Music, and FCS departments attended
the Curriculum Meetings on TeachScape and the Danielson model on March 21,
2013.
● The Mathematics Department staff attended the North Arlington Extended
Professional Half Day on March 21, 2013. Presented by DAC Members (Ana
Albuquerque and Bernadette Afonso) staff continue presentation of Danielson
Model on Domain 3 (Curriculum) This was followed by us furthering our
understanding of Domain 3 by logging into their Teachscape account and
reviewing a segment of Domain 3 of the Professional Learning Suite
FRAMEWORK Edition. Time was given for sharing knowledge gained. Staff
than furthered their understanding of the Danielson Model by exploring the
Professional Learning Suite in Teachscape.

The Science Department staff attended the North Arlington Extended
Professional Half Day on March 21, 2013. Presented by DAC Members (Ana
Albuquerque and Bernadette Afonso) staff continue presentation of Danielson
Model on Domain 3 (Curriculum) This was followed by us furthering our
understanding of Domain 3 by logging into their Teachscape account and
reviewing a segment of Domain 3 of the Professional Learning Suite
FRAMEWORK Edition. Time was given for sharing knowledge gained. Staff
than furthered their understanding of the Danielson Model by exploring the
Professional Learning Suite in Teachscape.

Mr. Maloupis is attending Phase 3 of the Rutgers Alternate route program.

On Friday, March 15th and Saturday, March 16th, Mr. Spaccavento attended the
NJAAPT Spring Meeting at Princeton University.

Mr. Robinson is involved with Rutgers University in developing assessment
techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of physics teachers in a research project
in conjunction with the National Science Foundation and other Universities across
the country. This includes having one of his classes recorded each day along with
extensive meetings at Rutgers to review the class video’s to develop and practice
using the evaluation criteria that are being developed at Rutgers.

Ana Albuquerque was a presenter of Danielson model on March 18 and March
21st.

Mrs. Murad collaborated with Mrs. DeDiego and the K-8 Spanish teachers to
update the Spanish curriculum. This workshop took place on Thursday, March,
21 at the high school.

English and Social Studies staff attended the extended day PLC workshop on
Thursday, March 21st and continued with the review of the Danielson Method.

Mr. Galante attended a workshop on March 18, 2013. The workshop centered
on the teaching of Social Studies utilizing various apps and sites in conjunction
with Smart board technology.

Mrs. O’Brien Romer attended the Bergen County Social Studies round table
conference on March 27, 2013. Administrators, supervisors, and Social Studies
teachers met to discuss upcoming state requirements and assessments.

Mr. Farinola and Mrs. Scalia attended a Fitness Gram and Activity Gram
workshop held at Harrison High School on March 13, 2013. The Fitness Gram is
a series of fitness assessments which is part of an ongoing process of helping
students understand, enjoy, improve and/or maintain physical fitness and wellbeing. Students set fitness goals for improvement that are revisited during the
school year. We are instituting a pilot program during the fourth marking period,
which will include Freshmen and Sophomores only. Beginning next year all
classes will be participating in the Fitness Gram/Activity Gram program.

The Physical Education Department from the entire district participated in a Teen
Dating Abuse Workshop for Educators on our Professional Day (March 21, 2013
III. Student Recognition:
● Ms. Giampaolo would like to recognize Katie Rouski for her hard work as
president of the Student Council and excellent job on the teacher riddles.
● Mrs. Tomko recognizes Kaitlin Pichardo and Beth Kowalczyk for their trip to
Roosevelt School to assist Mrs. DiTommaso’s 5th grade class on a Prezi project.
● Mrs. Tomko recognizes Mr. John Zukatus for sacrificing his prep period to teach
a lesson on how to properly tie a tie! The students and I loved it!
● Ms. Rosolen recognizes Diana Correia and Dorota Jazwinska for their tireless
work on the yearbook. Without them, the book would not be a reality.
● Mrs. Bratowicz recognized several freshmen for their community service
projects during freshmen seminar classes.
● Ms. Dempsey recognizes Magdalena Kulesza, Joel Maldonado, Christina
Manago, Angelina Tedesco, and Natalie LaBarbera for helping with the Preschool
Registration.
● Mr. Dembowski’s freshman board is holding a raffle this month to win a prom
ticket to raise money for their class. The board is also having a parent meeting on
the 26th to inform parents of upcoming events and fundraising ideas.
● Mr. Dembowski and the JV baseball team have been practicing daily to have a
successful season this year.
● Three of Mrs. Kusher’s US II Honors students were winners in this year’s
VFW’s Voice of Democracy contest. Students had to write an essay answering
the question, “Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?” Congratulations to Christina
Haag, Gabriella Pietronico, and Amanda Pimentel who were all winner from
North Arlington High School.
● Ms. Ingannamorte’s Creative Writing student, Anastasia Rhem, was
recognized by the Knights of Columbus as the winner of the New Jersey State
Knights of Columbus Essay Contest. She received a $100 check.
● Mr. Galante recommended Brianna Cappuccino for March’s Character with
Character Award for her help during lunchroom cleanup.
IV. Accomplishments: (including activities)
● Ms. Giampaolo’s student council have successfully ran a fun game for the school
, Easter Riddles, in which the winner of the riddles received a Dunkin Donuts
breakfast. Her students also helped SADD and interact out with the Senior
Citizen pasta dinner.
● Mrs. Maresca's Honors Precalculus class was given the opportunity to explore
an application of vectors using and activity on the Illuminations website. In this
activity the students were instructed to steer a boat to an island by adjusting the
water flow of the river and the direction of the boat.
● Students in Mr. Capriola’s Period 5 Geometry class scored exceedingly well on
a recent quiz for the Third Marking Period. 12 out of the 14 students received a
score of 90 percent or better. Eight out of those 12 students received a perfect
score of 100 percent.
●
All of Mr. Robinson’s classes are utilizing Google groups and Google sites as a
means of a class mailing list and a place to post and receive homework
assignments.
● The Chess Club under Mr. Mott continues to meet, competitions continue
gaining knowledge in clockwork a well as strategies for the game.
● The final pages of the yearbook were submitted on March 28.
V. Special Programs (Debates, etc.)
● Ms. DuJack’s art classes were given a wonderful presentation from The Art
Institute of NYC on April 15th. Various programs in the arts were discussed and
a video presentation of student work including graphics and animation was
shown.
● Mrs. Tomko’s Financial Literacy Class appreciates the support of the faculty
involved in being a volunteer interviewer! Real learning took place through their
experiences!
● Mr. Dembowski’s HSPA class has been using assistments.org to further their
understanding of mathematics to prepare for the upcoming HSPA.
● Mr. Dembowski and his math class have used youtube.com to relate current
sections of math to real world problems through movie clips.
● Mr. Dembowski and his geometry honors class have been using geometers
sketchpad to show the different trig functions in right triangles.
● On Monday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m., Mr. Necoechea held an astronomy night
outside the high school. The object of study was Jupiter.
● Mrs. Branco had two speakers come to speak to the seniors during HSPA
testing. Both speakers had personal stories which were connected to the
September 11th attack on our country. Both Julie Sweeney Roth and Tom
Canavan were very moving speakers and it was wonderful to have such
motivational people coming to speak to our kids. They discussed their personal
stories and then fielded questions from the students which brought into focus the
historical and personal nature of the attacks. Then the Friday following the HSPA
testing Mrs. Branco went into the Sociology classes and did a presentation of the
building and redevelopment of the World Trade Center site, she incorporated
historical information and up to date images of the site and the key players in the
redevelopment of downtown Manhattan. The students learned Mrs. Branco's
personal connection to September 11th and she also expounded on the impact this
made on the families and neighborhoods of downtown Manhattan.
VI. Press Releases:
● Write up of Art Institute presentation and pictures have been submitted to the
Viking Saga for possible feature article.