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

Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian

Dear Arbor Families,

Spring has finally arrived and Arbor students are eagerly welcoming the warmer weather and events to come. We brought in March by celebrating Read Across America week. Students participated in spirit days with a new theme each day, welcomed mystery readers to their classrooms, and explored new authors and genres. Students also participated in the annual “Read-In,” when students and staff joined together in the hallways of the school to enjoy a book of their choice. This month, we were also able to welcome families during Breakfast with your Child and the Scholastic Book Fair. March was also Women’s History Month. Students recognized the many contributions women have made to the worlds of science, politics, entertainment, literature, and social reform.

I wish you and your families a relaxing and safe Spring Break, which will begin on Friday, March 29. We will see everyone back on April 8!

Sincerely,

Mrs. O’Donnell

Today’s children are growing up in a world where there has always been the Internet. As they begin to understand the benefits of being able to access information instantaneously and connect with others, it also opens them to a whole new area of risks . Below are some tips to help families navigate the Internet safely:

1. Educate yourself: Before you can educate your children, you must first educate yourself about social media. Learn about different social media platforms, their features, privacy settings, and potential risks.

2. Set rules and guidelines: Establish clear rules and guidelines for social media use in your household, including when and for how long your child can use social media, which platforms they can use, and what content is appropriate.

3. Monitor your child's activity: Keep an eye on your child's social media activity by friending or following them on social media platforms. Regularly check their posts and direct messages to ensure they are not sharing inappropriate content or engaging with strangers.

4. Talk about online safety: Discuss online safety with your children and teach them how to protect their personal information and stay safe online. This includes not sharing personal information, avoiding strangers online, and reporting any suspicious activity.

5. Model good behavior: Set a good example for your children by modeling responsible social media behavior.

6. Encourage offline activities: Encourage your children to engage in offline activities, such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. This can help balance their time and reduce the risk of excessive social media use.

Remember, social media can be a valuable tool for communication and connection, but it is important to use it responsibly and safely. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

Amy McLaughlin

amclaughlin@pway.org

“Allergy Season is here!!!”

What is an allergy? An allergy (say: AL-ur-jee) is your immune system's reaction to certain plants, animals, foods, insect bites, or other things.

My Immune System? Your immune system protects you from diseases by fighting germs like bacteria and viruses. But when you have allergies, it overreacts and tries to "fight" ordinary things like grass, pollen, or certain foods.

Will I have symptoms? Allergies can cause sneezing, itchy skin, runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, hives (red, bumpy, itchy rash) and a sore throat.

Why Do Some Kids Get Allergies?

Some kids have a tendency to have allergies, which means they are more likely to get them than other kids.

Some kids get allergies through hereditary (say: huh-REH-dih-tare-ee) which means that they get their allergies from their parents or family members.

When can I get allergies? Allergies can begin when you are a baby, child, teenager or adult, although allergies often decrease in older people.

What can I do if I have allergies?

Your doctor will help find out what you is causing your allergy. Your doctor will also suggest ways to stay away from the cause of your allergy or prescribe a medicine for you to take every day or when you have symptoms.

Taking care of yourself during allergy season is a way to stay healthy!

During the first week of March, students celebrated Read Across America. This was an opportunity for students to celebrate the joy of reading. The week included spirit days focused on themes from Dr. Seuss. The themes included "One Fish, Two Fish", "The Cat in the Hat", "Wacky Wednesday", "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Sleep Book." On Tuesday, March 5th, students and staff participated in a "Read-in" event. During this event, all students and staff sat in the hallway to read a book of their choosing. Throughout the month of March, and all year, we celebrate the art of reading as one of the most important skills for students, and adults, to develop and embrace.

At home, encourage your children to read every night. Some suggestions for engaging your children in reading are below:

• Incorporate a 20 minute family reading time each day
• Have your child read in different locations around the house- read in the bathtub, under a tree, or under a bed with a flashlight. You could create a challenge of reading in the most creative locations.
• Create a family book club. All family members can read the same book and discuss after each chapter

Students in Mrs. LaMarsh's and Mrs Doferty's 4th grade classes were excited to find out that Mrs. LaMarsh's husband would be thier mystery reader on March 8th, 2023. Mr. LaMarsh joined the classroom via zoom to read the book Who Moved My Cheese?​ After the book was completed, students had an opportunity to interact with Mr. LaMarsh in question and answer session. Students were enthusiastic when sharing their thoughts on the moral of the story.

In conjunction with Read Across Week, Children's Services Librarians, Karin Roslund and Dana Lauria, visited Arbor School During thier visit, they presented on the variety of programs, special events and services provided b by the Piscataway Township Library. Students had an opportunity to listen to a story and ask questions about books, games and activities offered by the library.

The Piscataway Township Education Association/NJEA PRIDE sponsored a Breakfast with your Child Week. During this week, a continental breakfast was served each morning in the cafetorium. Caretakers used this opportunity to enjoy breakfast with their child at school. It was fabulous seeing our families join in this event.

During this week, the Scholastic Book Fair was held in the library. After breakfast with their child, many caretakers were seen perusing the Book Fair. In addition, throughout the week, teachers brought their classes down to view the the books. A special thank you to our Arbor PTO and community members who volunteered to help make the Book Fair a huge success!

Throughout the month of March, students participated in various activities highlighting notable women throughout history.

In art class, students studied Lois Mailou Jones. Jones was raised by working-class parents who emphasized the importance of education and hard work. She became an influential artist and teacher. Jones first worked as a textile artist, then spent time in France, Africa, and Haiti. All of these influences show up in her art. Patterns, bold colors, shapes and lines can be seen in her designs. Jones served on Howard University’s staff for 47 years. She is definitely an artist to know!

Arbor students are studying Jones’ life and her art work. Students are currently creating their own art inspired by her!

Isabella Orellano, a 5th grade student, was chosen as the Artist of the Year from Arbor School. She came to the art room during recess times to finish her owl drawing, which was then framed for the Permanent Art Collection! On March 14th, she was honored in a special ceremony at the Administration Building. The Permanent Art Collection will be up for the year in The Administration Building for the community to enjoy.

Isabella's Art Work

The Community Service Club students were hard at work organizing donations from the "Souper Bowl" donation.

Dear Arbor Families,

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and commitment throughout the school year. As we approach the end of the school year we are seeking your input for our final fundraising event.

Poll: Mother’s day/Father’s day holiday shop OR BOGO book fair?

Upcoming Activities:

• Final fundraising event - End of April

• PTO election meeting - May 7th

• Family Fun night - Movie on the lawn. TBD

Important Links:

• Online Donations platform: link

• Email: Arborintermediatepto@gmail.com

• Follow Us: FACEBOOK

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.

February Student of the Month

• 3/29/24-4/5/24- Spring Break
• 4/25/24- Take your Child to Work Day
• 4/26/24- Spirit Day- Book Character Day
• 5/7/24- PTO Election Meeting