SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY REPORT

Doyle School

Pre K Self-Contained- Ms. Albonico

This month, we finished learning about the life cycle of a butterfly: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Our entire chrysalis turned into butterflies. We released them on a nice day. The students were so excited to watch the butterflies fly away. Last month we planted marigold seeds. We watered the seeds every day. Each of the seeds turned into plants. The students took their plants home to take care of.

We started doing yoga this month. This helps the students with their self-regulation skills. This also enhances their strength, coordination, and body awareness. We also celebrated Doyle Day. Each grade sang a different song. The Pre-K classes sang Hey, Mr. Sun. They did a wonderful job singing.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 1 Pre K Self-Contained- Ms. Varettoni

We can’t believe it already May! This school year has flown by! We have had a lot of fun this past month. Our Tools of the Mind play theme for this month is School and we have had a ton of fun pretending to be teachers, students, and cafeteria workers. We have also been working hard towards the end of our Letter of the Week study. This month we learned about Y, V, X, Z, and Q. Everyone has done a great job this year learning new letters! In math, we have reviewing various concepts that we covered this year such as patterns, shapes, colors, and number recognition.

This month we watched our classroom caterpillars turn into butterflies! First, we learned about the different stages in a butterfly’s life cycle. We took observations by drawing pictures and having discussions every day during Morning Group of what we saw. It was amazing to watch the metamorphosis in person; every day students would come in and check up on the caterpillars or chrysalises, eagerly anticipating their transition into butterflies! We gave our butterflies the following names: Bob, Mickey, Elvis, Peppa, Whinny, Clark, Shark, Doggie, Mouse, and Pete. Once they were ready, we set our 10 butterflies free on our playground. It was wonderful for students to witness the life cycle in action!

We also had SO much fun last Friday during Doyle Day! Thank you parents for all of the yummy snack donations! Everyone was looking forward to it! We had a beautiful day to celebrate the Earth. We sang one of our favorite songs, Mr. Golden Sun with the rest of our preschool friends and the enjoyed our snacks on the field. By far, everyone’s favorite treat were the lollipops!

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We had an awesome school year! I am so proud of how everyone has grown, both academically and emotionally. I feel lucky to be their teacher every day I’m in the classroom. Everyone has very bright futures ahead of them! See you in September!

Pre K Age 4 Full Day Inclusion- Mrs. Hahn/Ms. Paskas

It’s hard to believe our year has come to an end. We’ve learned so much this year. The students completed the entire alphabet. We learned how to make the letters and what sound each letter represents. We also learned our numbers from 1-20. Many of us can write our numbers from 1-10. We finished off the year with our last theme: School. We pretended to be the physical education teacher, art teacher, music teacher, the classroom teacher and the cafeteria workers. The students really enjoyed taking on the rolls of teacher and students. It was amazing to see how they replicated many of the actions they see on a daily basis in the classroom.

We had a special theme day this month: Fitness Day. The students came in their fitness outfits and we did a lot of fun fitness activities throughout the day. We did our favorite activity Go Noodle in the morning and then finished our afternoon off with some relaxing yoga.

We also participated in Doyle Day. We went outside with the entire school and recited a poem. We then got to listen to all of the other grades. After that, we enjoyed our delicious snacks and the warm sunny weather.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 3 Pre-K Age 4 Full Day- Mrs. Rightmyer

May was a very busy month in our pre-k classroom! We continued our School Theme in our centers and launched our Summer Fun theme at the end of the month. Our blocks center transformed into a campsite where children pretended to roast marshmallows by the campfire and go fishing!

In our science center, children used their senses to explore shells from the beach. In our dramatic play center, children became a travel agent and helped each other plan vacations. We had a summer shop in our literacy center filled with all summer essentials! The children had so much fun with this theme and are very excited for all the summer activities to come!

This month we were so excited to watch our very own caterpillars transform into butterflies! We logged their transformation in our caterpillar logs and drew the changes as they changed from caterpillar to butterfly!

Pre K Age 3 Half/Full Day- Mrs. Schwartz

It is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the school year! We have learned so much during our first year of preschool. We have been introduced to all of the letters of the alphabet. We are so proud of the craft projects that we have created for each letter. This past month we made projects such as a letter “Q” quilt and a letter “Z” Zoo. Each project reinforces our letter recognition skills and also strengthens our fine motor abilities. We have completed our introduction to numbers 1-10 and are having fun counting with manipulatives and playing new number games such as Freeze on the Number as a review.

We continue to enjoy Buddy Reading and love to share spring and summer theme books with our friends. We also had fun with our new Tools of the Mind theme: School. Each part of our classroom has been transformed into different areas of a school. The students have enjoyed turning our classroom play kitchen into the school cafeteria. They love ordering and serving lunches to their friends. We also have a music area where students play instruments and sing familiar songs and finger plays that they have learned throughout the year. Our classroom “art room” is a great place to practice drawing and writing. Students are very enthusiastic to take on the role of art teacher and art students. At the classroom library students have enjoyed checking out books, returning them and reading with their classmates.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 4 The highlight of the month of May was when we celebrated Doyle Day together with the whole school. We went outside for a picnic snack. We also performed the song, Mr. Sun with the other Pre-K classes. It was a joy to come together with our friends and classmates to commemorate this special day at Doyle School.

Kindergarten- Ms. Focarino

This has been an exciting year in kindergarten. The students have worked hard all year and have accomplished so much. They really have become a “family” here. We have gone on many adventures with Jack and Annie. There were so many that we are unable to pick a favorite! We have learned so much academically, but more importantly our socialization skills have sky rocketed this year. We love learning and playing together. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for us in first grade!

Kindergarten- Ms. Goodlin

In reading and writing class we have been reading, writing and acting out Magic Tree House stories for Lions at Lunchtime. We have learned a lot of background knowledge on these topics through Power Points provided from the Tools of the Mind program and have created cute crafts such as lion and zebra headbands.

Our math topics have been identifying 3-D figures and using common directions to identify objects placement.

Our science topics have been identifying characteristics of herbivores and carnivores and discussing how plants in an African Savannah use camouflage and adaptation to survive.

In social studies we have been using community and world maps to show direction.

Kindergarten- Mrs. Pagliocca

We had a very busy month in kindergarten. The children were very excited for our Mother’s Day Tea. It was a beautiful morning for all. The children put on a spectacular performance by singing songs about their moms which were about how much they loved them. What better way to celebrate such a special person in our lives. The moms were quite impressed with the booklets that were prepared for them, All about My Mom.

The children were very excited to go back to the Steam Lab in Maywood again. The theme was force and motion. The children went to different stations that had hands on materials for them to use to conduct experiments.

Mrs. Rella and I can’t believe that June is here. We have enjoyed watching and helping our kindergarten class grow socially, emotionally and academically for first grade. The most rewarding part of our job is to see what the children are able to do when they enter kindergarten and how much they can do at the end. It is such a pleasure knowing that we were part of their early years of learning.

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Kindergarten(Inclusion)- Ms. Sanzari/Mrs. Nass We had a very busy month in kindergarten! The children were very excited to have our Mother’s Day Tea. It was an amazing afternoon for the students and moms. They sang songs to show their love for their mom. What a better way to celebrate such a person in their lives. They gave their moms an all about their mom book, created a mirror for them, and a finger print flower for them. It was a beautiful keepsake for them to remember their special day. We continued to read the Magic Tree House series. We traveled to the savannah with Jack and Annie. The students enjoyed learning about all the African animals. They loved creating the props of all the animals. In math, we continued to learn about 3 dimensional shapes. They learned about how shapes stack, roll and if they can slide. The students loved the hands on learning when learning about shapes. We cannot believe the end of the school year is here! We have enjoyed watching and helping our kindergarten class grow socially, emotionally and academically for first grade. The most rewarding part of our job is to see what the children are able to do when they enter kindergarten and how much they can do at the end. It is such a pleasure knowing that we were part of their early years of learning. Speech Therapist- Ms. Allen

We continue to work hard during speech class in our small group/ individual speech therapy sessions. Speech instruction for all students is working toward complete carryover of accurate sound productions and/or improvement of language goals. Therapy sessions are individualized to each child’s needs, and technology of the iPad is being incorporated into therapy sessions as appropriate.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 6 Speech- Ms. Ticchio

Children have participated in speech therapy in small group and/or individual sessions. Students participated in various activities involving drilling skills with games and reading books for articulation and comprehension. Students participated in reading the book The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. Students responded to comprehension questions targeting their speech and/or language goals. Then, students designed their own imaginary friend and responded to various WH questions about their creation. All activities were tailored to meet each individual student’s language/articulation goals as needed. The iPad, books, and hands-on activities are implemented during sessions as appropriate.

Grade 1(Inclusion)- Mrs. Albanese/Ms. Humphrey

The month of May was a busy month for our first grade class!

In reading, we continued to follow our reader’s workshop program. This month we learned several new spelling patterns such as /er/, /ir/, and /ur/. The students participated in several different center activities to learn the new spelling patterns.

In math, the students learned about data, graphs, and shapes. The students were able to view data on a chart and make a graph from it. The students also learned the names of different shapes. In writing, the students continued to write an opinion piece. The students wrote about where they think our class should go on a field trip. They had such great ideas!

In grammar, the students learned about adjectives. The students created a pitcher of lemonade filled with ice cubes that described the summer.

Our field trip was also in May! The students visited Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. The students loved being outside and learning different facts!

Grade 1- Ms. Cortina

We had a wonderful month in May!

In word study, we learned many phonics skills. The spelling patterns we learned this month were Bossy R,/ AR/,/or/, Ending Blend /MP/,long I /high/,and /oi/,/oy/.

In math, we started the month with Topic 14 Using Data to answer questions. We learned all about picture graphs and bar graphs. We learned how tally marks can be used to collect information. We finished the month with Topic 15 on Geometry. We learned the difference between plane and solid shapes. My students loved getting a bag of plane shapes and making real-life things out of them!

In reader’s workshop, we continue to work on story elements. We’ve been discussing the characters, setting, problem, solution, and theme. We continue to work in Daily Five Café centers. Students have been working on their stamina while reading independently. Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 7

In social studies, we learned what elements make up a person’s culture. For example, food, clothing, housing, language, religion, and art. We learned how families are alike and different and how many families have different traditions.

In writing, we finished our opinion unit. They did an awesome job using their revision checklists to make sure that they were handing in their best work. Every student picked a top of their choice and wrote their opinion. They made sure that they used a starting sentence, stated three reasons and used a closing sentence at the end. Each student shared their work during the publishing party. We are onto Poetry now! We are working on writing through our senses using popcorn.

Grade 1- Ms. Cucuzza

It is hard to believe the school year is coming to an end! I am so proud of how much progress the first graders have made throughout the course of the school year. I am so excited for them as they transition to second grade and can’t wait to see all that they accomplish next year.

In reader’s workshop, we have been focusing on reviewing the comprehension skills that we have learned throughout the school year. Some of these skills include visualizing, making connections, and problem and solution. We have also learned all about Author’s Purpose. Students can now identify and distinguish between the different reasons an author writes a text. Our class continues to build reading stamina each month, and we are able to maintain focus during independent reading time for over 25 minutes!

In word study, students are continuing to learn new word patterns through the Orton-Gillingham method. In the month of May, students learned that y can sometimes act as a vowel, making the /e/ and /i/ sounds. Students were also introduced to diphthongs au, aw, oi, and oy. We practice our new and phonics patterns daily in our literacy centers. Students rotate between five centers throughout the week to practice working with new material and review previously learned skills. We have also mastered 20 new red words to apply to our reading and writing!

With the enVision math series, children have completed Topic 15. In geometry, students reviewed plane shapes and learned the names of solid figures. We had so much fun creating a song to help us remember the different shapes. This included spheres, cylinders, pyramids, cubes, rectangular prisms, and cones. We learned how to identify vertices of solid figures and the amount of flat sides. We are about to begin Topic 16, Fractions of Shapes. Students will learn how to make equal parts, how to describe these equal parts of whole objects, and how to make halves and fourths of rectangles and circles. Students continue to practice basic math facts daily with our Karate Math Belt Club.

In writer’s workshop, we are just about to wrap up our sixth unit of study, Poetry. In this unit, students learned how to write many different types of poetry, such as cinquain and acrostic poems. We have also written wonderful poems using our five senses. Students have been doing a great job peer editing and revising their poems. They will soon share their poems to the class in our next publishing party! As the school year is coming

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 8 to an end, we are about to begin creating our first grade memory books. We are so excited to write about all the memories that we’ve shared this year!

Grade 1- Mrs. Jupinka

In our literacy block, the children have been working very hard on their independent reading. We continue to read at least 8 books in our independent reading bags including nonfiction books. We continue to love our quiet reading time in our favorite spots. We are very excited about our character unit! They love reading and talking about their favorite book characters. Can you believe that we have learned over 160 red words so far this year?! Our spelling patterns have taken us through a variety of diphthongs. Synonyms, antonyms and contractions have also been part of our daily lessons. The “All about States” project was fantastic! They all did an amazing job and they loved presenting them to their classmates. Many of them love writing in their journals coming up with their own adventures.

Congratulations to all of the celebrity readers in our class! I am so proud of how much you all practiced to be able to read to all of us! Thanks so much to all of our mystery readers throughout the year. It is so exciting to watch their faces light up when friends and family come in to visit!

In math, the children began working on geometry and will finish the year out with fractions. The children continue to look forward to our Friday math club!

In health, our May topic focused safety (which included summer, stranger, and general safety in the home as well as outside).We will finish up with a brief unit on Character Choices, such as respect.

Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring our “Get Buggy” program.

Look for a note outlining all of the special activities that are planned for the last days of school! It has been a pleasure working with your children this year. Thanks you for your support and help throughout the year! Have a safe and restful summer!

POR/RTI Grade 1- Mrs. Caicedo

May was an exciting month in the Resource Center! It’s hard to believe the month is over, and summer break is right around the corner. We continue to work daily on our phonics and decoding skills using the Orton- Gillingham multisensory reading program, and Reading Workshop where we focus on decoding and comprehension skills, such as different types of text, learning about our schema, making connections, using our schema to make predictions using fiction texts, different story elements, identifying main idea and details in fiction and non-fiction text, making connections, and making inferences. Additionally, we began to apply skills and strategies learned in reading workshop and Orton-Gillingham, while reading independently and conferencing with the teacher. Some very important skills being taught and reviewed are short vowels, initial consonant sounds, blends, and long vowels. Finally, we have been using guided reading books from Reading A- Z and articles from Readworks to help with fluency and comprehension skills.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 9 Finally, first grade RTI classes are meeting on a weekly basis where students are working on decoding, encoding and phonemic awareness through Orton-Gillingham and reading comprehension skills using resources from Reading A-Z.

Kidz Care Club completed the penny wars for Earth month. They were able to raise over $2,000 for a marine conservation organization. We will have an end of the year celebration before school ends.

POR/RTI Grades 1,2 & 3- Mrs. Micowski

And just like that May has come to an end! First grade has just finished up learning about measurement and data collection. We are going to start June learning about geometry. Second grade has finished up learning about money. They have learned to identify the coins, estimate the cost of items, and add and subtract money. We are currently learning different units and measure. Third grade is doing a great job learning their multiplication facts and has made great strides. While most have mastered facts 0-6, we are continuing to make progress on our Belt Tests and hoping to become Masters of Facts 0-12 very soon. We will be finishing the school year working on fractions.

POR/RTI Grade2 & 3- Mrs. Gibney

Grade 2

A lot of learning occurred in May!

In our IMSE Orton-Gillingham sequence, we focused on rules of syllabication. We learned about the phonemes ending in consonant –le and –y. We also practiced our use of contractions. For reading comprehension, we continued reading chapter books. We enjoyed the Ready Freddy series so much that we read two more books! We loved reading about Freddy in book #2 The King of Show and Tell and book #3 Homework Hassles. We worked on recalling details, responding to questions while restating, and answering in full sentences.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 10 Grade 3

In resource reading class, we started a unit on multicultural fables, folk tales, legends, and fairy tales. Students enjoyed reading tales from many different cultures and determining the characteristics of types of tales.

We also finished up our unit on sentence mechanics. Students have practiced end punctuation, capitalization, possessiveness, use of contractions, and quotation marks. We will continue to use these skills while writing/ typing paragraphs and essays.

Grade 2- Ms. Delatorre

In math, students learned to identify solid figures by their faces or flat surfaces, edges and vertices. They recognized and named trapezoids, parallelograms and hexagons, and put shapes together to make new shapes. They cut shapes apart to make new shapes, and decided if shapes were cut into equal or unequal parts. They also learned how to tell time to the hour, increments of fifteen and thirty minutes. Check out the interactive time game we played with hula hoops! They were given a time, and used the straw to show the hour and minutes. They learned about bar graphs, and together we created a class graph. After learning about pictographs, they surveyed the class and created their own pictographs. Students have finished all math topics, and started the step up to third grade mini lessons.

In reading, students read the novel Chocolate Touch. They learned new higher level vocabulary words weekly, and made predictions about each Chapter using pictures. They also focused on character traits, visualizing, and making inferences. They will be comparing and contrasting this novel to the last, Chocolate Fever. They started the CoGat test, which will test their cognitive abilities.

In writing, students published their opinion paper about their favorite food. They also selected two topics, and wrote a compare and contrast paper about it. They started with a Venn Diagram, and then wrote several drafts. Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 11 In grammar, they learned how to read an analogy and create their own. They also learned about multiple meaning words. Students continue to practice letter formation using the handwriting book. They also learn new red words and pattern words in spelling.

In social studies, they learned about how the Earth is shown on a map. They learned about equator, prime meridian, and lines of latitude and longitude. They identified different kinds of landforms and water. They know how different kinds of weather affect people, animals and plants.

Grade 2- Mrs. Engel

In reader’s workshop, we completed our second novel study-Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. The students were excited to read this chapter book about a boy named John Midas that loves to eat chocolate any hour of the day. One day, after wandering into a candy store and buying a piece of their best chocolate, John finds out that there might be such a thing as too much chocolate. Throughout the novel study the students reviewed and practiced applying various inferential and literal comprehension skills. The students loved comparing this book to Chocolate Fever.

We started our next informational writing piece in writer’s workshop. This month the students were introduced to the parts of a How-To-Paper. They reviewed the reasons for writing this type of paper. The students reviewed the writing traits for a How-To Paper and identified them in a model paper. Each student has chosen a topic for their writing piece and began to organize the sequence of events using a sequence chain graphic organizer.

In grammar, the students had fun creating contractions. Each student chose a contraction to display on their kite. They wrote the two words that make up the contraction on the bows and then wrote a sentence on the cloud using the contraction on their kite. The kites were displayed on the bulletin board outside our classroom.

In math, we have focused on money. To make the meaning of money more meaningful we created a 2nd grade class store for the students to go shopping at. A big thank you to all of the parents that donated small toys, pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.… to be sold at our class store. Each day the students brought in coins that equaled the value of 25 cents. The students practiced adding up the prices of the items they wanted to buy. Once they had the items they wanted to purchase they would pay the cashier (Mrs. Engel) 25 cents. The money that was collected will be donated to a charity.

We are using multi-sensory techniques from the Orton-Gillingham program to learn how to spell and read words during word study. The students have been practicing how to read and spell words with vowel controlled “r” like “ar” and “or”. The students had fun making pirate hats to help them remember the sound for “ar”. The students also learned the sound that /oo/ makes (short like in foot/long like in moon). They created “cooking” hats to help them remember the sound for /oo/.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 12 In science the students continued to learn about the “Three States of Matter.” The students were presented with a question-Why are so many toys made out of plastic? Students learned about melting and the solid & liquid states of matter, and then discovered why plastic was invented. The students participated in an activity that allowed them to test the “meltable” property of candy. The students were very excited to learn about physical and chemical changes too. We conducted an experiment of mixing vinegar (a liquid) with baking soda (a solid) to see what kind of change would take place. When we mixed the items together it created bubbles (a gas). The children identified this as a chemical change because you can’t undo the mixing of the items to put them back into their original states.

Grade 2- Ms. Vega

We were busy bees this past month! In April, we learned all about the Earth, how to keep it safe and clean, but we didn’t want to stop. To kick start May, we conducted research and wrote a brief summary on Natural Wonders around the world. Some of the wonders included the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), The Great Barrier Reef, and the Harbor of Rio De Janeiro.

In literacy, we read our second novel titled Chocolate Touch. We chose this novel so we could compare and contrast it to our 1st Novel, Chocolate Fever. Throughout the novel, we practiced new skill sets such as Cause and Effect, Making Inferences, Visualization and Predicting. As a class, we took a vote and unanimously decided that out of the two novels we loved this book the most.

In math, we covered our unit with money. We learned how to identify coins, the value of each coin, how to add and subtract change, and even how to estimate the costs of items.

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 13 We also finished our topic on arrays. We found arrays to be quite easy and challenged ourselves a bit more. For every repeated addition sentence and array we were asked to draw, we ALSO had to give the multiplication sentence that would correspond! Third grade, here we come!

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 14 !

Grade 3- Mrs. Campagna

Grade 3 is officially ready for 4th grade! The month of May truly has flown right by! In reader’s & writer’s workshop students completed our Fiction Unit. As part of this unit, students explored many different types of fiction. Different characters, plots and settings were created by my up and coming little authors. Nice job!

Periods 3 & 4 finished their funny and adventurous world of Judy Moody and her hysterical brother Stink! Students mastered some very impressive reading skills and strategies this month. Documents submitted on both Google Docs and Google Classroom helped to reinforce the importance of a character’s actions and traits when reading fiction. Did someone say plot twist?? This month we discovered that one character’s attitude can change the entire plot of a story! Students continued to focus on point of view and how another character’s view of a situation can make a fiction story very interesting!

Periods 6 & 7 finally finished the war between Nick Allen, Mrs. Granger, and the world as the word FRINDLE made it into the dictionary! This book showed us the courage of a character to not give up on something that he really believed in. Talk about incredible plot twists….Frindle was loaded with them. Each chapter kept the students guessing what was going to happen next. Predictions were hard to make as the plot twists got more intense. They tackled this high level book like champs!! Was Nick Allen really a troublemaker?? Read Frindle for yourself and find out!

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 15 In science, students continued to complete incredible Web quests on animal adaptations, fossils, and scientists. Learning to navigate through each Web quest successfully is a key skill that they will need to secure by grade 4. Listening and following directions carefully helped each student become successfully while surfing the web.

We spent an amazing day at Van Saun Park on May 21st! The zoo program was awesome! Special thank you to Miss Jessica who taught us some fantastic facts about the animals found at the zoo. The students enjoyed the carousel, the zoo animals, and a picnic lunch. After having some fun in the playground, students enjoyed an intense game of Duck, Duck, Goose and Relay Racing! Thank you to the parent chaperones! Our trip to Paramus was a huge success! If you have never been to Van Saun Park…..check it out!! It’s a great place to spend the day!

We have enjoyed book buddying with Miss Kelly’s Pre-K class this year! The students have made some great friends and incredible bonds with some adorable little Doyle students.

A huge thank you to all of the parents who helped make the 2 weeks of PARCC testing very successfully. Students were on their game and confidence was at an all-time high. Success is all about working together with each child in mind!

We are in the home stretch and I will really miss these incredible groups of learners!

Remember…I am an email away at [email protected].

Field Day: Wednesday June 6th Rain Date: Friday June 8th Visit to WRIS: Thursday June 14th Third Grade Fun Night: Friday June 15th Farewell Ceremony: Wednesday June 20th 9:00 - 10:00.

Grade 3- Mrs. Hynes

Math: Students experienced their first math PARCC testing this month. They worked very hard to complete the four day test! Following PARCC, students learned a great deal about measurement! Students were introduced to both the customary and metric units of measurement during our study of capacity and mass. They completed a lab using a pan balance to measure in grams and ounces as well as made their own “gallon man” creations to help with conversions!

Science: This month students continued their study of living things. Students were excited to begin moving from plants to studying about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish this month. The students partnered up to complete mini research projects and posters about an animal of their choice. The children enjoyed doing online research as well as using books from our classroom library to complete their projects.

Special Events: The class took 2 trips this month. They enjoyed a beautiful and informative day at Van Saun County Park. Students learned about all types of animals and even got up close and personal with a hedgehog!

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 16 Students also made their final visit to the STEM lab this month. While there students became engineers as they constructed a monorail system and completed timed trials utilizing various problem solving strategies.

Grade 3- Ms. Moccia

This month in math, the students learned how to estimate liquid volume and mass, as well as, reviewing how to solve for area and perimeter. First, in Unit 15, students learned how to measure capacity. We discussed the customary and metric units of capacity. Next, students learned about mass and weight. Students learned what tools and units are best to use when estimating mass and weight.

This month in science, we continued studying living things. Students explored how all living things are alike and different. As a class we learned about how animals change as they grow and adapt to their environments. In addition, we discussed different parts of animals and how they use these body parts to carry out their everyday lives. Students had the chance to further study animals on our field trip to the Van Saun Park Zoo. In our last science lesson, we studied some of Earth’s resources. We learned all about Earth’s rocks, soil, and fossils. We examined fossils by working on a fossil web quest. In this web quest, students were able to read article, watch videos, and answer questions about fossils.

Grade 3- Mrs. Franchini

In literacy, the students are continuing their love and appreciation of novel studies as we are about to finish up our final novel of the year, Otis Spofford. We are strengthening our summary writing skills as we incorporate sequencing words into our writing to identify the order of events taking place. We also are continuing to work on using context clues to develop the meaning of unknown words in the text and using text evidence to gain a stronger meaning. In writing, the students have been learning how to create realistic fiction writing pieces. They are creating stories with beginnings, middles, and endings while learning the importance of building up a story by incorporating a conflict and solution to their stories. In addition, we have been focusing on the climax or the most exciting part of the story. The students have been practicing their “show, don’t tell” strategies and have also been using figurative language to make their writing more exciting! In science, the students have been exploring what makes up an ecosystem and learning about why living things live where they do. The students have also been tracing the flow of energy through a food chain and a food web and observing the differences and similarities between the two. In class, students have particularly enjoyed exploring how animals and plants depend on one another and how they each provide things the other needs. The students have been working on web quests and have been enjoying exploring new aspects of plant and animal life. Here are some highlights from our class trip to the zoo!

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 17

Physical Education- Mr. Aranda

For the month of May, Doyle students have been getting ready for the much anticipated most fun-filled day of the year…Field Day! Throughout the month in their PE classes the students have been practicing some of the activities/games that they will be competing in for Field Day. Some of those games include: Baggo Beanbag Toss, Ladder Ball, Alphabet Scooter Relay, Soaking Sponge Relay, Soccer Shootout, Salad Bowl Relay, B-ball Hot Spots, Multi-Ball Volleyball, Giant Jenga and of course the popular PTA provided Bounce Houses.

Additionally, the students spent some time learning and practicing choreographed dance routines to a couple of popular songs; Jump by Christopher Zondaflex Tyler & Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Cilento. This dance practice was also done in preparation for Field Day. Jump is a quick song which has a dance routine of relatively simple dance moves. Furthermore, Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) is a longer playing song with a more challenging dance routine that consists of a combination of both known dance moves and a variety of exercises, such as: push-ups, jump lunges, high knees, and jumping jacks. The kids have been working hard at learning and executing these dance routines with the motivation of putting on a memorable show on Field Day.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 18 Art- Ms. Sukalo

The pre-k artists completed their Alphabet Art inspired by the artist Jasper Johns. They created texture rubbings using found objects and observed what happens when oil pastels and water colors don’t mix. Students painted over their textures with water colors. Next, students looked at the art work of Jasper Johns and observed his “camouflage” or hidden letters and numbers. Students then wrote their names on top of their texture boxes and made them look camouflage with metallic markers.

The kindergarten artists learned about the artist Vincent Van Gogh by creating Vincent Van Gogh-nut (donut) prints. Students watched a brief video Art with Mati and Dada video on VanGogh. They then shared a fact they learned from the video. Students learned VanGogh would layer different color paints on top of each other. Those lines and layers look like sprinkles. We used Van Gogh's "sprinkle" lines to create a base or background for our prints. Students then printed donuts on their backgrounds using vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate colored paint. Lastly, students decorated their donuts and made them look 3-D using highlights and shadows.

The first grade artists learned about pottery art and sculpture. Students looked at examples of pottery and described what makes it art. They learned about the hand building technique by building coil bowls. Artists began by creating a marble clay. They learned how to mix the clay together so there were swirls and designs in their coil without making it all one color. Next, they discussed hand building techniques to build their bowls. Students created their own variations - some taller and thinner, some wider and shorter, and some with handles and a spout! Next, they talked about different finishes pottery can have such as a glaze or patina. To seal and finish their bowls, students will be adding a clear seal using mod podge. They discussed safe usage of their bowls - to be used for display and holding small objects.

The second grade artists completed their Wayne Thiebaud Inspired Donut Sculptures. Students chose the flavor to paint their donuts. They also selected the finish for their donuts - glossy or matte. Students observed how a glossy finish made their donuts look glazed where a matte finish made their donuts look powder-y. They then assembled their icing and learned various techniques to decorate their donuts.

The third grade artists completed their metal relief sculptures. To reinforce the concept of a relief, students used faux leaves to create their artwork. They created a unique composition on their cardboard and glued them down. Next, they used aluminum foil to wrap their boards so that it looked like metal. To make the leaves look more “dimensional” they buffed black paint or a “patina” into the creases of their leaves to make it look like a shadow. Third grade artists also selected their artwork to display in the art show on June 13th!

Library/Media- Mrs. Diaz

The Catherine Doyle Elementary School students have been very busy learning how to design and engineer structures using a variety of items based on grade level, AASL Standards, and New Jersey 21st Century Life and Careers Standards. The lessons went very well and everyone seemed to really like doing them. In the early part of June, students will have a “refresher” course in typing to prepare them for the 2018-2019 school year.

Please return library books before the close of the school year, so they can be entered back into the system! Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 19

Music- Mr. LaBelle

Grade 3: Students worked and on learning lyrics, rhythms, melody and singing in groups from sheet music and aurally. Students practiced proper breathing technique for singing. When not singing, students also worked on playing traditional/folk songs on xylophones, in groups and individually. Songs include Down in the Meadow, Who’s That Tapping at the Window? :NJCCCS: 2.1.1.B.1., 2.1.1.B.2., 5.1.1.B.2., 5.1.3.B.1.

Grade 2: Students worked on learning lyrics, rhythms, melody and singing in groups from sheet music and aurally. Students practice proper breathing technique for singing. When not singing, students also worked on playing traditional/folk songs on xylophones, in groups and individually. Songs include Oh Susanna and The Old Gray Mare. NJCCCS: 2.1.3.B.1., 5.1.1.B.1., 5.1.1.B.2..

Grade 1: Students worked on learning lyrics, rhythms, melody and singing in groups from sheet music and aurally. Students practice proper breathing technique for singing. When not singing, students also worked on identifying instruments, the families they belong to, and how they produce sound. NJCCCS: 2.1.3.B.2, 2.1.3.B. 6.

Kindergarten: Students worked on Spring Concert repertoire: School’s Out and Oh Susanna. Students worked on xylophones, conducting and keeping a steady beat with instruments and moving to represent the music and what they hear. NJCCCS: 1.3.P.B.1, 1.3.P.B.2, 1.3.P.B.3.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 20 Pre-K: Students worked on Sing a Little Song, playing xylophones in groups, playing percussion instruments to help keep a steady beat. Students worked on movements that represent the music they hear. Students also started following the leader and playing rhythm ball.

ESL- Ms. Manicone

This month our class worked on components of ocean life, including plants and animals. Then we moved on to learn about positional words or simple prepositions. We started with in front, behind, next to, and added beside, below, on top, above, under, and in between. Students have read Rosie’s Walk, to learn about different locations. We played Simon Says and played games to move things around the room. Students took turns moving things around and having their classmates describe where things were. Also, the students created books to illustrate their pictures.

Intermediate School

Grade 4 – May

Reading: In our classes, we are nearing the end of our novel, Number the Stars. The students love reading this novel and it keeps them wanting to know what happens next. We are analyzing characters throughout our reading and finding supporting text evidence. The class is reading, discussing, and completing activities for the chapters. We worked on designing and writing postcards in the point of view of a character. The students loved getting creative and using what they knew about the character to write in that perspective. The classes enjoy playing Quizizz to review chapters in the book! We even worked on our first assessment using Google Forms! They were intrigued with the program! Next month, we are planning to finish the novel and end the school year with extension activities centered on the Holocaust for deeper understanding of the time period. As an extra activity, the students will explore the Secret Annex interactive site online to further understand Anne Frank’s experience.

Writing: Students have completed text response questions practicing RACE for each chapter. They have developed the habit of supporting answers with text evidence. We have also worked on writing journal entries occasionally for some chapters in the novel. The students can put themselves in the shoes of a main character and write from their point of view. The classes have also completed other writing assignments relating to the Holocaust and what we are learning. One activity included reading an article called The Choice about harboring a Jewish person and writing a diary entry expressing what they would do in such a difficult situation. Some of these assignments can be found on your child’s school Google Docs account, along with other writing pieces that we have completed throughout the school year. You should check it out! Have them show you so they can be proud of their hard work this year!

Social Studies: This month, we finished our study on the Civil War and worked on some extension activities. The students created a graphic organizer about the causes and effects of the war. They also worked in small groups to design a Google slideshow about everything they learned in the chapter. This was a fun activity that Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 21 assessed collaboration skills and content understanding whenever we were able to meet during our long weeks of PARCC testing. We have also kicked off Chapter 5 on The Industrial Revolution in class this month. The students were so interested in learning about Thomas Edison and new inventions in NJ during this time in history. I loved seeing the surprised faces as the class found out when some every day, familiar items were first created! In June, we will learn about Henry Ford’s assembly line and watch a short clip of the classic, “I Love Lucy,” episode with a chocolate factory assembly line. We will create our own assembly line in class as a quick do now activity. We will see which assembly lines have their “goods” manufactured the quickest! We will end the school year with some reading on immigration and our classes will also watch an animated classic movie called “An American Tail” to illustrate immigration during this time period.

See more about our field trip on May 31st to Waterloo Village… We went on a field trip this month to Waterloo Village, where we visualized and explored what we learned more about the Lenape. The students had a blast! See some of them in action below…

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 22 Grade 4 – Johnson

It is so hard to believe that we are coming to the end of the school year. It seems to have gone by so quickly. These last few months have been very busy for the 4th graders.

We all had a great time on our class trip to Waterloo Village in Stanhope, NJ. We had the opportunity to learn about the lives of the Lenape Indians. The children had the chance to make some pottery bowls and try some tools used by the Indians for planting and cooking. We were very lucky to have a nice day of weather to enjoy this day. Even though it was cloudy and a little bit rainy, it was perfect for walking around.

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 23 !

Scenes from Waterloo Village

Our 4th graders also had a chance to go on a trip to Carnegie Hall to watch and play their recorders with an orchestra. The program included a jazz band and a performance by a dance group. The children really enjoyed this. In addition to all of our trips, the 4th grade had a great time participating in WRIS Field Day 2018. Thank you to the PTA for the great T-shirts for both the children and the staff. Also a big thank you to the PTA for the Pick-a-Packet assembly that the children will be participating in this week. This is such a fun activity. I know the students are going to love it.

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 24 Math1 – We have been working with measurement using customary units. We will then move onto measuring with metric units. The children worked with converting the different units and with finding the area and perimeter of various shapes, both regular and irregular. We have almost finished the textbook so we are going to be using the last few weeks to work on a few projects that include the skills that we have learned throughout the year. The class will be working on a project in which the students constructed a zoo exhibit. Each student will research the needs of a certain animal and then designed a zoo habitat for them detailing the area and perimeter of their animal’s enclosure. It was a fun way to learn about area, perimeter and animals!

Math 2 – The students have added and subtracted fractions with like denominators as well as mixed numbers. We have also practiced borrowing when subtracting mixed numbers. We have been working with decimals and are concentrating on understanding how fractions and decimals are related.

Science- We have learned about electricity, both static and current. We will be learning how to construct a closed circuit so that the current electricity can flow. We will use various objects to test if they are conductors or insulators, and learn just how a light bulb works.

Grade 4 – Ripp

Reading: In our classes, we are nearing the end of our novel, Number the Stars. The students love reading this novel and it keeps them wanting to know what happens next. We are analyzing characters throughout our reading and finding supporting text evidence. The class is reading, discussing, and completing activities for the chapters. As we read Chapter 14, we analyzed the significance of the reference to the popular fairytale Little Red Riding hood. We discussed how the characters and objects in the fairytale parallel those in Number the Stars. The students loved engaging in discussions comparing and contrasting the fairytale to the book. We also continue to evaluate character traits and how characters can change throughout a story. Next month, we are planning to finish the novel and end the school year with extension activities centered on the Holocaust for deeper understanding of the time period. As an extra activity, the students will explore the Secret Annex interactive site online to further understand Anne Frank’s experience.

Writing: Students continue to analyze point of view by working on writing journal entries aligned with Number the Stars. We read chapters from the book and discuss important scenes from different characters point of view. The students “get into character” by writing journal entries that reflect the various perspectives from different characters in the book. The students continue to work on using descriptive details and adjectives to “show” how/what the characters in the story are thinking and feeling. In addition, the students also worked on writing a postcard from the point of view of the main character in the story. The students enjoyed expressing their creativity and their knowledge of the characters perspective.

Social Studies: The class finished learning all about the Industrial Revolution .The students learned what life was like before the Industrial Revolution and how it changed significantly. We focused on how important inventors such as Thomas Edison, Samuel Morse, and Alexander Graham Bell changed society with their new technologies. The students also worked on a Google Slides project to extend social studies. They researched important inventors and new technologies that helped shape the Industrial Revolution. They worked with partners to create a presentation that demonstrated what they learned about this important historical time period. Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 25 The students are looking forward to learning more about immigration. The classes will be leaning about how immigrants came to Ellis Island in search of new job opportunities and a better future. We will be taking an interactive virtual tour of Ellis Island on the chrome books to enrich their understanding.

Field Trip

The 4th grade class went on a field trip to Waterloo Village in Stanhope, NJ.

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 26 Grade 4 – Romoff

The students have been extra busy this month continuing their learning and extension of fraction skills. The classes have been working very hard at adding and subtracting mixed numbers, with and without regrouping and have learned how to multiply fractions and whole numbers. Students have also been hard at work simplifying fractions when needed, including converting answers to mixed numbers from improper fractions. The classes have also learned what decimals are and how they are related to fractions. Students have been working with converting fractions to decimals, including when an extra step of reducing is involved. Students have also been working on their operational skills and problem solving skills. It is really amazing at how much their mathematical skills have increased this year.

Science was really electrifying this month as the focus of learning was on Electricity - both Static and Current Electricity. The students participated in fun activities, including having salt and rice krispie cereal be attracted to balloons. The students were amazed at how quickly a balloon can become negatively charged. The students enjoyed making posters about lightning safety and were surprised to learn that lightning is similar to getting a “shock” when we sometime touch a metal object. Lightning is just a big discharge. Students enjoyed learning about current electricity and are mini-experts on the difference between series and parallel circuits. Students enjoyed the videos that help with the understanding of these concepts.

Grade 5 – Ciliotta

Math During the month of May we spent time learning about Coordinate Geometry. Students learned about the Coordinate Plane, how to find distances and graph patterns. Students had an opportunity to practice these skills by working in centers. One of the centers was Battleship. This classic game helped students practice reading and recording ordered pairs. We are wrapping up the end of the year by learning how to convert customary units of measurement. Students came close to achieving the Think Through Math goal of 100 percent and earned an Italian ice party to celebrate their hard work. I am proud of their perseverance and effort to master the 5th grade curriculum. I wish them a very happy restful summer!

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Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 27 Science

5-ESS1 Earth's Place in the Universe

We blasted off into space for our last Science unit which examined two key ideas. One is that the Sun is our closest star and the central largest body in our solar system. The second, focused on the predictable patterns of motion of Earth relative to the sun. These movements are responsible for the natural phenomena that occurs on our planet such as day, night and the seasons. Students read and discovered constellation patterns by viewing them through self-made constellation tubes. Students also learned how to use a planisphere. We had a great year navigating and learning the Next Generation Science Standards. Thank you for sending in the Science supplies needed for our experiments. We greatly appreciate it and the students really enjoyed the hands on labs throughout the year. Grade 5 – Hamerling

Social Studies:

In Chapter 5, Lessons 1 and 2, students read and discussed the effects of the colonists’ protests towards new taxes placed on them by England. We discussed in detail the Stamp Act, Tea Act, Sugar Act, and Intolerable Acts. Students read about how the actions of British Parliament led to the protests against British rule and identified and discussed the leaders responsible for organizing these protests against the British. We also discussed major events leading up to the Revolutionary War including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, as well as the causes and effects of these events and how the British responded to them. As a culminating project, students created a cartoon/comic about one of the Acts that led to the Revolutionary War. Students had to show or illustrate how the particular Act affected the colonists and led to their ever- increasing anger against England. They were able to choose from the Tea Act, Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and Intolerable Acts.

ELA:

Students continued to read the novel George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff. The novel falls under the genres of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction. While reading the novel students focused on the following skills: ● Vocabulary in context ● Foreshadowing ● Character traits Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 28 ● Parts of the story mountain ● Genres (historical fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction) ● Cause and effect ● Figurative language ● Sensory details/descriptive writing ● 4 types of conflict

In preparation of the PARCC assessment, students took practice tests. Students learned how to use tools and modifications built into the online assessment.

Students also had time to compose their DARE essays. They were required to write 1 to 1 ½ pages explaining what they learned from DARE, giving specific examples and discussing ways the things they learned connected to their lives.

Finally, students created Bio Poems. Students wrote various details about themselves in their poems. Students included their fears, dreams, feelings, and abilities in their poems. Students also had to include various adjectives that they would use to describe themselves. It was interesting to hear what they included to describe their personalities. It was also explained to them that a Bio Poem can be not only autobiographical, but biographical as well. It can be written about anyone!

Grade 5 – Muscle

5th grade ELA The class has continued their final unit of the year. They are reading George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff. The novel falls under the genres of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction. While reading the novel students focused on the following skills: • Vocabulary in context • Foreshadowing • Character traits (for 1 character and comparing characters) • Parts of the story mountain • Genres (historical fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction) • Cause and effect • Figurative language • Sensory details/descriptive writing • 4 types of conflict

The month of May really “TEST”ed our knowledge. We prepared for PARCC by reading passages, answering text dependent questions, and answering written responses that ask us to use all our skills and strategies. We, then, had the chance to apply our learning on the test itself. We worked hard everyday. Also, we wrote different types of poetry this month, including Biography poems. Finally, we wrote our DARE essays for DARE Graduation in June. We reflected on what skills DARE taught us, our favorite part of DARE, and then how we will use DARE in our future.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 29 5th grade Social Studies During Social Studies, the students continue to study early American colonization. Students have learned about the issues between the colonists and Great Britian that led to the American Revolution. They have learned about famous Revolutionary War leaders such as Paul Revere, Patrick Henry, and Sam Adams. Students will continue to learn about the birth of our nation for the rest of the year. Students continue to use virtual interactive BrainPop episodes to reinforce new concepts and engage cognitive activity through an educational cartoon. The use of graphic organizers and close readings have enhanced the material and increased retention. They have reviewed material by engaging in an interactive review, using Kahoot! and Quizziz after specific lessons and/or review sessions.

Our DARE program continues during Social Studies with Officers Marchitelli and Vitkovsky of the WRPD.They filmed their DARE Pledges for graduation. That included plenty of blooper reel material! Students also had the chance to drive a “Drunk Cart”. This was a pedal cart that they had to pedal and steer around a created track, while wearing the Drunk Googles. It gave them the effect of driving while intoxicated. Finally, students shared their completed DARE essays to the homeroom. The active listeners then voted on the winning essay. The winner, Alexis Pispitsos, will represent 5-M at DARE Graduation and read it for all of her peers, as well as friends and family.

Grade 5 – Oppido HP Math: With the PARCC Test for both ELA and Math taking two weeks up this month, it didn’t allow for much time to start learning anything new. So I allowed my HP Math students to take a break from the textbook and work on a graded project when I saw them in the afternoon. They were introduced and began working on the Party Planning Project that is starting to come together nicely. My students and I will most likely start the last portion of our textbook, Step Up to Grade 6 after Field Day, which is planned for June 1st. Here is where the current fifth grade students get a taste of what it will be like going into sixth grade in just a few short months. Some of the lessons will pertain to ratios, rates and unit rates, as well as proportions.

Math: Since PARCC began during the second week of May, the class was very eager to continue working throughout the textbook so that they were exposed to as much information as possible prior to taking the math portion of the test. We were able to finish Topic 15: Classifying Plane Figures, which they did a great job with polygons, quadrilaterals, and triangles. We also touched briefly on Topic 16: Coordinate Geometry and have continued on with this chapter after the testing was over. They have already learned how to plot order pairs properly on a coordinate grid. In June, they will complete a little project where they will graph a picture of their choice while writing all of the points down and then have a classmate redraw it (following their directions) to see if there were any errors. I am looking forward to seeing the outcome!

Science: With the PARCC Testing, we didn’t get to accomplish as much as I would have liked this month. Both classes finished the unit on Earth and the Universe and had the unit test that went along with it. During testing, the classes completed an activity titled, The Earth and the Universe: Space Travel. In the activity, it gave the Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 30 students a better understanding of the distances between different objects in space. If you came into my room, you would see a bunch of tiny pieces of paper (the earth, moon, sun, mars etc.) taped to my walls, door and closets from the students trying to figure out the apparent distance between each. Moving forward, we are going to touch upon the last unit for the year, which is Human Impact on the Earth. In this unit, we will be discussing the positive and negative impacts human beings have on the Earth. I am looking forward to hearing what the students think they can do to help preserve the Earth.

Grade 5 – Palmieri

Social Studies:

Students began working on Chapter 5, lessons 1 and 2 in the Social Studies text. Students read and discussed the effects of the colonists protests towards to new taxes placed on them by England. We discussed in detail the Stamp Act, Tea Act, Sugar Act, Intolerable Acts, etc. Students read about how the actions of Parliament led to the protests against British rule and identified and discussed the leaders responsible for leading these protests against the British. We also discussed major events leading up to the Revolutionary War including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. We discussed the causes and effects of these events and how the British responded to them. To conclude our lesson on the American Revolution, students created a cartoon/comic about one of the Acts that led to the Revolutionary War. Students had to show or illustrate how the particular Act affected the colonists and led the their ever-increasing anger against England. Students were able to choose from various Acts that we discussed including the Tea Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Intolerable Acts.

ELA Resource:

The class has continued their final unit of the year. We continued to read the novel George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff. The novel falls under the genres of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction. While reading the novel students focused on the following skills: ● Vocabulary in context ● Foreshadowing ● Character traits ● Parts of the story mountain ● Genres (historical fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction) ● Cause and effect ● Figurative language ● Sensory details/descriptive writing ● 4 types of conflict

In preparation of the PARCC assessment, students took practice tests. Students learned how to use tools and modifications built into the online assessment.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 31 Students also worked on composing their DARE essays in ELA this month. Students were required to to write 1 to 1 ½ pages explaining what they learned from DARE, giving specific examples and discussing ways the things they learned connected to their lives.

Students also created Bio Poems. Students wrote various details about themselves in their poems. Students included their fears, dreams, feelings, and abilities in their poems. Students also had to include various adjectives that they would use to describe themselves in their poem.

RTI: Students worked on identifying the main idea of passages and supporting details. Students worked on identifying main idea to help comprehension. Students also worked on various math tasks that involved a variety of previously taught and reviewed skills. The tasks were given to the students to work on independently or with a partner first, then reviewed as class to check for mastery. Tasks required skills such as operations with fractions, multiplying decimals and finding area to solve. The tasks were implemented to allow for student- centered learning where students worked independently or collaboratively with a partner on solving high-level math problems.

Grade 6 – Borrell

English- The Sixth Graders continue to put their literary analysis skills to use on The Giver. We have discussed the main themes of the novel which include choices, traditions and customs, isolation, and ageism. This novel has led to some great discussions and has really made the class think about important social issues that affect our lives today. Upon completion of the novel, we will be watching the film adaptation of it and will compare and contrast the two. The end of the year is quickly approaching and we are ready for seventh grade!

Social Studies – The historians have completed the chapter on Ancient Greece and have eagerly moved on to Ancient Rome. This civilization was amazing with its inventions, government, and legacy. We will be taking a Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 32 look at some famous people that lived in this empire and the lasting effects that they have on our society today. This is the last chapter in our Social Studies textbook and the class cannot believe how fast the year has gone and how much we have learned.

Grade 6 – Negro

May was a great month in sixth grade! The sixth grade took a wonderful science related field trip to the New Jersey State Museum. Students watched a show in the planetarium and worked as a team in the STEM lab to construct a seismometer. Students also enjoyed a brief tour of the museum. Students studied natural resources and participated in center games to make the concepts easier to relate to. After taking a break due to PARCC testing, 6th graders watched the movie “Hidden Figures”. They learned about underappreciated women who were an integral part of the space race. The students participated in many responding activities and even wrote an essay about how these “hidden figures” changed the world. In math, students continued their study of geometry. They learned how to calculate surface area and volume and how to distinguish which calculation is needed in a given situation. After PARCC testing, students began a project related to statistics. Given a set of data, they identified different measures of center and created their own displays for the data by making box plots, dot plots and histograms. In the HP math class, students studied geometry. They learned how to find the area of a variety of different figures. They also learned how to calculate surface area and volume of a variety of different figures. They explored the nets of different 3D shapes, and completed a geometry project about their dream house. At the end of the month, they learned the 7th grade skills of calculating missing angle measures in complementary, supplementary and vertical angles and in triangles.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 33 Grade 6 – Koernig

English: We are continuing to read the The Giver, by Lois Lowry. We are focusing on the following themes in the novel: memory and the past, rules and order, choices, language and communication, isolation, suffering, old age, and tradition and custom. We continue to correctly respond to reading questions and fill out a graphic organizer on each chapter. As a class we have had many in depth discussions on a variety of important issues. Students will see the movie version of the book so that the students can compare/contrast the two as a culminating activity.

Social Studies: We have completed our study of Ancient Greece. We are now moving onto our study of Ancient Rome. The students will be learning about daily life in Rome, as well as the geography, religion, and the rule of Julius Caesar. Students will be completing this chapter by creating a Google Slide presentation encouraging others to visit Ancient Rome!

Grade 6 – Molta

The month of May was a busy time for us in sixth grade! We kicked off the month with our field trip to the New Jersey State Museum. While there, we watched the “Dark Universe” presentation in the planetarium and the students also created their own seismograph in a lab! This month they had a great time participating in Star Wars Day, and they enjoyed showing support during the Willy Wonka dress rehearsal.

Math: This month contained a lot of geometry. We learned how to identify the nets of solid figures, how to find the surface area and volume of those figures, and how to do it with fractional measurements! The students each created their own unique Kite to go with these geometrical lessons. They measured the base and height out with precision. They also decorated it with images that describe themselves, a goal for seventh grade, the area of the kite, and a creative geometrical pattern.

Science: In science we watched the movie Hidden Figures. Hidden Figures is about three African-American women who were the brains of the operation behind putting the first American into space. The students took time to reflect after the movie, ultimately writing a reflective essay on it. We also did several discussion packets and a geometrical project, both pertaining to the movie. They loved this project. They were extremely interested not only in the math and science of the movie, but the social and racial relationships among the characters as well.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 34 Special Education – Carroll

5th Grade ELA resource room The class has continued their final unit of the year. They are reading George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff. The novel falls under the genres of historical fiction, realistic fiction, and science fiction. While reading the novel students focused on the following skills: ● Vocabulary in context ● Foreshadowing ● Character traits (for 1 character and comparing characters) ● Parts of the story mountain ● Genres (historical fiction, realistic fiction, science fiction) ● Cause and effect ● Figurative language ● Sensory details/descriptive writing ● 4 types of conflict The class also practiced for the PARCC assessment. Students have learned how to use tools and modifications built into the online assessment.

The class worked on their DARE essays in ELA this month. Students were to write 1 to 1 ½ pages explaining what they learned from DARE, giving examples and connecting it to their lives. Students wrote and edited their essays.

Special Education – Lanfranchi

5th Grade Mathematics During the month of May, students worked really hard to prepare for the PARCC assessment. Our class also continued working with decimals by completing a “Decimal Dough” activity. In this activity, student used decimals to figure out the value of their first name by using an alphabet value grid. They started this activity with $100.00 and then added or subtracted the decimals for each letter in their first name. Our class has also continued to use ThinK Through Math weekly to reinforce math skills and prepare for the PARCC assessment.

5th Social Studies ICS During the month of May, our class continued Chapter 5: Settlements Take Root and discussed why immigrants leave their homelands because of political and economic troubles, for economic opportunities, or to find freedom of religion.

5th Science ICS Our class has continued learning about the Geosphere during the month of May by completing birthstone research project. Students researched a specific birthstone and created an advertisement. Each student presented the birthstone advertisement to inform classmates about all the interesting facts about the birthstone. Students also conducted a mining lab experiment to discuss the effects mining has on Earth’s

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 35 surface. Students “mined” chocolate chips out of cookies to determine the effects mining has on Earth’s surface. They have also completed interactive webquests to further their research.

4th & 5th Grade RTI To further practice working on identifying main ideas of a text, students have been reading various articles and completing center activities.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 36 Special Education – Panayoti

Grade 4 Resource Math

The students have been extending their knowledge of fractions by working with various models and manipulatives. Using number lines and fraction strips, students have been completing equations such as four- sixths = four times one-sixth. The students are also writing multiplication equations to go with picture models. Students are seeing fractions as multiples of unit fractions, to help them better solve equations. Next, the students are seeing the connections between fractions, decimals, and money. Various videos, models, and hands- on learning activities were practiced throughout the month of May!

Grade 6 Resource Math

With the completion of the PARCC test, the students have embarked upon the world of Geometry. Some essential questions we have been working on in class include How can the area of certain shapes be found? as well as What is the meaning of surface area and volume? The students viewed video modules and used grid paper to trace figures and locate the area, surface area, and volume. The students also discussed the three- dimensional figures known as polyhedrons and how they are classified. Using cubes, the students modeled volume and how cubic units are determined.

Grade 4 Science

The students are working on the study of electricity and how circuits are designed. The students demonstrated how closed circuits differ from open circuits, and how to stay safe around electrical wires. As a culminating activity, the students are going to be building circuits in class and seeing how batteries operate. The students will then be able to describe how batteries and wires can transfer energy to light a light bulb.

Grade 6 Science

As a culminating, end of the year activity, the students enjoyed watching the movie Hidden Figures. This movie is not only pertinent to the subject of science, but it also has cross-curricular connections such as history, literature, mathematics and STEM. After watching this powerful movie, the students worked on written response questions, and wrote an essay to reinforce what they learned from the movie. Most students had amazing insights into the struggles that both women and minorities had to overcome, and how this true story sparked the beginning of the civil rights movement.

Special Education – Simpson

4th Grade ELA Resource Room This month we have worked hard to finish our unit on “Theme”. We began a class discussion on the history of the Holocaust. Once students were introduced to the background of WWII we moved to the history of our novel,Number the Stars. We have read many chapters of the book and students have worked hard to complete a Postcard to Papa Project. A project based on the journey the characters take to a relatives house. We

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 37 are finishing the month continuing the novel, author's point of view, background knowledge on WWII and reading Number the Stars.

ESL – Manicone

WRIS The month the students brought their novels from English Language Arts. The 6th grade was reading “The Giver”, and 4th grade was reading “Number the Stars”. We would read portions of chapters that the students were confused about to help them respond to comprehension questions. We also went into further detail to understand the vocabulary by finding synonyms, antonyms and making connections or writing examples. These activities have helped the student better grasp the content.

Art – C. Sterba

Grade 4 Art- Students studied different uses of line in artwork, focusing their attention on the work of Edgar Degas and is gesture drawings. Afterwards, they designed some characters of their own using a similar style. They are then taking these designs and attempting to make them appear to be moving.

Grade 5 Art – Students looked at some examples of traditional and modern Persian artwork, and studied how pattern is a major motif in the work. They then begin using an 18th century miniature as inspiration for creating a pattern based image of their own.

Grade 6 Art- Students looked at the work of artist/director Tim Burton. Using the same steps that would be used in creating a character for one of him films, students are creating an alter-ego version of themselves. They started with a list of adjectives, then several sketches, followed by a more refined and detailed drawing. Then then used this drawing as the basis of a sculpture.

Music – Fernandez

General Music Classes

4th grade: Week 1- We started learning the song “To Make Words Sing” and the movements of the Spanish song “Oye”. Week 2- We continued practicing choreography for the song “Oye” and went over the meaning of the words. Week 3- We reviewed the song “To Make Words Sing”. Week 4- The class reviewed all songs in our repertoire list and went to Carnegie Hall to perform for our Link Up Concert.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 38 5th grade: Week 1- We began the brainstorming process for our new project based on using recyclable materials to create our own music instruments in class. Week 2- Students started creating their musical instruments in class. Week 3- This was the last week of finalizing the project and students were able to present their instrument in front of the class. Week 4- The class worked on our new 3-week lesson of thinking like a movie director and choosing their own song choices for specific scenes from the movie “Shrek”.

6th grade: Week 1- We began the brainstorming process for our new project based on using recyclable materials to create our own music instruments in class. Week 2- Students started creating their musical instruments in class. Week 3- This was the last week of finalizing the project and students were able to present their instrument in front of the clas Week 4- The class worked on our new 3-week lesson of thinking like a movie director and choosing their own song choices for specific scenes from the movie “Shrek”.

Library/Media – Diaz

The WRIS students have been very busy learning how to write a script and film a Public Service Announcement based on grade level, AASL Standards, and New Jersey 21st Century Life and Careers Standards. The lessons went very well and everyone seemed to really like doing them. The commercials will be emailed to the homeroom teachers after editing this way the children can see their finished product. In the early part of June, students will have a “refresher” course in typing to prepare them for the 2018-2019 school year. Please return library books before the close of the school year, so they can be entered back into the system.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 39 Physical Education – Rella

During the month of May, the students of WRIS learned about the importance of following rules and procedures that promote sportsman-like behaviors during various team activities, such as kickball, dodge tag, and a volleyball lead up game called Volley Catch. During these games, students were able to create and demonstrate offensive and defensive strategies to become more successful as a team. In addition, students learned and practiced various strategies during these games, such as defending open space, faking, and dodging. Finally, students learned and applied safety concepts effectively while playing those team games.

Speech – Avella

Therapy Session Activities:

Speech-Language therapy took place in the classroom and speech-therapy room. Students participated in group and/or individual sessions which were tailored to each child’s individual needs.

This was an exciting month for speech-language students because May is recognized as Better Speech and Hearing Month. Students celebrated by coloring and hanging facts related to speech and language on the door. Those with language goals developed explanations why it is important to learn new vocabulary words and improve their writing. They also learned and recalled various speech, language, and feeding disorders and how their speech teacher can help them. Students working on their inferencing skills listed difficulties those with a particular speech/language/feeding disorder (i.e. feeding tube) may experience because of their disability. Students working on their articulation developed explanations why it is important to improve their sounds while using good sounds.

Many of the goals worked on included mastering a particular sound such as /s/ /z/ /th/ /r/ /l/ /sh/and /ch/ and increasing vocabulary, comprehension, syntax, word finding, and inferencing skills.

Speech – Ticchio

Therapy Session Activities Children have participated in speech therapy in small group and/or individual sessions. Students participated in language-based games and topic-based discussions; articulation and language goals were targeted as appropriate. Many students additionally brought class work to sessions, which allowed for a reinforcement of curriculum topics and vocabulary while also targeting speech therapy goals. All activities were tailored to meet each individual student’s language/articulation goals as needed. The iPad, books, and hands-on activities are implemented during sessions as appropriate.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 40 STEM Club – Oppido

The sixth grade STEM Club member had their second meeting on May 10, 2018. Thankfully more members came this week. The students were given three activities to choose from to complete with a partner. They were:

1. Create a bridge (continuation of last week since many missed it) using only spaghetti and mini marshmallows

2. Create a puff-mobile only using the materials provided: 4 lifesavers, 2 paper clips, 3 straws, one piece of paper and 50 cm of tape.

3. Building the highest tower possible using only two sheets of newspaper

Below are some pictures of the sixth graders hard at work.

Our second meeting this month was held on May 17, 2018. The group was given a few choices on what to do. It was unanimous, they all wanted to try to make paper circuits! The students partnered up in groups of two or three and all chose which circuit they wanted to try. The options were: simple circuit, series circuit, or parallel circuit. I did hear some muttering from one of the groups on how easy this task was going to be. Ironically, that group was the last group to get their circuit working. It was pretty cool to watch each group work together, some tried to not read the directions, which they quickly figured out wasn’t a good idea. But when their little red lights went on…and stayed on, they were so happy! It was very nice to see. Below are some pictures of the sixth graders hard at work! Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 41

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 42 Muscle - Drama Club Monthly Report

The Drama Club met regularly to practice for our Spring musical. We met on May 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 22, and 23 to practice for our final show. Each week we worked through our lines, practice stage blocking, and practice our songs. We continued to sell tickets actively, 262 sold in the school alone!

On May 23rd, the Drama Club performed Willy Wonka for the school as our last dress rehearsal before the show that night. At 6:30 that night, the students were able to perform for their friends, family, and general public. The students put on an amazing show and should be proud of their hard work. We look forward to next year!

Fernandez - Choir Club Monthly Report

Wednesday, May 2nd (29 attended) ● We did vocal warm-ups and exercises. ● Reviewed “Why We sing” ● We completed 9 of 11 pages of the song “Chumbara”. ● Started new song “Listen To The Rain” ● Introduced new song to choir “Everybody’s Favorite Melody”

Wednesday, May 9th (31 attended) ● We did vocal warm-ups and exercises. ● We reviewed what we learned last week. ● Reviewed song “Why We Sing” ● Continued “Chumbara” and completed 11/11 pages. ● We did a quick run of “Everybody’s Favorite Melody” and “Listen To The Rain”

Wednesday, May 16th (33 attended) ● We warmed up with the song “Chumbara”. ● We worked on the rain storm part of the song “Listen To The Rain”.

Tuesday, May 22nd (34 attended) ● We reviewed “Chumbara” and “Listen To The Rain” from beginning to end.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 43 Wednesday, May 23rd (35 attended) ● We reviewed “Everybody’s Favorite Melody” and “Why We Sing” from beginning to end. ● We were ready for our spring Concert performance May 25th!

Simpson – Safety Patrol

There are two meetings held this month that discussed the following.

We have a total of 20 students for Safety Patrol

● May is the month of Summer Safety. Mini lesson - Pool Safety. ● Post change completed- at the end of the 2nd marking period. ● Scheduling and changing of duty stations, substitute availability when absent. ● Second Squad continued positions.

Art Club/Stage Crew -Carroll

For the following meetings, students learned their cues, and how to do their job for their assigned role.

May 2, 2018: 7 members volunteers May 9, 2018: 9 members volunteers May 9, 2018: 9 members volunteers May 14, 2018: 9 members volunteers

Dress Rehearsal May 16, 2018: 9 members volunteers

Day and night performances for the show May 23, 2018

Student Council - Johnson

The WRIS student council has started the month of May working together with Mr. Lonnie Allgood and Dreams for Kids to help the children of the Dominican Republic by collecting flip-flops. These children do not have many of the things that we take for granted, including shoes. As a school, we would like to make a difference for some of these children. A pair of flip-flops can mean so much to a child who does not have anything to wear on his/her feet. We will be collecting until June 11th. Our hope is to have 300 pairs by the time our collection drive is complete. I am very proud of this group of Student Council representatives, as well as all of our WRIS students. They have worked very hard this year and have contributed to many worthy causes to help those less fortunate.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 44 Journalism – Diaz

May 8th meeting - 12 students attended

May 22nd meeting - 5 students attended (The Art Club had an emergency meeting May 22, so I lost half the club.)

WRJRSRHS

Language Arts

Pete Forman 11th Grade Language Arts Junior English classes has just finished a unit detailing the poems of Robert Frost. The unit connected the unique historical connections between the poet and President John F. Kennedy. Student wrote essays elaborating on the connections between the varied poems that Frost wrote. The Junior are currently reading the works of famed American writer Langston Hughes and working in groups to discuss the role of the Harlem Renaissance in the poems Hughes wrote.

11th Grade Language Arts Honors Honors American literature students are working on the year-long essential question: How does American literature define the American dream? Students are gathering information for their summative oral presentations to be given during exam week. Honors students are also reading the works of famed American writer Langston Hughes and working in groups to discuss the role of the Harlem Renaissance in the poems Hughes wrote. As the year comes to a close, students will finish their group driven websites for final assessment.

Valerie Hunter English I English I students completed their unit on poetry by creating anthologies featuring a variety of their own poems. Prior to this they participated in a class poetry workshop, where they gave helpful feedback on each other’s poems. Students also took their poetry test, and worked in collaborative groups to analyze a poem. Additionally, they practiced punctuating titles correctly, and continued working in their Wordly Wise vocabulary books. English I Honors English I Honors students completed their unit on poetry by taking a test and creating anthologies featuring a variety of their own poems. They also participated in a poetry workshop, and analyzed poems in groups. Students are now reading Markus Zusak’s novel The Book Thief, which explores the life of a young German girl growing up during World War II. The book has a unique structure, and students have each been assigned a section to summarize and analyze in more detail. Additionally, they practiced punctuating titles correctly, and continued working in their Wordly Wise vocabulary books. Creative Writing 7 Students wrote fiction stories, where they practiced showing vs. telling through description and dialogue. They then experimented with the effects sentence length can have on the tone of their writing. They also wrote one hundred word stories and scenes from a play, and practiced their revision skills.

Matthew Bogert English 7 Throughout the month of May students continue to develop their writing skills through the use of Strategies for Writers. The students continue with the reading of the novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London identifying the major literary elements. Students continue to be tested on their knowledge of the novel and vocabulary used throughout. Students will Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 45 continue to work on their reading comprehension and development of writing skills. Students have also completed the PARCC assessment for the state. Students will finish out the year with the completion of The Call of the Wild, and final exams.

English 7 Honors The Honors class has completed reading the novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Students continue to develop their reading comprehension and their writing skills through the use of Strategies for Writers. Students have also completed the PARCC assessment for the state. Students will finish out the year reading the novel Night by Elie Wiesel.

Kelly Manicone WRHS This month we navigated through PARCC testing and finished up our unit of body systems and parts of the body. Beginning students learned about common illnesses we experience, and how to describe them to another person (like our school nurse). We covered the parts, jobs, illnesses and interesting facts about the following systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, digestive, and nervous. Student enjoyed learning about the different jobs and illnesses related to each system. We ended the month with a shorter unit on Grammar. We focused on topics that the students wanted help to understand. We covered modals like should, would, could, run-on sentences and when to use in vs on. Students took notes, created examples for their classmates, and completed practice activities to improve understanding.

Kimberly Millar English II and English II (H) The English II classes are finishing the year with John Steinbeck’s classic, Of Mice and Men. Upon completion of the novel, students will juxtapose the relationship between two sets of characters, analyze the main themes of loneliness and the “American Dream” and debate the decision of one of the main characters at the end of the novel. Students are also preparing for their upcoming final exams. Upon completion of the previous novel read in class, The Catcher in the Rye, the English II (H) classes had to create board games to teach the main concepts of the novel. The games were very creative, entertaining, and educational. After group presentations, students enjoyed the opportunity to play the games created by their peers. AP Language and Composition The students took the AP Language and Composition Exam on May 16th. They are awaiting the results, which will be posted over the summer on Collegeboard.com. Students are now participating in a College Admissions Essay writing workshop to finish out the year.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 46

Lara Schmitt 8th Grade English Resource Support Center The eighth grade students have been working hard displaying their inferential knowledge of their class novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts, by completing culminating projects. They have written letters from the perspective of characters to other characters, and created posters to reflect their understanding of key details and events from the novel. In a fitting way to wrap up their eighth grade school year, the students have begun their final unit that focuses on Ernest Hemingway’s short story “The End of Something.” They look forward to exploring the themes from this text and finishing up the year strong before they are officially high schoolers!

Colleen Kozibroda English II Resource Room In English II, students finished reading/acting out the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. They ended the unit with a formal assessment and then watched the movie to compare/contrast the movie to the play. Students have also been preparing for PARCC and enhancing their writing skills through various PARCC practices including PARCC Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 47 Practice tests, daily Do Now’s and exit tickets. As the marking period comes to a close, students are beginning to work on a photo essay assessment covering all the themes learned in the second half of the year. Through this assessment, students will demonstrate mixed media skills to communicate the themes learned. Students will translate the print-based content of the literature learned to non-print media as well. In general, students will explore themes from the literature learned through images from various text assigned to demonstrate overall content learned.

Colleen Kozibroda English III Resource Room In English III, students are completing a mini research project as they complete the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry; they also finished a critique of this play followed by a comparison with the movie version. Students also worked on PARCC strategies daily as Do Now activities to strengthen their skills in LAL based upon STAR scores and other assessment tools. In class, they are also taking practice tests, assessing areas of strength and weakness. As the marking period comes to a close, students are beginning to work on a photo essay assessment covering all the themes learned in the second half of the year. Through this assessment, students will demonstrate mixed media skills to communicate the themes learned. Students will translate the print-based content of the literature learned to non-print media as well. In general, students will explore themes from the literature learned through images from various text assigned to demonstrate overall content learned.

Colleen Kozibroda English IV Resource Room In English IV, students concluded the novel Frankenstein. Through this novel, students gained an in depth understanding of the basic story and themes of Frankenstein; they explored the major themes of the story and made connections between the story of Frankenstein and their knowledge of its historical context and/or the modern world via their own lives. Students increased their vocabulary by being exposed to and learning new words and concepts introduced during the story and have been assessed on these terms prior to reading the novel. Through Daily Do Now’s on Google Classroom, students are engaging daily in the writing process and improving their overall writing skills. Currently, students have started a career research project where they are researching a career of choice and completing a questionnaire through database research. This will then culminate in a final research paper.

Christine Green English 4 AP Students have taken the Advanced Placement Literature test and are now awaiting the results. Test results will be available nationwide in July. We wish our Wood-Ridge students good luck! They have worked very hard this school year! English 4 College Prep Students have completed units in the British literature text, completed both verbal and written text analysis of essays, poetry, speeches and completed a research paper. The students also participated in creative writing, such as original poetry and stream of consciousness writing. They participated in public speaking in groups such as Socratic Circles and also on an individual basis. They completed an end of the year writing project and also a final writing portfolio. They are ready to enter college and the workforce and we are proud of all their accomplishments! English 4 Honors The Honors class read many poems, novels and plays this academic year. In preparation for college, students participated in a text analysis of each selection. This analysis covers all literary elements in the work and involves critical thinking on their part. Students completed required British literature units, academic research and also creative writing during the year. Their public speaking skills were refined during presentations both on an individual basis and also in groups. They submitted a research paper and various writing assignments through the year. Good Luck to all!

Science Department

Ted Colarusso Medical Terminology Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 48 Students continue learning “The Language of Medicine utilizing memorization, props, worksheets, reading X-ray, CT scans and videos of actual surgeries, each followed by class discussion continue to be important to the classwork. Students expand their knowledge of medical language by expanding into body organ systems. Students have just completed work on the skeletal and muscular systems and are presently working on terms and processes connected with psychology and pharmacology. Students will soon begin work on their final project: “The Human Body”. Students will draw and label the human body, all organ systems, major bone structure and blood vessels. Class discussion is a major part of the course. Students continue using the terms in medical conversations as often as possible. Students continue to experience surgical procedures and videos, all which include language the physician would use in the given situations.

Anatomy & Physiology The Anatomy students are finishing up our study of the Endocrine system, looking at the structure and function of the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, thymus, pineal and gonad hormone secretions. Functions and classes of each hormone, as well as cAMP and secondary messenger cascade pathways were discussed. We are currently working on specific and non-specific defenses, as well as lymph and immune system functions. Next, students are to begin planning, designing and coordinating their final exam projects. Each group was given two options for the final exams. Each group will choose to design an anatomy-related board game and/or game show. All games must incorporate at least six of the organ systems we covered this year, as well as physiological mechanisms and concepts.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 49

Botany The Botany class is finishing their unit of agriculture and is beginning to study the effects of hydroponic plant growth in vertical farming applications / techniques. In addition, students are plotting a garden space in our courtyard which they will prepare, plant and maintain flowers, vegetables and fruit plants. Students will work cooperatively to germinate the seeds and then begin preparing the soil for planting. Each group has learned about garden exposure and basic soil conditioning.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 50

Jonathan Hassinger Physics and Honors Physics In Physics students concluded the study of Electrostatics, specifically Electric Fields, Electric Potential Energy, and Electric Potential, aka Voltage. In Physics Honors students concluded the study of circuits and current and began Magnetic Fields and applications involving calculations and the use of the right hand rule in determining induced field and force directions in 3D space. Students are now working on their final project, a full year concept map. Chemistry Students concluded the study of Chemical reactions, empirically predicting products and using learned information, the activity series and solubility charts, to determine if the formation of products will occur. Students are now working on their final project, a full year concept map.

Kristen Larson Forensics This month in Forensics, students studied the effects drugs have on crime. Students worked to unpack toxicology as a field in forensics. Students worked as a class to test for drugs in different samples. Students also presented on a topic relating to forensic toxicology. Science 7 In May, Science 7 students discussed the history of life and its application to evolution. Students designed an experiment to test the conditions for life on Earth. As students studied the beginning conditions for life on Earth, we explored the possibility for life on other planets. Students were engaged and enthusiastic about the history of life. Genetics In Genetics, we conducted a gel electrophoresis experiment using Mr. Colarusso's lab. Additionally, we explored stem cell research and advances in cloning. Students are finishing up this year doing an independent study on one advanced genetics concept. Presentations will happen in June!

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 51

Kerri Parry Algebra Based Physics We have had 118 instructional days by this time in Physics class. Students spent the month of May learning essential questions about static electricity, including types of charges and the names of the subatomic particles that carry these charges. The students delved into problem based situations involving the temporary movement of charges; they were expected to determine the charges of objects when an interaction like conduction or induction took place. Besides evaluating electric charge situations for household items, students experienced hands-on devices to measure charge such as the Van deGraff generator and the electroscope.

Combined with assessments towards understanding electrostatics, there were end-of-year assessments such as PARCC and the SGO post-test. There were full goal percentages made in the SGO. During the last full week of May, all students began to connect physics concepts and answer essential questions from throughout the year in physics to an end-of-year final project. Students learned technology such as MindMup 2.0 free for Google Drive to create their concept maps. The connections are to be researched and explained using a Google Doc. The concept map and Google Doc are shared via Google Classroom to monitor student progress and provide feedback.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 52

Students exchanging charges with the Van deGraff generator & representing how electroscope leaves work due to

attraction or repulsion of charges Screenshot of student’s concept map (in progress)

Math 7 ICS Students are working on the probability section of the textbook. The students are learning about sample spaces.

Math 8 ICS The students just finished the surface area and volume of a sphere. They will be tested on the surface area and volume for cylinder, cone, prisms, and spheres.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 53 Katy Daly Chemistry ICS The students just finished taking a test on the different types of chemical reactions. They are working on their final project which is a concept map of all the material that they have learned throughout the year.

Jacqueline Sanzari 8th Grade Science During the month of May students in the 8th grade completed the study of Waves and their Interactions. As an introduction to the lesson students worked with water wave trays to observe the parts of a wave and how they move. Students continued with more hands-on wave activities working with slinkies to see wave reflections, refractions, diffractions and absorptions. Our final wave activities involved researching how sound and light waves work using gizmos and hands-on labs. These activities will introduce students to their final project this school year. For the final project students are going research how waves are used in various technologies to transmit light pulses, radio wave pulses and forms of communication.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 54

Doubravka Hausner Chemistry and Honors Chemistry In Chemistry & Honors Chemistry classes, students presented a chemical reaction that they researched and then demonstrated in front of the class. The project combined analytical thinking, research, good presenting skills and proper handling of chemicals. Students also took a test on chemical reactions and started working on their final project.

Forensics In Forensics students learnt about toxicological analysis in forensics, how to evaluate and test the amount of alcohol in a blood and screening and confirmation tests for drugs. Students are currently working on famous case final research paper that is a part of their last marking period grade. AP Chemistry In AP Chemistry students reviewed covered chapters and practiced AP exams before their AP exam day. In the first half of May they took an AP exam. Students are currently working on acid base titration lab that will be followed by a full lab report.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 55 Math Department

Marc Fazio Math 7th Grade Students in grade 7 completed their marking period project. Students were working on topics involving Probability. Tactile manipulatives, dice and coins were used to calculate probability. Online resources (Explore Learning: Gizmos) were also used to solve probability problems. Math Skills Grade 7 Students complete lessons on 2 dimensional area problems and 3d volume problems. Students used online resources and games involving geometry and also arithmetic to review skills. Math Skills H.S Algebra 1 students in this class interpreted graphs, solved and graphed linear functions and also wrote equations from word problems. Algebra 2 students graphed parabolas, solved quadratic functions and located the vertices of functions. Geometry students proved triangle and polygons congruent using a variety of strategies.

Gabe Ben-Nun Algebra 2 Honors Students completed unit on Exponential and Logarithmic Functions finding solutions to compound interest, exponential growth and decay, half-life. Students completed PARCC and STAR SGO testing. Students completed independent online assignments using Khan Academy Algebra 2 Students finished the unit covering radicals and rational exponents by simplifying radical expressions to all radical indexes. Students completed PARCC and STAR SGO testing. Students completed independent online assignments using Khan Academy.

Alexis De Coma Resource Grade 7 7th grade math is beginning to touch on the beginning skills of Geometry. We started off this chapter by constructing 3 dimensional shapes with 2 dimensional shapes. Students were able to work with these shapes, counting sides, angles, and faces, while looking for the surface area and volume, all skills they will need in High School Geometry. 7th graders also completed their final round of STAR and SGO testing. Resource Grade 8 The 8th grade has made it halfway through chapter 8, they have been working on rotations, translations, and reflections on a coordinate plane. The students have graphed each one of these separately and we are currently working on multistep transitions. We are working on these skills to prepare ourselves for Geometry.

Lisa Ames Geometry Students continued chapter 10 by studying circles including area, circumference, sectors, arcs, and segments. We also learned the equation of a circle which students will see in future math courses as well as on standardized tests. Students also applied area to geometric probability. We began chapter 11 looking at nets and discovering Euler’s Formula. Students completed Khan Academy lessons related to chapter 10 topics as well as review topics in preparation for PARCC. Geometry Honors Students continued chapter 10 by reviewing basic circle terminology such as area, circumference, sectors, arcs, and segments. Students finished chapter 10 by applying area to geometric probability. Students then studied more about circles including chords, inscribed angles, tangent lines, and the equation of a circle. We will be ending the year by completing a unit on 30 solids and calculating surface area and volume. Students completed Khan Academy lessons related to chapter 10 and 12 topics as well as review topics in preparation for PARCC. AP Statistics Students reviewed for the AP exam by completing a second practice test and working on practice questions using Khan Academy, their textbooks, and prep workbooks. Their exam was on May 17th and students felt prepared and ready! Since

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 56 the exam, students watched “Hidden Figures” which showcased women in mathematics. They also began their statistical study final project where they will study a particular question and survey people, collect data, and analyze their findings. Statistics Students applied their hypothesis testing knowledge to a project they presented on a question they collected data for and tested their claim. Students used the terminology and formulas we have been learning from Chapter 7 and 8 to test their claim and many were surprised with their results when there was not enough evidence to prove their claim even though they had predicted it was significant. We also began Chapter 9 looking at correlation and regression equations using our graphing calculators. Students learned how to find a linear regression line and how to use it to predict values and find residuals. Students will be beginning their statistical studies by completing their data collection and beginning to analyze their data to construct data displays for their final presentations. College Math We completed Khan Academy lessons on scatter plots, positive and negative association, and residuals. We completed an assessment on these topics as well. Students began their final project where they will be teaching a math lesson to a 7th grade math, 7th grade science, or 8th grade math class. Students will work in groups of 3 or 4 and construct a lesson on topics the class had discussed earlier in the year. Students will need to include a Do Now, worksheet with correct answers, and a technology activity.

Paulette Gareri Algebra 1 Students have completed Unit 5 Exponents & Radicals. Students have started working on Unit 6 Polynomials. This unit includes adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, in addition to factoring and solving quadratics. Algebra 1 ICS (with Rob Berger) Students have completed Unit 5 Exponents & Radicals. Students have started working on Unit 6 Polynomials. This unit includes adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials, in addition to factoring and solving quadratics. Algebra 2 Honors Students completed the unit covering Rational Functions. Students explored direct and inverse variation relationships and used the properties of rational functions to simplify and solve complex fraction equations. Students began the unit covering radicals and rational exponents by simplifying radical expressions to all radical indexes. Pre-Calculus Students completed the unit covering the Laws of Sine and Cosine and were able to solve non right triangle applications using these rules. Students began a unit covering the exponents and logarithms.

Jim Santangelo AP Calculus AB The students completed the AP Exam on Tuesday, May 15th. We then began solving and discussing the solutions to the Free Response questions after they were released by the College Board a couple of days later. In doing so, potential rubrics and scoring were also discussed, as well as possible student performance on each one of the questions. I commend all of my students on their hard work and dedication to the course. Congratulations and best of luck! Geometry The students completed their PARCC exam this month. We also covered area (lateral area and surface area included) and volume. Digital tools such as Khan Kahoot! and Quizizz were incorporated into classroom lessons as a fun and interactive way to apply their skills to the concepts that they learned. In using these tools the students got some much needed reinforcement of the geometric and algebraic concepts that will be needed for the remainder of the year and moving forward. Business Math The students closed out the month with a unit on stocks and mutual funds. During the unit we discussed how to calculate P/E Ratio and Current Yield. We also talked about the importance of following the stock market and understanding mutual funds as most people invest in stocks in mutual funds as part of their retirement accounts. Good luck and best wishes to all of the students in this class that are graduating! Algebra I Honors The students completed their PARCC exam the month. The students also learned how to factor polynomials and were introduced to quadratic functions and their properties. Digital tools such as Khan Academy, Kahoot! and Quizizz were incorporated into classroom lessons as a fun and interactive way to apply their skills to the concepts that they learned.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 57 Kristine Schoenig Math 8/Pre-Algebra The students just finished the surface area and volume of a sphere. They will be tested on the surface area and volume for cylinder, cone, prisms, and spheres. Students also worked on star and SGO tests. They also worked on a Khan Academy project.

Robert Berger Resource Geometry Students participated in PARCC testing. Students continued working on Chapter 6 polygons and quadrilaterals. They explored topics including: polygon angle sum, properties of parallelograms, proving quadrilaterals are polygons, properties of rectangles, rhombuses, and squares, conditions for rhombuses, rectangles and squares, trapezoids and kites, and polygons in the coordinate plane. Towards the end of the month we took a chapter 6 with a test. We then started chapter 8, right triangles and trigonometry. We explored the topics of Pythagorean theorem, and special right triangles. Students continued to use Khan Academy for remediation and practice of skills.

Katy Daly Math 7 ICS Students are working on the probability section of the textbook. The students are learning about sample spaces.

Math 8 ICS The students just finished the surface area and volume of a sphere. They will be tested on the surface area and volume for cylinder, cone, prisms, and spheres.

History Department

Jim Jammal 7th Grade Social Studies Students started learning about how the framework of the United States government works. Students first learned about the three branches of government and the functions each branch. Using Chrome books students examined the documents that outline our government. (Constitution and the Bill of Rights) After learning the functions of each branch of government and how each check and balances the other out, students learned about their roles and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen. Students took U.S. citizenship test and were able to ask their parents the same questions to see what their parents know about the government. Students were able to realize just how involved in the inner workings of our nation and how they as U.S. citizens can play a significant role in our democracy. Writing Workshop: Students in writing workshop researched different influential figures in history. After students found a historical figure, students had to research the topic and write a three-page paper on their individual. Students were able to use pre-writing techniques to help create the framework of their paper. Students then created a rough draft which was then peer edited. After peer editing students work diligently correcting mistakes, finishing their research papers. Their completed papers were presented to the whole class with a work cited page. Students worked with groups to create a play that was then performed in class. The students had to write at least five scenes and correctly write the screenplay. Students were able to perform their group plays in class. US History II

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 58 Students were introduced to the Vietnam War and the anti- establishment of the 1960’s, as the U.S. sought to keep communism from spreading. Students through webquests, document based questionings, songs, mass media of the times along with other resources were able to examine the counterculture that was taking over the country as President Johnson became president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Civil rights tied into the unit as the countries shifting ideals changed with desegregation, riots, boycotts and other racial tensions played out. Students were able to compare how current issues relate to those of past conflicts and these effects have still affect the country. With the country to many in a dark place, students evaluated how Richard Nixon was able to re-invite his career and rise to presidency on the outcry to end the Vietnam conflict.

Steve Schneidman Grade 7 Honors We have finished discussing the Constitution and how our governments works.The class discussed the responsibilities of each of the branches of the government and the duties of good citizenship. We are now working on how Washington, Hamilton, and Jefferson set up the federal government, Grade 8 The class has finished the chapter leading up to the Civil War. Some of the topics covered were the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott case, the Compromise of 1850. The class discussed how these events led to sectionalism and the beginnings of the Civil War. We are now getting into the chapter on the actual Civil War. Grade 8 Honors They have finished the chapter on the Civil War. We have discussed the causes and now we have begun to go over the actual events in the war, such as the some of the major battles, Vicksburg,Bull Run, Gettysburg. We also discussed the strategies used by both sides in fighting the war. We are currently working on a political cartoon project. Writing Workshop The students have completed working on a biography and a memoir. The biography, also, needs research on the person they have chosen to write about. A memoir is a personal experience that has made an impression on the student.

Stephanie Gaven US History I and US History I Honors The United States was not always known as a world power. The young nation took time to establish its reputation, which took the imperialist actions of the US government during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In May, after they analyzed primary source documents and learned about the nations whose histories are entangled with our own, we saw the start of America "policing the world" and becoming a "superpower". Public Speaking and Debate In May students improved upon their interpersonal communication skills as they prepared for college or job interviews. They generated a resume, did research and prepared follow-up answers to commonly asked interview questions. Next, they will analyze persuasive speaking elements of ethos, pathos and logos in order to prepare for their formal debate on a controversial issue.

Victor Minnocci U. S. History II The classes analyzed U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the increased involvement under President Johnson along with troop build-up in 1965. The classes discussed how the war divided the nation, the roots of opposition and how the protest movement emerged. The year 1968 was explored and the reasons became known as a tumultuous year. The end of the war and its legacy ended the chapter. The Nixon administration was the next topic. Nixon’s new conservatism with its plan that he called new federalism was explored. His foreign policy triumphs in regard to China and the U.S.S.R. was analyzed. Watergate and the downfall of Nixon and his reelection in 1974 was discussed. How the release of the tapes led to his resignation. The Ford and Carter administrations were explored. The economic problems both presidents dealt with and their plans to improve the economies. The next topic will be the Reagan years. Current Issues The classes explored current events using various news sources. Topics included the Trump administration, the Russian probe, the school shootings and the Iran Nuclear Deal. The planned meeting with Kim Jong Un was analyzed. Each student completed a news analyzes on assigned or topics of interest.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 59 Law The class explored criminal defenses and when a crime was excusable or justified. Defenses of infancy, intoxication and insanity were evaluated. Other defenses such as entrapment, duress and necessity were also explored. The next topic was the criminal justice process. The investigation search and seizure, searches with a warrant, searches without a warrant were evaluated. Interrogations and confessions and Miranda v. Arizona were explored. The next topic will be proceedings before trial.

Robert Berger United States History II Students participated in PARCC Testing. Students finished civil rights, and dove head into Vietnam. We explored moving toward the Vietnam conflict and LBJ's role, escalating the war, and U.S. involvement, the summer of 1968 and its impact, the division that the war caused at home, and the end of the war, and its lasting impact. We explored specific topics of My Lai Massacre, Kent State Shooting, Music as a form of support and protest, and the draft lottery. We finished the chapter with a test, and moved into the Nixon Presidency, and his downfall.

Mallory Garvin World History and World History Honors In the month of May we moved on from World War One to World War Two. We discussed the rise of the evil dictators and the start of the Holocaust in Germany. A large portion of our lessons are focused on how people can fall victim to manipulation and hatred. How was Hitler able to convince the German people that he was good and the Jewish people were inferior? We discussed ideas of prejudice and racism and compare Nazi Germany to Jim Crow South through a series of activities dealing with primary sources, such as gallery walks, class discussion, watching a documentary based solely on adolescents in the Holocaust. Students are always extremely engaged with World War Two because it tends to be very interesting for students! It is a very powerful way to end the school year!

Women in History Women in History have been vigorously working on their Coexistence of Men and Women projects analyzing modern topics dealing with gender. The students have done a great job with their presentations as they have been both extremely informative and interesting. They have covered topics relevant to our world dealing with women in our world today sparking discussion that is enlightening to everyone in class. This has been an especially engaging experience for the male student who had been previously disengaged.

National Honor Society National Honor Society has been working on preparing for Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. One May 23rd, the National Honor Society went to Morris County to Andover to continue working on the house they had started to work on in October. We were able to help the site manager a great deal by learning, working on different beams and completing different odds and end jobs. One of the highlights was working on the siding and putting it on the outside of the house. It was as always a wonderful experience.

Debra Beck Business Financial Literacy The students explored different aspects of credit. They investigated a credit report, searched for different types of credit cards and loans provided at banks. The students learned about different forms and features of credit and how to evaluate the costs of credit. They completed and Everfi module on financing higher education. The class investigates different housing options and analyzed a lease. The students learned about investments options such as stocks and bonds. Intro to Business The students learned about business in a global economy. They researched different trade alliances. The students learned about the role of our government in the economy. We discussed how government regulates business and discussed current events such as the United States and China trade issues. The students researched different monopolies and oligopolies. The class learned how marketing is used in a successful business and defined the target market for their fictional business. Stock Market The students learned about buying on margin and shorting the stock market. The students will researched and presented about different financial crises throughout history. The class watched a documentary about the Stock Market Crash of

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 60 1929. The students played a stock market game. The students learned about the different features of bonds. The students maintained and monitored their stock market portfolio.

Accounting The students learned how to process transactions specific to merchandising businesses. The learned how to use special journals and make adjustments for items that are used during the business cycle. The students completed a business simulation using accounting software.

Physical Education

Joseph Vaccaro Grade 8 Physical Education We reviewed all rules and regulations for Physical Education classes. Students continued with class in the Fitness center. Students have also been required to maintain their logs based on each exercise they completed for each day. Students are always reminded on how to manage their workout routines, exercise safely and with spotter/partner, they are also given lessons to understand the importance of these exercise in relation to lifelong fitness. In addition, we added a regular workout day to the weekly schedule and on these days each student is responsible for maintaining a certain Heart Rate for the duration of the exercise/workout. After each workout day, we proceed to stretch as a class, and on some days we offer various activities. Grade 11 Physical Education We reviewed all rules and regulations for Physical Education classes. Students continued with class in the Fitness center. Students have also been required to maintain their logs based on each exercise they completed for each day. Students are always reminded on how to manage their workout routines, exercise safely and with spotter/partner, they are also given lessons to understand the importance of these exercise in relation to lifelong fitness. In addition, we added a regular workout day to the weekly schedule and on these days each student is responsible for maintaining a certain Heart Rate for the duration of the exercise/workout. After each workout day, we proceed to stretch as a class, and on some days we offer various activities. Grade 12 Physical Education We reviewed all rules and regulations for Physical Education classes. Students continued with class in the Fitness center. Students have also been required to maintain their logs based on each exercise they completed for each day. Students are always reminded on how to manage their workout routines, exercise safely and with spotter/partner, they are also given lessons to understand the importance of these exercise in relation to lifelong fitness. In addition, we added a regular workout day to the weekly schedule and on these days each student is responsible for maintaining a certain Heart Rate for the duration of the exercise/workout. After each workout day, we proceed to stretch as a class, and on some days we offer various activities.

Andrea Marino Physical Education Grades 7, 8 and 9 Students in grades 7, 8 and 9 have continued their unit on Volleyball. We have modified some of the rules to make the games easier and more exciting for all participating. They are using different methods for serving, such as throwing an overhand and underhand. The students were taught how to rotate during the game and also how to keep score. The games have become more and more competitive as the lessons have progressed. We have also incorporated a 4 way system so more students are able to participate in the games. Some students have also participated in games of Basketball Knockout tournaments.

Students have also been participating in a 15 minute walk/run every class as the weather has been getting a bit nicer.

Lucia DiNapoli Physical Education Students are participating in Softball for the second half of the marking period. The students began by learning the rules of the game. After each student understood the rules, they started working on skills such as: catching, throwing, hitting, sliding, and base running. After each skill was mastered to the best of each individual’s ability, the students were broken up into 2 teams to start playing regulation games of Softball. On every activity day, the students would start a new game.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 61 Each game lasts the entire period. The team with the most runs at the end of each period wins. On days with inclement weather, a game of Wiffle Ball would be played in the gym.

Students also signed up for Lacrosse for 2 Unit activity for 4th Marking Period. Rules and regulations were reviewed. Proper grip and handling of the stick were taught. The first week students were taught and then practiced the techniques and fundamentals of passing, catching and shooting the ball. Students also worked on technique of scooping and cradling the ball. Students were able to throw and catch a lacrosse ball with a partner while in motion. Students were taught offensive and defensive team strategies to be used during game play. Additional Areas • SGOs were handed in. • PARCC testing has continued this month. • Torch Run planning

Softball Our Varsity softball team ended up doubling their wins this season finishing 11-12. This season we were also able to get 6 members on the All-League Team as compared to last year’s two. That was a huge success. The girls worked so hard to really help our program succeed at a higher level. First Team All League- Samantha Perez, Madylin Marino, Emily Aviles Second Team All-League- Maya Ortega, Brooke Biamonte Honorable Mention- Isabella Iacovino

Our JV team also had a much more successful season going 8-4. Coach Bogert did a great job with this team. They developed into a really great JV team in our league.

World Language

Tess Iannacco Italian The Italian I These classes continued to learn new vocabulary about family members and friends. Students learned the different relations one has within the nucleus of a family. They learned idiomatica espressione such as: “figo, Noi siamo gente di campagna, tocca a me etc”. They watched and discusse the video “Tutti in famiglia” They watched a video “Baciami ancora” to further reinforce this societal evolvement. Regarding the strutture of the language, students learned about possessive adjectives, simple and articulated prepositions and the third conjugation of -ire verbs including “isc” verbs. Italian II This class continued their learning of the two thematic units “La Spesa” and “A Tavola”. Students learned vocabulary related to shopping and buying groceries in particular. They assimilated the notion of combining different simple ingredients to prepare healthy meals. They listened to authentic conversation of Italian people going shopping and buying specific products. We continued to reinforce the structure of the language by learning the past tense with “essere,” direct object pronouns and partitives and expression of quantity (all related to this thematic units). We will end the year with Italian commercial related to food. Italian III This class finished reading the short story “La casa sulla scogliera” entirely in Italian. Students listened to the story being narrated and then take turns to read it and work on the activities presented after each chapter. These activities enable the students to reinforce their skills on: i.e. comprehension, listening, adjectives, linguistics competencies, grammatical structure, selecting adverbs/adjectives, personality test, oral production, fill in the blanks etc. in class and at home. We also begun the thematic unit “”In vacanza” by leaning new vocabulary related to travel, vacations and tourism. Italian IV/AP This class continued the study of media influence in our lives. We used different media, radio, newspapers, tv, internet, social media and how each of them contribute to the spread of information, and in most cases, influence global knowledge. We explored the immediate access to information both at home and outside, in every hour of the day and night. What use do we make of it? Are we in the position to control the enormous quantity of information that reaches us or are we passive victims? Do these forms of communication show us a true reality or is it in some way distorted? Students discussed the many aspects this topic offers. We also begun to watch the film “Pane e Tulipani” to further enhance/compare this topic of communication 20 years ago vs. today. The Italian Club and the Italian Honor Society also experimented with their culinary skills by preparing and enjoying afterwards “Fettuccine al Ragu’ alla Bolognese

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 62 Angela Daniele Spanish I

• Wrote and presented dialogs on current theme vocabulary • Learned the names of the classroom objects and used them in conversation • Continued working with Subject/Personal Pronouns and how to use them correctly • Became familiar with –ar verbs • Continued working on how to conjugate and use –ar verbs correctly in the present tense • Introduced to –er verbs and how they are conjugated in the present tense • Gained cultural appreciation about Cinco De Mayo and why it is celebrated

Spanish II

• Daily vocabulary word drills • Created and presented orally “Un Cuento” storybook using daily vocabulary words • Paragraphs on themed vocabulary • Created a “Diario De La Ropa” using clothing vocabulary and verbs • Learned Demonstrative Adjectives and how to use them correctly • Continued working with Preterite (Past) tense conjugation of verbs • Wrote paragraphs using verbs in the Preterite about past events and presented orally • Gained cultural appreciation with Cinco De Mayo class activity

Joseph Mojkowski Spanish

Spanish II • Exercises, short essays, and formal assessments related to using the past preterite tense • Formal essay relating a shopping trip utilizing the past tense, related shopping and clothing vocabulary, and incorporating the use of adjectives as nouns when describing and expressing preferences • Introduction of irregular past tense verbs and using object pronouns IT & THEM

Spanish III • Exercises related to using the helper verb HABER in situations where a subjunctive tense is needed • Use of vocabulary related to jobs and applying for volunteer opportunities in formal assessments • Introduction of the future tense and more vocabulary related to jobs and professions

Spanish IV • vocabulary and study related to environmental issues • Investigation into different usages of the subjunctive mood in Spanish and how to distinguish between when to use different subjunctive and indicative tenses focusing adjective clauses and whether referring to a defined, definite subject or an undefined, hypothetical subject • Incorporation of more conjunctions that necessitate the use of subjunctive tenses • Field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Spanish AP • Spanish AP test first week of May

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 63 Pictures from Spanish IV field trip

! !

Toni Baumgartner Band

American Popular Music (Semester Class) Units in the new class called American Popular Music focused on the origins of popular music, the European, African, Latin stream of influences that helped shape the music of today. • Jazz Artist presentations • Social dance in American Popular Music • Dance music in the jazz age • The golden age of Tin Pan Alley • New Jersey Artist presentations

Music Technology • World music connections • Microphones presentations • New Jersey Artist presentations

Life Skills (Marking period) • Pillars of Character Education o Trustworthiness o Respect o Self Respect o Goal Setting o Dependability o Caring • Self reflections

Middle School Band Class (Semester) What are the fundamentals of music? How can I use this information to become a better player? SWBAT read treble and bass clef SWBAT perform rhythms individually and with a group Prepare for the Spring Concert 6/5/18 See song list below

High School Band Class (Full Year) Improving musical skills Perform scales in select rhythm pattern and tempo; Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 64 SWBAT Follow conductor cues and gestures, Attack notes together, hold notes for proper duration, release notes in unison, Identify and perform the following articulations in music, tongue, slur, staccato, accent, legato Prepare for the Spring Concert 6/5/18 Song list

1. Jammin’ With Charlie by Dean Sorenson and Bruce Pearson 2. Dixie Two Beat by Steve Hommel 3. Sawmill Creek 4. Do Wah Diddy Diddy by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, Arranged by Eric Osterling 5. Rockin’ Robin by Jimmie Thomas, Arranged by Gerald Sebesky 6. Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Arranged by Paul Jennings 7. Final Countdown by Joey Tempest, Arranged by Johnnie Vinson 8. We Will Rock You by Brian May, Arranged by Michael Sweeney 9. Apollo Fanfare 10. Salute to America 11. Jasmine Flower

Melissa Manolakakis All Choir Classes – All my classes are getting ready for the Dorney Park Teen Arts and of course our concert. Please see below our attached schedule. Classes have continued using the same sight-singing book “Essential Musicianship” Book 1. It is imperative for choir students to have a firm grasp on sight-singing and vocal technique. Students who are enrolled in these classes are beginners when it comes to reading music. Most of them enjoy singing, but the majority cannot sight- sing on their own. Every day they are challenged to incorporate correct vocal technique that includes posture, breath support, shaping their vowels, articulation and of course singing in tune. Then they first began. The recordings also help the students stay on task with the exercises and also holds them accountable. I have seen improvement and they are able to sing the pitch, notes, rhythms, words and dynamics at the same time while singing in different parts. In the midst of all of this we are continuing to sing our Spring Concert Music: “Seasons of Love”, “Sit Down You’re Rockin the Boat”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, “To Make You Feel My Love”, “Salute to America” “The National Anthem and “The Alma Mater”. All are welcome to come and visit us to hear us sing. The 7th - 8th grade choir is working on “I’m Still Standing- Elton John, “You’re Welcome”- Moana, “How Far I’ll Go” & ” I’ll be there”- Jackson 5.

All are welcome to come and visit us to hear us sing at our Spring Concert on Tuesday, June 5th at 7pm in the WR Jr/Sr HS Auditorium.

Trips: 1. 5/18/17 - Bergen County Teen Arts

Album 5/19 - https://goo.gl/photos/cwutBE9FC7W6QFm66

Intro To Drama - We are continuing to work on writing and performing their own Improvisation and scene work. All students will participate in small improv skits daily. They are doing a great job!

Here are some upcoming events!

Dorney Park 6/8/18 – WRHS Glee Club and Concert Band . Students will be able to participate in “Music in the Parks” music competition/festival in the state of NJ. WR Jr/Sr HS will showcase our Concert Band, Concert Choir and Glee Club students in critiqued performances. Students will be engaged at a deeper level of artistry and professionalism. In addition they will take part in the awards ceremony directly after their performance then enjoy the park for the remainder of the day.

Teen Arts Festival – Bergen Community College 5/18/18 – WRHS Glee Club, Concert Band & Creative Writing students. Students will be able to participate in the largest and most comprehensive arts education project for teens in the state of NJ. In addition, WRHS will showcase our Concert Band, Glee Club & Creative Writing students in critiqued performances and exhibits. Students will be engaged at a deeper level of artistry and professionalism.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 65 ○ Tuesday, June 5, 2018 - Choir/Band Soundcheck/Workshop / Evening Concert ■ Place Auditorium ■ Choir Sound Check - Per. 1- 2 ■ Glee Sound Check - Per 5 - 6 ■ Band Soundcheck - Per 3 - 4 ■ Evening Concert 6 - 9pm ○ June 8, 2018 - Friday - Music Department - (Choir - Glee & Band) - B Day ■ Music in the Parks Competition ■ Dorney Park - 7am - 9pm Cost $100 ○ June 20, 2018 - Friday - 12th Grade Graduation: Meet in front of the High School at 3:30pm Concert Attire Return at 8pm (Glee & Band) Cost: Free

Sean Rutherford TV Production & Communication: TV Production & Communication students have just finished their movie-makeover project. Students had the choice of two project ideas: 1) Cut/create a movie trailer with a spin. An example showed the class was Mrs. Doubtfire. Here is the original trailer and this is the remake as a horror. Students chose a film with my approval and cut the movie and scenes. An example one student did was cutting the Wizard of Oz to a horror trailer. 2) Students could recreate a scene from their favorite movie or TV show. Students would first get approval from me on their choice and then would shoot the scene trying to replicate their choice. One group recreated the training scene from the movie Dodgeball. Overall, all the projects were a success. I was truly impressed with the student’s creativity and skills. It shows how far they’ve come in just a few short months.

(Pictured Top Left: Michael Giancaspro acts as Michael Scott from the television show The Office. He is recreating the episode titled “The Convict” and portraying Michael Scott as “Prison Mike”. Pictured Top Right: Lucas Leone acts as Patches O’Houlihan from the movie Dodgeball. He’s “training” his athletes to play dodgeball.)

For our final project, the class as a whole is going to create a Family Feud game. We’ll be using the auditorium and students will participate in the entire process. Students are filming, editing, directing, and working as audio technicians. Others will understand what it is to film a “live” show or event as contestants and hosts of the show. Students have got their work cut out for them, but I know they can do it.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 66

Web 2.0: Students have moved into creating their blogs. Each student created a blog with an overall theme of their choice. Some focus on sports, others music, and some entertainment. Some posts included an ‘about me’, favorite musician, favorite movie, and several other topics. Students learn how to use multimedia functions, such as embedding videos and pictures into their post. At the same time, students are honing their writing skills. All the practice students can get writing will only help. Students occasionally get cranky with me and tell me “I’m not an English teacher, so why are we writing so much?” or “This isn’t English class, why are you taking off points for grammar and punctuation?”. However, students were tasked with writing about Memorial Day and some blog written were excellent.

(Pictured above: Kayla Jones and Dylan Ha’s blog posts about Memorial Day)

Intro to Computer Science Principles Students discussed ways to protect their computers from malware and spyware. We looked at current issues such as network breaches with major stores or banks (Target and Chase). Students were able to identify risks involved with these breaches. A 60 Minutes special was used to illustrate how countries can use and are using computer viruses/malware to cripple Iran’s nuclear program from 2005-2010. A virus/malware code called Stuxnet was implanted into a controller in an Iranian nuclear research facility and crippled their program for over half a decade. We then moved into everyday instances where identity theft could take place. Students were able to determine that easy instances like using a credit card or a bank ATM were vulnerable locations.

Robotics Students have finished their stock builds and have been free-building robots now. Some students have gotten extremely good at programming their robots. Using the computer and software provided, students are writing their own programs. While it’s not line of code programming, it’s still impressive. The programing they’re using is picture/icon based at the moment, but it provides a foundation for Web Design when they get to the high school.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 67 Rachel Mifsud Art & Design Project 1) Students finished their botanical relief sculptures - Students learned about endangered plant species and the importance of drawing plant illustrations and specimen samples for environmental research. Students used plants such as flowers and twigs to create impressions into paper mache. Once the plaster dried, they peeled the plant away from the impression made in the hardened plaster. Then they colored into the impression using watercolors. Project 2) Frank Stella-inspired paintings - Students learned about contemporary, abstract, and minimal art then created an abstract artwork inspired by Frank Stella's Protractor series. Project 3) Stencil Painting - Students made a black outline drawing, took a black and white photo, or found an image featuring black lines/ spaces such as a tiger, panda, zebra, Mickey Mouse, etc. Then the picture was printed and lines were all connected using black sharpie. Next they centered and stuck the back of the picture onto glued black paper. To create a stencil out of the black paper, students used an x-acto knife to carve out all white/ colored spaces in the picture and left the black outlines. Lastly, the stencil was centered and placed on another piece of black paper or canvas paper. Students painted over the stencil using a sponge and acrylic paint.

7th & 8th Grade Project 3) Zentangle Puzzles - Project 4) Jen Stark-inspired paintings - Students learned about a contemporary artist named Jen Stark. Her process includes use of pattern, layering, and repetition; she used rainbow colored paper and paint to make 2D and 3D artworks and apparel. Students created Jen Stark’s signature “paint drip” designs on large canvas paper using acrylic paint then cut them out. Students then combined their artworks into large collages to be hung up as wall decorations. Project 5) Notan - Notan is a Japanese design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark elements as they are placed next to the other in the composition of art and imagery. To make Notan, equal emphasis must be placed on opposing light and dark shapes. Students drew on colored paper tiles and created collages which featured balance and symmetry throughout their design. Photo: Project 3) Scavenger Hunt Photos - Students captured interesting photos of at least 5 items from the list below. They were allowed to use these photos for the "open category" section of the photo album project. Photos were submitted and students commented which items were chosen from the list. Photo Scavenger Hunt List: ● -A trophy or award ● -Shoes ● -Something tall ● -Stairs ● -Something fluffy ● -Flowers ● -Views ● -Something shiny ● -A bridge ● -Music ● -The ground ● -The sky ● -A fish ● -A reflection ● -Food ● -Art ● -A light source ● -Fashion ● Project 4) Class of 2018 memento photo albums - Students worked in groups to create a class of 2018 photo album that captures the highlights of senior year. If student is not a senior, they compiled photos to gift to one of their senior friends as a goodbye present. OR created an assortment of photos that each capture "decisive moments" at WRHS. There were 4 categories to follow: 2 out of the 20 photos included props to shine a light on the subject's interests. Example: If student likes reading, the prop was a book. Sporty? Student wore their jersey or took motion photos in the game. Musicians with their instruments, or photographers aiming their cameras. For at least 5 photos, students visited a meaningful place - a place that holds happy memories. A backyard tire swing, favorite restaurant, favorite nature trail, hangout spot, etc. The third category had to be portraits showing some Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 68 attitude. For each person involved in the album group, the subject's personality had to shine through. The rest of the 10 photos or so were open concept so long as the imagery portrays a memorable representation of their experience at WRHS in one way or another. Project 5) Silhouette Series - Students chose a concept such as love or sports and take a series of at least 5 or more photos to make high contrast silhouettes. Students will then edit photos in Photoshop to give them more blacks/ whites and contrast.

Painting Project 1) Watercolor techniques - Students experimented with different watercolor techniques and materials such as oil, rice, and salt which either rejected or absorbed the watercolor to give it different effects. First students placed masking tape on a piece of paper to divide the paper into 7 sections. In each section, a different painting technique and color was used. Once the paint dried, students drew over the painting with a different pattern or design using a thin black sharpie. Once complete, the tape is taken off.

Project 2) Stencil Painting - Students made a black outline drawing, took a black and white photo, or found an image featuring black lines/ spaces such as a tiger, panda, zebra, Mickey Mouse, etc. Then the picture was printed and lines were all connected using black sharpie. Next they centered and stuck the back of the picture onto glued black paper. To create a stencil out of the black paper, students used an x-acto knife to carve out all white/ colored spaces in the picture and left the black outlines. Lastly, the stencil was centered and placed on another piece of black paper or canvas paper. Students painted over the stencil using a sponge and acrylic paint.

Art & Design

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 69

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 70 7th & 8th Grade

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 71

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 72 Photo

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 73

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 74 Painting

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 75 Art Club

Teen Arts Festival

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 76

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 77

Media Center Eileen Layman The Wood-Ridge Jr/Sr High School Media Center is an active, participating member in the Bergen County Educational Library Systems. (BELS). Students have the ability to borrow print books, e-books and media from any of the participating school libraries. Maker resources also rotate among the BELS Media Centers.

Inter-library loans (ILL) are coming together slowly with the new vendor T Force taking over the deliveries.

CIRCULATION: Books: 63

Interlibrary loans Borrowed: 1 book; 1 book on tape Lent: 1 book

Media Skills Class - Grade 7 - Marking Period 4 The Media Skills class is working on authoritative subscription databases. Students are researching the cultural influences of the Central American and South American countries. Students are working with the database, CultureGrams. Students have shown increased interest and a new awareness of the cultures of their southern neighbors, especially the food and recreation of the different countries. Students are using the Smart Board to do interactive presentations by playing the anthems, filling in the country maps and describing the meanings behind the colors and emblems of the national flags. Career, Exploration and Readiness Class - Grade 8 Eighth grade Career and Readiness students have completed a unit combining the career database, Naviance with the government site Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students designed shingles with their name and career listed. They posted their personal shingle and gave a overview of the career they researched.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 78 8th graders designing a Career shingle

Various Career designs

Creativity at work in the Media Center

Students have been using the Media Center before and after school and between class periods.

Lunch periods continue to be busy with students using computers and collaborating on class projects.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 79 Mallory Garvin Spring Track and Field

The Blue Devils Track and Field Team continued there incredible streak in May as the season wrapped up. Our Boys team was extremely successful placing at Leagues and at Counties.

Our girls team continued to work hard even as predominantly freshman and sophomores.

Highlights:

NJIC League Championships: • Emily Gardella- 5th in the 800 m • Tedi Turka - 1st in the Triple Jump • Johnoi Martin - 2nd in Triple Jump, 1st in Long Jump • Dylan Ha- 3rd in Javelin • 4 X 4 Team: 2nd Place • Amir Lopez- 4th in 100 m and 3rd in 200 m

Bergen County Championships: • 4 x 4 Team (Ricardo Vera, Matthew Santi, Evan West, Johnoi Martin) took 2nd!

I am incredibly proud of this team! Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 80 Upcoming: • June 8: Senior Night • June 9: Blue Devils Super Run • June 19: Spring Sports Awards

Michael Carcich Baseball We finished the season 20-5. We finished 2nd in the meadowlands conference again. We finished with 20 wins for the third consecutive time, made the counties the past 6 out of 8 years, and earned the #1 seed in the state tournament for the 3rd time in the past 8 years. We overachieved this regular season but underachieved in the state tournament.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 81 Andrea Marino Softball

Our Varsity softball team ended up doubling their wins this season finishing 11-12. This season we were also able to get 6 members on the All-League Team as compared to last year’s two. That was a huge success. The girls worked so hard to really help our program succeed at a higher level. First Team All-League-- Samantha Perez, Madylin Marino, Emily Aviles Second Team All-League- Maya Ortega, Brooke Biamonte Honorable Mention- Isabella Iacovino

Our JV team also had a much more successful season going 8-4. Coach Bogert did a great job with this team. They developed into a really great JV team in our league.

Workshops, Meetings, & Events

5/3- NJIC Meadowlands Meeting 5/9- BC AD Meeting 5/23- NJIC Conference Meeting 5/25- Robert L. Craig Field Day 5/30- NJIC Sportsmanship Luncheon

Superintendent’s Monthly Report May, 2018 82