HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s Report
March 27, 2006

Curriculum and Instruction -

High School –

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT -

Mrs. Cafferty’s Spanish I students created and discussed their own daily schedules in Spanish while the Spanish II students are learning about different professions.
Mrs. Squillace’s Spanish I class is studying house vocabulary and location and verbs “ser” and “estar.”
Mrs. Carr’s Spanish III class is doing a “show and tell” to promote speaking Spanish. Her Spanish IV class is reading “Bodas de Sangre” and students are discussing different parts in Spanish.
Mr. Eggmann’s French II/III class drew a map of France indicating by picture or diagram the places one would like to visit and trace the subway route around the city of Paris.
Mrs. Washburn’s classes have incorporated the music of Italy featuring various Italian musicians and Italian songs.

USE OF LAPTOP -

Italian practice software loaded onto the desktop will allow students of the language to improve their reading and writing skills in Italian by helping them to correct their own grammatical errors and eliminate their spelling mistakes. The computer is especially helpful because it is interactive. It will especially help improve the student’s ability to construct sentence structures that are more correct. The review of proper structure, association, and usage will be especially helpful to the independent student by listening to the voice of the computer which is needed to provide examples in conversation to improve pronunciation.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT –

Mr. Ascolese’s Music Theory students will be beginning their final projects in which each student will write an original composition and have it performed and recorded.
Mr. Vanamo reports that rehearsals for the school musical “Annie” are underway.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT –

Mrs. Michaeli’s AP Statistics class learned how to use the t-procedures and the z-procedures to carry out tests of significance and to calculate confidence intervals for the population mean and proportion.
Mrs. Michaeli’s Algebra 2 classes learned how to identify relations and functions, to perform operations with functions, and to sketch the graphs of compound and step functions. They also reviewed HSPA problems involving Cluster 4.
Mr. Mastropietro’s AP Calculus class is working with antiderivatives (integration by parts, integration by substitution, and separate differential equations) and applications of the definite integral. The class will also start practicing for the AP Exam.
Mr. Mastropietro’s statistics class will be able to find standard deviation and variance. They will also be able to draw conclusions from data.
Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 9 is finishing inequalities with absolutes and starting work on prime factorization, LCM, and GCF.
Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 10 is working on system of equations. They will be able to solve for x and y using graphing, substitution and elimination methods.
Mr. Mastropietro’s Foundations of Advanced Math is preparing students for college placement exams, which includes taking practice exams from previous years.
Mrs. O’Brien’s 9th grade students were busy preparing for their upcoming New Jersey Pass test. As well, Algebra I students learned how to solve absolute value inequality equations and how to graph linear inequalities in two variables.
Mrs. O’Brien’s Fundamentals class just finished simplifying expressions that contained both positive and negative exponents.
Mrs. O’Brien’s HSPA 9 is working on geometric transformations.
Mrs. Healey’s Precalculus classes will conclude their study of exponential growth and decay with a project involving the exploration of various types of investment options. After selecting their personal preference, the students will calculate the number of years it will take them to achieve a personal financial goal.
Mrs. Healey’s Honors Precalculus class will continue with introductory calculus, learning the first through third derivative and their applications.
Mrs. Healey’s Fundamentals IV class continues to prepare for their college placement test, currently reviewing the solution of various types of equations.
Mr. Strama’s SAT Prep Class is working on time testing strategies. Students are taking multiple tests, which are being scored, and they gain an idea of where they stand with respect to the SAT. Students are also learning how to solve problems without doing any mathematical aspects.
Mr. Strama’s Geometry Class has just completed chapter 4 with special quadrilaterals, inequalities of triangles. We will begin working with proportions and how to find the unknowns, equivalent equations from proportions etc. Students will be working on similar polygons (figures, polygons). Students will learn, discuss, and apply Similarity Theorems.
Mr. Strama’s Honors Geometry class is currently working on ratios and proportions. Students will solve for the unknown term in a given proportion. Students will learn how to transform proportions into equivalent equations. Students will further learn about similar figures, triangles, and polygons. We will discuss Similarity Theorems and how they are applied in the modern world today.
Mr. Monks’ Fundamentals of Geometry class will be completing their work with transformations and be moving onto working with proportions.
Mr. Monks’ Algebra I class has completed Chapter 6 which dealt with solving and graphing inequalities.
Mr. Monks’ Geometry class is currently working on similar triangles and using proportions to determine missing measurements.
Mr. Monks’ HPSA class completed work in cluster IV and are feeling confident going into the HSPA.
Mr. Monks’ Honors Algebra II class will be finishing Chapter 7 and working with properties of exponents.
Mrs. Rad’s Fundamentals of Algebra 2 class has been solving multi-step problems with equations.
Mrs. Rad’s HSPA 9 class has been solving problems involving conversions and multi-step problems.
Mrs. Rad’s Integrated Math 4 class is studying how to compare housing costs and choosing affordable housing, estimating monthly utility bills, calculating amounts of paint and carpet, as well as the cost.
Mrs. Rad’s HSPA 10 class has been solving problems involving sequence and series and using formulas to solve multi-step problems.
Mrs. Stoehs’ math classes have been busy working on strategies for the HSPA tests. We’ve done many sample questions, pulling apart the multi level problems into workable components. Congratulations to my students for their hard work leading up to testing and for their wholehearted attempt on test day!

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT –

Mrs. Hicswa’s biology classes have just completed a unit on classification. A review of the five major kingdoms of living organisms was undertaken. Classroom work included the classification or grouping of everyday personal items in order to reinforce the students’ understanding of organization concepts.
USE OF LAPTOP Computer will be used starting week of March 27th for virtual dissections.
Mrs. Hicswa and Mr. Stillman, as Community Service Advisors, have been contacting students who need to earn Community Service hours. Our high school will be one of thirty high schools statewide to be included in the NJ State Community Service Pilot Project. A bill signed by former Acting Governor Codey initiated this program. More details will be provided to Mrs. Hicswa and Mr. Stillman at a forum in May.
Mr. Pignatiello’s chemistry classes have now begun to explore the world of thermochemistry. Thermochemistry deals with heat loss and gain by chemical and physical experiments. The students will hands on labs dealing with the absorption of heat as well as the heat of fusion for water.
Mr. Pignatiello’s AP chemistry class has just completed the chapter on bonding and will now advance towards solution chemistry. Two educational experiences are planned for this month. The AP students will be performing an AP experiment at the FDU campus in Hackensack, and a select group of honors and cp chemistry students will be touring the many careers in the medical field at Englewood hospital.
Mrs. Stoehs’ physical science class has been working on Newton’s laws of motion. They are learning formulas for velocity, force, and acceleration. We’ve also joined with Mr. Binazeski’s class to work on experiments such as the egg drop. The students really became involved with their designs for protecting their eggs from cracking when dropped from 10 ft.
Mr. Binazeski’s Physical Science students have begun the new semester with the introduction of Physics. Students learned about displacement, velocity, acceleration, gravity, matter, mass, Newton’s First Law, Newton’s Second Law and Inertia. Experiments were preformed to investigate velocity and vertical freefall.
Mr. Binazeski’s Environmental science students continued their study of Biomes with the emphasis on wetlands, swamps, aquifers, bogs, estuaries, marine ecosystems and coral reef ecosystems. A research project was assigned on 3 Biomes and submitted by students. Students will now learn about population and diversity in Humans.
Mr. Lentis’ CP physics students will learn about light as a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Why light travels in transparent materials and why not in opaque materials. Also students will learn the phenomenon of polarization, the different frequencies of visible light (color), the mixing of colored light, and of colored pigments, as well as different phenomena that occur in everyday life because of the sun. They will also learn about reflection and refraction.
Mr. Lentis’ honors physics students will learn about mirrors and lenses, optical devices, the diffraction of light, and lastly about the origin of light.
Mr. Lentis’ AP physics students will solve various problems regarding power, work and energy, about linear momentum, the center of mass, and also how previous knowledge of work and energy apply in rotational kinematics.
Mr. Lentis’ chemistry class students will learn about energy thermodynamics, and lastly about solutions.

USE OF LAPTOPS -

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.
Mr. Monks - Grades and reports were calculated on Excel. Lesson plans have been generated in Word. HSPA 11 will be observing tools and using activities from the web as we complete Cluster IV preparation. HSPA 11 worksheets are being generated from Adobe Acrobat.
Mrs. Stoehs - In Environmental Science the laptop has been used to write the test on chapter 14, Population Growth. The technology was helpful in gathering data on world populations as well as statistics for limiting factors such as famine and natural disasters.
Mrs. McGinty - Utilizing the LCD and The Americans software, students benefited from chapter reviews for their chapter tests. Also, students participated in review activities in the form of question/answer tournaments

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT –

Mr. Smith’s English 9 classes have begun their extensive review of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Most recently, time and attention have been given to character development, plot, and vocabulary from Act I and the start of Act II.
Mr. Smith’s Genres in Critical Thinking class recently concluded their study of the romance genre. After finishing Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, students were assigned a unit project in which they had to plan their “ideal wedding” including music, songs of passage, and what they would want to be able to tell their grandchildren about their special day many years down the road. After HSPA testing, we will begin our review of the action genre.
Mr. Smith’s HSPA English 10 class concluded preparing for the practice HSPA test by reviewing essentials to a solid persuasive essay. Time and attention was given to formulating 3 part thesis statements in introductory paragraphs.
Mrs. Meyer’s 9th grade English class is continuing their study of Romeo and Juliet. Along with their study of William Shakespeare’s play, the culture of Elizabethan England, the life of William Shakespeare, and the Globe Theatre.
Mrs. Meyer’s 9th grade English Honors class is continuing their study of Julius Caesar with their study of William Shakespeare’s play, the culture of Elizabethan England, the life of William Shakespeare, and the Globe Theatre.
Ms. Monetti’s Genre and Critical Thinking classes are watching sports dramas. We started with Friday Night Lights, moved on to Million Dollar Baby and are concluding with Coach Carter. Students will react in their journals to the inspirational speeches of the coaches. They will also look more closely at the award winning performance of Hillary Swank in Million Dollar Baby.
Ms. Monetti’s English 10 class has been multitasking. We have been working on our research paper on the 1920’s, reading The Great Gatsby, and finishing up HSPA review. Needless to say we have been busy.
Ms. Monetti’s English 11 and HSPA classes have finished up our HSPA review. English 11 will move on to our unit on Macbeth. HSPA 11 will move on to a more creative project, which will entail watching the movie Big Fish and writing a collection of tall tales.
Ms. Kos’ English 9 class students have just completed their Globe Theater projects and are beginning to read Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet aloud in class. Students are enjoying the play and are looking forward to viewing the movie version at the play’s completion.
Ms. Kos’ English 10 class continues their work on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Supplementary assignments and discussions for this unit are emphasizing the history of the 1920s in this country and specifically in New York City. A parallel unit on the Harlem Renaissance will be introduced at the conclusion of this unit.
Ms. Kos’ English 11 class has been doing extensive review for the HSPA, which will conclude on March 9. Students will return to their study of British literature with a short story unit in the text.
Ms. Kos’ English 12 class just completed a creative writing unit in which they created short personal narratives modeled on Sandra Cisneros’ award-winning novel, The House on Mango Street. Each student turned in a collection of 6-8 thematically linked short stories based on their own experiences and written in their own voice. Students seemed to enjoy the assignment and a number of them continue to work on the projects in hope of publishing them in student publication. They are now beginning a novel unit with the reading of Russel Banks’ book, Rule of the Bone, a perennial favorite of my senior classes.
Mr. Van Dam’s English 11 classes have completed their preparations for the HSPA and will be starting their unit on Renaissance literature. Students will be introduced to the sonnet and will read and analyze Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An emphasis will be placed on evaluating the drama as a formal tragedy as well as assessing the modern relevance of the themes and characterizations.
Mr. Van Dam’s English 11-Honors class has also completed their review for the HSPA. A special emphasis was placed on working to earn advanced scores on the writing and open-ended tasks. Student’s worked to create compositional risks and incorporated literary devices into their essays. The class will begin their study of Renaissance poetry and will research Cavalier, Metaphysical and religious poets and their works.
Mr. Van Dam’s English 12-Honors class continues to read and analyze the Greek tragedy of Oedipus. Students are evaluating the drama by applying the classical Roman definitions of a tragedy to Sophocles’ play. Students are also reading the final part of the Sophoclean trilogy, Antigone, as an outside reading assignment. Group projects that illustrate the ironies embedded within the play will be on display in Room 22.
Miss Venneman’s HSPA-9 classes are explicating different forms of poetry in order to predict tentative meanings found in select works. Students are also interpreting works of poetry by identifying examples of similes, metaphors and personification.
Mrs. Geftic’s English 10 students are reading The Great Gatsby in preparation for the HSPA practice test. Special attention was given to writing skills including open-ended questions and picture prompts. Using the new lap top computer, students viewed various websites about F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Jazz Era. Students are preparing a five page report on this time period using conventional and electronic sources.
Mrs. Geftic’s English 12 students are reading Night by Elie Wiesel. Using the new lap top computer, they have viewed the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s websites that feature eyewitness testimony, artifacts and historical documents about survivors, perpetrators and bystanders.
Mrs. Geftic’s Journalism students are completing the fourth issue of the Pilot’s Log. This issue focuses phobia, graffiti and the illegal sale of cigarettes to minors. Using the new lap top computer, they have viewed various websites and researched elements that enhance their stories.
On March 17 students were honored by Columbia Scholastic Press Convention in New York City with a prestigious Crown Award. Publications are judged on their excellence as shown by their design, photography, concept, coverage and writing.
Mr. Pankiewicz’s Journalism students are completing a school news portfolio, in addition to completing the fourth edition of the Pilot’s Log. The students have consistently been using the school laptop computer as an additional means for Internet research, layout and design, and word processing.
Mr. Pankiewicz’s Creative Writing students have been writing entries in their autobiographies. Mr. Kotwica, student teacher, has also performed lessons in which students researched song lyrics on the Internet and rewrote an element of the song- keeping the same melody and tempo. Students were given the opportunity to play their song in the classroom using the laptop computer to present their revised song.
The school literary magazine is also being designed using the school laptop computer.
Mr. Pankiewicz’s English 10 Honors students, led by student teacher Mr. Kotwica,have been reading Miller’s Death of a Salesman. In addition to plot and characterization, students are exploring the concepts of the American Dream and tragic hero. Students are keeping a journal on their experiences with the play. To celebrate “Women’s History Month” students will be completing a research paper on an American woman writer. The school laptop is being used to guide students through pertinent web sites that assist with research, MLA style, and MLA citations.
Mrs. Schneeweiss’s Communications students are currently producing “reality” television show spoofs and soap opera scenes. They have been investigating how “real” reality is and discovering the scripted influence of these types of shows. Lively discussions are being held as the evidence pours in. The students were also instrumental in preparing activities for both elementary schools for the district’s Read Across America program that was held March 2. High school students read to grades Pre-K through 2. Grades 3-5 had a wide range of projects and reading exercises, that they thoroughly enjoyed, including naming titles of books that corresponded with the letters in each of the fifty states, the name game, and book discussion. The high school prepared a frying pan, fishbowl or hat that each of the students glued green eggs, fish, and strips that had their name and favorite book on it. The large cutouts were left behind to hang in the elementary hallways.
Mrs. Schneeweiss’s Drama class also worked on preparing Read Across America and has begun production of the play Who Poisoned His Meatball. The murder mystery will be performed in the cafeteria while a spaghetti dinner is served. The date for the show is yet to be finalized but will probably be sometime in early May. The laptop computer is in constant use with a strong emphasis on its central role in the high school talent show. This year an introductory video is being shown, as well as several videos produced by the students.
Mrs. Czekaj’s English 10 classes continue learning research skills and preparing for the HSPA through their reading of The Great Gatsby. They are learning about The American Dream, and that issues of love and social class from the 1920s are still relevant to their lives today.
Mrs. Czekaj’s AP/College English class are reading Joy Kogawa’s Obasan, which describes the atrocities perpetuated on Japanese-Canadians during World War I. They are analyzing it through applying terms of literary analysis to individually assigned chapters, and giving oral presentations on those techniques.
Mrs. Czekaj’s Shakespeare Honors class are working to finalize the script for the annual class presentation to the ninth grade, which is developed around The Compleat Works of Wm Shakespeare (abridged). They have written skits to explain the plays they have read this year, using humor and parody.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT -

Mrs. Valenti’s World History students are studying the Dark Ages and the development of Medieval Europe. Elements such as the advancement of the Germanic Tribes, as well as the downfall of the Roman Empire from within, have been focused on and discussed. Students had the opportunity to choose one of three projects for them to complete. The choices were to make a castle, catapult or jousting knight. Directions were provided for the students.
Mrs. Valenti’s Honors: The class is completing a unit on the Roman Empire. Their focus has been on the development of the Republic and how it has impacted the development of our government. We will also be focusing on the transition into the Dark Ages. This will be important to setting up our discussions about the development of Medieval Europe.
Mrs. Lewites World History POR class continues to work on the Middle Ages. We created feudal contracts between the students and myself, showing how the system of hierarchy and loyalty played a key role during the Middle Ages. Discussion took place about the different classes of people that lived in Medieval Europe and how daily life centered on the Christian Church.
Ms. Cassidy’s U.S. History I classes have completed the study of Social Movements in the 1830’s and 40’s. Discussion took place on the Abolition movement and students were able to view an original copy of The Liberator by William Lloyd Garrison.
Mr. Warren’s U.S. History I classes are exploring how a religious awakening sparked a period of reform in America in the pre-Civil War era. These reform movements include the rise of the abolitionist movement, the establishment of public schools and hospitals, and the formation of worker’s unions that demanded better working conditions for employees. Students are also researching and developing their own utopian (perfect) societies to reflect the idealism of the reform movement. For Women’s History Month, students are analyzing the lives and roles of Northern and Southern women during this period of reform with special attention to the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls in 1848.
Mrs. McGinty’s U.S. History II students analyzed the causes and consequences of the Great Depression and evaluated the futility of President Hoover's actions to limit the damage. Students will summarize the reasons for Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal legislations and the impact of these policies on the American nation. In honor of Women’s History Month, students have researched the biography of a woman of their choice to share with their classes. Classes viewed the documentary Paperclips, a film about middle-school kids and their experiences with learning about tolerance.
Mrs. McGinty’s U.S. History II Honors students analyzed primary sources, including excerpts from relative literature selections. Additionally, students examined profiles of significant Americans and their contributions to history including: Mary McLeod Bethune, Huey Long, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Chapter projects this month, included students' analysis of the impact of the Great Depression on another nation in the world and the creation of a New Deal Diary.

TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS-

Mrs. Marano's Computer Applications class is continuing their work with PhotoShop. Students have learned to crop photos and adjust colors and brighten colors. They are currently working on various methods of selecting, moving, and copying objects.
Mrs. Marano's Computer 9 cycle class has completed drawing and painting projects and is about to begin creating an informative brochure using Microsoft Publisher. Students will then work with spreadsheets.
Mr. Ketcho’s Life Management classes have been discussing daily business current event topics. Began & finished Chapter 10 – “Saving For Your Future”. Lecture, tests, vocabulary terms, for review questions, application for decision making, life situation problems, class work, and homework reinforcing the material were completed. Also, the FDU Business Ideas were submitted and the Stock Market Game was started.
Mr. Ketcho’s Accounting classes have been discussing daily business current event topics. Started Chapter 7 – “Work Sheet For A Service Business”. Tests, study guide quiz, work together problems, on your own problems, and homework assignments covered.
Mr. Ketcho’s Automated Accounting II - Daily business current event topics discussed. Finished Chapter 5 “Posting to a General Ledger”. Tutorials, practice problems, applying your information skills all completed. Also, the FDU Business Ideas were submitted and the Stock Market Game was started.
Mr. Ketcho’s Word Processing I and II
Suncoast Civic Center – An Office Assistant Simulation was started over the month of February– Pages 6 to 14 and Jobs #1 to #4
Also, the FDU Business Ideas were submitted and the Stock Market Game was started.
Mr. Ketcho’s Computer Applications 8 Cycle
Ended cycle#3 and started cycle#4 during February
Cycle#3 – 101 Spreadsheet Exercises – Exercise #1 to #42
Cycle#4 – Century 21 – pages 3 to 17 were completed

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER-

Mrs. Mikulka- The Library Media Center has been used for Kindergarten Registration, for a student to take a test in Japanese, both oral and written, and for HSPA testing for 11th grade students. Among the teachers who brought classes in for research this month were Mrs. Stoehs, Ms. Cassidy (Prominent African- Americans), Ms Geftic, Mrs. Squillace (South American countries), Mrs. Cafferty, Mrs. Czekaj (1920’s), Mr. Binazeski (biomes), Mrs. McGinty (Harlem Renaissance), Ms. Monetti (1920’s), and Mr. Warren (Utopian communities.) In addition, Mrs. Washburn, Mr. Pankiewicz, and Ms. Kos brought students in to use the computers to type articles, essays and exercises.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH EDUCATION -

Grades 9 – 12 All classes are continuing with the fitness, basketball, and floor hockey units.
Ms. Gaccione’s 9th grade health class is finishing up the drug and alcohol unit. The class is discussing about the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol.
Mr. Caruso’s 12th Grade Health class is wrapping up a unit on illegal drugs and their effect on society.
Mrs. Miller and Mr. Caruso 11th grade health classes are finishing the drug and alcohol unit with a guest speaker, Kenneth Kolich, from the Hudson County Prosecuters Office who will give a power point presentation on club drugs on Wednesday, March 15 2006.

INDUSTRIAL ART -

Mr. Masucci’s high school class is continuing to make shaker tables.

ART DEPARTMENT -

Mrs. Reed’s painting classes have worked with color theory and have created two projects where students use and enhanced their knowledge of color theory in a creative means, (creative picture and symmetrical design). Students have created drawings of a hand study then used watercolor paints to paint in a creative way. The class is now creating a still-life using watercolors. Students are enhancing their knowledge of watercolors and their usage.
Mrs. Reed’s graphic design classes have created travel magazine covers using watercolors and have created Olympic posters, which contained information about a certain sport. Students were given certain requirements but had the freedom to create in any medium they chose. The class is working on visual statements that could be used to depict the passing side and non-passing side of a truck.
Mrs. Kritzer’s high school art has started the painting class with a personal shield. Students are asked to design a shield that represents their personality. The students must make all colors using only the primaries.
Mrs. Kritzer’s advanced art classes are learning about 3-dimensional art. The students learned bout Mardi gras celebrations. They designed and constructed their own masks using the colors and designs that revelers use in their parade masks.
Mrs. Brinker’s SADD Club created a Tolerance campaign by displaying Tolerance posters on every bulletin board in the school. This club also ordered and distributed booklets for the HS faculty titled “Responding to Hate in Schools.” Mrs. Brinker’s Multicultural Arts have commenced with the third marking period and the students in these classes have completed Peruvian Personality Pots that are on display in the media center.

Middle School-

Math:

Miss Krysz’s grade 6 Geometry classes have been exploring measurement and geometry. They can utilize formulas to find the perimeter and area of 2-dimensional figures and also the surface area and volume of a variety of 3-dimensional figures (pyramids, prisms, cylinders). In the coming weeks students will be working out of the book New Jersey ASK Coach in preparation for standardized testing in April.
Miss Krysz’s grade 6 Honors Geometry classes have been exploring measurement and geometry. They can utilize formulas to find the perimeter and area of 2-dimensional figures and also the surface area and volume of a variety of 3-dimensional figures (pyramids, prisms, cylinders). They have also been utilizing the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing measures of right triangles in order to solve word problems. In the coming weeks students will be working out of the book New Jersey ASK Coach in preparation for standardized testing in April.
Miss Krysz’s algebra class has been working with fractions and mixed numbers. They have been adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing mixed numbers and fractions. They have been applying these skills to solving a variety of word problems. In the coming weeks students will be working out of the book New Jersey ASK Coach in preparation for standardized testing in April.
Miss DiPiano’s Algebra classes have been working with fractions. They are learning how to model, multiply, and divide fractions as well as mixed numbers and whole numbers. They have also been learning how to solve word problems using the guess and check method. Cluster II Gepa Prep Assessments have been completed and the Cluster I Gepa Prep Assessment will be administered before the end of the month.
Miss DiPiano’s Geometry students are wrapping up Chapter 3, Sections 8 through 10 on Metric Units of length, mass and capacity. They are also developing an understanding of how to measure elapsed time. The students have completed a project from the textbook website www.http://www.phschool.com/atschool. For the project, they designed and created a cereal box. They were able to calculate the dimensions of the box and use them to find the volume and surface area of the figure, as well as creating a net. Students are also currently working on a “Circles Around the World” project. They have measured the diameter and radius of circular objects around the classroom and used them to find the circumference and area. The students also incorporated the current sections we have been working on in class by using different metric units of length. They needed to find the circumference and area in two different units (centimeters and millimeters).
Mr. Strama’s Honors Algebra Class is working on solving linear equations. Students were taught how to solve for a variable with two steps and multiple steps. Students will learn how to solve equations with fractions. We will further practice with exponents and order of operations. Students will become familiar with number patterns as well as other patterns.
Mrs. Caputo’s classes, both mainstream and honors, will be starting Chapter 10. The students are currently working on NJASK books for review for the upcoming NJASK test early in April. Our gepa folders are almost completed.
Mr. Sickels’ mainstream classes are finishing chapter 8, geometry and measurements. We will hit various lessons throughout the book next. We are putting the finishing touches on our GEPA folders and are concentrating on a review for the NJASK next month.
Mr. Sickels’ honors class is working on chapter 6 Applications of Proportions. We will hit various lessons throughout the book next. We are also putting our final touches on our GEPA folders and are concentrating on the NJASK for next month.
Mr. Aldea's classes will be finishing the trigonometry in Sections 6.9 and 6.10. Subsequently, students will be studying concepts such as translations, reflections, symmetry, as well as rotations. After the GEPA examinations, students will be introduced to Chapter 9 which focuses on Geometry and Measurement.
Mr. Aldea’s honors class will be finishing Chapter 14 on surface area and volume of space figures. The students will then move to Chapter 10, circles and polygons.
Mrs. Dunne’s Math 8 Classes have completed the last GEPA packets and test for Chapter 4. They did a chapter on percent, solving by equations. They applied their knowledge to verbal problems involving discount, sales price, tax, commission, interest (simple & compound) & percent of increase/decrease.
Mrs. Dunne’s Algebra 1 class completed the GEPA cluster 4 test. They have also learned to solve systems of equations by graphing, substitution and linear combination.

Science:

Mr. Rispoli’s 6th grade science classes continued learning about our solar system. They worked in pairs to research a planet or object in our system. They created a data sheet and wrote a creative story about their topic. They also made a visual aid to be used during a presentation. After completing their assignment, each pair gave a three-minute oral report to the class using their visual aid. The students are currently finishing the solar system unit.
Mrs. Toy - seventh grade science: Most students are curious about why family members share some physical characteristics. Some might even have their own ideas about how physical traits run in families. In Science class, they will explore these ideas in the new unit Genetics and Heredity.
Mr. Cassiere’s Physical Science 8 students have completed their GEPA reviews. A wide range of topics were covered including plant vs. animal cells, the hydrologic cycle, balancing simple chemical equations, and lunar vs. solar eclipses. The students are being introduced to atomic structure in addition to the evolution of the atomic model. This is also being paralleled with two experimental labs illustrating electron energy levels and reaction potential.

Social Studies:

Mrs. Wallace’s sixth grade Social Studies students concluded the study of Black History Month. Students took on the personas of different African Americans who had contributed to tolerance and understanding in our great country. Each student was interviewed as if they were that person, and many students wore period costumes, or brought other props to further accentuate the person they were representing.
Ms. Wallace then began a study of early American civilizations, beginning with the Mayan, Olmec, Chavin, Moche and Nazca cultures of Meso America and South America. Students concluded by creating a Bulletin Board of artwork from the Nazca, Moche, Chavin, Olmec or Mayan civilizations.
Sixth Grade Web Blog: www.socialstudies6.blogspot.com
Mrs. Gay's 7th Social Studies students commemorated Black History Month by taking part in an interdisciplinary mini-unit with Literature about the Underground Railroad. Students viewed a video produced by the History Channel, and based on what they saw in it and read in Literature, imagined they were slaves who decided to flee the bondage of slavery using the Underground Railroad. They chronicled their escapes to freedom, including such details as "following the Drinking Gourd" (Big Dipper) and witnessing the selflessness of Harriet Tubman.
Mrs. Rucci’s 8th grade social studies classes have been covering the works of famous reformers such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Dorothea Dix, who had such a great impact on society in the 1800s. We analyzed the causes, events, and people of the Civil War with a good amount of time spent on President Lincoln. Students are always shocked to find out that we lost over 620,000 Americans in those four years. Some students were so interested in the weaponry that has been used in wars over the years, that they did added research for extra credit.
Iraq continues to be a featured topic in the recent Junior Scholastic magazines.
Anyone who is going on the class trip to Washington, D.C. in May received the initial Parent Information Booklet with forms to fill out. In class, we started discussing some of the sites that we will be visiting. They are already so anxious!

Language Arts:

Ms. Wolf’s English classes are busy finishing up their unit on “Complements” in a sentence. Next week, the students will begin a three-week test prep unit in order to get ready for the NJ ASK test that the students will take in April.

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.
Technology has been used 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 create certificates to be presented to the students who received honors and high honors during the second marking period.
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. For the first time, Ms. Wolf was able to submit her grades for the progress reports by using the schoolmaster program.
In addition, Ms. Wolf continues to find ways to use the computer as an instructional tool. She has been exploring many games and activities for future class lessons. Ms. Wolf also uses the laptop during her “Pull out Support” to allow the students to have a manipulative for studying the information.

Mr. Stillman’s Literature 8 and Literature 8 Honors classes are finalizing their GEPA preparation. Once the GEPA is completed, the honors students will begin their study of Romeo & Juliet, while the literature class will begin their interdisciplinary unit on the 1960s and Planet of the Apes.
Mrs. Rowland’s 7th grade English classes are learning steps on how to write a persuasive essay.
Miss Venneman’s Literature 7 classes are analyzing recurring themes found in various literature selections. Some themes analyzed and explored in class include bravery, loyalty, friendship and loneliness. Students will also be distinguishing between essential and nonessential information in preparation for the NJ Ask test.
Mr. Colangelo’s Literature 7 classes will be analyzing essential and nonessential information in preparation for the NJ Ask test. They will also be discussing recurring themes found in various literature selections.
Mr. Colangelo’s Literature 8 classes are finalizing their preparation for the GEPA. Following the completion of the GEPA, the literature class will begin their interdisciplinary unit on the 1960’s and the Planet of the Apes.
Mr. Colangelo’s Creative Writing 7 class is currently writing personal journal entries. The class will also write an autobiography and conduct a film study of the movie Rudy.
Mr. Colangelo’s Study Skills 6 class will continue working out of their Study Skills notebook, You Can Take Charge.
Mr. Sicilian’s English 8 classes are finalizing GEPA preparation activities. Following the GEPA testing, classes will begin a unit of study in vocabulary development using Latin and Greek root etymology. The unit will include elements of the history of language and linguistics. The Honors English classes will also begin an “Autobiography” project that will culminate in June with a multi-media, technology based presentation. Some of the technology will be provided by the “Best Buy Technology Grant” Mr. Sicilian received in February.
Ms. Dolan’s 6th grade literature classes finished reading the Newberry Award winning novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor. As a follow-up to this unit on the historical insight into the plight of African Americans, the sixth grade will be attending a play on Friday, March 17, 2006 called “Freedom Train” in New York. This play depicts the journey of African Americans who escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad.
For the rest of March, the students will be preparing for the NJ ASK, which is scheduled to begin on April 4, 2006. The students will focus in on specific tools needed when completing reading passages on standardized tests.

Foreign Language:

Mrs. Cafferty’s seventh graders learned about Central American and Caribbean countries that speak Spanish. They did oral reports in Spanish in front of the class.
Mrs. Squillace’s eighth graders also learned about family members and professions.
Ms. Krysz’s sixth graders learned about Spanish culture by labeling maps of Spain, South America, Central America, and North America. They have also been discussing the art and architecture of Spain as well as the food and customs of the country. These discussions included a variety of unusual festivals as well as bullfighting.

Art Department:

Mrs. Reed’s Art 7 class has completed the cycle by creating a reproduction of one of O’Keefe’s paintings. Students used oil pastels as their medium. The class also took a quiz where students answered questions about the life and works of the artist’s we discussed during the cycle. The fourth cycle has begun and students have learned about the life and works of Matisse. The students are creating paper cut out designs in the style of Matisse, using his techniques.
Mrs. Kritzer’s Art 8 cycle has started off the new 7-week course with the foundations of drawing. The students are now confident to take on a still life drawing. They will start a monochromatic painting next week after testing.
Mrs. Brinker’s Art 6 cycle class completed their Navajo Yarn Weavings and they are currently on display in the media center. The current 6th grade cycle is working on name transfer designs.

HEALTH:

Miss Gaccione’s 8th grade health classes are finishing up the two week DARE unit with lieutenant Mullins.
Mr. Delcalzo’s 7th grade health class is doing drug and alcohol prevention. The
students brought in adds about tobacco and alcohol and how they influence people to buy their products.
Mr. Caruso’s 6th grade health class is finishing up the unit on drugs and alcohol.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

The classes are continuing hockey unit for grades 6 and 7.

INDUSTRIAL ART:

Mr. Masucci’s life skills class reviewed hand tools and are making cutting boards.

MUSIC:

Mr. McCarthy reports that the seventh grade has completed the baroque while the eighth grade is starting early American music.
6th Grade Technology Pilot Program

Sixth Grade Team

March 2006

All members of the sixth grade team submitted their progress reports using their laptops for the 3rd marking period. After some of the glitches were worked out, their progress reports were successfully submitted electronically.

Michelle DiPiano – Math

Algebra
Weekly quizzes, tests, and worksheets are created using Microsoft Word and the Prentice Hall Computer Item Generator CD. Grades are entered weekly using the Grade Master Program. The Grade Master Program was also used to calculate Marking Period 3 progress report grades as well as a reference when speaking with students and parents. The Marking Period 3 Progress Reports were sent electronically for the first time this year. It seemed to be very successful. The students also were able to understand the modeling of fractions from abcteach.com. This lesson helped them to see how fraction models were multiplied by using different colors and patterns.

Geometry
Weekly quizzes, tests, and worksheets are created using Microsoft Word and the Prentice Hall Computer Item Generator CD. The Cereal Box Project was from the textbook website www.http://www.phschool.com. The students were able to access the project by going to this website and they were allowed to use it as an aide. The students used Microsoft Excel when creating the nets for the Cereal Box Project. This was also demonstrated in class on the laptop. 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 3 Progress Report grades as well as a reference when speaking with students and parents. The Marking Period 3 Progress Reports were sent electronically for the first time this year. It seemed to be very successful.

Karen Dolan – Literature

Ms. Dolan used her laptop in many different ways to benefit and assist her in her teaching duties in March 2006. Once again, all quizzes and tests are created using this valuable tool. Additionally, Ms. Dolan did extensive research on the 6th Grade ASK test that is being given in April for the first time. By accessing information on this test, Ms. Dolan was able to ascertain exactly what needed to be addressed to prepare the students for this test.

Finally, Ms. Dolan will complete a lesson plan on March 16, 2006 showing the students various things about the Underground Railroad in preparation for their class trip on March 17, 2006. By using interactive websites and depictions, the students’ trip will be enhanced and they will be better prepared to their experience. Ms. Dolan will utilize both the laptop and LCD projector.

Kirstin Krysz - Math

Geometry
Weekly lesson plans, quizzes, tests, monthly reports and project outlines are creating using WordPerfect on the laptop. Progress reports were entered and posted through Schoolmaster this quarter.

Honors Geometry
Weekly lesson plans, quizzes, tests, monthly reports and project outlines are creating using WordPerfect on the laptop. Progress reports were entered and posted through Schoolmaster this quarter.

Algebra
Weekly lesson plans, monthly reports, quizzes, tests and project guidelines are created using WordPerfect on the laptop. Progress reports were entered and posted through Schoolmaster this quarter.

Kirstin Krysz – Spanish

Using the laptop and projector, students viewed streaming video of various Spanish festivals including the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Bunol and Las Fallas in Valencia. This provided an opportunity to view authentic Spanish customs, costumes and cuisine without ever leaving the classroom.

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 tests, quizzes and study guides. It was also used to get the latest information regarding astronomy, since the information changes so rapidly.

The laptop was placed in the room for the students to use for a week. Each pair of students had the opportunity to use the computer to research information for their project. They were allowed to print out the information they found. Some students printed pictures to use on the posters they made.

Candace Wallace – Social Studies

Ms. Wallace began a study of early American civilizations, beginning with the Mayan, Olmec, Chavin, Moche and Nazca cultures of meso America and South America. A Powerpoint presentation was shown, along with several interactive presentations on the laptop using the LCD projector. These presentations addressed the geography, economy, art, religion, and general culture of the civilizations.

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

Allison Wolf – English

Technology has been used 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 create certificates to be presented to the students who received honors and high honors during the second marking period.

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. For the first time, Ms. Wolf was able to submit her grades for the progress reports by using the schoolmaster program.

In addition, Ms. Wolf continues to find ways to use the computer as an instructional tool. She has been exploring many games and activities for future class lessons. 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

This month Miss Mercandino’s 7th Grade Math Class did an interactive powerpoint to review circumference and area of a circle. The powerpoint presentation was on the Olympic Rings. The students not only learned the history of the Olympic Rings but found the circumference and area of the individual rings as well as all the rings together. The class had a lot of fun learning about the rings while doing math!

Christina Nestory

Science
Students were able to “put together” a jigsaw solar system and see different views of the Earth and moon from satellites located in space. Students were able to see the relative scale of the planets.

Social Studies
Students listened to music from the Middle Ages and view styles of dress.

Mrs. Marano

Computer 6 and 7 cycle classes have just begun and students have created a PowerPoint presentation about themselves. Students will shortly begin working with the draw tools of Microsoft Word and the Paint program included in the Accessories of Windows.

Middle School Student Council:

The Middle School Student Council is currently scheduling the remainder of the school year. Some activities currently on the agenda are 5th grade orientation, cafeteria committee and the 8th grade privileges committee.

Additionally, the Student Council assisted the PTSA at the annual book fair on March 2 and 3. Two student council members were assigned to each period to help the parents out at the fair, as has been done for the previous four years. Once again it was extremely successful.

Euclid School –
Math-
The PSD class is reviewing shapes. They are creating “I See Shapes” booklets. They are working with their numbers 1-20. They are identifying ovals, circles, and squares. Kindergarten is working with money. They have identified various coins. They created coin rubbings and graphs that tell how many of each. They practiced different ways to make the number 10. They are now focusing on telling time to the hour. Grade One continues working on addition skills of doubles. They are counting on to find sums. They are exploring the associative property of addition. They are utilizing the problem solving strategy of finding a pattern. They are identifying geometric shapes. Grade Two is reviewing coins. They are practicing the skill of making a dollar with various coins. They are making change and utilizing addition and subtraction skills. They are problem solving with money. They are identifying probability using spinners, prediction, and tracking responses with tally marks. Grade Three is practicing their multiplication facts. They are identifying fractions and parts of a whole. They are reviewing time, probability, area, and perimeter. They are working on patterning, and geometric shapes. They are identifying solid figures and tessellations. Grade Four has been practicing multiple skills in preparation for NJASK. They have been focusing on probability, patterning, and geometry. They have completed word problems related to area and perimeter and have completed multiple graphing activities. Grade Five continues to work with fractions. They are adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with them. They are completing these exercises with like and unlike fractions, those with mixed numerals, and those that need to be reduced.
Science-
The PSD class is creating an edible pyramid. They are identifying and differentiating among foods and food groups. They are illustrating food choices. Kindergarten is creating the water cycle. They are learning about the three states of matter; solid, liquid, gas and completing experiments for each. Grade One is learning how plants and animals obtain food. They are creating food chain mobiles. Grade Two is learning about our past. They began a unit on fossils and dinosaurs and completed a fossil activity. Grade Three continues their study of the ecosystems. They are identifying the characteristics of the tundra and company various water ecosystems. Grade Four has been discovering the layers of soil. They have named them, described them and illustrated them. They have reviewed food chains and grouped animals by characteristics. They have learned about Robert E. Lee from NASA. They are studying the phases of the moon. Grade Five is working on learning all about various energy sources. They are creating charts and using the science software to reinforce skills.
Social Studies-
The PSD class is developing an awareness of their own address. They are learning their street name and house number. They are writing both and practicing them orally. Kindergarten is learning about St. Patrick’s Day. They are focusing on American symbols like the eagle, flag, and statue of liberty. Grade One is identifying their favorite places within the community. They are listening to stories and writing responses supported by illustrations. Grade Two is focusing on learning about America’s past. They are focusing on explorers, the colonies, and historical events. They are studying notable Americans and completing transportation projects. They created world flags as the culminating project for their country study. Grade Three is explaining that Americans are a diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds. They are identifying characteristics of a good citizen. They are continuing their study of community leaders. Mr. Luongo, Superintendent and Mayor Jones visited the class for a question / answer discussion session. Grade Four is completing their study of the American Revolution. Next, they will be venturing into a study of the American Indians of New Jersey. Grade Five is summarizing why the Pilgrims came to North America. They are identifying main ideas and summarizing the impact of religion on the founding of the New England Colonies. They are creating post cards inviting people to the colonies. They are naming and locating the thirteen colonies.
*During the month of February classes participated in multiple activities related to Black History Month. Students learned about black Americans like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Ruby Bridges and their accomplishements. Famous athletes and entertainers were also studies like Marian Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Robinson and Whoopi Goldberg.
Language Arts-
The PSD class is naming and writing the letter w. They are using rhyming words and developing phonemic awareness by alternating beginning sounds. They are listening to stories like, Where the Wild Things Are and creating masks. Kindergarten is focusing on word families for ot, op, and ox. The words come and look were introduced. They focused on folktales and legends. They continue to review beginning, middle, and ending sounds. Grade One is identifying and using the pronouns like, he, she, it, and they. They are previewing and predicting before reading, practicing choral reading, and fine-tuning think and respond questions after reading. They are writing friendly letters and learning words where the letter y sounds like a long e. They are also working with the phonemes er, ir, ur, and ar. Grade Two is focusing on decodable words with the ew sound. They are creating in class book reports. They are focusing on the writing of complete sentences and working with the sound of a controlled and uncontrolled r. They are answering guided reading questions and practicing the letters r, s, and j in script. Grade Three is working with action verbs and adjectives that tell how many and what kind. They are practicing cursive writing and fine-tuning, their picture prompts both individually and as a group. They are practicing their justification skills when reading and responding. They are combining sentences and writing descriptive paragraphs. Grade Four is identifying the sequence of a story. They are working on cause and effect and fact and opinion to improve comprehension. They continue their novel study and are comparing two characters using a Venn Diagram. They are drawing conclusions and identifying author’s purpose. Grade Five is writing the body and concluding sentences to a persuasive essay. They created poems using adjectives and formulated an outline for Ruby Bridges essays. The essays included character traits and problems faced by the main character. They are identifying synonyms, and antonyms, working with fact and opinion, classifying and categorizing.
Art –
Kindergarten is making stick puppets using scrap construction paper and popsicle sticks. First grade is painting hot air balloons with fluorescent colors. We will stuff them to make the balloons 3-d and learn a little origami (Japanese paper folding) to make the basket. Second grade is working with paper mache their milk cartons and painted them to look like houses. Third grade is weaving on a loom. Fourth grade is making puppets with paper mache heads and felt bodies. Fifth grade is painting and decorated their 3-d masks.
Library/Computers –
The PSD class has been identifying basic shapes. They created a gingerbread man using starfall.com. Kindergarten has been listening to stories and drawing conclusions. Grade 1 has been operating the drawing tools and Kid Pix. They have been creating a graphic and printing. Grade 2 read a Dr. Seuss story to explain the message. Grade 3 read Hooray for Diffendoofer Day and discussed the two authors who completed the book. Grade 4 practiced their keyboarding and read a biography on Dr.Seuss. Grade 5 located The Lorax on line and answered questions found in the text.
Music –
Kindergarten is working on premusic reading skills. Grade 1 is focusing on rhythm. Grade 2 is working on beat, melody, rhythm and rest. They are starting a nursery rhyme rap. Grade 3 is working on performance script and music. Grade 4 and 5 are preparing for the spring concert.

World Language-

In Kindergarten, students learned numbers one to ten and beginning food items. In grade one students learned the names for house, apartment, chair, door, table, bed in Spanish and parts of the body. In grade two, students learned the names for people who work in the community and toys. In grade three, students practiced the names of familiar animals and learned new adjectives to describe them. In grade four, students learned the numbers eleven through twenty and used the numbers to do math problems as well as describe where they live. In grade five, students learned the days of the week, months of the year, and tell time.

Lincoln School -
Mathematics
Kindergarten is learning the names of coins and how much each is worth. They made watches to help learn about time and are beginning a unit on measurement. First grade is learning about money: quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. They are also beginning to tell time and reviewing addition and subtraction. In second grade the children learned to tell time to the quarter hour, half past, and quarter to. The also learned about elapsed time. In third grade they just finished the chapter on congruence and symmetry. They will be starting solid and plane figures, tessellations, perimeter, area, and volume. The fourth grade is currently preparing for the NJ ASK, through Measuring Up and Problem Solving. The fifth grade just finished a unit on measurement.

Science
Kindergarten has been discussing dinosaurs and fossils and made beautiful fossil projects. They will next be reviewing the five senses. First grade has been studying matter. In second grade the children learned about fossils and dinosaurs and created their own fossils and dinosaur books. Third grade finished Chapter 10 on matters and its properties with a test on March 13. The will be starting Chapter 12 on Forces and Motion. Fourth grade is preparing for the NJ ASK. Fifth grade completed a unit on electricity, solids, liquids and gases.

Social Studies
Kindergarten is studying about jobs, making money, and making good choices about spending money. They are also learning about how goods like milk are produced. First grade is learning about “This is Our Country” and the holidays, leaders, and symbols of the USA. In Second grade the children are learning about the local government and the job of the mayor and city council. Third grade is finishing Chapter 5 on Community Environments. They will start Chapter 6, which is Places Where Community Starts next week. Fourth grade has been studying the life of the Lenape Indians of New Jersey. Fifth grade is starting Chapter 4 on European explorers.

Language Arts
Kindergarten reviewed letters W, X, and short vowel O. Next they will be learning V and short E. They are writing multiple sentences including questions and answers in complete sentences. They read Walking Through the Jungle, Jessica’s X-Ray, and What is in the Box? First grade is reviewing adjectives and long vowels. Second grade is doing an adjective review…er, est…when added to a root word. The students composed a story entitled, “Lucky Me”, where they wrote about having three wishes. Third grade just finished present and past forms of irregular verbs, suffixes –er, -or, and contractions. At the end of next week they will be reviewing adjectives, articles, synonyms and expanding sentences. Fourth grade is preparing for NJ ASK through Measuring Up and Narrative Writing Samples. Students presented their Mystery Book Reports. The project they did was a video book. Fifth grade finished the unit on pronouns and persuasive writing. They will be starting the unit on adjectives and descriptive writing.

World Language
In Kindergarten, students learned numbers one to ten and beginning food items. In grade one students learned the names for house, apartment, chair, door, table, bed in Spanish and parts of the body. In grade two, students learned the names for people who work in the community and toys. In grade three, students practiced the names of familiar animals and learned new adjectives to describe them. In grade four, students learned the numbers eleven through twenty and used the numbers to do math problems as well as describe where they live. In grade five, students learned the days of the week, months of the year, and tell time.

Library/Computer
Kdg – Word processing skills: proper spacing, use “shift” key correctly, and use return key.
Gr. 1 – Word processing skills: specifically the difference between and and proper use of CAPS LOCK and the SHIFT key
Gr. 2 – Intro to Internet: web address, links, back button, use of scroll bars, proper/necessary printing, rule of use in school
Gr. 3 – I-SAFE America lessons (Takes 4 weeks minimally)
Gr. 4 – Work on study skills (for test scores) purpose (schedules, menus, maps, graphs)
Gr. 5 – Work on study skills (for test review purposes): Dewey classification and order, author-subject-title, card   catalog, reading schedules.

Physical Education
Gr. K – 2 – Physical fitness cardio run – Introduction to Hockey- Stick hand position and controlled shooting – Team drills through and around cones
Electric River – 5 items per team – Teams must use these items to get across river (gym floor) without touching the river
Gr. 3- 5 – Electric River (Same as above) – Cardio fitness warm-up run, Hockey -drill for skill, Hockey teams -6 player hockey games
Jump Rope Teams – Lincoln Lasers and Lincoln Beams – Both teams for Jump Rope were invited to the “ASFPHERD” convention where they performed for many educators from various school districts. They did a great job!

Music
Kindergarten is working on pre-music reading skills. Grade 1 is focusing on rhythm. Grade 2 is working on beat, melody, rhythm and rest. They are starting a nursery rhyme rap. Grade 3 is working on performance script and music. Grades 4 and 5 are preparing for the spring concert

Art –
Kindergarten is making stick puppets using scrap construction paper and popsicle sticks. First grade is painting hot air balloons with fluorescent colors. We will stuff them to make the balloons 3-d and learn a little origami (Japanese paper folding) to make the basket. Second grade is working with paper mache their milk cartons and painted them to look like houses. Third grade is weaving on a loom. Fourth grade is making puppets with paper mache heads and felt bodies. Fifth grade is painting and decorated their 3-d masks

Workshops - title, date, site, participant and summary

High School –

Mrs. Lewites attended workshop, “Increasing Achievement For All: Strategies For Teachers,” on

March 3rd at Fairleigh Dickson University, Hackensack Campus.

Mrs. Squillace and Mr. Lentis attended a workshop, “New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey” at New Jersey City University on March 23rd.

Mr. Egg Mann will attend the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages on March 31st at the Marriott Marquis, New York.

Middle School- None attended or conducted

Euclid School –
3/6/06 – NJ ASK Administration – Euclid Library – All 3rd and 4th grade proctors
3/10/06 – Certification Guidelines – Morris County – Linda Simmons
3/14/06 – Inclusion – Lori Cintron / Rhonda Sturm

Lincoln School - None attended or conducted

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

2/16/06 @ 10:14 am

3/10/06 @ 1:15 pm

3/20/06 @1:10 p.m.

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

3/15/06

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:

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Superintendent’s Report March 27, 2006