I. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

 Doyle School

Pre K Age 4 Full Day Inclusion- Mrs. Rightmyer/ Ms. Molta

January was a fun-filled month for our Pre-K class! We were all so eager and excited to come back to school and share what we did over Christmas break. It was Pet/Vet Theme in our classroom! We had a Veterinary Hospital, an Obedience School, the Groomers, a Pet Bakery, a Pet Shop and a Pet Accessories Store. This theme was so much fun! To bring our classroom theme to life, we decided to take a trip to the Animal Hospital of Hasbrouck Heights! There, we saw all different rooms and tools that treat sick animals. There was a dental room, an x-ray room, a treatment room, and a recovery room. While there, we even saw a cat who was recovering from surgery! His name was Charlie. To go along with our theme, we did our first real project! We researched any animal of our choice and learned two new facts about it. Then, we made posters to present to the class!

Each week of this month we learned letters L, M, N and O! We also learned how to read and write the sight word “play.” Poetry Cafe is something that we now do every Friday. On Mondays, we learn a new rhyme. We practice that rhyme all week. So far we have learned ‘I’m a Little Teapot,’ ‘Jack and Jill,’ and ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ At our Poetry Cafe on Fridays, we all sit around with a cup of hot chocolate and take turns reciting our rhyme of the week. It is so much fun.

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Pre K Full Day Self Contained- Ms. Albonico

This month, our Pre-K started the new Tools of the Mind theme: Pet/Vet. The centers include the vet, pet shop, obedience school, pet shelter, pet bakery, and the groomers. The students enjoy interacting in these centers and pretending they are taking care of the animals.

All of the Pre-K classes took the bus and went on a class trip to the Animal Hospital in Hasbrouck Heights. The students got a tour of the hospital and saw a cat that stayed overnight at the Hospital. They enjoyed going there and exploring what an Animal Hospital looks like.

The students also learned the letters J, K and L. They learned songs and did crafts that start with those letters. In the morning, the students answered a mystery question. This month we changed that to matching shapes. They are all doing a great job finding the matching shapes. The students also learned a few nursery rhymes. We say these nursery rhymes each day!

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Pre K Age 4 Full Day- Ms. Pollaro

January started our Tools of the Mind Pet Vet Theme. We had a veterinarian in the dramatic play center with x-rays, stethoscopes, and other doctor tools. In our literacy center, we created our own pet shop, where you can buy all your pet accessories. We also had a groomers, obedient school, and animal shelter.

We learned letters L, M, and N and completed crafts that associated with those letters. We took a field trip to the Hasbrouck Heights Animal Hospital! It was so much fun! We paired up with the 2nd grade for some book buddy time. We also started our Preschool Poetry Café! We drink hot chocolate or chocolate milk and read nursery rhymes.

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Pre K Age 3 PM Session- Ms. Nolan

January was a great start to the New Year for the Preschool children. Everyone came back ready to learn more letters and numbers. During this month we covered letters K, L, and M. Students created crafts that incorporate the letters, learned the sounds, and how to write each letter using the strokes from graphics practice. To incorporate our new themes that involved the doctor’s office and Veterinarian, students made x-rays of their hands, and created pets that would want to adopt. We took our first field trip to the Veterinarian’s office in Hasbrouck Heights with the other preschool classes.

In January, we continued to add new activities, additional freeze dance cards, and mystery question shapes. Tools of the Mind activities included number hopscotch; I have who has numbers, science eyes and making collections. Students really love our new activities that involve shapes and numbers. During the last week in January, the class focused on numbers one through twenty and reviewed all the letters we have learned so far. The children are looking forward to our next theme, community because they enjoy living in Wood-Ridge.

Kindergarten- Mrs. DePalma

Our class came back from winter break with so much enthusiasm. We have added many more high frequency words and word families to our list of words to know. We have started reading sentences using our high frequency words and word families. Also these words have helped us to read the books on Raz kids at home. Through reading and writing our vocabulary has definitely grown.

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In writing we are learning to expand our sentences. We try to be more descriptive when we write so that it gives a better picture about our story of Jack and Annie and their adventures.

In math, we have learned about addition and subtraction. We not only learned the words add, take away, and sum, but we also learned the signs t, -, and =.We Can also count to 100 in many different ways – by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s.

In social studies we reads about talked about Martin Luther King and his dream. Our class drew pictures about their dreams and their friendships with one another.

So far we are enjoying our kindergarten year and its adventures. We are now half way through and have so much more to learn.

Kindergarten- Ms. Goodlin

We have been focusing on many topics in class in reading and writing class we have been reading, writing and acting out Magic Tree House stories for Night of the Ninjas. 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 making Peanut masks (new character) and creating Japanese crafts such as fans and lanterns.

Our Math topics we have been focusing on stories about separating and using the minus sign in subtraction sentences. In Science we have focused on topics that are inspired from our Literacy Block (Magic Tree House) and have focused on how shadows are created. We used a new program on our website, BrainPop Jr. to check out the topic and drew our shadows outside.

In social studies we have been discussing how to make good choices and in Health class we have read and discussed the topic of fairness in school and in History. Finally we have had a few lessons on Raz-Kids, ABCya.com and use Rosetta Stone on Wednesdays learning Spanish.

Kindergarten- Mrs. Pagliocca/Mrs. Nass

Our kindergarten cuties returned from winter recess looking bigger and smarter. The children are so excited to be reading. They now have a special folder, that goes home with a book to be read to someone that includes the word families and memory bank words we are learning. The folder is returned with comments that tell how the child read the book. It is a wonderful way to get feedback from the parents to see how their child is progressing at home as well as at school. The children are able to count to higher numbers and skip count to reach 100 quickly. They love playing games at the center with their buddy to help them with learning numbers and the value of them. We have also been subtracting and adding using story problems.

It was very exciting to learn about Jack and Annie’s adventure in Japan. The children loved role playing as Ninjas. It is wonderful to see how their minds are absorbing so much information

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 5 about each adventure they take with Jack and Annie. We get such a thrill watching them learn each day!

Speech Therapist- Ms. Allen

Therapy Session Activities

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.

This month we did a winter speech craft. Each student created a snowflake by folding and cutting squares of paper. The children took turns with their speech work while working on the craft. They then had to follow directions on how to make the snowflake.

Professional Activities

• Continue to help train and mentor the new Speech Language Specialist and get her acquainted with district policies and speech program to ensure a consistent speech program. • Researched current games/activities to enforce speech and language skills within therapy. • Completed in district evaluations: preschool, related service and speech only. • Completed PLAAFP and Goals and Objectives for Related Service students • Attended Planning/Eligibility/Annual Review IEP meetings for Related Service students • Held declassification meetings for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Completed annual reviews for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students

Speech- Ms. Rustad

Therapy Session Activities

Happy New Year! All students continued to work hard in their small group/individual therapy sessions, throughout the month of January. This month, at WRIS, we did a craft to honor Mr. Recchione and his retirement with the theme “You were o“fish”ally the best principal ever”. Children took turns with their speech goals while working on a fish craft. At Doyle, we used winter themed words and questions when working on speech and language goals. Therapy sessions continue to be individualized to each child’s needs, and technology of the iPad is being incorporated into therapy sessions as appropriate. Other winter and holiday books and conversation topics were used in therapy sessions as well!

Professional Activities • Collaborated with teachers and staff in regards to speech and language goals of students Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 6

• Collaborated with teachers in regards to speech and language scheduling • Researched current games/activities to enforce speech and language skills within therapy • Completed out of district re-evaluations • Completed in district re-evaluations • Completed initial evaluations • Completed annual reviews for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Completed re-evaluations for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Completed PLAAFP and Goals and Objectives for Related Service Students • Attended IEP/Eligibility/Evaluation meetings for Related Service Students • Attended IEP/Eligibility/Evaluation meetings for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Attended professional development workshops

Grade 1- Mrs. Hahn

Our first graders started the New Year on the right track. In word study, we continued our units of consonant blends. We learned the s-blends and ending consonant blends. We worked in centers and created many activities to go along with these two blends.

In reader's workshop, we worked on identifying patterns in books to help us become fluent readers. We first focused on word patterns to help us with our decoding skills. Then we focused on identifying specific patterns in a story, such as finding a repeating phrase, using questions and answers and growing and shrinking patterns. We learned these skills using some or our favorite stories, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? And The Napping House.

In writer’s workshop, we continued our unit of How-To Writing. After we worked on several How-To pieces together, the children took the skills and created their own How-To Books. The students had such wonderful ideas. We celebrated our writing with our Publishing Party. In Math, the students we began our unit of number patterns. With the help of a 100’s Chart and block, students practiced skip counting by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. They learned how skip counting can make counting faster.

In science, our young scientists have started to explore outer space. Focusing on the sun, the students learned about the importance of our sun and how it plays a big role in our daily lives. We will continue exploring outer space.

Grade 1- Mrs. Jupinka

January came in quite calm in our class. The children enjoyed their vacation and “seemed” eager to get back to work!

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During our literacy block, we are moving along with our Orton sequence and will be starting long vowels within the next couple of weeks. We just completed our 85th red word! The children are becoming amazing readers as we work within our center groups each day. The children have just been introduced to non-fiction stories which will be quite helpful during Writers Workshop since we will be writing “all about” books. The children have recently completed their “how to” books. They worked so hard and they came out great!

In health, we finished up our study of germs and have moved into Dental Health. We will also be working on “healthy hearts” to coincide with Jump Rope for Heart.

The first grade enjoyed their field trip to South Orange Performing Arts Center for a math magic show! Such cool tricks!

Happy February!

Grade 1- Ms. Cortina

1-CO kicked off the year great! Everyone was so excited to come back to school and start the year off fresh.

In Word Study, we learned initial s blends and we played a game called Musical blending. As the music was playing, children moved around the plates. When the music stopped, the kids stopped in front of a plate. If they blended a real word, they stayed in the game. If they blended a nonsense word, they were out. They loved this! We learned the final blend –ck and they loved singing the song Miss Mary Mack! We learned the word family -ng. My students enjoyed making an ice cream cone project, and on each scoop they had to write a word with the –ng ending. Our final skill of the month was –nk. My students loved reading through a poem, and finding all of the words with an –nk ending. We reached 80 red words this month. We are on a ball!

In Reader’s Workshop, we learned about all of the different types of patterns we can find in books. We covered repeating patterns, question and answer patterns, growing patterns, and shrinking patterns. My students enjoyed reading The Napping House and There Was an Old Lady Who Shallowed a Fly. At the end of the month, we covered how to make predictions while reading a text.

In math, we learned how to read, count, and write numbers 11 through 19. We learned the terms more than and fewer than. We learned how to count groups of ten and write how many. My students really enjoyed learning how to skip count! We played skip counting hopscotch and counted by 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s as we jumped around the room. At the end of the month, we learned how to break a number up into group of tens and ones.

In Writer’s Workshop, we worked on our how- to writing. Everyone did a great job with this type of writing. We learned how to incorporate transition words to keep our writing organized. Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 8

They learned that if you’re writing a how –to you need a material/need list, pictures to go with your writing, and a title. We finished our unit on How-to this month and had our publishing party. I am so proud of my students! They really worked hard and were excited to read their finished product!

In social studies, we learned about how people’s jobs help others. My students made trading cards of their favorite community helpers and wrote how they help people on the back. We also learned about spending and saving money, and where people can put money to keep it safe. I gave my students scenarios and they told me if it’s a way to save or spend money.

Grade 1- Ms. Cucuzza

Time flies when you’re having fun!

In Reader’s Workshop, 1CU has wrapped up our fourth unit of study, Discovering Patterns. This unit taught us how to discover patterns that can be found in books to help us with our reading. Through mini lessons, students have learned how to make predictions before and during reading, and how to retell stories using growing, shrinking, and repeating patterns. We have also worked with our reading partners on identifying these patterns in books. 1CU has worked so hard building our reading stamina each month, and our class is now able to maintain focus during independent reading for 20 minutes!

In Word Study, students continue to learn new word patterns through the Orton-Gillingham three-part drill. We started the New Year with initial s blends, and from there moved to word endings. Students were excited to learn how to encode and decode words with –ck endings, as well as –nk and –ng. Students practice new skills/ patterns in their daily literacy centers. This continues to be our favorite part of the day! Students rotate through five centers throughout the week, which include build-mix-fix with red words, listening to reading on iPads, reading with the teacher, green word work, and choice writing. We have also mastered 20 new red words to apply to our reading and writing!

With the enVision math series, children have completed Topic 6, Subtraction Facts to 20. In this topic, students focused on strategies to make subtraction easier. This includes using addition to help you subtract and making a fact family. We have also completed Topic 7, Counting and Number Patterns to 120. In this topic, we learned how to skip count by 10 to 120. We also learned how to skip count by 2 and 5, as well as how to count on a hundreds chart. Students love practicing our basic math facts daily with our Karate Math Belt Club. Students have become so excited about mastering their basic math facts and moving up to different color belts!

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In Writer’s Workshop, we have wrapped up our second unit of study, How-To Writing. After completing How-To Make a S’more, students were able to choose a How-To topic of their own. Students had to provide their reader with precise details and steps in how to accomplish a specific task. Students are hard at work at their editing and revision stations, prepping their work for our publishing party. We are very excited to start our next unit of study.

January has been a great month in 1CU, and we are super excited to see what February has in store!

POR/RTI Grade 1/2- Mrs. Caicedo

January was an exciting month in the Resource Room! 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. We explored books that are on our reading level and of interest to us and practiced decoding skills learned in Orton- Gillingham. 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 reviewed are initial letter sounds, beginning and ending blends, in addition to long vowel sounds. Finally, we have been using passages from Reading A-Z to help build fluency and accuracy while reading.

In math, second grade has been working on place value and using different strategies to master two-digit addition, with and without regrouping. First grade has been working on subtraction and addition strategies, and recognizing how facts are related.

Additionally RTI classes are meeting on a weekly basis where students have been working on decoding, encoding and phonemic awareness through Orton-Gillingham and reading comprehension skills using resources from Reading A-Z.

POR/RTI Grade 3- Mrs. Gibney

January flew by so fast! In our IMSE Orton-Gillingham sequence, we focused on “bossy r” (r controlled vowels), dipthongs ow and ou, and igh. Also during this month, we reviewed initial and final consonant blends, the suffix –ed, special endings of –ng, -nk, and –ck, “ph” sound, magic/silent e, and vowel diagraphs. In addition, we constantly review red words to build mastery and add to our vocabulary wall.

January was also the month for grammar. The students studied nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. The students especially loved making adjective snowmen for our class bulletin board.

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We are also working on our comprehension: we continue to discuss main and minor characters, character traits, and settings. We continue to examine main idea. During the month of January, we focused on fables (and finding the moral), folk tales, and legends. The children loved reading some of Aesop’s fables like “The Tortoise and the Hare” and enjoyed reading some folk tales and legends such as “Johnny Appleseed”, and “John Henry”.

Since February is Black History Month, we are looking forward to reading biographies of famous African Americans.

POR/RTI Math Grade 3- Ms. Humphrey

My math students have been working very hard in January! We have completed topic 6 and 7 of our envision Math program. The students learned how to find the product to a multiplication problem quickly. They have also memorized most of their facts and I am so proud of them! During class we have played multiplication bingo, “I have, who has?” and other fun multiplication games.

Recently, the students have started to learn division. They are already making connections between known multiplication facts and division problems. We will continue learning division in February.

Grade 2- Mrs. Engel

In Reader’s Workshop we have been “Constructing Our Reading Lives” and “Flexing Our Reading Muscles”. This unit was all about readers joining the worlds of the characters they read about, becoming actively involved in investigating how characters act. In this unit the students listened to a variety of stories written by the author Kevin Henkes. They made predictions, Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 11

activated schema, and made multiple types of connections to what they were reading. The students not only learned about the characters in their stories, but they learned something from them.

In Writer’s Workshop the students have completed their informational brochures on animals. Students worked in one of the following animal groups - butterflies, whales, penguins, or frogs. Each group was responsible for finding facts about their animal’s habitat, appearance, and diet. After gathering the necessary information the students wrote three paragraphs for their brochure. Their hard work will be displayed on our outside bulletin board for the month of February.

In Math we have completed Topic 8. The students have been practicing skills for adding two- digit numbers. The students learned how to regroup 10 ones for 1 ten. They have been adding two-digit numbers with one-digit number with and without regrouping. They have also learned how to add 2 two-digit numbers with or without regrouping. The students have also learned how to add on a number line. At the end of this Topic the students learned how to draw pictures and write number sentences to solve addition problems.

We are using multi-sensory techniques from Orton-Gillingham program to learn how to spell and read words during Word Study. The students have practiced reading and spelling words with the digraph /ph/. They have also reviewed the spelling rule for when to use the digraph ck (1 syllable word, short vowel, add -ck). The students have also reviewed the rule for vowel teams (when two vowels go a walking the first one does the talking). They have been practicing how to read and spell words with the vowel teams /ea/ & /oe/.

We continued our unit on Habitats in Science. The students learned about the Desert Habitat. First, the students wrote down one fact they already knew about this habitat on a post-it note. They added their post-it notes to a KWL chart under the letter K. As a class we generated some questions about things we would like to learn about the Desert under the letter W. Next, we watched a video about the Desert on Brainpop Jr. Afterwards, the students wrote a new fact they learned about the Desert on a post-it. They placed their post-it under the letter L on our KWL chart. For our experiment, we took a wet paper towel and rolled it up in wax paper. The wax paper represented the texture of a cactus’s outside layer. The experiment showed the students how this outer covering keeps the paper towel moist. The students then related this information to how the outer covering of a cactus helps it retain water. The students are excited to learn about our last two habitats-Woodland Forests and Ponds.

Grade 2- Ms. Sanzari

The first month of 2016 flew by! Time flies when you are having fun in second grade!

In math, we finished topic 8 and started topic 9. Topic 8 focuses on adding two-digit numbers with regrouping ten ones for one ten. They created awesome hot cocoa mugs for our bulletin board where they were required to sort the addition problems into the correct mug that read, “Regroup” or “Don’t Regroup”. Topic 9 is subtracting two-digit numbers with regrouping. The children are doing a great job with addition and subtracting two-digit numbers! Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 12

We are using multi-sensory techniques from Orton-Gillingham program to learn how to spell and read words during Word Study. First, the students learned the digraphs ph and gh. Next, the students learned the spelling rules for –ck. Finally, the students learned how to spell ir, ur, and er words.

In Reader’s Workshop we have be working with Investigating the Minds of Characters. We began this unit off by paying close attention to the characters in the story. Also, we made predictions about the characters in the stories we read. In addition, we paid close attention to the personalities and the feelings of the characters. Also, we learned about making connections to our own lives, another book, and the world around out to the stories we are reading. The students enjoyed making connections to the books they read.

In grammar, we continued to work on different aspects to enhance our writing. First, we covered irregular plural nouns. Next, we covered possessive nouns and the students completed a scoot game to practice creating possessive nouns. Also, the students learned about how each sentence requires a subject and a predicate. Finally, the students learned about compound sentences and how to use them correctly, in their writing.

In Writer’s Workshop, the students completed “Animal Research Books”. The students were required to choose an animal and research their habitat, diet, family, and appearance. The students really enjoyed learning interesting facts about their animal and sharing it with their classmates.

In health, we focused on germs. The students completed a glitter activity to demonstrate how quickly germs spread. They loved it! Also, the students learned about different ways to prevent getting sick. Finally, the students learned about medicine and how important it is to be cautious of the different things we take.

Grade 2- Mrs. Albanese

The month of January was all about turning a new leaf! The New Year brought us many new things such as New Year’s Resolutions. The students each created school Resolutions which included how they can become a better student, things they will stop doing this year and books they would like to read in 2016! We also observed Dr. Martin Luther King Day. In reading we read various stories about the life of MLK and in social studies we focused on his speeches and the way he shaped the way we look at segregation today. In Social Studies, the students worked on a "Deserted Island Project". Each class was told they were about to be dropped off on a deserted island. They would be alone for 3 days, but got to bring 1 item with them to the island to help them survive. After learning about needs and wants, the students were beyond creative with their choices! From fishing poles and axes for hunting, to tents and grills for cooking! In math, we started to add with regrouping and later on in the month, we started to subtract a two digit number from a two digit number with and without regrouping. We practiced using a number line to help us add and subtract as well! In writing, we started to write our own Expository Texts. The students came up with a topic that they love and had to explain the Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 13

reasons why by using a because sentence. They also now understand the components of writing a beginning, middle and an end!

Grade 2- Mrs. Negro

The students in Room 106 are starting off 2016 by becoming more sophisticated math students. They have mastered an important skill, adding with regrouping, that they will use for the rest of their lives. They have learned that there are different strategies that they can use to solve a two- digit addition problem such as modeling with cubes, drawing, mental math, number lines, and pencil and paper. They are beginning to learn another important math skill, subtraction with regrouping.

The students are growing as readers as well. In January, we began an in-depth study of characters. We read many of the stories that Kevin Henkes wrote and discussed his characters Chrysanthemum, Owen, Wemberly, Lilly, and Chester. Students discussed the changes that characters made from the beginning to the end of the stories and practiced making connections to the stories we read together as well as to independent reading books. We worked on becoming better readers by using Orton Gillingham strategies to decode and encode words. Students worked on mastering different vowel teams and on the different spellings of the r controlled vowels.

In writing, students worked on creating a realistic fiction story. Students worked through different steps of prewriting and listened to different mentor texts read aloud. Students created their own stories and then worked hard to edit and revise them. Students were proud to share their finished stories with the class. Students also worked on making their writing easier to read by learning more grammar skills.

Students continue to use the iPads to access the Rosetta Stone program. They are improving their skills in their selected language—Spanish or Italian.

Grade 3- Ms. Moccia

This month, 3-M math students came back from winter break ready to continue their quest to be Multiplication Masters! Students are working hard on facts 1 through 12. We reinforce these facts daily through songs, playing multiplication around the world, and taking multiplication “Belt Tests.” In Topic 6, students learned the remainder of the Multiplication Times Tables. These Multiplication Times Tables were 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. While learning these times tables the students continued to practice multiplication problem solving strategies. We have completed Topic 6, our final multiplication unit, and recently moved on to Topic 7. In Topic 7, we begin to learn the meaning of division!

This month we began our first Science Unit. In our first Science Unit we studied Earth’s Resources. We learned all about Earth’s rocks, soil, fossils, water, and renewable/ nonrenewable resources. Also, we conducted our first Science Lab. In this lab we studied several different types of rocks. The students had to match similar rocks based on their characteristic and then Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 14

had to figure out how each rock was formed. We look forward to doing more Science Labs in our next Science Unit; which studies Earth’s Surface.

Grade 3- Ms. Zielinski

• Literacy

In literacy, the students developed their sequencing skills by using clues within a story to help them demonstrate a deeper understanding of events as they happen in the text. We also identified transition words that give clues to the order of events in a story. In addition, we have also been working on developing our comprehension skills with “blind reads” (stories we have never read before) and reading the text carefully and closely in order to gain a firm grasp of the content. The students then use the text to apply learned skills and have been practicing methods for determining the best possible answer and using the text as a basis for support and evidence when reading. The students have been working extremely hard to demonstrate a close read of literature and demonstrate a firm understanding of comprehension.

In writing, the students most recently published informational writing pieces in which the students were able to use the Chromebooks to research a topic and then incorporate that information into an organized writing piece. We wrapped up our informational unit by taking a writing prompt, discussing it’s meaning, and walking through how we could take that writing prompt and turn it into a properly developed piece.

• Social Studies

In social studies, we wrapped up our final unit on cultural diversities throughout the nation. The social studies book has served as an excellent tool for informational text and has strengthened the student’s ability to find evidence and information within the text.

Grade 3-Mrs. Hynes

Math: The snow covered playground may have stopped us from running around outside but inside we are still busy exercising our brains as we continue to rack up multiplication belts! Students are making great progress mastering the times tables with our karate inspired belt tests! In addition, our math class began learning division this month. Our focus was on the meaning of division and the various types of real world problems that can be solved using division. Students learned a number of methods including repeated subtraction and using tally and multiplication tables to solve equations.

Science: With much enthusiasm and anticipation we began science this month! Students were very excited to embark on this new subject! Our studies begin with the Earth and the minerals and elements from which it is made. We completed our first lab this month about rocks. Students were able to examine various types of rock and compare and contrast the different properties of each sample. Students were then challenged to identify various samples by using Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 15 what they had learned. The lab was a huge hit and has certainly sparked the students’ excitement about science. We look forward to discovering more about the Earth’s makeup next month!

Grade 3- Mrs. Campagna

Happy winter! Please continue to check your child’s planner each night as well as my web site for important dates, reminders, and homework. It’s hard to believe that 3rd marking period is already here!

In Readers Workshop, students continue to apply several literacy skills and strategies. Using RACE and citing evidence is now being applied across the curriculum. Book Talks, Book Clubs, and Literature Circles remain a daily routine. Students are also applying PRAC an acronym for completing questions on the PARCC test. Not sure what the letters stand for?? Just ask your child and they will be happy to give you a lesson.

In period 2/3, students journeyed to the deep, dark, depths of the ocean with Eugenie Clark. Eugenie is also known as the shark lady! This nonfiction text was filled with adventure, suspense, and incredible shark facts. Students enjoyed learning about the creatures of the deep. They also gained a new appreciation for sharks. The book taught students to respect sharks and their habit. Sharks are amazing creatures that should be studied rather than feared. Students used their Chrome Books to access various web sites to learn interesting facts about sharks that are not so famous. Each student created an informational poster highlighting facts about their shark. The shark cam was accessed daily which proved to be an anxious adventure for all of us! I must admit, I caught myself holding my breath waiting for a shark to come into view of the live cam! Book number six…here we come!!! Our Informational Text unit of Reader’s Workshop continues next month. Each student will have the chance to read about someone and pick their own Who Was book from my library. Check out the pictures of my students researching sharks and watching the live shark cam.

In period 6/7, students entered the quiet world of Helen Keller. Students learned that Helen did not let her disabilities get in the way of her success. While reading, students identified many different traits for Helen and her family members. By comparing and contrasting characters, students learned how each person in Helen’s life handled her daily struggles differently. We gained an appreciation for our ability to see and hear along with our ability to communicate with people that we love. Students visited several web sites and watched actual videos of Helen working with her teacher and mentor, Annie Sullivan. While accessing various web sites on their Chrome Books, students jotted down new and interesting facts about Helen. These facts were turned into informational posters. Great facts were learned and shared about Helen Keller’s extraordinary life! We certainly traveled on one amazing and different journey this month! Our Informational Test unit of Reader’s Workshop continues next month. Each student will have the chance to read about someone and pick their own National Geographic book from my library. Check out the pictures of my students researching Helen and watching news footage about her.

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In Writer’s Workshop, we completed the second part of our unit of informational text by letters to Mr. Albro to inform him about the interesting people each class read about. Students accessed several sites on their Chrome Books and took notes about Eugenie Clark and Helen Keller before writing their letter.

2016 is starting out to be, yet another, amazing year! Great job 3rd grade!! Keep me smiling. Parents please remember…I am an email away at [email protected].

Music- Mr. LaBelle

During the month of January, second and third grades started their music history units, studying relevant composers who have had an impact on the music today and how they started new genres such as “rock n’ roll”, “soul”, or “folk-rock”, etc. In January, students studied three composers from the 1950s: Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Ray Charles. At the end of January, students studied all three for a cumulative test via Jeopardy format.

First graders worked on studying line and space notes, and were able to write in notes for the song “Minuet” (Reinagle). Students played in groups and students who practiced exceptionally well played solo for the class.

First graders and Kindergarten also worked on using rhythms to tell time to the hour.

Physical Education- Mrs. Rose-Rella

In the month of January, all students continued working on manipulative skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting a basketball and throwing/catching various objects. Basketball lead up games were played, such as knockout and team basketball races. Teamwork and good sportsmanship were the focus of these games.

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Library/Media- Ms. Lewis

All grades shared what their favorite books are. All grades became familiar with new book checkout procedures.

In Kindergarten we read the book “One” which tells the story of the color blue and how red was mean to him. We discussed how blue felt and why everyone became friends. We then did a craft showing how all the colors are now friends.

Grade 1 read “How to Read a Story” and discussed where we liked to read stories. We then wrote a letter to the author and drew a picture of our favorite place to read.

Grade 2 read “Rosie Revere, Engineer” and discussed how you should never quit. And just like Rosie, the students invented a robot and wrote about what their robot could do. Grade 2 read “Our Librarian Won’t Tell Us Anything”. We talked about spine labels and calls numbers to enable the students to understand the organization of books. We toured the library naming the different sections. Students also sorted spine labels.

Grade 3 viewed a PowerPoint on the Dewey Decimal system and started the “Dewey Duck” project, learning about nonfiction call numbers. Students in grades 2 and 3 were introduced to the library’s online catalog.

Art- Mrs. Amerman

In January, the PreK artists finished their robot collages and completed some Heart work inspired by Jim Dine. We began by discussing and practicing different ways of drawing hearts, such as the “two candy canes” method and the “letter m on top of a letter v” method. Then each student chose their favorite way and drew one large heart on the front of a piece of watercolor paper. Then they used warm colors of oil pastels to embellish their hearts with patterns and designs inside and outside the heart. Looking at Jim Dine’s Confetti Heart, we talked about he used many different colors of paint, dabbing them in short brush strokes all over the artwork. Students then painted with watercolor paint in the primary colors, which allowed for fun Color mixing discoveries where colors overlapped and touched.

The Kindergarten artists completed their collages inspired by Eric Carle. Their collages had two requirements: they must contain an owl, and they must tell a story. Students were encouraged to think more critically about their work when deciding if it successfully told their intended story. When students were satisfied that their art contained enough detail, they dictated their stories to Mrs. Amerman and their class paraprofessionals, who then wrote them down to be displayed with their work.

First grade artists continued their lesson on Space by looking at the seascape paintings of Frederic Church and talking about how we can tell which objects are closer and which objects are farther away in the paintings. Students learned that they as artists can use two tricks to make it look like objects are close or far away in space the size of the object and the spot that they Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 18

place it in. In the “here” spot, the closest objects are the largest and are placed at the bottom. In the “near” spot, objects are medium sized and placed in the middle in order to look not too close but not too far. In the “far” spot, we make objects small and place them at the top, but not above the horizon line! First graders created three icebergs from textured paper, one for each spot, and glued them down once they were satisfied with the arrangement. More to come in February.

The second grade artists began their first sculpture lesson of the year by discussing how a sculpture is art that is 3D, which means it isn’t flat, it pops out! We compared it to seeing a 3D movie. When we put on the 3D glasses, it makes the objects on the screen pop out. When we watch a regular movie, everything on the screen stays flat, or 2D. The second graders began their sculptures of hearts by forming a flat sheet of aluminum foil into a 3D heart, then wrapping it in masking tape until all the foil was covered. Next, they learned about the paper mache process to cover their hearts in a layer of newspaper strips dipped in paper mache paste. More about these sculptures to come in February!

Third grade artists began their first sculpture lesson of the year by creating sculptures of people in motion. We began by looking at realistic sculptures of people and discussing how sculpture artists draw from live models to help them create sculptures of people that look so real and convincing. Students then took turns modeling for their classmates as they drew a series of gesture drawings, which are quick and simple drawings that show how a person’s body is posed or moving. Next, students created armatures for their sculptures, which are like the skeletons for our bodies because they support the muscles and skin that surround them. They created these armatures out of pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, and tape. Third graders then positioned their armatures to be doing their favorite activity or showing an emotion. They secured their armatures to a cardboard base with tape, and then added a wire for extra support. Stay tuned to see what we do in February!

Mrs. Gottlieb- ESL

The students spoke about what they did on vacation. One student spent most of the time in Florida where he visited some of the theme parks and had a wonderful time. This month the students learned more sight words to expand their vocabularies and facilitate reading. They wrote the words and created sentences using the words correctly. The teacher read, “Kids See,” to the students and they were anxious to read the sight words. They also observed, “Picnic,” and named the foods and bugs they saw. Then the students drew their own pictures of a picnic. Another book that was read to the class was, “Mia Sets the Stage,” and the students retold the story and used the sight words. The next book was, “Shapes,” which pictured geometric shapes which were familiar from math exposure. The students were given copies of the shapes to color, label and cut out. Then they were glued to a background paper to make a collage which was displayed in the classroom.

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 Intermediate School

Grade 4 – Ripp (DiCori ICS ELA/SS) Reading- This month we have finished up our Nonfiction unit for Reader’s Workshop. The students spent time reading books and various other articles to learn the text structure, compare and contrast. We have learned clue words when looking for this structure in nonfiction texts, and the students loved making Venn Diagrams for various topics to practice the skill. As a culminating activity for our compare and contrast mini unit, the students read several articles and watched videos about endangered animals. They gathered information from the articles and became “text detectives”. They used their data to write a research essay, where they compared and contrasted the reasons different animals are in danger and how people are trying to help. This month we also kicked off our Figurative Language unit. We are working on studying many of the common literary devices found in our reading such as similes, metaphors, idioms, personification, and much more! We will continue this mini unit into next month as well. The students love our activities for the devices and the figurative language rap! We expect the students to use some of these literary devices to better their writing. We will be studying some poetry as well throughout this unit.

Writing- The students have finished writing their Informational magazine pages/articles in our classes! The students worked very hard to publish and do their best work. The students loved learning and writing about topics that they felt passionate about. In grammar, we have worked on nouns, verbs, and adjectives within our writing classes/lessons. We also started working on our Argumentative Writing unit as well this month. The students have been reading pro/con articles and learning how to understand both sides of a debate. They were given the topic of water bottles and have been watching videos and reading articles about the pros and cons of using plastic water bottles. The students have started gathering research and information to use in their own argument essays.

Social Studies- We completed Chapter 2 on the Early Peoples of New Jersey. This month, we learned about the Europeans coming into NJ. The class really enjoyed having class discussions in this chapter. The students enjoyed playing Kahoot games throughout the chapter to review the lessons! The students loved working with partners to create a slideshow of important information learned in chapter 2. We have also begun Chapter 3 on An Independent Country. The students are very excited to learn about this important time in history!

Extensions: In our extensions classes, we have continued working on important reading and writing skills. The classes have practiced typing using typingweb.com and used Scholastic News magazines to learn about our world today. We use a great website called NewsELA, where the students are able to read nonfiction articles and practice multiple choice questions as one way to begin preparing for PARCC testing. This month, we began working on PARCC type writing and reading extension activities and sample tests in efforts to prepare the students for the quickly approaching state test.

Grade 4 - Romoff (DiCori ICS Math/ Sci) In math, the students have been working on division skills and have learned to estimate quotients by finding compatible numbers. Students are also becoming masters of division as they are becoming comfortable completing 4-digit by 1-digit problems. We continue to focus on word problems and Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 20

vary the types of operations that are needed to solve. Students are learning that careful reading of the story and question is important to understand what exactly is being asked in order to compute the answer. Each week, students continue to practice the skills that have been learned this year in the four operations.

In Science, the students have been learning about Force, Motion, Gravity and Energy and have completed many activities with these skills. The students calculated the speed of marbles rolled in the gymnasium to demonstrate the impact force has on an object. The students observed friction in several demonstrations when science textbooks were intertwined and were attempted to be pulled apart (did not occur). Students also watched a Mythbusters video doing the same experiment with phonebooks where it was discovered that it took 8000 pounds of force and 2 army tanks to separate the books. Students also observed friction allowing a chopstick to pick up a small container of rice. Gravity was observed by dropping various objects in the classroom and most items landed on the ground at about the same time, including a penny and a textbook. The only objects not to land at the same time were those affected by air resistance. The students then watched an astronaut conduct the same experiment of dropping a hammer and feather on the moon, which both landed on the moon’s surface at the same time.

Grade 4 – May Reading- In our class, we are well into our Nonfiction unit for Reader’s Workshop. The students are enjoying the time spent reading books about real topics that they see in their everyday lives. The students have worked on reading nonfiction articles in our Scholastic magazines and various other articles to learn the text structure, compare and contrast. We have learned clue words when looking for this structure in nonfiction texts, and the students loved making Venn Diagrams for various topics to practice the skill. As a culminating activity for our compare and contrast mini unit, the students read an article and watched a video on gorillas. They became “text detectives” and used their data to write a research essay, where they compared and contrasted information found on the population of gorillas. This month we also kicked off our Figurative Language unit. We are working on studying many of the common literary devices found in our reading such as similes, metaphors, idioms, personification, and much more! We will continue this mini unit into next month as well. The students love our activities for the devices and the figurative language rap! They enjoyed using similes and metaphors to make WANTED posters and writing personification stories, as well as much more! We expect the students to use some of these literary devices to better their writing. We will be studying some poetry as well throughout this unit.

Writing- We finished our Informational magazine pages/articles in our classes! The students worked super hard to publish and do their best work. The students loved learning and writing about topics that were close to their hearts! For grammar, we have worked on nouns, verbs, and adjectives within our writing classes/lessons. We also worked on our Argumentative Writing unit as well this month. The kids enjoyed becoming “lawyers” in class, using evidence to defend their sides! The classes researched videos and articles to collect tons of data to support their claim on the topic. They wrote argumentative essays giving detailed evidence that supported their opinion. The students worked very hard on this writing task. Should plastic water bottles be allowed in schools? What do you think?

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Social Studies- We completed Chapter 2 on the Early Peoples of New Jersey. This month, we learned about the Europeans coming into NJ. The class really enjoyed having class discussions in this chapter. The students enjoyed playing Kahoot games throughout the chapter to review the lessons! We have also begun Chapter 3 on An Independent Country. We are starting to learn about the 13 colonies as they fight to get their independence from Great Britain. They love watching Liberty’s Kids to reinforce their textbook readings too. I know the students are excited to continue learning about upcoming events that happened in our history at this time!

Extensions: In our extensions classes, we have continued working on various activities and skills. The classes have practiced typing using typingweb.com and used Scholastic News magazines to learn about our world today. The students have practiced skills learned in reading classes using the magazines as well. We also use a great website called NewsELA, where the students are able to read nonfiction articles and practice multiple choice questions as one way to begin preparing for PARCC testing. This month, we began working on PARCC type writing and reading extension activities and sample tests in efforts to prepare the students for the quickly approaching state test.

Grade 4 – Johnson Math1 – Our class has been working on Chapters 9 &10 involving long division. We have been dividing by 2 and 3- digit numbers by 1-digit divisors, and will later progress to larger numbers in the thousands. The children will be using center activities to further their division skills; including task cards, group work and using various computer programs. All of which will help reinforce the skills we are working on. We have also continued to work with multistep problems that require the students to use a variety of math skills. From division we will move onto fractions. In our extension classes, we have been practicing for the PARCC test by using online practice tests as well as review lessons and computer practice.

Math 2 - The children have been very busy working on fraction skills and completing Chapter 11 of their books. Students have worked with factors and multiples of numbers. This nicely leads them into understanding how to find equivalent fractions and order and compare fractions. We will then move onto adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators as well as mixed numbers. We will also work with fractions with unlike denominators as well. In our extension classes, we have been practicing for the PARCC test by using online practice tests as well as review lessons and computer practice.

Science- In science we have been concentrating on a unit of study dealing with different forms of energy. Lesson 1 involves motion, energy, and forces. Students completed various activities that accompany the concepts covered in the chapter. These include calculating the speed of a marble and a task card scavenger hunt to review the different forms of matter. We will then spend some time concentrating on the energy forms of light, heat, and electricity.

Grade 5 - Ciliotta (Belger ICS Math/ Sci) Science - How are living things in an Ecosystem Related? After gaining an understanding that living organisms in an ecosystem are related by their methods of obtaining energy and their sources of energy, students were able to successfully complete a food chain collage. Each student researched their animal of interest in order to create their collage. In addition to their food chain collage, Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 22

students completed a Web Quest about cycles in nature to extend their knowledge beyond the textbook. The Nitrogen Cycle game transformed students into Nitrogen molecules and they traveled to different stations around the room in order to understand the role of Nitrogen in our atmosphere. Our main focus was to understand the role of producers, consumers and decomposers within each ecosystem as well as learn about the different cycles in nature. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip and will be learning about stars and constellations in the

coming weeks.

Math We kicked off the New Year with a unit on Fractions. Students have been working hard to master how to find common denominators, simplify as well as add and subtract fractions. We encourage students to practice and strengthen their basic fact skills in order to continue their success in Math. Students have been steadily increasing the number of passed Think Through Math lessons by using their underlying processes and mathematical skills. We look forward to continued growth and progress throughout the rest of our Math journey.

Grade 5 – Muscle (Belger ICS ELA/SS) In Reading, we are continuing to work on our skills and strategies. We are working on Literary Analysis and will be moving into Poetry. We continue to annotate text and used our notes to answer comprehension and text dependent questions.. During the Writing portion of class, the students have written a multitude of pieces. We have done daily journals about a variety of topics. We are currently working on a piece that is written in the Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 23

Question and Answer text structure. Students are researching the presidential candidates and then creating mock interviews with them. The students in Period 1/2 are working on a Next Generation Writing Assessment. It is a Compare and Contrast essay about two important people of the American Revolution. They have read multiple texts to gather information to support their writing. This writing is great preparation for what the students will see when they take PARCC. The class continues to work on Grammar skills and implementing them into our writing.

During Social Studies, the students are studying early American colonization. Students have learned about the disappearance of Roanoke and the creation of Jamestown. 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. Another event during Social Studies is our DARE program with Officers Marchitelli and Vitkovsky of the WRPD. In the first few weeks, the students have learned about making good choices and have started talking about the negative effects of tobacco. During extensions, students continue to strengthen their typing skills by using www.typing.com. Students enjoy the lessons, the short quizzes, and the games. They also love looking on the class leaderboard to see where they stand. We have started reviewing for PARCC with the online practice tests.

Grade 5 - Oppido HP Math: We completed the topics of adding and subtracting of fractions and have quickly moved on to Multiplying and Dividing of Fractions (Topic 11). The students have worked well with fractions and are remembering to simplify all fractions prior to doing the multiplication; it just makes it easier to solve! Topic 13 is where we are headed and it deals with units of measure from inches and feet to milligrams and grams. The class will learn a few tricks as they worked through this topic too! Their Do Nows will now be more involved with PARCC like problems starting at the end of this month as well. We are also starting our PARCC Review Days, where the class will begin working on math problems that correlate with the PARCC Test.

Math: We are currently working on Topic 10: Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers. The class is doing an amazing job with the addition aspect, but finding it a bit more challenging when they have to subtract. We are spending a lot of time practicing the subtraction of mixed numbers where regrouping is involved. I am confident that by the end of this month, they all will become experts on subtracting mixed numbers! After we master this topic, we will be moving onto multiplying and dividing of fractions. I look forward to the challenge and I am sure my students do too!

Science: In Science, our class is still working on Unit D: Populations and Ecosystems. The class is really enjoying this unit. We just finished reading Chapter 3: Different Kinds of Ecosystems, so now it is time for the students to show what they learned through a hands-on project! Over the next week or Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 24

two, the students will be working in small groups to reconstruct a replica as well as a creative presentation we learned about in class. Each group was already given the expectations and rubric and told that the “sky is the limit” with how they create their replica. Stay tuned to the final products next month when I provide pictures of their final product.

Grade 5 – Diaz In LAL, students wrapped up their social issues unit by creating graphic novels based on a story they read in class. All grade five strategies are aligned to the Common Core and include, but not limited to; investigating to understand an argument, flash-drafting arguments, using evidence to build arguments, using quotations to bolster an argument, redrafting to add more evidence, balancing evidence with analysis, and delivering the draft.

In Social Studies, students are learning about the Thirteen Colonies as it relates to this chapter. This particular chapter has 4 lessons that focus on The Spanish Colony in the Americas, The English Colonies in Virginia, Pilgrims and Puritans in New England, and The French and Dutch in North America.

Grade 6 – Borrelli (Panayoti ICS ELA/SS) English- We are now reading our second novel of the year Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. This is a Great Depression Era novel about the struggle of a boy to find his family. This era is so interesting and the class really enjoys reading and learning about it so far. Along with reading the novel, we are also reading non-fiction selections on The New Deal, The Dust Bowl, and other events during this time period. The main character, Bud, carries a suitcase with him of his special things as he travels. We completed a project highlighting what symbolizes us and what would be in our “suitcases”.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 25

The sixth graders wrote acrostic poems and paragraphs highlighting favorite memories of our principal, Mr. Recchione. He will really be missed! We will be beginning to write Argument Essays in Writer’s Workshop. We are working really hard in class and can’t believe how fast the year is going by.

Social Studies – We are half way through Chapter 3 Ancient Egypt and Nubia. We completed a Google Slide project in class on various topics such as Egyptian Architecture, Gods and Goddesses and Mummies. We presented our projects to the class using our Polyvision board. We watched an awesome video on King Tut and are excited to finish the chapter. This has been a really fun unit!

Grade 6 - Beley • ELA: o Students have been completing grammar Do Now’s as they work to correct various sentences o Students complete daily journal entries that coincide with journal prompts for the month and date. These journal entries are shared every Friday. o Weekly reading logs have been completed and are due every Monday. o Students practiced grammar from the Elements of Language series. o As a class we began reading the historical fiction novel, “Bud, Not Buddy”. To prepare for this novel we discussed The Great Depression, and he author, Christopher Paul Curtis. o While reading, students complete summary packets describing the characters, main events, vocabulary and plot. Students also engage in discussion on events and make predictions. o Students read and were tested on the first 6 chapters of the novel where they demonstrated an understanding of the chapter’s vocabulary words and comprehension of the text. o Students worked to create their own suitcases from construction paper that holds their most prized possessions (just like Bud). o Students wrote an essay describing their possessions. These will be hung up inside and outside of the classroom. o Students worked from the Common Core Performance Coach books as PARCC prep.

• S.S.: o We began Chapter 3 in the textbook and are enjoying discussing Ancient Egypt. o Students have been completed guided notes to assist them with the reading. These are pasted into their notebooks and used as study guides. o Lessons are enhanced with videos and images found online that pertain to the topic. o Students have been completing weekly current events for homework and have the opportunity to share them in class to discuss current issues with their peers. o Students used the Chromebooks to compose group presentations on different aspects of Egyptian life during extensions that will be presented to the class.

Grade 6 - Begyn In Mrs. Begyn’s Math class, students have finished rational numbers with coordinate grids and moved on to ratios, rates, and unit rates. The students use prices of household items to find the unit price, or how much one of those items would cost. Students are also working with the distance Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 26

formula, which can find the distance, time, or rate of speed. The students have also worked on conversions in metric and standard units. In Mrs. Begyn’s HP class, students have moved from solving one- and two- step equations / inequalities with negatives using inverse operations to coordinate grids. The students were able to plot rational numbers on a coordinate grid, along with finding distance and perimeter of figures on a coordinate grid. The HP class is now moving into ratios. The students will discover what makes a ratio and how to solve it.

In Mrs. Begyn’s Science class, students have looked at the different types of boundaries on the Earth’s crust. Students did a lab using icing and graham crackers to simulate what happens at each boundary at the Earth’s tectonic plates. At a Convergent Boundary, the Earth’s movements create mountains, whereas at a Divergent Boundary, the Earth’s movements create rifts or valleys. And finally, at a Transform Boundary, the Earth’s movements will create Earthquakes. Students have also been introduced to Earthquakes and will begin studying it in depth.

PARCC ACTIVITIES ---- technology and /or content preparation Students are completing a weekly Do Now on solving various PARCC questions and then practicing typing their answers into the Chrome Books. Students are able to use the buttons and keyboard to practice.

Grade 6 - Drudy (Panayoti ICS Math/Sci) Grade 6 Math (ICS/Panayoti)– In math students completed Envsion Math Topic 9 Ratios and began Topic 10 Unit Rates. Students were introduced to ratios and learned that ratios can be used to make two general comparisons: comparisons of like quantities and comparisons of unlike quantities. Students learned that proportionality involves a relationship in which the ratio of two quantities remains constant as the corresponding values of the quantities change. Students learned how to use tape diagrams, ratio tables and proportions to solve ratio word problems. Students used their chrome books to access the online tool Thinking Blocks to practice solving ratio word problems as well as the Math Snacks game Ratio Rumble to practice finding equivalent ratios. Students continued to work on PARCC type problems that have been integrated into each daily lesson. Students are also continuing to develop their basic skills math participating in daily individualized math fluency drills.

Science/Health/Extensions (ICS/Panayoti)– In science students learned about the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Students participated in an inquiry-based lab titled “Plate Tectonics” in which students used graham crackers and cake frosting to model convergent, divergent and transform fault boundaries. In Extensions students continued to work on Think Through Math. Most students have been able to successfully complete the first seven lessons! In Health students participated in Grade 6 Health – Students took part in a health lesson where they discussed the importance of nutrition. Students learned how to select healthy snacks. Sixth grade students in science were also treated to a special presentation from Liberty Science Center sponsored by the WRPEF. Students performed a cow eye dissection to gain a deeper understanding of how the human eye works. The students really enjoyed their first really dissection!

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Grade 6 - Panayoti - Inclusion/ RP Pullout Support

Professional Development on 1/18/16 Completed the Grade 6 ELA Curriculum and submitted for approval on 1/18/16 Attended Parent Conferences during the week of 1/25/16 Collaborated with WRIS Special Education Teachers on scheduling ideas for 2016/2017 school year Collaborated with Grade 6 colleagues on budget items for 2016/2017 school year Provided IEP students with daily checklists to help them remain on task Provided copies of class notes and assignments for students Collaborated on lesson plans with Co-teachers in Grade 6 Utilized resource/extensions classes to provide study skills/test prep to IEP students Provided after-school help for students in Grade 6 Modified class notes/assignments/homework for ICS students Modified tests for IEP students in all content areas

PE/ Healthy U - Aranda January has been the month of indoor floor Hockey. Starting with the very basics of the sport students first learned about the equipment used in hockey, including; safety measures, proper handling of equipment, parts of the stick (butt, shaft, blade), & shot types. Next, students began to practice “stick handling” a puck, learning to control and keep possession of the puck through individual drills at first and then onto some more dynamic, interactive and intense group hockey lead-up activities. Once the students were familiar with and somewhat comfortable enough with their stick handling abilities they moved on to the next phase of our hockey unit which was; passing & settling of the puck, and shooting the puck at a target or goal. Students practiced with their partner(s) how to make an accurate pass to both a still target and a moving target, also learning how to pass while on the move themselves. Another important aspect in hockey that’s overlooked far too often is how to properly receive a pass, students were taught to first settle (stop its momentum) the Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 28

puck before passing back. After stick handling & passing/settling practice the students moved on to shooting drills and lead-up target practice activities. During this section students learned about different shot types that can be used to score a goal. They learned not only how to execute the different shot types but also why & when would be a good time to use a specific shot over the others in a game situation. For example; a wrist shot is more of a finesse & accurate shot, whereas the slap shot is more of a power shot used for speed & distance. Then, with great anticipation the students finally moved on to playing the actual game of hockey. But before the players could mix it up on the court they had to learn about each position on a hockey team and the responsibilities of those positions. Currently we are finishing up playing games of 6 on 6 or 5 on 5 depending on class size. The focus now is for the players to space the floor, stay within their boundaries, and passing to an open teammate.

Healthy U school recess, some of January’s Healthy U activities include; Hockey Target Practice / Hockey Shootout (w/ goalies), 4 Hoops Basketball Knockout Rotation, 2 Player B-ball Quick Shot Scramble, Track Laps, VolleyCatch, 2 Player Hockey Shootout Scramble, “Over, Under, Around & Through,” Snowflake Tag, Rhythmic Push-ups, Fitness Sets, Gold Rush, Ship & Sailors, Fitness Tag, Sideline Soccer, 2 Player Soccer Shot Scramble.

Resource - Carroll 5th Grade Math Resource Room The class has been dividing by a 2-digit divisors. They first reviewed basic division facts using sticks, the use of flashcards, and timed basic skill drills. They then reviewed the process for dividing by a 1 digit divisor. The students used estimation as well as finding the actual quotient. Once the class was exposed to division, they learned how to divide with decimals. Then the class moved on to solving expressions. Prior knowledge was used on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals as well as multi digit multiplication and division as steps within the expressions.

4th Grade Math Resource Room The class worked on Topic 9/10 Dividing by 1 digit divisors. Students were first taught how multiplication and division fact families are related to each other. Then the class use a review of basic division facts through the use of flashcards, division sticks, coloring by quotient, and how to use a multiplication chart to solve division. Students were then taught how to find patterns in division with a basic fact and the addition of “0.” Students were then taught the proper procedure for dividing.

4th/5th Grade ELA Resource Room The class started off the year reviewing skills from the year so far through a variety of texts. This review focused heavily on comprehension of nonfiction texts. Students went back in the text and highlighted text evidence to support their answers. Students worked as a whole group, with a partner, and independently on their own grade level. Students reviewed text structure text features argument writing and realistic fiction. The class completed a unit on poetry. Poetry structure including lines stand as in rhyme scheme were covered. Students also learned how to identify theme, tone, audience, speaker’s point of view, and mood for poems.Key terminology in the poems were analyzed using context clues. Graphic organizers were used for all of the skills. students then learned about haikus, cinquains, limericks, Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 29

and the five senses poem. Students wrote their own as well as analyzed published ones. The class focus on figurative language as used in poetry. Alliteration, hyperboles personification, onomatopoeia, idioms, similes, and metaphors were reviewed. Students read examples of figurative language and wrote some of their own.

RTI classes The 4th grade ELA RTI classes have been working on a variety of skills. ● Figurative Language: Students reviewed similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, personification, and idioms. They also wrote figurative language of their own. ● Phonemic Awareness: Students learned to identify words with long vowels spelling patterns: ai, ay, ee, ea oa, ow. Students were exposed to poetry, short stories, short nonfiction texts, hands on sorting activities, and word sorts to practice reading and spelling these words. Students also used word building tiles to build words with the spelling pattern and then write sentences using these words. ● Character: Students read a variety of short nonfiction and fiction texts for character analysis. Students used a graphic organizer on character to analyze what the character said, did, looked like, and felt to figure out a character trait. The student then turned the graphic organizer into a literary analysis paragraph on character. ● Theme: Students were exposed to common themes seen in literature. Students learn definitions of these themes and what kind of lessons they taught the reader.Then students analyzed fables and fairy tales to identify themes. They used text evidence and character development to identify the theme. Graphic organizers were used for each text.

The 6th grade Math RTI class ● Angles and Lines: Students were shown obtuse acute and right angles. They learned how to identify them both visually and by a given degree. Students then learned about parallel, intersecting, and perpendicular lines. They learned how to identify them visually and by a description and angles given. Students also drew these kind of angles and lines on their own. They learned how to identify them in geometric shapes. ● Multiplying Decimals: Students learned how to multiply a whole number by a decimal, the decimal by a decimal, and by the powers of ten and a decimal. Students used word problems and equations to practice the skill.

RTI - Hamerling English Language Arts Students have completed discussing text structure. Text structure is discussed with nonfiction texts to determine how the text is organized. Some text structures students reviewed were sequence/chronology, compare and contrast, problem and solution, and cause and effect. Students learned to identify signal words to aid in deciding which structure is being utilized, and practiced this skill while reading a variety of nonfiction passages and texts. Ultimately, students demonstrated their understanding of the skill with a final assessment. The assessment included determining text structure and signal words, providing text evidence to support their answer, and using context clues within the passage to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words as a review from earlier this year. The next unit students will be working with is identifying main idea and details. Students will use pictures to determine the topic and create main ideas and details based on the topic presented. They will then move on to reading short passages to determine the main idea and details to support it. As Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 30

we continue, students will then read longer articles and summarize each section by finding the main idea and supporting details. This skill is very helpful when summarizing what is read.

Math Each RTI Math group has been working diligently on a variety of topics. Students are utilizing manipulatives, participating in centers, using whiteboards, and playing games to practice these important math skills. As always, students should be practicing their basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) at home! • Multiplication and Division – Students working on multiplication have reviewed how to solve a problem using arrays as a visual aid. They have also solved 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication problems using the box method, as well as, the traditional method. Students have begun working with long division without remainders. • Place Value – Students determined place value for decimals out to the thousandths place. They also converted fractions to decimals. • Geometry – This month, students focused two dimensional shapes, such as polygons and triangles. We began with polygons by discussing the attributes of quadrilaterals and parallelograms. We also discussed attributes of other polygons, such as pentagons, hexagons, etc. Then students moved on to discussing attributes of triangles. They first discussed equilateral, right, isosceles, and scalene triangles. They also determined the types of angles in these triangles – acute, right, and obtuse. • Volume – Students used regular and complex shapes to determine volume. • Elapsed Time – Students reviewed how to determine how much time has passed. They worked with beginning times to determine the ending time and then they went from the ending time to determine the beginning time. Word problems were also incorporated into the lessons.

World Language Students continue to meet once a week to use Rosetta Stone. Please check Realtime to see students’ grades and to monitor their progress. As always, students are able to access Rosetta Stone from home using the same log in information as they use in the classroom. From the district website, go to the “For Students” tab and choose Rosetta Stone from the drop down box. If a student would like to switch their language (options are only Spanish and Italian), a note signed by a parent/guardian should be given to me in order for the change to occur. Students may only change their language ONCE for the 2015-2016 school year.

Art – C. Sterba Grade 4 Art- Students started working on artwork based off of the style of Marc Chagall. In the style of his memory based paintings, the students created sketches of memories they have, then using different symbolic colors and images attempted to show how they felt in that moment..

Grade 5 Art – Students are working on creating their own superheros as they learn how a professional company does the same. They have studied proportion and color, then are beginning work on their conceptual designs for their own character.

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Grade 6 Art- Students used the Suminigashi prints they created, producing some interesting marbleized paper designs to use as the covers of hand-made books.

Music – J. Sterba Each month in all music classes and grades we focus on a patriotic song. Our patriotic song for January “America, My Country Tis of Thee” To honor Martin Luther King day we learned about spirituals and sang “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” & “Oh When the Saints.”

Fourth grade Students have successfully learned how to sing and play the piece “Anvil Chorus” a piece from our repertoire in Link-Up Concert Series. Students are given the opportunity to choose to sing along or play the basic recorder part with the performance. Students are required to play notes A, B, and G in this piece. We are pleased at how well this piece is coming along.

Fifth grade The New Jersey Performance Standards for music frequently mandate the use of standard notation in the music education environment. Iconic/graphic notation is an intermediate step, but literacy with standard music notation is the goal. Students in fifth grade are learning how to identify the lines and spaces on the treble clef staff. We are also working on aurally identifying different pitches and pitch movement.

Sixth grade More than anything else what makes a work of art unique and different is the person who creates it. Students in 6th grade this month learned about the importance of music in a school setting. Students discussed different school activities that engage us in music. We learned about school songs and discussed possible songs for WRIS that all students and staff would enjoy performing. We decided on “We Will Rock You” as performed by Queen. We also discussed the importance of pep rallys and cheering. In groups of three or four students created their own cheers.

BAND Students have begun learning the music for the Spring Concert. We have had one highly successful band rehearsal so far this year. Students listened to the new repertoire and shared their opinions on the pieces they will be required to play at the concert. We had a read-through and an attempted play through for each piece as well.

Speech – Rustad Therapy Session Activities All students continued to work hard in their small group/individual therapy sessions, throughout the month of January. This month, at WRIS, we did a craft to honor Mr. Recchione and his retirement with the theme “You were o“fish”ally the best principal ever”. Children took turns with their speech goals while working on a fish craft. At Doyle, we used winter themed words and questions when working on speech and language goals. Therapy sessions continue to be individualized to each child’s needs, and technology of the iPad is being incorporated into therapy sessions as appropriate. Other winter and holiday books and conversation topics were used in therapy sessions as well!

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Professional Activities • Collaborated with teachers and staff in regards to speech and language goals of students • Collaborated with teachers in regards to speech and language scheduling • Researched current games/activities to enforce speech and language skills within therapy • Completed out of district re-evaluations • Completed in district re-evaluations • Completed initial evaluations • Completed annual reviews for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Completed re-evaluations for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Completed PLAAFP and Goals and Objectives for Related Service Students • Attended IEP/Eligibility/Evaluation meetings for Related Service Students • Attended IEP/Eligibility/Evaluation meetings for Eligible for Speech and Language Services students • Attended professional development workshops

Guidance – Paniagua Counseling students on an on-going basis; crisis counseling

Media/Library – Lewis WRIS welcomes Ms. Karen Lewis.

ESL – None

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Drama Club – Muscle The Drama Club met to discuss the new happenings within the club. We met on January 7th and 14th to practice our play, Peter Pan. Students listened to the Rehearsal CD and read their lines from the scripts.

• Members: 34

Safety Patrol – May Safety Patrol is going strong at this point. Members are working to keep the school and students of WRIS safe in the gym and hallways before school officially starts each morning. We hold meetings to discuss strategies tried with the classes and talk about the pros/cons with these strategies. Students are doing a job well done thus far!

Wednesday, January 13- 3:00-3:45PM in Mrs. May’s classroom- Mid Year party and snacks; discussed switches for posts starting Feb. 1 to the end of the year Wednesday, January 27- 7:45AM in the gym- Discussed switches and got ready for new post; questions, comments, concerns

• Members: 20 Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 33

STEM Club - Mrs. Drudy The Stem Club had two meetings things month. There was a Fourth/Fifth grade meeting and a Sixth Grade meeting. During the meeting students completed a building challenge. The students were given 8 sheets of newspaper, a meter of tape and a piece of cardboard. Students were challenged to use the materials to create a table that could support one large science textbook. Students were directed to look at the table in the classroom as use it as a model for their design. Students were given 5 minutes to plan, 20 minutes to build and 10 minutes to discuss what happened. • Members: 45

Student Council - Johnson During the month of January, the student council has been busy collecting donations of warm clothing and supplies for those people less fortunate and in need of some help during these cold winter months. I am pleased to say that our donations having been piling up in the front lobby. They will be brought to an association that provides assistance to local residents in need.

Student council members are loading up the car with donations for the needy.

A full car….ready to go!! Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 34

Our 6th Grade Student Council officers spoke on behalf of all of the students at WRIS at a surprise assembly to honor Mr. Recchione. We all wish him only the best as he begins his retirement. We will miss him.

• Members: 16

Andrew Berg – President Luke Cho – Vice President Gianluca Phelan– Treasurer Courtney Lyons - Secretary

Art / Stage Design - Carroll The Art Club members were staying youthful while creating the set and costumes for Peter Pan. We have collaborated with the WRIS Drama Club for this activity. Created mermaid tales, fairy wings, clouds, stars, a map of Neverland, the Jolly Roger ship, and pirate swords. Some of the set will be moving props and some will be stationary on the backdrop. The students have shown excitement and enthusiasm while working on the set and costumes. some members are even working on their own costumes for the play!

Chess Club – Diaz Students continue to practice against each other honing their skills. • Members 15

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Choir - J. Sterba Students have met twice since our Winter Concert. We have discussed the theme of the Spring Concert “Disney’s Greatest Hits” and we have also selected our parts and begun learning the new material

 Jr/Sr High School

Curriculum & Instruction

Melissa Ihle English Language Arts, Grade 8

After having completed analysis of Lord of the Flies including discussion of themes and allegorical implications to World War II, the students assessed their understanding formally and through performance based, student-choice projects. Additionally, they employed online resources through the Zaner-Bloser Strategies for Writers series to improve their research paper rough drafts while peer editing and revising. Finally, the eighth graders reviewed for Midterm examinations through student directed vocabulary games.

English Language Arts, Grade 8 Honors

The Grade 8 Honors students have finalized and submitted their Lord of the Flies research paper projects and have begun work on a new novel. They discussed historical information about Agatha Christie and the murder mystery genre and plan to compare this to And Then There Were None. In taking collaborative class notes and character profiles, the class is using text-based evidence to try to pinpoint the antagonist while attempting to predict the plot. They are working at a fast student-chosen pace to read and analyze this piece, and they look forward to comparing it to Edgar Allen Poe’s 1841 short work, “The Murder at the Rue Morgue,” which is noted as the first ‘true’ detective story. Additionally, honors students had the opportunity to play vocabulary review games in preparation for their midterm exams, pictured below.

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Grade 7 & 8 Creative Writing

In finishing the semester, Creative Writing students worked on a variety of writing to assist them in their other courses as well as PARCC. This included “How To” writing, quote responses, and “continue the story” prompts. Each of these compositions were shared, discussed, analyzed, and revised. Finally, students worked on proposals for what prompts should be included in their final portfolios as well as reflections on what they have learned and how they have grown as writers throughout the course.

Matthew Bogert English Grade 7

Grade 7 Throughout the month of January the students have completed their first novel The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Students have also been working on research papers which are to be completed at the beginning of MP 3. Students continue to develop their writing through the use of Zaner Bloser Strategies for Writers. Students will begin their second novel The Outsiders, at the beginning of MP 3 as well.

Grade 7 Honors: Throughout the month of January the students have completed their first novel The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Students have also been working on research papers which are to be completed at the beginning of MP 3. Students continue to develop their writing through the use of Zaner Bloser Strategies for Writers. The honors class has completed their work on the second dialectical journal for the year.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 37

Students have selected their second book for at home reading, and are being asked to complete two quotes per chapter and either reflect or connect with the chosen quote. Students have already begun reading the novel The Outsiders, and look forward to the use of Literature Circles in class.

Valerie Hunter English I

In addition to preparing for and taking the midterm exam, students continued to work on their MLA research papers by peer editing their rough drafts. Students also learned the persuasive techniques logos, ethos, and pathos, and analyzed their use in advertisements and editorials. They then read Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech while studying his use of rhetorical devices such as repetition, restatement, and analogy.

English I Honors

In addition to preparing for and taking the midterm exam, students continued to work on their MLA research papers by peer editing their rough drafts. Students also finished their unit on persuasion by giving speeches using the three persuasive techniques. Reading and textual analysis this month included Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. They also practiced achieving parallelism in their sentences.

Pete Forman English

11th Grade

Currently, classes are working on the poetry of Emily Dickinson in a comparative analysis of literature among her contemporaries. In our next unit, American Literature courses are examining the transcendental philosophy of Walt Whitman in his major works "Leaves for Grass" and "Song of Myself". Outcomes of these units include MLA research papers and powerpoint presentations.

11th Grade Honors

Juniors in 11th grade American Literature Honors are endeavoring to conceptualize the relationships between the American dream and the writings of mid-1800’s American authors. Honors courses continue to develop their websites adding in the course material from Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau. Outcomes of units on Dickinson and Whitman will include MLA research papers and power point presentations.

Colleen Kozibroda English II Resource Room

In English II Resource, students were assigned their Julius Caesar Research Project. They were able to choose a specific topic from a list of topics including: William Shakespeare, The Globe Theatre, Julius Caesar, weapons and armor of ancient Rome, fashion/clothing of ancient Rome, the Black Plague, the art of fencing, etc. Students have found their sources already and completed a project presenting key facts about their topic to the class. Their Works Cited Page is completed and they are now in the process of

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 38

working on an outline to the paper. Reviewing for midterm exams was also done. Students are currently taking exams. We will read the play Julius Caesar after midterms.

Christine Green English

English AP-Students are preparing for the AP test in May and are taking prep tests based on the actual test format. Students must be proficient in reading and responding to passages, multiple choice questions, and the 3 writing sections of the test. They must write under timed conditions and they are preparing for all of test sections by completing timed samples in class. They are continuing to read selections in preparation for the final test and also build their literary terms background.

English IV College Prep-Students are currently studying the 17th and 18th Centuries in British Literature. Emphasis is on John Donne, Ben Jonson, Milton, Jon Bunyan and Samuel Pepys. They will read Dante's "Inferno" and compare and contrast the writing to modern works. Literary terms and vocabulary is added as the year progresses.

English II Honors -Students writing and research skills are being developed in preparation for their Research Paper assignment. They will continue to read outside class and prepare a text analysis upon completion of all selections. They will be creating a "Writing Portfolio" of original writing and will also be writing and preparing to complete public speaking assignments.

Robin Woods English

Grade 7 Students just finished reading The Westing Game, a interesting mystery of “who done it”. We will be working on some grammar, and then moving on to read The Outsiders.

Grade 8 Students have finished reading Lord of the Flies. They have now formed their own opinion on whether man is innately evil. Students wrote many essays on this topic, and did a great job.

Grade 9 Students have completed their final copy of their research papers. I am very proud of them; they worked tirelessly on this. We will be working on some grammar, then Romeo and Juliet

English III Resource Room

In English III resource, students completed the rough drafts of their research papers. Final drafts are due mid-February. Reviewing for midterm exams was completed and students are currently taking midterms. They are currently reading the book Unwind by Neal Shusterman and completing reader response journals.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 39

English IV Resource Room

In English IV resource, students completed the rough drafts of their research papers. Final drafts are due mid-February. Reviewing for midterm exams was completed and students are currently taking midterms. We will be starting the play Macbeth after midterms.

ESL Carol Gottlieb

The students wrote about and discussed what they did on the winter break. Some were reluctant to get back to school, having to wake up early each morning, sit through classes, do homework and study for tests but generally they were happy to see their friends. We continued to read “Treasure Island,” and study the vocabulary for each chapter. The characters were scrutinized regarding their habits, strengths, weaknesses, fears and beliefs. We talked about who could be trusted and who might be potentially dangerous. The students brainstormed ideas about what they would present to their classmates as a project during midterm exams. Their completed projects varied from Oreo cheesecake cupcakes, which were delicious, to how to make a dip using eggplant. Also, we heard how to cook beans. In order to demonstrate the differences from how English sounds and looks when spoken and written, we suggested words to translate into Persian. The student then translated the words and wrote them on the board in Persian. One student demonstrated how to make her long hair into a braid, and another talked about how to curl hair. Another student drew on the board, as she explained step by step how to apply makeup. Another student showed the class her drawings of characters from animated films. One of the students gave a presentation about the game of soccer, including diagrams on the board showing player positions. Another student explained basketball, its history and showed a diagram of the players on the court during a game. One student showed pictures of a hybrid sports car, via a computer, on the overhead projection system. Their presentations were varied and original and gave us another way to appreciate one another.

Art Department Jennifer Hemmel

Intro to Art

Students completed their color scheme designs using a grid and various color harmonies. They used a mixed media approach and interpreted their images in both colored pencil and collage. Students are taking their finals that are composed of both a written and performance section. They will also submit their final portfolio of work from the semester to demonstrate growth and mastery of content knowledge and skills.

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Foundations of Art

Students completed their Art History Sculptural Letter Project. Students researched a chosen artist and designed a letter inspired by the work of that particular artist. They were introduced to the concept of designing in the round.

Studio Art and Portfolio Design

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Students completed their set of three relief prints. Students are working on pastel portraits, and completing an online portfolio of their work using the website carbonmade.com.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 42

World Language Tess Iannacco - Italian

The Italian I classes learned about popular leisure activities in Italy. Italian families love to go to the seashore, in the mountains and take long walks in nature. They also love to go to the cinema. Students learned about the respect the Italian society has for nature and we compared/contrast our life here in the US with theirs. These classes reviewed for Mid-term exams and begun to learn about -are verbs.

Italian II

This class continued to learn about shopping, talk about food and discuss grocery shopping. They learned new vocabulary related to this theme. They viewed videos of supermarkets in Italy and learned where Italian prefer to shop. This class reviewed material for the Mid-term exams. For the language structure, they have begun to learn to use the past tense with avere.

Italian III and IV

These classes continued to learn about transportation; i.e. talk about cars and driving and public transportation. They used this newly acquired vocabulary to talk about the different modes of transportations. They learned the term “pendolare” which means commuter and the efficiency of the Italian’s transportation system. For the language structure, these classes learned comparatives of equality and comparatives of inequalities. Both classes reviewed for the Mid-term exams. We will continue with the superlatives. Italian IV students had the opportunity to attend a special performance of the Opera “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini at the Lincoln Center.

AP Italian

This class continued to learn about human interactions and discuss a plethora of topics. We learned about the relationship Italians have towards their environment. Urban development and the advantages/disadvantages of cities development and its effect in creating pollution, traffic and diminish quality of life. They designed their “ideal” city. This class read a short story “La mamma e il bambino” by Claudio Gianini. We discussed the relevant thesis that the author raised regarding one’s obligations towards society and our morality. This class had the opportunity to attend a special performance of the Opera “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini at the Lincoln Center. The student’s reaction to this very authentic expression of art form, purely Italian in origin and archeological application, was one of pure amazement and wonder. They learned the difficult work and commitment that it takes to deliver this level of sophisticated, demanding theatre acting live.

Opera “Tosca”

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 43

Spanish Angela Daniele

Spanish I

• Discussed the current events of the Spanish-speaking countries • Learned the names of the classroom items Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 44

• Learned the names of the body parts • Learned how to determine noun gender – Masculine or Feminine • The Definite Article – “THE” • Learned how to use “Gustar” (to like) correctly in conversation • Wrote dialogs on current theme vocabulary • Reviewed and prepared for Mid Term Examination

Spanish II

• Wrote weekly biographies on famous Hispanics • Had daily vocabulary word drills • Wrote paragraphs on themed vocabulary • Learned how to express after-school activities and use in conversation • Learned how to express the Affirmative – Negative • Learned how to express how long you have been doing an activity/action • Reviewed and prepared for Mid Term Examination

Joseph Mojkowski Spanish

Spanish II • assignments related to extracurricular activities theme • built off of knowledge of adjective agreement to compare activities • compared and contrasted the verbs conocer and saber • built off of knowledge of present tense verbs to now use hace w/ time expressions to say how long we have been doing things for

Spanish III • introduced commands first when addressing one person and then when addressing multiple people • reviewed object pronouns / use and placement / compared and contrasted placement with affirmative and negative commands • assignments related to nutrition/healthy living theme • mid-term project related to using commands to instruct the class how to live a more healthy lifestyle Spanish IV • reviewed style and themes encountered in works by Spanish artist Francisco Goya (including Peninsular War and his work as Spanish court painter • vocabulary related to above • compare and contrast formation and especially usage of past tenses • Mid-term project; diorama of work covered in class and related video recounting construction of project

Spanish AP • Completed mock listening, reading and writing samples from the AP test • introduced the format for the presentational writing section and began outlining how to approach both the reading and listening sources.

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Science Department

Kristen Larson Forensics During January, our Forensics class investigated impression evidence. Students collected data to support the class hypothesis that shoe size correlates with human height. In groups, students created their own bite mark impressions to compare unique dental patterns among the class. Students worked to relate impression evidence to various famous cases, such as those of OJ Simpson and Ted Bundy. We look forward to Blood and Blood Spatter evidence.

Biology In January, students examined the processes of cellular respiration and the cell cycle. Students used microscopes to view mitosis happening in actual cells. We also worked in a collaborative setting to identify and analyze different components of mitosis. Later in January, students explored how mitosis relates to important topics, such as cancer, that impact the medical world. We look forward to unpacking meiosis and heredity in the upcoming month.

Science 7 In January, students studied modern genetics. We explored different genetic disorders and analyzed how humans use genetic engineering to manipulate the world around us. Students completed a collaborative, media-based project that involved students researching different aspects of genetics. Students worked with their peers to design and present an interactive slideshow using Google Slides. We look forward to exploring how changes occur in populations over time.

William G. Maniscalco

Robotics

Students have researched and written a Science Research Paper. They have begun by researching the topic and finalizing their work cited for the project. They have learned to write citations in MLA format. The research paper is divided into two parts. The first being two typed pages on the history of Robotics. The second section being two typed pages on a specific robot or type of robot, of their own choosing, that is currently being used in medicine, households, military, space, to aid the handicapped, etc. The students have also completed their final project, which is to rebuild their robots and program them to follow accomplish a series of assigned tasks.

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Medical Terminology

Students continue learning “The Language of Medicine.” Memorization, props, worksheets, reading X- ray, CT scans and videos of actual surgeries, each followed by class discussion are important to the classwork as always. Students expand their knowledge of medical language by expanding into body organ systems. Presently they are working on developing written medical skills. Students have been working in small groups to author and present scripts for various medical situations requiring communication between doctors, nurses and various family members. They have also worked on writing medical chart entries following the handout “How to write a good Medical Report”. Discussion is a major part of the course. Students are using the terms in medical conversations as often as possible. Students continue to experience surgical procedures and the language that the physician or nurse would use.

Engineering the Future

Students have been working on their new project. Each design team is expected to develop plans for a motorized go cart. Students will develop a cart; perform engineering analysis through discussion and precision drawings. Students are gaining first-hand knowledge as to what it is like to be an engineer attempting to design and enter a new product into the business world. Students in each group have begun work to construct their vehicles as per their design drawings. Adjustments will be made as the work progresses.

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Biology

Students were introduced to DNA replication through a presentation researched and constructed by each of them. Students explored new vocabulary such as: DNA helicase, polymerase, base pairs, etc.. Terms such as: genes, chromosomes, double helix, ribose, nucleic acid, hydrogen bonds, complementary replication, Adenine, Guanine, cytosine, thymine and x-ray crystallography. Each student prepared and presented a PowerPoint or a Prezi explaining the life processes of DNA, Genes, chromosomes and their relation to each other and each of us. Students also worked on researching 9 important contributors to DNA research. They were: Charles Darwin, Maurice Wilkins, Erwin Chargiff, Phoebus Levine, Rosalind Franklin, Fredrich Miescher, James Watson, Crick and Oswald Avery. After researching and creating a PPT or Prezi on these famous people, the students learned about the mapping of the Human Genome,

one of the most important events in the history of science. Students have researched and written a Science Research Paper. They have begun by researching the topic and finalizing their work cited for the project. They have learned to write citations in MLA format. The research paper is divided into two parts. The first being two typed pages on the history of Robotics. The second section being two typed pages on a specific robot or type of robot, of their own choosing, that is currently being used in medicine, households, military, space, to aid the handicapped, etc. The students have also completed their final project, which is to rebuild their robots and program them to follow accomplish a series of assigned tasks.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 48

Wendy Sistarenik Chemistry: Mrs. Sistarenik’s Chemistry students are investigating the relationship between the types of bonds that elements can form in relationship to their number of valence electrons. Students are building on their exploration of the periodic table and delving into the patterns, identified by the periodic law, which can help the students with identifying bond type. Students are currently focused on ionic bonds and compounds.

AP Chemistry: AP Chemistry students have just completed their investigation of the properties of solutions and solution stoichiometry. For their midterm, the students completed a full length AP Chemistry exam spread over two days. Next the class will be examining how rates of reactions can be affected, a major focus on the AP Chemistry test.

Honors Chemistry: Students have begun to investigate chemical reactions. Students are utilizing the laws of conservation of mass and energy to explain how atoms are rearranged but not created or destroyed in chemical reactions. Students will continue to analyze different reactions and factors affecting the rates of reactions.

Ted Colarusso

Anatomy & Physiology Students are currently working on the nervous system, and have completed the physiological functions of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems.. A cerebral lobe group practicum was conducted in a cooperative setting. Students are learning about the physiological mechanisms of the "Fight or Flight" mechanism and are relating personal experiences to those mechanisms. The culminating lesson of this unit will be a lab experience where students were given the opportunity to test their somatic sensory perception and skills. They learn how to take and measure a simple knee-jerk reflex, hand-eye coordination, sense of touch, visual perception of color, and the effects of electrical impulses on muscles.

AP Biology Students are completing their studies of cellular reproduction, along with the mechanisms of mitosis versus meiotic cell division. The AP students measured the rate of reproduction in dividing cells within onion root tips and whitefish blastulas, calculating approximate time spent in each stage of reproduction. AP Biology students have the opportunity to explore and interpret the electro-cardiac Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 49 pathway by using an EKG device that translates electrical impulses generated by the heart muscle into a wave pattern generated by the use of Google Chromebooks capturing data from the EKG devices. Students will then delve into Mendelian Genetics, calculating phenotypic and genotypic ratios of offspring and control mechanisms of the cell reproductive cycle. They will perform a Genetics-based virtual lab by breeding Drosophila and calculating offspring trait ratios, as well as a hands-on lab using Gel Electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments cut by restrictase enzymes.

Biology The Biology class is currently working on the topics of cellular growth and division. Students are exploring how the mechanisms of the two reproductive processes are utilized in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. We have also completed a project constructing models of DNA. Students were introduced to the cell cycle and the regulation controls that exist in dividing cells. In addition, students will also utilized the compound light microscopes to perform a lab on plant cell mitotic growth estimating

time spent in each mitotic stage.

Honors Biology The Honors Biology class is currently working on the topics of cellular growth and division. Students are exploring how the mechanisms of the mitosis and meiosis are utilized in eukaryotic organisms, as well as identifying chromosomal material in stages of replication and throughout karyokinesis. The class will complete a lab using prepared slides of onion root tips to visualize the stages of mitosis in cell division, as well as construct a model to simulate crossing-over during prophase of Meiosis I. Students were introduced to the cell cycle and the regulation controls that exist in dividing cells. Students then compared those controls with regulatory factors in cancerous cell growth.

Biotechnology / Genetics The Biotechnology class culminated with a research project that tied in biotechnology tools with cancer and immune technologies and research. The Genetics class will begin in the third marking period and will start by examining the structure of DNA and the contributions made by scientists and their experimental research. Students will then research genetic abnormalities and investigate important genetic tests that are offered to pregnant women.

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 50

Jonathan Hassinger AP Physics Students spent time reviewing for their Midterm (full AP test) and covered the chapters on Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves. We will next be exploring sound and electrodynamics.

Science 8 Honors: Students are learning all about Ions and Ionic Compounds. Students learned how to write formulas of simple binary Ionic Compounds. We will next begin learning about Covalent Compounds and Chemical Reactions.

Physics and Physics Honors: This month we finished discussing Electrostatics and began discussing Electrodynamics and Electric potential in gearing up for circuits and circuit diagrams.

Chemistry Mr. Hassinger’s Chemistry students are investigating the relationship between the types of bonds that elements can form in relationship to their number of valence electrons. Students are building on their exploration of the periodic table and delving into the patterns, identified by the periodic law, which can help the students with identifying bond type. Students are currently focused on ionic bonds and compounds.

Christina Cigolini 8th Grade Science Students in the 8th grade classes recently completed their final unit in Physical Science and have now dove into the basics of chemistry. Students have been studying the structure of an atom and the organization of the Periodic Table of Elements. Using atom building boards students created 3D models of various elements. In order to create these models students have investigated how to calculate the amount of protons, neutrons and electrons as well as studied the Bohr model and electron configuration. In our upcoming chapters students will study the properties of elements, chemical bonding, balancing chemical equations and chemical reactions.

7th Grade Honors Life Science Students in 7th grade Life Science recently completed two units focusing adaptations and evolution as well as bacteria and viruses. During this unit students learned about the life of Charles Darwin, natural selection, speciation and animal adaptations. Students simulated Darwin’s study of finches mimicking how bird beaks can aid in survival. Students also worked very hard researching common viruses, the structure of viruses, the lytic cycle and so much more. Each student then worked with a partner to create an informative Google slideshow. Students are now working on a new unit focusing on the plant kingdom.

7th Grade Life Science Students in 7th grade Life Science recently completed a unit on adaptations and evolution. Students completed a non-fiction reading activity focusing on the life of Charles Darwin. With a partner students then furthered researched a specific part of his life and created informational posters focusing on this topic. 7th graders also completed a variety of activities studying how adaptations aid animals and plants in survival. Students are now working on a new unit focusing on the six kingdoms of life.

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Macrina Olweck 21st Century Life Skills

This month Culinary Arts 1 has been concentrating on budgets, meal planning and preparing for their final, Top Chef food presentation. Each table in each class concentrated on researching recipes, planning market orders, and agreeing on the best way to plate their food. They are graded on their creative plating of their dish, the temperature, texture and flavors of their food as well as the difficulty of their preparation. It is a wonderful experience for the students as well as the 3 judges who volunteer to eat and evaluate their meals.

Consumer Science 7th & 8th grades

The students were working on their 2nd sewing project, a pillow. They were diligently cutting out a pattern, measuring and pinning seam allowances, and sewing their pillow. They will be graded on their ability to follow directions, measure correctly, stuff and close their pillow so that the stitches are not visible.

Macrina Olweck

TOP CHEF

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Top Chef

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The Judges

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Sewing Pillows

Jenna Ravenda Choir

Choir/Lunch Choirs – In the month of January, we began learning two new pieces for the spring concert. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel and an arrangement of God Bless The USA. We have also spent a good amount of time preparing for our midterms which took placed the last week of January. This test covered lines and spaces in the treble and bass clef, note values, musical terms, solfege, counting and a listening portion.

Mathematics/Business Department

Debra Beck Stock Market - The students were taught about options and future contracts and investigated investing in bonds and mutual funds. The stock market groups reviewed and summarized their investment portfolios. The class created presentations about different careers in finance.

Marketing Essentials - In groups the class created different types of print advertisements using Google Draw. The students learned how price impacts marketing. The class researched different price strategies and cases that violate pricing laws. The students created presentation about different careers in marketing.

Financial Literacy - The student investigated different aspects of renting and owning a home. The class learned about different methods to invest money. They completed the Everfi modules Renting v. Owing, Investing and Taxes and Insurance. In small groups they created concept maps as to how the concepts they learned in class relate to the topic of wealth.

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Business Math - The students learned how retailers price products. They learned how to calculate the selling price, and or cost, and or markup amount and percent with given data. They. reviewed for the mid-term.

Dave Porfido TV Production TV Production students finished the marking period by creating their own New Year’s reflection videos and by producing PSA's for their midterm! The reflections videos looked at their past, presents, and their future goals. Uploads for January included: The Holiday Concert, W-R Sports Highlights and new, Pro Sporting News, and variousWood-Ridge News.

Web 2.0 In January, students were taught to create web-based screen capturing tutorials. Students created demonstrations and tutorials of their blog as their 1st assessment. To end the course, students had to prepare and design a 5 minute training/tutorial video and present the project during their scheduled mid- term time slot.

Tech Literacy In January, students collaborated on designing their own site where they had to define, describe, give examples, and demonstrate emerging technology terms. To finish out the course, these 7th and 8th graders made video cast commercials for their final project of the class. Students used video clips and various editing software to edit and upload their finished commercials. Commercials were presented during their scheduled mid-term time slot.

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Stephen Olsen Algebra 2 Students completed the unit covering Polynomial Functions. Students simplified polynomial expressions and solved equations. Students also were able to identify the general shape of polynomial function graphs and used this to help model real world data. Students prepared for and took their Mid Term exams the last week of January. Students prepared for PARCC by completing independent online assignments using Khan Academy and were formally assessed with two (2) quizzes and a Chapter Test in addition to the Mid Term Exam.

Algebra 2 Honors Students completed unit on polynomial functions including concepts of rational roots, conjugate roots, and the fundamental theorem of algebra. Students began the unit reviewing principles of prime factoring to find least common multiples, and then used these techniques to determine points of discontinuity in graphs of reciprocal and other rational functions. Students prepared for and took their Mid Term exams the last week of January. Students prepared for PARCC by completing independent online assignments using Khan Academy and were formally assessed with two (2) quizzes and a Chapter Test in addition to the Mid Term Exam.

Pre-Calculus Students completed the unit covering trig equations and multiple angle identities. Students used various trigonometric identities to verify other identities and solved applications and equations using these identities. Students began a unit covering the Laws of Sine and Cosine and began to solve applications using these rules. Students completed independent online assignments using Khan Academy. Students were formally assessed with one (1) unit test in addition to the Mid Term Exam.

Pre-Calculus Honors Students completed the units covering multiple angle identities and the laws of Sine and Cosine. Students used the laws of Sine and Cosine to identify the possible number of solutions to a triangular application and applied these laws to solve real world applications. Students began a unit covering vectors and parametric equations. Students completed independent online assignments using Khan Academy. Students were formally assessed with a unit test and a super Test in addition to the Mid Term Exam.

Robert Berger Resource Geometry Students completed their study of similar figures. They covered topics of proving triangles similar; similarity in right triangles; and proportions in triangles. They finished the chapter with a quiz, and the remaining material was on their midterm examination. They spent time reviewing for their midterm examinations. They took their midterm examinations. They continue to work on khan academy. Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 57

Resource Algebra Students completed their study of Functions. They covered topics including writing function rules; formalizing relations amongst functions; and arithmetic sequences. They finished the chapter with a quiz and the remaining material was on their midterm examination. They spent time reviewing for their midterm examinations. They took their midterm examinations. They continue to work on khan academy.

Resource Algebra II Students completed their study of Quadratics. They covered topics including: factoring quadratics, completing the square with quadratics, and using the quadratic formula. They finished the chapter with a test. They spent time reviewing for their midterm examinations. They took their midterm examinations. They continue to work on khan academy.

Lisa Ames Geometry To finish chapter 7, students applied geometric means to similar right triangles. We also discussed the similarity theorems which incorporated prior knowledge of the congruence postulates. Students studied transformations - reflections, dilations, rotations, and dilations using their prior knowledge of the coordinate plane. Students then constructed compositions of transformations using each of the four types of transformations together. The class reviewed for midterms for 2 days before taking a cumulative midterm. Students completed Think Through Math lessons related to the class content throughout the month.

Geometry Honors We worked on chapter 9 where students studied transformations - reflections, dilations, rotations, and dilations using their prior knowledge of the coordinate plane. Students then constructed compositions of transformations using each of the four types of transformations together. We also constructed congruence and similarity transformations from a graph using all 4 transformations. To begin chapter 5, students used Geogebra to determine the Triangle Midsegments theorems. Students completed Think Through Math and Khan Academy lessons related to the class content throughout the month and completed various PARCC practice problems as Do Nows.

Statistics We finished the semester by completing chapter 4 on probability distributions and discussing the differences between binomial, geometric, and Poisson distributions. Students also continued their progress on their statistical studies by completing their data collection and beginning to analyze their data to construct data displays for their final presentations. During midterm week, students presented their final statistics studies and learned about their classmates’ data results.

Jim Santangelo AP Calculus AB Students have completed the derivatives portion of the course and will now move on to the third, and final, part of the course, which is integration. Students continue to apply the content to AP Exam type questions on a daily basis. Students will also be introduced to Albert.io, a new online program that will enrich the minds of students through problem solving using a higher level of thinking.

Geometry Students finished comparing and contrasting similarity and congruence in triangles prior to the administration of their midterm exam. After completing a brief unit that concludes their study of Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 58

triangles, they will move on to studying quadrilaterals and applying their properties to algebra and proof. Students will also be introduced to Albert.io, a new online program that will enrich the minds of students through problem solving using a higher level of thinking, as well as continue working with Think Through Math.

Algebra I Students are currently studying linear functions and their applications. They will apply the concept of slope to equations of lines, as well as compare and contrast parallel and perpendicular lines. Students will also be introduced to Albert.io, a new online program that will enrich the minds of students through problem solving using a higher level of thinking, as well as continue working with Think Through Math.

Algebra I Honors Students completed their study of linear functions prior to taking their midterm exam. They will now extend their knowledge of functions to non-linear functions. Included in their upcoming classes will be quadratic, exponential, and polynomial functions, as well as their application. Students will also be introduced to Albert.io, a new online program that will enrich the minds of students through problem solving using a higher level of thinking.

Kristine Racaniello Grade 8 Math/Pre-Algebra (7th Honors) This month the students learned how to solve systems of equations with 2 variables. The students also learned how to solve word problems by writing and solving systems of equations. The students were able to identify the number of solutions an equation has. Students have also worked on Khan Academy lessons to help prepare them for the PARCC assessments. Students also participated in a PARCC practice day.

Algebra 2 Students completed the unit on solving Quadratic Equations and factoring quadratic expressions. We also reviewed skills on Square roots. Students participated in PARCC related preparation activities and completed independent online assignments using Khan Academy. Students were formally assessed with two (2) quizzes and a Chapter Test.

Math Remediation My seniors have been working on Skills that they need assistance with to prepare for the Accuplacer. Students have been diligently working on lessons assigned to them on Khan Academy and meeting with me to review topics that they do not understand. We took the Accuplacer test once and 1 student tested out of the class.

Gabriel Ben-Nun Algebra 1 The Algebra 1 classes are working on the necessary skills to master the concept of functions. This is a difficult subject as it is very abstract. We continue to rely heavily on Khan Academy as an extra resource for practicing the skills we learn in class as well as a resource for continuously reviewing previously taught skills. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 10 extra points on the second marking period grade by completing all recommended skills as well as leveling up in at least 20 skills.

Algebra 1 Honors The class class has finished all linear equation objectives. We are now moving on to rules of exponents which will lead the students to polynomial functions and quadratic equations. Student’s continue to work Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 59

on Khan Academy. All students are done with about 20% of Algebra 1 skills on the site. This correlates to many of the skills and objectives needed as per our district curriculum.

Calculus Students are learning to apply the derivative tests to real world problems in manufacturing and economics. They are continuing to use Khan Academy both in class as well as at home to practice these concepts and as an extra credit assignment. As we move on to the third marking period the class will finish the rules of trigonometric derivatives and their applications

Gary Minervini Algebra XX This month the students work focused on graphing equations that represent functions, determining whether a relation is a function, finding domain and range, and evaluating functions. Students also participated in a mid-term examination. In order to prepare for upcoming PARCC assessment students used the online program Think Through Math to completed rigorous interactive lessons.

Math 8 This month the students work focused on solving systems of equations by the graphing method, substitution method, and the elimination method. Students also participated in a mid-term examination. In order to prepare for upcoming PARCC assessment students used the online program Think Through Math to completed rigorous interactive lessons.

Marc Fazio & Kim Simpson (Special Education ICS) Grade 7: Students completed chapter 4, Ratios Rates and Proportions. Students also completed their marking period 2 project.

The marking period 2 project was an independent study on a topic in mathematics that interested them. The 7th graders were to research their topic and present their findings as a math exhibit. Below are some photos of student exhibits that were used in their presentation: Mathematics in Baseball, French Mathematician Rene Descartes, The Number Pi, Mathematics of Roller Coasters, Math and Minecraft, and Inequalities.

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College Math Students continued to work on recommended pathways in Khan Academy. These modules reinforce lessons from Acellus. Students also completed their examination preparation and their Midterm exam.

Alexis Sous Resource Grade 7- Students in 7th grade have been using many life skills in math class. We have spent much of January reviewing percents, decimals, and fraction conversions. We have been using these equations to help us solve problems about taxes, discounts, sales, commission, and tips. We used real life situations to help us calculate how we would use taxes and tips in restaurants and discounts, sales, and clearance mark downs in department stores.

Alexis Sous Resource Grade 8 - Students are currently working with solving systems of equations, an important skill they will need for Algebra 1. They have been solving these equations by graphing and substitution Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 64 methods. They really love graphing on our new white boards with colored markers, it is helping them see the points better to make a more accurate linear graphs.

Social Studies Department

Victor Minnocci AP US History The class analyzed the social, political and economy of the antebellum south, and how sectionalism and the slave controversy caused disunion. Analyzed the strength and weaknesses of the North and the South and how it affected the outcome of the Civil War. Described the assassination of Lincoln and the results of Reconstruction.

Victor Minnocci US History II Honors The classes analyzed the Cold War during the Eisenhower years. Analyzing the effect of Sputnik on America's policies and showing the development of the space race. Assessed the post war changes in social movements, economic, political and social way of life in the 1950s. Described the growing consumerism and suburbanization.

Victor Minnocci, Kimberly Forsyth and Christina Scardino US History II This month in U.S. History II we finished our Chapter on the politics, culture, and economic state of America during the 1950s. We are exploring the transition from Eisenhower’s presidency to a radically different one under John F. Kennedy. Students evaluated the impact of important strides in the civil rights movement as well as key events such as Rosa Park’s bus boycott, the integration of public schools, and the crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. We look forward to our upcoming chapter on the New Frontier and Johnson’s Great Society.

Stephanie Gaven US History I Honors In the month of January, USI Honors students learned about American life at the Turn of the Century culminating in an oral history of a family member that has immigrated from another country and presented a special unique piece of their family history. As they completed their “Immigration Story” students learned their own family history and now have an artifact that can be passed on to the next generation. Lastly, we prepared for and took our midterm exams.

Stephanie Gaven, Mallory Garvin and Christina Scardino US I History Immigration and Urbanization were the focus of US History I in January. Students completed a project detailing their "Immigration Story" explaining how their families or ancestors immigrated to the United States. There are few projects more rewarding for the class, teacher, and student, as they force students to learn their own family history and record it- forever documenting these important histories- as well as, teach the class a great deal about the process of immigrating and the struggles of immigrants. We had the pleasure of hearing stories of immigration from Asia, India, Central America, Philippines, and Europe in the 1880s, 1940s, and 1990s. Living in such a diverse area, 15 minutes from New York City, this unit resonated with all of us as we learned about the history of our families and community.

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Mallory Garvin and Evan Dolan World History Honors and World History Back in the swing of things, in January classes learned about the great Napoleon Bonaparte and the Industrial Revolution. Students learned about the onset of the modern world as cities and industry was transformed to meet the modern society. Midterms marked the end of the first half of the year with the most exciting to come; the world wars.

Steve Schneidman and Christina Scardino 8th Grade Social Studies Mr. Schneidman’s 8th grade honors finished the chapter on the American Industrial Revolution. Topics included the advances in the textile industry, changes in transportation with the use of steam power. New inventions such as the telegraph, steel plow, and the sewing machine among others. The students are working on a project, researching the history of the B & O Railroad.

His other 8th grade finished the chapter on Westward Expansion, which included the California gold rush and the acceptance of California into the Union. They have begun the chapter on the American industrial Revolution. Learning about the textile industry and what it was like to work in the early factories, regarding hours, pay, and working conditions.

Steve Schneidman, Kimberly Forsyth and Christina Scardino 7th Grade Social Studies Mr. Schneidman’s 7th grade honors completed the unit on the American Revolution. Besides using the textbook the lessons were enhanced by using snippets from the History Channel's series on the American Revolution. As a culminating exercise the students worked with a partner on American Revolution crossword puzzle.

This month in Social Studies, Mrs. Forsyth’s students were introduced to the beginning of early colonial settlement in Jamestown, Virginia and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Students learned about European men and women who left their homes in search of adventure and a fresh start in America. They explored the struggles that settlers faced as they experienced their first winter in an unforgiving landscape as well as the triumphs when colonists formed successful alliances with friendly Native American cultures. We look forward to upcoming sections where colonists develop their simple settlements into organized states with a formal structure of government.

Stephanie Gaven Holocaust and Genocide Studies In January, students examined the impact of World War II and the Nazi genocide on Jewish lives and communities in Europe by participating in the Meeting Hate with Humanity: Life During the Holocaust activity at the Jewish Heritage Museum in New York City. Here students were able to meet, speak with and learn from Holocaust Survivor and author, Elly Berkovits Gross. This may be a once in a lifetime experience as we lose survivors every day. To end our class, they became journalists that reported about the war crime trial proceedings of a 21st century genocide of their choice.

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Victor Minnocci Current Issues The classes analyzed and discussed current events utilizing the News ELA website and other internet news sources. Topics included international, national and local events. Hot topics were the war on ISIS and the presidential candidates. Students presented their weekly current event reports.

Toni Baumgartner Band

Periods 1 & 8: History of Rock and Roll (Semester Class) • Beatles • Surf Music • Soul Music • Prep for End of Semester Assessment

Period 3: Study Skills • Graphic Organizers o Timeline o Venn Diagram o Cause & effect • Other tips for studying o Flash cards/ Pegwords

Periods 4, 5, & 6: Lunch Band (Half Period, Full Year Class) • Notes, rhythms, blending, intonation • Warm ups • Pep songs • Songs for Band Festival 2/2/16

Period 7: Band (Full Period) • Notes, rhythms, blending, intonation • Warm ups Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 67

• Songs for Band Festival 2/2/16 • Improvisation • What I Am Listening To Presentations • Music theory - note reading, keyboard note identification

Band Festival Songs 1. The Tempest (to be performed with the Moonachie Band) 2. Star Wars (to be performed with the WRIS Band) 3. We Will Rock You (to be performed with the WRIS Band) 4. Themes From “Jupiter” 5. Fog on the River 6. Star Spangled Banner 7. Maria Maria/Smooth

Physical Education

Andrea Marino Physical Education Grades 7, 8, 9,10 and 11

The students have been taught the rules and regulation of badminton, followed by the proper terms and names. Students have learned the different types of serves; flick, short and long, and have been using the serves to challenge teams in games. The students have been using the “smash” (and overhead attack) and figuring out different hits (long, short, angle) to play competitively. The students have been participating in round robin tournaments to challenge their classmates in competitive badminton games to 21. Students have also challenged me, to play games where it is a team against me alone to the score of 21. They are working really hard to figure out a way using all of their skills to beat me. All of the games, have been very competitive and the students are really enjoying this activity. Finally, the students have continued to emphasis on communication and good sportsmanship during team play. During the week of exams, students will be choosing their new activity

Chris Lange Physical Education

12th Grade - Senior Health

Students Learned about their role in the emergency medical services system. Students learned how to identify and treat Environmental Emergencies. Students learned how to prevent heat-related and cold- related emergencies, as well as bites and stings from insects, spiders and other animals. Students learned information on how to avoid contact with poisonous plants and how to avoid being struck by lightning. Students learned about soft tissue injuries including closed wounds, open wounds and burns. Students learned how to manufacture and apply a tourniquet, slings and splints.

7th Grade Physical Education

Students learned how to play game of badminton and skills. Students were taught basic skills of Grip, Releases, and striking. Students were taught skills of Forehand stroke and backhand. Students learned overhead strokes using forehand and backhand. Students began team play.

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7th Grade Health

The Students learned about the importance of Food and Nutrition and the importance of setting goals. The students put together and developed Healthful Eating plans. Students learned to identify the factors that influence their food choices. Students analyzed the techniques that food advertisers use to influence teens. Students learned how to make wiser decisions when choosing foods. Students learned about Carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Students examined why people often fail to achieve goals that they set. Students learned how to evaluate the information contained on a food label. Students learned how to calculate their body mass index. Students learned to identify health problems associated with being overweight and underweight.

10 Grade Physical Education

The students signed up for fitness. The students learned how to develop a fitness plan. Students learned weight training using machines and free weights. Students learned cardio workout and their target Heart Rate Zones. Students learned core training and how to utilize stability balls and other training equipment.

Joseph Gingerelli Physical Education

11th Grade Basketball

During physical education class students are playing softball. For the first week students learned the basic skills of basketball such as shooting, dribbling, and passing. Two teams compete daily improving their overall skills in basketball. On Wednesdays we have fitness day. Students are tested on various exercises which incorporate the five components of physical fitness.

11th Grade Speedball

During physical education class students are playing speedball. For the first week students learned the basic skills of speedball such as passing, shooting, and teamwork. Two teams compete daily improving their overall skills in speedball. On Wednesdays we have fitness day. Students are tested on various exercises which incorporate the five components of physical fitness.

7th Grade Health

During health class students covered mental illness and eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Students also covered multiple types of family situations and family relationships. Students did various assignments on these topics such as classwork, quizzes, and tests.

Lucia DiNapoli Physical Education

The students engaged in games of Speedball. This game is a fast paced game which incorporates throwing, foot dribbling, catching, game strategy, accuracy and agility just to name a few. They kept score which involved knowing all the different point systems regarding how a point is scored. In addition

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to this activity, students were retested on the Components of Fitness which include Flexibility using sit and reach, Muscular Endurance by performing sit-ups and Muscular Strength by performing pushups.

8th & 9th Grade Health Please see attached photos below

The students in 8th Grade Health have been discussing the following: • The main functions of the digestive system • The organs of the digestive system and their functions • Behaviors that keep your digestive system healthy • Role of the skeletal system • functions of bones and joints • behaviors that keep your digestive system healthy • Functions of muscles • Functions of the nervous system

The 9th grade students have discussed the following: • Roles of medicines & using it safely • The health risks of tobacco use • Promoting a Smoke Free environment • The health risks of alcohol use • The health risks of drug use • Side effects of illegal drugs • Living drug free

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Joseph Vaccaro Physical Education

Grade 7 PE

These students finished the unit on Fitness and turned in the workout logs, which were used daily for the fitness class. Students utilized the fitness center and demonstrated the understanding on the equipment use daily, and applied all that was learned. Further students were partnered up in order use peer assessments as a way to correct each other's form, and strengthen the learning process. There final assignment was a workout flyer that is attached below.

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Grade 8 - PE

We covered and reviewed all rules and regulations for the game of Basketball. Students were regularly reminded (when needed) to implement all rules during gameplay. Certain Skill activities were implemented when needed to address any particular skills that the students need to practice (i.e. dribbling, shooting, passing, etc.) Students were able and willing to apply all skills learned throughout the unit by participating in a team vs team format. Students were also given a best out of 3 team tournament for the last week of class.

Driver’s Education Students were given their final review prior to taking the state exam. Further students received instructions for what to do once they pass the state exam, and what to do if they didn’t. Students completed the NJ State permit exam. Students received instructions on what expect when returning to PE.

Grade 11- PE We covered and reviewed all rules and regulations for the game of Basketball. Students were regularly reminded (when needed) to implement all rules during gameplay. Students were able and willing to apply

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all skills learned throughout the unit by participating in a team vs team format. Students were also given a best out of 3 team tournament for the last week of class.

Grade 12 - Health As a class we continued to utilize the textbook and DVD to elaborate on other emergency situations and how to respond to them. Further we discussed in detail and through class activities how to determine if person requires first aid or further medical assistance. We reviewed The Emergency action steps (Check- Call-Care), when to administer CPR and/or an AED, and various other emergency situations (snake bite, hypothermia, trauma, etc.)

Taylor Condal

Physical Education 9&12

During our basketball unit, students learned the history of the game and the rules and regulations of the activity. Students also enhanced their ability in various basketball skills. Students worked on dribbling, (right hand, left hand, and crossover). Students also worked on passing, (chest, bounce, and overhead). Shooting included 3 point shots, jump shots, lay-ups, and foul shots were also incorporated. Once all skills were completed, all students began playing live scrimmages to improve their skills in a game-like setting. The final week of the activity is a tournament to see which team prevails.

Eileen Layman Media Center

An Afternoon with the Author

Eileen Layman’s 7th grade Media Skills class had the unique opportunity to read a current release of Seeing home: the Ed Lucas Story and to discuss the book with authors Ed and Christopher Lucas.

As a twelve-year-old Jersey City boy, Ed was hit with a line drive to the face, while playing baseball with his friends. He lost his vision. The love of baseball sparked his drive to an unlikely career as a Mets and Yankee announcer. Ed won an Emmy for reporting and is a member of the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife Allison were the first couple to be married at Yankee Stadium.

Ed and son Christopher sat down with the Media Skills classes and enjoyed a question and answer period about their book, Seeing Home. Students were interested about his close friends, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra and what it was like to meet baseball greats Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Students asked about performance enhancing drugs, Pete Rose and the baseball hall of fame. Of course, the Yankee star the students were most interested in was Derek Jeter. Jeter’s company published the book. Ed left a signed photo collage and a message written in Braille for each reader. Many students expressed how much it meant to meet the authors of the book they discussed in class. “It brought the book to life to have the authors retell the stories that I had read about,” stated one of the students.

An Afternoon with the Author was the second in a series of author visits to the Media Center.

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Emma Baker and Angelia Gomez listen to the author

Author Ed Lucas speaks with the 7th Grade Media Skills class

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Seventh grader Adam Lucas joins his father, Chris and grandfather Ed with Media Skills teacher, Eileen Layman

Media Center circulation for January 2016 was 101 books, 3 Kindles.

Student use of the Media Center continues to top 140 students daily; lunch time periods represent the highest amount of student users.

Neutral Zone

On Friday January 15, 2016, Neutral Zone students in grades 10-12 led an outreach at Wood-Ridge Intermediate School for the 5th and 6th grades. Small groups of Neutral Zone leaders met with each grade for 45 minutes in 4 separate groups and did a variety of icebreaker and team building activities as well as discussed topics such as nutrition, sportsmanship, bullying, and what high school is like. The program was based on training that 8 of the Neutral Zone students have participated in this year called Heroes and Cool Kids. They will be completing another outreach in the spring to discuss other important topics and continue to serve as role models for these students. Both the Neutral Zone and intermediate school students both enjoyed the experience and felt positive about the bonds they were building between each other. The Neutral Zone students loved working with the younger kids and were glad they had an opportunity to share their stories and experiences with them.

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Athletics

Competition Cheering Coach Jennifer Hynes and Brittany Zielinski

January was an excellent way to start to the 2016 Competition Season. The girls have worked very hard since September, and this month truly showed that. We debuted our routine at a show off we held on January 9th at Wood-Ridge High school. The following weekend, January 16th, the girls competed at Hackensack High School against 5 other teams in our division from around the area. The girls did exceptionally well, which allowed us to take home a first place trophy and be named grand champion for the entire high school session, outscoring approximately 30 teams. This title is awarded to the team that has the overall high score of the day. This past weekend, January 31st, our team competed at Ramapo College, where we competed against 5 teams within our division. The girls kept our winning streak alive after winning first place, and again receiving grand champion of the competition, outscoring another 30 teams.

We hope to make February another undefeated month.

Wood-Ridge Boys Basketball Head Coach: Eddie “Rock” Rendzio Assistant Coaches: Mike DeNichilo, Joe Mojkowski and Nicole Fleck

The Month of January was an up and down. We beat rival Hasbrouck Heights and had our first three game winning streak of the season. We also suffered some tough losses. As a whole we are not having the success we are used to but the kids are trying and myself and the rest of the coaches are working to prepare the team for our upcoming opponents. Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 77

Note from Mr. Sutera: A big congratulations to Coach “Rock” on his 300th win.

Monthly Bowling Report Matthew D. Bogert – Head Bowling Coach

This bowling season has been a competitive and exciting one. The bowling team has done an excellent job in improving their scores and challenging other teams as the season continues. The team has stayed together, and has grown in comradery.

They have all participated with the utmost sportsmanship and are always there to pick each other up. I have watched them grow into a strong team. It has been a pleasure coaching this group of athletes through the winter season.

The bowlers have done a tremendous job thus far. The addition of the two seniors Brittany Larsen and Maria Correa who have been leaders of the team along with sophomores Andrew Rojas and Jordan McCabe. Brittany leads the team with a 136 average. Brittany also leads the girls with a game high 179, and the boys are lead by Andrew Rojas with a high score 196. Overall average of 126. Sabrina Elkeshk and Matthew Cupo have also been solid performers for our team.

Our scheduling has been great throughout the year and has definitely helped with the team's improvement and success.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS – Teachers

 Doyle School

None reported

 Intermediate School

Welcome back Mrs. Koernig on February 1 to the grade 6 team.

A special thank you to Ms. Beley for her outstanding job as sixth grade ELA/SS teacher in the absence of Mrs. Koernig. Fortunately, we are not losing Ms. Beley; she will be a permanent substitute teacher until March 24 when she assumes the leave position taken by Mrs. Oppido in grade 5.

 Jr/Sr High School

None reported

STUDENT RECOGNITION

 Doyle School

Grade 3 Straight A’s Student Teacher Joseph D’Angelo Bonnie Campagna Luna Estrella Bonnie Campagna Gianfranco Gentile Bonnie Campagna Zoe Herishen Bonnie Campagna Henry Magnusson Bonnie Campagna Payton Mascuch Bonnie Campagna Sarah Mennella Bonnie Campagna Nicole Sawicki Bonnie Campagna

Jake Burke Jennifer Hynes Thomas Byrne Jennifer Hynes Anthony Cala Jennifer Hynes Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 79

Riley Friedman Jennifer Hynes Ryleigh Lange Jennifer Hynes Julia Meany Jennifer Hynes Milo Miller Jennifer Hynes Alexis Pispitsos Jennifer Hynes Angelina Rella Jennifer Hynes

Megan Aedo Ann Marie Moccia Michael Braid Ann Marie Moccia Olivia Sancilio Ann Marie Moccia Gianna Sollitti Ann Marie Moccia Steven Turi Ann Marie Moccia

Jacqueline Boccia Brittany Zielinski Erin Kerr Brittany Zielinski Jayden LaGrasta Brittany Zielinski Noelle Savonije Brittany Zielinski Natalie Turi Brittany Zielinski

 Intermediate School

Results of the Hasbrouck Heights Elks Lodge #1962 Hoop Shoot (2nd round) free throw contest

8 & 9; B – Michael Marchitelli (4J) = 4th place G – Jessica Schmidt (4-Ro) = 3rd place

10 & 11; B – Gianluca Phelan (6-D) = 1st place G – Jordyn Bozewski (5-Mu) = 3rd place

12 & 13; B – Lino Ragozzino (6-Bel) = DNP (Did Not Place) G – Bozana Bozovic (6-Bel) = DNP

All of these students went on to the 2nd round (lodge level) of the Elks Hoop Shoot competition which was held at Hasbrouck Heights HS on January 5, 2016. In this competition the following students placed 3rd in their divisions; Jessica Schmidt & Jordyn Bozewski. Michael Marchitelli placed 4th, and both Lino Ragozzino & Bozana Bozovic did not finish within the top four spots. There was one student who placed 1st overall for their division; Gianluca Phelan. Gianluca’s 1st place finish earned him an invitation to compete at the next level of this contest (district) also held at Hasbrouck Heights high school on Saturday January 9, 2016. In that competition Gianluca finished in 2nd place, and although he did very well Gianluca will not get to advance to the next phase of this contest.

Winners of the WRIS Elks Hoop Shoot (1st round) free throw contest 8 & 9 year old division: B – Michael Marchitelli (4J) & G – Jessica Schmidt (4-Ro) 10 & 11year old division: B – Gianluca Phelan (6-D) & G – Jordyn Bozewski (5-Mu) 12 & 13year old division: B – Lino Ragozzino (6-Bel) & G – Bozana Bozovic (6-Bel) Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 80

 Jr/Sr High School

None reported

Superintendent’s Monthly Report January 2016 81