
CDW Weekly Wrap-Up
April 4, 2025
Information from Principal Santa
The CDW Musical is THIS WEEKEND!
BOX OFFICE: The box office is only open until 6:30 PM today! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Here is a link to the box office to purchase tickets: cdms.booktix.com, or you may use the QR Code below.
CDW Musical "Break-A-Leg" Gram!
At each performance this weekend, you will have the opportunity to send a "Break-A-Leg" Gram to a cast/crew member(s). Please see the information below.
Today's CDW School Preview
NEW INFORMATION
Marking Period 3 Ends: April 9th
- Marking Period 3 closes on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
- Reports cards will be available via the Genesis Parent Portal on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
- Here is the link to the Genesis Parent Portal.
Student Council Spirit USA Day: April 11th
On Friday, April 11th, the Student Council is hosting USA Day! Students are encouraged to wear his/her best patriotic attire of red, white, and blue!
March Mammal Madness
Over the past month, students in 6th and 7th grade have been competing in March Mammal Madness, a bracket of 65 organisms facing off in simulated interactions. Students filled out brackets, predicting which organism would come out on top. The results are in! Polar Bear is the 2025 MMM winner, but who won their brackets?
For the 6th grade, coming in 3rd place is with 102 points is… Aidan Lee! In 2nd place with 104 points is … Antoinette Lutot! And the winner of 6th grade March Mammal Madness, with 109 points is… Aiden Duan! Congrats to all students!
The Madness continues, as we will now list the top 3 winners for 7th grade. In 3rd place, with 103 points is… Liam Rampersad! And unbelievably, we have a tie for first place, as they both chose the same tiebreaker. The two co-winners of March Mammal Madness are… Ella Mor and Lydia Kim! Congrats again, to everyone. If you’re learning, you’re winning.
Grade 5 Literary March Madness
Here is the fantasy & adventure versus realistic versus historical Literary March Madness bracket that the Grade 5 students are completing.
School Library Month
To order the James Murray book, go to OTPTO.org, click on "For Sale" and find, "James Murray Book."
Grade 5 LA
Physical Education at CDW
Mr. Ghotok is currently leading the CDW students through the basketball unit. The students below warmed up in the AM playing the game, "Hot Spot," in which they compete by shooting from different spots on the court to earn points for their team. In the afternoon, the students are participating on a team in tournament play.
Old Tappan's Great American Sports Swap
There will be a collection box in the lobby of CDW for people to drop off used, but functional, sports equipment. On Opening Day, April 26th, the equipment will be laid out at Stone Point Park for children to look at, try on, and try out. Whatever suits the children best may be taken off the field and taken home to keep.
NVOT Spring Softball Camp
NVOT will be hosting a softball camp from April 15th to April 17th from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM for all players in Grades 3-8. Please see the attachment for more information.
NVOT Boys Golf Camp 2025
Old Tappan Youth Council Tutoring
Olivia Di Santi, CDW Class of 2022 student, is running a tutoring program at no cost to middle schoolers in Grades 5-8 at the Old Tappan Library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15 PM-3:45 PM or 3:45 PM-4:15 PM starting April 20th. If you are interested, please see the flyer below.
March District Newsletter
Here is the March edition of our District Newsletter that highlights some of our events over the past month that Dr. Da Giau sent out on Monday.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Grade 7 National Junior Honor Society Interest Meeting
Is your child(ren) a 7th grader and interested in the process for applying to the National Junior Honor Society? There will be an interest meeting with Ms. Egan on Thursday, April 10th at 8:00 AM in the CDW Media Center. If your child cannot attend the meeting, but is interested, he/she can see Ms. Egan for the information.
Please use this link for specific information about the NJHS membership requirements and process.
2025 CDW Yearbook
The 2025 Yearbook is on its way to being published. The CDW Yearbook includes Grades 5-8, in addition to highlighting our CDW Class of 2025. Please complete the form that was sent home with your child(ren), and provide payment of $60.00 (checks made out to "Charles DeWolf Middle School") to secure your CDW Yearbook. All forms and payment must be given to your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, April 11th.
*A yearbook will be reserved for each Grade 8 student; however, yearbooks will be first come, first served for students in Grades 5-7.
Art & Essay Contest
Peace Islands Institute has released the theme for the 15th Annual Art and Essay Contest! The theme is "Acts of Kindness." You can visit artandessay.org for more information. The deadline for submissions is May 15th! Below are the details for those interested.
Keep Our Planet Green Artwork Contest
Full details of the contest and submission requirements can be found in the flyer below. All submissions are due Friday, May 2nd. Please see Ms. Watters for more information.
Wired Headphones Needed
As we prepare for the NJSLA Testing, please make sure that your child(ren) has wired earbuds or headphones to use for the assessment. Please see the dates below:
NJSLA- Science: Grades 5 & 8--> April 29th to May 2nd
NJSLA-ELA and Math: Grades 5 through 8--> May 8th through 14th
If your child(ren) is absent on a testing day, he/she will make up the test before the end of the month.
Badges Vs. Backpacks Volleyball Tournament: April 10th
On Thursday, April 10th, the OT Police Department will be hosting a Badges vs. Backpacks volleyball tournament to collect goods for the local food pantry. Please register HERE and see more information on the flyer below!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
8th Grade Information:
If your child(ren) will NOT be attending NVOT in the fall, please fill out this form, and return it to me by May 9, 2025.
Lastly, please ask your child(ren) to notify me if they receive an acceptance letter and/or an interview for any school they’ve applied to.
7th Grade Information:
If you or your child is considering applying to a private or Catholic school for ninth grade and would like to learn more about the application process, please contact Ms. Adamo to schedule a meeting.
All Grades:
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.
SPORTS
Baseball
Any questions, please contact Coach Brancatelli at brancatellip@nvnet.org.
Softball
Check the Softball Google Classroom for any updates or contact Mr. Gianetti at gianettij@nvnet.org.
Spring Sports Schedules
Click HERE for the Northern Valley schedules and game locations on the CDW Website.
All games begin at 3:45 PM.
Home baseball and softball games are at Stone Point Park.
Track meet dates and locations have also been added to the website.
Intramurals: Basketball
Mr. Ferrara will continue to run Intramurals on Fridays at 3:00 PM. The next sport is basketball! If your child(ren) is interested, he/she can see Mr. Ferrara in Room 208 with any questions. If your child(ren) plans to do intramurals at all throughout the year, please make sure that his/her paperwork has been handed in to Mrs. McCarthy, the school nurse.
Please see the information above for the necessary paperwork.
PTO Updates and Reminders
CDW International Food Festival
Please join the PTO in introducing delicious foods and treats from around the world to CDW students and staff!
- Please use this Link to sign up as an individual or group, and please include the country/region in the comment section.
- Food samples will need to be provided for 400 students. You may also bring decor and other display items unique to the culture.
- The PTO will reimburse up to $300 per table for expenses (with receipts).
Class of 2025: Car Wash and Clothing Drive
On Sunday, May 4th, the CDW Class of 2025 will be hosting another Car Wash and Clothing Drive. Please stop by CDW between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to support the Grade 8 class.
Upcoming Special Lunches
The CDW Class of 2025 will be fundraising for End-of-Year events with PTO Special Lunches on the following dates:
April 25th: Don Chicken
May 16th: Wendy's
June 16th: Chick-fil-A
More information will be provided for each lunch as the date approaches. All lunches can be purchased at OTPTO.org.
KPO Discount Cards
Buy your K-Shop Discount Card via the PTO Website. See flyer below for a list of participating vendors.
CDW Class of 2025 Discount Card and Dicks Sporting Goods Coupon Book
If you would like to purchase a 2024-2025 Discount Card and Dicks Sporting Goods Coupon Book, visit the OT PTO website.
The discount card is $20.
The Dicks Sporting Goods Coupon Book is $15.
Sign Up to Serve Pizza
Below is a link to sign up to serve pizza during your child's lunch period. This link is not to order pizza, just to serve it to the students.
PTO Meetings and Membership
The schools truly value the partnership we have with the Old Tappan PTO! Please join the PTO and support their organization. Visit OTPTO.org, click "For Sale," and then "Membership."
The PTO Meetings for the 2024-2025 school year are listed below. Babysitting is offered at the night meetings.
Thursday, April 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the BOE Conference Room
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center
ADDITIONAL ONGOING REMINDERS
Cell Phone Reminders
Students are reminded that cell phone or smartwatch usage is not permitted during the school day (8:25 AM-2:56 PM). Consequences will continue to be enforced.
What can you do as a parent to ensure that your child(ren) is using his/her phone appropriately?
- Check your child's phone daily.
- Enforce rules/expectations at home about phone usage.
- Use parental controls and monitor apps to guide safe usage.
- Set up family-sharing features to manage downloads and permissions.
- Encourage responsible online behavior.
Google Classroom
If you or your child(ren) needs a refresher on how to use Google Classroom, he/she can access a variety of videos on Dr. Sullivan's Google Classroom under, "Tools for Organizing Assignments."
Here is a video on How to Use Google Classroom for you to review.
Chromebook Insurance
Have you purchased Chromebook Insurance for your child(ren)'s school-issued device yet?
We highly suggest that you purchase insurance! We have already had to submit many claims! Please refer to the information below, or you may purchase directly from smartechins.com/oldtappan.
HW Club
Homework Club began on Wednesday, October 2nd. Please see the flyer below to sign up!
Absences
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.
Lunch at CDW
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 his/her 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 ~ 11:27 AM-12:01 PM
7th/8th Grade Lunch ~ 12:10 PM-12:44 PM
You can find the Lunch Vendors on the Old Tappan School District Website.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
Linked below, please find the 2025-2026 school year calendar for the PK-8 Old Tappan Public Schools. For your convenience, this calendar will also be posted on our District website.
April
Saturday, April 5th~ CDW Musical, Guys and Dolls, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Monday, April 7th~ BOE Meeting at 7:30 PM in the BOE Conference Room
Tuesday, April 8th~ Tommy Greenwald Author Visit for Grades 5-8
Wednesday, April 9th~ Marking Period 3 ends
Thursday, April 10th~ Badges versus Backpack Volleyball Tournament, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 11th~ Student Council USA Day (wear red, white, and blue)
Monday, April 14th-Friday, April 18th~ Spring Break: School is closed for Staff and Students.
Tuesday, April 22nd~ Marking Period 3 Report Cards available on the Genesis Parent Portal at 12:00 PM
Monday, April 28th~ BOE Meeting at 7:30 PM in the BOE Conference Room
Tuesday, April 29th~ NJSLA Science for Grades 5 & 8
Wednesday, April 30th~ NJSLA Science for Grades 5 & 8
May
Thursday, May 1st~ NJSLA Science for Grades 5 & 8
Friday, May 2nd~ NJSLA Science for Grades 5 & 8
Saturday, May 3rd~ The TBD Play is at CDW in the Lynch Gym.
Sunday, May 4th~ Grade 8 Car Wash at CDW
Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 9th~ Teacher Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 8th through Wednesday, May 14th~ NJSLA-ELA and NJSLA-Math for Grades 5-8
Sunday, May 11th~ Mother's Day
Monday, May 12th~ Student Council Baseball Day
Monday, May 12th~ The BOE Meeting is at 7:30 PM in the CDW Lynch Gym.
Tuesday, May 13th~ Student Council Bright Color Day
Wednesday, May 14th~ Student Council Career Day
Wednesday, May 14th~ 5th and 6th Grade Bands Spring Concert at 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 15th~ Student Council School Trivia Day
Thursday, May 15th~ The PTO International Food Festival
Thursday, May 15th~ 7th and 8th Grade Bands and Choir Spring Concert at 7:30 PM
Friday, May 16th~ Student Council Tropical Day
Friday, May 16th~ Marking Period 4 Mid-Point
Tuesday, May 20th~ Grade 7 NJHS Induction Ceremony
Wednesday, May 21st~ Grade 4 to Grade 5 Transition Meeting in the Lynch Gym at 7:00 PM
Friday, May 23rd~ Grade 8 Band Trip
Monday, May 26th~ School is closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Tuesday, May 27th~ PTO Meeting in CDW Media Center at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, May 28th-Friday, May 30th~ Grade 8 Trip
Wednesday, May 28th~ Grade 5 to Grade 6 Transition Meeting in the CDW Media Center at 7:00 PM
Save the Dates
CDW Musical, Guys and Dolls: April 4th at 7:00 PM and April 5th at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Spring Break: April 14th - April 18th
NJSLA-Science (Grades 5 & 8): April 29th - May 2nd
NJSLA-ELA and NJSLA-Math (Grades 5-8): May 8th - May 14th
CDW Spring Concerts: May 14th and May 15th at 7:30 PM
NJHS Induction Ceremony: May 20th at 7:00 PM
Grade 8 Band Trip: May 23rd
Grade 8 Class Trip: May 28th to May 30th
Grade 8 NVOT Picnic: June 2nd at 4:00 PM
Grade 5 Trip: June 9th/June 10th (Each student attends one of the two days.)
Knights' Fest: June 10th
Grade 6 Field Trip: June 11th
Grade 8 Graduation: June 17th at 5:30 PM
Grade 8 Graduation Dance: June 18th at 6:00 PM
Last Day of School: June 24th (as of March 21, 2025; if no other snow days are used, the last day of school will be Friday, June 20th)
2024-2025 School Calendar
Charles DeWolf Middle School
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