

Faust Newsletter
Marking Period 2
Mrs. Barrale
Dear Faust School Families,
We are officially at the halfway point of the school year! Our Faust School teachers and professional support staff are continuing to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment to ensure that our students become responsible individuals and lifelong learners. They play a crucial role in shaping the academic, social, and personal development of their students. Here are some of the effective strategies that they use in their instructional lessons.
Provide a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Foster a classroom culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Create a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing ideas. An inclusive environment promotes mutual respect and collaboration.
Build Positive Relationships: Establishing positive and supportive relationships with their students. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged in the learning process. They take time to understand each student's background, interests, and learning styles.
Set High Expectations: Communicate clear expectations for academic performance and behavior. Setting high standards encourages students to strive for excellence and develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning.
Differentiate Instruction: Recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom. Differentiated instruction allows each student to progress at their own pace, ensuring that everyone is challenged and supported appropriately.
Integrate Real-World Relevance: Connect classroom lessons to real-world applications. Show students the practical value of what they're learning and how it relates to their lives. This helps them see the relevance of education beyond the immediate academic context.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Foster a growth mindset by praising effort and persistence rather than innate abilities. Teach students that intelligence and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset encourages resilience and a love for learning.
Involve Parents and Guardians: Maintain open communication with parents or guardians. Keep them informed about their child's progress and involve them in the learning process. A strong partnership between teachers and parents supports a student's overall development.
Lastly, please feel free to contact me or your child’s subject teacher if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. By maintaining open lines of communication and actively involving our parents in their child's education, together, we can create a collaborative and supportive environment that benefits their overall development.
Sincerely,
Regina Barrale
English Department
6th Grade ELA ~ Mr. Tunnell
The 6th Grade English Language Arts Classes have been very busy developing their reading and writing skills. Below are some highlights from Mr. Tunnell’s Classroom:
During this marking period the 6th graders read 2 novels. Look Both Ways By: Jason Reynolds and El Deafo by: Cece Bell. The students were beyond excited to share their favorite highlights from their reading each day with their classmates.
Students have been working on Research Simulation Tasks & Literary Analysis Tasks
Students have been focusing on developing their vocabulary
Students have been focusing on responding to constructed response questions with citing evidence from various informational texts, short stories, and novels.
Students enjoyed participating in various Socratic Seminars and Literature Circle Discussions
7th Grade ELA ~ Mrs. Petraitis
Students in the 7th grade English Language Arts classes have been immersed in narrative texts, focusing on the study of the novel Hatchet during this marking period. Honors students have been delving into the dystopian setting of the novel The Giver. They even created their own utopian society! All our students have been using these texts to explore narrative elements, literary genres and devices, figurative language, theme, and characterization. Students have also practiced the strategy of citing evidence when responding to literature. Great job to all our hard working students!
ELA 8 and Honors English 8 Explore Autism In Mark Haddon's Novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ~ Ms. Bayeux
In December and January, Ms. Bayeux and Mr. Colavito's eighth-graders explored autism through the eyes of narrator, Christopher Boone, while reading the British bestseller, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. During this unit, students conducted research to learn more about the autism spectrum, developmental disabilities, and London. Students learned how considering the "perspective" of others can raise our awareness and compassion towards others in society. As a culminating lesson, students constructed analytical essays to sharpen writing skills, utilize elevated vocabulary and transition words, and articulate ideas meaningfully. As a result of this unit, students gained perspective on how individuals on the autism spectrum function in society, and how we can all employ compassion when interacting with others in the world.
Congratulations to Faust School’s 85th Annual Spelling Bee Champion!!! ~ Ms. Bayeux
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Faust School held its 85th Annual School Spelling Bee in the auditorium. Each English class in grades 6-8 held a spelldown to determine a class champion and alternate. The champions then went on to compete onstage in the spelling bee. A total of 14 spellers gathered on the stage to spell various words including "termite" and "gratitude." After 7 rounds, two students were left standing, Charlotte Leonard and Brayden Rosa. After 3 rounds, Charlotte correctly spelled "fowl" and "possible" consecutively. Congratulations to Charlotte! Congratulations also to Brayden, who will be the alternate champion and take Charlotte's place in the event she is unable to compete in March. Charlotte will now go on to compete in the North Jersey regional bee in March at Bergen Community College. Many congratulations, Charlotte, and keep on spelling!
Science Department
6th Grade Science ~ Mrs. Rosales
In our 6th-grade science classroom, we are concluding Unit 3: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. Students have been exploring the profound impact of changes in food and water resources on ecosystems and their organisms. We have delved into the concept of biodiversity, recognizing that healthier ecosystems exhibit a more diverse array of life forms. Through hands-on explorations, such as our Jenga game experiments, we have directly observed the delicate balance of interdependence in nature.
From constructing seeding machines to combat deforestation to gearing up for our next project involving water purification through the Engineering Design Process, we are eagerly embracing the challenge of nurturing our environment.
President of the Cell ~ Mrs. O'Conner 7th Grade Science
In 7th-grade science, students are exploring Unit 4, the study of structures and functions, focusing particularly on the components of the cell. For fun, we organized a class election centered around a lively debate on which organelle should be considered the most crucial and, in theory, assume the role of the president of the cell. Interestingly, each class arrived at distinct conclusions regarding the significance of various organelles. Some groups demonstrated exceptional campaigning skills, presenting compelling arguments in favor of their particular cell part. Next, we will take it a step further and explore body systems.
8th Grade Science ~ Mrs. Yang
Mrs. Yang's 8th-grade science class conducted an investigation into the human impact on the biosphere by examining the effects of adding carbon dioxide to the ocean on organisms.
In two virtual labs:
- The addition of carbon dioxide to the solution caused the solution to turn yellow, indicating an increase in acidity.
- The eggshell dissolved in the acidic solution.
The students discovered that when carbon dioxide was dissolved in Bromothymol blue, the solution turned yellow, signaling an increase in carbon dioxide. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, contribute to elevated carbon dioxide levels. This excess carbon dioxide dissolves in oceans, raising their acidity.
The dissolution of the eggshell in the acidic solution illustrated the potential impact on organisms in the oceans, especially those with shells. Creatures like oysters, designed with shells for protection, could be significantly affected by increased acidity. Without the protective shell, these animals become more vulnerable to predators.
In conclusion, the findings emphasize the importance of reducing deforestation and fossil fuel emissions to safeguard the ocean ecosystem.
Mrs. Lahullier
Mrs. Lahullier’s class has been incredibly active during Marking Period 2! In Language Arts, students explored figurative language through engaging activities involving similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration, idioms, hyperboles, and more. Additionally, we embarked on a novel study of "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli. Our commitment to daily IXL practice has resulted in an impressive milestone of 1,000 hours on ELA IXL. Weekly spelling words remain a focus, with students completing the "5x each" exercise, using each word in a sentence, and culminating in a spelling test every Friday.
In mathematics, students delved into the study of fractions. A vocabulary unit on words related to fractions preceded our current focus on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. These skills are reinforced daily through our do-now activity on IXL.
Turning to Science, students delved into the intricacies of food chains and progressed to the study of food webs. The class completed a Reindeer Google Slides project exploring the history of reindeers and their ecosystems and environments. Presentations of these projects are scheduled for the class.
In Social Studies, the class commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by watching the "I Have A Dream" speech and analyzing its theme. Additionally, we learned about The Boston Tea Party and are gearing up to study the Battle of Trenton, leading us to the American Revolution and the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
I am exceptionally proud of each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and purposeful efforts throughout Marking Period 2. I am confident that you will continue to excel in Marking Period 3. Keep up the outstanding work!
No Name-Calling Week
8th Grade: Becton Regional High School Course Offerings Assembly
In January 2024, representatives from Becton Regional High School will be presenting their 9th-grade course offerings to our 8th-grade students. Becton Regional High School is a four-year comprehensive institution dedicated to meeting the general and individual needs of students in the communities of East Rutherford, Carlstadt, and Maywood. A variety of subjects and programs are offered to prepare students for continuing education or employment beyond high school. Through an expansive curriculum, extracurricular activities, counseling, special services, and more, Becton Regional High School assists each student in developing character and lifelong skills, and achieving their goals. Go Wildcats!
- For vomiting and diarrhea, students must be symptom-free for 24 hours and be able to hold food and fluids before returning to school.
- The flu/cold season is in full swing! Please refer to the chart below if you have any questions about when to or when not to send your child to school.
- Medications: Any medication, whether over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription, that needs to be administered in school requires authorization from both a physician and a guardian. Please be aware that the school nurse is not allowed to dispense medication to your child unless the proper authorization form is on file in your child's health office. Medication forms MUST be renewed each school year. Printable forms are available on the School Nurse Website.
World Language
Mrs. Fox & Ms. Cuello
The end of the World Language semester is upon us. Throughout marking period 2, students had numerous opportunities to utilize various modes of communication, including speaking, listening, reading, and short writings. Furthermore, students successfully completed classroom activities using multiple learning platforms provided by our school, such as Formative and Edpuzzle, among others.
In 6th grade, students explored mealtimes (desayuno, almuerzo, y cena) and various types of food (comida saludable y comida chatarra/rápida). They engaged in different modes of communication by discussing and interpreting various infographics. Furthermore, students created Jamboard slides to depict their favorite restaurant and dish using the verbs gustar and preferir. Additionally, they acquired the skills to order and sell various Hispanic street food items.
In 7th grade, students shared their preferences, opinions, and habits regarding food choices. They also interpreted videos and infographics showcasing authentic dishes such as Tortilla Española, Sancocho Panameño, Dominican Sancocho, Gallo Pinto, and Mexican Tortas. Additionally, students engaged in discussions about daily healthy habits and identified various healthy food options.
In 8th grade, students learned about Hispanic family traditions, various types of homes, and shared responsibilities for household chores. Throughout our class days, students recognized the impacts of climate change and promoted recycling habits to contribute to environmental preservation.
Math Department
6th Grade Math ~ Mrs. Alberta
Our sixth-grade students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort throughout the second marking period. We have progressed to the second volume of our EnVisions series, successfully completing our unit on ratios, rates, and using ratios for measurement conversions. As we enter the third marking period, our focus will shift to exploring the realm of percentages, all while diligently preparing for the upcoming NJSLA in May.
Mrs. Alberta takes great pride in the hard work exhibited by the sixth-grade class in their math endeavors. Keep up the excellent work!
Mrs. Fox & Mrs. Cuello
The end of the World Language semester is upon us. Throughout marking period 2, students had numerous opportunities to utilize various modes of communication, including speaking, listening, reading, and short writings. Furthermore, students successfully completed classroom activities using multiple learning platforms provided by our school, such as Formative and Edpuzzle, among others.
In 6th grade, students explored mealtimes (desayuno, almuerzo, y cena) and various types of food (comida saludable y comida chatarra/rápida). They engaged in different modes of communication by discussing and interpreting various infographics. Furthermore, students created Jamboard slides to depict their favorite restaurant and dish using the verbs gustar and preferir. Additionally, they acquired the skills to order and sell various Hispanic street food items.
In 7th grade, students shared their preferences, opinions, and habits regarding food choices. They also interpreted videos and infographics showcasing authentic dishes such as Tortilla Española, Sancocho Panameño, Dominican Sancocho, Gallo Pinto, and Mexican Tortas. Additionally, students engaged in discussions about daily healthy habits and identified various healthy food options.
In 8th grade, students learned about Hispanic family traditions, various types of homes, and shared responsibilities for household chores. Throughout our class days, students recognized the impacts of climate change and promoted recycling habits to contribute to environmental preservation.
7th Grade Math & Pre-Algebra ~ Mrs. Gentry
The 7th-grade Math students have been diligently working on writing, evaluating, and simplifying algebraic expressions that represent real-life situations. They have been applying properties to create equivalent expressions and examining and recognizing when expressions are equivalent. This is an important skill that will benefit them in their future math studies.
The 7th-grade Pre-Algebra students have been applying their knowledge to write and solve equations that represent word problems. They have learned to interpret and manipulate equations to solve for an unknown variable while analyzing different methods for solving. This is a crucial skill that will enhance their problem-solving abilities.
We would like to celebrate the hard work and effort put in by our 7th-grade Math and Pre-Algebra students. Their dedication to learning and applying mathematical concepts is truly commendable. We are proud of their achievements and progress.
8th Grade Math ~ Mrs. Gerity
8th graders in Mrs. Gerity's Pre-Algebra class have completed their unit on Expressions and Equations. We've learned and applied systems of equations to various situations. Now, we are moving on to our Geometry unit. Students are delving into the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications in building and architecture. Next, we will explore surface area, volume, and transformations.
In Mrs. Gerity's Algebra class, students are currently working on Exponents and Exponential Functions. Soon, we will transition into our unit on Quadratics and Polynomials.
Physical Education & Health
Mr. Cocozzo & Ms. Ravettine
As we conclude Marking Period 2 in Health and Physical Education, we want to share an overview of the topics covered and provide a glimpse into what to expect in Marking Period 3.
During Marking Period 2, our students engaged in a variety of physical activities aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. In Physical Education, students focused on basketball, badminton, and the fundamentals of fitness. Through these activities, they not only improved their physical fitness but also honed their teamwork and sportsmanship skills.
In Health Education, students delved into essential topics related to their well-being. The curriculum covered various body systems, nutrition, fitness principles, and muscle groups. This comprehensive exploration aimed to equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.
As we transition into Marking Period 3, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned for both Physical and Health Education. During this upcoming period, students will focus on fitness, running games, and bowling. These activities will not only enhance their cardiovascular health and physical fitness but also provide them with a diverse set of skills and experiences.
In Health Education, the curriculum for 6th-grade students will shift towards first aid and emergency response, empowering them with essential life-saving skills. Meanwhile, 7th and 8th-grade students will concentrate on violence awareness and safety, fostering a deeper understanding of crucial societal issues.
Cycles
Financial Literacy ~ Mr. Ling
We are thrilled to announce that the second marking period was a success for our students in Financial Literacy! Our class delved into the intricacies of operating in the real world, financially speaking, of course. The students had the opportunity to explore various essential topics, including:
- Researching Potential Occupations: Students learned about different careers they may be interested in pursuing in the future. They conducted research and gained insight into the educational requirements, responsibilities, and potential earnings associated with these occupations.
- Affording College and Available Options: We discussed the importance of higher education and explored different avenues to finance college. Students learned about scholarships, grants, student loans, and the significance of budgeting for tuition fees.
- Investing in Real Estate and Stocks: Our class explored the world of investing and its potential for building wealth. Students learned about the basics of real estate investment and how to research and analyze stocks in the stock market.
- Opening Checking Accounts: We discussed the importance of managing personal finances and the benefits of having a checking account. Students learned about writing checks, using debit cards, and properly maintaining a bank account.
- Maximizing Money Going Forward: Our students worked on strategies to make the most of their income and savings in the future. They learned about budgeting, saving, and making wise financial decisions.
We would like to congratulate all of our students for their remarkable effort on their final projects in Financial Literacy. They demonstrated a solid understanding of the core concepts and practical applications of financial living. Their hard work and dedication truly paid off, and we are proud of their accomplishments.
Dance ~ Mrs. Francica
Greetings from Room 211! I am excited to bring you updates from our bustling halls, where our students in grades 6-8 are stepping into a world of new movements, dance history, the art of choreography, and a myriad of other exciting dance experiences. From the expressive twirls of contemporary dance to the rhythmic footwork of jazz, our young dancers are discovering the joy of self-expression through movement. Each class is a unique journey, fostering creativity and building a strong foundation in various dance styles.
To deepen their appreciation for the art of dance, students are immersing themselves in the captivating world of dance history. Exploring the evolution of different dance forms and the cultural influences that have shaped them, our students are gaining a deeper understanding of the traditions and innovations that make dance a timeless and ever-evolving art.
Creativity takes center stage as our students embark on the exciting journey of choreography. They are learning to compose their own dance routines, selecting movements, and arranging them into cohesive and visually stunning performances. The dance classroom is buzzing with creativity as these budding choreographers bring their visions to life, fostering teamwork and individual expression.
I am immensely proud of the progress the Cycle 2 students have made, and I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success in the years to come.
Theatre ~ Ms. Romero
In Theatre class this marking period, our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders learned about the different types of theater stages and all the advantages and disadvantages of each theatrical space. Our 6th graders created original characters and wrote monologues for them; they also wrote their own original scenes.
Our 7th and 8th graders learned about technical theater and all careers in theater. They worked in groups to research one specific technical theater career and presented their projects to the class. Then, they chose to focus on one area to bring a scene to life. Some students designed costumes, others created a set model, some did the sound cues, or created the props! This year, our 6th graders performed in our very first Cycle Performance! All Theatre, Dance, Music, and Art students worked together to put together "Rock and Roll Forever." Our youngest Wildcats did a great job!
Artistic Expressions ~ Ms. Rutherford
The students' art projects this marking period are a testament to their boundless creativity and young minds. They explored various mediums, drew inspiration from diverse sources, and collaborated with peers. They are a celebration of the artistic spirit that flourishes within the student community. Through their creativity, students not only express themselves but also contribute to the vibrant artistic world.
National Junior Honor Society
Mr. Tunnell
National Junior Honor Society Members have been very busy serving as leaders both in Faust School & in the East Rutherford Community. We are very proud of all the NJHS members that participated in the Van Saun Park Bergen County Tree Decorating Event for the holiday season.
National Junior Honor Society 8th Grade Representative have also been attending monthly board meetings to deliver the school reports for each month! Excellent Work to our 8th grade NJHS members!
National Junior Honor Society Members will be taking on some upcoming service projects during the winter months including our Kids Themed Bandaid Collection Event for Tomorrows Children's Fund & Winter Kindness Boxes (Hats, Mittens, and Scarves). We also will continue to create our Faust School Spirit Days & Events!
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Grade 6 ~ Mr. Tunnell & Ms. Cuello
In 6th Grade Creative Writing during marking period 2, the students have immersed themselves in the world of poetry, crafting beautiful haiku poems, creative shape poems, lively limericks, intricate diamante verses, and captivating acrostic poems.
They've also explored the art of concise storytelling through 6-word memoirs, offering glimpses into their unique perspectives. Adding a contemporary twist, the class delved into the realm of TV show and movie reviews, honing their critical thinking and communication skills.
Venturing into the realm of mythology, students engaged with Greek myths, infusing their writing with timeless tales.
Lastly, through reflective writing, our young writers explored their personal growth, sharing insights into how they have evolved and flourished as skilled writers! Keep up the amazing writing 6th grade! We are very proud of you!
7th Grade Creative Writing ~ Mr. Majsiak & Mr. Colavito
In a captivating 7th-grade class, students delved into the world of storytelling and poetry, crafting enchanting tales and heartfelt verses. Guided by their imaginative teachers, each student became a wordsmith, painting vibrant characters and emotions on the canvas of their notebooks. The classroom buzzed with the excitement of shared masterpieces, fostering a sense of camaraderie among these budding authors. In this magical space, the power of words transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives, unveiling the boundless potential of their creativity. A class not just writing stories and poems, but weaving dreams and painting emotions with the ink of their imagination.
7th-8th Grade Creative Writing ~ Mr. Colavito & Ms. Bayeux
In our final marking period of the semester, 8th grade creative writing class explored several literary movements and wrote essays describing each individual movements’ impact on society’s way of thinking and writing. Simultaneously, students took pride in creating individual poetry portfolios. Students embarked in exploring free verse and villanelle structured poems. Mr. Colavito and Ms. Bayeux were very proud of their diverse group of 8th grader writers. Good luck in your future high school endeavors!
Music Department
Band ~ Mr. Schweikardt
After a very successful "Winter Concert," the Faust School band is preparing for its numerous performances this spring. The 8th-grade band members will be performing and will be adjudicated at the Teen Arts Festival at Bergen Community College on May 17th. They will have their "Spring Concert" on May 21st at the Becton High School Performing Arts Center. On June 7th, the Faust Band will travel to Neptune High School for the annual "Trills and Thrills Music Festival"; here again, the band will be adjudicated and critiqued by two judges. We are hoping for another season with a score of "Superior."
Finally, on June 18th, the 6th and 7th-grade band members will accompany the 8th-grade graduating class at their Commencement.
Music ~ Mrs. Schweikardt
It is hard to believe we are at the end of the second marking period. The students this marking period have been doing very well. The 7th grade has really enjoyed going back and learning about composers and classical music of the 1700s and 1800s. They especially enjoyed learning about Beethoven and listening to his 5th symphony. The 8th grade really rocked as we learned about the history of rock and roll. The choir and band did a great job performing at the Winter Concert. Lastly, the 6th grade will be performing the mini-musical "Rock and Roll Forever" in their first cycle performance on 1/26. This is combining all performing arts cycles—music, theatre, dance, and art. How exciting!
Social Studies
Now Playing: The Battle of Saratoga ~ Mrs. Benevento 6th Grade Social Studies
The 6th-grade students read all about the American victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga, NY, which occurred in 1777. Students discussed the battle and watched a video reenactment of the event. Once they gathered enough information from their text, the video, and other resources, they created movie posters that included an image, a list of actors of their choice, an intriguing tagline, a soundtrack, and a release date. Students displayed creativity and historical knowledge. They also had fun deciding which actors would play each part!
7th Grade Social Studies ~ Mr. Majsiak
In 7th-grade social studies, students explored the Industrial Revolution and 1800s reform movements. Through engaging lessons, they learned about the impact of industrialization, from factories to labor struggles. The class also delved into inspiring reform movements, including women's rights and abolitionism. This immersive learning experience sparked critical thinking and reflections on the enduring legacy of 19th-century transformations.
Can you Escape? ~ Mr. Barone
In Mr. Barone's 8th-grade World History class, our students recently explored the fascinating world of the pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. As part of this engaging lesson, they participated in an interactive Egyptian Pharaohs Digital Escape Room. This activity involved solving puzzles and challenges, allowing our students to earn "keys" and unlock a final 9-digit code. The escape room was designed to ignite critical thinking skills while imparting knowledge about the pharaohs. The puzzles varied in difficulty, ranging from ciphers and color codes to directional locks, elimination, drag-and-drop, and even jigsaw puzzles. Through this hands-on experience, students not only deepened their understanding of Ancient Egypt but also honed their problem-solving abilities. It was an exciting and educational journey for our young historians!