South Mountain Superstar September 2008

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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welcome back!

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First Day of School Book Fair Back to School Nights

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Ice Cream Social, 6:30 (So Mtn)

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Ice Cream Social Rain Date

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New Parent Reception 6:45 (So Mtn)

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General PTA Meeting 7:30 (So Mtn)

in this issue:

sharpen those pencils!

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Column Library News Principal’s Letter Opening Day Pack Message from Brian Osborne NEW Contact Info Programming FLES Advertisements Fundraising Library News Announcements

SAVE our PLANET

School hours: 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

Please sign up for the electronic PDF version of this newsletter!

Reduce your carbon count and go green, baby! Contact Sandi Sandoli at 275-3856 or by email: ssandoli@verizon.net

box tops: Please keep bringing in those Box Tops!

Yvette Holowczak ymholowczak@yahoo.com

ice cream social

September

15 Just a reminder to mark your calendar for the ice cream social to be held on Monday, September 15th at 6:30pm! Rain date will be on Thursday, September 18th. Yum!

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welcome back!! presidents column Sandi Brand & Sylvia Cutler PTA Co-Presidents

The South Mountain PTA would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our returning Superstars and their families and a very special welcome to our new Superstars and their families to the school. We have been busy planning for this school year and we are really looking forward to a wonderful, fun-filled year!!!

library news

We begin with a reminder: please complete and return the forms in the packet of information you received on the first day of school. The sooner that everyone returns these forms, the more quickly we can complete and distribute the school directory, collate emergency contact information for school and PTA use and assign class parents. The completed forms should be sent back to school in your child’s backpack and will be collected by your child’s teacher. We thank you in advance for your prompt assistance with this effort!

September is always a busy month and for this first month of the school year we have put together a few events to help everyone get to know the school, teachers, PTA representatives, our principal, Tom Gibbons, and more importantly, each other!

We started this year off this morning with a “Meet & Greet”.

Hopefully this was a useful time for our new families to meet other parents and ease those first day jitters.

The PTA Book Fair will be held on September 9th, 10th, and 11th. The book fair will be set up in both buildings so don’t forget to stop by and browse (and hopefully buy!) at our first fundraising event of the year.

On Monday, September 15th, please join us for our first school -wide PTA event, our annual “Ice Cream Social”. Come along with your kids to South Mountain for some ice cream and fun toppings, meet some new friends and catch up with old friends after the long summer break.

Our New Parent Reception followed by our first PTA Meeting will be held on September 24th. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how the PTA will be benefiting your school this year and the 2008-2009 budget will be presented for formal approval.

We look forward to seeing you at all of our upcoming events.

If you ever have any questions or would like to talk to any member of our Executive Board, please feel free to give one of us a call.

Sandi and Sylvia

volunteers needed!

Library Volunteers are needed in both school libraries. If you can spare an hour or so each week, we’d really appreciate it.

Please contact Tom Gibbons at: 973 378-5216 or tgibbons@somsd.k12.nj.us Volunteers are especially needed on Tuesdays at South Mountain and any day at the Annex. ✪

TurnOff Our 4th annual Ultimate TV TurnOff Challenge was another resounding success. Our 5th Annual Challenge will begin in Early October. The challenge

will be explained to students during their library period in late September, and forms will be distributed at that time.

More information will be in the October newsletter, but we are looking for volunteers to help create and maintain a bulletin board display of participants, distribute reminders and notes of encouragement throughout the year to keep students going, and organize the awards at the end of the year. Contact the librarian, Mrs. Ng, if you can help.

Thanks!

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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the gift principal’s message

Opening Day Packets!

While it’s a challenging task, filling out those first day packets helps all of us get up and running for the school year. Organizing the emergency phone chain, completing the school directory and providing the nurse and office with medical forms are just a few things that can’t be done until the packets are returned. Need some incentive?

A raffle for a South Mountain Superstar T-shirt for those students whose packets are returned by September 15th will be held at the end of the day! If you have any questions, please email:

Tom Gibbons

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Tom Gibbons, Principal

“Miss Daugherty is the meanest teacher alive,” said Paddy.

Michael added, “Meaner than mean!”

I never met Miss Daugherty, but from my older brothers’ descriptions, I was able to get a pretty good picture of the teacher I was getting and what I was getting in to, as a 5 year old about to enter Kindergarten.

My custom back then was to name a tree that fit the description of any person that was described to me, especially when the exaggerated descriptions really fit. I found the perfect Miss Daugherty tree in a hedge row at the top of the hill behind my house. It was at least three feet around with a short trunk. The bark was rough, deeply ridged, and charred on the north side due to a lightening strike. There was a long thin opening in the trunk that gave evidence of old age and poor health. The branches were asymmetrically arranged with one deadened limb dangling just over the blackened section on the north side of trunk.

Pat and Mike left no detail to the imagination. Miss Daugherty was so mean that thunder and lightening storms were the only forces of nature attracted to her.

Miss Daugherty passed away that summer.

Coincidentally, a violent summer storm struck my tree, removing large branches, and finally toppling her completely.

I felt guilty for a long time about being so irreverent. I felt responsible for what happened to Miss Daugherty and my tree.

I was five, what did I know about life and the forces of nature?

Upon inspecting my Miss Daugherty the next morning, I discovered a small sapling growing in the center of the ring left where the old trunk had been violently ripped from its roots. A small acorn somehow fell through the slit in Miss Daugherty’s trunk and began to grow. Today that sapling is a perfectly formed white oak, tall, sturdy, and symmetrical. It stands above all the other trees in that area.

Standing in front of that old oak, Miss Daugherty’s gift, I never cease to be amazed by the powerful forces of nature that came together to create this life.

We are swept into each other’s lives by “summer storms”, stronger than thunder and lightening. I thank Miss Daugherty for making me aware of the potential greatness that lies within each human heart. I thank her for helping me see greatness in others.

I am keenly aware of the power of a school, a school community, a child’s heart, the love between parent and child, of a teacher, a book, and a library. My Irish heart leaps with joy at the limitless possibilities that exist in our relationships, in the love we have for our children, and in our potential to realize greatness. I urge the community to look for this greatness in their child’s new class and new experiences.

I have moved beyond the storms of my childhood summers to a deep, quiet, calm place, eager to discover what wonders lie ahead.

I welcome you all to a powerful new 2008-2009 school year.

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Sandy Sandoli ssandoli@verizon.net or Amy Forman amygarysamlily@aol.com

Return your packet by September 15th and get a chance to win a South Mountain Superstar T-shirt!

September

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From the South Orange-Maplewood Superintendent

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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

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As parents and guardians, you have always worked closely

and diligently with staff and the community to make this a world-class school district. In this 2008-2009 school year, we look forward to your continued efforts.

Vice Presidents, Administration Sandy Sandoli (973) 275-3856 ssandoli@verizon.net Amy Forman (973) 763-5669 amygarysamlily@aol.com

We also welcome Ms. Rosetta Wilson, our new assistant superintendent of schools for curriculum and instruction, and Mr. Paul Roth who returns to the district as our chief information officer. Mr. Roth fills a new role in the district, added to ensure that technology is used as a key element in the learning process. We also welcome Mr. Terry Woolard, the new director of education media and technology, k-12, and Mr. Gary Pankiewicz, the new supervisor of English language arts, 6-12.

In addition, we are excited about the completion of Phase I of a full-day kindergarten program that ultimately will be for all children and the renovation of our Underhill Sports Complex, just a few of the things that this year brings. As the school year progresses, our work will continue with renewed energy as we meet the challenge to extend greatness to every child.

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

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

Sincerely,

Brian Osborne

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

new this year!!! e-community digital backpack!

DIGITAL

Tired of getting several copies of all of those community flyers in your children’s backpacks? Now you can opt to receive all community flyers electronically! This includes flyers from the Baird Center, Maplewood Recreation, YMCA, Parenting Center, town soccer and baseball and other miscellaneous community notices. With this option, you will receive a monthly email reminder with the link to view all the month’s community flyers (www.somsd.k12.nj.us/digital-backpack). The flyers will not be emailed to you – you must access the link to view the flyers.

Help reduce paper waste! The sign up form is in the first day packet, or contact Sandy Sandoli, ssandoli@verizon.net.

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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programming fall 2008

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PIANO for YOU

welcome back everyone!

We hope you had a great summer! We aren’t quite ready to give up summer just yet, as evidenced by our first event of the year, the annual Ice Cream Social. We hope you will join us on Monday, Sept. 15 from 6:30-8pm September for make-your-own sundaes at South Mountain. Bring a blanket and frisbee and hang out on the lawn with fellow parents and students. Cost is $1 per sundae.

September New

Parent Mark your calendars for Wednesday, Recep- Sept. 24. We will have a New Parent tion Reception at South Mountain from 6:45-7:30pm to welcome all new families to our school.

Please email Kara Erhamza at k_erhamza@mac.com if you plan on attending and if you need childcare.

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

762-6601

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Immediately following at 7:30pm will be our first PTA meeting of the year. You will hear from Principal Gibbons, meet your PTA Executive Committee and vote on the PTA yearly budget.

We hope you will become informed as to what the PTA does in our school and where all of the money we raise is going.

In October we have our 2nd PTA meeting on Wed., the 15th at 9am at the Annex. This will be a great time to discuss any questions and/or ideas you have after being in school for over a month. We will also have a Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1-4pm at South Mountain. It will be a fun, family event with pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, chili cook-off and much, much more!

On Nov. 19th at 7:30pm, school superintendent Brian Osborne will be speaking at our PTA meeting. This is a great opportunity for our parents to become informed about our district. We hope to see you there!

As you can see, there are a lot of great activities coming up in the next couple of months. We’re looking forward to an amazing year.

PROGRAMMING

Kara and Letitia

Beginning, intermediate and advanced.

25 years experience.

Complimentary trial lesson.

Call Wendy Goldstein.

973-762-6601

save the date!

Book Fair!

From September 9-11.

Mark your calendar for this event!

September

9 11

September

www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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fles fall 2008 foreign language for elementary students We are pleased to announce that the FLES (foreign language for elementary students) program will again be offered in our school district.

WHAT IS FLES? FLES is an after school opportunity for elementary students to be introduced to languages by high school student-instructors.

WHAT LANGUAGES WILL BE OFFERED IN 2008-09? French, Latin and Italian plus Japanese to a very limited number of 6 students.

WHEN? Wednesdays, 3:45-4:30pm beginning October 15 through April 8 WHERE? Columbia High School, media center(library) TRANSPORTATION: Parents/Guardians are responsible for transport to & from CHS COST: $65 per child, cash or checks/money orders payable to CHS-FLES. (Using district guidelines, scholarships are available for those who cannot pay.)

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? Elementary students will be placed into small groups where they will be learning French, Latin and Italian at the most basic level through use of oral drills, a variety of visual materials, and hands-on activities and projects. These groups are taught by carefully selected high school students who are presently enrolled in upper level language courses. The high school students are supervised by the coordinators of the program who are world language teachers and who are experienced with elementary school children.

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED IN THE PROGRAM? 1) Names, basic greetings 2) Family members 3) Colors 4) Numbers 5) Days, months, seasons, dates

6) Weather 7) Clothing 8) Parts of the body 9) Classroom objects, subjects, and actions 10) Food, meals, likes, dislikes

YOU WILL BE INVITED TO A RECEPTION AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM WHERE YOU MAY OBSERVE YOUR CHILDREN AT WORK.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? 1) Elementary students from grades 3, 4 & 5 are eligible; selection is made using a lottery system, with preference given to older students first.

2) There will be a second level for those students who participated last year provided there are enough students for at least one group.

If you would like your child to be enrolled in the FLES program, please fill out the application form, mail it and the $65 fee by September 19th to:

Department of World Languages & ESL Columbia High School 17 Parker Avenue Maplewood, New Jersey 07040

You will be notified by mail whether or not your child has been chosen by lottery to participate in the program. Details regarding dates and instructions for attendance will be included in that letter.

Attn: Mrs. Catherine M. Politi

Catherine M. Politi, CHS Natasha M. Pomares, Clinton School Co-coordinators of FLES.

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Great gifts, or treat yourself!

Baby blankets,

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scarves, and shawls

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If interested in purchasing a treasure

or two, please contact Mrs. Schaefer-Gelo

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

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

home theater

formerly hi-def.

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

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www.southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us

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fundraising

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Welcome South Mountain Superstars! We hope everyone had a great summer! We wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what great fundraising opportunities we have coming up this year. We’re kicking off the school year with our Annual Book Fair next week.

This fundraiser couldn’t happen at a better time, because it throws the kids into the love of reading! For new parents, and as a reminder to returning parents please be aware that the book fair will be operating during back-to-school night. Don’t forget to ask your kids for their wish lists!! fundraising events

Be on the lookout for the following fundraising events…

Annual Book Fair September 9-11

Gift Wrap October 13

Mark your calendars now! Saturday March 28th 2009 is our Auction Night. This is our biggest fundraiser and social event of the year. Line up your babysitters now! If it’s anything like our last auction you won’t want to miss it!!

Picture Day October 22

Many people have asked where the fundraising proceeds go. A portion of the funding goes towards all programming events. This includes cultural arts assemblies, the student art show, the end of the year fair, and spirit day…to name a few. What would South Mountain be without these exciting events?? Last year the Annex received a brand new playground, and the classrooms and libraries are being updated as we speak. This year we continue to fund improvements in technology throughout both schools.

Election Day Bake Sale November 4

None of this can happen without your support! Work and home life doesn’t leave much time for volunteering, but whatever time you can give will be greatly appreciated! Ask us how you can help enrich your child’s South Mountain experience. We look forward to a great year together. Best regards,

Maria and Laura We welcome to the following teachers to our Superstar staff :

Jen Visco - 3rd Grade Marci Kultenuk - 3rd Grade Christine McGovern Kindergarten Debbie Wright - Kindergarten Lauren Buonocore - 1st Grade Rich Tate - Physical Education Mary Figueredo - Resource Room Latarash McCall Paraprofessional Barbara Bowles - Aide/Para Professional

Congratulations to Amy Simon on the birth of her daughter,

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:

Hannah!

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