PUBLISHED BYTHEOAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPRING, 2006 SPONSORED BYTHEBOROUGH OF OAKLAND AND THE OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOL. 10, NO. 1

Spotlight On Our Community OAKLAND FATHERS’ CLUB THE MAYOR’S MESSAGE ... WELCOME,SPRING ince 1958, the Oakland Fathers’ pring has arrived and we now look In these trying fiscal times this is quite a Club has been a community forward to warmer weather, outdoor challenge. The budget should be complet- Sorganization that has dedicated Sfun, the onset of baseball and soft- ed and presented to the public for adoption itself to serving the youth of our ball seasons and festive activities. Despite by mid-spring. In the meantime, all budget community through the support of a near-record snow storm that struck the meetings of the Mayor and Council are various Education, Recreation and Borough in February, this past winter was open to the public and all are invited to Safety programs. fairly mild and uneventful. This is good attend. Membership in the OFC is comprised news for the Borough’s budget since each Significantly, there has been an added of fathers within our community who storm costs the Borough money in materi- dimension to the budget review process contribute their time and talents to raise funds to provide for, among other things, al and manpower. this year. In addition to the budget, we holiday gifts to children of families in Speaking of budget, the Mayor and have also been critically analyzing the need, support for our recreation Council are working hard on the 2006 operations of Borough Hall and have programs through the purchase of budget. We have been meeting on off- begun the process of instituting needed scoreboards and trophies. OFC Wednesday nights and on Saturday morn- reforms within the Borough’s budgeting volunteers provide labor to build or re- ings with the various departments, com- and purchasing system to ensure that strict build playgrounds, dugouts and missions, committees, borough adminis- purchasing and budgeting guidelines are refurbish recreation fields. The OFC is trator, our auditor and finance officer to cre- followed. These reforms will not only also a supporter of Safety Town, Project ate a fiscally responsible budget for the improve the overall efficiency of Borough Graduation and the Valley Middle School Borough. Hall, but will also produce long-term sav- Social. As always, we are focused on trimming ings resulting in a greater level of fiscal The OFC also awards college the budget to keep costs down while trying responsibility and accountability. My deep- scholarships through its Scholarship to maintain the level of services that the est thanks goes to Councilman Frank Di Award contest. It has annually awarded residents of Oakland have come to expect. Pentima, who, as finance chairman, has two $1000 scholarships and, starting invested a tremendous amount of his time this year, the OFC will award three and accounting expertise in driving the $1000 scholarships. budget process and recommending need- With more than 100 members, the ed financial reforms (see article on page 2). OFC has given more than $50,000 back As part of the budget review process this to our community through the various year the Mayor and Council are also criti- projects mentioned above over the past cally reviewing the Borough’s insurance six years. The OFC is a registered program in order to identify ways of saving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Borough taxpayers money while also hon- The OFC meets once a month at the Danny D’Elia building. Meetings are held oring our contractual obligations to the var- the third Monday of the month from ious municipal unions. An ad hoc commit- September through December, and the ted consisting of myself, Council President third Thursday of the month from Kazmierczak, Councilman Di Pentima, our January through May. For more info: Borough Administrator, Auditor, Finance Gary Geresi, [email protected]. (Continued on page 3) Mayor John Szabo CROSSROADS

The Municipal Budget Process Explained • By Councilman Frank Di Pentima any folks have stopped me including Police, Fire, the Department as Administration, Recreation, the over the past few weeks and of Public Works, and Administration. Senior Center, Police, Fire and DPW Masked me questions about the At these meetings, we reviewed major departments. Non-Cap items do not process our town goes through in line items and discussed with the have an increase restriction and cover terms of creating and monitoring of our department heads three categories of costs such as health and liability insur- municipal budget. With this in mind, I spending: ance, pension payments, repayment thought I would try to provide a brief • Critical spending that is required of municipal bond principal and inter- outline of what the Mayor and Council by statute surrounding essential serv- est, and the support given to our do to create the annual budget. ices. Public Library. The process of creating an annual • Spending that supports essential budget in many ways is not much dif- services. Budget Facts and Figures ferent from what many residents do • Spending that does not impact Some interesting facts to note when they create a budget for their essential services. regarding our budget using 2005’s own spending needs. The Governing The department heads are required budget data: Body, as well as all department heads, to supply the Governing Body with • Roughly 40% of the Borough’s have goals and objectives that they detailed support for all spending line spending relates to salaries and would like to achieve during the fiscal items for which they are requesting wages paid to employees; 60% relates year and the budget creation process budget dollars. to spending for operational expenses needs to align those goals and objec- The Finance Committee then makes such as insurance, pensions, profes- tives so that we have one formulated recommendations to the entire sional training, professional services plan for spending taxpayer monies in a Governing Body as to the amount of such as legal, engineering and audit fair and responsible manner. budget money that is supportable fees, office supplies, general repairs The process begins by reviewing based on two factors: anticipated rev- and maintenance of buildings and where we have spent money in previ- enues for the upcoming fiscal year and equipment and utility costs. ous fiscal years, as well as the rev- the amount of money needed to be • Using our 2005 budget of $14,199 enues we have raised in those years. expended to support the ongoing serv- million, spending for Cap line items The next stage of the process is where ice levels of the Borough. The was budgeted at $8.6 million, or our Business Administrator compiles Governing Body then discusses these 60.8%, and spending for Non-Cap line all budget information from every recommendations with the Finance items was budgeted at $5.6 million, or department. This was done in early Committee and the Borough’s auditor. 39.2%. December. Once final budget adjustments are • For the budgeted spending on Cap made, the 2006 budget will then be items in 2005, $5.2 million related to Reviewing With Department Heads introduced at a council meeting and salaries and wages and $3.4 million As Finance Chairman this year, I advertised to the public. After intro- related to general expenses. reviewed the budget worksheets with duction, the budget is sent to the • For the Non-Cap budget, $5.2 mil- the other members of the Finance State for review. The public will then lion, or almost 93%, of the spending Committee — CFO Raymond Herr, get to review the budget and ask related to general expenses, and only Business Administrator Charles questions about its contents at a pub- $411,000 represented salaries and Smiley, Councilman Donald Burns and lic hearing. wages. Mayor John Szabo. These budget Any amendments that result from • Of the $5.2 million worth of bud- sheets, created by Mr. Smiley, contain the initial public hearing are then geted Non-Cap spending for general the details by department of where we incorporated into the budget, which is expenses, the costs provided to cover spent money in the past five fiscal re-introduced and advertised once insurance, repayment of our debt years. This gives us a good back- again to the public. After the final pub- service and our reserve for uncollect- ground and understanding of the out- lic hearing, the budget will be voted on ed taxes amounted to $4.1 million, or flows of our municipal spending. and adopted by the Governing Body. almost 79% of Non-Cap activity. In early January, the Governing The final budget cannot be adopted The goal of the Mayor & Council and Body passed a Temporary Budget, until the review process with the State all department heads is to control the which represented 25% of the prior has been completed. growth of spending while still being year’s budget. This procedural move In New Jersey, budgetary spending able to provide essential services to allows us to operate our departments is broken down into two areas – Cap our community. As Finance Chairman, in the current fiscal year even though and Non-Cap spending activity. By my job is to work with our CFO and we have yet to finalize, introduce and law, spending increases for Cap items Borough Administrator to monitor the pass the 2006 municipal budget. cannot increase above the prior year’s spending activity against our budget This year, we held budget review budgeted amount by more than 2.5%. as well as to find ways to reduce meetings, which were open to the pub- Cap items represent spending that and/or remove costs from future oper- lic, with all of our major departments, supports all of our departments, such ating budgets.

2 CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 CROSSROADS

Spotlight On Our Community ... Health Dept. Searching for Polluters Stream pollution is a serious threat to our streams, fish, wildlife and water sup- ply. One of the major contributors to our stream pollution here in Oakland is grey water (laundry) discharges diverted into our storm drain system. Soap bubbles, bleach and the fragrance of detergent have been found in many storm drains and cause unsightly messes where the drains discharge to an open stream. The Health Department is actively searching for these pollution sources and asks the residents of Oakland to assist us in this effort. If you see or know of any laundry discharges entering the storm FLOW FOLLIES ... The annual FLOW Follies extravaganza took a trip to the shore drains, please contact the Health this year, with four entertaining shows at Ramapo High School in early March. Funds Department at 201-337-6747 to report it. raised go towards college scholarships for graduating seniors from Indian Hills and These violations must be stopped to pro- Ramapo High Schools. Last year FLOW Follies raised more than $20,000 and pro- tect our environment and our community. vided 20 scholarships for each high school. FLOW Follies is part of the district’s PTSO/ATPSO organizations. Shade Tree Commission at Senior Center Stop! Before you cut down that tree Congratulations, George Maturi 24 at Portobellos. George was recognized blocking your view of the neighbor’s Hall of Fame Class of 2006 for his years of volunteering to the bor- house, come hear what the Shade Tree ongratulations go out to our own ough’s recreation programs. Also honored Commission has to say about it. They will George Maturi, a member of the during the Sports Association event were be at the Senior Center on Wednesday, C Oakland Communications Commission former football commissioner Mike Milich, May 3, at 1 p.m. for an open discussion long-time Sports Association volunteer group meeting. Representatives of the who was inducted into the Oakland Andrea Vanmansart and football coach Commission will talk about growth, Recreation Hall of Fame during the annu- removal and Borough ordinances. Advice al Sports Association Dinner/Dance March Chris Maragulia. on planting will also be provided. This event is open to everyone.

Public Events Committee Mayor’s Message Sets Entertainment Schedule then immediately begin to plan for needed (Continued from page 1) • Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. at downtown improvements. the Recreation Field. Infants to 3rd grade Officer and Insurance Representative has The saga of the flood control project welcomed. Rain date is Sunday, April 9. been meeting since January carefully ana- continues. Although some of the stop logs • Memorial Day Parade: Sunday, May 28th, 1 p.m. Groups will be told where to lyzing our current programs and develop- have been installed, permitting the Army gather. ing a comprehensive reform plan that if Corps to begin the removal of the first cof- • Town Carnival: implemented will substantially reduce the fer dam, inexplicably the funding to com- Wednesday, July 5, 5-11 p.m. borough’s insurance costs. This plan is plete the project is now threatened. I am Thursday, July 6, 5-11 p.m. presently being reviewed by the entire working with our Flood Commission and Friday, July 7, 5-11 p.m. council. legislative representatives on both the fed- Saturday, July 8, 3 p.m. until fireworks at The Downtown Improvement Plan was eral and state levels of government to fight dusk. unveiled at a special meeting held at the to secure continued funding to complete • Halloween Parade: Saturday, October Senior Center on January 17, 2006. The the project by this summer. It is imperative 28, 9 a.m., at Valley Middle School. • Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Sunday, plan was presented by the Borough’s that this project be completed as quickly as December 3, 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Park, in Planning Consultant and was well possible in order to bring the flood relief front of the Library. received by those present. A second pub- long promised to the residents of the Volunteers are always needed! For lic meeting was held in late January. I Pleasureland area. This continues to be a more information call Public Events hope to have this plan formally adopted by priority of my administration. Chairman Bob Fabrizio at 917-440-5778. the Planning Board this spring and we will — Mayor John Szabo

CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 3 CROSSROADS

Medical Reserve Corps Forming In Town • By Councilman Pat Pignatelli fter September 11, thousands of April 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Medical Reserve Corps so that it will be Americans volunteered their time Chambers. Over 100 nurses and other covered for liability insurance under the Aand experience to help fellow health professionals have been invited Emergency Health Powers Act. Americans in need. Many Americans to attend. If we don’t have your In the event of an emergency, resi- asked, “What can I do to help?” address and you are interested in dents of Oakland would receive a mes- The President responded by creating attending, please come to this meeting sage via the Reverse 911 Messaging the Citizens Corps. The Medical Reserve on April 10. All health professionals Service with information on where they Corps is a component of this volunteer mentioned earlier are also invited to would go to receive the vaccination or organization, bringing volunteers such as attend. antibiotics. Oakland’s Office of health professionals and others together Once organized, Oakland’s group will Emergency Management would direct to supplement existing local emergency become part of the Bergen County this response. plans and resources in towns throughout the United States. In order to be most effective when Brisk Activity at the ‘New’ Library called upon, volunteers must be organ- The Oakland Public Library staff reports that both adults and children are ized and trained to work in emergency flocking to the recently opened new Library building. The library is open 54 situations. The Medical Reserve Corps hours a week to serve all of Oakland. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and has been organized in Bergen County to Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, hours provide that training and organization. In run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bergen County, the primary mission of The Children’s Department hosts the MRC will be to assist local health many regular and special programs agencies in staffing clinic sites for distri- for young readers. More information bution of vaccines or antibiotics as a can be obtained by calling 201-337- result of a bioterrorism attack or signifi- 5236. Beginning in early June, that cant disease outbreak in Bergen number can also be called to get County. information on the summer reading Bergen County urgently needs physi- and entertainment programs. cians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and Residents are urged to stop in and physician assistants to staff our Point of get acquainted with the new facilities. Dispensing Sites (PODS). If you volun- In photo: Children’s Librarian Debbie teer, you and your family will receive the Pfeuffer and friends celebrate Dr. medication first, so that you can respond Seuss. and feel confident that your family has been taken care of. Any licensed or cer- tified health professional can volunteer his or her services. You Can Star On Oakland Television In mid-February, Commissioner of Ready on the set ... Roll tape ... Cue expanding our training classes for novice Health Fred M. Jacobs MD, JD, music ... Fade from black ... Action! videographers. announced that a Medical Reserve Corps has been established in all 21 Have you ever dreamed of being the You will be trained in camera opera- counties in New Jersey. “We know from director of a movie or the star of your own tions, getting good sound for video, being experience that volunteers are a vital TV show? Do you have your own video an on-air personality, directing, and, finally, part of our emergency preparedness camera and wish that you could do some- how to edit your work into a show . response. I am pleased that New Jersey thing more with it? Now you can! Our volunteers attend our monthly staff has a strong statewide network of volun- The Oakland Television Committee is meeting on the first Wednesday of each teers who will continue to help us pre- seeking volunteers to help make televi- month, help televise at least one Mayor pare for public health emergencies, both sion. No experience is necessary and the and Council meeting per month, and are state and local.” training is free in exchange for a couple of involved in helping to produce one show Work has begun to organize a Medical Reserve Corps in Oakland. I held the hours per month. If you were to go to per month. first meeting on February 27 in the school to learn these skills it would cost Have we piqued your interest? Take the Council Chambers, and 15 health pro- you lots of money. No kidding. no-risk offer to join Oakland TV for six fessionals who live in Oakland attended Learning the creative and technical months. If you don’t like it, then you walk the meeting. A presentation was made aspects of television production and mak- away with no guilt. Download our applica- by Jim Dockery from the Bergen County ing new friends is only the beginning. Now tion at www.oakland-nj.org; call 201-405- Division of Health Services. is the perfect time to join, as we are 7590; or e-mail [email protected]. The next meeting will take place on

4 CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 CROSSROADS News From Oakland Schools

Message From The Superintendent ... Congratulations VMS e are pleased to announce that our prize education and children, in general. Within and we are grateful Valley Middle School ranks among such an environment, children can grow, learn, for this acknowl- Wthe top 25 public schools teaching and “reach for the stars.” edgment.” eighth grade students in New Jersey! This rank- The community-home-school commitment This achieve- ing was determined by the total average passing to shared goals has helped to make Oakland ment shows that rate of a school’s students on the 2005 Grade 8 such a special place to raise children. By all of students are learn- State tests, and was reported in the Star Ledger us working together, Oakland’s children benefit. ing the Core on February 2, 2006. The State’s Grade Eight Proficiency Curriculum Content Only six Bergen County schools made the Assessment (GEPA) is administered to all pub- Standards mandat- best passing rate list, and this means that Valley lic school eighth grade students in New Jersey ed by the N.J. Middle School’s student achievement was in language arts literacy, mathematics and sci- Department of Education; thus, Oakland’s stu- among the top 10% of all New Jersey schools ence. The passing rate averaged general educa- dents, upon graduation from Grade 8, are well whose students took the required Grade Eight tion and special education students’scores on all prepared for high school. Proficiency Assessment. of these tests. Valley Middle’s average passing The other Bergen County towns on the best This strong achievement of our students rate was 93.2%. passing rate list are: Ho-Ho-Kus, Old Tappan, reflects our District’s belief that every child can When informed of this recognition, Dr. Woodcliff Lake, Demarest, Allendale and learn. It also speaks to the incredible strength of Christopher Lane, VMS Principal, said: “We are Upper Saddle River. our Board, administrators, teachers and staff, as thrilled to have been listed in the Star Ledger as Thank you, Oakland, for your support of chil- well as the academic commitment of our stu- a school in the top 10% total average passing dren and for our schools. dents. As important, we are appreciative that our rate on the GEPA. Our students, teachers, par- Sincerely, Dr. Richard G. Heflich students’ parents and our community members ents and staff worked hard to gain this success Superintendent of Schools

Voter Registration Changes School Board President Urges Residents To Get In Place for 2006 The Budget Facts and Then Vote April 18 NEW LEGISLATION HAS BEEN t is that time of year again when the citi- years. Trust me when I tell you that our basic passed regarding elections. The voter reg- zens of Oakland are asked to vote on their operating costs have gone up a great deal over istration deadline is now 21 days before a Ilocal K-8 school budget. The date this year that time. Your Oakland schools try to operate is Tuesday, April 18th, from 2:00 p.m. until each year working with less monetary scheduled election, instead of the previ- 9:00 p.m. at your local polling site. resources from our State government. ous 29-day deadline. That made the last As a member of the Board of Education, I Eventually, the lack of money will be felt by can assure you that the budget was reviewed our children in the classroom. day this year to register to vote prior to the line by line by the Board, and that it is solid. On Tuesday, April 18, you will be asked to School Board election Tuesday, March 28 vote on the school budget. As a Board of The Board, together with Superintendent Dr. for the Tuesday, April 18 election. Heflich, and Business Administrator Louis Education member, obviously, I want you to Pepe, worked hard to keep the budget accept- support the budget. It is the fairest for the tax- The last day to register to vote prior to able for the Oakland taxpayers while still pro- payers; but, more importantly, the best for the the Primary Election will be on Tuesday viding the necessary funds for our schools to children of Oakland. May 16. The Primary Election will take operate at a level where Oakland’s children are You owe it to the Oakland community to given the opportunity to succeed in a challeng- vote. Too many times voters minimize the place on June 6. The polls will be open school election, with typically less than 20% ing and safe environment. from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Many factors come into play when putting of the public voting. It is our right as American together a budget. Almost 80% of the budget citizens to vote and to have a say in how our The Borough Clerk’s office will be is made up of costs that the Board has little or schools operate and educate Oakland’s most open until 9:00 p.m. on the last day to reg- no control over. Items such as transportation, valuable resource — children. Please take the ister to vote, prior to any election. Please benefits, salaries, utilities, special education time to learn about the school budget, ask and educational programs are mandated by the questions, get the facts, and then vote! call the Borough Clerk’s office with any State, but come with no extra State money (see Jim Gaffney questions you may have on Elections, at related story on page 6). In fact, the Oakland President School District will probably receive the same Oakland Board of Education 201-337-8111. state aid this year as it has for the past five

CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 5 CROSSROADS

Board Struggles With School Budget Amidst State Fiscal Uncertainty reparing a budget that ensures quality a smaller and smaller percentage of the cost of ing as well, both of which require additional education for all students is a daunting educating children in our schools. In fact, if aid staff. Ptask in the best of times. This year, the figures remain flat, the State will pay for less ¥ Aging facilities repairs and improvements Board’s work has been further complicated by than 5% of education costs in Oakland. continue to be addressed year by year, with the State’s fiscal dilemma. Our 2006/2007 budget is feeling the pressure masonry deterioration and window/door replace- As of mid-March, the State still had not of rising costs in the following areas: heating ments priority items in this year’s budget. informed local school districts of the amount of school buildings, special education tuition, trans- To offset increased costs, the Board has State aid each would receive for the 2006/2007 portation, benefits, salaries/increasing enroll- sought to flat line discretionary spending, with school year. The cause of this delay is the rev- ment, and facility needs. no increase in supply accounts and with reduc- enue shortfall that the State is experiencing. New ¥ The District’s heating costs have doubled tions in many. Additionally, the Board has sought Jersey’s new Governor, Jon Corzine, is working from one year ago. to develop creative cost containment solutions to to develop a balanced budget while expenditures ¥ Students attending out-of-district special spiraling special education transportation costs. far exceed revenues. education schools have increased from 18 to 24, Rather than contracting these routes to an outside Local districts, therefore, have been instructed thus driving tuition costs up 27%. provider for in-District routes, the District will to assume that there will be no increase in State ¥ Gasoline prices are driving transportation purchase a small vehicle and transport students aid when the final figures are announced. For costs higher and out of district placements are in 2006/2007. With these initiatives, the Board is Oakland, that will mean that we have had no resulting in expensive transportation contracts. maintaining its commitment to the Oakland increase for the last five years — despite rising ¥ Enrollment is expected to rise by 60 students community to provide quality education in the enrollments and rising costs. Thus, State aid pays next year; special education placements are ris- most cost-effective manner possible.

Creating a Healthy Student Body ¥ By Adam Silverstein, VMS Vice Principal

ecently, a great deal of attention has been paid to what an arti- have a recipe for trouble. cle in Time magazine referred to as “America’s Couch Potato Not only are teens that live such lifestyles at greater risk for devel- REpidemic.” The unfortunate truth is that American adolescents, oping diabetes, obesity and heart disease, but research tells us that they and many adults for that matter, are making extremely poor choices are also putting themselves at a severe disadvantage academically. when it comes to the food they put in their bodies. Add that to a more There is a strong correlation between a poor diet, lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle that results from countless hours playing video difficulty in school. The good news is that the reverse is also true: games, instant messaging friends, and surfing the Internet, and you healthy eating habits and a regular exercise routine often translate into academic success. As a result, one of the district goals for the 2005-2006 school year has been for students in all Eighth Annual Alice McDermott grade levels to demonstrate an increased under- standing of sound practices relative to exercise Art Show Slated for May and nutrition, and the role each plays in maintain- ing a healthy lifestyle. pril showers bring more than May flowers! On May 9, students from Every one of Oakland’s four schools is hosting the FLOW Public Schools will have the opportunity to display their a healthy living day, where health and fitness will Atalent and creativity. The 8th Annual Alice McDermott Art Show, held figure into every part of that day’s curriculum. The at Indian Hills High School, will include artwork from students in grades schools will also host assembly programs geared seven through 12. Pieces from a variety of mediums will be featured, includ- toward healthy habits and various sports-o-thons ing drawing, painting, digital media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and to bring attention to various causes while keeping two-dimensional mixed media. The opening reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. fit. Most importantly, food committee meetings in the Auditorium. will focus on improving the nutritional quality of Awards, which are determined by an independent panel of professional the food served in the cafeterias. artists and art educators, will be presented beginning at 7:30 p.m. on May 9. Although the district goal officially concludes at the end of this school year, the obvious long- We are proud of our students and invite you to join us for this special evening term goal is to help children develop healthier celebrating art. habits that last a long, long, lifetime. Here’s to your health!

6 CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 CROSSROADS

School Roof and Heating Systems Deemed ‘Emergent’ By State

he New Jersey Department of At Manito, the roof is original and dates clean-up continued and the building was Education recently declared the roofs back to 1961. Considerable leakage has begun deemed safe for occupancy. This incident fol- Ton Manito Elementary School and and water is seeping into walls and interior lowed an earlier system malfunction that Valley Middle School and the heating sys- areas of the school. This school year, locker occurred prior to the beginning of school on tem at Valley Middle School “emergent proj- rooms needed to be closed for several weeks the same day. The two incidents on December ects.” This designation indicates the critical because of the concerns that existed from the 15 were the latest in a series of malfunctions in need to replace these systems in the very saturated ceilings. this aging mechanical system. near future. The Valley Middle School heating and ven- As emergent projects, the replacement of the The roof that covers the 200 and 300 wings tilation mechanical system is inefficient, unre- two roofs and the heating system are fully eli- at Valley Middle School has become porous, liable and dangerous. In December, ruptures in gible for State funding assistance. Therefore, leading to considerable water seepage. Ceiling the aged pipes that carry steam to heat the the Board has requested the State contribute tiles have started to become swollen with water school’s lower section caused the students and 40% of the cost of these projects, through Debt and barrels line the hallway during rainstorms staff to evacuate the building in subfreezing Service Aid, thereby reducing the annual costs and after snowfalls. The western section of this temperatures. They were required to remain of principal and interest payments on bonds. flat roof, which covers the gymnasium, cafeto- outside the school without outerwear as police The Board will request Oakland’s residents to rium and library, was replaced, with State and fire officials inspected the building after approve 15-year bonds in the amount of $2.73 assistance, during the summer of 2005. The emergency repairs were made. Only after offi- million at a cost of approximately $28.57 per remaining sections of this roof are now also in cial approval was given could students and year for the average assessed home, after Debt need of immediate attention. staff return to a designated common area while Service Aid is applied.

VMS Students Cross A Different Bridge Show Choir Performance: hy are Bill Gates and Warren Buffet willing to put up $1 Martin Luther King, Jr. million to fund a program to teach bridge in American Wmiddle schools? Thanks to Amy Nellisen, an accredited Unity Service Bridge teacher and ACBL Club director, a number of Valley Middle School students have discovered that playing this most popular card he Valley Middle School Show Choir was invited to game does improve mathematics, logic and reasoning skills, as well sing at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Service on as the ability to work as a team player. TJanuary 16 at the Ramapo Valley Baptist Church in Ms. Nellisen has been volunteering her time in an eight-week after- Oakland. school program for the past three years to instruct VMS students in The Oakland/Franklin Lakes Interfaith Council has this challenging and educational game. Both Ms. Nellisen and Anne joined together for many years to celebrate Dr. King in Solomon (club advisor) are thrilled with the amount of enthusiasm our community. The Show Choir was honored to be able these young players to take part in the interdenominational service remem- have been bringing to the club on a weekly bering the life of a leader who promoted unity and toler- basis. This year’s club ance. members include The students not only gave an outstanding choral per- Christopher formance, but equally set a fine example of the dedication Schneiweiss, and commitment of young people in our schools. It was a Stephanie Vabre, very rewarding experience for all and I thank my choir Joseph Pille, Lauryn members and their families for showing such great support Hilpmann, Paul Illge, of the vocal music program at the Middle School and for Christian Arcari, Josh Berrian, Kevin their continual support of music education in the Oakland Conlon-Riser, Brian schools. Keihm, Sarah — Suzanne J. Hartsuiker Polanski, Mark Itman Choir Director and Kyle Mulligan. Valley Middle School

CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 7 CROSSROADS

Read Across America Comes To Oakland Schools

nce again, the Oakland Public Schools cel- The Crayon Box That Talked They watched as Green became the grass ebrated Read Across America, a nation- by Shane DeRolf And Blue became the sky Owide literacy event, on March 3 with a vari- The Yellow sun was shining bright ety of activities. This annual celebration commemo- While walking in the toy store On White clouds drifting by rates the birthday of children’s author Theodor Seuss The day before today Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. I overheard a crayon box Colors changing as they touched Since this year’s theme was “Cultural Diversity - With many things to say Becoming something new Celebrating Differences,” guest speakers Board of They watched me as I colored Education members Jennifer Matts and John “I don’t like the Red,” said the Orange They watched until I was through Scerbo, VMS teacher and drama advisor Jay and Green said, “Nor do I” And when I’d finally finished Wordsman, and Karen Rockefeller, District and no one here likes Yellow But no one knows just why I began to walk away Reading/Language Arts Coordinator, began the day And as I did the crayon box by reading a multi-cultural poem entitled “The “We are a box of crayons Had something new to say Crayon Box That Talked,” by Shane DeRolf. Using that doesn’t get along” crayon box and crayon templates, teachers discussed Said Blue to all the others “I do like Red,” said Orange the poem with students. Then students enjoyed a “Something here is wrong.” and Green said, “So do I” variety of art and writing activities. and Blue you were terrific In addition, the Oakland Education Association Well, I bought that box of crayons so high up in the sky hosted a Read Across America Cafe in each school And I took it home with me “We are a box of crayons library during lunch periods. Students were able to And laid out all the colors So the crayons could all see each one of us unique go to the libraries to read in a cafe-like atmosphere. But when we get together A special treat for Dogwood Hill School was the They watched me as I colored The picture is complete.” arrival of the Cat In The Hat, who read to Grade One With Red and Blue and Green students. Please enjoy “The Crayon Box That And Black and White and Orange Talked.” And every color in between

Reading With The Principals Brings Children To The ‘New’ Oakland Public Library

he students of the Oakland Public Schools are used to seeing number of his favorite books. Explaining to the children that reading is their principals in a variety of places. From classrooms to cafe- one of his all-time favorite activities, Mr. Clark shared a number of Tterias, playgrounds, art rooms and assemblies, the students wonderful children’s stories — “Sneetches,” by Dr. Seuss, “Swimmy,” know they can count on seeing their principals throughout their by Leo Lionni, and “A Fine, Fine School,” by Sharon Creech. schools. This past winter, however, students in kindergarten through Dr. Tillman read at the Oakland Public Library on March 1 to near- second grade had the opportunity to see the principals in a new setting ly 60 children from Manito School. Some of Dr. Tillman’s selections — the Oakland Public Library. included “Silly,” by Mercer Mayer, “Boy’s Soup or When the Giant In a concerted effort to celebrate reading, increase opportunities of Caught A Cold,” by Loris Leysinski, and, “Elsina’s Clouds,” written by appropriate leisure time activities and to acquaint children with the Jeanette Winter. new children’s wing of the public library, Barbara Ciambra of Heights The head of Children’s Services for the Oakland Public Library, School, Dr. Barbara Tillman from Manito School and Glenn Clark of Debbie Pfeuffer, was present for each of the special readers. Miss Dogwood Hill School all took turns reading to their students at the Debbie, as the children quickly come to know her, gave the children a public library. tour of the new children’s wing and stayed to assist any first or second Ms. Ciambra read to a group of over 30 children on January 17. She grade children with signing up for library cards. brought her “Stella Louella’s Runaway Book,” by Lisa Campbell The principals and Tom Coyle, Director of the Library, all agreed Ernst, “A Bad Case of Stripes,” by David Shannon, and “The that the objectives were met. The children saw that their principals cer- Wonderful Happens,” by Cynthia Rylant. tainly enjoy reading and, Dr. Tillman, Ms. Ciambra and Mr. Clark were On February 7, Mr. Clark visited the Oakland Public Library with a all invited back in the fall for another guest reading.

8 CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 CROSSROADS Valley Middle School Athletic Report ...

BOY CHALLENGERS HAVE Rock paced the squad in three- ANOTHER WINNING SEASON pointers. Victoria Guiliani The Valley Middle School Challengers boys’ was a rugged defender and basketball team posted an 8-4 record for anoth- rebounder off the bench, while er solid season on the hardwood. Team captains super-subs Kelsey Mital, Brian Greer and Jason Chalmers proved to Theresa Wetzler, Kathleen be outstanding leaders throughout the season. Caporoso and Katie Enright Brian achieved a season-high 21 points in one all enjoyed two solid seasons game, while Jason used his passion for the with the team. game to pace the team to their eight victories. With seventh graders Jill Both served as wonderful role models on and Hochuli, Kerianne Pacheco, off the court. Jessica Schoepflin and Eighth grader Chaz Werba also proved to Jasmine Yacoub returning be a dominant player as well as a positive next season, along with the influence on the younger members of the aforementioned Allison and team. Chaz led the team with 98 rebounds Coach Jay Wordsman and his Lady Challengers had a Lindsay, the future of this season. Starter Bryan Menduke was a super season — yet again! Oakland’s girls’ basketball tremendous defensive asset to the team, as team appears secure. The was Nick Fiore, who assisted the team both GIRLS HOOPS TEAM coach of the Lady Challengers offensively and defensively with his natural REACHES NEW HEIGHTS is Jay Wordsman, who has had an Oakland athleticism. The Lady Challengers won an unprecedent- winning record of 113-39 during his 12 years at Rounding out the team were James ed 12 straight games en route to a spectacular the helm. — Coach Jay Wordsman Gaffney, Michael Laubauskas, Andrew 12-1 record, the team’s ninth consecutive win- Ballester and Jason Ogull, who led the team ning season. CHEER TEAM HAS with his intensity and his ability to draw Among the highlights of the season are a BANNER SEASON charges against his opponents. The seventh thrilling 48-41 victory against previously unde- Thanks to the ongoing support of adminis- grade members of the squad, Jason Haddy, feated Ramsey, and an exciting 47-40 win trators, faculty, family and fellow students, this Nick Finizio, Joseph Wetzler, Andrew against Glen Rock, which also entered the year’s VMS cheer squad had a spectacular sea- Sariyan and Thomas Ix, all made positive game undefeated. Jessica Dittmer led the son. Led by captains Marisa McGuire and contributions to the team at crucial moments Lady Challengers in scoring and blocked shots, Nicole Pinto, the squad of 15 started the season throughout the season. while Alexis Durando paced the team in pumping up students at the annual pep rally, The Challengers were also fortunate to have steals. Jessica and Alexis, the team captains, and ended the season winning a “degree of manager Hunter Blatz help the team stay also started every game in the last two seasons. excellence” trophy in an area competition. refreshed and sharp during each game. Allison Setter led the team in rebounding, In between were hours and hours of practice — Coach Lorenzo Deraco Danielle Marceca led in steals, and Lindsay spent perfecting routines that they would use to cheer on both the boys’ and Oakland’s VMS cheer team cheers on both the girls’ basketball teams. Coach Deraco and his Boy Challengers boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Sporting new pom-poms, Basketball Team had a good season. the squad motivated the players and entertained spectators. From the first “hello” cheer to the spectac- ular half-time performance, to the terrific variety of side- line cheers, the squad’s hard work and dedication really paid off this season. — Coaches Phylissa Avolio and Tracy Nabba

CROSSROADS • Spring 2006 9 CROSSROADS

PUBLISHED BYTHEOAKLAND COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPRING, 2006 SPONSORED BYTHEBOROUGH OF OAKLAND AND THE OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOL. 10, NO. 1

‘15-Minute Child Break’ Coming To Oakland April 6 he Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is You Can Help Oakland Save Money bringing its successful parenting program – “The 15- id you know that every time you throw your junk mail or TMinute Child Break” – to Oakland. This FREE one-hour cereal boxes in your household trash you’re taking program is designed to empower and assist parents in building Daway from Oakland’s total recycling tonnage? That’s better communication with their kids. The program is being money down the drain – and too many of us are letting it hap- hosted by the Oakland PTO Council. pen! The “15-Minute Child Break” presentation will be held at Please recycle ALL your paper material, including all card- Valley Middle School on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. A brief question- board, cereal boxes or chip board, mixed office paper, com- and-answer period will follow. Local resource materials and puter paper, newspaper, magazines, telephone books, junk information will also be provided. mail, wrapping paper, books, etc. Paper contaminated with The “15-Minute Child Break” was developed based on food should not be included. research from PDFNJ’s 2000 Middle School Study on We need to reduce, reuse, compost and recycle as much Substance Use, which found that kids who have consistent as possible. Recycling is not only good for the environment; communication with a parent or caregiver every day are 67% it also makes good business sense. If we could take more less likely to engage in substance abuse. items out of the solid waste stream by recycling, we would Please contact Lorraine Knox at 201-651-0988 for additional reduce our costs as a Borough. information.

OAKLAND BOROUGH COUNCIL

Mayor John Szabo U.S. POSTAGE PAID Council President Matt Kazmierczak NON-PROFIT Council Members Presort Standard Donald T. Burns • Frank Di Pentima Permit No. 7 Karen Marcalus • Pat Pignatelli Oakland, NJ Betsy Stagg

OAKLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION

Superintendent Dr. Richard G. Heflich POSTAL PATRON Business Administrator Louis J. Pepe Board of Education Members OAKLAND, NEW JERSEY 07436 James Gaffney President Jennifer Matts Vice President James Mulcahy • John Scerbo Marybeth Visconti

COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Michael Jacobsen Chairman George Maturi Vice Chairman Fred Birks • Peter Foley Ron Lottermann • Seth Stansfield

CROSSROADS STAFF

Michael Jacobsen • Karen Marcalus