Arbor Intermediate School

School Leadership Team

Heather O’Donnell, Principal

Janell Smolk, Assistant Principal

Amy McLaughlin, Counselor

Ruby Shridher, Counselor

Karen Hoeg, Secretary

Corinne Fender, School Nurse

Elyssa Barba-Bey, Attendance Clerk

Bonnie Leverett, Safety Officer

Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian

Dear Arbor Families,

I hope that you all had a happy and healthy spring break. Since we returned, we have hit the ground running with a number of spring events.

In April we recognize both Jewish Heritage Month and Autism Acceptance Month. Our music programs have been rehearsing, getting ready for their May concerts. April is also the time that we recognize our hard-working paraprofessionals and administrative assistants. Our students are able to thrive with the support of these hard-working individuals.

The week of May 6 will be Teacher Appreciation Week. I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of our dedicated teachers. We have a truly exceptional staff here at Arbor, and their commitment, positivity, and enthusiasm is inspiring. If you would like to share a positive message to our staff, please feel free to do so here:

Arbor Awesomeness Teacher Recognition Form

NJSLA testing will be taking place for all students throughout May. They have all been working hard to prepare and the teachers are confident our students will do their best. Fifth grade will begin on May 2, and fourth grade begins on May 13. You can support your child by making sure they have had a good night’s rest, a full breakfast, and a charge iPad on the days they will be testing.

Thank you,

Heather O’Donnell

Principal, Arbor Intermediate School

As we approach state testing in the month of May, here are some good tips to help your child do their best:

1. Talk with your child about giving their best effort, but also give them the understanding that you and the teacher don’t expect perfection.

2. If your child is worried or upset about something, try and help them through the concern. Feel free to reach out to the teacher or counselor if you feel it may impact your child during testing.

3. Get up early to avoid rushing. Rushing into school at the last minute can make a student feel unsettled and anxious.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast!

5. Get comfortable! Make sure your student is wearing clothes that are comfortable.

6. Be positive about the test! Remind your child the test can be hard, but it’s all about doing their personal best.

Amy McLaughlin

amclaughlin@pway.org

GUIDELINES WHEN A CHILD IS ILL

It is with great pride we extend congratulations to Christine Lepski (Teacher of the Year) and Amy Stern (Education Service Professional of the Year). These staff members make go above and beyond for our students, staff, and families. We are honored to recognize them for their positive contributions to the Arbor community. Check out below to learn a little more about these exceptional staff members.

Christine Lepski

Being a native to Piscataway, I found my love for learning through many influential teachers. I knew in second grade that I wanted to become a teacher. I started my teaching career in Piscataway in 2011. I started in third grade at Randolphville, then moved to fifth grade at MLK, next to Arbor for a year in fifth and then 4th grade for 10 years now. Being in three buildings, there was one thing for certain, I have been blessed to work with the best colleagues and co-teachers since I began my teaching journey . I thank them for always being there to run ideas with and for always looking to better our schools. When not at school, I am an active athlete playing on teams with my friends in softball, volleyball, and bowling . If I’m not at a sports game , I am spending time with my close knit family, my fiancé, and my loving bulldog Kona.

Amy Stern

In the beginning of my career, I started as a sixth and seventh grade teacher in Elizabeth, NJ. I then sought further education getting my Master’s of Education and certifications in ESL and as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC). After ten years in Elizabeth, I transferred to Piscataway as an LDTC working at Eisenhower, Quibbletown and Arbor throughout my 16 years. Throughout my career, there were many mentors that have encouraged me and helped me develop professionally. I’ve been most fortunate to be surrounded by amazing colleagues that I truly cherish. When not in school, I enjoy day trips, taking pictures and spending time with family and friends.

Members of the Central New Jersey Area Rocketry Society visited Mrs. Gerum’s class to launch rockets that students constructed under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Zielinski. Zielinski, a pharmacist with Novartis, visits Mrs. Gerum’s class throughout the year to provide students with meaningful real-life math and science lessons. Students especially enjoy this concluding launch event as they review concepts of force and flight.

The Community Service Club is led by Clarivel Garcia and works to give back to the community. Most recently, the club collaborated with Jersey Cares and facilitated a donation drive. The club was humbled and excited to announce there were 2460 items collected for the First Night Drive managed by Jersey Cares. This is a program that uses the products donated to assemble kits for domestic violence shelter’s, transitional housing facilities, runaway safe havens, foster homes and other agencies with transitional populations in need of hygiene items on the “first night” stay. The Community Service Club would like to thank Arbor Intermediate’s parents, students and staff members. The amount of support the club received is an example of how Piscataway shows their dedication to our students and community.

On April 18th, students from Arbor and MLK participated in the L.E.A.D.(Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) graduation. This was a ceremony to recognize 5th graders for thier hard work during the L.E.A.D. program. The lessons are conducted by Detective Laughlin of the Piscataway Police Department. The program focuses on social and emotional learning by promoting positive attitudes, teaching aversion to negative peer pressure, and encouraging healthy habits and relationships.

Students in Ms. Garcia's Honors Math class studied the topic of Geometry. In the class, they completed class activities, group projects, and created a school wide project called “The Geometry Gallery Walk and Scavenger Hunt.” The purpose of the Geometry Gallery is to assist all students with NJSLA test prep. Geometry is one of the later Chapters in the 4th and 5th grade curriculum and the gallery walk is designed to assist students. The more students see the vocabulary and pictures, the more they will recall the vocabulary. Students also created a scavenger hunt for students to complete as they participate in the gallery walk.

The Piscataway High School Production workshop performed at Arbor on April 25th. The production is produced, directed, and performed by amazing PHS students under the leadership of the PHS Theatre teacher Mike Yoson. The performance was enjoyed by Arbor students and staff. We congratulate the PHS students for their hard work, dedication, and talent.

Dear Arbor Families,

As we enter the final stretch, we request your continued support in helping us close out the school year on a high note.

• Mother’s day/Father’s day sale - Our final fundraiser will be taking place from Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 10th. As always, your support is vital to bringing these events to life. Kindly register to volunteer and together let’s spread joy, cheer and kindness.
  
  

• Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-10 - The fantastic teachers at Arbor have done a tremendous job of nurturing our students through their tireless efforts. Now, it’s time for all of us to show them our heartfelt gratitude. Let’s make a collective impact by showing them our appreciation - Contribute through this Donation link

Sincerely,

PTO Officers:

Hesha Patel, President

Aaron Gibbs, Treasurer

Shameeka Gibbs, Recording Secretary

Thank you to the parents/guardians who have submitted a recognition of an Arbor Staff member.

Arbor Awesomeness is a way to share your appreciation for the wonderful staff at Arbor School. We encourage families to take some time to recognize staff throughout the school year. Please click on Arbor Awesomeness- Staff Recognition to complete a recognition. We will share your responses at staff meetings.

• 5/17/24- Class Theme Day
• 5/20/24- Arbor Band Concert (6:30pm/7:30pm)
• 5/21/24- Arbor Orchestra and Chorus Concert (6:30pm/7:30pm)
  
• 6/5/24- Career Day
• 6/10/24- Grandview 4th Grade Orientation (9:30am- Students Only)
• 6/11/24- Eisenhower 4th Grade Orientation (9:30am- Students Only)
• 6/11/24- Arbor Incoming 4th Grade Parent Orientation (6:30pm-8:00pm)