My lovely blank newsletter

I hope this message finds you all in great spirits and the best of health. It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the 3rd Marking Period! As I walk through the halls and visit classrooms, I am thrilled to see our teachers making meaningful connections with our students. Our students are working hard and actively participating in their learning experiences.

As parents and educators, we recognize prioritizing education is vital for your child's growth and development. By emphasizing the significance of school attendance and engagement, we can work together to help them thrive academically and socially. Unless they are unwell, regular attendance and punctuality are crucial. We understand that some absences can’t be avoided due to health issues or other extenuating circumstances. However, we also recognize that excessive absences and tardiness can lead to academic and social challenges. As adolescents, they must learn to take responsibility for their education, including being accountable and independent.

Our dedicated teachers and support staff are committed to encouraging our students to take ownership of their learning and maintain strong attendance. Here are a few ways you can support these efforts at home to help them make wise choices and grow their independence:

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule and a morning routine.

• Prepare clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Ensure they attend school daily and arrive on time unless they are genuinely ill.

• Encourage them to communicate with teachers about their academics and areas for improvement.

• Suggest they speak with the School Counselor about their future goals and time management strategies.

• Remind them to seek extra help during lunch or after school utilizing the STAR Program if they struggle with a particular skill or subject.

• Encourage them to put forth their best effort in all assignments, projects, and homework.

Lastly, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 27th. More information will be sent within the next couple of weeks. We look forward to seeing you in the classrooms to discuss your child’s progress. Remember, you don’t have to wait for conferences to reach out. We are always available to meet with parents and guardians to address any questions or discuss your concerns. Your involvement is vital to our school community, and we genuinely appreciate the support you provide, which helps make our school a remarkable place for learning.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

Warm Regards,

Regina Barrale

Principal

On January 8th, we were excited to host Becton Regional High School’s Counseling Department. They gave a wonderful presentation about all of the course offerings and happenings at Becton Regional High School to our 8th grade students. Our students were thrilled to hear about the options to include AP classes, Honors classes, varying Art classes, Intro to Piano/Guitar and even the World Language classes! Their final schedule was due by January 15th with parent/guardian signature. If you have any questions about Becton’s offerings, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Caprio at mcaprio@bectonhs.org.

On January 9th, we had the pleasure of hosting George Gorman, a public speaker for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He spoke with all of our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students during a 45-minute presentation that discussed the signs of depression and other mental health problems, ways to initiate a conversation about mental health with peers and how to obtain help. “Seize the Awkward” was a pivotal part of the dialogue and if any family would like more information, feel encouraged to visit https://seizetheawkward.org/ and https://afsp.org/

Regular school attendance is critical to your child’s academic success and personal growth. In New Jersey, state law requires students to attend school regularly, allowing for no more than 18 absences per year. Exceeding this limit may result in chronic absenteeism, which can significantly impact your child’s learning and social development. Additionally, absences beyond what is permitted could lead to truancy proceedings, as outlined in the NJ Compulsory Education Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25). That said, we understand that illnesses like the flu, strep throat, and other communicable diseases are circulating, and a student’s health should always come first. If your child is ill, we encourage you to keep them home to recover and notify the school promptly. Our goal is to work with families to address any barriers to attendance and ensure students are supported in returning to school as quickly as possible. Together, we can prioritize both the well-being and education of our students.

On February 27th, we will be hosting Bergen’s Promise, a community-based organization, and they will be speaking to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students about social media! This organization is dedicated to supporting families and youth in various aspects, including mental health and wellness. They offer resources and services that can address concerns related to social media usage among youth. If you would like additional information on Bergen’s Promise, feel free to review their website at https://www.bergenspromise.org/

6th grade Social Studies students recently participated in a teacher-created virtual field trip to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, home to one of the most significant sites in American Revolutionary history. The students were able to explore Valley Forge gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Continental Army during the harsh winter of 1777-1778. Students explored key locations such as the Washington Memorial Chapel, the cabins where soldiers camped, and the inspirational monument to George Washington. Students learned about the importance of Valley Forge and how the troops endured extreme conditions in order to become a stronger and more confident army.

Adding an extra layer of fun and engagement, the class also participated in a "Valley Forge Escape Room" activity. In this educational challenge, students worked in teams to solve puzzles and answer historical questions based on their new knowledge of the site. The escape room focused on key moments and figures from the Revolutionary War, encouraging critical thinking and teamwork.

In a collaborative research project, students delved into five pivotal documents that illuminated the profound connection between Greek democratic principles and the foundational democratic framework of the United States. By carefully analyzing historical texts, they uncovered how the ancient Athenian model of direct citizen participation, political equality, and democratic decision-making significantly influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution, particularly in concepts like representative governance, the importance of civic engagement, and the fundamental belief that legitimate political power derives from the consent of the governed.

6th-grade math students in Mrs. Gerity and Mrs. O’Connor’s math classes have been actively learning about Ratios, Equivalent Ratios, and now Unit Rates! They have mastered writing ratios in three different forms and used graphs, tables, and patterns to create equivalent ratios.

By analyzing patterns in data, students have developed problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how ratios work. Now, they are applying this knowledge to Unit Rates, learning how to compare values per one, which helps in real-world situations like speed and price comparisons.

Unit Rates are an essential step toward proportional reasoning, and students are gaining confidence in using them. Families can support learning by discussing everyday examples, such as grocery prices or travel speeds.

Our 7th-grade Math students have been hard at work exploring algebraic expressions and their connections to real-life situations. They’ve been practicing how to write, evaluate, and simplify expressions while applying mathematical properties to create and identify equivalent expressions. Their focus on recognizing equivalency has been impressive!

In Pre-Algebra, students have been diving deeper into equations and inequalities. They’ve been using their knowledge to write and solve problems that model real-world scenarios. Through this process, they’ve developed skills in interpreting and manipulating equations and inequalities to solve for unknown variables while exploring various problem-solving strategies.

Great job to all our students—keep up the fantastic work!

In 8th grade math, students have been busy learning about functions and two-way tables this marking period. Many students showed a lot of growth on the functions test, and completed projects about two-way frequency tables related to superheroes. We are now going to be working on systems of equations, one of our major topics for 8th grade! In the Algebra class, students have been learning about exponential and piecewise functions, and they excelled at solving systems of equations and inequalities. We will soon be working on quadratics, which is our foundational Algebra topic! Ms. Jackson is very proud of everyone for their hard work and perseverance.

In December and January, Ms. Bayeux and Mr. Colavito's eighth-graders explored autism through the eyes of narrator, Christopher Boone, while reading the British bestseller, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. During this unit, students conducted research to learn more about the autism spectrum, developmental disabilities, and London. Students learned how considering the "perspective" of others can raise our awareness and compassion towards others in society. As a culminating lesson, students constructed analytical essays to sharpen writing skills, utilize elevated vocabulary and transition words, and articulate ideas meaningfully. As a result of this unit, students gained perspective on how individuals on the autism spectrum function in society, and how we can all employ compassion when interacting with others in the world.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, Faust School held its 86th Annual School Spelling Bee in the auditorium. Each English class in grades 6-8 held a spelldown to determine a class champion and alternate. The champions then went on to compete onstage in the spelling bee. A total of 13 spellers gathered on the stage to spell various words including "gratitude" and "beneficial." After 12 rounds, two students were left standing, Daniel Amin and Rocco Chandra. After 8 rounds, Rocco's champion word was "gerbil." Congratulations to Rocco! Congratulations also to Daniel, who will be the alternate champion and take Rocco's place in the event he is unable to compete in March. Rocco will now go on to compete in the North Jersey regional bee in March at Bergen Community College. Many congratulations, Rocco, and keep on spelling!

Students in the 7th grade English Language Arts classes have been immersed in narrative texts, focusing on the author's craft! Seventh graders have completed the study of the novel Hatchet during this marking period. Honors students have been delving into the dystopian setting of the novel The Giver. They even created their own utopian society! All our students have been using these texts to explore narrative elements, literary genres and devices, figurative language, theme, and characterization. Students have also practiced the strategy of citing evidence when responding to literature. Great job to all our hard working students!

The 6th Grade English Language Arts Classes have been very busy developing their reading and writing skills. Below are some highlights from Mr. Tunnell’s Classroom:

• During this marking period the 6th graders read Song For A Whale by: Lynne Kelly. The students were beyond excited to share their favorite highlights from their reading each day with their classmates.

• Students have been working on Research Simulation Tasks & Literary Analysis Tasks

• Students have been focusing on developing their vocabulary

• Students have been focusing on responding to constructed response questions with citing evidence from various informational texts, short stories, and novels.

• Students enjoyed participating in various Socratic Seminars and Literature Circle Discussions.

In the coming weeks, our 6th graders will explore the fascinating process of photosynthesis. They will begin by reflecting on the foods they eat, including considering how many of those foods come from plants. After inquiring about maple syrup and learning it's 100% from trees, students will investigate how plants make food molecules like sugars, proteins, and fats. They will analyze how plants take in water and carbon dioxide and release oxygen and water, connecting these processes to their role in plant growth. Through hands-on activities and data analysis, students will discover how plants are essential in providing the food we eat. It’s going to be an exciting time of learning and exploration in science!

Over the past few weeks, our class has been learning about body systems. We explored the structure and function of the skin, muscles, and bones, learning how these systems work together to support and protect our bodies. To bring our learning to life, students had the exciting opportunity to dissect a chicken wing. This hands-on activity allowed us to see real-life examples of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, making connections to the human arm. By carefully examining how the muscles contract and move the bones, students gained a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system in action.

Our exploration of body systems continued with a discussion on nerves and their role in our ability to react to stimuli. To test our own reaction times, students participated in a fun and interactive lab using a ruler. In pairs, students took turns dropping a ruler while their partner attempted to catch it as quickly as possible. By recording their reaction times, they were able to analyze the speed of their nervous system responses and discuss factors that might affect reaction speed.

Shifting from the human body to the microscopic world, we are now learning about unicellular organisms. Students are exploring the characteristics of bacteria and how these tiny organisms play a role in our environment and health. As part of our investigation, we have started an experiment growing bacteria on slices of bread. Over the next several days, students will observe changes and discuss how bacteria multiply under different conditions.

Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries in our science classroom!

Mrs. Yang's 8th grade science class investigated the impacts that humans had on the biosphere by observing the effects that adding carbon dioxide to the ocean had on organisms.

Two virtual labs:

1. Adding carbon dioxide to the solution turned the solution yellow, indicating an increase in acidity.

2. The eggshell dissolved in the acid solution.

The students learned that when carbon dioxide was dissolved in Bromothymol blue, the solution would turn yellow, indicating an increase in carbon dioxide. Whenever humans burned fossil fuels and destroyed forests, carbon dioxide levels were increased. This carbon dioxide dissolved in oceans, increasing their acidity. The eggshell dissolved in the acidic solution. Organisms in the oceans with shells could see these same effects with the increase in acidity.

Animals with shells, such as oysters, would definitely be affected because shells are designed to protect these animals. Without the shell, they are more susceptible to predators.

Conclusion: We should reduce deforestation and fossil fuel emissions in order to save the ocean ecosystem.

The second marking period at Faust was an exciting time for our Physical Education classes! Before Winter Recess, students developed their football skills, working on hand-eye coordination and technique. Upon returning, they jumped into a crowd-favorite lifetime activity, badminton! This unit emphasized the importance of staying active throughout life, and students enjoyed competitive, tournament-style rotation play.

Looking ahead, students will engage in Yoga, Pickleball, and Fitness Stations in the next marking period. These activities will complement the nutrition unit covered in Health class, reinforcing the connection between healthy eating and physical activity. Students expanded their knowledge of nutrition by exploring portion sizes, reading food labels, and making balanced choices to support an active lifestyle. We are excited to continue promoting lifelong health and fitness in the coming months!

Throughout marking period 2, students had numerous opportunities to utilize various modes of communication, including speaking, listening, reading, and short writing. Students successfully completed classroom activities using multiple learning platforms provided by our school, such as Formative and Edpuzzle, among others.

• In 6th grade, students learned about mealtimes (desayuno, almuerzo, y cena) and explored various types of food (comida saludable y comida chatarra/rápida). They engaged in different modes of communication by discussing and interpreting infographics. Students depicted their favorite restaurant and dish using the verbs gustar and preferir. They acquired skills to order and sell Hispanic street food items.

• In 7th grade, students interpreted videos and infographics of arepas from Puerto Rico and Colombia, appreciating the visual differences of the same dish across Latin American countries. Students created visual representations like flyers or brochures promoting healthy lifestyles. They interpreted infographics about Mexican Tortas and identified healthy food options. Students categorized healthy and unhealthy lifestyle choices including food, beverages, and physical activities. They expressed frequency of healthy habits using 'siempre,' 'a veces,' and 'nunca' in simple sentences.

• In 8th grade, students learned about Hispanic family traditions, various types of homes, and shared responsibilities for household chores. Throughout our class days, students recognized the impacts of climate change and promoted recycling habits to contribute to environmental preservation. Additionally, students read the adventures of 'Brandon Brown vs Yucatan' by Carol Gaab and Kristy Placido, engaging with authentic Spanish language literature.

On January 4th the Faust School band and choir performed for the monthly senior citizen meeting at the East Rutherford Civic Center. Over One hundred student musicians entertained the seniors by playing holiday music. The Faust music students are working very hard to prepare for their upcoming performances in the spring.

SAVE THE DATES

5/16/25 Bergen County Teen Arts Festival, 8th grade band and choir students will be performing

5/20/25 Spring Concert 7:00 p.m., 6th, 7th and 8th grade band and choir members

6/06/25 Trills and Thrills Music Festival

Our 6th graders created stunning one-point perspective cityscapes, incorporating dark and light values to bring their artwork to life. Meanwhile, our 8th graders painted vibrant and eye-catching candy-themed pop art pieces. As for our 7th graders, they explored their creativity using Photopea, an online Photoshop tool, to design imaginative scenarios and outfits for bears!

• In 6th grade we did our cycle performances for THE BROADWAY BEAT- they did amazing!
• The 7th grade finished up their cycle by writing monologues from the standpoint of someone differently abled.
• 8th graders read Romeo and Juliet and learned how to decipher difficult language like Shakespeare!

It is hard to believe that we are ending the 2nd marking period. The

students this marking period have been doing extremely well. The 6th graders have been busy preparing for the cycle show called “Broadway Beat” that was performed for Lincoln School on January 31. The 7th graders have been busy playing and learning rhythms. The 8th graders did a great job using a current event to inspire them in creating a soundtrack on Sound Trap .

Grade 6 Financial Literacy students compared the features and costs of checking accounts and debit cards from local financial institutions. They learned the difference between debit cards (linked to a checking account) and credit cards (involving borrowed money to be repaid). Students practiced balancing a check register and writing checks, emphasizing the importance of a proper signature in financial transactions. Understanding these concepts early helps students make informed financial decisions in the future.

Grade 7 Financial Literacy students learned to manage personal finances by calculating sales and income taxes and understanding their impact. They explored personal budgeting, covering income, savings, expenses, and taxes. Students calculated the percentage each category contributed to a budget and used a family budget estimator to determine the minimum income needed for a household in their city or nearby area, preparing them for informed financial decisions. Financial literacy at this stage is essential for laying a strong foundation for responsible money management.

Grade 8 Financial Literacy students learned about credit costs by comparing interest rates and loan terms. They practiced calculating loan repayments and understood the financial impact of borrowing. Students explored how small investments grow over time and calculated simple and compound interest. They also estimated college costs and developed a savings plan to prepare for future educational expenses. These lessons aimed to help students make informed financial decisions.

In 6th Grade Creative Writing during marking period 2, the students have immersed themselves in the world of poetry, crafting beautiful haiku poems, creative shape poems, lively limericks, intricate diamante verses, and captivating acrostic poems.

They've also explored the art of concise storytelling through 6-word memoirs, offering glimpses into their unique perspectives.

Lastly, through reflective writing, our young writers explored their personal growth, sharing insights into how they have evolved and flourished as skilled writers! Keep up the amazing writing 6th grade! We are very proud of you!

Marking Period 2 in 7th Grade Creative Writing was an exciting and creative adventure! Students wrote incredible fictional narratives, bringing their stories to life with vivid sensory details and essential narrative elements. From intriguing plot twists to dynamic characters, their writing showcased imagination and strong storytelling skills.

In addition to fiction, students explored the world of poetry. They experimented with different poetic forms, played with rhythm and word choice, and expressed their thoughts and emotions in unique and powerful ways.

Our final unit of the marking period focused on mythology. Students delved into the fascinating world of Greek myths, learning about legendary figures and their timeless stories. Each student selected a mythological character they felt a connection with or found intriguing, researching key details and sharing their insights.

As we move into the second half of the school year, we encourage students to continue embracing their creativity and growing as writers. Good luck!

Currently, in Creative Writing Class 8th-grade students are exploring their voices in different writing genres. 8th-grade writers have completed their “Poetry Movement Project” researching literary genres and authors from different time periods. Students wrote essays highlighting impactful moments in their poetry movements, as well as, analyzed poems or short stories that represented a voice for their movement’s time period. Finally, 8th grade has created a mini-poetry portfolio comprised of their semester’s writing.

Our class had an exciting community-based instruction (CBI) trip to the Dollar Tree, Marshalls, and Aldi's. This trip provided our students with a shopping experience in a real-world setting. Each student referenced a list of items to be purchased, interacted with store employees, and kept to a budget. They learned the importance of polite communication, waiting patiently in check out lines, and using labels to find items. This outing helped build confidence in navigating public spaces and reinforced practical skills they'll use in everyday life.

National Junior Honor Society Members have been very busy serving as leaders both in Faust School & in the East Rutherford Community. We are very proud of all the NJHS members that participated in the Van Saun Park Bergen County Tree Decorating Event for the holiday season.

The NJHS had its Induction Ceremony on January 14th. We are very proud of our 56 Wildcats that have been inducted this year.

National Junior Honor Society 8th Grade Representatives have also been attending monthly board meetings to deliver the school reports for each month! Excellent Work to our 8th grade NJHS members!

A healthy school environment requires teamwork and effort from everyone in the East Rutherford School District. During the winter months, illnesses like strep throat, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal viruses tend to increase. Protect yourself, your family, and those around you by following these Habits for Good Health, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Habits for Good Health

• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth, then discard it immediately. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you or your child has the flu, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.
• Dress for Winter Weather: Layer up with loose-fitting clothing, wear gloves or mittens, and use a hat to stay warm. Trapped body heat provides excellent protection from the cold.

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for overall health. Make these Healthy Dental Habits part of your daily routine:

1. Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth every morning and night.
2. Floss Daily: Clean between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles.
3. Limit Sugary Foods: Cut back on sugary snacks and beverages.
4. Visit the Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine checkups and cleanings at least once a year.
5. Replace Your Toothbrush: Get a new toothbrush every 3 months or after an illness.

By practicing these health and dental habits, we can work together to keep our school community safe, healthy, and thriving all winter long.