Hasbrouck Heights School District
Superintendent's Office
379 Boulevard
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
201-288-6150
 Modified: January 31, 2008
Contact the Webmaster
 
 
Joseph C. Luongo,
Superintendent of Schools

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s Report
February 16, 2006

 

Curriculum and Instruction -
High School –
WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT -

  • Mrs. Carr’s Spanish II students learned to talk about the members of their families and their feelings.
  • Mrs. Cafferty’s Spanish I students are working on identifying rooms and furniture in a house and drew their own house with appropriate labels.
  •  Mrs. Squillace’s Spanish I students acquired knowledge of places and how to go to different places along with group poster presentations and dialog practice.
  •  Mrs. Washburn’s Italian students researched Torino since this year’s Olympics will be held there. The lesson topic is being applied so that students can follow the Olympics at home as well as in the classroom. This will maintain interest as well.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT -

  • Mr. Ascolese’s Music Theory class are beginning to compose 32 bar form lead sheets.
  • The Concert and Jazz Bands are preparing for the annual “Pops” Concert on March 2.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT –

  • Mr. Smith’s English 9 classes recently completed their month long study of Steinbeck’s classic, The Pearl. After taking the midterm examination, they will be introduced to a thorough study of the life and work of William Shakespeare. Reading, writing, and discussion activities will take place in relationship to Romeo and Juliet.
  • Mr. Smith’s Genres class recently completed their study of the horror/thriller genre. Movies viewed included What Lies Beneath, The Ring, Psycho, and the Birds. A final project required students to reflect on a specific aspect of horror movies and analyze in a fully developed essay. We will now begin our study of movies that fall in to the Romance genre.
  • Mr. Smith’s HSPA English 10 class continues to prepare for the HSPA through a variety of different exercises including picture prompts, persuasive essays, and reading passages with multiple-choice questions. Recently, time and attention has been given to developing students’ skills in persuasive writing with passion and voice.
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s English 10 classes are learning research skills and preparing for the HSPA through their reading of The Great Gatsby.  They viewed a PowerPoint presentation about America in the 1920’s, the setting for The Great Gatsby, and from that selected relevant topics to research independently, as they read the novel in class.
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s AP/College English class wrote portions of an AP Literature test as their midterm, and the students are learning the grading rubrics that are used on the exam.  They have memorized soliloquies from Hamlet and recited them in front of the class and wrote college-level papers of deconstructive criticism about Hamlet.
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s Shakespeare Honors class finished reading Shakespeare’s later tragedy, King Lear, and wrote papers analyzing specific characters or plot elements in the play.  They are now working to finalize the script for the annual class presentation to the ninth grade, which is developed around The Complete Works of Wm Shakespeare (abridged).
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s English 10 Honors class worked collaboratively in small groups to construct Great Gatsby character sketches to enhance their understanding of the novel.  The students are also utilizing the district’s HSPA preparation curricular units that correspond to Fitzgerald’s work.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 9 class is beginning its unit on literary terms and devices. After using the text to examine meanings and develop examples of 30 literary terms and devices, students will begin a text-based poetry unit. Through the study of a number of important poets of our time, students will learn about different poetic forms and will incorporate some of their recent knowledge of literary devices into their own work. Students will continue to work on HSPA preparation with a weekly-related assignment, which will be filed in their writing folders.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 10 class will begin their study of The Great Gatsby this month. After doing a historically contextualized introductory project, students will read the novel aloud in class. There will be special emphasis placed on America in the 1920s, with a number of interdisciplinary group assignments. A weekly HSPA-style assignment will also be incorporated into their activities.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 11 class will devote most of February to an intensive review of the HSPA. State-issued test-preparation booklets will be utilized to review all aspects of the Language Arts portion of the test.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 12 class recently read Sandra Cisneros’ novel, The House on Mango Street. The novel, which is told in short personal narrative-style vignettes, is considered ground-breaking and experimental. Students will use this short form vignette style to create a collection of their own personal narratives. Students will then pair up to do a peer evaluation on their stories. After editing and revisions, student stories will be placed in their writing portfolios.
  • Miss Venneman’s HSPA-9 classes are learning and applying vocabulary terms with Latin roots that will help prepare them for the HSPA Exam.  Students are also writing essay responses to various short narratives in order to improve writing skills.
  • Mr. Van Dam’s English 11 and English 11-Honors classes are using the month of February to prepare for the taking of the HSPA.  The students will critique state provided samples as well as their own practice tests; complete and then evaluate practice tasks from all four language arts categories; and familiarize themselves with test taking strategies that will include tips that will enable a student to earn an advanced proficient score.
  • Mr. Van Dam’s English 12-Honors are currently studying the Greek dramatic tragedy of Oedipus Rex.   The students began by studying an excerpt from Plato’s The Republic that introduced the Allegory of the Cave.  Students will analyze and evaluate the themes of fate and truth as developed in Greek literature and will critique Sophocle’s use of irony within his drama.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s English 10 students are studying The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  In conjunction with these selections, students are writing persuasive essays and interpreting selected passages as practice for the HSPA.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s Journalism students are currently working on the fourth issue of the Pilot’s Log.  This issue will cover the search and seizure, First Amendment rights and phobias.  The center features stories about the impact of graffiti on our community. 
  • Mrs. Meyer’s English 9 students are beginning their study of William Shakespeare, the Elizabethan theatre, and the Globe Theatre. Reading, writing, and discussion activities will take place in relationship to Romeo and Juliet.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s English 9H students are studying William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar along with the history of the Elizabethan theatre, the Globe Theatre, and William Shakespeare.Reading, writing, and discussion activities will take place in relationship to

Shakespeare’s play.

  • Ms. Monetti’s Genre & Critical Thinking classes are moving on to drama and romance.  We just finished the movie Friday Night Lights by analyzing the coaches pep talk to the players before they go out on to the field to fight for the state championship.  Our first romance will be You’ve Got Mail staring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
  • Ms. Monetti’s English 10 classes are mixing our unit on The Great Gatsby with HSPA review.
  • Ms. Monetti’s English 11 classes are concentrating on HSPA review by integrating it with our curriculum where possible.
Ms. Monetti’s HSPA 11 English classes…. need I say more!  The test is right around the corner.  Last minute review is taking place in the classroom.

Mrs. Schneeweiss’ Drama classes are working on production for the spring musical Annie, rehearsing scenes and monologues from stage and screen and learning to use Rehearscore on the laptop. Rehearscore is a program that MTI provides that has the entire score of the musical on it. MTI's RehearScore® is a proprietary sequencing software program designed specifically with the needs of a musical rehearsal in mind. Simply point-and-click to:

  • Change the tempo (faster or slower) without affecting the pitch of the song (perfect for rehearsing dance numbers "under tempo")
  • Start the song at any given point during the number (no more "fast-forwarding" and waiting for a cassette to get to the proper place — easy dialogue and lyric cues put you in the right place instantly)
  • Transpose the key up or down in half-step increments an octave in each direction
  • Isolate or increase the volume of any particular vocal line ("pull up" the altos in the chorus number, so they can hear and learn their part faster)
  • Remove any particular vocal line (once the actor knows their part, they can rehearse with just the
    accompaniment)

Each RehearScore® is a complete rendition of the Piano-Conductor Score on CD-Rom, sequenced by a top Broadway pianist. Each disk includes the RehearScore® player that works on either the Windows or Mac operating system. Each show disk includes the entire piano/conductor score with the piano part, any orchestral cues, and each vocal line on its own track. Every musical number, from “Overture” to “Exit Music,” including scene changes, dance music, and underscoring, is recorded in its entirety.

SCIENCE  DEPARTMENT –

  • Mrs. Hicswa’s biology classes have just completed their study of genetics. While working on the various areas of this topic probability lab activities took place using pennies and beans (helping to develop math skills), various human genetic disorders were discussed, genetic engineering and the ethics of the genetic engineering of crops were debated, etc. 
  • Mrs. Hicswa’s Honors Biology class viewed Lorenzo’s Oil and took part in an Internet search to retrieve information concerning ALD.  All of the biology classes have started the study of Evolution- including the history of the Earth, its formation, the formation of the Universe, etc. Many Earth Science topics will be reviewed and introduced in order to help the students acquire the knowledge needed for the Science HSPA, which they will take next year.
  • Mr. Pignatiello’s chemistry class has been working on organizing periodic tables based on criteria set forth by the teacher.  They are going to begin bonding, which will explain in great detail last chapter’s topic on electron configuration. 
  • Mr. Pignatiello’s honors class will be doing the same thing dealing with all aspects of bonding. 
  • Mr. Pignatiello’s college chemistry/AP chemistry will be going to FDU this month to perform an experiment with rate laws and kinetics.  The students will get a hands-on approach to zero order, first order and second order types of reactions.  The students will be able to plot and graph their data and perform calculations based on their results.
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Environmental Science class is looking at population growth. They researched limits to growth such as famine and natural disasters.
  • Mr. Binazeski’s Physical Science students continued with their study of Weather, Climate, Cloud formation, and storm formations. The students performed an experiment utilizing their weather forecasting skills and developed a station model. Other labs performed this month included a mechanical weathering lab, sea floor spreading lab, Ocean Tide lab, Continental Drift lab, as well as a Volcano and Earthquake location lab. In depth review for midterms was performed everyday after school emphasizing one chapter per day.
  • Mr. Binazeski’s Environmental Science students continued their study of Deciduous and Coniferous forests, Tundra, Grasslands as well as the rain forest. In depth review for midterms was performed everyday after school emphasizing one chapter per day. In the month of February, students will begin work on a Biome Research Project that will be due in March.
  • Mr. Lentis’ CP physics class will learn about vibrations and waves. The four common characteristics to all waves as well as the common properties that distinguishes a wave. The students will also learn about different waves such as sound and light waves.
  • Mr. Lentis’ honors physics students will learn about waves, the Doppler effect, wave characteristics, the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave, how light and color are related, and the dual nature of light as a wave and as a particle.
  • Mr. Lentis’ AP students will learn about one-dimensional kinematics with the calculus point of view along with some background about derivatives, integrals and coordinate axes conversions.
  • Mr. Lentis’ chemistry students will learn about the periodic table, trends concerning the periodic table, based on electron configuration. Next the students will learn about bonding which is also related to electron configuration.

TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT –

  • Mr. Monks:  Midterm exams and semester grades were calculated on Excel. Lesson plans have been generated in Word.  HSPA 11 will be observing tools and using activities from this website when we address Cluster IV questions.  HSPA 11 worksheets are being generated from Adobe Acrobat. MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT–
  • Mrs. Michaeli’s AP Statistics class learned how to determine the distribution of a sample mean and a sample proportion. They also learned how to calculate and interpret a confidence interval for the population mean.
  • Mrs. Michaeli’s Algebra 2 classes learned how to sketch the graphs of quadratic equations and inequalities, and how to perform operations with complex numbers. They also reviewed HSPA problems involving cluster 3.
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s AP Calculus:  students are working with Ant derivatives and Integration. 
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s Stats and Introduction to Stats:  students are working with graphs and measures of central tendency. 
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 9 class is working with graphing and inequalities.
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 10 class is working with matrices and all it’s operations.  Foundations of Advanced math students are practicing for the college entrance exam.  HSPA prep classes will be taught by Mr. M after school each day for the month of February.
  • Mrs. O’Brien’s Algebra I students learned how to graph the absolute value equation.  As well they learned how to solve and check absolute value equations using algebra.  We look forward to beginning a new marking period and are currently preparing for our 3rd cluster test.
  • Mrs. O'Brien's Fundamentals of Algebra class just completed the unit on sketching the graph of linear equation.  Kudos to all on a job well done.  We are looking forward to beginning the new marking period and will begin by preparing for our 3rd cluster test.
  • Mrs. O'Brien's HSPA 9 class did a great job preparing for our exam.  Everyone really seems to have solid grasp of all the material we discussed the first half of the year.  We look forward to using factors, primes and multiples in real-world situations in the coming weeks.
  • Mrs. Healey’s Honors Precalculus students are learning real world applications of exponential and logarithmic equations.  They will then use what they have learned and apply it to a project to investigate various investment options.
  • Mrs. Healey’s Precalculus students are learning real world applications of exponential and logarithmic equations.
  • Mrs. Healey’s Fundamentals of Advanced Math students are reviewing the solutions of various equations in preparation for the college placement tests.
  • Mr. Strama’s SAT Prep students are working on strategies that will ultimately improve their scores on the SAT.   We have identified proven strategies and will be taking practice tests along the way to verify that our scores are going up.
  • Mr. Strama’s Geometry students are beginning chapter 4.  Students will become familiar with various quadrilaterals such as; Parallelograms, Rhombus, Square, etc…
  • Mr. Strama’s Honors Geometry has completed their work with quadrilaterals will learn about indirect proofs, concurrent lines, and begin working with inequalities.
  • Mr. Monks’s Algebra I class is finished their work in Chapter 5 with writing equations of graphs using the slope intercept form.
  • Mr. Monks’s Honors Algebra II class has moved on to working with functions, including inverses and transformations of graphs.with triangle inequalities next.
  • Mr. Monks’s Fundamentals of Geometry class has been studying area formulas for special quadrilaterals and triangles and will be looking at graph transformations next.
  • Mr. Monks’s HSPA 11 class has finished working through problems from Cluster III and will begin Cluster IV, in February.
  • Mrs. Rad’s Fundamentals of Algebra 2 class is solving problems that involve applying the distributive property, simplifying and solving equations that contain like terms, parentheses, and two numbers.
  • Mrs.Rad's HSPA 9 class is studying Cluster IV: MacroB - finding sums of finite arithmetic series, analyzing, and describing sequences and patterns found in the real world.
  • Mrs. Rad's Integrated Math IV class is using ratios to describe and compare unit prices, change recipes, as well as learning to determine final cost after coupon discounts have been taken and to calculate amounts of calories and nutrients.
  • Mrs. Rad's HSPA 10 class is finding sums of finite arithmetic series, analyzing and describing sequences and patterns found in the real world.
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Fundamentals of Geometry class is working on the properties of quadrilaterals.
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ The Fundamentals of Algebra students are using spinners and playing cards to study probability.

Middle School-
Foreign Language:

Mrs. Cafferty’s seventh graders have been learning about the Spanish culture of Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean as well as vocabulary related to airport and travel.  Other vocabulary learned included jewelry store items in which students could tell someone what they bought and how much they paid for it. 

Mrs. Squillace’s eighth graders have spent time comparing people and things while acquiring knowledge of vocabulary for professions and body parts.

Ms. Krysz’s sixth grade Spanish classes have begun studying a Spanish dialogue which they will perform and eventually use as the basis of writing their own skits. They have completed study of the Spanish alphabet, colors, numbers, days of the week, and months of the year. Students have created a poster illustrating their reasons for studying Spanish which are being prepared throughout the cycle.

Social Studies:

Mrs. Rucci’s eighth grade Social Studies classes are ready to excel in the second half of the school year.  From the text we covered the unique history of Texas including the significance of the Battle of the Alamo.  We’ve been working in the chapter about the early 1800s – specifically the push-pull factors of immigration, reform movements that have had lasting effects on our society, and both abolitionists and women’s rights activists.  On January 16th, we acknowledged Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. land his leading role in the Civil Rights Movement.  On February 1st we mourned the death of Coretta Scott King and discussed President Bush’s State of the Union Address.  In the Junior Scholastic magazines students read and completed activities about the following: the origins of the names of our fifty states, the poverty problem in America, U.S. time zones, and what its like to live in Russia presently.  One of the highlights of the month was attending an assembly at which Lieutenant Gregory Backer of the U.S. Army gave a presentation about his military experience.  Students were especially interested in the time he spent in Iraq.

Mrs. Gay's seventh grade Social Studies students have now begun their exploration of Geography and culture. Both students and teacher are familiarizing themselves with the new McDougall Littell textbook, which includes an online guide, Classzone.com.  Here students can access research links, interactive quizzes, games, and test practice.  The course begins with a review of basic map-reading skills, including the use of latitude, longitude, and scale. The students will also be commemorating Black History Month with activities linked to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Mrs. Wallace’s Sixth Grade Social Studies classes are celebrating Black History Month with an interactive exploration of great contributors to our American History.  A PowerPoint presentation with the names and short biographies of several men and women who have important places in our history is being shown.  Students will then utilize the Internet to research others.

The marking period began with a short introductory activity about the Preamble to our Constitution and its relevance to equality today.  Ms. Wallace is working with Ms. Dolan’s Literature classes to explore the evolution of de-segregation and its ramifications for us today.  Jr. Scholastic prepared an edition about Rosa Parks which was read and discussed in class.  Ms. Wallace then showed the connection to democracy and our Constitution by creating a handout on the computer that showed the type of government we have with the Preamble to the Constitution. Students then created presentations using PowerPoint, Publisher and other visual aids.  The connection between the type of government we have in the US and the principles by which our forefathers began this United States of America has been validated by a hands-on activity in the classroom where the students explored principles that they see to be essential for the general welfare of the student population in the class.

Language Arts:

Mrs. Rowland’s 7th grade English class will be writing creative stories incorporating irony and imagery as literary terms.  Students will tell stories using props and some acting techniques as words “come alive” and are enjoyed and shared within the classroom.

Miss Venneman’s Literature 7 classes are currently reading Harriet Tubman and discussing her extensive involvement with the Underground Railroad.  Students are exploring the difficulties faced along the path to freedom for many refugee slaves. 

Mr. Stillman’s Literature 8 & Literature 8 Honors Classes are beginning their intensive GEPA preparation that will focus on the reading comprehension aspect of the test.

 Ms. Dolan’s sixth grade literature classes continue to read the Newberry Award winning novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor.  The students have been enjoying the book, with many becoming angry when they are not allowed to read further.  This book really lets the students see the plight of African Americans in the South during the 1930’s.   It ties directly in with Black History Month and has led to many discussions on racism in America in the 1930’s and today. 

Mr. Sicilian’s English classes are continuing with the GEPA preparation for the persuasive writing and the picture prompt tasks. Within this preparation, students will be completing both “process” pieces and timed “simulations”. In addition, some of the classes will actually be completing projects that incorporate the persuasive strategies.

Mr. Colangelo’s Literature 8 classes are beginning their extensive GEPA preparation that will focus on the reading comprehension aspect of the test.

Mr. Colangelo’s Literature 7 classes are currently reading from Harriet Tubman and learning about her involvement with the Underground Railroad.  Students are exploring the difficulties she and other refugee slaves faced during their path to freedom.

Mr. Colangelo’s Creative Writing 7 classes just completed an essay inspired by the movie Rudy.  Students had to write about a personal goal for the future.  The students will begin writing news articles, which are inspired by real articles found in the newspaper.

Mr. Colangelo’s Study Skills 6 classes will continue to review and analyze the contents of their Study Skills workbook, You Can Take Charge.

Ms. Wolf’s English classes are continuing their work on grammar by beginning the study of complements used in sentences and subject verb agreement.  They will explore differences and rules for each. 

The students are still building their vocabulary skills with a “Word of the Day” and new spelling units. The students are also continuing to improve upon their writing skills through weekly to bi-monthly timed writing assignments. 

In addition to the timed writing, the students will work on their writing process by completing a major Descriptive Writing piece at home.  This will be an extended assignment during which the students will have the ability to continuously improve upon their writing.

Math

Miss Krysz’sGrade 6 Geometry classes have been working to find the area and perimeter of various figures.  This involves the use of formulas to solve real-life problems involving area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms.  This included area and circumference of circles (using Pi).

Miss Krysz’s Honors Geometry class has been working to find the area and perimeter of various figures.  This involves the use of formulas to solve real-life problems involving area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, parallelograms and trapezoids.  This included a discussion of the origin of Pi (3.14) which was used to find area and circumference of circles.

Miss Krysz’s Algebra class has continued working with fractions and mixed numbers.   Working in cooperative groups they performed demonstrations for the class where they used props to show the addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers.  This provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of fractions by applying it to real life situations. Some groups used recipes for their demonstrations, while others cut up and distributed treats to the class. Additional work with multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers will follow.

Miss DiPiano’s algebra students have been investigating fractions.  They are learning how to change fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions.  They are also learning how to multiply fractions as well as mixed numbers.  Students have recently completed their midterm examinations that covered three chapters they have worked on.  They are currently starting Chapter 3, which will focus on working with decimals.

Miss DiPiano’s geometry students are wrapping up Chapter 9, Geometry and Measurement.  They are currently learning how to find the volume and surface area of rectangular prisms, identifying three-dimensional figures, and making models to create word problems. The students are finding strategies to remember formulas that they will need for the rest of the year, such as area of different figures, perimeter, circumference, etc.  The students are completing a project from the Prentice Hall website www.http://www.phschool.com/atschool.  Students will design a cereal package and calculate the surface area and volume of the package.  They are also completing a new Gepa packet and will complete an assessment at the end of the month.

Mr. Strama’s Honors Algebra class has completed their work with percents and will be working on solving linear equations.  We will be getting into writing equations and solving multiple step equations.  

Mrs. Caputo’s mainstream classes are currently working on two-step equations.

Mrs. Caputo’s honors class is currently working on rational and irrational numbers, square root and the Pythagorean Theorem.  All 7th grade classes are currently working on the last cluster IV A & B macros and will be tested the end of next week. 

Mr. Sickels’ mainstream classes are continuing in chapter 8, Geometry and Measurements. 

Mr. Sickels’ honors class is working with chapter 6 Applications of Proportions.  All classes are currently working on the last Gepa cluster to help prepare for NJASK. 

Mr. Aldea's Geometry classes will be finishing the last two sections of Chapter 6 which is an introduction to Trigonometry. This introduction covers the trigonometric ratios sine, cosine, and tangent. Students will be able to use these ratios towards several applications. A project will be assigned that will involve important concepts in Trigonometry and the use of technology. Subsequently, students will be studying concepts such as translations, reflections, symmetry, as well as rotations.

Mr. Aldea’s Honors Geometry class will be studying concepts such as translations, reflections, symmetry, rotations, as well as enlargements and reductions.

Mrs. Dunne’s Algebra students are learning to write equations of lines.  The students will also complete the last cluster, Cluster IV, in preparation for the GEPA test.

Mrs. Dunne’s Math8 students have begun the chapter on percent and finding equivalent forms of percent, decimals, and fractions.  The students will also complete the last cluster, Cluster IV, in preparation for the GEPA test.

Science

Mr. Rispoli’s 6th grade science students learned about the sun, earth and moon.  They learned about tides, the seasons, rotation and revolutions.  Early space travel to current day travel was learned in class.  The features of the moon were covered as well as the landings on the moon.  The students learned the features of the sun and the ways solar winds, sunspots and solar flares actually affect us here on Earth.  

Mrs. Toy’s students have finished taking their midterm exams.  They are very excited to get back to the forensics unit.  Students have been fingerprinted and they will be analyzing the patterns in the near future.  The students are currently using their scientific as well as their critical thinking skills to analyze a bank robbery and the evidence that was left behind at the scene.   

Mr. Cassiere’s students are preparing for the New Jersey GEPA.  We are covering a wide range of topics that include plant vs. animal cell structure, force and motion, biological systems, atoms and their properties, and earth science.  Students are using various activities illustrated in the text to reinforce material.  The class will have 3 tests and 2 quizzes assessing their understanding of the chapters.

Art
Mrs. Reed’s Art 7 class has learned about the life and works of Matisse, Picasso and Chagall.  Students have created projects that deal with the style and techniques of each of these artists.  Matisse dealt with simplifying and paper cut outs, Picasso with abstract self-portraits and Chagall with surrealism and paper stained glass designs.  The students have completed their homework project where they chose a master artist researched information on the artist then reproduced one of their works.

Mrs. Kritzer’s Art 8 cycle studied African masks in honor of Black History month.  The students were able to choose their favorite from several websites.  They duplicated them using paper clay and found objects.  The masks are currently on display in the media center
                                                                                   
Mrs. Brinker’s Art 6 cycle class created hand-woven reed baskets that were on display for the month of January in the Hasbrouck Heights Public Library. Fifteen beautiful hand-made baskets were displayed in the glass showcase and our students received many compliments from various community members.  Mimi Hui at the Public Library was the director of this exhibition.

Health:

Miss Gaccione’s 8th grade health class began the Dare Program with Lt. Mullins.  Students discussed violence, drugs, and alcohol.  Students learned about the dangers of being under the influence and how to define and cope with violent behaviors.

Mr. Delcalzo’s 7th grade health class is studying the changing roles of family members and the responsibility of different members of the family.

Mrs. Miller’s 6th grade health class is beginning to work on a Tobacco Unit.  They will be studying the effects of nicotine on the body.  They will then finish out the cycle discussing the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body.  They will be designing either Anti-Smoking or Anti-Drug posters to be displayed in the health room.

Physical Education:

Physical Education classes are currently playing basketball.

Business and Technology

Mrs. Marano's Computer 6 and 7 cycle classes are nearing the end of  their cycle. Sixth grade is currently working to create a brochure,  having recently completed a CD cover using Paint. Seventh grade had  completed fewer projects, due to the high percentage of the class  that is also in Band during the cycle period. The seventh grade class is currently finishing paintings with a theme of "Summer" and will  create brochures next.

Mr. Ketcho’s Computer Applications 8 Cycle classes Encore – A Keyboarding Simulation was completed over the month – Jobs #1 to #25

Industrial Arts

Mr. Masucci’s Life Skills class reviewed hand tools and are making napkin holders.

Middle School Student Council

The Student Council had a cake sale fundraiser during intermission at both the Sixth Grade and Seventh and Eighth Grade Talent shows.  The Student Council is also currently selling Hasbrouck Heights apparel.  If you are interested in purchasing any clothing, please see Mrs. Rucci or Ms. Dolan. 

Additionally, on February 7, 2006, the Cafeteria Committee is scheduled to meet with Maschio’s Food Service, to discuss issues the students face in the cafeteria.  These meetings have allowed open communication between the students and Maschio’s to promote a harmonious relationship.

6th Grade Technology Pilot Program

Sixth Grade Team

The Sixth Grade Team website is up and running. To get to the website, go to HHschools.org and follow the links for the Sixth Grade Team. You will find helpful information, as well as direct links to the Sixth Grade Team members e-mail addresses.

In preparation for the sixth graders’ first mid-term exams, the Sixth Grade Team provided all of their study outlines on the school website. The parents could view what information the students were required to know for their mid-term exams at any time. Many of the students found this an outstanding tool, having lost their outlines as sixth graders will do from time to time.

Additionally, the Sixth Grade Team lent a laptop and their LCD projector to the Eighth Grade Team on February 3, 2006. The Eighth Grade Team needed the equipment to assist with a special assembly in the auditorium being presented by a soldier who recently returned from Iraq.

Finally, a member of the Sixth Grade Team went “live” and electronically submitted grades using the Schoolmaster grading program. The kinks seem to be worked out and the Sixth Grade Team is hoping to submit all further progress reports and grades directly through the network.

Michelle DiPiano — Math

Algebra

Weekly quizzes, tests, and worksheets are created using Microsoft Word. The midterm exam was also created using Microsoft Word. Weekly lesson plans are also created using Microsoft Excel. Grades are entered weekly using the Grade Master Program. The Grade Master Program was also used to calculate marking period 2 grades and semester grades and midterm examinations as well as a reference when speaking with students and parents. The students used websites such as math.com, coolmath.com, and the textbooks Prentice Hall website www.http:!/www.phschool.com throughout the month to prepare for midterm exams. Outlines were created and displayed on the 6th grade website as well as in class on the overhead projector.

Geometry

Weekly quizzes, tests, and worksheets are created using Microsoft Word. The midterm exam was also created using Microsoft Word as well as the Prentice hall website www.http://www.phschool.com. Weekly lesson plans are also created using Microsoft Excel. Grades are entered weekly using the Grade Master Program. The Grade Master Program was also used to calculate marking period 2 grades and semester grades and midterm examinations as well as a reference when speaking with students and parents. The students used websites such as math.com, coolmath.com, and the textbooks Prentice Hall website www.http://www.phschool.com throughout the month to prepare for midterm exams. Outlines were created and displayed on the 6th grade website as well as in class on the overhead projector.

Karen Dolan — Literature

Ms. Dolan used her laptop in many different ways to benefit and assist her in her teaching duties in January and February 2006. Firstly, all quizzes and tests continue to be created using this valuable tool. With the addition of the sixth grade printer, there no longer is the problem of a teacher needing to use the sole Middle School computer and being forced to delay teaching a certain topic due to the backlog of teachers needing the sole computer in the Middle School teacher’s room.

Additionally, all research conducted by Ms. Dolan has been done using the laptop. As this is Ms. Dolan’s first year teaching sixth grade literature, a lot of extra time and energy is needed to research each new book that the students explore, as it is important to provide background information so the students are not learning things in a vacuum. This has been accomplished by using the internet as a tool. Some of Ms. Dolan’s discoveries have been shown to the students using the LCD projector provided to the Sixth Grade Team as part of the pilot program.

Finally, the literature mid-term exam, as well as the study outline were created using the laptop computer. After completion of the study outline, it was uploaded to the Sixth Grade website to assist the students and parents if the outline had been lost, as has been know to happen with sixth graders from time to time.

Kirstin Krysz - Math

Geometry Weekly lesson plans, quizzes, tests, and worksheets are created using WordPerfect on the laptop. Grades are maintained in an Excel program on a regular basis, while Schoolmaster is utilized for recording and reporting quarter and semester averages, as well as mid-term exam grades.

Honors Geometry Weekly lesson plans, quizzes, tests, exams and exam outlines are created using Wordperfect on the laptop. Grades are maintained in an Excel program on a regular basis, while Schoolmaster is utilized for recording and reporting quarter and semester averages, as well as mid-term exam grades.

Algebra Weekly lesson plans, quizzes, tests and project guidelines are created using WordPerfect on the laptop. Grades are maintained in an Excel program on a regular basis, while Schoolmaster is utilized for recording and reporting quarter and semester averages, as well as mid-term exam grades.

Kirstin Krysz — Spanish

Homework ‘Practica’ sheet as well as poster guidelines were created using WordPerfect on the laptop. Grades are maintained in an Excel program on a regular basis, while Schoolmaster is utilized for recording and reporting quarter and semester averages.

David Rispoli — Science
The laptop in Mr. Rispoli’s possession has been used daily for recording grades, homework and preparing worksheets. It was used to create the midterm exam and study outline for the students, The student’s study guide was posted on the school website for access from home. Short videos, found on the Internet, of the sun were shown using the projector. Also, short videos of the moon were shown to the class. Video of the probe Stardust was shown to the class through CNN.com. They saw the liftoff of the probe going to Pluto. The laptop has also been setup as a reference in class where the students come up read a webpage that has already been selected for them. It is also used as a reference for the students to research and enrich information on their own in class.

Candace Wallace — Social Studies

Sixth Grade Social Studies classes are celebrating Black History Month with an interactive exploration of great contributors to our American History. A PowerPoint presentation with the names and short biographies of several men and women who have important places in our history is being shown. Students will then utilize the internet to research others.

The marking period began with a short introductory activity about the Preamble to our Constitution and its relevance to equality today. Ms. Wallace is working with Ms. Dolan’s Literature classes to explore the evolution of dc-segregation and its ramifications for us today. Jr Scholastic prepared an edition about Rosa Parks which was read and discussed in class. Ms. Wallace then showed the connection to democracy and our Constitution by creating a handout on the computer that showed the type of government we have with the Preamble to the Constitution.

Students then created presentations using PowerPoint, Publisher and other visual aids. The connection between the type of government we have in the US and the principles by which our forefathers began this United States of America has been validated by a hands-on activity in the classroom wherein the students explored principles that they see to be essential for the general welfare of the student population in the class.

Ms. Wallace will be showing all of the PowerPoint presentation using the laptop and LCD projector.

From this vantage point, students will experience the making of the United States from different points of view.

Sixth Grade Web Blog: www.socialstudies6.blogspot.com

Allison Wolf — English

Ms. Wolf has used technology in several ways this month. As team leader, Ms. Wolf continues to use the computer to record minutes from each team meeting and parent meeting that we have. This comes in quite helpful when a teacher is absent and the minutes must be reviewed to keep everyone up to date. The computer was also used to write up letters to be sent home to parents that the team wanted to meet with in the future. The parents have Ms. Wolf’s email address which makes communication easier.

For record keeping and clerical work, Ms. Wolf continues to type all tests and quizzes on the computer to provide for the students. This month, Ms. Wolf was able to type and improve upon upcoming tests and quizzes. Ms. Wolf also records the students’ test and quiz grades as often as possible so that she can have an accurate average when speaking to the parents. During the midterms, Ms. Wolf was able to quickly calculate the students’ averages by inserting the midterm grade into the Schoolmaster program. This allowed for an easier and more accurate record of all of the students grades for the first semester.

In addition, Ms. Wolf continues to find ways to use the computer as an instructional tool. During the past month, the students worked on projects that were presented during class. Some of the groups chose to create computer based projects. Thanks to the laptop and the projector, they were able to present these during class. Ms. Wolf also uses the laptop during her “Pull out Support” to allow the students to have a manipulative for studying the information.

 

Special Education Department

Christine Mercandino

Literature This month my 6th grade literature class continues to read the novel Maniac Magee. Through research on the computer I was able to find a webquest the students will be able to work on upon the completion of Maniac Magee. The grades were easily completed on the School Master grading program. My outlines were available on the school website if any of the students lost the outlines given out in class. If you are interested in viewing the webquest that will be assigned this is the site:2.in.us/Cornmunities/webpuests/Assets/webguests/68/Ia/sPri pg02/raney/WebOuest.htm

High School

Use of Laptop

  • Mrs. Washburn is using programs on the laptop, the Italian classes will be able to enhance their ability to write and speak while improving their sentence structure as well. The laptop will also be used for the independent students to do research and will provide an easily accessible review on structure, association, and usage. These topics are conveyed to the students using the program through several types of activities, such as, matching, fill in the blank, and sentence corrections. Exercises from the computer will correct structure and further comprehension as well.
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s journalism class utilized the two desktop computers and the teacher laptop computer to complete an original newspaper cover page.  Students had to implement their classroom knowledge of layout and design in conjunction with writing articles that exhibit the fundamentals of journalism.
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s creative writing class is completing an autobiography unit.  The teacher laptop was utilized to retrieve student poetry from the school server and send contest submissions online.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s English 12 are currently completing a unit on the Holocaust and the consequences of prejudice.  They will examine history through such literature as Night by Elie Wiesel, eyewitness accounts, personal journals, and selected pieces of literature. In conjunction with this unit, students will write a first person journal supported by accurate documentation and research in MLA format.  The laptop computer has been used to show eyewitness accounts of survivors, to view images of Auschwitz, and to listen to Elie Weisel.
  • Mrs. Schneeweiss’ Communications classes are beginning to delve into voice overs from classic film scenes and cartoons, learning the job descriptions of film production crew members such as gaffer, best boy etc. The football highlight tape was a huge success and the hour longer version is currently being transferred from the laptop to the network in order to make DVD copies for the team.
  • Mrs. Healey:  Lesson plans, grades and reports are regularly prepared using Excel.  Word is used for test & quiz preparation.  The internet has been used for email communication with students, parents, and staff members.  It has also been used for research purposes to provide teachers with additional teaching materials to be used in their classrooms for test preparation.  Materials are easily shared using Adobe Acrobat.
  • Mrs. Stoehs:  Using math.com on the laptop will give them extra practice during classroom work in math classes.  In Environmental Science they are using the laptop computer to find the demographics of Hasbrouck Heights, including ethnicity, gender, and age of its 11,662 citizens (according to the 2000 census).
  • Mrs. Marano's Computer Applications class is beginning to work with graphic programs.  The class will work with PhotoShop for the next several weeks. Students are currently working on understanding the toolbox and keyboard shortcuts/modifiers.
  • Mrs. Marano's Computer 9 cycle class has just begun and is working with Microsoft Word. The students have explored the use of tab stops and leaders and how to create and modify numbered lists. Students are currently working with the drawing tools to create drawings with the theme of "Spring."
  • Mrs. McGinty has been using The Americans  software and the LCD, students have viewed PowerPoint slides and reinforced topics of study.  They have utilized the interactive maps, charts, and, graphs to more fully understand the topics.

Euclid School –
Math-
The PSD class is working on reviewing and writing the numbers 11 through 20.  They are using Millie’s Math House to reinforce number recognition. They are identifying items that have the shape of a heart. 
Kindergarten is working with the recognition of fractional parts of a whole.  They are creating models.  They are acting out word problems and using object to complete graphs.  Grade one is using the number line to compare two digit numbers.  They are determining which number has more and which has less.  They are using the problem-solving skill “to use a mode” to solve an equation.  They are practicing addition and subtraction flash cards.  Grade Two is practicing and reviewing two-digit addition.  They are working on problem solving utilizing manipulatives.  They are completing timed tests on addition and subtraction facts.  They are developing their knowledge of the zero and one’s time tables.  Grade Three is working with time and various types of data analysis.  They are improving their geometry skills by identifying various figures.  They are learning mathematical terminology like vertex, edge, and side and working on NJ ASK Test Preparation activities.  Grade Four is comparing and ordering fractions.  They are working with mixed numerals and improper fractions.  They are practicing their mad minute drills and completing multiple open-ended activities in preparation for the NJ ASK.  Grade Five is focusing on the order of operations.  They are writing rules for number patterns and using it to find the missing number.  They are finding the greatest common factor and the least common multiple.  They are concentrating on the division of decimals and test preparation activities for the NJ ASK.

Science-

The PSD class is learning about the characteristics of Groundhog Day.  They celebrated with a special dance.     Kindergarten is learning about the things in our natural environment and describing common characteristics found within our environment.  They are viewing pictures of a forest and the plains.  They are naming characteristics of mountains and drawing pictures of each.  Grade One is continuing their study of the life cycles.  They are learning how animals and plants change as they grow.  They have compared the cycles of the frog, butterfly, trees, and flowers.  Grade Two is studying the seasons.  They are making comparisons of Fall and Winter.  They are focusing on weather patterns, temperature changes, and environmental changes that take place.  Grade Three is working on the various ecosystems.  They are identifying habitats and the components within each.  They are focusing on content related vocabulary and practicing their open-ended response skills.  Grade Four is learning about tornadoes and hurricanes.  They are creating weather maps.  They are reviewing vocabulary and completing projects.  They are identifying the main ideas within informational text.  They are beginning to look at the earth’s cycles.  Grade Five is working on Chapter Seven – The Water Cycle and Cloud Formation.  They are determining how air moves and what an air mass is.  Students created projects, which were displayed at the science fair.

Social Studies-

The PSD class is learning about President’s Day and Valentine’s Day.  They are celebrating the 100th Day of School.  They are creating greeting cards for the various holidays found within February.  Kindergarten is recognizing the importance of Martin Luther King’s journey.  They read his birthday book and created dream flags.  They are learning about Lewis and Clark and the importance of exploration.  Grade One is learning about income; what it is, how it is used, and how it is saved.  They are discussing the meaning of services in a community.  They listened to a story about Martin Luther King and created dream statements.  Grade Two is learning about local leaders.  They wrote letters to Mayor Jones who had visited and followed up with letters to the governor and to the president.  They are categorizing our local leader’s responsibilities to Hasbrouck Heights.  Grade Three is focusing upon their local government.  They are looking specifically at the roles of community members and leaders as well as the break down of local government and its responsibility to the town.  Grade Four is finishing up their unit on New Jersey’s battlegrounds.  They are correlating realistic events with those found within the novel, George Washington’s Socks.  Students are creating time lines and sequencing important events.  Grade Five is identifying the reasons for the conflict between Spain and England.  They are creating cause and effect charts.  They are analyzing the problems the first colonists encountered and how they solved them.  They are focusing on the causes and effects of New France’s travel to the New World.

Language Arts-

The PSD class is studying the letters v, y, and i.  They are practicing their rhyming skills and their categorization skills.  Kindergartens is matching and isolating final phonemes.  They are utilizing pictures to obtain information and locating words with the same endings.  They are recognizing the sounds for I and P.  They are making predictions while reading and describing the events of a story.  They are creating “ip” books and sequencing events.  Grade One is generating the long sound of o.  They are blending sounds into words.  They are building there guided reading skills and working with high frequency words.  They are practicing the names of the month.  Grade Two is using the knowledge of suffixes to determine the meanings of words.  They are working with words that compare.  They are using a glossary to determine word meanings.  They are creating KWL charts.  They are reading for comprehension and answering questions in complete sentences.  Grade Three is working diligently on picture prompt writing.  They have completed the Theme 3 holistic assessment.  They are working with pronouns.  They are focusing upon sequencing and the use of prefixes and suffixes.  They are beginning to fin tune their summarization's skills.  They are working on book reports and completing NJ ASK test preparation exercises.  Grade Four is writing diary entries as the main character of a novel.  They are completing guided reading and participating in discussions.  They are creating sentences utilizing vocabulary words.  They are comparing with adjectives and developing their use of action verbs, linking verbs, and helping verbs.  They are applying their use of varied sentence structure within a picture prompt and completing NJ ASK test preparation exercises.  Grade Five is publishing their persuasive essays.  They are discussing ways to become better writers like taking compositional risks.  They are editing and completing analogies.  They are identifying and using the correct pronouns and antecedents.  They are creating poser point presentations for the Island of the Blue Dolphins.  They are developing vocabulary skills and identifying main ideas and details.  They are completing NJ ASK test preparation activities.

Art –

The PSD class is learning about the shape of a heart.  They are cutting and tracing and writing a heart word.  Kindergarten is creating and decorating valentine mobiles using paper and string.  Grade One is painting hearts with watercolors.  Grade Two is creating paper mache houses.  Grade Three is weaving using various colored yarn.  Grade Four is creating puppets and painting them.  Grade Five is creating masks and decorating them with glitter, paint, and feathers.

Music –
Kindergarten is identifying the use of the rest in music.  They are playing the freeze game to understand the silent beat.  Grade one is singing “Shake Something” and practicing their movement and internal retention.  Grade Two is working on the thinking games of memory.  They are identifying a solo, duet, and quartet.  Grade Three is working on reading script lines.  Grade Four is identifying the chords of f and g.  Grade Five is working on choir music for the Spring Concert. 

Physical Education –
Students in grades K-2 are developing their overhand throw for accuracy.  They are working on dodging and fleeing skills.  They are practicing simple strategies and teamwork.  Students in grades 3-5 are demonstrating skills learned in previous lessons to complete four team round robin tournament that will culminate with the playoff for the Stanley Cup Emphasis is being placed on safety as well as goal tending techniques and strategies.

World Language-
Kindergarten students learned to count from 1-10.  They created number books.  Students in Grade One learned to identify number 1-10 and added and subtracted in Spanish.  Grade Two is learning the vocabulary of the people who work in a town and are creating picture boards with characters.  They are developing their own short stories.  Grade Three is creating Spanish calendars and practicing their numbers 1-31.  Grade Four is learning the names of building in the community and is creating their own towns.  Grade Five is learning how to multiply and divide in Spanish utilizing numbers from 1-100.

Library/Computers –
Pre School is identifying the characteristics of winter.  They are listening to stories about dental health and ground hog day. Kindergarten is continuing their development of text boxes.  Grade One is typing factual sentences and Grade two is utilizing the favorites that they had learned to save.  Grade Three is working on speed and accuracy while typing.  Grade Four continues their review of Internet safety and Grade Five continues to understand the components of a power point presentation via their I-Safe folders.  

Lincoln School -
Mathematics:
Kindergarten classes have been working on number recognition 12-30, graphing, even and odd, and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.   Our first graders recently completed a unit on skip counting and patterning.  They will begin a unit on adding three numbers vertically and horizontally.  They are also working hoard on their problem solving folders.  The second grade’s focus has been reviewing multiplication facts 0-5 and working hard on open-ended problem solving.  In third grade, our students have been exploring frequency tables and tally tables and turning them into graphs.  They will begin a unit on geometry next.  Fourth graders have been working on fractions and numerous cumulative Measuring up NJASK4 test preparation activities. The fifth grade is presently completing a unit on coordinate grids, area & perimeter, and classifying polygons.  They are also reviewing concepts necessary for the NJPASS5.

Science:
Kindergarten classes recently studied plants and animals through the use of the new science textbook and extended learning into their writing journals. finished a unit on life cycles and will begin a unit on weather in the near future.  The second grade is studying rocks and minerals by comparing soil types to clay.  The third grade is currently studying natural resources and will soon begin studying matter and forces & motion.  The fourth grade is learning about natural disasters such as landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Our fifth graders are exploring a unit on electricity. They are in the process of designing electrical boxes.

Social Studies:
Our kindergarten students recently explored ‘what is a community?’ and will next investigate great African Americans. The first grade is learning about needs vs. want and how it relates to goods and services in a community.  They are beginning a unit about “Earth Week”.   The second grade students are learning about local government such as the local mayor and town council. The third graders are presently completing community environments across the USA and will soon begin a unit on places where communities start. 

Language Arts:
The kindergarteners are learning the short vowel I as well as word families incorporating –it, -ig, and -in. They recently read ­Brown Bear Brown Bear What do You See?  Our first graders are reviewing long vowel sounds.  they recent read A Bed Full of Cats and will begin Me on the Map.   The second graders recently read ­The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash.  They are also working on ‘oy’ and ‘oi’ sounds in phonics and spelling.  The third grades are beginning theme one of book 2 in the Harcourt reading series regarding folk tales and fables.  They recently read ­Coyote Places the Stars and will soon read Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.  The fourth graders have been reviewing all different pieces of writing in preparation for the NJASK4.  They are focused on evaluation what makes writing ‘good’.  They are also reading ­Mr. Popper’s Penguins and preparing a mystery book report.  The fifth graders completed reading From the Mixed up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler.  They are also spending time responding to open-ended writing prompts consistent with those on the NJPASS5.   

Physical Education:

Music: (All Elementary)
The kindergarten students are learning about steady beats and the concept of a ‘rest’ even though the beat goes on.  Students in grade one are learning to discriminate between high and low pitches.  The second grade is starting a unit on solos, duets, and group singing.  The third graders are almost ready to perform the musical social studies project that they have been working on.  The fourth and fifth graders are working with chords C, F, and G while using melody chimes. 

World Language:
Kindergarten students are practicing numbers from #1-10 while the students in first grade are asking how old people are and saying Happy Birthday as well as locating some things inside a house.  Second graders are asking if one is hungry or thirsty as well as learning words identifying a man, woman, and child in Spanish.  Third graders are reviewing colors, their numbers #11-20, and started to talk about pets and animals.  Fourth graders also reviewed colors and numbers #1-20 while learning the rooms in a house and items contained in those rooms.  Fifth graders talked about doing things like eating, drinking, sleeping, and playing.  The days of the week and telling time was also started this month.

The students are quickly filling up their student notebooks and are surprised how many things they have learned.

Workshops -
High School –

  • Gary Pankiewicz attended  workshop on , “Teaching Reading and Writing to English Language Learners”, on

February 3rd  at the Fairfield Executive Inn in Fairfield, NJ.

  • Michael Sciulla attended the NJSIAA State Sectional Seeding Meeting on February 7th.
  • Barbara Christianson and Joseph Caruso will attend a workshop on  “Signs of Suicide” on February 28th  at the Morris County Fire and Police Academy, Morristown, NJ.

Middle School- 
Mr. Sickels attended a  GEPA workshop entitled, “Take Difficult concepts and translate them into success on the GEPA”

Euclid School –
1/23 – Realignment Presentation Preparation Meeting – Mrs. Simmons
1/30 – Screening Committee Meeting for the Elementary Principal – Mrs. Simmons
1/26 – Professional Development Meeting – Lodi – Mrs. Simmons
2/1 – 2/2 Special Education Monitoring – Mrs. Simmons
2/6 – Faculty Meeting – Review of NJ ASK scores and grade distributions
2/7 – PTA Realignment Presentation – Mrs. Simmons
2/8 – Student Council Meeting – Ms. DeFilippis and Ms. Platania
2/9 – NJ ASK Testing Coordinator Meeting – Mrs. Weir
2/9 – Number the Stars book review committee meeting – Mrs. Simmons

Lincoln School -
02-02-06: Miss Cannizzo (pre-k teacher) attended a workshop on “transitioning students into kindergarten”
02-08-06: Mrs Meola (Lincoln Social Worker) attended a workshop on “transitioning students into kindergarten”

General Administration - fire drills, day, date and time - from beginning of school year

High School –
Successful fire drills were held on:                                                     

  • 9/12/05 @ 10:15 am                                                                          
  • 9/20/05 @ 9:01 am                                                                              
  • 10/5/05 @ 1:20 pm                                                                            
  • 10/18/05 @ 2:02 pm                                                                             
  • 11/7/05 @ 1:15 pm                                                                       
  • 11/21/05 @ 9:02 am
  • 12/8/05 @ 9:49 am
  • 12/19/05 @ 1:18 pm
  • 1/4/06 @ 9:49 am
  • 1/10/06 @ 1:16 pm
  • 2/7/06 @ 1:16 pm
  • 2/15/06 @10:14 am

 Lockdown:

  • 12/14/05 @ 9:48 am

Elevator Tests –
Successful tests completed on:

  • 9/28/05
  • 10/17/05
  • 11/02/05
  • 12/02/05
  • 1/16/06
  • 2/14/06

Middle School-
9/12/05 @ 10:15 am
9/20/05 @ 9:01 am
                  10/5/05 @ 1:20 pm
                  10/18/05 @ 2:02 pm
                  11/7/05 @ 1:15 pm
                  11/21/05 @ 9:02 am
                  12/8/05 @ 9:49 am
                  12/19/05 @ 1:18 pm
                  1/4/06 @ 9:49 am
                  1/10/06 @ 1:16 pm
                  2/7/06 @ 1:16 pm

Lock Down:
            12/14/05 @ 9:48 am
                 

Euclid School –
Fire Drills
9/12/05@2:30pm
9/16/05@2:50pm
10/19/05@11:15am
10/28/05@2:20pm
11/14/05@2:30pm
11/28/05@11:05am
12/16/05@10:30am
12/20/05@9:30am
1/19/06@1:55pm
2/9/06@2:30
Lockdowns
9/30/05
11/15/05
12/13/05
1/24/06
2/10/06

Elevator Checks
9/29/05
10/13/05
11/15/05
12/14/05
1/19/06
2/10/06
Lincoln School -
09-13-05: Elevator Emergency Test
09-22-05: Fire Drill @ 11:35 AM
09-22-05: Lock Down @ 2:00 PM
09-30-05: Fire Drill @ 2:20 PM
10-07-05: Elevator Emergency Test
10-11-05: Fire Drill @ 1:35 PM
10-26-05: Fire Drill @ 2:00 PM
11-08-05: Elevator Emergency Test – Failed – institutional called 15 minutes after test – they claim that                                                       message must have the word “code 1” added to it. Work order #124 addresses issue.
11-08-05: Lock Down @ 1:30 PM
11-14-05: Fire Drill @ 1:10 PM
11-28-05: Fire Drill @ 1:35 PM
12-14-05: Elevator Emergency Test @ 10:56 AM – OK (call back within 4 minutes)
12-14-05: Lock Down @ 2:15 PM
12-19-05 Fire Drill @ 2:00 PM
12-21-05: Fire Drill @ 1:05 PM
1-10-06: Fire Drill @ 2:30 PM
1-16-06: Elevator Emergency Test
1-19-06: Lock Down @ 12:50 PM
1-30-06: Fire Drill @ 1:35 PM
2-06-06: Elevator Emergency Test – 10 AM – FAILED - institutional failed to call …
2-06-06: Elevator Emergency Re-Test – 11 AM – OK (called within 5 min)

Student Recognition

High School - Nothing to report
Middle School- Nothing to report
Euclid School –

Mrs. Simmons sent letters of appreciation to the students who participated in the AAA poster contest.

The Star Students were recognized.
Birthday Recognition was given.
Mrs. Simmons signed off on tests with a 90 or higher grade.

Mrs. Simmons gave certificates to 4th and 5th graders for A’s in reading, Language Arts, and math.

Lincoln School -           
The following students were awarded a Laudable leopards certificate for earning straight As (no A minuses) for MP2:
Thomas M. 3M
David T. 3M
Samantha T. 3S
Ralph C. 3R
Rianna V. 3R
Juliana Q. 3R
Brandon D. 3R
Joey M. 3R
Angelica L. 4C
Aneri S. 4C

Staff Attendance by percentage & number
           
High School -
Attendance from 1/18/06 to 2/7/06  =   96.8%.    30 teachers were absent.  Total absences from beginning of the year to present is 97.7%.   

Staff punctuality by percentage and number
Punctuality from 1/18/06 to 2/7/06=   99.8%.    1 teacher was tardy.   Total tardiness from the beginning of the year to present is  99.8%.

 

Substitute Information
During 1/18/06  to 2/7/06,  33 substitute teachers have been hired.  Total substitutes hired from the beginning of the year to present = 209.

Based on sick days, professional, field trips, testing, and
office sub.

Middle School

Attendance from 1/18/06 to 2/7/06 =  98.8%.    6 teachers were absent.  Total absences from beginning of the year to present are  98.4%.      

Euclid School –
Attendance from 1/19/06-2/10/06=98%. 16-1/2 teachers/paraprofessionals were absent.  Total absences from beginning of the year to present is 98.8%.

Staff Punctuality by percentage and number
Punctuality from 1/19/06-2/10/06=100%.  0 teachers were tardy.  Total tardiness from the beginning of the year to present is 100%.

Substitute Information
During 1/19/06-2/10/06, 11 substitutes were hired.  Total substitutes hired from the beginning of the year to present = 65-1/2.

 

Lincoln School -
Attendance from 1/18/05 to 2/8/06 =  97.6%. 13.5  teachers were absent. Total absences from the beginning of the year to present is 150.5.  Attendance from beginning of the year to present is 96.7%

 

Staff punctuality by percentage and number

Punctuality from 1/18/05 to 2/8/06 = 100%.  No teachers were tardy.  Total tardiness from the beginning of the year to present is 100%.

Substitute Information

During 1/18/05 to 2/8/06 -   12.5 substitute teachers have been hired.  Total substitutes hired from the beginning of the year to the present = 133.5.

 

Press Releases - List topic & date (attach copy)

High School -   Students of the Month
Middle School-  None
Euclid School – attached
Realignment Meeting 2/2– Mrs. Simmons answering questions during the meeting.

Lincoln School -  None

Staff punctuality by percentage and number
Punctuality from  1/18/06to 2/7/06 =  99.9%.   1 teacher was tardy.   Total tardiness from the beginning of the year to present is 99.9%.

Substitute Information
During 1/18/06 to 2/7/06, 10  substitute teachers have been hired.  Total substitutes hired from the beginning of the year to present = 71.

 Based on sick days, professional, field trips, testing, and office sub.