As September moves quickly and school work starts increasing, it's a great time to start reviewing organization and study skills with your child(ren). According to greatschools.org, "Kids have a better chance of succeeding in college if they master organization and study skills now."

Tips to help your child get organized:

• Provide a place to study.
• Develop a system to keep track of important papers.
• Use a planner to keep track of assignments.
• Estimate how long each assignment will take.
• Break big projects into smaller ones.
• Communicate with teachers.

Tips to help your child study for tests:

• Rereading is not learning- students need to apply the concept.
• Help your child find the times that he/she is most productive.
• Use mnemonic devices.
• Use time wisely.
• Reflect on what works.
• Help your child destress.

September

Monday, September 26th~ School Closed for Rosh Hashanah

October

Monday, October 3rd~ BOE Meeting in the BOE Conference Room, 8:00 PM

Wednesday, October 5th~ School Closed for Yom Kippur

Friday, October 7th~ Marking Period 1 Mid-Point

Monday, October 10th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Staff Professional Development

Friday, October 14th~ Marking Period 1 Interim Reports released at 12:00 PM

Tuesday, October 18th~ School Picture Day

Monday, October 24th~ BOE Meeting in the BOE Conference Room, 8:00 PM

Monday, October 31st~ Halloween

The State of New Jersey now requires all students born after January 1, 1997 and entering 6th Grade to receive a booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT) vaccine as well as one dose of meningococcal vaccine.

If your child has received these shots, please provide Mrs. McCarthy, the school nurse, with a copy of the dates from the doctor if you haven’t already done so. If your child has not had these shots, please make arrangements with your doctor and let Mrs. McCarthy know that there is an upcoming, scheduled appointment. This is a state requirement for all students entering 6th Grade, and the state only allows for a 30 day grace period; therefore, students will not be allowed in the building after October 1st unless this paperwork is submitted, or you have spoken to Mrs. McCarthy about an upcoming appointment.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. McCarthy at 201-664-1475 ext. 2103 or McCarthy@nvnet.org.

Mrs. Hwang will be hosting the first “Open Lab” Wednesday, September 28th during both lunch periods in room 402. Students can choose from a variety of enrichment activities, competitions, games, and puzzles. Choices will change monthly based on student interest and participation.

The CDW Class of 2023 is selling Harvest Kits that will be delivered right to your door! Order directly with this LINK. When ordering, be sure to choose "OLD TAPPAN 8TH GRADE FUNDRAISER."

When you deliver the items to the main office, please label them with "Art Room." Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!

Choir Spirit Wear

If you would like to purchase Choir Spirit Wear, please use the following links by September 23rd.

https://www.imagemarket.com/e553haba (Tops)

https://www.imagemarket.com/g75cfd45 (Bottoms)

Band Spirit Wear

If you would like to purchase CDW Band Spirit Wear, please use the following link by October 21st.

https://www.imagemarket.com/acf80960

*All other CDW Spirit Wear will be sold by the PTO. Stay tuned for more information!

Students in Mr. Johnson's 6th Grade Science class went outside to model the scale of the solar system. Students were divided into groups, assigned a planet, and then measured out the distance between the planets. They marked the location of each planet with a custom flag that they designed.

The students waited patiently as the new CDW playground was being built and then inspected, and finally on Wednesday of this week, the students were able to start enjoying the new CDW Playground! It's a great addition to our Recess program.

Reminders and Updates from CDW's Student Manager

Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),

Our soccer and volleyball season has started. CDW has a long history of fostering sportsmanship and a respectful environment during our sporting events, and I/we anticipate this year will be no different. I/We ask all who attend to assist us in keeping our players, coaches, and officials safe by respecting one another, especially the visiting team, and remember that we are always representing Charles DeWolf Middle School and the community values we are so proud of. I look forward to seeing you at our games!

Tino Lauriello

Reminder to all spectators:

• Respect the game officials

• No taunting or singling out players

• No rude or inappropriate behavior

• No disrespectful comments to anyone

• No spectators on the field (or court) of play

• Cheer in a positive fashion

Fall Sports Schedule

The soccer team beat Demarest on Wednesday, September 21st with a score of 2 - 1 in their first game of the season. The goals were scored by Chace Rosenfeld and Andreas Antonopolous. The defense was solid, led by goalie Luke Bedoya, Nathan Park, Samantha Forcellati, Carmine Porcelli and Kyle Gagliano. The team scored two goals in the second half for the win. Great team effort Knights! The next game is today at 4:00 PM at CDW vs. Norwood.

The volleyball team lost their first game to Demarest on Wednesday, September 21st. The Knights played a great game and fought hard. Alivia Badurina led the team with several aces. Ella Ferraro played solid offense at the front line. Ava Estevez, Layla Dyer, Bailey West, and Ava Richards all did excellent jobs communicating and made good sets and great plays. Finley Zimmerman communicated well during long rallies. The next game is today at CDW against Norwood 4:00 PM.

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.

All students applying to Bergen Academies/Tech, Private or Catholic schools must email Ms. Adamo by October 3; she will then provide you with important information to assist with the application process. Her email is adamoj@nvnet.org.

Ms. Adamo also has a Google Classroom to assist with all aspects of the transition process to high school. Every 8th grader has been invited to join her classroom. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the application process, please email Ms. Adamo at adamoj@nvnet.org.

As you know, safety is always a first priority for our students. Now that the school year is underway, it's a good time to be reminded of the guidance, which can be found in the CDW Student Handbook which states: "Parents are encouraged not to bring forgotten articles to the school. In the event that a student requires a forgotten essential (i.e. medication, eyeglasses, a dietary need etc.), the parent should contact/report to the main office to arrange to have the item(s) delivered to the student. The school will not disrupt the morning or afternoon session to deliver Chromebooks, chargers, or other non-essential items to students during the school day."

Although we want your child(ren) to be successful in school and to have what they need to succeed, we also want your child(ren) to learn independence. We will continually work with your child(ren) on organizational methods if necessary. Just reach out!

The CDW Picture Day will be on Tuesday, October 18th. The students will bring home a form in the beginning of October that will provide information about how to order pictures. All students will take an individual photo that day, whether a package is purchased or not. There will be retakes in November, and more information about that will be provided at another time.

*Grade 8 students: This will be the picture that is used for the 2023 Yearbook.

The PTO Grade 8 Committee will be hosting a Clothing Drive on Saturday, November 19th from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. See below for specific information.

Start cleaning out your closets now!

Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Charles DeWolf Middle School is open to any seventh grade student who meets all the following membership requirements at the end of the third marking period in 2023:

• Has a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.70 in academic (social studies, language arts, math, science and Spanish) subjects, with no grade below a B- in any subject (including cycle classes) for ALL marking periods of the 2022-2023 school year.

• Demonstrates outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
• Accumulates no more than six unexcused tardies. Tardies will only be considered excused if a doctor's note is submitted to the School Nurse.

• Accumulates no detentions related to behavior in violation of the CDW Code of Conduct.
• Performs eight hours of documented community service from a recognized nonprofit, community, or education organization from 9/1/2022-4/21/2023. Virtual service hours will no longer be accepted. Please note that there will be no extension of this date. Students should provide documentation on the organization’s letterhead when submitting their applications in April.

• Completes at least three marking periods of the 7th grade year at CDW (unless a student moves into district and has been inducted as a member in another district).

During the week of April 24, 2023, eligible students will be identified and invited to apply

for admission to the NJHS by email. An email will also be sent to parents of eligible

students. The induction ceremony will be held during the week of May 15, 2023 (subject to

change).

Students should either bring their lunch from home each day, or parents may order through one of the approved vendors for delivery to CDW. If you order lunch from an approved vendor for delivery, please make sure the vendor knows your child's first and last name and grade level. This will help to ensure your child receives their lunch on time. At times, we understand that a parent/guardian may need to drop off lunch at school. All lunches need to be placed on the table with the green tablecloth in the vestibule.

5th/6th Grade Lunch ~ 11:27AM-12:01 PM

7th/8th Grade Lunch ~ 12:10PM-12:44 PM

Drop-Off

• Drop-off is on Interschool Drive. As soon as you reach the cones, please have your child(ren) exit the vehicle.
• For the safety of all students, we ask that you stay in your vehicle at drop-off and dismissal.
• Please do not use the upper faculty parking lot for drop-off/pick-up/or exiting of school grounds during school hours. CDW faculty and BOE-approved bus companies are the only vehicles permitted in the upper lot.
• Please do not park in any staff parking spots when dropping off or picking up students.
• Please do not exit your vehicle and leave your vehicle unattended on Interschool Drive.
• There will be adult supervision starting at 8:10 AM, and the doors will open at 8:20 AM. If there is inclement weather, students will be ushered into the school gymnasiums at 8:00 AM.
• The students in Grades 5 & 6 will line up on the blacktop in the back of the school near the basketball courts.
• The students in Grades 7 & 8 will line up on the blacktop by the 7th and 8th Grade Wing Exterior Door.
• Once you pull up to the cones on Interschool Drive, please have your child(ren) exit the vehicle. This allows many students to be dropped off at the same time and allows the line to move quickly.
• Please do not park in any staff parking spots when dropping off or picking up students.
• Please do not block any parking spots along the front side of the building at Pick-Up.

Dismissal

• Please arrange a meeting area with your child(ren) so that you can locate them efficiently.
• Please do not park and/or exit your vehicle regardless of your child(ren) being at TBD or CDW.
• Please do not block designated emergency lanes that connect TBD and CDW.
• Please use both lanes on Interschool Drive for Pick-Up. A staff member will be available to cross your child(ren).

General Traffic Rules Regarding Parking

• Never park in a "No Parking, Fire Lane." These lanes are designated with yellow paint in diagonal lines on the pavement along with the words, "No Parking Fire Lane."
• Never park along a curb that is painted yellow and leave your vehicle unattended.
• Do not double park (park your vehicle beside another vehicle that is in a designated parking space).

Students should either bring their lunch from home each day, or parents can order through one of the approved vendors for delivery. You can find the Lunch Vendors on the Old Tappan School District Website, or refer to the flyer below.

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.

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