DUMONT PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE OF CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & SUPERVISION

To: Mr. Emanuele Triggiano, Superintendent of Schools From: Maria Poidomani Re: Middle School Monthly Guidance Report Date: October 12, 2020

Selzer School-Mrs. Jaclyn Mandile

As the school year began, Mrs. Mandile worked closely with building administration and grade level teachers to update accommodations for students with 504 plans. In addition, Mrs. Mandile worked with team teachers to check in on how students transitioned to the new grade level expectations and the new model for the school year. On September 15th, Mrs. Mandile attended SEL and Self-Care hosted by Pure Edge. Through this professional development, resources were provided for self-care. Mrs. Mandile also attended Social Emotional Character Development on September 17th hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. This workshop placed a heavy emphasis on educator well-being. It is important to create an environment with a safe space to foster educator well-being in order to successfully implement SEL. Motivational factors for learning were identified as psychological safety, model curiosity, be vulnerable, and create an atmosphere of growth mindset. Happiness is very important for success. Participants worked in small groups to identify aspects of their own lives, which fit into the categories of the pleasant life, the good life, and the meaningful life. Participants were encouraged to identify how they can transcend momentary moments of happiness into the meaningful life. Growth mindset is critical to SEL and realizing it is not that someone cannot do something, but that they cannot do it yet – they need to learn how first. On September 23rd , Mrs. Mandile met with the 6th grade class to introduce herself as their Middle School Counselor and explain the ways a school counselor can support them throughout middle school. Students completed a series of self-assessments regarding their approach to assignments, homework and studying, as well as how they utilize their time. Pitfalls to organization were addressed; in addition, strategies to overcome these pitfalls were explored. Through this process, students gained a deeper understanding of how they approach their assignments and how they are truly spending their time. Students also reflected on habits – both positive and negative. The reflection continues as students identify which organization techniques would be beneficial to incorporate into their daily routines. Mrs. Mandile also attended Smoking, Vaping, and Covid-19: A Dangerous Mix on September 25th hosted by Nova Scotia University. Statistics regarding smokers were explored. Vapers are often young adults and are most susceptible. Unfortunately, vaping is not controlled by the FDA and products may not be BPA free posing additional risks. Additionally, the damage being caused internally can only been seen through X-ray. Third hand smoke is something that is not spoken about much, but it very harmful to others. Nova Scotia University is currently offering free services to aid in quitting. On September 29 th, Mrs. Mandile attended the information session for Bergen County Academies and Technical High Schools to stay up to date with programs and admission procedures. The different campuses now available for admissions are: Bergen Academies in Hackensack, Bergen Tech in Teterboro, Bergen Tech in Paramus, Applied Technology at the Bergen Community College Campus, and Institute for Interactive Design Technology at Northern Valley campuses in both Demarest and Old Tappan. There is an admissions test for both Bergen Tech and Bergen Academies. Interviews are required for Applied Technology, Bergen Academies, Bergen Tech- Paramus, and Institute for Interactive Design Technology. In addition, Mrs. Mandile attended team and 504 meetings during the opening months of September and October.

Honiss School – Ms. Sonali Gurjar

During the opening weeks of school, Ms. Gurjar assisted students with a re-introduction to in- person learning by presenting information through videos uploaded to homeroom google classrooms. Students who asked for individual assistance were provided one-on-one counseling over Google Meet. Ms. Gurjar also conducted virtual groups for new students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Students who are new to the district were also invited to participate. Group discussions centered on information about Honiss School, important things to know, questions from students, and introduction to middle school life. A virtual group was also conducted for 8th grade students interested in applying to Bergen County Academies. This group focused on educating students about the new application process. Ms. Gurjar engaged in a variety of additional activities during the month of October in her role as a Middle School Counselor. For example, Ms. Gurjar continued to be available during the day to intervene in situations identified by teachers (students not attending class, students having difficulty with work completion, emotional support, etc.). She also conducted individual counseling as required through Google Meet and has participated in 504 meetings (virtual) and other staff team meetings. Ms. Gurjar also collaborated with outside agencies (with parental consent) to foster a seamless plan of care for students receiving care from community agencies. Additionally, Ms. Gurjar consulted with her counterpart at Selzer School to develop materials and strategies for middle school counseling. Ms. Gurjar also assisted with elementary students when necessary. Recently, Ms. Gurjar attended a virtual information session for Bergen County Academies to learn about the application process for interested students. Ms. Gurjar also created and distributed an information sheet about high school applications to 8th grade students.

DUMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 Submitted: October 2020

______

TO: Dumont Board of Education FROM: Mr. James Wichmann

DRILLS Fire Drill (Faculty) 9/17/2020 8:12 AM 3 Minutes Communication Drill (Cohort A) 9/22/2020 10:10 AM 8 Minutes Communication Drill (Cohort B) 9/24/2020 10:10 AM 3 Minutes Fire Drill (Cohort B) 9/25/2020 10:10 AM 17 Minutes Fire Drill (Cohort A) 9/29/2020 10:12 AM 17 Minutes

SUSPENSIONS The Assistant Principals reported 0 suspensions and 1 truancy during the month of September 2020.

ART Ms. Makowsky’s Art Survey students are manipulating drawings. ​ ​ Ms. Makowsky’s Ceramics students are designing dishware. ​ ​ Ms. Makowsky’s Drawing & Painting students are learning to draw round objects in ​ perspective. Ms. Makowsky’s Drawing & Painting IS students are creating artwork for college ​ ​ portfolios. Ms. Makowsky’s Digital Photography 1 students are creating “silly” photos. ​ ​

Ms. Wagner’s Ceramics students are learning about relief sculpture, line and pattern. ​ ​ Ms. Wagner’s Graphic Design students are learning about the history of graphic design ​ and typography.

BUSINESS Mr. Clark’s Business Law & Marketing students are learning about the history of law ​ and its affiliation with English Common Law. Mr. Clark’s College Career & Finance students are learning how time management ​ and staying healthy are important factors in managing stress levels. Mr. Clark’s Personal Finance students are learning how time management and staying healthy are important factors in managing stress levels.

Mr. Force’s College Career & Finance students are learning how time management and staying healthy are important factors in managing stress levels. Mr. Force’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing students are learning about the history and evolution of the sports and entertainment industries.

Ms. Pasqualone’s College Career & Finance students are working on learning time management skills and how these skills effectively make for a better life. Ms. Pasqualone’s Tomorrow’s Teachers students are understanding who they are and ​ what they have to offer before becoming teachers.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Mr. Banicki’s Fabrication students are learning project planning, shop safety, material ​ processing, and organization. Mr. Banicki’s Technical & Architectural Design 1 students are learning concepts of ​ design as it relates to engineering, architecture, product development, graphic arts, animation, and fashion.

Mr. Lamond’s Advanced Engineering H students are working on the planning and ​ research phases of their ergonomic handheld product line project and learning how to create and deliver a professional level multimedia presentation. Mr. Lamond’s Design & Fabrication students are learning basic sketching and lettering ​ ​ techniques and how to photograph, scan, edit, name, create and manage electronic PDF versions of their freehand sketches/drawings. Mr. Lamond’s Intro to Engineering students are learning how to create and dimension ​ ​ 2D multi-view orthographic drawings along with a few new sketching techniques to control proportions and improve the quality of their sketches. Mr. Lamond’s Independent Study Advanced Engineering student is researching and ​ ​ learning the basics of electronics, electrical circuits and how different electronic components function.

ENGLISH Mrs. Cerone’s SAT Prep students identified and applied the strategy of SQ3R and ​ RIP/RAP to passages on the SAT Reading Test by annotating passages and viewing videos on EdPuzzle and Khan Academy. Mrs. Cerone’s English 1 H students viewed a video on rhetoric to assist with analyzing ​ ​ the rhetorical situation presented in Martin Luther King’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct” in order to understand the purpose of his writing. The class completed a webquest on selected significant events and people to identify the historical and cultural context for the anticipated reading of the book Having Our Say. ​ ​ Mrs. Cerone’s English 1CPA students researched Greek mythology to understand their ​ ​ reading of “The Myth of Perseus,” constructed an essay that analyzed Perseus's actions in order to classify him as a Greek hero or just an ordinary man, and completed IXL activities on identifying thesis statements and topic sentences to assist with the format of their paper. Mrs. Cerone’s English 3 CPA students researched the differences and similarities ​ ​ between a Puritan and Pilgrim on a webquest, completed IXL activities to assist with identifying the author’s purpose in a paragraph in order to understand the historical writing Of Plymouth Plantation, and wrote reflective journal entries modeled after ​ ​ Bradford’s work.

Mr. Cooke’s English 2 CPA students are reading Macbeth with a concentration on ​ ​ ​ ​ vocabulary and grammar. Mr. Cooke’s English 4 CPA students are working on character studies in Hamlet and ​ ​ ​ the completion of their senior college research projects. Mr. Cooke’s Creative Writing students are working on a poetry unit with a focus on ​ ​ metaphor and other literary devices.

Mrs. Donato’s/Ms. Pascual’s English 1 CP students are learning about Greek ​ Mythology and focusing on Greek Gods and Goddesses. Mrs. Donato’s/Ms. Pascual’s English 1 CPA students are learning about Greek ​ ​ Mythology and Grammar.

Mrs. Glaser’s Portfolio students have reviewed the various assessments for which ​ ​ students can earn a cut score that will allow them to graduate, and they have been practicing writing for the WritePlacer, one of those assessments. Mrs. Glaser’s English 3CPA students have done research on Pilgrims and Puritans and ​ ​ have read excerpts from “Of Plymouth Plantation” with an emphasis on the rhetorical situation. Mrs. Glaser’s AP English Language & Composition students have been introduced to ​ ​ the rhetorical triangle and the rhetorical situation, have analyzed texts with these in mind, and have answered multiple choice questions that are based on rhetorical analysis. Mrs. Glaser’s AP English Literature & Composition students have reviewed the three ​ types of essays on the AP exam and are practicing literary analysis and analysis-based multiple choice questions.

Mr. Huang’s English 2 CPA students have learned about the origins of the English ​ language by reading Beowulf and are examining the relationship between a society’s ​ heroes and its values. Mr. Huang’s English 3 H students watched Death of a Salesman to analyze and write ​ ​ about the plurality of the American Dream and are currently studying how Lutheranism, Calvinism, and, eventually, Puritanism impacted the American experience. Mr. Huang’s Reading and Writing Workshop students are learning about the different ​ grammatical parts of speech in preparation for the PSAT in October.

Mrs. Lennox’s English 4 H students reviewed Classical humanism and art techniques ​ ​ to prepare for their study of Renaissance literature and art. Mrs. Lennox’s English 3 CP students learned about the characteristics of Puritan life ​ ​ and literature and will analyze those traits in Bradford and Bradstreet writings. Mrs. Lennox’s SAT Preparation students reviewed basic test taking tips for the SATs ​ ​ and are going over Reading strategies.

Ms. Lordi’s Drama students are learning theatre history with a focus on the ancient Greeks and Romans. Ms. Lordi’s Speech & Communication students are completing descriptive drawings of ​ themselves and finishing with informal, impromptu and artifact speeches.

Mr. McGuirk’s English 2 CP students learned about Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth and ​ are currently applying it to a reading of Beowulf. ​ ​ Mr. McGuirk’s English 2 H students studied the Culture-Epoch Theory and are now ​ ​ ​ beginning to examine how ancient Greek culture follows this model.

Ms. Sprengel’s English 3 CPA students are beginning their study of the Puritans. ​ ​ Ms. Sprengel’s English 4 CP students are researching potential colleges and careers ​ and beginning their analysis of “The Sociopath Next Door” and “Hamlet.” Ms. Sprengel’s English 4 CPA students are researching potential colleges and careers ​ ​ and beginning their study of “The Sociopath Next Door” and “Hamlet.”

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE Mrs. Cifelli’s Foods students are learning about classroom guidelines, student ​ ​ expectations and about appropriate safety and sanitation techniques that should be utilized in school, home and in other places.

Mrs. Griffoul’s Foods students are learning about classroom guidelines, student ​ ​ expectations, and about appropriate safety and sanitation techniques that should be utilized in school, home and in other places. Mrs. Griffoul’s Life Management students are learning about classroom procedures, ​ ​ rules and regulations, and proper safety and sanitation techniques that should be used in school, around the home and in other situations. Mrs. Griffoul’s Meal Planning students are reviewing classroom guidelines and ​ regulations, and about safety and sanitation techniques that should be followed in and around school, their homes, and in other situations.

GUIDANCE The 2020-2021 school year is underway and is like no other. During these unprecedented times, hybrid learning is taking priority as are platforms that operate online to provide instruction for students and to convey information to parents/guardians. The school counseling department is creating virtual opportunities with programs/services that support academic, social-emotion, college planning development for all students.

Bergen County College Fair – The annual Bergen County Directors of Guidance College Fair at Fairleigh Dickinson University was cancelled this year. In its place, an online Bergen County NJ College Night was organized by NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counselors) for the following dates: October 12, October 18 and November 8. Junior and senior students at DHS were notified of these dates through emails posted through grade level counseling Google Classroom sites.

College Visits/Naviance – For Fall 2020, all college visits and meetings with campus admissions representatives are available virtually through Zoom/Google Meet, as well as with pre-recorded sessions provided on college/university websites. To date, 128 colleges and universities have invited our students to engage in virtual admissions presentations. This is twice as many opportunities compared to previous years when meetings were held in person at DHS; 51 students have participated in a virtual college meeting so far.

SAT Testing – Fall SAT Testing on Saturday, September 26th and Saturday, October 3rd ​ ​ were cancelled due to the inability to staff the testing center and adhere to social distancing guidelines. DHS offered an alternate SAT School Day Test on Wednesday, th September 24 .​ The test administration was given to only members of the senior class ​ and 119 students (56.9% of the Class of 2021) participated. Results will be posted by the end of October. We wish our students well with their outcomes.

Senior Parent Night – A college-planning evening event took place on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. For the presentation, Dr. Marchesi described a range of post-high school options, the college application process and a review of the Naviance platform as part of a student’s college-going plans. In addition, Ryan Dupuy (Senior Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Iona College in New Rochelle, NY) spoke to parents about the college admissions process in general. More specifically, Ryan addressed how the current pandemic impacts college-going trends for students. Parents received notification of the Zoom event via School Messenger email.

th Financial Aid Night -- On Thursday, October 15 the​ DHS School Counseling ​ Department will offer a virtual Financial Aid Presentation via Zoom. Woodrow Lewis, a representative from HESAA (High Education Student Assistance Authority) will be the presenter for this meeting. He will provide an overview of the FAFSA, as well as important information regarding need-based aid. Mr. Lewis also sent a group of important handouts regarding the financial process. Parents/guardians received notification of the Zoom event via School Messenger email. These resources will also become available on the Counseling Department’s web page.

PSAT Testing – On Wednesday, October 14, 2020 the PSAT test was administered to members of the junior class. Students and parents were notified via email and School Messenger about testing. The testing was scheduled for a virtual Wednesday, and participation in the test administration was optional. 152 students (76.4% of the class) elected to take this PSAT.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mrs. Benell’s, Mr. Chabuel’s, Mrs. Crespo’s, Mr. Farrington’s, Ms. Horan’s, Mr. Monaco’s and Mrs. Natoli's Health students are virtually participating in physical ​ ​ education nearpods.

Mrs. Benell’s, Mr. Chabuel’s, Mrs. Crespo’s, Mr. Farrington’s, Ms. Horan’s, Mr. Monaco’s and Mrs. Natoli’s Physical Education students are virtually completing flag ​ football and volleyball nearpod presentations and assignments.

MATHEMATICS Ms. Bronder’s AP Statistics students are learning how to analyze data distributions ​ graphically and numerically. Ms. Bronder’s Geometry H students are learning the basics of geometry and then ​ beginning their study of logic and proofs. Ms. Bronder’s SAT Preparation students completed their study of testing techniques ​ and began their study of the Heart of Algebra. Ms. Bronder’s Statistics CPA students completed their study of the language of ​ statistics and began their study of visual representations of data.

Mrs. Costa’s Geometry CP students are reviewing algebra and learning about the ​ basics of geometry. Mrs. Costa’s Geometry CPA students are learning about the basics of geometry. ​ ​ Mrs. Costa’s Pre-Calculus CPA students are learning about angles in standard ​ position.

Ms. Eisen’s AP Calculus AB and Calculus H students are learning about limits. ​ ​ ​ ​ Ms. Eisen’s Computer Science 1 H students are learning about the basics of ​ computers and programming. Ms. Eisen’s Geometry CPA students are learning about the basics of geometry. ​ ​

Mrs. Frangiosa’s Algebra 2 CPA and Algebra 2 H students are investigating functions ​ ​ ​ and their properties.

Ms. Hrnciar’s Algebra 1 CPA students are solving equations, inequalities, literal ​ equations, and word problems. Ms. Hrnciar’s Algebra 2 CPA students are studying functions and stating domain, ​ ​ range, extrema, along with increasing and decreasing intervals. Ms. Hrnciar’s Statistics CPA students are studying the nature of statistics. ​ ​

Mr. Lugo’s Advanced Algebra students are performing operations with matrices. ​ ​ Mr. Lugo’s SAT Preparation students are being assessed on the techniques of plug-in, ​ backsolve, and guesstimate, and how they apply to the SAT.

Mrs. Maslow’s Algebra 1 CP students are reviewing pre-algebra concepts and learning ​ ​ how to solve different types of equations. Mrs. Maslow’s Geometry CPA students are learning the basics of geometry. ​ ​ Mrs. Maslow’s Precalculus H students are reviewing advanced algebra concepts in ​ preparation for the year.

Mr. Minimi’s Algebra 1 CP students are reviewing basic pre-algebra concepts, including ​ solving equations and graphing linear equations. Mr. Minimi’s Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 CP students are reviewing basic Algebra 1 ​ ​ ​ concepts, including factoring polynomials, simplifying monomials, and radicals. Mr. Minimi’s Algebra 1 Workshop students are reviewing basic Pre-Algebra/Algebra ​ concepts. Mr. Minimi’s Geometry Workshop students are reviewing basic Pre-Algebra/Algebra ​ ​ concepts.

Mrs. Sullivan’s Algebra Workshop students are reviewing basic Pre-Algebra/Algebra ​ ​ concepts. Mrs. Sullivan’s Geometry Workshop students are reviewing algebra skills. ​ ​

Dr. Tentomas’ Algebra 1 Workshop students discussed order of operations and how to ​ solve equations. Dr. Tentomas’ Algebra 1 CPA students discussed how to solve linear equations, literal ​ ​ equations, and inequalities. Dr. Tentomas’ Algebra 1 H students discussed how to solve linear equations, absolute ​ value equations, literal equations, and inequalities. Dr. Tentomas’ Geometry CP students discussed how to find the measure of segments ​ ​ using the Segment Addition Postulate and the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Distance Formula. Dr. Tentomas’ Algebra 2 Workshop students reviewed Algebra 1 topics. ​ ​

MEDIA CENTER The Media Center is currently closed to students and being utilized as a classroom space during Phase 1 of school reopening and hybrid learning. Mrs. Jonson is covering six classes for colleagues who are teaching remotely. Ms. Fiechter is being utilized for hall duties as well as assisting the nurse/main office where needed. When able, Mrs. Jonson and Ms. Fiechter are carrying out Media Center responsibilities such as setting up digital resources, as well as the library management software, and trying to recover and log any missing or returned materials from the previous school year.

MUSIC Mr. Brown’s Wind Ensemble students are beginning their preparations for a condensed ​ but exciting Marching Band season.

Mr. Bennett’s Chorus students are learning about the human voice being divided into ​ ​ registers and are beginning to read the basics of musical notation.

SCIENCE Ms. Alesandro’s Astronomy students are studying the night sky - the celestial sphere, ​ ​ the Zodiac ring, and circumpolar constellations. Ms. Alesandro’s AP Physics 1 students evaluated their math skills and began the unit ​ ​ on Kinematics (the study of motion).

Mrs. Balderama’s AP Chemistry students have reviewed the mole concept, ​ stoichiometry problems, the atomic theory, periodic trends and bonding types through PowerPoint presentations, video lessons, practice problems, and appropriate college level labs. Mrs. Balderama’s Chemistry H students have been learning about the types and states ​ ​ of matter and the changes that matter can undergo through PowerPoint presentations, mini-research, discussion, practice problems, and appropriate laboratory activities. Mrs. Balderama’s Forensic Science students have studied the history of forensic ​ ​ science, crime scene processing, the various types of evidence and careers through PowerPoint presentations, mini-research, discussion, practice problems and appropriate laboratory activities.

Dr. Bench’s Chemistry students learned laboratory safety and how to solve chemistry problems using significant figures, scientific notation, and conversion factors. Dr. Bench’s Physics CP students reviewed measurement skills and learned to explain ​ and predict interactions between objects and systems.

Mr. Carvagno’s Biology CPA students are learning lab safety and energy cycles. ​ ​

Mr. Grothues’ Biology CP and Biology H students are studying matter and energy flow ​ ​ ​ in ecosystems.

Mrs. Kipp’s AP Biology students are learning the structure and function of the four ​ important biomolecules. Mrs. Kipp’s Botany students are learning a basic introduction to plant science including ​ useful/common vocabulary, the importance of Latin names, and a look into how the cacao bean is grown, harvested, made into chocolate, and the issues surrounding the chocolate industry.

Mr. Post’s Chemistry CPA students began the year reviewing safety in the chemistry ​ lab and how it connects to safety at home and throughout their lives. Mr. Post’s Chemistry H students began learning about matter and its properties. ​ ​

Mr. Schmidt’s Physics CP and Physics H students studied how to collect and analyze ​ ​ ​ ​ data using the scientific method.

Mr. Wells’ Physics CPA and Physics H students studied how to collect and analyze ​ ​ data using the scientific method.

SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. DeLoreto’s World History CPA students are examining the major events and ​ achievements of the Renaissance. Mr. DeLoreto’s World History H students evaluated the societal changes that emerged ​ during the Renaissance and the impact on both the immediate area and those that followed.

Mr. DeRosa’s US 2 CP students have analyzed the causes and effects of American ​ imperialism. Mr. DeRosa’s Criminal Justice students have familiarized themselves with the formal ​ ​ definitions of crime and the overarching principles of the criminal justice system.

Mr. Dolan’s US 1 CPA students have familiarized themselves with class procedures and ​ are drawing conclusions on the successes of Colonial America. Mr. Dolan’s US 2 CPA students have familiarized themselves with class procedures and ​ are looking at the impacts of Imperialism in the early 1900’s. Mr. Dolan’s World History CPA students have familiarized themselves with class ​ procedures and are now investigating the significant events of the Renaissance.

Mr. Hoffman’s AP U.S. Government & Politics students have actively studied the ​ ​ philosophy and history of our constitutional principles. Mr. Hoffman’s US History 2 CPA students have actively studied the era of Imperialism ​ and World War I.

Ms. Johnson Curry’s Psychology students studied how order can be found in random ​ ​ data and the relationship to psychology. Ms. Johnson Curry’s AP Psychology students studied psychology’s approaches and ​ ​ how each approach can explain the behavior of the individual. Ms. Johnson Curry’s Developmental Psychology students explored the ​ ecological-systems approach on human development considering the influences of their own development.

Ms. Luvera’s US History 1 H students have familiarized themselves with the classroom ​ guidelines and expectations as well as the nine historical thinking skills that they will demonstrate this school year while studying the first half of U.S. history. Ms. Luvera’s APUSH students have familiarized themselves with the classroom ​ ​ guidelines and expectations as well as the nine historical thinking skills that they will demonstrate this school year while studying the second half of U.S. history.

Mr. O’Beirne’s US History 1 CP students will be studying the foundation of the English ​ Colonies in North America Mr. O’Beirne’s US History 2 CPA students will be studying the United States as an ​ ​ imperial nation in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. Mr. O’Beirne’s Current Issues students will be studying the presidential candidates in ​ the upcoming election.

Mrs. Sobek’s World History CP students are currently examining the major events and ​ accomplishments during the Renaissance. Mrs. Sobek’s US 1 CPA students are currently examining the success and failures of ​ the English colonies in the 1700s.

SPECIAL EDUCATION Mr. Cannici’s Advanced Algebra students are currently working on matrices: (adding, ​ ​ subtracting, multiplying) determinants of a matrix. Mr. Cannici’s Algebra 2 CP students are working on factoring and different methods of ​ ​ factoring. Mr. Cannici’s Geometry CP students are currently working on lines, planes, ​ intersecting lines and the Distance Formula/Segment Addition Postulate.

Mrs. Centrello’s English 1 CP students are reading The Odyssey. ​ ​ ​ ​ Mrs. Centrello’s English 2CP students are reading Beowulf. ​ ​ ​

Mr. Cieplicki’s Algebra 1 CP students are working on Order of Operations. ​ ​ Mr. Cieplicki’s Study Skills 1 students are being assisted with homework and class ​ projects.

Mrs. Kahn’s/Mr. Wilson’s US 1 CP students are studying the foundation of the English ​ colonies in North America. Mrs. Khan’s/Mr. Wilson’s US 2 CP students are studying US territory expansion and the ​ beginnings of US imperialism. Mrs. Khan’s/Mr. Wilson’s World History CP students are currently studying the major ​ events and achievements of the Renaissance period.

Ms. Mascarelli’s Algebra 1 CP students are currently working on word phrases. ​ ​ Ms. Mascarelli’s Algebra 2 CP students are working on real-life math skills. ​ ​ Ms. Mascarelli’s Geometry CP students are currently working on identifying basic ​ geometric figures. Ms. Mascarelli’s English 1 CP and English 2 CP students reading Wonder. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ms. Mascarelli’s English 3 CP students are currently working on Common Sense. ​ ​ Ms. Mascarelli’s Life Skills/Transition students are working on a unit of managing ​ Time, Energy and Money.

Ms. Stoltenborg’s English 3 CP students are learning about Puritan theology and ​ ​ ​ reading an excerpt from William Bradford’s manuscript Of Plymouth Plantation. ​ ​ Ms. Stoltenborg’s English 4 CP students are reading The Prince by Machiavelli and are ​ ​ discussing whether modern day professions follow the rules of Machiavelli’s Prince.

WORLD LANGUAGES Mrs. Albano’s Spanish 1 students have learned the origin of the Spanish language ​ which includes how to describe people, places and things. Mrs. Albano’s Spanish 3 H students have learned the origin of the Spanish language ​ ​ and have reviewed the regular and irregular preterite verbs.

Mrs. Buller’s Spanish 2 students have been reviewing the present tense of regular ​ ​ verbs, and of stem changing verbs, expressions with me gusta/no me gusta and vocabulary that discusses sports. Mrs. Buller’s Spanish 4H students have had an extensive review of all of the tenses ​ learned in Spanish 3H. Mrs. Buller’s AP Spanish Language students began unit 1 (Families and Communities) ​ ​ and have learned new vocabulary, reviewed reading comprehension strategies and have discussed the necessary components of the email reply for the AP exam.

Ms. Lopez’s Spanish 2 students are reviewing the uses of the verbs “ser and estar” in ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the present tense. Ms. Lopez’s Spanish 2H students completed a review of the uses of the verbs “ser and ​ ​ ​ estar” in the present tense, and are currently learning the vocabulary to talk about ​ feelings and illness. Ms. Lopez’s Spanish 3H students are reviewing the preterite tense and learning the ​ vocabulary to talk about city life and suburban life.

Mrs. Luciano’s Spanish 2H students completed a review of the present tense and the ​ ​ uses of the verbs “ser/estar” (to be), along with learning adjectives to describe feelings ​ ​ and personality. Mrs. Luciano’s Spanish 3H students continue to review the preterite tense and learn ​ vocabulary to talk about city life and suburban life. Mrs. Luciano’s Spanish 4H students reviewed and were tested on the preterite tense ​ and discussed a culture reading based on Immigration and how it continues to be relevant today.

Mr. Matza’s Italian 1 students are learning how to begin a conversation using “formal” ​ ​ and “informal” manner of address. Mr. Matza’s Italian 2 and Italian 2H students are reviewing vocabulary and grammar in ​ ​ ​ order to describe a scene (in the present tense). Mr. Matza’s Italian 3H students are reviewing the “passato prossimo” (present perfect ​ tense) and imperfect tense in order to tell a story in the past. Mr. Matza’s Italian 4H students are discussing and critiquing European vacation plans ​ ​ using the (present and past) conditional mood.

ATHLETICS With the fall season underway, the Dumont Husky student-athletes have seen a preseason’s hard work and a month’s long preparation evolve into a productive and self-reflective beginning.

The Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams, coached by Jon Bennett and Marc ​ Ferrara, are having a good year thus far. The boys and girls cross country teams have ​ been working hard the last few months. They had a league meet recently where several athletes recorded personal best times.

The Varsity Football Team, coached by fourth year Head Coach Rick Burd, is currently 1-1 in the Big North Conference American Division. Their hard work in the off-season was clearly seen in their win against Pascack Hills. The loss came at the hands of a very good New Providence team. The games thus far have been very competitive and the coaches and athletes are doing a great job. The team plays a really tough schedule year in and year out with the current season being no different.

The Varsity Boys Soccer Team, coached by Head Coach Chuck Hogan, is currently ​ 4-0 overall and are in first place in the division. The team is playing at a very high level and the coaches and athletes have put a lot of time in the last three months. This year’s state tournament will be seeded by regions, and the team is currently the #2 seed in our region.

The Varsity Girls Soccer Team, under the direction of second year Head Coach Sara ​ Smith, has a current overall record of 1-2 on the season. The team plays a grueling schedule. The upcoming games will be very competitive, and the team has a good chance of staying at the top of the division. This year’s state tournament will be seeded by regions, and the team is currently the #10 seed in our region.

October 2020 Enrollment: 635

Suspensions: -0-

Upcoming Events:

Oct. 5 – Oct. 9 Week of Respect Faculty Workshops: Oct. 6 “National Stomp out Bullying” Name: Workshop: Date: Day

Oct. 7 “Diversity Day” Security and Fire Drills: Oct. 8 Fire Drill Faculty 9/18/20 2pm “Bedtime to Bullies”

Oct. 9 Lockdown Drill # 1 Cohort A 9/22/20 10:30am Progress Reports Mailed Fire Drill Cohort A 9/29/20 11:451m “Showing Respect is No Sweat” Fire Drill Cohort A 10/12/20 11:30am Evacuation Drill #1 Cohort A 10/20/20 11am Oct. 13 PTA Meeting @ 7pm Fire Drill Cohort B 9/24/20 11:45am Lockdown Drill #1 Cohort B 9/25/20 10:30am Oct. 21 Fire Drill Cohort B 10/16/20 9:30am Key Communicator Meeting Evacuation Drill #1 Cohort B 10/22/20 9:10am @ 7pm

Oct. 23 School Spirit Day

Oct. 31 Halloween Parade @ 1:30 pm (Tentative)

Principals Message: Happy Fall! We can’t believe that our mid-marking period grades have been issued! We continue to meet the needs of all students by providing a responsive, caring, safe and secure school environment. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about our school procedures.

Mrs. Cadigan and Mrs. DiPaola’s 2nd Grade Classes: Second grade is off to a great start! We are so excited to be back into school and are busy developing routines. Second graders jumped quickly into learning and truly enjoying our new math series. We continue to read short stories and identify important story elements. During science class we are discovering the states of matter. During social studies we are learning how to read maps.

Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Arlin’s 4th Grade Classes: Fourth grade 2020-2021 began virtually with teachers getting to know their students, establishing procedures and classroom protocols, implementing SEL activities and lessons as well as reviewing basic skills and strategies through the “magic” of Zoom and Google Meets. In Language Arts, we have begun Unit 1 in Reading Street with realistic and historical fiction stories as well as planning and writing realistic fiction and expository stories of their own. Students continue to expand their vocabulary with weekly words and Wordly Wise as time allows. In Math, we have implemented our new Pearson enVisions series and have completed Topic 1 on Understanding Place Value with assignments in ixl.com reinforcing skills learned. We have begun Topic 2 to regain fluency in Adding and Subtracting Larger Numbers. In Life Science we have been examining the external and internal structures of plants and animals, while in Social Studies we have been working on world geography and are now concentrating on the geography of New Jersey. Students are attending their Specials as well, some synchronous and some asynchronous. The biggest change occurred Sept. 22nd when we switched to the hybrid learning model with some students attending class in-person while maintaining safe social distance with the majority of the class attending school virtually and the teachers managing both groups. Benchmark and DRA testing will be taking place in October virtually as well.

Mrs. Hoffman and Mrs. Koniuch’s (Ms. Bayersdorfer) 5th Grade Classes: The 5th grade classes at Honiss School are utilizing the new Envisions math program. We are currently learning about place value and how to add and subtract decimals. In Language Arts, we are reading short stories in the Reading Street textbook and learning different strategies to increase our reading comprehension skills. We are also planning a fictionalized narrative story using a graphic organizer before writing our final copy. In Science we are learning about states of matter and physical properties of matter. In Social Studies we are studying the early Spanish and English settlements in the New World.

Miss Sonzogni’s Elementary Special Education Classes: Third Grade students are reading numerous short stories within Unit 1 of Pearson. Students are utilizing comprehension skills and strategies including sequencing, summarizing, visualizing, and identifying literary elements within a text. Each of these skills are essential for comprehension. In Writing, students are composing a narrative. During this process, students will be introduced to graphic organizers and the Writing process in third grade.

Fourth Grade students are working through Unit 1 of Reading Street. Students are working on specific comprehension skills and strategies such as identifying the author’s purpose and sequencing a story. Students are continuing to focus on utilizing the RACE strategy to answer comprehension questions. Students also continue to work on Wordly Wise words to enhance our vocabulary. Students are able to use the new words in their writing to improve their overall writing skills.

Fifth Grade students are working to complete Unit 1 of Reading Street in Language Arts. Several themes were addressed in this unit, including survival and segregation, in preparation for our class novel, Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli. We will continue to expand vocabulary using Wordly Wise integrated with Google Classroom.

Mr. Sutera’s Elementary Music Classes: As like most things this year, music in Dumont looks much different than it has in the past. In the upper grades at Honiss School, we have been using our general music time to collaboratively create a “Summer Recap” playlist. Myself and the students have been listening to our favorite songs of the summer and adding them to a playlist. I am using these songs to introduce students to descriptive music words in the categories style/genre, tempo, rhythm/beat, and mood. Students in grades K-3 have been building upon the foundational elements of music the best we can while being safe. I am doing lots of rhythm/beat games and chants with younger student to reinforce both the different between beat and rhythm. For instrumental music, we are in the process of collecting rosters to initiate virtual lessons between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Fifth grade will be starting voluntary group lessons very soon while fourth grade students are still in the process of selecting their instrument as well as renting/buying them. A letter will be sent home with information so students are aware of all materials they need for this year’s instrumental lessons. This will include their instrument and the method book Standard of Excellence.

Mr. Kerber and Mrs. Judge’s Middle School Physical Education Classes: As we begin this unconventional school year, the Honiss PE program has continued to implement the physical education curriculum modified for a blended learning environment. Students have been learning about how to be safe while having fun in all activity environments as well as the benefits of being physically active each day with physical activities they enjoy!

Ms. William’s Middle School General Music Classes: In sixth grade Music, students are learning to read and perform rhythms together both from home and in the classroom. We started our school year with a class discussion on the difference between music and noise. Students collaboratively developed their own criteria for music and picked qualifying items in their homes to serve as their “instruments” for class. Students are now learning rhythm notation and performance through call and response, sight-reading exercises, composition assignments, and musical games.

In seventh grade Music, students are learning about various elements of music through the exploration of film score. Each week is devoted to highlighting a different musical element outlined within the curriculum. Students engage in learning through activities such as written listening reflections, creative writing assignments, class discussions, and music composition projects. Through these activities, they are able to define, aurally identify, and respond to each musical element so they may further understand the role it serves in their own musical experiences and preferences.

In eighth grade Music, students are exploring the history and evolution of American popular music. In juxtaposition to me providing daily instruction detailing different historical figures and styles of blues and jazz music, students are currently working on a research project mapping the musical influences of their favorite musicians. Students selected one musician around whom they would focus this project, researched this artist’s musical background, and cited two musical influences of the selected musician. They are now conducting this same research for these two listed influences, and will continue to branch their research from there. For each musician researched, students are also completing a “Song Profile” on one song by each artist, where they aurally analyze elements of music, reflect on their emotional impression of the music, and identify any resemblance they hear to their originally selected musician. Students are beginning to, in this research, identify blues and jazz musicians we’ve discussed in class as influences to the music they listen to on their own.

Mrs. Andresini, Elementary School Counselor: During the month of October, Ms. Andresini delivered weekly social emotional learning lessons virtually to all K-5 students at Honiss and Selzer on virtual Wednesdays. Weekly lessons are focused on fostering the social emotional skills highlighted in the New Jersey Department of Education Social Emotional Learning Competencies and Sub-Competencies. The focus this month is on the first competency, self-awareness. Students who develop the SEL skill of self-awareness are able to (1) recognize one’s feelings and thoughts, (2) recognize the impact of one’s feelings and thoughts on one’s own behavior, (3) recognize one’s personal traits, strengths, and limitations, and (4) recognize the importance of self-confidence in handling daily tasks and challenges. SEL lessons were created in collaboration with Lorena Meadows and implemented via video on Ms. Andresini’s Google site. Lesson topics included: identifying feelings, anxiety, anxiety management, and empathetic listening. During New Jersey’s week of respect, Ms. Andresini’s lesson highlighted the importance of developing empathy in relation to the way in which we treat others. Ms. Andresini provides individual school counseling for students via zoom during the afternoon portion of their day (between 1:00-3:00pm). Ms. Andresini also sees students’ in-person if a need arises during their school day for cohorts A and B. Ms. Andresini provides social emotional support and addresses issues such as anxiety, emotion regulation, attention/focus, and social skills.

Mrs. Gurjar’s Midle School, School Counselor: Ms. Gurjar assisted students with re-introduction to in-person learning by presenting information through videos uploaded to homeroom google classrooms. Students who asked for individual assistance were provided one-on-one counseling over Google Meet. Ms. Gurjar conducted virtual groups for new students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Students new to the district were invited to participate. Group discussions centered on information about Honiss, important things to know, questions from students, and introduction to middle school life. A virtual group was also conducted for 8th grade students interested in applying to Bergen County Academies. This group focused on educating students about the new application process. Ms. Gurjar continues to be available during the day to intervene in situations identified by teachers (student not attending class, student having difficulty with work completion, emotional support, etc). Individual counseling is conducted as required through Google Meet. Ms. Gurjar participated in 504 meetings (virtual) and other staff team meetings. Ms. Gurjar collaborated with outside agencies (with parental consent) to foster a seamless plan of care for students receiving care from community agencies. Ms. Gurjar attended a virtual information session for Bergen County Academies. Ms. Gurjar also created and distributed an information sheet about high school applications to 8th grade students. Ms. Gurjar consulted with her counterpart at Selzer School to develop materials and strategies for middle school counseling. Ms. Gurjar also assisted with elementary students when necessary. Ms. Gurjar conducted the first HIB investigation for the school year. It was done entirely virtually, with all interviews conducted over Zoom and statements and evidence collected electronically.

GGRRAANNTT SSCCHHOOOOLL

To: Dumont Board of Education Superintendent of Schools From: Richard Gronda Re: Board Report Date: October 13, 2020

Enrollment to date is 397 students, an increase of 17 students since June 19, 2020.

Suspensions in September: none

Fire Drills were conducted in accordance with state law on the following date:

September 17, 2020 (Staff) 1 minute 1 second September 22, 2020 (Cohort A) September 24, 2020 (Cohort B)

Lock Down Drill was held on the following dates:

September 25, 2020 (Cohort B) 9:30 a.m. September 29, 2020 (Cohort A) 9:30 a.m.

Welcome all of the new families and staff to Grant School! We are excited to add new members to our family. New staff members include: third grade teacher Jeneen Pirrotta: Jamie Weglarz and Ekta Pal with Tri Valley; and instructional aides Karli Kolodziej, Lisa Cumella, and Denise Joyce.

We thank Mr. John and his crew for their hard work preparing the building with all our safety measures in place. Student desks are six feet apart and have plastic enclosures on them. Hand sanitizing dispensers can be found throughout the building and the hallways are marked with “Social Distance” signs. Everyone is doing their best to keep the children and staff safe.

During the first few weeks of school, Dr. Gronda trained the teachers on numerous important security procedures and BOE policies to ensure a safe school environment.

The teachers at Grant jumped right in and developed the ever important home- school connection virtually. Grant and the district opened the hybrid program two weeks into the school year. It has been amazing to watch the families, students and teachers at Grant collaborate together and adapt to the platforms of teaching and learning.

The Grant School PTO continues to provide ongoing support to our teachers and students. We are actively researching ways to keep our community connected given the circumstances we are all facing.

Grant School Music is off and running for 2020-2021. Mr. Maleno welcomes back our returning 5th grade band and string students as we welcome our beginner 4th grade instrumentalists. We can’t wait until we can program a traditional concert with our instrumental groups and our 4th and 5th Grade Chorus.

Students in 1st and 2nd grades have been busy learning about music’s essential elements including tempo, pitch, dynamics, melody, and style. Older students have been learning all about the brass family of instruments: trumpet, cornet, horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba.

For the 21st year in a row, 3rd grade students will participate in Link-Up with Carnegie Hall on May 25, 2021. This event will take place live or virtually following state, local, and district guidelines. We thank our parents for supporting opportunities like these so our students can see first-rate musicians perform in world-class concert halls. Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with the sound of music.

Vanessa Abbadessa, Media Specialist

• Updated and maintained media website. • Created google classrooms for Honiss, Lincoln, Grant and Selzer media classes.

Weekly virtual lessons for students in K-5.

All students celebrated “Dot Day” on September 16th. Dot Day was inspired by the book The Dot by Peter T Reynolds. This book was used as part of a SEL lesson to promote a growth mindset when facing challenges.

K-3 learned about the differences between fiction and nonfiction, making inferences and text to self connections. Students created Dot art inspired by the book The Dot, Mural Chalk art inspired by the book Maybe Something Beautiful and made personal connections to the book The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.

4-5 is practicing google classroom, learning computing skills and tools in google slides and is participating in an online book club for the book Sideways Stories from Wayside School.

Fourth and fifth grade students also learned to post to padlet. They used this interactive platform to discuss their summer reading books using multiple forms of multimedia including, text, drawing, and photos.

Students in Mrs. Olivo’s, Mrs. Pirrotta’s, and Ms. Zagaria’s classes recognized the external and internal functions of plants. These structures serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior and reproduction.

Fourth graders will continue to investigate the internal and external structures of animal behaviors and complete experiments in class.

During the month of September, Mrs. Papas and Mrs. Solimano welcomed the students virtually for the first two weeks and began to get acclimated to Virtual Learning. They reviewed basic math skills like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing before beginning their new Envisions Math Program. In addition, they read short stories and discussed the non-fiction elements of: plot, character, theme, setting, conflict, point of view and resolution. They also reviewed RACE as a detailed way to respond to a question. Students learned about the different types of maps, our market economy and the US government as an introduction to next month’s unit of The Election.

For the month of September, students in Ms. Zucconi’s Technology classes have been working on getting themselves organized and set up for virtual learning. Students have been: • introduced to the Technology Website: tinyurl.com/zucconi-tech • given school email addresses and passwords for Gmail and access to Google Drive • Instructed to change the default password to a more unique password • given a username and password for their account on Typing.com • completing lessons in the typing.com program

The third graders in Mrs. Bitetto’s, Mrs. Mufson’s, and Mrs. Pirrotta’s classes are learning strategies to add and subtract numbers using mental math. One strategy for solving addition problems using mental math is to break apart numbers to make a ten, because the ten is easier to add. To play the game, students wrote different 3-digit numbers, on eight slips of paper. The slips were placed in a bag and the teacher selected two at random. They added two numbers by making a ten and breaking apart numbers. Then the students subtracted the lesser number from the greater number using the same mental math strategies. Our third graders are mental math wizards!

Miss Scrofani's 2nd grade class is having a lot of fun getting to know each other and adapting to the new hybrid school year. The kids in the classroom love waving to their classmates on Zoom and vice versa. In language arts, the students have been reading and discussing nonfiction and realistic fiction stories. They are learning about character and setting and how to find the main idea. They are also working on writing complete sentences with subjects, predicates, capital letters, and punctuation. In math, the students are working on adding and subtracting within 20. The 2nd graders are also enjoying reading books on Epic and practicing math and language arts on IXL. They especially love our outdoor snack breaks!

The students in Ms. Ascolese’s, Mrs. Casson’s and Mrs. Marko’s first grade classes did their best to adjust to our new procedures and routines. The children have been careful listeners and direction followers so we can keep one another safe. They reviewed several letter sounds and sight words from Kindergarten and have been practicing addition and subtraction in mathematics. The students wrote a goal for themselves for first grade and learned how to compose a personal narrative that includes an event, a detail and a feeling. The students enjoyed the kickoff of the Space Unit in science.

In Mr. Butler's Physical Education class, grades K-5th are engaging in a physical fitness unit. This unit focuses on all the health-related fitness components while maintaining social distance. The activities vary from in person and online activities, which are fun, engaging and safe for all students.

TO: BOARD OF EDUCATION Dumont, New Jersey SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FROM: LUIS D. LOPEZ, PRINCIPAL SUBJECT: BOARD REPORT DATE: OCTOBER 2020 Enrollment: 160 Drills were conducted in accordance with State law on the following dates: Fire Drill: Security Drill:

Mrs. Bennett’s and Mrs. Costantini’s Kindergarten students have started the year off in a great way! The students are transitioning nicely into their daily routine. We have gone over the rules of the classroom, how to raise their hand, and other important behavioral skills. Each day, students go over the calendar and weather, keep track of the days we’ve been in school, sing our Days of the Week song, and answer a Question of the Day.

Students are well into Unit 1 of Reading Street. Each week we read a big book and focus on Amazing and Power words. Students are also learning many different comprehension skills. Kindergarteners have also started writing their Weekend News using a template. In September, our themes were colors, apples, and “All About Me”. We read several books by our author of the month, Mercer Mayer. For October, ours themes are fall, pumpkins, owls, bats, Fire Prevention Week, and Patterns in our World.

In Math, we have started the new Envisions 2020 Math program. Topic 1 focused on Numbers 0-5. Students learned and practiced counting and writing numbers and also used objects to count. Each lesson begins with Solve & Share and a Virtual Learning video. We have started Topic 2-Compare Numbers 0-5.

In Science, we have learned all about apples. Students have labeled all of the parts of an apple. We have also explored the life cycle of an apple tree. Each day we discuss the weather and complete activities that help students to understand how the weather changes as the seasons do. In Social Studies, we have been reading all about being a responsible citizen. We have discussed all of the traits that help to make us responsible citizens at home, in school, and in our community. Students have learned the importance of rules and laws and how they affect our daily lives.

For the Week of Respect, the kindergarteners listened to the read aloud of the books, Do Unto Otters and Zero. Both stories are about using manners and showing respect to each other. The students gave examples of when to use their manners, and brainstormed ways to show respect to everyone. We also read the story, Sienna’s Rainbow, a story about celebrating our differences and recognizing our own unique traits. Then, the students completed a coloring page with all of the characters from the story. They also created a “Respect Rainbow” of their own by brainstorming different ways to show respect here at school, while also practicing writing the colors of the rainbow.

Kindergarteners are working super hard and adjusting to our new way of learning.

We are off to a great start! September is here and Mrs. Sellari’s and Mrs. Fuchs’ first graders are extremely busy becoming acquainted with the hybrid classroom routines and procedures.

Our classes have already begun learning and participating in morning calendar activities, and journal activities. We have begun to delve right into our new language arts program, Reading Street. Students are becoming familiar with the daily routines of this new program which encompasses, shared reading, guided reading, spelling, phonics, and handwriting all in one.

Through Math, our classes have been reviewing numbers from 1-20, making and interpreting bar graphs, exploring numbers and patterns through the use of manipulatives (counting blocks, attribute blocks, interlocking blocks). Students always participate in several hands-on activities that promote learning through exploration.

Through Science and Social studies, we have been investigating the amazing world we live in. We have been learning about families, community helpers, and living things, weather and the atmosphere. We are looking forward to another rewarding and successful year!

Mrs. Quintero’s second graders are doing random acts of kindness for the month of October. As a whole class, we read, “How Full is Your Bucket?” By Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer. Then we discussed how we may show respect to ourselves, others, and our school. Students filled a giant bucket with ways to full someone’s bucket by listening, saying kind words, and being helpful.

Students are brewing their writing skills through writing. They are learning to build a paragraph by using a four-square template. Students identify the topic and write three support sentences and a wrap-up closing sentence.

During Reading Workshop, students are learning to identify the main idea, characters, setting, problem, and resolution in the story. Students love to draw pictures of what they visualize during a read aloud.

In Math, the second graders are learning to recognize the two parts or addends in a number sentence for addition. Students are mastering their addition facts through the Math Facts Timed test. Students love playing Relay Math Facts games online.

Students are analyzing different communities through Scholastic News and The Kids Discovery. Students are recognizing their own community. They are learning about New Jersey through research. Students are finding the symbols for New Jersey using their text, the internet, and resource books from the library.

In Science, students are discussing rocks and different types of soil as natural resources. Second graders are learning how human activities affect the environment. Students are investigating matter ability to change and if it is reversible.

The 3rd graders at Lincoln School are doing a great job adjusting to this new way of learning with Mrs. Letizia and Ms. Greenwood. They are getting accustomed to their new classroom rules, routines and schedules. Whether they are in Cohort A or B or working ALL Virtually from home, the 3rd graders at Lincoln School are working hard!

In READING students were sorry to say good- bye to Tomie, the main character, from 26 Fairmount Ave as we finished our first novel of the year. They did an amazing job focusing on the Literary Elements (character, setting, plot and theme) while reading their first novel. As we moved on to our Reading Street stories they applied what they learned about Literary Elements while reading When Charlie McButton Lost Power. Students began to focus on other reading strategies like Sequence of Events, Summarizing, Visualizing, Compare and Contrast and using their Background Knowledge(schema) when they read. Students were introduced to the key features of a Narrative Poem. They used the 4-square Method to write a paragraph about the character of Tomie and wrote and shared their own stories about their families. They looked at the key features of a Fable as well, when reading What About Me? It was an interesting fable about trading to get what you need. They will use the 4-Square Method to plan out and write their own fable.

During the "Week of Respect" students listened to the stories Bullies Never Win, Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler and The Recess Queen. A discussion followed after each story about how we should treat others the way we want to be treated and how we are all unique and special in our own way. Each student wrote and decorated their own "Act of Kindness" piece for our class quilt. Students watched a video titled, "Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander" on the Nedshow.com website. They discussed you should never be a bully and how important it is to be an "Upstander" when you see someone being bullied. The focus for the week was on DIVERSITY, TOLERANCE, INCLUSION and KINDNESS.

In Science students are excited about the topic of Earth Science: Weather and Climate. They are focused on doing their new investigations and "Thinking Like a Scientist." In Social Studies they are loving their new worktexts and completing the different activities focused on the topic of Communities. They are learning about the 3 different types of communities, the key features of different types of maps and how to read them to locate different communities.

In MATH students are working hard on the topics of Rounding Numbers, Estimating Sums and Differences. They are reviewing different strategies for Adding and Subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers and how to solve word problems. It has been a busy and productive month for the Lincoln School 3rd graders!

Mrs. Buckley’s fourth graders are working hard this year! They are adjusting to virtual and hybrid learning and giving their best effort!

In math, we working in our new Envisions math program on topic 2. We are reviewing adding, subtracting, and rounding numbers. We are also completing word problems and doing critical thinking while we work. We are continuing Unit 1 of our Reading Street program, and students are refining comprehension skills like finding the author’s purpose and sequencing a story. In writing, the students are writing personal narratives about their own experiences. The students continue to do well with our Wordly Wise vocabulary program and enjoy utilizing Quizlet.com to review and better understand the new and challenging words.

In Social Studies, we have been discussing types of maps and we are also learning about the geography of New Jersey. We are learning about the regions of New Jersey, and environmental problems that are important to acknowledge in our area. In Science, we are focusing on internal and external structures of plants/animals.

During the Week of Respect, we read stories and completed activities that focused on kindness and respecting differences. The students worked on a “rainbow about me” based off the book Sienna’s Rainbow and Yoko by Rosemary Wells. For School Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week, we will discuss different emotions and healthy ways to deal with them. These 4th graders know how to show respect and are excellent role models for the younger students at Lincoln School!

Mrs. Dunne’s Fifth Grade is off to a terrific start! This month we will be wrapping up Unit 1 in Reading Street on What inspires people to act courageously? This tied into our service project where the 5th grade wrote and created google slide designed messages to our servicemen and women. This program assists in helping our brave men and women, their families, and also send care packages to our soldiers.

The students also for our Week of Respect discussed the importance of showing kindness to others. As a class, we brainstormed a list of strong adjectives to describe positive traits and attributes about our classmates. Then each student on a Google Slide typed one trait or attribute about each one of their friends. The students then will make Word Clouds or design their own word clouds on abcya.com or on a Google Slide.

In addition to the Week of Respect, Fall, and Halloween activities, during the month of October, the Kindergarteners with Ms. Jeyakumar at Lincoln School with will be working on position words (in, on, under, top, middle, bottom, over) and color words. They will also practice their power words: a, little, the, to, am. The Reading Street Series for ELLs will be followed. The First Graders will be working on Units on Families, Animals (Koala and the Robin), and Growing and Changing. The Second Graders will be working on Animals and their Habitats and People and Places (Community). The Fourth and Fifth Graders, in addition to their own class work, will be working on writing with details when responding to writing prompts using the Four Square Writing Method. Topics for each grade will be further emphasized with RazKids and Scholastic news.com.

During the month of October we celebrate a week of respect. Ms. Thoms’ students will be watching, “Mr. Omar’s Classroom on Respect”. Afterwards, the students will discuss the ways Mr. Omar explains how to respect others, animals, and yourselves. Then they will respond in writing to situations such as: On the playground, another child accidentally runs into you. What would you do? You and a friend run to the drinking fountain at the same time. Who drinks first? The number one lesson about respect is, of course, the Golden Rule! This rule should be carried out all year long.

Mrs. Wagner’s kindergarteners will be starting their first unit on line types in art. We will learn about three main line types: vertical, horizontal and diagonal. We will learn how to trace lines with a ruler. We will also learn about warm and cool color sets. First Grade will be learning some basic typography terms, serif and sans serif. We will be creating name pictures in the style of Jasper Johns, using a wax resist technique and markers. Second Grade will be learning about symmetry. We will be creating a symmetrical creature using our imaginations and storytelling ideas. Third Grade will be exploring the color wheel, learning how to mix colors with various mediums, crayons, colored pencils and markers, to accentuate a color blend. Fourth Grade will use overlapping bottle shapes to construct a color wheel composition. Fifth Grade will use their names to create reflective mirroring design, using their first name as a design element. We will discuss why artists limit their color choices to show emphasis. Most importantly, we will be fostering an atmosphere that includes creative expression, respect and kindness towards each other as we adapt to our hybrid learning environment.

September has gotten off to a great start in Mrs. Green’s speech classes. The students are glad to be back learning again in person or virtually.

Establishing the schedule is always a challenge particularly this year. Trying to coordinate the Cohort A/B and taking into consideration all the specials, resource room and basic skills, pull out or push in, is a real task.

Each student had an opportunity to meet with Mrs. Green to determine accurately what his or her current goals need to be. Parent received letters of introduction and phone calls explaining the various schedules including in person and virtual Speech sessions. The students are being seen, received notebooks and a series of upcoming activities to be addressed as we go. We all look forward to an interesting and exciting new year.

This month the music department at Lincoln School with Mr. Chester will be busy getting students started on band and orchestra instruments, scheduling the instrumental classes and rehearsals, and selecting music. The general music classes will focus on listening to, watching, and participating with videos of the music lessons. Activities will include movement, and drumming using “found percussion,” all in the mode of hybrid learning.

Ms. Pavlik and Ms. Rivers have been diligently working on administering DIBELS and the DRA2 to both virtual and hybrid students. We are working on our schedules, identifying the students for BSI, updating the BSI database and getting the ISIP folders put together so classes can begin soon! We are eager for classes to start!

In Mrs. Suero’s class K-2 students are identifying the colors in Spanish. Students are making Mi Libro de Colores in Spanish expressing their favorite colors. Third grade is learning the letters of the alphabet and its corresponding sounds. Scholars are also associating one Spanish word with each letter of the alphabet. Students are practicing their pronunciation by reaching the top of the ladder while playing Vocabulary ladder. We are also excited to do WORD HUNT students hunt for the English translation of each Spanish word on their chart in order to complete the chart and find the hiding message. Fourth and Fifth grade are learning about the spanish speaking countries and their geographical location. Right now we are focusing on Central America and their capital cities.

Students in Ms. Lallave’s P.E. classes at Lincoln School in grades K-2 were eager to jump-start October with a unit in “Spatial Awareness”. Students are learning how to move through personal and general space through different locomotor movements. Students are learning how to do these things through different tag and movement games, remembering to always stay in our personal space so everyone remains safe. Meanwhile, the 3-5 grade classes started a unit in “Soccer”. Students were extremely enthusiastic about soccer. We started learning how to dribble, pass, stop, and shoot the soccer ball.