South Mountain Superstar February 2009

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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february calendar

happy new year!

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Groundhog Day

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Cultural Arts Performance

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Family Roller Skating Party

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2009

Valentine’s Day Schools closed: President’s Day General PTA Mtg 7:30: So. Mtn.

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Column Library News Fundraising SOMEF Grants Administration Contact Info SOMEF News Programming Advertisements Advertisements Elementary Newsletter More Library News

Full Sessions First Bell 8:40am

AM Kindergarten 8:40-11:30am

PM Kindergarten 12:30-3:15pm

Grades 1-5 8:40-3:15pm

4-hour Sessions First Bell 8:40am

AM Kindergarten 8:40-11:30am

PM Kindergarten 10:00-12:45pm

Grades 1-5 8:40-12:45pm

SAVE our PLANET

Please sign up for the PDF version of this newsletter! Reduce your carbon footprint and go green!

Contact: Sandi Sandoli at 275-3856 or by email: ssandoli@verizon.net

valentine’s day .A>HK=HO

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box tops: Please keep bringing in those Box Tops!

Yvette Holowczak

Don’t forget to honor your child’s teachers this Valentine’s Day!

ymholowczak@yahoo.com

See details inside this newsletter on page 4.

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happy new year! presidents column Sandi Brand & Sylvia Cutler PTA Co-Presidents

Welcome to 2009!!!

library news

We hope that everyone enjoyed the holiday break. This year certainly started off cold and snowy. Please remember to let us know if your contact information has changed should we need to reach you in the event of an emergency school closing.

For a short month, our PTA certainly has a busy schedule. We will start the month off with a cultural arts program in celebration of Black History month. South Mountain PTA is thrilled to have Ssuuna for two shows on the 4th. He is a wonderful story teller and dancer from Uganda.

battle of the books!

February 5th is our South Mountain Roller Skating party at the Florham Park Roller Rink. We really look forward to seeing all of our South Mountain families and staff there and on skates!

Third Grade’s Battle of the Books program is in full swing. The students are eagerly devouring their titles in preparation for the class battles in mid to late February. Students will be battling each other in teams of 5-6 to answer questions relating to the plot, setting, characters, etc. of the 10 books on the Official South Mountain Battle of the Books List.

Our next General PTA meeting will be on the 25th at 7:30 at South Mountain. We thank all those that have been coming to our meetings. We do appreciate all your input and support.

Lastly, we would also like to ask all parents to please be patient when dropping off and picking up your children from school.

It may take a little longer in the cold and snowy weather, but we want our children to remain safe. Please be courteous to other parents. Everyone’s help with this is greatly appreciated.

Here’s to a great 2009 for all of our Superstars.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Sandi and Sylvia

Please help out the library by using the search engine, www.goodsearch.com (powered by Yahoo!) when searching for anything online. Select South Mountain School (South Orange, NJ) as the charity or nonprofit which will benefit from your search. The library gets 1 cent for each search. While 1 cent may not sound like much, it can add up over the course of a few months. If 100 people perform 5 searches a day for 30 days, the library will get a check for $150. Funds will be used to purchase additional library materials such as multiple copies of books for the Battle of the Books program, awards and rewards for TV Turnoff and Battle of the Book participants, as well as extras such as colored copy paper for informational flyers, and literature-related puzzles and games.

2008 coat drive

A huge thank you to Kanani Briggs for chairing this year’s coat drive. South Mountain School collected 41 large bags of coats which were distributed to both the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County and The Foodbank of NJ. Thanks so much to everyone who donated gently used coats. The two groups were quite appreciative as, this year especially, they were in great need of lots of winter coats for needy families in our area.

In addition, six truly special South Mountain mom’s and one South Mountain grandparent went to the Foodbank of NJ to help sort coats for a couple of hours.

Thank you to Joanne Fisher, Millie Viqueira, Maria Witt, Corlisse Thomas, Kimberly Minor, Barbara Briggs and Kanani Briggs who, along with a few other volunteers from other groups, sorted 1012 coats!

Way to go South Mountain!!!!

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happy new year to all!! fundraising 2009

Columbia High School Music Parents’

Maria Shapiro & Laura Reichgut, Fundraising VP Co-Chairs

Association, Inc. presents:

We hope you had an enjoyable winter break.

You should all have received notices in your child’s backpack with regards to the upcoming auction. In light of the current state of our economy, we are making some changes to this event. “An Evening in Paris” will still be held on March 28th at the Maplewood Women’s Club. You can still expect to come out and enjoy a wonderful evening of food, fun and entertainment. Goods and services will be available by raffle and silent auction.

A GALA EVENING OF CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC featuring pianist

Joseph Kalichstein

and renowned performing artists from South Orange and Maplewood

We do not want anyone to feel discouraged or under any obligation to spend more money at the event. We want to make it as open and inviting for everyone no matter what your circumstances may be.

IN SUPPORT OF MUSIC PROGRAMS AT COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL

For tickets contact Tina Squyres at: 973-762-5719 csquyres@comcast.net

Historically this is the fundraiser that enables us to provide funds for all the programs and initiatives in the school.

In addition to our ongoing goal for improved and upgraded technology, these funds support cultural arts, Spirit Day, the School Fair, and new playground equipment.

Concert begins 7:30pm Doors open & Silent Auction 6:30pm Dessert Reception following concert Tickets $50 General Admission

The PTA Board and South Mountain Administration want everyone to feel welcome to participate in whichever way is most comfortable for them. This event brings together the school community like no other.

The Woman’s Club of Maplewood 60 Woodland Road www.chsmpa.org

Look for your invitation in the beginning of February. If you respond within the first two weeks you will receive a discount.

If you have any further questions, or would like to be involved in this event, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you in “Paris.”

Maria & Laura save the date: march 28th an evening in paris

a south mountain school benefit

for the love of music feb 8th

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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administration welcome, to our new Directory Corrections south mountain superstars

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contact info: South Mountain PTA Executive Board Co-Presidents Sandi Brand (973) 762-5333 sandibrand@verizon.net Sylvia Cutler (973) 378-8286 sylcutler@aol.com

Sandy Sandoli & Amy Forman, PTA VPs of Administration

Jamarion Scott – Mrs. Heumann Caroline Hill – Mrs. Paul Adam Majmudar – Mrs. Murray Natalie Lanfir – Mrs. Esposito Madeline Lima – Mrs. Juhlin Karla Miranda – Mrs. Visco

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email change

Kareena Salvi, Mrs. Rubenstein Vice Presidents, Administration new email: Sandy Sandoli (973) 275-3856 vasudha.mukadam@yahoo.com ssandoli@verizon.net

Amy Forman (973) 763-5669 amygarysamlily@aol.com

Sandy and Amy

Vice Presidents, Fundraising Maria Shapiro (973) 761-4779 mikespopworld@hotmail.com Laura Reichgut (973) 763-6905 Feissgut@yahoo.com

honor your child’s teachers this valentine’s day!

Vice Presidents, Programming Letitia Campbell (973) 763-8014 letitia.campbell@yahoo.com Kara Erhamza (973) 313-2296 k_erhamza@mac.com

Treasurers Louise Finkelman (973) 378-2313 LSF92@hotmail.com Debbie Granados (973) 761-5357 4granados@optonline.net

Corresponding Secretary Leslie Rubenfeld (973) 313-0523 rubenfelds@aol.com

Recording Secretary Renee Leviton (973) 378-3810 reneekleviton@hotmail.com

This year you can send your child’s teachers and school staff a Valentine wish! Each wish is only $2.00, or 3 for $5.00! Your child’s name will be printed on a Valentine card which will be presented to each staff member on Feb. 13th. Don’t forget the special subject teachers, Spanish, speech, support staff, etc!! The proceeds help fund upcoming PTA programming events! A flyer will be coming home soon!

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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somef congratulations

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Congratulations to the recipients of 43 classroom grants totaling $39,000 that were distributed to teachers in all nine district schools by the South Orange-Maplewood Education Foundation (SOMEF) on December 5th. The awards, ranging from $196 to $6,700, will pay for a variety of distinctive educational projects that will add to the educational experience of students at all grade levels this spring.

Mark your calendar and get your TEAM ready for the return of the

SOMEF QUIZ BOWL! Sunday, March 29, 2009

Back by popular demand! Teams of 3-5 contestants (K-Adult) compete “Jeopardy”-style for laughs and prizes and to benefit the South OrangeMaplewood Education Foundation

SOMEF has awarded 396 Teacher Grants since 2000. The program offers educators the opportunity to apply for funding for innovative classroom projects that expand students’ learning using strategies and materials that cannot be accommodated by the school budget. Go to www.somef.org to see a complete list of 2009 grant awards.

Questions?

Contact: Judy Rubashkin Martel Email: jeffmartel@comcast.net Call: 973-378-5948

SOMEF was unable to satisfy all approved proposals for Teacher Grants, and the community is now invited to help fulfill more teachers’ wishes through the Late Funding Initiative.

Visit the “teacher grant registry” on the website to see a list of projects that are still awaiting funding. Donors can contribute toward the grants of their choice either by check to P.O. Box 84, Maplewood, NJ, 07040 or via PayPal on the website.

For more information on Late Funding, call Sandra Kurek at 973-761-0795.

SOMEF is an independent, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that raises funds from donations, events and corporate grants to foster educational equity and innovation and to help maintain outstanding facilities in the public schools. SOMEF is proud to support the creativity of district educators whose initiative contributes so much to the outstanding education they offer. In addition to the annual Teacher Grants Program, SOMEF also pays for free tutoring for at-risk students through the ACHIEVE Volunteer Tutor Program, professional development opportunities and more.

Durand-Hedden House Where History Comes Alive February 22 1-4 pm

523 Ridgewood Road

Maplewood, NJ

(973) 763-7712

Was Kenneth Dalzell Maplewood’s Most Prolific Architect?

Did he design your house? Come to Durand-Hedden Sunday, February 22 1-4 pm to find out. New research shows that this nearly forgotten architect designed a vast array of houses in Maplewood, working from about 1915 and 1940 for individual clients and developers. Dalzell created well-designed moderately priced homes, often in Colonial, Tudor and Italian Revival styles. He also was the architect for the Maplewood Country Club and residences in Orange, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Essex Fells and Mantoloking.

In honor of Washington’s birthday, the Country Store will be holding a preinventory sale of unique gifts and books.

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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We can’t believe it is February already! We hope you’ll chase away some of the winter blues with us at our Family Roller Skating Event.

It will be Thursday, February 5 from 5-7pm at the Florham Park Roller Arena. Admission is free and the cost of skate rental is $3.50. We’d like to thank Lisa Nolet for organizing this fun event!

As we look forward to March, please mark your calendars for our Storytelling Night on March 18th. More information will come in your child’s backpack.

PROGRAMMING

Hoping you keep warm,

Kara and Letitia girl scout troop 1126 cap collection

Original Tee-Shirts & Letterpress Prints

By Ann Vollum

Cap Collection Results!

Girl Scout Troop 1126 thanks everyone who collected and brought in plastic caps! The total number of caps collected was 30,535!

Everyone is a winner for helping protect our Earth and wildlife! The top three classes are Mrs. Appenzoller (3,180), Mrs. Simon (2,727) and Mr. Cahn (2,300)! Mrs. Appenzoller’s class will receive a free extra physical education period and a no homework pass. Mrs. Simon and Mr. Cahn’s class will also receive a no homework pass! We have begun our next cap collecting contest – this will be a Grade Contest!

The grade with the most caps will be the winners! Keep bringing in your caps!! (Please no metal caps, thin milk lids or yogurt lids.) Girl Scout Troop 1126 will be sending the collected caps to Aveda. Aveda recycles the caps to produce their product containers and caps.

BeastlyBeasties.etsy.com BeastlyBeasties@verizon.net 973 762 3343 A Beasty A Day beasties.tumblr.com

JJPT

Make It Happen!

Jane Jones Personal Training (ACSM) Personal Training Plans Tailored Fitness Programs Fully Equipped Private Studio Working with all Fitness Levels Phone: 973 704 6466 Email: janejonespt@gmail.com Website: jjptonline.com

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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Shakti

Shakti Yoga & living arts & Shakti Ma

1861 Springfield Avenue Maplewood, NJ 07040 www.ShaktiNJ.com 973-763-2288

Dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our

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PIANO for YOU

Rewarding and fun for children and adults interested in classical and popular music.

community, we offer yoga classes and healing arts practices for everybody. ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊

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~ KIDS & FAMILY YOGA ~ PRENATAL & BABY&ME YOGA ~ BEGINNER & GENTLE YOGA ~ HATHA, VINYASA & ASHTANGA ~ KUNDALINI YOGA, CORE YOGA ~ BELLY DANCE BOOT CAMP ~ SELF DEFENSE & KUNG FU ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊

Hanna Somatics, Shiatsu, QMT, Reflexology, Reiki, Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Raindrop Technique, Therapeutic, Prenatal & Aromatherapy Massage

Highest Quality Educational Books Over 1300 titles for ALL ages 80% of titles under $10

Wide Range of Subjects: Phonics, Science, Literature, Math, Nature, Music, Foreign Languages, & More!

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

To view the complete catalog or to order directly go to:

Beginning, intermediate and advanced.

25 years experience.

Complimentary trial lesson.

Call Wendy Goldstein.

973-762-6601

www.ubah.com/K1923 or call Annélisa Blake-Wasden (973) 820-1267 booksforkidz@myubah.com

Tsi p i Ka p l a n will be offering private chef services (weekly food preparation for families) and for holiday parties. Please call or email for reservations.

ch e f@t sip ikap lan . c o m

chef instructor

973.761.5866 917.502.0932 ce ll

w w w .t sip ikap lan .c o m

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ZOKUSALON.COM

Zina’s Handmade Treasures

Great gifts, or treat yourself!

Baby blankets,

baby sweaters Children’s sweaters and ponchos Adult ponchos,

scarves, and shawls

17 UNION PLACE SUMMIT, NJ 07901 ( 908 ) 273 . ZOKU ( 9658 )

see what you’re missing.

201.259.8426

remember the days when you could buy a new TV, plug it into the wall, and...

If interested in purchasing a treasure

or two, please contact Mrs. Schaefer-Gelo

(Second Grade Teacher)

or email her at: gschaefe@somsd.k12.nj.us

Miriam Belov, mat, rmt miriam@wellnessagenda.com 973.762.6962

chatham brick asbury park ...immediately start watching? Those days are long gone. Introducing pure AVS intelligence for universal remotes, audio/video system upgrades & iPod integration.

iIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi iIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi iIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi iIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi pa i n t i n g s prints posters l i t h o g ra ph s collage antique prints p h oto g ra ph y s c u lt u r e m i r ro r s c u sto m f ra m i n g c o r p o rat e residential c o n s u lt i n g a rt p lac e m e n t i n s t a l l at i o n s m u ra l s a rt a c c e s s o r i e s ap p ra i s a l s

Everything is handmade by Mrs. Schaefer-Gelo’s mother.

The Wellness Agenda

www.wellnessagenda.com

201.486.5899 c a ry n @ c s m - a r t. c o m

endless possibilities with art

mind – body – health – fitness

Reiki Master/Healing Stress Relaxation

art & frame 25b commerce street c h at h a m , n j 0 7 9 2 8 by appointment

Consultant Lecturer Author Media Work

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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elementary school newsletters Fine Amnesty and “Spring Cleaning” March 1-15th

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feb 2009

Valentine Workshops February 10th-12th, 3-6pm Main Library

Spring Clean your library Drop in to Main Library Tuesday account! From March 1 to March Feb 10 and Thursday Feb 12 15, when you return your overdue from 3-6pm to make a valentine items, all current charges will be craft. waived. You can eliminate your

old fines too: when you pay half, Black History Month Programs the library will erase the other

half! Come in person and take “Banner of Dreams” Drop-in advantage of this chance to give Craft your library account a fresh Feb 1st - 28th start. For all ages, baby to adult. Main Library & Hilton Branch

Just one more bite: help your Drop by and make a banner child have a healthy relationship depicting your hopes & dreams: with food and mealtimes. for yourself, your family, your February 10, 7:30pm community, and your world.

Hilton Branch

Play weekly quiz games Has food become a bribe, a bone Feb 1st - Feb 28th of contention? This workshop Main Library & Hilton Branch helps put food in perspective, Win prizes!

offers easy to implement Jazz and Poetry — A Celebration strategies for helping children Saturday Feb 28, 2 - 4 pm enjoy mealtimes and expand

their horizons about trying new Hilton Branch and the foods. Start looking forward Springfield Avenue Partnership to family meals! Betsy Ressler are teaming up to provide live Wald, librarian and social jazz, interactive poetry reading, worker, has been helping parents and crafts. for almost 20 years.

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more library news

Friday, February 13th is the absolute final deadline to turn in the Six Flags Read-to-Succeed Program logs.

Forms cannot be accepted after that date. Remember that your child must have read for a minimum of 6 hours (360 minutes) to earn a free child’s ticket to Six Flags. Forms must include a parent/guardian signature to be accepted by Six Flags.

Monday, March 2nd is Read Across America Day. Watch your child’s backpack for information about events going on in the classroom, around school, and around town to celebrate this national event commemorating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.

Events may be held on the actual day or anytime during the month. ✪

ADVERTISE!

The fifth grade’s first pizza/movie night was a huge success. The kids enjoyed hanging out and watching Nacho Libre! Don’t miss the next movie night on February 6th! Look for the upcoming Evite! The proceeds help fund the 5th grade moving up activities and overnight camping trip!

For $2.00 you can place an AD. (business card, birthday wishes, etc.)

Size: 2.75” x 1.75” For larger sizes and display ADs, please inquire. Submissions by email only.

Digital PDF version will be in color.

Printed version will be B&W.

classifieds:

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Advertising Policy Deadline: the 15th of the prior month when you wish your AD to appear.

South Mountain Families ONLY!

credits: Design + Production William Kochi KODE Associates, Inc.

Printing Mary Jo DeFranco Signal Graphics