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

The Woodland Park School District began the new school year for students on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience to ensure a smooth opening! Thank you to all students, parents, and staff for helping to make the first days of school safe and enjoyable. We wish everyone a wonderful year!

All School District staff members took part in two professional development days earlier this week. The event, "Steppin’ into the New School Year," featured unit planning, curriculum and technology training, departmental meetings, classroom set-up, and more.

Be on the lookout for our WP mascots - Paws, the PreK puppy; Chip, the Charles Olbon chipmunk; Beatrice Gilmore's Buddy the Bear; and the Memorial Middle School mustang.

Over the summer, we began the development of our Growing Minds Life Skills Apartment and prevocational room at Memorial Middle School. This is a dynamic new space designed to empower our students with essential daily living skills in a realistic and supportive environment. The apartment provides a safe setting where our learners can practice cooking, cleaning, self-care, office skills, and more. By integrating these life skills into their routine, we’re helping them build confidence and independence, setting the foundation for a brighter future.

Please join us in welcoming Elis Francisco as the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education. She will be based out of our Early Childhood Center.

Ms. Francisco has been working in the field of early childhood since 2005 serving in many different capacities: preschool assistant, preschool age 3 and 4 teacher, instructional preschool coach, and preschool intervention and referral specialist. She also has a background teaching in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and fifth grade. Ms. Francisco earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education and Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood from Rider University in 2009 where she received her Standards in Elementary and Early Childhood Teaching. After teaching for over a decade, she obtained her Masters in Educational Administration at Rowan University in 2023 and earned her Supervisor and Principal certifications.

Please join us in welcoming Alrick Douglas as Dean of Students at Memorial Middle School.

Mr. Douglas holds a Director of School Counseling Certification and License from William Paterson University, after earning his Master's degree in Counselor Education from Kean University. He is also the author of two books, The Involved Parent and Daily Empowerment, that provide tools and tips for building stronger relationships and navigating life challenges.

In his previous positions as an elementary and, most recently, a high school counselor, he witnessed the remarkable transformation students undergo in a learning environment that emphasizes clear boundaries and strongly supports their creativity and individuality. Working as an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by children and families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While the role of Dean of Students emphasizes discipline, his extensive training in restorative practices and the nurtured heart approach will enable him to involve our students in a learning journey that informs, uplifts, and empowers them to excel as responsible citizens.

Memorial Middle School Home & School Association is running its fall spirit wear sale. In addition to a variety of regular spirit wear items, there is a special Class of 2025 t-shirt for our eighth grade class. The sale runs to Oct. 4. If you order by Sept. 14 the order will be in to pick up at back-to-school night on Sept. 25. Visit the shop here.

The Woodland Park PreK Home & School Association is running a PreK spirit wear sale now. Orders will be delivered to the school approximately on Sept 30. Shop the sale here.

Cleaning out your closets? The Beatrice Gilmore School Home & School Association is holding a fundraising clothing, shoes, and household items collection on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the BG parking lot. Place your gently used/unwanted items in tightly tied bags. Not accepted: furniture, books, pillows and curtains, and any merchandise that has holes, rips, stains, mold, or has an odor. Any questions, email bghsa1075@gmail.com.

The Alfred Baumann Library's annual End of Summer Celebration will be on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Berkeley College campus, 44 Rifle Camp Rd. They are wrapping up this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” with a fun-filled day for the whole family! Grand prize winners can collect their prizes, and everyone can enjoy cotton candy, a bounce house, carnival games and prizes, and much more. This event is free! Register here.

September is National Library Card Month! Signing up for an Alfred Baumann Library card is easy. Sign up for a temporary card on the Library's website here or stop by its location, which is temporarily housed on the campus of Berkeley College at 44 Rifle Camp Rd.

The Woodland Park Library at Berkeley College, 44 Rifle Camp Rd., in Renaissance Hall, 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.

Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. - Pokemon Club for all ages. New and experienced trainers are welcome. Time Warp Comics will be in attendance to give advice on building a deck and playing the game. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go. Join our weight loss support group in a friendly, judgment-free setting. Share your successes and failures, or just listen and learn. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m. - Bouncing Babies for 0 to 18 months. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and free play. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go for a while and relax with us. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m. - Domino Adventures. Join us in building and completing fun domino challenges! Expand your problem-solving and balancing skills in a fun, creative environment. Register here.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. - Apple story time and craft for grades PreK to 2 Enjoy fun stories and songs and create an apple-stamped painting. Register here.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales story time for ages 3 and up. Join for a new theme each week, with stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft. Register here.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board for grades 5-9. Join us twice a month to brainstorm, plan, and execute your own program ideas as well as assisting in collection development! Snacks will be available. Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 12 p.m. - Sit & Fit. Have fun exercising from the comfort of your chair. Join this lively exercise group and have some fun! Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 4:30 p.m. - Family movie for all ages. Enjoy free snacks and a movie for all ages. This month's selection is "Kung Fu Panda 4." Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. - Informational Reiki. Ever wonder what Reiki is? Do you know that our bodies are made to heal naturally? Join certified instructor Roxanne D'Angelo as she explains the fundamentals of reiki with us. Register here.

Friday, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. - Little Movers story time for ages 18-36 months. Join in for new adventures weekly including stories, rhymes, songs, and play time. Register here.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - End of Summer Celebration for all ages. Help celebrate summer at this amazing event. There will be free cotton candy, face painting, a bounce house, games, and more. Register here.

Monday, Sept. 16, 4 p.m. - Books & Barks. Register for a ten-minute session with Daisy, our lovable registered therapy dog! It's the perfect chance for kids to practice their reading skills in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment. Register here.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m. - Why Voting Matters. This program is in collaboration with Berkeley College and the League of Women Voters. Learn the importance of casting your vote and being heard. Register here.

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6: 30 p.m. - Taylor Swift Karaoke for all ages. Dress in your favorite era and sing your favorite Taylor Swift song, make friendship bracelets, and enjoy snacks. PLEASE NOTE this event will be held at the WP American Legion Post 230, 410 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Register here.

Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. - Understanding "The Wizard of Oz." MGM's beloved 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz is the single most viewed film of all time. But despite this, in 1939 the film was panned by critics and considered a flop. How did the film that The New Yorker so confidently labeled "a stinkeroo" come to be perhaps the single most beloved crowd-pleaser of all time? Join us for a tour down the Yellow Brick Road to reveal how "The Wizard of Oz "came to be what it is today. Register here.

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Email: mpillari@wpschools.org
Website: www.wpschools.org
Location: 853 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Phone: 973-317-7711