HASBROUCK HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s Report
April 19, 2006

 

Curriculum and Instruction -

High School –

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARMENT –

• Mrs. Squillace’s Spanish I students learned about various verbs, family members, school courses and schedule as well as explaining what they do in school.
• Mrs. Cafferty’s Spanish I students learned about food and meals in Spanish while the Spanish III students learned how to fill out and search for job applications also in Spanish.
• Mrs. Carr’s Spanish III students are reading a short story with good comprehension.
• Mrs. Carr’s Spanish V/AP as well as Mr. Eggmann’s French V/AP are working hard to prepare for the upcoming AP exam.
•  Mrs. Carr’s Spanish IV is reading the play “Bodas de Sangres” while her Spanish II class also read a short story and completed the preterite tense.
•  Mrs. Washburn’s Italian students are practicing poetry to perfect the pronunciation of words and enjoy the musicality of the Italian language as well as discussing menus and foods in preparation for the Italian Festival

MUSIC DEPARTMENT -

• Mr. Ascolese reports that the Concert and Jazz Bands are busy preparing for the annual Spring Concert on May 24, 2006.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT -

• Mrs. Valenti’s World History classes have been discussing the development of Medieval Europe.  The focus has been on the political development of England, France, Spain and Germany.  In terms of the social development of these countries, we have focused on feudalism and its many parts.  The students did 2 projects: they had their choice of a catapult, jousting knight or a castle and they made Feudal Chart collages.  The collages illustrated the socio-political ranking of the society: King – Lords – Vassals – Knights – Serfs/Peasants. For each level, the students plugged in pictures to represent each level. For example:  If a student chose to represent cars on the Feudal Chart, they would put the most prestigious cars at the top (King) and work their way down to the least prestigious cars (Serfs/Peasants).  Many creative assignments were turned in.  Included in this unit were outside readings on daily life in Medieval Europe.  They highlighted the roles of children, such as young boys becoming Pages and Squires, feudal justice and torture techniques, weaponry and diet.
• Mrs. Valenti’s Honors World History class has also been studying the development of Medieval Europe. Utilizing a college level outside reading, Feudalism and the importance of the Manor have been focused on. Most importantly, the transition from independent Manors to towns and cities has been crucial to understanding how Feudalism and the medieval period came to an end. To conclude the unit, the students created a board game based on the material we have covered. They have the choice of making their game similar to either Monopoly or Life. This depends on the focus of the game. If their game is about the nobility acquiring more money and land, their game will simulate Monopoly. If they want to focus on the serfs/peasants attempt at bettering their lives, their game will simulate Life.  At the conclusion of the project, the students will have the opportunity to play each other’s games.
• Ms. Cassidy’s U.S. History I students have completed the study of sectionalism and have begun study of the Civil War.  Students were able to relate the problems of the 1840s and 1850s and the part those problems played in help causing the Civil War.  Students were also made aware that problems, events and issues from the 1600’s to 1861 were underlying causes for the War.
• Ms. Cassidy’s AP History Class is currently completing the material so review can begin for the exam in May.  Students are continuing to practice DBQ’s and essay in preparation of the written part. 
• Mrs. McGinty’s U.S. History II students have traced the rise of dictators, the beginning of war, and the American response in the 1930s.  Key issues and historical figures were examined using photos, timelines, posters, political cartoons, and analyzed using propaganda.  Students analyzed the legacy of the Holocaust:  International awareness of human rights.  Students traced military battles and campaigns, political decisions, and efforts on the home front during WWII including:  the internment of Japanese-Americans, Rosie the Riveter, Tuskegee Airmen, Iwo Jima, and the Atomic Bomb.  Students analyzed the applications of WWII technology.
• Mrs. McGinty’s US II Honors students read primary sources and applicable literature sources from the era to gain greater insight. (Roosevelt’s Quarantine Speech, Sophie’s Choice, Manzanar)  They researched different methods of communication utilized during WWII and participated in a semaphore simulation.  Through role-playing and research, students participated in a debate about the use of the Atomic bomb to end the war
• Mr. Warren's U.S. History I classes are deeply exploring the various factors that split our country apart, leading up to the Civil War.  Students have been analyzing the Compromise of 1850 and the multitude of effects that rippled from the passing of this law.  Students have been demonstrating how the Underground Railroad was instrumental in helping escaping slaves.  Finishing up Women's History month, the students discovered the hardships of Harriet Tubman, a key "conductor" of the Underground Railroad.  Finally, the class will be divided into a "North" group and a "South" group to begin their simulation of the Civil War.
• Mrs. Lewites’ World History POR class is finishing up their unit on the Middle Ages.  The class will view the movie, A Knight’s Tale, which will help to reinforce life in medieval towns and how a peasant tries to become a knight. We will then begin learning about the growth of strong monarchies in Western Europe and the conflicts that resulted, and how this ultimately leads to the decline of feudalism.

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT -            

• Mr. Ketcho’s Consumer Economics classes -Daily business current event topics discussed finished Chapter 11 – “Managing Your Investments” and began Chapter 12 – “Investing In Stocks”. Lecture, tests, vocabulary terms, for review questions, application for decision making, life situation problems, facts and ideas in review, class work, and homework reinforcing the material were completed.
• Mr. Ketcho’s Accounting I and Automated Accounting II –
• Accounting I - Daily business current event topics discussed, finished Chapter 7  “Work Sheet For A Service Business” and began Chapter 8 – “Financial Statements for a Proprietorship”. Tests, study guide quiz, work together problems, on your own problems, and homework assignments covered.
• Automated Accounting II - Daily business current event topics discussed began Chapter 6 “End of Fiscal Period for a Partnership”. Tutorials, practice problems, applying your information skills all completed.
• Mr. Ketcho’s Word Processing I and II
• Suncoast Civic Center – An Office Assistant Simulation continued over the whole Month of March Pages 15 to 71 and Jobs #15 to #35 were completed
• Computer Applications 8 Cycle
• Cycle#4 continued over March
  Cycle#4 – T-Shirt Factory – A Keyboarding Simulation – pages 1 to 41and Jobs #1 to #15 were completed The Stock Market Game –Ninety-Five Heights Teams entered the state wide financial game eight weeks ago. We have two weeks left in this event and incredibly have twenty-three of the top one hundred teams in New Jersey. It is unbelievable because there are over twenty-four hundred teams involved in this investment simulation game. Dan Ryan, Joe Bruno, Jamie Pasqualone, Matt Schwartz, Stephanie Pankiw, Chris Awad, Kaitlyn Gianni, John Cross, Taylor DiCorcia, Katrina Mongon, Michelle Jentz, Dave Palmieri, Jeff Catalioto, Nick Curci, Sameer Baig, Tenzin Kongpo, Stewart Alvarez, and Mike DeSimone are leading the way!                    
• Mrs. Marano's Computer Applications class is working with Adobe PhotoShop and learning to manipulate digital images.
• Mrs. Marano's Cycle 9 Computer class is finishing their cycle. Students are completing a project involving formulas on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and creating a drop-down list.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER -

Mrs. Mikulka-

• On display this month in the Library Media Center are wire sculptures, wonderful reproductions of famous paintings, and exquisite Mardi Gras masks.
• Some of the teachers who brought classes in this month were Mrs. Reed, to research famous paintings, Mrs. McGinty, to discover what WPA projects were constructed in New Jersey,  Mr. Binazeski, to have students design rockets with a CADD program and to research planets, Mrs. Ricci, to research automobile purchases, and Mrs. Czekaj, to look up tall tales.

  SCIENCE DEPARTMENT -

  • Mrs. Hicswa’s Biology classes have just completed units on Microbiology and Protists.  They are now beginning the unit on Invertebrates, which includes exploring the structures and lives of organisms from the Sponges to the Arthropods.
  • Mr. Pignatiello’s Chemistry class is now exploring solutions and how water plays an integral role in almost all of our products.  The students will be experimenting with molarity, molality, and titrations.  The students will work on creating solutions and dilutions. 
  • Mr. Pignatiello’s  AP chemistry class is in the middle of discussing acid/base pairs as well as acid/base dissociations.  They will be doing some hands on experimenting with titrations of strong/weak acids and strong/weak bases as well as problems dealing with buffers similar to the buffers found in our blood.
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Environmental Science students have been studying forms of energy specifically nuclear energy.  The students were interested to find sources of radiation they weren't aware of previously.  
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Physical Science class has been working on the energy chapter, specifically the conversion of heat into thermal energy. Their math skills are being utilized in the use of formulas to find the amount thermal energy needed to perform work.
  • Mr. Binazeski’s Physical Science students learned about velocity, acceleration, displacement, force-body diagrams, projectile motion, momentum and work. Students performed experiments on the following topics: Velocity of an airplane, Projectile motion of a softball, Acceleration of an egg and are currently working on utilizing their knowledge of physics to design a rocketship to land on a planet of their choice and return back to earth.
  • Mr. Binazeski’s Environmental Science students learned about people and their needs, human populations, feeding the world, the food pyramid, and are currently learning about energy resources (coal, oil, solar, wind, nuclear). Students participated in a debate on various environmental topics covered throughout the year. A biome project was completed by the students utilizing their unique understanding of all environmental issues that contribute to a productive biome.
  • Mr. Lentis’ CP physics students will learn about reflection and refraction of sound and light waves. They will also learn next about mirrors and lenses. They will also do an experiment on reflection and refraction.
  • Mr. Lentis’ honors physics students will learn about diffraction of light and if time permits for this month, also electrostatics.
  • Mr. Lentis’ AP-physics students will take sample AP- tests that will prepare them for the actual AP-test on Monday May 8.
  • Mr. Lentis’ chemistry class will learn about solutions and how water plays an important role as a universal solvent. The students will also experiment with molarity, molality, and titration.

  MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT –

  • Mrs. Michaeli’s AP Statistics class learned how to use the Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test and the Chi-Square Test for Independence. They also reviewed for the AP Exam.
  • Mrs. Michaeli’s Algebra 2 classes learned how to use the properties of powers to simplify expressions. They evaluated expressions containing radicals and rational exponents, and solved problems involving compound interest.
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s AP Calculus students are practicing for AP Exams by taking practice exams. 
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s Statistics class is currently working with permutations, combinations, and counting principal. 
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 9 class is working with probability practice for the HSPA.
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s Advanced Math students are working with graphs and drawing information from graphs. 
  • Mr. Mastropietro’s HSPA 10 class is working with probability, rates and proportions.
  • Mrs. O’Brien’s Algebra I students just competed their work with exponents.  They learned how to use the multiplication and division properties of exponents to evaluate powers and simplify expressions.  They learned how to use negative and zero exponents in algebraic expressions.
  • Mrs. O’Brien’s Fundamentals of Algebra I students are busy working with polynomials.  We recently learned how to add and subtract polynomials, how to multiply polynomials and how to factor a trinomial into two binomials. 
  • Mrs. O’Brien’s HSPA 9 students developed and applied a variety of strategies for determining perimeter, circumference and area.  They also learned how to illustrate and model ratios and proportions in real-life situations.
  • Mrs. Healey’s Precalculus classes have completed the section on introductory calculus.  They have learned to apply their knowledge to curve tracing, velocity and acceleration, and various related rates problems.
  • Mrs. Healey’s Fundamentals IV class continues to practice computational and algebra skills necessary to pass their college placement tests.  One of our class members has already succeeded and will take college level math next year.
  • Mr. Strama’s Geometry classes are working with right triangles, special right triangles, Pythagorean Theorem.  Students will learn how to reduce square roots by extracting a perfect square.  Students will also learn how to rationalize square roots.  Students will further learn about Trigonometry, specifically sine, cosine, and tangent.   We will use these ratios to find angle and segment measures. 
  • Mr. Strama’s Geometry Honors class is working with special right triangles.  They will continue with Trigonometric rations (sine, cosine, tangent), using them to find angle and segment measures.  Students will discover where and how trigonometric ratios are applied. 
  • Mr. Monks’ Fundamentals of Geometry is finishing up their work in Chapter 8, dealing with proportions and similar figures.
  • Mr. Monks’ Algebra I class has completed Chapter 8 which dealt with properties of exponents and using them to solve for variables.
  • Mr. Monks’ Geometry class is currently working on trigonometry relationships, as well as applying the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Mr. Monks’ HPSA class is now working on sharpening their SAT skills and is currently working on fractions and percents.
  • Mr. Monks’ Honors Algebra II class is working through Chapter 9 dealing in operations with polynomials and examining their graphs.
  • Mrs. Rad's Fundamentals of Algebra 2 class has been finding the slope of a line and graphing the results.
  • Mrs. Rad's HSPA 9 class has been solving non-routine problems using higher order thinking skills.
  • Mrs. Rad's Integrated Math 4 class has been solving problems using a variety of skills in order to solve home improvement problems.
  • Mrs. Rad's HSPA 10 class has been completing non-routine problems using higher order thinking skills.
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Fundamentals of Geometry class has just completed areas of polygons and circles. We discussed the origin of Pi and why it is used in formulas. 
  • Mrs. Stoehs’ Fundamentals of Algebra students worked on percent word problems
    and are doing a quick review of integers.

  ENGLISH DEPARTMENT –

  • Mr. Smith’s English 9 classes continue their in-depth study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. As we approach the end of Act III, time and attention continues to be given to character development and vocabulary. Once we finish the play, students will view a movie in order to complete a comparative analysis on the entire play versus that movie.
  • Mr. Smith’s Genres in Critical Thinking class recently completed their study of the action genre. Time and attention was given to the definition of the action hero and how such heroes appeal to children. Movies viewed included Saving Private Ryan, Spiderman, and Batman Begins. Our next genre is drama which should prove to be thought provoking.
  • Mr. Smith’s HSPA English 10 class is in the early stages of reading, discussing, and writing about George Orwell’s 1984.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s journalism students are currently working on the fifth edition of the Pilot’s Log.  This issue will feature a salute to the class of 2006.  Other articles of note focus on such school functions as the Shakespeare play, Mr. Heights contest, and Annie. Feature stories cover such important issues as gender discrimination, how a predator locates information on the Internet, and steroid testing for athletes. Students have used the laptop computer to research information and create informational graphics.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s English 12 students are reading Hamlet by William Shakespeare.  Besides acting out the play, the students discussed such themes as revenge and insanity.  The laptop computer was used to show a timeline of events in Hamlet as well as to view information on Amleth, the historic figure that Shakespeare used to develop this plot.
  • Mrs. Geftic’s English 10 students are reading literary selections from the Romantic time period in American literature including Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” and Nathaniel Hawthorne “The Minister’s Black Veil.”  The laptop computer was used to view Salem and the House of Seven Gables.
  •  Mrs. Schneeweiss’ Communications students were a huge help in the production of the spring musical Annie. Students worked on advertising, flyers, and “The Making of Annie” video. They are currently working on commercials and public speaking projects.
  • Mrs. Schneeweiss’ Drama class was also a phenomenal asset to the production of Annie. They helped build and repair the props, set, and costumes. They learned about all the minute and fine details that make a production go from mediocre to a finely tuned machine. “Attention to detail” was the lesson of the dayMiss Venneman’s HSPA 9 classes are discussing various current events issues present in world news.  Students are expected to form an opinion and points of view on issues discussed and respond with persuasive writing.  Students continue to learn vocabulary with Latin roots in order to prepare them for the HSPA exam.
  • Two students from Mr. Pankiewicz’s Themes in Literature class were chosen as semifinalists for their essays submitted to the New Jersey Center for the Book for their 2006 Library of Congress Letters About Literature contest.  Only 1% of the 7000 entries were awarded as semifinalists.  The students will receive a certificate from Governor Corzine.
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s SAT Verbal class has utilized their new Exam Cram textbook series to prepare for the SAT exam.  In addition, students were provided with SAT computer software to use at home.
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s Creative Writing class has completed various autobiographies.  Also, students completed several drafts of a written expression on spring and/or love. 
  • Mr. Pankiewicz’s English 10 Honors class recently completed their research papers on an American Woman Writer (in honor of March’s “Women’s History Month”).  Students needed to show evidence of a process approach to writing that included ample literary critique on their author of choice. 
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s English 10 classes have learned college-level research skills by writing a properly formatted paper on some aspect of the 1920’s.  They submitted notes from six sources, only three of which could be internet, and used those notes to write a formal outline and a draft.  In class, they are finishing their study of The Great Gatsby, which takes place in the time period they have been researching.
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s AP English class concluded the study of Joy Kogawa’s Obasan by writing extensive close-reading essays about one page in the novel.  This is the sort of writing they will need to do on May’s AP test.  They are using this skill as they move on to poetry, a fitting topic for April, National Poetry Month.
  • Mrs. Czekaj’s Shakespeare class is busily preparing its annual presentation for the freshman class, an assembly scheduled for April 19, 2006.  All are enthusiastically looking forward to acting silly in order to show that Shakespeare can be fun.
  • Ms. Monetti’s Genre and Critical Thinking classes are concluding our “cultural unit”.  We have watched at least four movies that were set in different countries in an effort to expand the student’s knowledge of different cultures.  Our last movie is the critically acclaimed, Whale Rider.  As an assessment the students will do an informative essay or travel brochure.
  • Ms. Monetti’s English 10 classes are in the process of reading the concluding chapters of The Great Gatsby.  The students are also working on their research projects on the 1920’s.
  • Ms. Monetti’s English 11 classes are finishing up the first act of Macbeth this week.  In addition, the students will receive their guidelines and due dates for the eleventh grade Careers Research Project.
  • Ms. Monetti’s HSPA 11 classes are relieved that the HSPA is over and anxiously awaiting the scores.  We are currently working on reading The Catcher in the Rye.  The students are keeping a reader response journal where they are writing their reaction to each chapter.
  • Mr. Van Dam’s English 11 classes are currently working on reading and analyzing Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Mr. Kotwica, the student teacher from William Paterson University.  A heavy emphasis is being placed on writing reaction essays as well as focusing on the lessons and warnings that are contained within the tragedy.
  • Mr. Van Dam’s English 11-Honors class has completed a study of renaissance poetry and will be beginning the research project.  The students will be researching English Romanticism and will be using their projects to teach their peers about the poets and poetry within this writing movement.  The class will also be reading Shakespeare’s Macbeth and will compare this drama to previously studied tragedies. 
  • Mr. Van Dam’s English 12-Honors class has completed their comparative study of Sophocles’ Oedipus and Antigone.  The students’ projects from this unit are currently displayed in Rm. 22.   The class has started to read Shakespeare’s Hamlet and will continue to analyze the literary form of the tragedy as well as focus on the many interpretations of this famous play. 
  • Ms. Kos’ English 9 class continues its work on Romeo and Juliet. Students are reading the play aloud in class and seem to really be enjoying it. Next week they will begin work on group projects in which they write screenplays set in contemporary times.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 10 class just finished reading The Great Gatsby. For their final unit projects, students wrote alternative endings to the novel. They are looking forward to viewing the movie version next week.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 11 class is breathing a sigh of relief after the HSPA exams. They are currently reading Anthony Burgess’ controversial novel, A Clockwork Orange. Students are thoroughly engaged in the innovative way Burgess uses language and are working on their own glossary of ‘nadsat’ terms. This book provides a wonderful opportunity to stress the importance of contextualized language and has provided a forum to review and reiterate certain grammar and usage rules.
  • Ms. Kos’ English 12 class continues to read Russell Banks’ novel, Rule of the Bone. As they near graduation and finalize their plans for next year, students are also using this English class to work on more practical writing tasks such as college essays and applications as well as resumes, cover letters and job applications.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s English 9 H class has finished reading Julius Caesar. In their final discussion, they will be examining the major themes presented in this historical play by William Shakespeare.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s English 9 class continues with their reading of the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.  One of the many elements they are concentrating on in their discussion is the element of the tragic flaw as possessed by each of the major characters which contributes to their downfall and the tragic end of the play.

  ART DEPARTMENT –

  • Mrs. Reed’s Art/Painting classes have completed their flower still-life watercolor projects.  The class has gone to the library and researched information on a famous visual artist.  Students then took the information gathered and created a reproduction painting of one of the artists works.  Students are presently working on the setup/drawing of multiple views of one image.
  • Mrs. Reed’s Graphic Design class has completed a layout design of a package design.  Students learned about the creation of a functional 3D image.  Students have gone to the library and have researched information on a famous visual artist and then created an invitation to the artist’s birthday using information that dealt with their life and works.  The invitation needed to include a reproduction of the style or one of the artist’s works.
  • Mrs. Kritzer’s Painting classes learned how to paint using the monochromatic color scheme.  Students were asked to choose an idol and paint a portrait from a photograph.  The face was done in a monochromatic [one color] scheme. 
  • Mrs. Kritzer’s advance art has completed their three-dimensional art unit.  They recently made found object sculptures using materials found at home.  They also recycled bottles by making them the surface to paint.  Students were asked to paint a day in their life.  Look for the bottles to be on display in the Media center.
  • Mrs. Brinker’s SADD Club members Erika Hernandez and Stephanie Gaeta helped work with the middle level peer-to-peer advisors during April 5th – “Kick Butts” program for the junior high students.
  • Mrs. Brinker’s Senior Executive Board has been working on facilitating the annual candy sale and making arrangements for this year’s prom.  A faculty newsletter has been created to keep all staff informed of upcoming senior events. 
  • Mrs. Brinker’s Multicultural Arts class has been learning the art of reed basketry as well as beginning crochet, knitting and latch hook rug making.  Many of our students have learned how to knit beautiful handmade scarves.

  PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH EDUCATION -

  • Grades 9 – 12.  All classes are finishing up the fitness, basketball, and floor hockey units. The physical education classes are starting the last marking period with wiffle ball, tennis, and aerobic fitness.
  • Ms. Gaccione’s 9th grade health class finished up the unit on nutrition and exercise and the importance of the basic food groups.
  •  Mr. Caruso’s 12th Grade Health class wrote term papers to finish up the unit on sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Mrs. Miller and Mr. Caruso 11th grade health classes finishing up the unit on dating and domestic violence.

  INDUSTRIAL ART DEPARTMENT -

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

  Middle School-

  English Dept:

  • Ms. Dolan’s 6th Grade Literature class on March 17, 2006, attended a production of “Freedomtrain” in Tarrytown, New York. The students loved this production, which told the story of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. This directly related to both the literature curriculum and the social studies curriculum. The students have been very busy preparing for the NJ ASK test in sixth grade literature. Utilizing the ASK preparation books purchased by the school, as well as other materials, the students have been reading and responding to narrative and persuasive texts. The students’ writing folders are overflowing with work.
  • Once the ASK test is completed, the students will begin reading the final novel of the year, The Giver by Lois Lowry.
  • Mr. Colangelo’s 6th grade Study Skills class is also changing cycles for the last time.  During their term, students completed lessons in their study skill workbook, You Can Take Charge.  Weekly quizzes were administered.  The students also completed a project on the food pyramid.
  • Ms. Wolf’s 6th grade classes have been busy preparing for the NJ ASK test that they just completed.  During this preparation, the students wrote several picture prompts and persuasive letters.  In the upcoming weeks, the students will begin on subject/verb agreement and other grammatical topics.  In addition, the students are still building their vocabulary skills with a “Word of the Day” and new spelling units.
    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.  Ms. Wolf was also able to create and keep track of permission slips for the students’ upcoming trip to the Renaissance Faire in May.
    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. Ms. Wolf was able to submit her grades for the marking period 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.
  • Miss Venneman’s Grade 7 Literature classes are being introduced to The Wave.  The Wave is a novel by Todd Strasser that is based on a classroom experiment. The experiment is designed to help students better understand how the German people permitted the Nazi regime to flourish. As the experiment gathers momentum, it begins to govern the entire school, and in this way, history is being repeated. The students will be reading and analyzing this novel in class as well as identifying elements that will advance the plot.
  • Mrs. Rowland’s 7th grade English class is working on a Wetlands project, an interdisciplinary unit, culminating in a field trip to the Wetlands.
    Students must develop a clever slogan, use propaganda techniques, and create an ad campaign selling their point of view to build or preserve the Wetlands.
  • Mr. Colangelo’s 7th grade Literature classes have begun their analysis of The Wave, a novel by Todd Strasser that is based on a classroom experiment.  The class will analyze the power and presence of the Nazi regime during WWII.  Students will be responsible for discussion questions and vocabulary from the novel.
  • Mr. Colangelo’s 7th grade Creative Writing class will be changing cycles for the last time.  During their term, students completed journal entries, an autobiography, a film study (Rudy), stories without endings, and news articles.
  • Mr. Colangelo’s 8th grade Literature class is continuing its study of the 1960’s which covers US presidents, the Vietnam War, music, protests, civil rights, etc.  At the conclusion of the historical review, students will analyze Planet of the Apes.  Students will discuss themes represented in the film as they apply to the 1960’s.
  • Mr. Sicilian’s English 8 classes will be working on several literature-based writing activities. Students will be given short stories “without” endings. Based on the stories, students will create their own original endings to the stories. Students will also work on a unit of Greek and Latin root words.  And we will continue our work with the standard addressing of language and writing skills units. In addition to these units, the Honors 8 class will spend most of the fourth marking period working on their “autobiography” projects.
  • Mr. Stillman’s Literature 8 Honors class borrowed Ms. Dolan’s school laptop to present a multi-day PowerPoint slide show on the life and times of William Shakespeare. The class is now into its study of Romeo & Juliet.
  • Mr. Stillman’s Literature 8 class is in the midst of their interdisciplinary unit on the 1960s and Planet of the Apes.
  • Mr. Stillman’s Junior Police Auxiliary has been assisting the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department with the planning and implementation of the Citizen Police Academy, which is currently being provided to the adult residents in town.
  • World Language:
  • Mrs. Squillace’s eighth grade cycle class has been learning how to talk about their daily routines in Spanish, professions, and members of the family.
  • Ms. Krysz’s sixth grade cycle class has been learning useful phrases to use in the classroom including colors, numbers, and days of the week, months of the year, and the alphabet in Spanish.
  •  Mrs. Cafferty’s seventh grade cycle class is discussing how to take care of yourself and talking about your clothes and colors they wear in Spanish.

  Music Dept.

  • Ms. Moroney reports that a new sixth grade cycle has just started. The flutes are learning simple melodies using notes B flat to F. The sixth grade band has started preparation and practice for the Spring Concert on May 24, 2006.
  • Mr. Vanamo reports that the Middle School Choir continues to prepare new music for the Spring Concert.
  • Mr. McCarthy reports that the curriculum guide is being followed.                 

  Math Dept.

  • Miss Krysz’s 6th Geometry classes have continued their work with measurement and geometry.  They took the skills and knowledge that they’ve acquired and applied it to the design of a box for the Crazy Candy Container Competitions (details can be found on the school website).  Each team of students designed a candy container and then used a variety of formulas to determine the surface area and volume of their design.  This project was a great success.  The designs that were submitted were quite impressive.  Students have also spent a great deal of time working in the New Jersey ASK Coach workbook in preparation for standardized testing.
  • Miss Krysz’s 6th Algebra students have continued working with fractions and mixed numbers and have also spent some time reviewing multiplication and division of decimals.  In conjunction with the introduction of ratios and proportions, cooperative groups have been working on scale drawings of the classroom.  This project may lead to the creation of a scale model, if time permits.  Students have also been working out of the New Jersey ASK Coach workbook in preparation for standardized testing. 
  • Miss DiPiano’s 6th Algebra students have been working with fractions and ratios.  They are learning how to model, multiply, and divide fractions as well as mixed numbers and whole numbers and how to use ratios and set up proportions. The students have also been reviewing different types of word problems in preparation for the NJ ASK Test.  We have completed many lessons from the NJ ASK Prep Book as a means of review. 
  • Miss DiPiano’s 6th Geometry students have been using the knowledge of ratios, which they are learning in their Algebra classes, in Geometry by setting up and solving proportions.  Much of the month has been spent reviewing different types of word problems in preparation for the NJ ASK Test as well as completing many lessons from the NJ ASK Prep Book.  The students have also become familiar with new calculators and a reference sheet that will be provided during the test. 
  • Mr. Strama’s 6th grade honors Algebra class has been working on preparation for the NJ Ask in addition to the gepa Clusters.  Students were taught Number Patterns and how to find a pattern when reading a problem.  Simple and compound interest was discussed and practiced extensively.  Scientific notation was also taught and discussed.  Students felt comfortable writing numbers in scientific notation and converting them back and forth. Students will further explore square roots and be able to apply them in the Pythagorean theorem. 
  • Mrs. Caputo’s 7th grade algebra classes have been working in the NJ ASK booklets in preparation for the test.   The students are working out of the workbooks and will be quizzed as well.  The mainstream classes are beginning Chapter 11 on Coordinate Plane.
  • Mrs. Caputo’s 7th grade algebra honors class is finishing up slope in Chapter Four, then moving towards Chapter 2, Negative Exponents.  The students also spent time working in the NJ Ask workbooks in preparation for the test.
  • Mr. Sickels’ 7th grade geometry mainstream students are working in Chapter 8, Geometry and Measurements.   The students enjoyed working with the manipulatives in order to grasp the concept of surface area. 
  • Mr. Sickels’ 7th grade geometry honors class is currently on Chapter 9 - Geometry and Measurement.  The honors class have been using manipulatives to explore  surface area and volume.
  • Mr. Aldea's 8th grade geometry classes will begin a chapter on Geometry and Measurement. Students will learn about three-dimensional figures such as prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones. The main focus will be on finding surface areas and volumes of these figures.
  • Mr. Aldea's 8th grade honors topics class will begin a chapter on solving and graphing linear inequalities. Students will learn how to solve inequalities in one variable and two variables. The connection between absolute value and inequalities will also be addressed.
  • Mrs. Dunne’s 8th grade Algebra I class has completed solving systems of equations.  The class is completing the properties of exponents.
  • Mrs. Dunne’s Math 8 classes have completed the Percent unit.  The classes are working on the algebraic skills of combining like terms and the distributive property.  The students will use these skills in solving equations
  • Mr. Strama’s class will begin working with Scientific Notation, Simple and Compound Interest.  We will also explore Square roots.  Students have been exposed to squares and we will now begin to discover their inverses. 
  • Mrs. Caputo’s classes have been working in the NJ ASK booklets in preparation for the test. The mainstream classes are beginning Chapter 11 on Coordinate Plane.
  • Mrs. Caputo’s honors class is finishing up slope in Chapter Four.
  • Mr. Sickels’ mainstream students are working in Chapter 8. 
  • Mr. Sickels’ honors class is currently on Chapter 9 - Geometry and Measurement.
  • Mr. Aldea's classes will begin a chapter on Geometry and Measurement. Students will learn about three-dimensional figures such as prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones. The main focus will be on finding surface areas and volumes of these figures.
  • Mr. Aldea's honors class will begin a chapter on solving and graphing linear inequalities. Students will learn how to solve inequalities in one variable and two variables. The connection between absolute value and inequalities will also be addressed.
  • Mrs. Dunne’s Algebra I class has completed solving systems of equations.  The class is completing the properties of exponents.
  • Mrs. Dunne’s Math 8 classes have completed the Percent unit.  The classes are working on the algebraic skills of combining like terms and the distributive property.  The students will use these skills in solving equations.

  Science Dept.

  • Mr. Rispoli’s 6th grade science classes finished their unit about our solar system.  They learned about the characteristics of the stars, classification of stars and the variables that affect the life of stars.  They also learned about the origin of the constellations and the myths that go with them.  At the end of the unit, each student created their own constellation gave it a name and wrote a myth to explain why their “character” was put in the sky by the gods.  The constellations are currently on the ceiling of Room 407.  Human Biology and Health is our next unit.  The students are currently learning the levels of organization in the body.  They were introduced to all eleven-organ systems.  They will learn about each system in depth.
  • Mrs. Toy’s 7th grade science classes have begun their unit addressing different
    environments.  The students will be learning about the environment in 5 of their class.  This interdisciplinary unit will culminate with a fieldtrip to the Lyndhurst Wetlands.  The students will conduct field studies and observations at the Wetlands, which will allow them to determine whether it is a healthy environment.
  • Mr. Cassiere’s 8th grade students will be introduced to the various types of chemical bonding.   The topic will be reinforced through several experiments illustrating the properties and characteristics of chemical reactions.  In addition, students will begin to learn the fundamentals of nomenclature and introductory stoichiometry.  The end result should have students predicting and executing basic chemical reactions on paper as well as in the lab. 

  Social Studies
  

  • Students in Mrs. Gay's Social Studies 7 class are narrowing their geographic focus from the world to the United States and Canada.  In addition to investigating data such as climate, population density, and natural vegetation, they are also committing to memory the state capitals and the location of the states and the Canadian territories and provinces. Tools such as puzzles and "States and Capitals Jingo" (bingo) are aiding them in this endeavor.
  • Mrs. Rucci’s Eighth graders studied the Reconstruction after the Civil War by identifying the physical, political, social and economic problems that were addressed during the administrations of Presidents Johnson and Grant.  Students also learned about the disturbing role of hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan at that time.  Then we continued in the book to the settling of the West:  real cowboys, economic activities that attracted people to move there, and the plight of the Plains Indians.  Philanthropists such as Rockefeller and Carnegie were covered as well.  Now the students better understand the point of the game “Monopoly”. 
    Using the Junior Scholastic magazines, we’ve been to Laos, France, and Japan.  Students completed map skills activities and participated in a couple crossword puzzle contests.  Most of the eighth graders are staying very organized with their notes in class as per the most recent binder check.

  Art Dept.

  • Mrs. Marano's Cycle 6 and Cycle 7 Computer classes are completing their cycle. Students recently created a CD cover using Paint, and are currently working on an Internet research project that will be presented using Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Mrs. Reed’s Art 7 class has completed their paper cutout designs in the style of Matisse.  Students have learned about the life and works of Picasso, Chagall and O’Keeffe.  Students have created an abstract painting of a self-portrait in the style of Picasso.  The class has created a surrealism drawing in a stain glass design (tissue paper), in the style of Chagall. Presently the class is working on a reproduction of one of O’Keeffe’s paintings using oil pastels.
  • Mrs. Brinker’s Art 6 cycle class has been learning how to make friendship bracelets and Guatemalan Worry Dolls using embroidery threads.  This class has also designed their own sketchbooks.

  Physical Education:

  • The 6th 7th and 8th grade classes are participating in the American Heart Association Hoops and Jump for Heart in their physical education classes.

  Health:

  • Miss Gaccione’s 8th grade health class finished up the cycle with CPR.
  • Mr. Delcalzo’s 7th grade health classes are finishing up the unit on families and conflict resolutions.
  • Mr. Caruso’s 6th grade health class finished up the unit on friendship and how to get along with other people.

  Industrial Arts:

  • Mr. Masucci’s life skills class finished making cutting boards.

  Activities:

  • 7th grade students have received their awards and prizes for Great Adventure from raising the Math-A-Thon money totaling $3,700.00.  A new record beating last earns amount by $525.00
    7th grade students are looking forward with excitement to the schedule Wetlands and camping trips.
• Middle School Student Council
  • The Middle School Student Council is preparing for a May 17, 2006 visit to the fifth grade. This annual trip helps to prepare the upcoming sixth graders for their transition to middle school. The Welcoming Committee will meet three times prior to their trip to the elementary schools. The students, advised by Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Rucci, create the entire program.

  Euclid School –

• Math-

  • The PSD class is working with the numbers 21and 22.  They are tracing them and identifying their value.  They are creating pictographs using a calendar to show sunny days and rainy days.  They are naming the diamond shape and creating patterns. 
  • Kindergarten is working on problem solving by sorting data and graphing.  They are using jelly bans to distinguish “more than”, “less than” and “equal to.”  They are estimating, using colored tiles.  They created tally tables to compare amounts.
  • Grade 1 is relating addition to subtraction. They are creating fact families and finding sums and differences.  They are finding missing numbers in a number sentence.  They are reviewing measurement, telling time and adding 2-digit money amounts together.  
  • Grade 2 is working with time and determining how much time has passed.  They created pizza plates for fractions and wrote poems that included fractions and measurement.  They are adding money amounts and practicing mixed computation.  They are working on addition and subtraction equations that are timed.
  • Grade 3 is adding like fractions.  They are utilizing dominoes for practice.  They are reducing fractions to their simplest forms.  They are subtracting fractions with like denominators.  They are also reviewing mixed skills and completing word problems. 
  • Grade 4 is classifying and identifying quadrilaterals.  They are using the strategy to draw a diagram to solve a problem.  They are drawing and identifying parts of a circle.  They are estimating and measuring length and distance using customary units.  They are identifying capacity of containers.
  • Grade 5 is working on various geometric exercises.  They are identifying polygons and finding the number of degrees in a missing angle.  They are classifying triangles, measuring angles and finding percents of numbers. 

  Language Arts-

  • The PSD class is developing their listening skills by hearing about Clara the Caterpillar.  They are practicing eye contact, facial expression and posture.  They are recognizing their names in a variety of contexts.  They are working with the initial consonant sound of “z”.  They are following single step directions. 
  • Kindergarten is rereading stories and telling about their favorite part.  They are reinforcing media/sounds.  They are following directions to complete a hat using color words.  They created flipbooks for the letters “et”.  They created sight word soup bowls.  They are continuing to practice their name writing.  They used alphabet macaroni to form sight words.
  • Grade 1 is generating the long “i” sound using “ie” or “y “.  They are reading long “i” words. , writing them and creating lists.  They are developing vocabulary to be prepared for a story.  They are making predictions and completing cause and effect charts.  They are reviewing “ABC” order and using describing words that tell how many.  They are writing “Robot” stories and rewrote a poem called, “Pie in the Sky”. 
  • Grade 2 is working with the sounds of “ew” and “ui”.  They are adding an “ed” to words to form a past tense verb.  They are writing summaries and practicing script.  They are writing acrostic poems and presenting them to the class. 
  • Grade 3 is working with dictionary skills.  They are using Venn Diagrams to compare character traits and completed a self-analysis of their own traits.  When they identified the traits of a good friend they wrote a paragraph that they shared with the class.  They are identifying smiles and practicing their handwriting.  They are reading and writing cinquains.
  • Grade 4 is revising and editing narratives for all components of structure and grammar.  They are writing autobiographies and working on sequence.  They are answering guided reading questions and comparing with Venn Diagrams.  They are creating cause and effect charts and summarizing information.  They are using pronouns and antecedents and writing explanatory essays.
  • Grade 5 is creating poems using adjectives.  They are completing holistic assessments and completing health brochures.  They are writing friendly letters and working with the “dis” and “de”.  They are critiquing their writing for improvement.

• Social Studies-

  • The PSD class is learning about baby animals. They completed a voting activity by choosing bunnies or chicks. 
  • The Kindergarten class is learning about various careers. Many parents are visiting to talk about their jobs. Students are predicting what they would like to be and writing or illustrating their choice.  They participated in a voting activity related to bears and kittens. 
  • Grade 1 is learning about the voting process.  They are participating in a campaign to choose the class’s favorite fruit.  Students are making buttons to cast a vote by secret ballot.  They wrote letters to their parents.
  • Grade 2 is studying landmarks around the country.  They are creating murals and learning about Americans from long ago.  They are reviewing how people change natural resources.  They are learning about voting and creating flyers.
  • Grade 3 is learning about a community environment.  They are practicing their use of an atlas.  They are creating posters and models.  They are comparing different types of communities (urban, suburban and rural).  They are participating in voting activities.
  • Grade 4 is completing their study on the American Revolution.  They are identifying causes of the Revolutionary War and creating time lines.  They are discussing reasons why the colonists protested English rule.  They are describing New Jersey’s location and importance during the Revolutionary War.
  • Grade 5 is working on reading tables of information.  They are creating postcards about voting from colonial times and writing letters to their parents about voting.

  Science-

  • The PSD class is creating caterpillars.  They are acquiring and using the basic vocabulary for plants.  They are creating a seed booklet.
  • Kindergarten is observing and discussing their hatching eggs.  They are creating egg models and labeling them.  They are studying the life cycle of a frog and observing tadpoles.
  • Grade 1 is learning about recycling.  They are working with weather and practicing how to use a thermometer.  They are studying cloud formations and creating flip charts.  They are making season wheels. 
  • Grade 2 is reading an informational book on Energy and answering factual questions.  They are learning about forces in motion and creating weather vanes.
  • Grade 3 is focusing on the ecosystems.  They are learning about biologists and computer engineers.  They are identifying patterns in the sky.  They are locating facts about NASA and Cape Canaveral. 
  • Grade 4 is describing the five basic ecosystems.  They are using the glossary to define words.  They are creating habitat booklets.  They viewed a video called the “Wetlands”.  They are competing mini lessons on the food chain and animals and their offspring.  In the lab they are researching constellations and minerals.
  • Grade 5 is tracing the flow of energy in a system.  They are identifying the characteristics of sand, light, thermal, nuclear and chemical energy.  They are comparing sand decibels and how sound travels through solids, liquids and gases.

  Library/Computers-

  • Kindergarten is using Claris Works for Kids.  They are using the “Writing Pads” to locate letters and type simple sentences.  They are reinforcing the use of shift key, delete, return key and space bar.
  • Grade 1 has spent the past few weeks learning to use the many features of Kid Pix.  They have been creating graphics using “backgrounds, stickers, animations, drawing tools, stamp pad and special effects.
  • Grade 2 & 3 has been studying Internet safety through the I-Safe America program.  They have discussed traveling in cyberspace, appropriate and inappropriate websites, computer viruses and the FBI’s Internet safety tips for children.
  • Grade 4 is practicing keyboarding skills using the Type to Learn computer program.
  • Grade 5 is doing an Arbor Day assignment utilizing the Microsoft Word Program and the Internet.  They are saving images and text in a Class Link folder and then pasting text and inserting graphics onto a Word Document.
  • Fifth Grade Computer Club has completed their first of two projects.  Students have written, designed and printed tri fold brochures on Internet safety.

  Art-
  

  • PSD- Grade 5 are participating in an art activity related to Autism Awareness.
  • Kindergarten is focusing on symmetry by creating butterflies. 
  • Grade 1 continues their origami hot air balloons.  They are also practicing the mixing of colors.
  • Grade 2 is working on their paper mache 3-D projects and portraits.
  • Grade 3 is working on weaving and shading.
  • Grade 4 is creating posters.
  • Grade 5 is working on their sculptures.

  Music-

  • Kindergarten classes are learning how to read music by using pre-reading charts.  They are playing four beat measures that include rests and sounds.  The students are using streamers, scarves and movement to interpret musical selections. 
  • First graders are creating rhythm patterns using a variety of notes and rests. 
  • Second graders are learning about musical form.  They are composing a nursery rhyme rap in rondo form. 
  • Third grade is completing a unit on musicals.  The students are performing a musical, “Social Studies” for the first grade classes. 
  • Fourth and fifth grades are busy working on selections for the Spring Concert.

  World Language-

  • Students in the kindergarten are practicing family members and foods while first graders are studying additional family members and where we live. 
  • Second graders are talking about familiar toys like a bike and dolls and community workers.
  • Third graders are studying adjectives like big/little, happy/sad, strong/weak, as well as number review from 1 to 31 and also review of the parts of the body. 
  • Animals are the topic for the fourth grade, which includes cow, pig, horst, dog, cat, and fish in addition to creating their own Spanish town. 
  • Fifth graders discussed town buildings and community places including the library, park, theater, and stores as well as table settings along with Latin American geography.

  PE-

  • Kindergarten, first and second grade are running tag relays.
  • Grades 3, 4, & 5 is finishing basketball season.

  Lincoln School -

  Mathematics

  • Kindergarten completed Chapter 8 – Time & Money.  They learned the values of a penny, dime, nickel, and quarter.  They even learned how to tell time to the hour.  They used analog clocks in class to model time and also made their own watches to take home to practice.  They reviewed graphing on St. Patrick’s Day.  We sorted lucky charms cereal and graphed the different pieces.  Next, they will be exploring addition in Chapter 9. 
  • First grade is working on measurement and continuous problem solving. 
  • The second graders were busy with measurement.  They learned about the use of the thermometer and how to use both an inch and centimeter ruler.  They used their rulers to show the perimeter of an object. 
  • Third grade is reviewing probability, fractions, and decimals.  They will be starting long division after a multiplication review. 
  • Fourth grade is learning customary measurement and the use of tessellations through African Dashikis. 
  • Fifth grade students reviewed area and perimeter of rectangles, triangles, and irregular figures.  They reviewed adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions.  They made graphs using Microsoft Excel.

  Science

  • Kindergarten learned about the five senses.  They learned that our eyes help us see, our ears help us listen, our nose helps us smell, our taste buds help us taste, and our sense of touch helps us feel.  We created, “Me” books that review all of our senses.  In our next chapter, we will be exploring earth science. 
  • First grade is learning about the solar system. 
  • Second grade is learning about the three states of matter. 
  • Third grade is finishing Chapter 10 on matter and Its properties and will be starting Chapter 12 on forces and motions. 
  • Fourth grade is studying the classification of plants and animals. 
  • Fifth grade has completed Chapter 11 on solutes, solvents, mixtures and alloys.  They will begin the fourth marking period with Chapter 7 – water on earth.

  Social Studies
  

  • Kindergarten completed Unit 3 – Our Big Book of Work.  They identified and discussed the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.  They learned that people have different jobs and they work to earn money to buy things they need or want.  They even learned the difference between a need and a want.  In Unit 4, they will be exploring the different types of weather, seasons, plants and animals. 
  • First grade learned about the United States traditions, customs and symbols of freedom. 
  • Second grade reviewed the concepts of map study and the use of the compass rose. 
  • Third grade is finishing Chapter 6 on places where communities start.  After Easter they will start Chapter 7 – History of Communities. 
  • Fourth grade is learning about Europeans in New Jersey:  Understanding the causes and effects related to European settlement of New Jersey. 
  • Fifth grade began the chapter on the thirteen original colonies.

  Language Arts

  • Kindergarten is still exploring letter recognition and the sequencing of letters.  This month they explored the letters Ws, Xx, Vv, and Ee.  They learned the name and sound of each letter.  We also learned three new sight words this month, -no, -look, and –come.  They even have been recallin story events and recognizing the sequence of events in stories that they have been reading. 
  • First grade has been working on ending for words er/est.  In phonics they have been working on the long t.  They have also been doing spelling and writing activities.  They are reading a new book called Gather Around with the story beginning April 10th, Blue Bird.  They are also doing oral reading and comprehension activities. 
  • In second grade in phonics e children reviewed the spr sound and had practice working with initial clusters.  In the spellin unit, the children leaned about contractions and how to use contractions in a sentence.  In English, the children learned about subject and verb agreement.  The children read “Good-By, Curtis”, and learnedabout setting up a purpose for reading. 
  • Third grade just finished adjectives.  They will be reviewing nouns and verbs, and then going on to adverbs.  In reading, they are beginning the third theme of the second reader, Good Neighbors.  Just read Cocoa Ice, and the next story is; If You Made a Million. 
  • Fourth grade has worked on verb tenses, subject verb agreement, and irregular verbs.  In reading they finished the book Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  They wrote creative writing stories. 
  • Fifth grade completed a unit on adjectives and interviews (Descriptive writing).  In reading they completed theme 3 in text.  Began reading Island of the Blue Dolphins.

  Art

  • Kindergarten students drew the “Cat in the Hat” during Read Across America week.  Now they are working on symmetrical spring butterflies. 
  • Grade one students painted designs on their hot air balloons.  They then stuffed them and made origami baskets to hang under the balloon. 
  • Grade two students used papier-mâché on a milk carton or orange juice carton and then painted it to look like a house or building. 
  • Grade three students just finished a unit on weaving.  Their paper weavings are hanging up and their yarn weavings are completed for Achievement Night. 
  • Grade four students have created some unbelievable puppets.  They used paper- mâché for the head and felt for the body. 
  • Grade five student’s masks are on display for Achievement night.  Students have also started applying the plaster to their armatures.  The final sculptures will be painted people.

  Library/Computer

  • Kindergarten continues to work on shift, return and space bar.  They will have Intro to KidPix Deluxe 3. 
  • First grade is using drawing tools, clip art, and menu options to resize, move, and transform items.  They are also inserting text and working on correct use of Caps lock. 
  • Second grade is continuing Internet Safety with the curriculum (ISAFE). 
  • Third grade is concluding Internet Safety (ISAFE).  They will begin working on Inspiration to create diagrams. 
  • Fourth grade is using stationery and templates to create “business cards” and other documents. 
  • Fifth grade is using Microsoft Word and creating “word art”.  This features (3D, shadow, print preview, etc.  Also borders selections (paragraphs and page).

  Music

  • Kindergarten classes are learning how to read music by using pre-reading charts.  They are playing four beat measures that include rests and sounds.  The students are using streamers, scarves and movement to interpret musical selections. 
  • First graders are creating rhythm patterns using a variety of notes and rests. 
  • Second graders are learning about musical form.  They are composing a nursery rhyme rap in rondo form. 
  • Third grade is completing a unit on musicals.  The students are performing a musical, “Social Studies” for the first grade classes. 
  • Fourth and fifth grades are busy working on selections for the Spring Concert.

  Physical Education

  • Kindergarten students worked on assorted relay races and ball handling skills.  In many of the activites, bean bags were used for hand-eye coordination.  Stations were also used where students moved between 4-5 different activities:  tossing skills, jump-roping, hopscotch, beanbag skills, and soccer dribbling skills. 
  • First and second grade students worked on jump-roping skills, and finished up on our 6-man hockey games.  Students also worked on basketball dribbling skills and relay races in preparation for Field Day. 
  • Third, fourth, and fifth grade students finished up on hockey and basketball units.  Assorted relay races were also done on nice days outside. 
  • Fifth graders completed Scoliosis screening and started Family Life.

  World Language

  • Students in the kindergarten are practicing family members and foods while first graders are studying additional family members and where we live. 
  • Second graders are talking about familiar toys like a bike and dolls and community workers. 
  • Third graders are