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

School 1 held its annual Pumpkin Patch for the students on Wednesday. Each student was able to pick out and take home a pumpkin of their choice. Thank you to the WP PreK Home & School Association for providing the pumpkins for the students as well as festive decorations!

At School 1, students in Ms. Odaman's PreK-3 class during the Week of Respect took part in a fun outdoor activity. During gross motor play, students drew with chalk around the word respect.

Students in Ms. Tobia and Ms. A's PreK-4 class at School 1 learned all about feelings. They sang the feelings song ("I have a great big smile. I have a great big smile. I feel happy now " to "The Farmer in the Dell") and discussed feeling happy, angry, nervous, and sad, and what their faces looked like when they feel these different feelings. After the discussion, they created the different emotions on their pumpkins!

Students in Ms. Lambert's PreK-3 class at the Early Childhood Center had a wonderful experience with their small groups. This particular small group, shaving cream letters, prompts the students to look at a letter and draw them on a shaving cream sensory board. In preschool, we love to incorporate hands-on learning!

Charles Olbon School art teacher Ms. Toole and guidance counselor Ms. Castro did a lesson together for Week of Respect. Students were read a story about respect, as well as respecting our differences. Respect is also a part of the School District's Six Pillars of Character Education. In crayon, students drew themselves and wrote a message about respect.

Mrs. Woessner's PreK-4 students at the Early Childhood Center measured a variety of classroom objects using non-standard measuring tools (cubes, crayons, paper clips). They predicted, counted, and confirmed to see if their guesses were close to the actual measurements.

Memorial Middle School recently recognized the important efforts of our custodians. Together, they help to keep our building clean, organized, and safe. The administration, students, and staff appreciate the hard work and dedication of these fabulous custodians and we thank them for all that they do! Pictured is Alessio Zagra, Massimo Amato, and Roosevelt Joseph. We also thank Rick DePrizio and Arnold Lijoi for their efforts as well.

The Woodland Park Education Association hosted its first two free educational events of the year this month. At Charles Olbon School on Oct. 10, above, "Tiny Explorers: Discover the World of Animals" was presented by Rizzo's Wildlife World. Kids and parents got to meet, greet, and learn about a variety of live animals. Below, the second event, "Eco-Adventures: Understanding Wildlife and Habitats" was held Wednesday night at Memorial School, also presented by Rizzo's Wildlife World.

The Memorial Middle School Home & School Association will be hosting its annual Halloween dance fundraiser next Friday night, Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. The permission slip for the dance will go home to students next week.

LAST CALL! Volunteer trunks are needed for the Municipal Alliance's annual Trick or Trunk on Oct. 31. This event is in danger of cancellation as there are currently only 26 trunks signed up. The event needs 40-50 to be a success. Registration for children to attend will open on Oct 25 if enough trunks are registered. Attendees are asked to bring a bag of candy as admission to offset your costs. To volunteer your trunk, please email your name and phone number to wptrunks@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Save the date of Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 5 Brohpy Lane, for the Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force's free screening of "Screenagers Next Chapter: Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age," which is open to all. Millions of young people experience high stress, anxiety, and depression. In this eye-opening documentary, follow physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston as she discovers solutions for improved adolescent stress, anxiety, and depression in the digital age.

Last call! Cub Scout Pack 31 will be holding a final sign-up for new Cub Scouts for 2024-2025 on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the WP American Legion, 410 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Membership is open to all boys in grades K-4. The Pack is especially looking to add new scouts to its kindergarten level. It has a great den leader in place and looking forward to a fun year. If you cannot make it on Monday or if you have any questions, e-mail WPCubScouts@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed! Woodland Park is blooming! Join us this Saturday for the "Dig-In at Dowling Gardens" event where you can help us plant daffodil bulbs and plants received from a 'Dig In!' grant from City Green and the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners. It's a great opportunity to get your hands dirty, meet your neighbors, and make Woodland Park even more beautiful. For more information call 973-345-8100, ext. 202

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.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. - Lego Mania for all ages. Join in for a fun morning of creativity. We supply the Legos, you supply the imagination! Register here.

Monday, Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m. - Bouncing Babies for 0 to 18 months. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and free play. Register here.

Monday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go for a while and relax. Register here.

Monday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m. - Books & Barks for grades K-5. Register for a 10-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.

Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Dancersize. Join certified instructor, Karen, as she leads the class doing low-impact dancing. It's a great way to get your exercise in while having fun. Don't forget to bring your water to stay hydrated. Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. - Crafternoon for adults. Enjoy creating a beautiful craft to take home. All supplies are included. Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. - Spooky treats for grades 1-4. Make healthy and spooky treats for Halloween. Register here.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 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, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Library Advisory Board for grades 5-9. Learn how to brainstorm, plan, and execute your own program ideas as well as aiding in collection development. Snacks will be available. Register here.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. - OverBooked Book Discussion Group. Gen X and Millennials are welcome to join this book discussion group. Copies of the book we are reading are available at the Library or downloaded on Libby or Hoopla. Register here.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.

Thursday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join Pat to unwind with the craft of your choice. Register here.

Thursday, Oct. 24, 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, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. - Halloween bingo for grades K-4. Prizes are available for all winners. Register here.

Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club. Expand your spice palate! Each month pick up a new spice and a recipe. Then, meet to discuss your opinion and what you made containing that spice. If you choose to you can bring a dish that you have prepared for all to sample. Register here.

Friday, Oct. 25, 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, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. - Steam Teams for grades 3-6. Learn about engineering and tension by creating a spider web bridge out of string. Register here.

Monday, Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m. - Baby and toddler Halloween parade for ages 0-36 months. Enjoy a fun story, music, parade, and craft! Register here.

Monday, Oct. 28, 3:30 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers returns! There is only one 1.5-hour time slot per day. You may register for multiple days. If you miss two sessions in a row, without notice, you will be removed from the list and your spot will be given to a student on the waitlist. Register here.

Monday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m. - Squishmallow Drawing Class for grades 1-5. Learn how to draw your favorite Squishmallows! This month, we will be drawing and coloring Cam the spooky cat. Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3:30 to 5 p.m. - Homework Helpers returns! There is only one 1.5-hour time slot per day. You may register for multiple days. If you miss two sessions in a row, without notice, you will be removed from the registration list and your spot will be given to a student on the waitlist. Register here.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Haunted Library family program for all ages. Join us for a fun and spooky Halloween party! The whole family is invited to play games, eat snacks, and enter the costume contest - with prizes. 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