www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
mar
march calendar
spring time!
10-12
NJASK, Grade 3
10-14
NJASK, Grade 4
17-20
NJASK, Make-ups Grade 3&4
21
School is Closed for Good Friday
26
Storytelling Night 6-8pm at SM
APR 9
General PTA Meeting 7:30pm Annex
21-25
School Closed for Spring Recess
School hours:
in this issue:
the spring equinox begins on March 20th this year.
PAGE
@ Presidents
Column Library News
# Principal’s
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
Message
$ Programming 4 SOMEF 4 Women’s History
% Parenting
Workshop Series
^ 4th Grade News 6 Contact Info 6 More Library News
& Advertisement
* Elementary
School Newsletter
8 SM Merchandise
SAVE our PLANET
six flags read to succeed
The Six Flags 2008 Read to Succeed Program is closed for now. Students who completed the reading log, and returned it ON TIME with a parent signature, will receive a free child’s ticket to Six Flags. The tickets are only valid from mid-June to mid-August 2008, so please pay attention to the expiration date on the ticket. Tickets will be MAILED home by the librarian in late May. We had more than 120 students complete the six hours of reading this year. ✪
For those that haven’t signed up yet for the electronic PDF version of this newsletter, please do! Reduce your carbon count now and go green! Contact: Rhonda Johnson rjohn74077@aol.com
Happy St. Patricks Day! March 17, 2008 Don't forget to wear green on Monday!
box tops:
Please keep bringing in those Box Tops!
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
page
spring is almost here! presidents column Carlene Brumant & Sandi Brand PTA Co-Presidents
We hope that everyone had a wonderful February break.
library news
While we are anxiously waiting for the weather to warm up, we still may have some snowy weather ahead. Please make sure that the school and the PTA has your current day time phone numbers on file so that you will be notified of any closings by either the Call ’em All system or our PTA emergency phone chain (see Testing, 1-2-3 below).
We also continue to ask our parents to please strive to pick up and drop off children as safely and efficiently as possible so all the children get to school without incident. We do recognize with colder weather and snow falling drop off and pick up can sometimes prove challenging. We do appreciate everyone’s help with this matter.
report cards
Report cards are being issued on Friday, March 28, 2008. Please resolve all library fines, and return all extremely overdue library books before then, so your child will receive his/her report card. It is district policy to withhold report cards for lost library materials and unpaid library fines. Books become “Lost” when they are more than 30 days overdue. Thank you for your cooperation.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for March 26th, when we will have our 5th annual “Storytelling Night”. Bring your kids in their PJ’s and even consider being a volunteer to read your favorite childhood book to a group of children. Be sure to check your child’s backpack for updates as we get closer to what promises to be a fun-filled evening for all.
Thank you to the 5th grade parents for organizing a fabulous used book sale to benefit the 5th grade camping trip. We were so impressed with the incredible selection of books at both schools. It looked like all the kids and their parents got some great books at even better prices.
Battle of the Books started in early February with grade 3. All students will be borrowing a Battle book in addition to their regular library books and will be provided with a zip-top bag in which to store the book when they are not reading it. Students were provided with book lists, and the library has 10-15 copies of each title. Thanks to a SOMEF grant, the librarian was able to purchase several of the Battle titles in an audiobook version (either cassette or CD) for those who would benefit from the audio format. Our third graders are really into reading their Battle books; many students are exchanging books every 2-3 days. We will begin practicing for the class battles in March with official class and grade level battles at the end of March. ✪
We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated in our cookie dough fundraiser. We hope everyone is enjoying baking cookies on these cold winter nights. We, as always, appreciate your support with this fundraiser. The money we raise from all of our fundraisers this year will be used to continue making improvements in our libraries. In addition to the library project, we will also begin to update and add the latest technology in all of the classrooms. We will be sure to keep everyone updated as we move forward.
As we look ahead to spring, the PTA has great events coming up such as the Spring Art Show and Concert and our Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. The ever popular School Fair and School Spirit Day will also be here before we know it, so make sure you are ready to celebrate with your South Mountain T-shirt. Please contact our Fundraising VP’s, Maria Shapiro or Testing, 1-2-3. Kara Erhamza, for all your If you did not receive an automated phone call the South Mountain gear. morning of the delayed opening, please contact Andrea Dudley at South Mountain at adudley@somsd.k12.nj.us or 973-378-5216.
Carlene & Sandi
@
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
learning something new principal’s message
The GPS can anticipate when traffic jams or road blocks can occur. With the GPF, the smart teacher, who analyzes feedback from students and completes a task analysis for planning learning, will plan accordingly to avoid pitfalls and slowdowns.
When the Principal uses a GPS for the first time…
I stayed away from technology for the first 45 years of my life. I am still reluctant to embrace new technologies. My son-in-law, who recently relocated to the US from South Africa, purchased a GPS to navigate his way around New Jersey and his new country. He put the GPS in my hands for the first time when I had to drive to Canada for a family event. I was amazed! It was relatively easy to use. It had clear visuals and great auditory directions to help me find my destination. As I drove up through New England, I felt increasingly more and more comfortable with the device. I soon realized that I was enjoying aspects of my journey that previously would have made me nervous. It gave me excellent feedback, especially if I made a wrong turn. I became a more confident traveler as the miles passed by. As a “new-timer” to this technology, I felt “tech savvy” for the first time in my life.
The GPS indicates points you will see during the trip and lets you select stops along the way that are important to you. With the GPF, the master teacher incorporates feedback as to how students learn best into planning and give students choices in how to demonstrate their learning.
The GPS is one example of how feedback has become a vital part of our lives. As teachers assess learning and provide students with clear, detailed feedback, students better understand how to adjust their time and focus to meet learning benchmarks. As a result, their motivation and self-confidence improve, they more readily fulfill their learning goals, and they feel more empowered. The question I ask my teachers is, (“Is your GPF system operating at its peak efficiency?”).
As I reflected on my trip, I realized that the GPS experience was a valid metaphor for how teachers should provide feedback to students in the learning process. A GPS (Global Positioning System) and a GPF (Growth-Producing Feedback) have a lot in common.
The GPS lays out the entire trip from start to finish. With the GPF, a good teacher will frame the learning by explaining to students how new learning will unfold and how it will be assessed.
The GPS estimates how much time it will take to reach your destination and readjusts the time as the trip continues. With the GPF, a wise teacher fully understands that time is the variable in learning, he or she uses feedback data from students throughout the unit of study to adjust the time required for learning to occur.
On my next trip I will reflect on the GPS metaphor for parenting. Each of my children came without an “Owners Manual” and I entered parenthood without a “How to Manual”. A GPD (Global Parenting Device) may have helped with my negotiations through child rearing.
The GPS provides ongoing and immediate feedback throughout the entire trip. With the GPF, the astute teacher administers formative assessments and uses that data to provide feedback to the students.
The ultimate metaphor, which I promise to work on during a future trip, would be the PTC, a device which parents and teachers use while working to serve the needs of each of our children.
The GPS recalculates when you make a wrong turn. With the GPF, the savvy teacher, who uses a pacing guide to carry out unit plans, realize that its often necessary to readjust plans when students do not learn in the allotted time.
The GPS tells how far you must go to complete the trip. With the GPF, the thorough teacher teaches students to self assess their own learning and to set goals in order to complete required learning.
#
Tom Gibbons, Principal
The GPS tracks the trip in stages and provides visual and auditory details. With the GPF, the flexible teacher administers a learning styles inventory to students, and uses that information to best meet the needs of all students.
page
Tom Gibbons
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
programming: for march 2008 by Lisa Nolet & Letitia Campbell
page
$
March
Get your P.J.s on, grab your teddy and pillow and come out on Wednesday March 26th at 6:30pm for South Mountain School’s annual pajama storytime! Parents, teachers, principals and older students will read their favorite children’s stories for SM Superstars and their siblings. There will of course, be cookies and milk for snack. We are in need of a chair person for this event, so contact Lisa or Letitia if you are willing to manage this very manageable event. Also be on the lookout for flyers asking for readers as the date draws nearer.
Also in May we will once again A P P R E C I AT I O N host the Parent-Teachers LU N C H E O N Appreciation Luncheon and are in need of chair people to help make this event a success. Please contact Lisa or Letitia if you would like to help make this tradition, one to be remembered.
26
In honor of Women’s History Month the Durand-Hedden House is presenting:
Lisa Nolet & Letitia Campbell
The Suffragette Movement: How Women Won the Vote.
SOMEF
A lecture and slide presentation using humorous and not so humorous postcards and memorabilia to offer insights into how American woman were regarded as they struggle to win the right to vote.
Generous Donors Help SOMEF Grant Teachers’ Wishes!
Thanks to contributors to its Late-Funding Appeal, the South Orange-Maplewood Education Foundation (SOMEF) raised $6,710 to further its reach in funding teacher grants for projects to be carried out this spring. The funds from this appeal will support nine grants in schools throughout the school district, bringing the number of 2008 SOMEF Teacher Grants to fifty-eight for a total of $41,726 in funding. Late-Funded grants include the “Battle of the Books” in all elementary schools, “Healthy Choices” at MMS, a Shakespeare Project and “Lead for Diversity” at CHS, and more. SOMEF has funded over 400 grants for more than $250,000 since 1999. Funding for this year’s grants came from the annual Honor Your Teacher and Staff Campaign, individual donations, and from grants from the Lennie Pierro Memorial Arts Foundation in South Orange and the Anthony Garubo Salon and Day Spa in Maplewood. An independent not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, SOMEF raises funds to enhance the educational experience of students and staff in the School District of South Orange and Maplewood. Find out more at www.somef.org or call 973-378-2055.
Date and Time of Event: Sunday March 9th, 2008 2:00pm
Location: Durand-Hedden House 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Admission: FREE
More Info: 973-763-7712
The 45 minute slide talk will take place at 2:00 p.m. and be followed by a time for questions and answers. From 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. the public is also welcome to tour the house museum, which was a residence from 1790 to 1970 and to visit the Country Store. ✪
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
Winter Parenting Workshop Series
page
%
Parenting Anxious Children Nancy Distel
The Parenting Center of the School District of South Orange and Maplewood Tel. 973-762-5600 x1850
Is your child being hindered by excessive anxiety? In Ł this workshop parents will learn to distinguish between a “normal” level of anxiety and one that is of concern, how anxiety functions and manifests itself in children, and what responses are helpful and not. Treatment options will also be discussed.
Competition: Our Children and Ourselves Lewis Epstein, LCSW
Everyone competes, but few of us understand the complex dynamics of competition and its powerful effects on our children’s relationships and self perceptions. This workshop will look at competition from many angles, including family interactions, gender issues, athletics, and academics. When we understand the pervasive effects of competition, we can better help our children cope and thrive in our highly competitive world.
For seven years, Nancy Distel, Ph.D., has had a private practice in Millburn. She has treated adults, children of all ages, couples and families on a range of emotional and behavioral issues, with a specialty in anxiety disorders.
Wednesday, March 19 7:30 to 9 pm The Parenting Center, 525 Academy Street Fee: $5
Lou Epstein, LCSW, conducts frequent workshops and seminars on parenting issues. A social worker in the New York City School System, he also has a private practice in South Orange and is the author of Coaching for Fatherhood.
Adoptive Parent Support Group
This on-going monthly support group will offer adoptive parents a supportive context in which to share information, insights and resources on raising their children. Contact Kirby Mullen: 973-763-0765.
Mondays, Feb 25 and Mar 3 7:30 to 9 pm The Parenting Center, 525 Academy Street Fee: $10
Tuesdays, Feb 5, March 4, April 1, May 6 Tuscan School
All Kinds of Families Aimee Gelnaw
7:30 to 9 pm
ADD/ADHD Parent Support Group This on-going monthly support group offers parents of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD the opportunity to share information, concerns, and solutions in a supportive context. Contact The Parenting Center: 973-762-5600 x 1850
Take part in opening the dialogue about gay and lesbian parenting in your community, school and family. Topics will include language and its power, handling frequently asked questions, mechanisms for creating allies and opening doors in the schools, and tools for parent and staff meetings.
Aimee Gelnaw has served as Assistant Professor and chair of an Early Childhood Education Department, as well as executive director of Family Pride Coalition, the only national non-profit for LGBT families. She is the co-author of Opening Doors: Lesbian Gay Parents and Schools.
Mondays, Feb 4, Mar 17, Apr 7, May 19 7:30 to 9 pm The Parenting Center, 525 Academy Street Application Form
Thursdays, March 27 and April 3 7:30 to 9 pm The Parenting Center, 525 Academy Street Fee: $10 Parenting Children During and After Divorce Craig Podell, LCSW
The Parenting Center Administration Building 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ 973-762-5600 x1850 Name: Address:
Divorce can be painful for the entire family, but especially children. This workshop will look at ways to reduce the hostility, anger, and resentment divorce frequently brings, so the child’s best interests can be served. Specific guidelines will be discussed for defusing the most common confrontations, avoiding putting a child “in the middle,” negotiating differences over discipline and limits, as well as holidays, visitations, and new relationships.
e-mail:
Craig Podel, LCSW, has broad experience working with families and presenting workshops. He is in private practice in Maplewood and consults for the State University of New York.
Tel: Workshop(s): Work tel:
Child’s school: Cell:
Please make check payable to The Parenting Center. Enrollment is limited to 20 people per workshop. If the workshop you apply for is filled, your application and fee will be returned. Applications can be dropped off at The Parenting Center or in the social work intern’s mail box in the office of your child’s elementary school.
Mondays, March 10 and 17 7:30 to 9 pm The Parenting Center, 525 Academy Street Fee: $10
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
4th grade news from the 4th grade team
page
^
more library news
Parents are reminded the library materials circulate for two weeks at a time.
Mr. Jones, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Pomerance, Mrs. Watkinson
Happy New Year! Thank you once again for the thoughtful cards and generous gifts. It feels great to be appreciated! We started off our new year on a positive note by setting our intentions. Students reflected on their dreams and goals. They created dream boards, or visual representations of their dreams. We made connections to poetry, Martin Luther King, Jr. and each other as we shared our hopes and dreams for the future. Be sure to stop by our hallways to see the beautiful creations!
Our students are reading to learn! We are working on strategies for reading non-fiction. Students have been practicing note taking skills and questioning techniques as they conduct biography research. Using various graphic organizers and webs, we are learning to organize information and identify main ideas. In writing we are learning about figurative language. Our writers are jazzing up their writing pieces with similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, alliteration, personification, etc. In social studies, we are learning about the early history of our great state!
In math, we are finishing our geometry unit. Knowing math facts continues to be a crucial part of student success in 4th grade. Please continue to encourage your child to practice, practice and practice! Take a look at this website www.thatfacts.com as a great tool to practice multiplication/division facts on line. 1, 2, 3 blast off! We are headed to the solar system! Students will be planning trips to their favorite planets. Get ready to view their brochures at home and plan your next vacation in space!
If school is closed (due to snow day, vacation, holiday, etc.) on your child’s normally scheduled library day, the item is due the next open school day. In the elementary schools, we do not charge overdue fines for LATE materials, but if item is not returned within 30 days of its due date, it automatically is assumed LOST and a bill for replacement costs is sent home. Recent directives from the BOE are that we are not permitted to accept personal checks for library fine; fees for lost or damaged materials must be paid for in cash or by money order. Students with items out more than 30 days overdue, may have their report cards withheld. Please have your children keep their library materials in a safe, consistent place, so they stay out of harm’s way and do not get misplaced. Thank you. ✪
contact info: South Mountain PTA Executive Board Co-Presidents Carlene Brumant (973) 761-7764 Sandi Brand (973) 762-5333
2008 will be great with your help! Dr. Oz recently spoke on the Oprah show about good habits. He said that one of the greatest problems that we face in our fast paced world is that people do not know how to delay gratification. We are not comfortable with being uncomfortable. Some of the greatest learning and satisfaction comes from working through uncomfortable situations. When our students are struggling with organization or homework, let’s help them out by creating good habits. Create a set time and quiet place for homework. Let’s challenge them to do their personal best each day and grow by working through those uncomfortable situations. With high expectations, consistency, love and hard work, our students will soar! Thank you for your support!
Vice Presidents, Administration Rhonda Johnson (973) 762-2940 Sandy Sandoli (973) 275-3856 Vice Presidents, Fundraising Maria Shapiro (973) 761-4779 Kara Erhamza (973) 313-2296 Vice Presidents, Programming Lisa Nolet (973) 761-7531 Letitia Campbell (973) 763-8014
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Treasurers Jill Johnson Louise Finkelman
The Fourth Grade Team
Mr. Jones, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Pomerance, and Mrs. Watkinson
(973) 378-3441 (973) 378-2313
Corresponding Secretary Laura Reichgut (973) 763-6905 Recording Secretary Mercinth Pearce
(973) 762-6889
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
03/08
superstar
page
&
advertisement:
The books kids love to read Explore the world of Usborne Books with your child. These incredible books are exciting and educational.
Your child will not only enjoy reading these books but will fall in love with the outstanding illustrations.
To view the complete catalog or to order directly, go to: www.ubah.com/K1923 or call AnnĂŠlisa Blake-Wasden (973) 820-1267 booksforkidz@myubah.com
www.southernlivingathome.com/salma
www.hidef-av.com
audio
see what you’re missing.
video
          Great gifts, or treat yourself!                    Baby blankets, baby sweaters Children’s sweaters and ponchos           Adult ponchos, scarves, and shawls        Â
    Â
Everything is handmade by Mrs. Schaefer-Gelo’s mother.
       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
home theater
CS M ART
Zina’s Handmade Treasures
The Wellness Agenda www.wellnessagenda.com 201.259.8426
&
mind – body – health – fitness
F RAM E
161 SPRING STREET MILLBURN, NJ 07041 • 201 - 486 - 5899 • CARYN@CSM - ART.COM
&
PA I N T I N G S P R I N TS POS T E R S L I T HO G RA PH S COL L EG E A N T I Q U E P R I N TS P H OTO G RA PH Y S C U LT U R E Ĺ M I RRO R S
C U S TO M F RA M I NG CO R PO RAT E RE S I D E N T IA L CO N S U LT I N G ART PLAC E M E N T I N S TA L LAT I O N S M U RA L S ART ACC E S S O RI E S AP P RA I SA L S
SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT • ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WITH ART
Reiki Master/Healing Stress Relaxation Consultant Lecturer Author Media Work
www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
south
mountain
elementary school newsletters Main Library 51 Baker Street 973-762-1622
mar 2008
Hilton Branch 1688 Springfield Avenue 973-762-1688 On Beyond Google: Database Training Workshop for Parents! Thursday, March 13 7 – 8 pm at Hilton Branch Internet searches taking too long? Are your children Googling everything? Try this hands-on workshop and find stuff fast! Space is limited, so please sign up early.
Thursday, March 27th @ 4:00 pm Grades 2 and up
Join local author, Marc Aronson, as he explores the true story behind the legendary John Henry.
From the book by Scott Nelson and Marc Aronson: “Ain’t Nothing But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry” published by National Geographic, 2008.
Rediscover an African-American folk hero, John Henry, the man who worked for the railroad, driving steel spikes. When the railroad threatens to replace workers with a steam-powered hammer, John Henry bets that he can drive the spikes into the ground faster than the machine. He wins the contest, but dies in the effort.
Individual database training sessions for students or parents may be scheduled with the Children’s librarians at both branches. Call for an appointment. ✪
South Mountain Merchandise
Name
African Pen Pals For grades K-8! Check at the library for our 2nd African Pen Pals session date. If you sent a letter to a student in Kenya at the first session, you’ll receive a letter in return, and get to write back!
Car Magnets $5.00 Water Bottles $3.00 South Mountain Tye-Dye T-shirts Youth XS,S,M,L Adult S,M,L,XL South Mountain Tye-Dye Tank Tops Youth XS,S Adult South Mountain White Short Sleeve T-shirts Adult South Mountain White Long Sleeve T-shirts South Mountain Flannel Boxer Shorts Youth S,M,L
*
My Quest to Find the Real John Henry
page
more library news
provides easy to follow, down to earth tools for making positive discipline your parenting technique of choice for your toddlers through teenagers. Betsy Ressler Wald, MSW, MLIS is Branch Manager of Hilton Branch Library. She has over 20 years experience working with families as a children’s librarian, social worker, and consultant.
Positive Parenting Series at Hilton Branch Positive Discipline: Mapping out the Boundaries March 11 7:30 pm at Hilton Branch Tired of being angry, making threats, and feeling frustrated? Positive discipline sets limits without yelling, arguing, or giving in. This fun, informative workshop
03/08
superstar
$15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $ 5.00 $10.00 $12.00
Teacher Phone/email Please make check payable to: South Mountain PTA
Send your payment to the PTA via your child’s backpack in an envelope marked T-shirts.
Questions? Contact Kara Erhamza 313-2296 or Maria Shapiro 761-4779
Maplewood Memorial Library 51 Baker Street (973) 762-1622 ext. 5005 www.maplewoodlibrary.org
ADVERTISE
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. Electronic PDF version will be in color. Printed version will be B&W.
classifieds: Advertising Policy Deadline: the 15th of the prior month when you wish your AD to appear. South Mtn Families ONLY.
credits: Design William Kochi KODE Associates, Inc. Printing Mary Jo DeFranco Signal Graphics