CDW Weekly Wrap-Up

The current events occurring in Israel are truly tragic. We have a number of community members whose families have been directly impacted by the unfolding tragedy and a number more whose sense of safety and well-being have been compromised.

The Old Tappan community is strong; unfortunately, though, we cannot protect all of our children from knowing about this conflict, as the media coverage is inundating the television, internet, and social media. Additionally, there are increasing reports of graphic content being circulated and directed toward young viewers on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

The broadcasted devastation from the Middle East is amid other crises of varying magnitudes around the world. Due to these crises, coupled with other, oftentimes, more personal experiences, the world may seem like an unsafe place to children. Consequently, the most important thing we can do is to ensure a sense of safety during unsettled times. Giving children the space to express their feelings and understandings around conflict, of any type, will help them navigate their own emotions. With this in mind, the resources below are intended to support discussions you might choose to have at home.

If you want support in having conversations with your child(ren), we are here to help you. Never hesitate to contact any one of us. As always, we remain sensitive to each family’s circumstance.

Ms. Santa, Principal (santaj@nvnet.org)

Ms. Adamo, Counselor (adamoj@nvnet.org)

Dr. Polizotto, Social Worker (polizottoj@nvnet.org)

Dr. Lew, Psychologist (lewr@nvnet.org)

Dr. Da Giau, Superintendent (dagiau@nvnet.org)

Resources for Families with Middle School-Aged Students

• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association shares tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.

• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of teens: The American Psychological Association shares tips and strategies for parents and teachers of teenage children.

• Helping Your Students Cope With a Violent World: This Edutopia article features strategies for helping children make sense with historical perspective, feel empowered and inspire them to feel hopeful.

• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.

• Talking to Your Kids About War: VeryWell Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.

• Talking to children about violence: This National Association of School Psychologists article provides tips for parents on how to talk about war with their children.

Resource about Social Media Use:

• How to Block Graphic Social Media Content from Your Phone -- and Your Kids' Phones: This Wall Street Journal article provides step-by-step instructions on how to limit the stream of content on your social media platforms, which might limit what your children see. The article also reminds families of age restrictions for social media accounts, as well as parental modes that can be put in effect to monitor children’s use.

At the bottom of the CDW Weekly Wrap-Up are upcoming, important dates!

The Student Council is hosting its first Spirit Week of the year. Please see the information below.

Monday: Fall Colors Day -- Wear the fall color assigned to your grade.

Grade 5: Green

Grade 6: Red

Grade 7: Orange/Brown/Rust

Grade 8: Gold/Yellow

Tuesday: Dress to Impress Day (Picture Day)--Dress up for pictures!

Wednesday: Pink Out Day -- Wear pink as CDW supports breast cancer awareness and research! The Student Council will sell pink paper strips for $1.00 each to create a chain showing our support of breast cancer research. All money raised will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Thursday: Pajama Pants Day--Cool autumn days mean it's time for flannel pajama pants! Feel free to wear cozy slippers too!

Friday: Fall Sports Jersey Day--Wear your favorite fall sport team's jersey!

The teachers took the opportunity to enter comments about your child(ren) and how they are doing with the content in each class. These comments are compiled in a Mid-Marking Period Interim Report. This will continue for each marking period of the school year.

If you have any questions about any of the comments on the Interim Report and/or grades that you see in the Grading module, please feel free to contact the teacher(s) for more information.

The Mid-Marking Period Interim Reports were available for parents to view today, Friday, October 13th at 12:00 PM.

Grade 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences are not mandatory but are available to all parents/guardians in Grade 5 on Monday, November 6th (day and night), Tuesday, November 7th (day only), and Wednesday, November 15th (day only). More information about signing up for a conference will be released soon.

Grades 6-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences are scheduled on an as-needed basis. If your child(ren)'s teacher(s) requested a conference with you, it will be held Monday, November 6th (day and night) or Tuesday, November 7th (day only). Letters will be provided to those parents/guardians soon with a specific time for your conference in the Genesis Parent Portal under the Documents Module.

Does your child(ren) bring his/her water bottle to school to refill throughout the day? Great! However, it would help to use an alternative to metal water bottles since they cause a startling response when they crash and hit the floor. Also, the bigger the bottle, the bigger the spill! Please keep these requests in mind when sending your child(ren) to school with a water bottle. Your cooperation is truly appreciated.

As Ms. Santa continues to visit classes to infuse the #WinAtSocial lessons into the curriculum, families can continue the conversations at home! Register your free account for the Parent Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 2729247E3AF3EA.

Any 7th or 8th grade student that would like to participate in the NVOT Middle School Marching Band Night can use the QR code found on posters located around the school. It's a terrific opportunity for any student to see what it's like to be a member of the NVOT Marching Band or Color Guard. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Rosolanko at rosolanko@nvnet.org.

Grade 5 Scientists explored the length and direction of shadows throughout the day by modeling the position of the sun in the sky with a flashlight.

Grade 5 students in Media Studies gave presentations on their passion research projects, which allowed them to practice applying the "Big Six" elements of research and to simultaneously learn how Google really works when searching for answers to our questions.

The students also worked in pairs to learn how to play Cyber Threat Protector, which is a card game that allows students to identify technology assets, and teaches them how to defend against "attacks" such as phishing, IP spoofing, etc.

Students in Grade 6 Art have been working on creating random designs, and then using paint to add their personal touch and color!

Grade 7 students at Sharpe completed a project in which they used the nature around them to create!

Mr. Clark led students through a fun activity in which the students are identifying angles using protractors.

Today, Ms. Franco's class visited Stokes Farm to enjoy pumpkin picking and a hayride!

As in the past, the students and staff members are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to school. We will recognize Halloween at CDW on Tuesday, October 31st. Although teachers may engage students in Halloween-themed lessons/activities, we will follow a regular schedule.

When your child(ren) is choosing a Halloween costume, please remember:

• The costume must allow the student to see to ensure safety.

• If the costume has an accompanying weapon (knife, sword, gun, bow/arrow, etc.), your child may not be permitted to bring it to school.

• Your child will wear the costume for the length of the school day so it should be something that allows him/her to walk and sit comfortably.

• Costumes should comply with our dress code ( Student Handbook).

• Students do not have to wear a costume. Some students might opt to wear black and orange.

Fright Night will be on Monday, October 30th from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, and the Municipal Alliance needs your help to make it as successful as it has been in previous years. Please sign up using the Signup Genius links below:

Chaperones - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B45ABAE23A4FB6-44650043-frightnight

Desserts, supplies, etc - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B45ABAE23A4FB6-44650039-frightnight

Students were provided with the permission slip below to be given to their homeroom teacher by Thursday, October 26th.

8th grade information:

If your child(ren) is applying to BCA/BCT, teacher recommendation forms and transcript release forms will be emailed directly to the teachers AFTER your child(ren) submit their application via the direct website of the high school that your child is applying to.

Please continue to check Ms. Adamo’s Google Classroom for information regarding applying to other high schools and/or for the transition process to NVOT.

Looking ahead:

On October 20th, all 8th grade students will visit NVOT to learn about their elective options. Please make sure to return the permission slip so your child(ren) can attend.

Reminders for all grades:

Wellness Wednesday lunches:

Grades 5 and 6 lunch with Ms. Adamo is in room 414.

Grades 7 and 8 lunch with Dr. Polizotto is in room 308.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s academic, social or emotional needs, please contact me at adamoj@nvnet.org or 201-664-1475 ext. 2203.

The soccer team won on Wednesday 2-1 beating Haworth. The defense was stellar led by goalie Khanho Lee who made a great diving save on a free kick. He was helped by his defenders Christine Hong, Sahana Trivedi, Matthew Kosmark, Zach Kim, Caleb Park, Elizabeth Forcellati, and Justin Lee. The offense was powered by Kyle Gagliano who scored both goals on beautiful headers set up by Justin Lee. Jake Totten came off the bench to give the offense a spark.

On Thursday, the soccer team won3- 2 over Northvale. The offensive came from Kyle Gagliano who scored the first goal on a header set up by Justin Lee. Matthew Kosmark had the second goal blasting a shot from about 15 yards out. The final goal was scored by Dylan Haley who put back a shot that rebounded out in front of the goal. The defense was led by goalie Khanho Lee, who recorded the win for the second straight day. He had help from his defenders Christine Hong, Justin Lee, Zach Kim, Elizabeth Forcellati, and Rihan Shah. The team looks to win three in a row when they play at Closter on Monday. Great week Knights!

The girls' volleyball team had a two-set win against Haworth on Wednesday, but then fell short to Northvale on Thursday. The boys' volleyball team played two tough games, but they lost in the end to both Haworth and Northvale. Although the boys' and girls' volleyball teams were not as successful this week as they hoped to be, they plan on working hard to win against Closter, Harrington Park, and Norwood next week.

Please click here for the Fall Sports Schedules.

The After School Enrichment Program offers students the opportunity to enjoy weekly clubs run mostly by our talented Old Tappan teachers and a few local vendors Mondays through Fridays for five (5) or six (6) weeks starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

The PTO highly recommends you review all club preferences with your child(ren) BEFORE pre-registration, and only pre-register for clubs based on your child(ren)’s preferences. Pre-registration will be on OTPTO.org between Thursday, October 12th and Sunday, October 15th at 11:00 PM. Emails will be sent October 17th-18th to all lottery winners. They will release any remaining spots for direct purchase on OTPTO.org on a first come, first serve basis between October 17th and October 30th, or until the club is full (open enrollment).

CDW After School Clubs Fall 2023

The Garden Kitchen gift cards and the Woori Mart gift cards are available for purchase on the OTPTO website until Wednesday, October 18th.

The 2nd OT PTO Meeting will be on Thursday, October 19th at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center. Babysitting is available! Check out the information below!

The 8th Grade PTO Committee needs volunteers to help serve the Chick-fil-A lunches on the following dates:

October 19th

January 25th

March 14th

Please use this link to sign up.

Place your order for a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on OTPTO.org under "For Sale."

The CDW Spirit Wear store is available on OTPTO.org! The Long Term Store is open year round and orders are shipped directly to the purchaser. The Short Term Store will reopen in the spring.

Both stores offer different merchandise. Links are on OTPTO.org or see below:

SHORT TERM: Charles DeWolf Middle School Old Tappan Spirit Wear 2023

LONG TERM: Charles DeWolf Middle School

If you would like to purchase a 2023-2024 Discount Card, visit the OT PTO website. Each card is $20.

Every first Friday of the month, the Class of 2024 will be selling candy and ice pops at dismissal for an afternoon treat. Students in Grades 5-8 can go to the Lynch Gym to purchase their treat of choice! Treats will be between $1-3 and will include, but will not be limited to: lollipops, M&M's, Twizzlers, Gummy Bears, Sour Patch Kids, etc. See the flyer below for more information.

Dates of Sales: November 3rd, December 1st, January 5th, February 2nd, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd, June 7th

ATTENTION: 8th grade parents, please sign up HERE to volunteer for future Candy and Ice Pop Sales!

The PTO is looking for volunteers for the upcoming school year!

Volunteers play a huge part in the PTO and what we are able to offer our students and teachers. Without volunteers, many of the programs that students, teachers, and families enjoy will not be able to happen. Volunteer descriptions can be found at: OTPTO.org under "More Info" and then "Flyers."

If you have interest in joining the PTO Board, joining or running a committee, or just want to learn more- please reach out to the PTO by visiting OTPTO.org and selecting "Contact Old Tappan PTO" under the Help tab.

Please click the link below, enter the access code below, and choose your packages/products.

Photo Day Prepay Shop Link: https://imageartstudio.gotphoto.com/prepay/login

Charles DeWolf Middle School Enter Access Code: CDMS23

There is a deadline of October 17th to place your order!

We are happy to announce that the CDW Clubs are ready to take off! This year, we will be offering the following clubs:

• Drama Club with Ms. Osbahr
• Homework Club with Ms. Cimorelli and Ms. Huster
• Math/Science Club with Ms. Osbahr
• OTBN with Mr. Johnson (already started)
• School Newspaper with Mr. Johnson

Please use this link to find out specific information as to when the club starts and meets throughout the year. Other clubs will be starting throughout the year and will be added to the list.

*These clubs are in addition to PTO Clubs.

If you’re interested in ordering, click HERE. There are different garment styles and colors available. Orders are due by Friday, October 20th.

If you would like to purchase insurance for your child(ren)'s school issued Chromebook, please refer to the information below, or you may purchase directly from smarttechinsurance.com/old-tappan.

New to our insurance policy this year is that all Chromebooks must be in cases or the insurance will not cover any claims.

If your child is not going to attend school, please contact Mrs. McCarthy at 201-664-1475 ext. 2103 or McCarthy@nvnet.org.

In an effort to minimize the potential spread of illness at school, please keep your child home if he/she:

• has a fever. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication prior to returning to school.
• is nauseous or is vomiting.
• has diarrhea.

October

Tuesday, October 17th~ Picture Day (See information below.)

Thursday, October 19th~ Grade 8 Fundraiser: Chick-fil-A Lunch

Thursday, October 19th~ PTO Meeting in the CDW Media Center at 7:30 PM

Monday, October 23rd~ BOE Meeting in the BOE Conference Room at 8:00 PM

Monday, October 30th~ The Municipal Alliance Fright Night 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

Tuesday, October 31st~ Halloween

November

Friday, November 3rd~ Candy and Ice Pop Sale in Lynch Gym at 3:00 PM

Monday, November 6th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, November 7th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, November 8th~ Marking Period 1 Ends

Thursday, November 9th and Friday, November 10th~ School is closed for NJEA Convention.

Monday, November 13th~ BOE Meeting in the BOE Conference Room at 8:00 PM

Wednesday, November 15th~ Marking Period 1 Report Card released on the Genesis Parent Portal at 12:00 PM

Friday, November 17th~ Picture Retake Day

Wednesday, November 22nd~ 12:30 PM Dismissal

Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th~ No School

Wednesday, November 29th~ Grade 5 Field Trip (Group 1)

Thursday, November 30th~ Grade 5 Field Trip (Group 2)

​​​​​​​OT 2023-2024 Approved School Year Calendar

​​​​​​​OT 2023-2024 Approved School Year Calendar

Instagram: cdw_middle

Email: santaj@nvnet.org
Website: https://cdw.oldtappanschools.org/
Location: 275 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ, USA
Phone: 201-664-1475
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldTappanSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @OldTappanSD