CDW Weekly Wrap-Up

Fall Frenzy Week: October 28th to November 1st

Monday: Fall Sports Jersey Day -- Wear your favorite fall sport team’s jersey!

Tuesday: Pajama Pants Day -- Cool autumn days mean it’s time for flannel pajama pants! Feel free to wear cozy slippers, too!

Wednesday: “On Wednesdays, We Wear PINK” to Support Breast Cancer Research-- Wear PINK as CDW supports breast cancer awareness and research! The student council will sell pink rubber bracelets for $2.00 each to support breast cancer research. All money raised will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Sales will occur during the lunch periods on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Thursday: Halloween Costume Contest Day -- Nothing too scary or inappropriate for school! Prizes for winners in each grade

Friday: Anything But a Backpack Day -- Something new at CDW. Carry your stuff in ANYTHING* but a backpack! Some ideas include pillowcases, boxes, crates, laundry baskets, picnic baskets, coolers, etc! *Please, no wagons, carts, strollers, etc.

On Friday, November 1st, the PTO will be having a Wendy's Special Lunch. You can purchase the lunch on the PTO Website now through October 30, 2024.

The meal options are:

• 6 Piece Chicken Nuggets and Small Fry
• Dave's Single Cheeseburger and Small Fry
• Dave's Single Hamburger and Small Fry

Visit www.wendys.com/nutrition-allergens for more information about food allergens.

On Thursday, October 17th, Ms. Santa visited the Grade 5 LA classes to introduce the #WinAtSocial program and complete the lesson about "Striking a Balance." The interactive lesson introduced balancing time on tech to reach personal goals while limiting distractions when needing to focus.

These supplementary resources provide insight into social media, technology, and student experiences, offering family discussion prompts and informative resources that you can incorporate into family conversations as much or as little as you like.

How Your Family Can Participate:

• Register your free account for the Parent Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 2729247E3AF3EA

As explained via email on Wednesday, Grade 5 parents/guardians are offered a conference time, but it is not mandatory. If you'd like a conference with your child(ren)'s teachers, please use THIS LINK to choose a time for November 4th, November 5th, or November 12th.

Grades 6-8 conferences will be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

This year's Halloween Festival will take place on October 26th from 1pm to 4pm at Oakes Park. Volunteers are needed to help set up, work at the event, and clean up at the end of the day. We are also looking for baked goods.

Please use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0949A8A82FAB9-52466429-2024#/

In Mr. Ferrara’s class this past week, the 8th graders reviewed for their test on the Reconstruction Period in a fun way. The name of the game is called “Touchdown Trivia," which combines a mix of trivia, football, and teamwork.

Several CDW 7th and 8th grade band students auditioned for the Bergen County Middle School Honors Band. The following students were accepted: Yunji Noh, Yuna Lee, Emma Park, Janette Park, and Max Maio. Congratulations to everyone for representing CDW so well.

The PTO will be co-hosting a Haunted Mansion with the Eagles Football organization on Saturday, October 26th from 6:30 PM-10:30 PM. Please see the information below for more information.

This is a PTO-sponsored and PTO-chaperoned event.

6th Grade Lesson

On Tuesday, October 15th, Ms. Adamo taught a character education lesson to the sixth grade. This month’s lesson was a review of Teasing, Conflict, and Bullying.

• Teasing: Involves a playful back and forth between best friends and/or family, friendly tone of voice and laughter (together), does not lead to verbal or physical confrontations because you are not commenting on something personal about the other person, like how they look, act, etc.

• Conflict: A misunderstanding or a disagreement between 2 or more people. People’s feelings will get hurt, but the “problem” often happens by accident and does not repeat. Conflict is normal and everyone will experience conflict at some point.

• Bullying: Intentional, unwanted and aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, towards a person who is perceived to be weaker or a target. Standing up for yourself is okay but not if you say something equally offensive back. This leads to further conflict and doesn’t stop the bullying.

Students provided examples to help remind everyone of the differences between each. Through this discussion, students were also reminded just how quickly teasing can escalate into conflict. When each class was asked, “How are students mean to one another?” Every class said, “Saying racist things.” Therefore, we spent a good portion of the lesson discussing how it is never okay to comment/make fun of someone’s race, ethnicity, religion, body, abilities, or how they speak. We also spent time discussing how if someone says something to you and it upsets you, you are allowed to defend yourself by telling the person to stop. If you retaliate or “get revenge” by saying something equally offensive back, then the comments would fall under conflict and/or you could both get in trouble for a “code of conduct” violation.

Please reiterate these lessons at home with your child(ren).

8th Grade Information

This was the presentation from the NVOT 8th Grade Open House that was held on Wednesday, October 16th: NVOT 8th Grade Open House

If your child is applying to a different high school, please make sure he/she is following the procedural guidelines outlined on Ms. Adamo’s Google Classroom. If you or your child have additional questions, please contact Ms. Adamo at adamoj@nvnet.org or 201-664-1465 ext. 2203.

Ms. Adamo will also be posting information regarding NVOT on her Google Classroom. This way, students and families can locate the information easily.

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.

The soccer team fell short by only one goal on Tuesday, October 15th against Haworth at home.

The boys volleyball team defeated Northvale at home on Wednesday, October 16th to improve their record to 5-1 on the season. Shout out to Jacob, Tyler, Faith, Aaron, Daniel, Declan, Max, Ayein, and Aren on their great efforts to secure the victory.

On Tuesday the girls volleyball team beat Haworth in dominant fashion, winning all 3 sets by scores of 25-10, 25-16 and 25-22. Wednesday and Thursday the team lost two very close games against 2nd seed Northvale and 1st seed Closter. Although ending in a loss, in both games the team showed heart, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. The girls look to get back on track with 3 games next week to finish off the regular season. Wednesday will be the “8th Grade Day” to celebrate the 8th grade girls on the team at the final home regular season game.

HERE is the Northern Valley Co-Ed Soccer and Volleyball Schedules and Game Locations on the CDW Website.

Home Co-Ed Soccer games are played on the CDW Field.

Home Boys and Girls Volleyball games are played in the Rossi Gym at CDW.

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) may ONLY be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse (APN), or physician assistant (PA) who has completed the Student-Athlete Cardiac Assessment professional development module. You must verify that your medical provider has completed this module before scheduling an appointment for a PPE. The licensed physician, APN, or PA who performs the physical examination must complete the remaining two pages of the PPE and insert the examination date on the PPE on page 3 and Clearance Form on page 4.

• A Health History Update Questionnaire is required if a physical examination was completed more than 90 days before the first day of tryouts/practice. The documents must be completed and signed by the student's parent/guardian. The student and parent/guardian must read/review the Sudden Cardiac Pamphlet and Concussion Policy Acknowledgement Form.
• If applicable, the Athlete with Special Needs Supplemental History Form is on page two of the PPE. The date of the required physical examination is at the top of the page.
• Forms will NOT be accepted with blanks so please have the medical provider fill out the form completely.
• The licensed physician, APN, or PA must also sign the certification statement on the PPE form attesting to the completion of the professional development module. Each board of education and charter school or nonpublic school governing authority must retain the original signed certification on the PPE form to attest to the qualification of the licensed physician, APN, or PA to perform the PPE.
• If a student's participation is NOT approved, the school district will provide a written notification to the parent/guardian, signed by the school physician of the disapproval reason(s).

Please click here to access all documents and forms that need to be reviewed and/or completed and submitted.

If you weren't able to make it to the fair, or couldn't find the book you wanted, please shop the online book fair now until Oct 21st using this link Online Book Fair. It includes books for Pre-K through 8th grade, and 25% of sales go to the Old Tappan PTO.

Save the Date for the OT PTO Fundraiser. Please see the information below!

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.

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, October 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the BOE Conference Room

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center

Thursday, January 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the BOE Conference Room

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center

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

On Monday, October 21st, CDW will be hosting John Halligan for Grade 7 and Grade 8 Student Assemblies during the school day and a Parent-Only Assembly at 7:00 PM in the CDW Lynch Gym. For the Parent Assembly, RSVP HERE.

"Ryan's Story" is an impactful and emotional presentation that sheds light on the devastating effects of bullying and cyberbullying. The presentation is based on the personal experience of John Halligan, who tragically lost his son Ryan to suicide as a result of relentless bullying. Through sharing his family's heartbreaking journey, Halligan aims to raise awareness, promote empathy, and empower parents to take action in preventing bullying.

During the presentation, John Halligan will discuss the warning signs of bullying, the role of technology in cyberbullying, and the importance of fostering open communication with children. He will also provide valuable insights into how parents can support their children, create a safe environment, and effectively address bullying incidents.

For more information, visit www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org.

Your child(ren) will receive the flyer below on Monday, and it must be returned to his/her homeroom teacher by Friday, October 25th.

Grades 5-7 Parents/Guardians, they need your help! Please use the Sign-Up Genius links below if you can volunteer your time or donate items to make the event a success!

Chaperones: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B45ABAE23A4FB6-51931589-frightnight

Desserts, supplies, etc.: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B45ABAE23A4FB6-51931585-frightnight

As in the past, the students and staff members are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to school. We will recognize Halloween at CDW on Thursday, October 31st. Although teachers may engage students in Halloween-themed lessons/activities, we will follow a regular schedule.

When your child(ren) is choosing a Halloween costume, please remember:

• The costume must allow the student to see to ensure safety.

• If the costume has an accompanying weapon (knife, sword, gun, bow/arrow, etc.), your child may not be permitted to bring it to school.

• Your child will wear the costume for the length of the school day so it should be something that allows him/her to walk and sit comfortably.

• Costumes should comply with our dress code (Student Handbook).

• Students do not have to wear a costume. Some students might opt to wear black and orange.

Grade 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences: As explained via email on Wednesday, Grade 5 parents/guardians are offered a conference time, but it is not mandatory. If you'd like a conference with your child(ren)'s teachers, please use THIS LINK to choose a time for November 4th, November 5th, or November 12th.

Grades 6-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences are scheduled on an as-needed basis. If your child(ren)'s teacher(s) requested a conference with you, it will be held Monday, November 4th (day and night) or Tuesday, November 5th (day only). Letters will be provided to those parents/guardians soon with a specific time for your conference in the Genesis Parent Portal under the Documents Module.

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.

Homework Club began on Wednesday, October 2nd. Please see the flyer below to sign up!

On Thursday, January 23, 2025 (Snow date: Monday, January 27, 2025) from 3:30-4:30 PM, Charles DeWolf Middle School will be offering all sixth through eighth grade students the opportunity to take part in the AMC 8 Math Competition. All interested middle-school students are welcome to join us on that date, as long as you pre-register using the form below.

Additional information about both the AMC 8 Test and The AMC Advantage can be found on their website, and please use this form to sign your child up for the competition.

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.

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.

October

Monday, October 21st~ Ryan's Story Assembly (Grades 7 & 8) in school;

Parent Presentation at 7:00 PM at CDW

Wednesday, October 30th~ Picture Retake Day!

Thursday, October 31st~ Halloween

November

Monday, November 4th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, November 5th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, November 6th~ The CDW Marking Period 1 Ends.

Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8th~ No School for NJEA Convention

Monday, November 11th~ The BOE Meeting is at 8:00 PM in the Board of Education Conference Room.

Wednesday, November 13th~ Marking Period 1 Report Cards released at 12:00 PM.

Tuesday, November 19th~ The PTO Meeting is in the CDW Media Center at 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, November 27th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th~ School is closed.

2024-2025 Approved School Year Calendar

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