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

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and directors of the Memorial Middle School's 2025 production of "Shrek the Musical Jr.," on their four amazing sold-out shows last weekend. We are very proud of all of you! Special thanks to Director Mrs. Yesonosky, Assistant Director Mrs. Dorney, and Music Director Mr. Schaefer for their leadership and dedication, as well as all of the parent volunteers who helped make the production happen. Following the final show, the cast and crew celebrated with a fun party at the WP Boys & Girls Club.

Each of the third grade classes at Beatrice Gilmore School had a special visit from Passaic County Park Ranger Tim, who came to talk about the local wildlife in the area. The ranger shared interesting facts about the animals that lived nearby including deer, beavers, birds, and bears. Students learned about how these different animals use their adaptations to survive in their habitats and about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment. Everyone had a chance to ask questions and even got to see some cool animal artifacts. It was an exciting visit, and now our classes know a lot more about the animals that share our community!

Students in Beatrice Gilmore School wrapped up Read Across America week with "drop everything and read." They lined the hallways, all reading a book of their choice.

Students in Mrs. Herbert and Ms. Bonnie's PreK-3 class at School 1 dressed to represent their family's culture last Friday during our Read Across America week-long celebration. Students read stories that day where they learned about different cultures.

Students in Mrs. Herbert and Ms. Bonnie's PreK-3 class at School 1 recently made 3-D buildings.

Students in Mrs. Catalano and Ms. Riviera‘s homeroom class at Beatrice Gilmore School rocked their do's on crazy hair day last week, as part of the Read Across America District-wide celebration.

Mrs. DiBona's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School was so excited to welcome mystery reader, Mrs. McQuin. They all really enjoyed listening to the read-aloud and taking part in the fun bookmark activity with Braxton's mom.

For February's family engagement project for PreK families and to celebrate Valentine’s Day, each student was asked to bring in a photo of a special person. It could be someone that drops them off at school everyday, a cousin, best friend, grandparents, etc. The photos sent in were made into a collage for each classroom.

The Alfred Baumann Library held a sweet celebration last week honoring all its "Sweet Reads" participants for making the winter reading program such a success. The children's reading achievements were celebrated with stories, games, and of course — cupcake decorating. Guest readers included library board member and teacher Rosemary Ficarra, the Early Childhood Center’s Ms. DeAngelis, Library Director Linda Hoffman, and the Cat in the Hat!

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.

April is National Autism Acceptance Month. The Growing Minds class at Memorial Middle School is hosting its annual t-shirt fundraising sale. Orders must be placed by Sunday, March 16, and students can wear the shirt every Friday during April. There is free shipping for local staff and students. Select the "deliver to location" option at checkout. Orders can be placed here.

Ready for summer? Registration for Woodland Park Summer Camp will open up on Monday, March 17 at 9 a.m. Space is limited and is expected to fill quickly. Find out more or register here. Please email summercamp@wpnj.us with any questions. Registration questions will not be answered on social media. The detailed camp calendar will be posted shortly online on the camp and town social media pages.

The Passaic Valley Regional High School Marching Band will be hosting an open house for all seventh and eighth grade students from Little Falls, Woodland Park and Totowa on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. The marching band is open to these middle school students to join as an extra-curricular activity. Music Director Mr. Schaefer encourages all those who may be interested to attend as the activity is not only a lot of fun but enriching to the student's musical experience. We currently have 11 Memorial Middle School seventh and eighth graders that are members of the marching band.

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.