As we step into the vibrant season of spring, it is a joy to witness the world around us coming to life again. Learning is in full bloom, too! The energy from our students and educators is contagious as they embrace new projects, become better readers, and dive into creative learning experiences.

We’re excited for what’s ahead this season, and we hope you will join us in making the most of it. Here's to a season of growth, adventure, and continued learning! Thank you for reading our DREAM BIG: CURRICULUM INSIGHTS newsletter.

Cheryl Cuddihy, Ed.D.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

We recently hosted an a-math-zing time celebrating Pi Day with our families and students in a way that was both creative and engaging! Pi Day, celebrated on March 14 (3.14), is all about having fun with the mathematical constant π (pi), and this year, we took the celebration to a whole new level. Our event kicked off with a lively t-shirt painting activity where students and their families came together to design their own Pi Day shirts. Armed with fabric paints and their imaginations, everyone expressed their love for math in colorful and creative ways! It was wonderful to see families working together to create unique designs, with some even adding fun pi-related symbols and numbers to their shirts!

We shared a delicious pizza feast, where everyone enjoyed some well-deserved slices while chatting and relaxing. It was a perfect way to refuel and keep the energy going! Throughout the event, we played a variety of math-themed games, challenging both students and adults to think creatively and work as a team. From "Pizza, Paint & Pi Night Trivia," to math puzzles, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to all the families who joined us for this special event and to the Grades 6-8 Math Team for putting this together. It was such a fantastic way to celebrate Pi Day while bringing our community closer together! We look forward to more fun events like this in the future.

Each winter, The Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) hosts an exciting and highly anticipated Middle School and High School Mathematics Contest, bringing together some of the brightest young mathematical minds from across the state. Schools eagerly register their math teams, receiving contest materials directly to ensure a fair and coordinated competition.

On contest day, teams compete simultaneously, tackling a range of challenging problems that span from 6th-grade math to Algebra 1. Once completed, results are submitted to AMTNJ via mail or email for evaluation. The top-performing teams and individuals are recognized for their outstanding achievements with prestigious awards and certificates, celebrating their hard work, problem-solving skills, and mathematical excellence.

This year, our district is thrilled to announce that Red Bank Middle School earned an impressive 2nd place in the AMTNJ Math Competition, competing against 22 schools from across New Jersey. A special congratulations to Natalie Matias and Heather Ptak for achieving the highest individual scores for our school, and to Karim Ortiz for securing an outstanding 3rd place finish.

We also commend all the students who took on this exciting challenge with dedication and determination—your hard work truly paid off! A huge shoutout to Mrs. Kansky, Grade 8 Math and Algebra I teacher, for leading this initiative and inspiring our students to strive for excellence. Well done, everyone!

As elementary students transition to a middle school setting where all areas of instruction are departmentalized, they have the option of entering into different mathematics pathways including accelerated courses in Grades 6-8. Participation is fluid which allows students who may not have yet expressed interest in the accelerated courses and/or met the established criteria to pursue that option in later years. Benefits of enrolling in the accelerated math pathways include being positioned to take Algebra I in Grade 8. Algebra I is a high school level course that is often a prerequisite for advanced placements in high school, and the material covered gives students an advantage when applying to specialized programs at various high schools. Learn more about the pathways in this document or click the presentation below.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll and persist in four year colleges and universities. The Red Bank Middle School AVID Program includes three components: AVID Schoolwide, AVID Special Area, and AVID Elective. Each component addresses the specific needs of our students in order to accelerate student learning and personal success.

AVID Schoolwide: AVID is schoolwide when a strong AVID system transforms the Instruction, Systems, Leadership, and Culture of a school, ensuring college readiness for all AVID Elective students and improved academic performance for all students based on increased opportunities.

• Instruction: Entire instructional staff utilizes AVID strategies and other best instructional practices, to ensure college readiness for AVID Elective students and improved academic performance for all students.
• Systems: Systems are in place that support governance, curriculum and instruction, data collection and analysis, professional learning, and student and parent outreach to ensure college readiness for AVID Elective students and improved academic performance for all students.
• Leadership: School leadership sets the vision and tone to promote college readiness and high expectations for all students in the school.
• Culture: School’s beliefs and behaviors which reflect and demonstrate an increase in the number of students meeting college readiness requirements.

AVID schools advocate for strategies like WICOR as part of daily instruction. Read more below.

AVID Special Area: All students in grades 4, 5, and 6 are scheduled to cycle through the AVID Special Area (ASA) class. ASA is based on the same learning foundation that underlies the AVID Elective and AVID Schoolwide philosophy. Through WICOR the program enhances NJSLS: Career Readiness, Life Literacies & Key Skills and metacognitive skills that develop consistency in thinking, processing, and delivering information. AVID Special Area brings the real world to the classroom and helps to prepare all students for personal success.

AVID Secondary/Elective: AVID Elective is a special course taken during the school day. Seventh and eighth grade students are selected for the AVID Elective class after an application process. For one class period a day, they learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college and career options attainable. As students progress in AVID, their self-images improve, and they become academically successful students, leaders, and role models for other students.

AVID Elective Community Service: As part of the AVID Elective, students are invited to participate in various community service projects and volunteer at district events. This year our AVID Elective students are visiting with students enrolled in the district's preschool program, located at United Methodist Church on Broad Street. They help to scaffold language through play based experiences, read alouds, dramatic play, and the arts! Look at all the happy faces!

One of our favorite RBMS traditions is March Madness, a time to celebrate a future focus on college achievement that coincides with the NCAA March Madness! March Madness is the electrifying NCAA basketball tournament where 68 college teams battle for the national championship in a high-stakes, single-elimination format. Spanning three weeks, the tournament is packed with thrilling upsets, Cinderella stories, and buzzer-beating moments that captivate fans across the country. Brackets are filled out in hopes of predicting the perfect lineup, but the unpredictable nature of the games keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just in it for the excitement, March Madness is a must-watch spectacle!

Get ready for an exciting and inspiring week at RBMS from March 24-28! Throughout the week, students will have amazing opportunities to explore their future pathways by learning how to present their Best Self—a skill that will help them shine in school interviews, college applications, and beyond. They’ll also dive into different career possibilities and discover the unique college journeys of their very own teachers!

Sixth graders will take part in the much-anticipated AVID recruitment process, preparing to apply for the AVID Elective in Grades 7 and 8. But it’s not all about the serious stuff—students will also get a taste of college fun at RBMS University Night! From socializing and dancing to playing games, working out, and enjoying delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The grand finale? The Tournament of Champions! Students will go head-to-head in thrilling obstacle courses—and maybe even challenge their teachers to some friendly competition. It’s a week full of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories—don’t miss it! Click here for more details.

Project-based learning and community action are central to the Expeditionary Learning (EL) Education program (Gr. 4-8), offering students meaningful, real-world experiences that enhance their understanding and skills. Through hands-on projects, students engage deeply with academic content while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Community action components connect learning to real-life challenges, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and empowering students to make a tangible impact. This approach not only strengthens academic achievement but also nurtures leadership, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

In each module of EL Education, students engage in diverse activities and create various artifacts to explore and respond to the essential questions. Below are details of key experiences from the second trimester.

In EL Education Grade 6 Module 2, Critical Problems and Design Solutions, students investigated how individuals and communities develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Referencing their core novel, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, they explored scientific and technological advancements that address pressing global issues. Essential questions guiding their learning included: How do designers and engineers develop solutions to critical problems? What factors influence the success or failure of a design? By analyzing case studies, engaging in research, and applying the design thinking process, students enhanced their problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of human ingenuity. Click here to learn more.

In the EL Education Grade 4 Module 2, Animal Defense Mechanisms, students explored the fascinating ways animals protect themselves from predators and environmental challenges. They investigated physical adaptations like camouflage and mimicry, as well as behavioral strategies such as herding and playing dead. These defense mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining balance within ecosystems. However, as climate change alters habitats—through rising temperatures, deforestation, and shifting food sources—many species must adapt, migrate, or face the risk of extinction. Understanding how animals defend themselves helps students appreciate the delicate interconnections within ecosystems and recognize the importance of conservation efforts to support biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.

In EL Education Grade 5 Module 2, Biodiversity in the Rainforest, students dove into the rich and diverse ecosystems of rainforests, learning about the countless plant and animal species that thrive in this environment. They explored the role of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and how different species rely on one another. Climate change, however, poses a major threat to rainforests, leading to habitat loss, increased temperatures, and disruptions in the food chain. By studying biodiversity, students gain a deeper understanding of why protecting ecosystems is crucial—not just for rainforest species, but for the planet as a whole.

Both modules highlight the interconnectedness of living things and encourage students to think critically about how human actions impact wildlife and the environment. To culminate their studies, each grade level developed a variety of artifacts (dioramas, tri-fold displays, narrative writing with Book Creator, etc.) to showcase their learning. Parents were invited to visit each grade level to learn more about our world.

Students became biome experts as they investigated the distinct characteristics of Earth’s major biomes and the fascinating animals that call them home. From the depths of the ocean to the sun-scorched desert, they explored how each biome provides a unique environment where plants and animals have adapted to survive.

To bring their discoveries to life, students created engaging, visually rich displays that showcased the intricate relationships between animals and their habitats. Through their presentations to peers and family members, they explained how each species plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of its ecosystem, deepening their understanding of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

Students embarked on an exciting journey to explore the world’s most diverse and breathtaking rainforests. Each student selected a unique rainforest, delving into its rich ecosystem, indigenous wildlife, and environmental significance. They created a rainforest exhibit to showcase their findings by designing vibrant tri-fold displays filled with detailed maps, stunning visuals, and key facts, bringing their rainforests to life for their peers and family members.

Taking their learning a step further, students channeled their creativity through Book Creator, crafting immersive narratives from the perspectives of scientists and their family members featured in their core texts. Through these stories, they stepped into the shoes of these adventurers, vividly describing the challenges, discoveries, and awe-inspiring moments experienced deep within the rainforest. Their work not only demonstrated their research skills but also their ability to weave factual knowledge into compelling storytelling.

Essential Questions: What was the Holocaust and how did it occur? Why do we remember it? How did victims and survivors respond, and how can we honor their voices? How did upstanders respond, and what can we learn from their voices?

Grade 8 students explored a significant and tragic period in history, reflecting on the voices of victims, survivors, and upstanders of the Holocaust. Referencing the core text, Maus, and other resources, students were able to immerse themselves in searching for answers to the essential questions above. Simultaneously, they refined their ability to analyze and track thematic development, examine character progression, identify and interpret central ideas, and craft narratives that honor the legacy of those who courageously stood against injustice during the Holocaust.

To deepen students' understanding of the Holocaust and the critical role of upstanders during this period, they had the invaluable opportunity to meet Eva Wiener, a Holocaust survivor. Eva's story is particularly unique, as she was only 10 months old when she and her family traveled aboard the German transatlantic liner, the M.S. St. Louis, in an attempt to escape Nazi persecution.

The morning after Kristallnacht, Eva’s father was given just three minutes to gather his belongings before being deported to Poland, the country of his birth. Forced to live in a cramped one-bedroom apartment with 12 other men, he was deeply concerned for his wife and infant daughter, who remained in Germany. Determined to reunite their family and secure safe passage, Eva’s mother tirelessly reached out to multiple embassies in search of a visa. With the help of her brother, who was already in Cuba, she managed to secure a “landing permit” for their entry. Eva’s father was then able to return, and together, the family purchased three costly round-trip tickets for the voyage—despite knowing they would not be coming back.

The M.S. St. Louis carried more than 900 Jewish passengers, all seeking refuge. Unbeknownst to them, the seemingly luxurious cruise was a tool of Nazi propaganda, designed to manipulate global perception. The Nazi regime had already influenced the Cuban government, and when the Jewish passengers were denied entry, the Nazis exploited the situation as evidence that Jews were unwelcome anywhere in the world, further fueling their justification for genocide.

The captain of the M.S. St. Louis refused to return the Jewish passengers to Germany, fully aware of the dire consequences they would face. Instead, he attempted to bring them to Miami. When the United States denied them entry, he sent urgent telegrams to various countries, seeking asylum for the passengers. Despite offering substantial compensation, no nation initially agreed to accept the 900 refugees. As a last resort, he considered deliberately running the ship aground on the Scottish coast—sacrificing the vessel to ensure the passengers’ survival. Fortunately, this drastic measure proved unnecessary, as four countries ultimately agreed to accept some of the refugees: the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and England.

Although Eva’s family had relatives in the Netherlands, her father chose England, determined to put as much distance as possible between them and Hitler’s reach. His instincts proved correct, as within weeks, the other three countries that had accepted refugees were invaded by the Nazis. While life in London during the German air raids was difficult, Eva later reflected that it was nothing compared to the fate she might have faced in a concentration camp.

After the war, Eva and her family eventually immigrated to the United States, where she has lived in New Jersey since the 1960s. In 2009, the U.S. government formally apologized for its refusal to allow the M.S. St. Louis to dock. Those interested in learning more about Eva’s story and that of her fellow passengers can watch the documentary film, Complicit.

Listen to Eva Wiener's message.

“I am a survivor, because I was part of significant history. The message is that simply because I was Jewish, I was forced to leave a country behind because prejudice, bigotry, hate, and anti-Semitism created an atmosphere that turned the world upside down. I want to be the spokesperson for those who were not able to tell their stories and who will not be able to tell their stories much longer. We must be watchful and vigilant and careful not to judge others based on our differences,” said Eva Wiener.

She gave the students present a homework assignment – though she let them know it wouldn’t be due for at least 20 years. She tasked the room with continuing to share her story, and the story of others like her, as they are likely the last generation to be able to hear directly from survivors about what they experienced.

"We survivors are not going to be here much longer. You must pass on the message to your families and friends, your children and your grandchildren. Your message is that if hate and bigotry, anti-Semitism and prejudice, even bullying are allowed to fester and grow, we will unfortunately experience another Holocaust and genocide...Your job is to stand up against hate and bigotry. Stand up and speak out against anti-Semitism and injustice and hate. Do I have your promise?" Weiner asked.

The students and teachers promised they would. Thank you Eva for being an upstander in the world!

The Red Bank Borough Public School District is privileged to collaborate with a diverse range of community partners to enrich students' learning experiences and broaden their access to new opportunities. Among these valued partnerships, the Count Basie Center for the Arts has maintained a longstanding relationship with the district, playing a pivotal role in enhancing arts education.

Through this partnership, students benefit from attending live performances, participating in dance and theater workshops, and engaging in master classes to develop musical skills. Both students and educators can attest to the profound impact the Basie has had on fostering creativity, artistic expression, and cultural enrichment within the community.

Most recently students in Grades 4 and 5 were invited to participate in a two-week musical theater workshop produced by the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Building upon the success of Kids on Broadway (a program offered to Primary School students in Grades 2-3), we collaborated with the Basie to further develop our young performers' interest in the arts. With just eight days of rehearsals, our students made their debut performance of Seussical the Musical, Junior.

Students mastered their lines, songs and even choreography! One student elected to be the set design coordinator and collaborated with his peers to create the backdrops for the show.

Click the program above to learn more.

The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) help us understand how your child is progressing in key subjects like English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. These assessments are designed to measure students' growth and ensure they are on track with New Jersey’s learning standards.

Most students take these assessments on a computer, but paper-based options are available for those who need them. Our goal is to support every student’s learning journey, and these assessments give valuable insight into their progress!

What to Expect on the Assessments

Each assessment is designed to help us understand your child’s strengths and areas for growth in key subjects:

• 📖 English Language Arts (ELA): Students will practice close reading, analyze ideas across different texts, determine the meaning of words in context, and develop strong writing skills when using and evaluating sources.
• ➗ Mathematics: Assessments will focus on applying math skills to real-world situations, solving multi-step problems, and using abstract reasoning. Students will also practice precision, perseverance, and strategic use of tools to tackle complex problems.
• 🔬 Science: Students will explore and apply scientific concepts across Earth & space, life, and physical sciences. They will engage with questions that assess their understanding of scientific practices and problem-solving skills.

To showcase their knowledge, students will answer different types of questions, including multiple-choice, written responses, and interactive, technology-based questions. These assessments are valuable tools that help teachers and families support students’ learning and future success!

Click on the images below for more information about the NJSLA and our district's NJSLA Challenge.

Students in Grades 4 and 5 kicked off their NJSLA journey with an energizing and motivational pep rally designed to inspire confidence and determination. The event featured uplifting messages from upper-grade students, who shared valuable advice on how to stay focused, overcome challenges, and do their best on the assessment. Adding to the excitement, the school choir delivered a powerful performance of inspirational songs, filling the room with enthusiasm and encouragement.

As a school community, we believe that success is a team effort. With the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers, staff, and families, our students are well-equipped to showcase their hard work and perseverance. Together, we are committed to achieving results that truly reflect the dedication and effort put forth every day by all of our stakeholders.

All students in Grades 2-8 recently took the IXL Snapshot #3 for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students are able to view their performance and you can too! Just have your student login with their credentials and they can show you how they are performing. Keep in mind this is only a moment in time reflecting your child's skillsets.

Key steps:

• Login: Sign in to your child's IXL account.

• Access Analytics: Click on the "Analytics" tab.

• View Student Summary: Select the "Student Summary" report to see a general overview of your child's progress.

• Explore further details: Use other reports like the "Score Chart" to see specific SmartScores on skills and the "Questions Log" to review individual questions answered.

You can view this guide (English | Spanish) to better understand how to interpret your child's scores. Openly discussing your child's strengths and needs can help you support your child in areas where they might be excelling or struggling. Teachers regularly review the data to tailor instruction to meet your child's individual needs so they can serve as a resource too!

For more details about districtwide assessments you can reference the 24-25 Assessment Calendar & Notification Letter shared earlier this school year.

Atlas serves as the online vehicle for the Red Bank Borough Public School’s curriculum mapping. Curriculum mapping is a calendar-based method of organizing and planning what is happening in district courses at specific points in the school year. Curricula are developed chronologically so teachers can plan interdisciplinary units with their colleagues.

When visiting the website, click All Curriculum in the upper left-hand corner and then All Courses. That link leads to a page where you can filter all curriculum guides in all content areas from Kindergarten through Grade 8. The foundation of all curricula are the NJ Student Learning Standards. These guides are “living documents” that evolve throughout the year.