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

Throughout the month of March, Beatrice Gilmore School students used their detective skills to determine the identity of five "Masked Readers." They watched videos, read clues, and voted on who they thought each reader was. On Wednesday, the identity of each reader was revealed in our first-ever BG Masked Reader assembly. The readers were Ms. Mohammed, Ms. Soto, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Gutierrez.

On Wednesday, at Beatrice Gilmore School's Masked Reader assembly, the 10 winners of the school's bookmark contest were announced. Students created bookmarks representing Woodland Park, reading, and Buddy the Bear. The winners were third graders Arianna R. and Aliya I., fourth graders Catalina R. and Paige G., and fifth graders Mirza Y. and Yusra G. In addition, Emily K and David M. were selected for "Best WP" and Arya D. and Natalie R. were selected for "Best Buddy the Bear" designs.

The fifth grade beginner band at Beatrice Gilmore School showed off their progress at a performance last Friday morning for family and friends. Under the direction of music director Mr. Schaefer, these students have progressed from basic notes to performing full songs in just a few short months.

Mrs. Donato’s science classes at Memorial Middle School recently grew crystals. This lab consisted of a beaker, Borax, boiling water, food dye, a pipe cleaner, string, and a popsicle stick. They created different and unique designs with the pipe cleaners and then inserted them into the individual beakers with the Borax, water, and food dye solution. After 24 hours, they removed the beautiful designs from the solution. What causes this to happen? As the mixture cools, the water molecules, slow down and move closer together again. As a result, there is less space in the solution for the dissolved borax. This process, called precipitation, makes the formation of crystals. This is a very easy lab to prepare at home and make your own beautiful designs.

Ms. Altomare's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School had a few Mystery Readers appear in class recently. Students learned about Bansky (a graffiti artist) and created their own graffiti. Another story they heard was about how each of us is beautiful in our own way. Students decorated and wrote what makes them beautiful on a heart. A wonderful winter story was read as well with snowflakes created by the students.

Students in Mrs. Tobia and Ms. A's PreK-4 class at School 1 are so excited to learn about insects. Last week, they learned that insects have two antennas. Insects use antennas to communicate with other insects. They also learned about the three body parts of the insect: head, thorax, and abdomen. Proud to BEE WP.

The Yearbook Committee at Memorial Middle School has been very busy this year working on the 2024-2025 yearbook, under the direction of yearbook advisor Mr. Krakower. The students are currently working to finalize the yearbook, which will be going out to print shortly.

The Alfred Baumann Library celebrated NJ Makers Day last Saturday with a fun-filled event for children to explore, create, and innovate through hands-on activities such as coding, crafts, LEGO building, and more.

Save the date for the Woodland Park Preschool Program and HSA's Literacy Night event on April 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Charles Olbon School for PreK and kindergarten students. Join in for a fun-filled interactive night with stations for your child and family to explore on the foundation of reading! To register for the event, click here.

Eighth grade parents, the Memorial Middle School Eighth Grade Committee is running a graduation lawn sign this spring. Two sign sizes are available. Shop the sale here.

The Eighth Grade Dance committee is running a Pampered Chef fundraiser. Get some great gifts for Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, showers, and graduations. All orders are shipped direct to each customer. Anyone interested can shop the sale here.

Stop by Waffles & Dreams in Fairfield on Monday, March 31 and a portion of sales will be given back to the Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association.

Dine out at Chipotle, 70 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne, on Saturday, April 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. and 25% of event sales will be donated back to the Memorial Middle School House System. Order online for pick up using code D9A6696 or show the flyer at the restaurant so the school will receive credit.

Spring cleaning? The Memorial Middle School Home & School Association is holding a clothing, shoe, and household items collection on Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Spring into fun with Woodland Park Recreation! Last call for registration for spring 2025 recreation programs. There is something for everyone. Registration and more information can be found here.

The Alfred Baumann Library, 44 Rifle Camp Rd., 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. Register for events here.