CDW Weekly Wrap-Up

Monday: Fall Sports Jersey Day -- Wear your favorite fall sport team’s jersey!

Tuesday: Pajama Pants Day -- Cool autumn days mean it’s time for flannel pajama pants! Feel free to wear cozy slippers, too!

Wednesday: “On Wednesdays, We Wear PINK” to Support Breast Cancer Research-- Wear PINK as CDW supports breast cancer awareness and research! The student council will sell pink rubber bracelets for $2.00 each to support breast cancer research. All money raised will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Sales will occur during the lunch periods on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Thursday: Halloween Costume Contest Day -- Nothing too scary or inappropriate for school! Prizes for winners in each grade.

Friday: Anything But a Backpack Day -- Something new at CDW. Carry your stuff in ANYTHING* but a backpack! Some ideas include pillowcases, boxes, crates, laundry baskets, picnic baskets, coolers, etc! *Please, no wagons, carts, strollers, etc.

As in the past, the students and staff members are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to school. We will recognize Halloween at CDW on Thursday, October 31st. Although teachers may engage students in Halloween-themed lessons/activities, we will follow a regular schedule.

When your child(ren) is choosing a Halloween costume, please remember:

• The costume must allow the student to see to ensure safety.

• If the costume has an accompanying weapon (knife, sword, gun, bow/arrow, etc.), your child may not be permitted to bring it to school.

• Your child will wear the costume for the length of the school day so it should be something that allows him/her to walk and sit comfortably.

• Costumes should comply with our dress code (Student Handbook).

• Students do not have to wear a costume. Some students might opt to wear black and orange.

By now, you should have received an email from Image Art Studios with a link to a private photo gallery for your child. If you did not receive an email in your inbox, please search your Spam and/or Junk folder. If you have not received this email please contact the photographer directly at imageart411@gmail.com, and include the school name, your child's name and grade in your request.

You can purchase the photos, or you can have your child(ren) retake his/her photo on Wednesday, October 30th when Image Art Studios returns to CDW.

Thanks to our PTO, on Monday, October 21st, John Halligan visited CDW to speak with Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, and then he returned at night to speak to Old Tappan parents/guardians. John Halligan suffered the devastating loss of his son, Ryan, to suicide on October 7, 2003. Ryan was a victim of bullying both at his middle school and online. In the aftermath, Mr. Halligan was determined to use his personal tragedy to protect other children from similar harm. He led the passing of the Vermont Bullying Prevention law in 2004 and established a law that requires suicide prevention education in public schools in 2006.

The suicide rate among middle and high school students has unfortunately surged significantly since the introduction of the smartphone, with cyberbullying being a major contributing factor. There are overwhelming and dangerous effects of many social media platforms available on smartphones.

On Thursday, October 24th, Ms. Santa visited the Grade 6 LA classes to reintroduce the #WinAtSocial program and complete the lesson about Navigating Group Chat Drama. The interactive lesson introduced ways to manage group chats before they turn stressful. Please see some ideas from Laura Tierney, the Founder and CEO of the Social Institute, that you can reiterate at home below.

1. Think Before You Type: Be mindful of what you say. Don't spam the chat with too many messages, and think about how your words might be taken.
2. Remember Screenshots: Anything you say in the chat can be screenshotted. So, it's smart to keep things respectful and avoid sharing private stuff.
3. Know What Causes Drama: Learn what usually makes drama in group chats – misinterpretations, too much talking at once, arguments, taking jokes too seriously, and leaving without saying why.
4. Solve Problems Privately: If there's an issue, talk about it privately with the person involved instead of making it a big deal in the group chat.
5. Include Everyone: Make sure everyone who should be in the chat is included. No one likes feeling left out.
6. Use Emojis and GIFs: Add emojis or GIFs to lighten things up when it gets tense. It can make conversations more fun.
7. Take Breaks: If things get too heated, take a break from the chat and come back when things have cooled down.
8. Video or Phone Calls for Serious Stuff: If something's important or sensitive, it's better to talk through video or phone calls. It avoids misunderstandings that can happen in text.

These supplementary resources provide insight into social media, technology, and student experiences, offering family discussion prompts and informative resources that you can incorporate into family conversations as much or as little as you like.

How Your Family Can Participate:

• Register your free account for the Parent Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 2729247E3AF3EA

The CDW Brain Busters team, represented by Owen Anderson, Sophie Bergelson, Amy Choe, Ryan Ham, Kareem Khan, Jamie Kwon, Archer Ring, and Ain Yang participated in the first meet of the season at Northvale. Ain, Sophie, Jamie, and Archer's teams made it to the semi-finals and Archer's team took first place! The next Bergen Brain Busters Meet is in Norwood in November.

How much would it cost to make a 15 mile paper chain out of Starburst wrappers? That was the challenge for 5th Grade Math Lab this week!

The students in Mr. Johnson's class have been working on proposals to....NASA! Students were tasked with creating a Google Slides presentation about a mission to a planet of their choice. Each student had to explain what type of mission they were planning, and what they would learn on that mission. In addition to the presentation, students constructed a model, blueprint, or drawing of the transportation devices used on their missions. See them below!

The NVOT Heroes and Cool Kids Club visited with the Grade 6 students today, October 25th to discuss important issues that students face today. The students discussed resilience, Social Media, gratitude, and even practiced deep breathing techniques.

Due to the resignation of a Board of Education member, effective December 31, 2024, the Old Tappan Board of Education has a vacancy. Please see the notification below for specific information.

Additional information can be obtained from the New Jersey School Boards Association at https://www.njsba.org/membership/membership-school-board-members/school-board-candidacy/

If you or your child(ren) needs a refresher on how to use Google Classroom, he/she can access a variety of videos on Dr. Sullivan's Google Classroom under, "Tools for Organizing Assignments."

Here is a video on How to Use Google Classroom for you to review.

5th Grade

On Thursday, October 24th, Ms. Adamo taught another Character Education lesson with the fifth grade. This month’s lesson focused on Manners: What are they and why are they important? Students learned that using manners in school, at home, and in public is the appropriate way to show others respect. When we don’t use manners, not only are we being rude but, in some situations, conflicts can occur. For example, when we cut the line at the vending machine or while playing box-ball, it’s unfair to everyone else who has been waiting their turn and others will get mad at you and/or tell a teacher.

When the students were asked, “How students are not showing manners/respect toward their teachers,” they answered, “by talking back.” For the past few years, Ms. Adamo has taught this same lesson on Manners; however, she needed to incorporate “talking back/challenging teachers” into her lesson as it is an issue among the fifth grade. Students were reminded that they are not allowed to talk back or challenge their teachers; if they do, they are being disrespectful and can earn a consequence. For example, the teacher gives the whole class directions and you ask the teacher why you have to do this activity or why you can’t work with your friend.

Other examples of manners that were discussed:

• Following the rules in school.

• Saying excuse me if you need to interrupt two people talking, or if you need to get around someone who is blocking your way.

• Acknowledging others by saying hello or goodbye.

• Saying please and thank you (yes, even to each other) and not just to parents, teachers, and other adults.

• Saying “I’m sorry” when you do something wrong and/or by accident. Unfortunately, many students feel that saying sorry is a sign up weakness and/or that someone else “won.” Ms. Adamo reminded students that everyone wants an apology when something bad happens to them, and when we say “I’m sorry,” we are actually showing how strong and confident we are to admit we made a mistake.

• Cleaning up after yourself: in school, in public, and at home. At school and in public, students were reminded to throw out their garbage and not leave it for someone else. At home, Ms. Adamo suggested students put their plates in the dishwasher from now on. She taught them to scrap, rinse, load; hopefully, your child(ren) will start doing that and make cleaning-up easier!

Please reiterate these lessons at home with your child(ren).

8th Grade Information

If your child is applying to a different high school, please make sure he/she is following the procedural guidelines outlined on Ms. Adamo’s Google Classroom. If you or your child have additional questions, please contact Ms. Adamo at adamoj@nvnet.org or 201-664-1465 ext. 2203.

Ms. Adamo will also be posting information regarding NVOT on her Google Classroom. This way, students and families can locate the information easily.

Reminders: High School Scheduling conferences typically take place at the end of January and occur at CDW, during the hours of 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM. Ms. Adamo, along with a representative from NVOT, meets with each eighth grader and their parent/guardian to answer any questions about NVOT and to choose their ninth-grade electives and their world language. All other courses are based upon recommendations from the students' eighth grade teachers. At the beginning of January, an email will be sent to all Grade 8 families to sign up for a conference. All students are encouraged to create a schedule at NVOT, even if they are planning on attending a different school in the fall.

All Grades

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s academic, social or emotional needs, please contact me at adamoj@nvnet.org or 201-664-1475 ext. 2203.

Although the Knights fell short to Norwood on Tuesday, they fought back to end in a tie 1-1, with Mazin Hassan scoring the lone goal for the team, on Wednesday. It was a great team effort.

The Knights then traveled back to Norwood on Thursday for the first round of the playoffs and played their hearts out before ending their season. The score was 1-1, and it came down to penalty kicks to advance to the next round. Congratulations to Coach Soltys and the Knights on a great season!

The girls volleyball team picked up their second win of the week on the road against Norwood on Tuesday winning the first two sets by scores of 25-12 and 25-16. The team celebrated the 8th graders on Wednesday with a display of appreciation and another win. The team ended their regular season with a huge win against Norwood, winning all 3 sets by scores of 25-12, 25-14 and 25-21, locking them into the 3rd seed as they head into the playoffs. The girls will play in the first round of the playoffs on Monday, October 28th at 3:45 PM at home to see who will make their way to the championship game on Monday, November 4th at NVD after the boys' game around 5:30 PM.

HERE is the Northern Valley Co-Ed Soccer and Volleyball Schedules and Game Locations on the CDW Website. Playoff games have been added.

Home Co-Ed Soccer games are played on the CDW Field.

Home Boys and Girls Volleyball games are played in the Rossi Gym at CDW.

The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) may ONLY be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse (APN), or physician assistant (PA) who has completed the Student-Athlete Cardiac Assessment professional development module. You must verify that your medical provider has completed this module before scheduling an appointment for a PPE. The licensed physician, APN, or PA who performs the physical examination must complete the remaining two pages of the PPE and insert the examination date on the PPE on page 3 and Clearance Form on page 4.

• A Health History Update Questionnaire is required if a physical examination was completed more than 90 days before the first day of tryouts/practice. The documents must be completed and signed by the student's parent/guardian. The student and parent/guardian must read/review the Sudden Cardiac Pamphlet and Concussion Policy Acknowledgement Form.
• If applicable, the Athlete with Special Needs Supplemental History Form is on page two of the PPE. The date of the required physical examination is at the top of the page.
• Forms will NOT be accepted with blanks so please have the medical provider fill out the form completely.
• The licensed physician, APN, or PA must also sign the certification statement on the PPE form attesting to the completion of the professional development module. Each board of education and charter school or nonpublic school governing authority must retain the original signed certification on the PPE form to attest to the qualification of the licensed physician, APN, or PA to perform the PPE.
• If a student's participation is NOT approved, the school district will provide a written notification to the parent/guardian, signed by the school physician of the disapproval reason(s).

Please click here to access all documents and forms that need to be reviewed and/or completed and submitted.

On Friday, November 1st, the PTO will be having a Wendy's Special Lunch. You can purchase the lunch on the PTO Website now through October 30, 2024.

The meal options are:

• 6 Piece Chicken Nuggets and Small Fry
• Dave's Single Cheeseburger and Small Fry
• Dave's Single Hamburger and Small Fry

Visit www.wendys.com/nutrition-allergens for more information about food allergens.

Fresh meat from Green Meat Market is on sale through the PTO Website until November 6th. Order pick up will be on Thursday, November 14th between 2:30-3:30 PM at TBD.

Save the Date for the OT PTO Fundraiser. Please see the information below!

If you would like to purchase a 2024-2025 Discount Card and Dicks Sporting Goods Coupon Book, visit the OT PTO website.

The discount card is $20.

The Dicks Sporting Goods Coupon Book is $15.

The schools truly value the partnership we have with the Old Tappan PTO! Please join the PTO and support their organization. Visit OTPTO.org, click "For Sale," and then "Membership."

The PTO Meetings for the 2024-2025 school year are listed below. Babysitting is offered at the night meetings.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center

Thursday, January 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the BOE Conference Room

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center

Thursday, April 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the BOE Conference Room

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the CDW Media Center

Have you purchased Chromebook Insurance for your child(ren)'s school-issued device yet?

We highly suggest that you purchase insurance! We have already had to submit many claims! Please refer to the information below, or you may purchase directly from smartechins.com/oldtappan.

Homework Club began on Wednesday, October 2nd. Please see the flyer below to sign up!

If your child is not going to attend school, please contact Mrs. McCarthy at 201-664-1475 ext. 2103 or McCarthy@nvnet.org.

In an effort to minimize the potential spread of illness at school, please keep your child home if he/she:

• has a fever. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication prior to returning to school.
• is nauseous or is vomiting.
• has diarrhea.

Students should either bring their lunch from home each day, or parents may order through one of the approved vendors for delivery to CDW. If you order lunch from an approved vendor for delivery, please make sure the vendor knows your child's first and last name and grade level. This will help to ensure your child receives his/her lunch on time. At times, we understand that a parent/guardian may need to drop off lunch at school. All lunches need to be placed on the table with the green tablecloth in the vestibule.

5th/6th Grade Lunch ~ 11:27 AM-12:01 PM

7th/8th Grade Lunch ~ 12:10 PM-12:44 PM

You can find the Lunch Vendors on the Old Tappan School District Website.

October

Wednesday, October 30th~ Picture Retake Day; Fright Night

Thursday, October 31st~ Halloween

November

Friday, November 1st~ PTO Special Lunch: Wendy's

Monday, November 4th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, November 5th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, November 6th~ The CDW Marking Period 1 Ends.

Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8th~ No School for NJEA Convention

Monday, November 11th~ The BOE Meeting is at 8:00 PM in the Board of Education Conference Room.

Wednesday, November 13th~ Marking Period 1 Report Cards released at 12:00 PM.

Tuesday, November 19th~ The PTO Meeting is in the CDW Media Center at 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, November 27th~ 12:30 PM Dismissal for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th~ School is closed.

2024-2025 Approved School Year Calendar

Email: santaj@nvnet.org
Website: https://cdw.oldtappanschools.org/
Location: 275 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ, USA
Phone: 201-664-1475
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldTappanSchoolDistrict