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

Charles Olbon School second grade students, under the direction of music teacher Ms. Andresen, performed their winter choral showcase to family and friends on Wednesday. Three classes performed in the morning and the other three performed in the afternoon.

Memorial Middle School held its winter music and choral concert on Wednesday evening. Performing before a packed house, the event included performances by the seventh and eighth grade jazz band, sixth grade chorus, seventh and eighth grade chorus, sixth grade concert band, and seventh and eighth grade concert band.

Authors in Mrs. DiBona's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School celebrated their writing with a class publishing party. The students' hard work and dedication was reflected in their amazing personal narrative pieces. Our authors proudly shared their final published writing work and signed autographs to showcase this significant milestone!

Members of the fifth grade social skills lunch bunch at Beatrice Gilmore School recently enjoyed playing Self Esteem Jenga.

Students in Mrs. LaSala and Ms. Dawn's PreK- class made ornaments for School 1's Winter Tree. They measured cinnamon and applesauce and mixed it together. Then they rolled out the dough and finally cut out a shape so they could hang them up.

Our PreK mascot Paws paid a visit to all our classes on cozy story time day. Students had a chance to sport their favorite pajamas, grab their favorite stuffed animal, and listen to a guest reader in their class for Read Aloud. Shown above are photos from Ms. Odaman's PreK-3 class at School 1. Shown are other classes from School 1 and the Early Childhood Center below.

For this month's PreK Family Engagement Project, students were tasked with disguising Sam the snowman. He was feeling blue, as sunny days were getting to him. As the sun melts him down and washes him away, the students needed to help disguise him - something to hide his snow. Everyone did a great job!

Ms. Wittig's PreK-4 class at School 1 had a special guest reader last week. Thank you to Aiden's mom for visiting and reading to the students.

Mrs. Tobia and Ms. A's PreK-4 classroom at School 1 recently had two special guests. Above, Ms. Sabrina discussed with the class that people who play sports wear different clothing called "uniforms." Some uniforms are "reversible" and some are not. She also discussed how we use special clothing to protect our bodies like shin guards, helmets, and cleats. Below, Mr. Mendoza, a former crossing guard, visited the classroom. He showed them that crossing guards wear vests that reflect light to make them easier to see. They wear bright green and hold a stop sign high for cars to see. The students were able to point out the zipper and Velcro on the crossing guards vest.

Zaina I. from Mrs. Catalano and Ms. Riviera’s homeroom at Beatrice Gilmore School proudly shows off the medals she won at Tiger Shulman’s 54th Challenge of Champions Tournament. Zaina won second place in kick-boxing and first place in Jiu-Jitsu for her weight class. We are so proud of her accomplishments!

Registration closes on Dec. 31 for WPSA spring travel soccer registration. Roster spots are available for whose with dates of birth from 2016 to high school. Registration deadline is Dec. 31.

Check out the schedule for Woodland Park Recreation adult and youth winter programs. Register here.

Recess 101 will be held Thursdays from 5 to 5:45 p.m. for ages 4-5 and from 6 to 6:45 p.m. for ages 6-7 - both for six weeks starting Jan. 9 at the WP Boys and Girls Club Cost is $105. Join Ms. Melissa (psychologist/teacher) for Recess 101 – an active and engaged experience around socialization and meeting new friends. Ms. Melissa will teach social skills through engaged fun and game play.

Special Friends (program for special needs children in grades K-4) will be held on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. for six weeks starting Jan. 7 at the WP Boys & Girls Club. Cost is $105. A movement and fitness class for our special friends, that includes group activities with music – to help with physical strength, increase self-esteem, increase social interaction, and enhance mobility… all while having fun!

Intro to Dance (grades K-3) will be held on Tuesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. for six weeks starting Jan. 7 at the WP Boys & Girls Club. Cost is $125. In this class children will be introduced to all areas of dance such as hip hop, jazz, acrobatics, and ballet. Children will have learned a choreographed routine by the end of the series.

Adult Cardio Fitness (age 18 and up) will be held on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six weeks starting Jan. 7 at the WP Boys & Girls Club. Cost is $125. Join this high-energy class, set to motivating music and led by an experienced instructor. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned athlete, this program is designed for all fitness levels.

Adult Yoga (age 16 and up) will be held on Thursdays starting at 7:05 for six weeks starting on Jan. 9 at the WP Boys & Girls Club. Cost is $89. This class takes on a slower, and introductory approach to Yoga – but provides all of the benefits. We include meditation, breathing practices, gentle stretching, and strengthening poses. This is a great class for both beginners and seasoned students.

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.