Woodland Park School District News

Welcome to the Woodland Park School District e-Newsletter which is sent out weekly when school is in session. It serves as a glimpse of some of the wonderful things going on in our schools, as well as a point of reference for upcoming events.

Your Partner in Education,

Michele R. Pillari, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

The cast and crew members of Memorial Middle School's 2023 play, Into The Woods, have been working every day after school for months for their performances this week. The remaining performance are tonight at 7 p.m., and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Last Friday morning, Memorial Middle School's Room 117 homeroom held a celebration in honor of the school spelling bee champion Jake Parkerton. The class surprised Jake with some snacks and small gifts to wish him well in the regional competition. They also viewed the spelling bee movie Akeelah and the Bee.

Jake completed with 73 other local winners in the Diamond City Regional Spelling Bee in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. on Sunday. He made it through three rounds before being eliminated.

"We cannot express how honored we are to have such a talented speller in our district," said his ELA teacher Mrs. Ficarra. "Jacob certainly makes us #ProudtobeWP!"

The Charles Olbon School Home & School Association hosted a Scholastic Book Fair this week, offering students a wide variety of books as well as accessories like pencils, bookmarks, and erasers.

Beatrice Gilmore School launched the annual Kids Heart Challenge last Friday with a visit from Ms. Brittney from the American Heart Association.

The event kicks off the school's annual fundraising effort for the American Heart Association, which will culminate with the Kids Heart Challenge in gym classes. The event was formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart.

The students watched a video that introduced the "Heart Heroes," a slate of dragon characters each aimed at helping keep kids healthy and safe. The students can earn character keychains with donations made during the event. The video also showcased the lifesaving work of the Association.

Students were encouraged to register online and take advantage of the online activities as well as download the American Heart Association's mobile app. On the online site, there are challenges the kids could pledge to take, such as drinking more water and exercising.

Students do not have to raise money to take part in the challenge. All students will participate. She encouraged them to raise whatever funds they could to help the American Heart Association help people of all ages in need.

The students in Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Coffey's PreK-4 class at School 1 were excited to receive their library cards. They can't wait to go to the library to borrow books on their own! Thank you to Mrs. Hajbi and Ms. Rappa for organizing this!

Students in Mrs. Tobia and Ms. Bonnie's PreK-4 class at School 1 created recycled art.

Launched in 2019, Memorial Middle School''s House System was implemented to improve the school's overall climate and build a positive culture. The system involves sorting all students into four houses representing character traits: earth for trustworthiness, wind for respect, fire for responsibility, and water for caring.

The house assignment process is conducted randomly to ensure students have opportunities to work and socialize with others outside their social circles, promoting a sense of belonging and connection. Teams participate in various events, accumulating points towards a final reward such as a house field trip.

To support the House System, a 5K Color Run will take place on May 6 with all proceeds going towards the cause. To register for the event, click here.

School 1 will host an open house on Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. All are welcome to come tour the building and meet some of the staff members, director, and principal.

The Memorial Middle School Eighth Grade Dance Committee is holding a spring Bundt cake fundraising sale. Orders are due by March 23. These cakes are delicious and they will be ready for pick-up on April 7 just in time for Easter. Available flavors are chocolatechocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, red velvet, lemon, vanilla, confetti, and blueberry bliss. For more information or to place an order, contact Lina at linastigs@optonline.net or 973-725-0820.

The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association will host a fundraising clothing drive on Sunday, March 19, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. rain or shine at the WP Boys & Girls Club parking lot, 8 Memorial Dr. Place your gently used/unwanted items in tightly tied bags.

Registration for Woodland Park Summer Camp is open as well as registration for field trips. Spaces are very limited and are filling fast. To register, click here.

The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following programs. Visit the Library's website here or Facebook page here. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.

Saturday, March 18, 12:30 p.m. - Spring into STEAM for grades 3-8. This month, explore flower power and learn about the parts of some beautiful blossoms. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies. This program for babies age 1 to 23 months includes stories, rhymes, songs, and free play. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go weight loss support group. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 11 a.m. - Chair Yoga. Come and find inner peace through chair yoga and meditation. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.

Monday, March 20, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons club for teens in grades 6-12. New and experienced players are welcome anytime. Register here.

Tuesday, March 21, 1 p.m. - Crafternoon. Let your creative juices flow and make a beautiful craft to take home. Register here.

Tuesday, March 21, 7 p.m. - Lego Challenge for adults - to be held at Bask Bar & Grill, 283 Browertown Rd. Ready for a challenge? We'll bring the bricks...you come ready to create. Must be 21 or older. There will be prizes and giveaways. Registration is required. Register here.

Tuesday, March 21, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.

Tuesday, March 21, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.

Tuesday, March 21, 4:30 p.m. - Reading Rebels for grades 3-5. The book will be provided at this monthly reading program. Register here.

Wednesday, March 22, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join Miss Sara for stories, rhymes, songs, a craft, and more. Register here.

Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.

Wednesday, March 22, 7 p.m. - Meet and greet for "OverBOOKED" - a new book discussion for Gen X and Millennials. The group will be reading "The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner. Copies will be available at the Library for checkout. Copies are also available in eBook or digital download format on Libby or Hoopla. Register here.

Thursday, March 23, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.

Thursday, March 23, 12 p.m. Sit & Fit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of a chair. Register here.

Thursday, March 23, 3 to 4 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will assist with test review and homework. Register here.

Thursday, March 23, 4 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers. AP students will students with test review and homework. Register here.

Thursday, March 23, 4:30 p.m. - Afternoon movie for ages. Join in for a viewing of "A Strange World." Snacks and drinks will be available. Register here.

Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m. - New Jersey Makers Day for all ages. Lego challenges, create with clay, make a giant mural, see how buttons are made, and more! Stay for the whole time or just drop in, but registration is required. Register here.

Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama Story Time. Register here.

Wednesday, March 29, 4 p.m. - Picture Bingo for grades K-4. Prizes will be available. Register here.

Thursday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club will meet to discuss findings of this month's spice. Stop by to pick up a spice packet, recipe and history of the spice. Register here.

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Email: mpillari@wpschools.org
Website: www.wpschools.org
Location: 853 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Phone: 973-317-7711