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

The fifth grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School was treated by the Home & School Association to a show by Anthony Salazar, who performed illusions that combined comedy, juggling, music, and audience participation. The show thrilled the students and had them laughing and gasping in disbelief! Virtual students were able to attend the show via a live Zoom. The fifth graders also received a special towel as a gift and will be receiving additional gifts next week as they leave BG and head to Memorial Middle School.

Eighth grade students at Memorial Middle School gathered Wednesday afternoon for some games of volleyball with their fellow classmates and staff members. The Home & School Association was on hand to provide complimentary refreshments as well as a special Class of 2021 hoodie for each student.

The second grade class at Charles Olbon School was treated to a special movie night last night outside on the blacktop by the Home & School Association. They watched "Trolls World Tour" under the stars together with their friends.

The Alfred Baumann Library saluted the winners of its annual poetry contest at a reading event on Wednesday night at Dowling Gardens. The staff sends its thanks to all those that submitted poems.

Winners in attendance at the event read their poems. All winning poems will be published and bound in a library book. Prizes were also awarded. School district winners are:

• Category A (K-2nd) – first place Veronica Murphy, “The Bee That Stung!”
  
• Category B (3rd-4th grade) - first place: Greg Marousis, “Ode to Grandma Helen;” second place: Marc Gutierrez, “Pigs Can Fly,” third place: Sean McGovern, “Where Do I Go?”
  
• Category C (5th- 6th grade) – first place: Lena Preziosi, “My Reflection;” second place: Loujain Fayez Lafi, “My Looks;” third place: Lola Aspirany, “Be You”
  
• Category D (7th-8th grade) – first place: Jillian Troiano, “Flute: Ethereal Beauty;” second place: Gabriella Byles, “Feelings of Spring;” third place: Gracyn Roehrich, “A Neglected Garden”
  

The WP American Legion Auxiliary Unit #238 American Spirit essay/video contest winners for 2021 were celebrated on Wednesday evening. Shown are the school district winners with their teachers. The school district winners are:

Third grade: Proud of America winner - Saif Allan

Fourth grade: Proud of America winner - Liana Bisultanova

Fifth grade: Proud of America winners - Lena Preziosi, and Jenai Cariello; Bringing America Together winners - Lola Aspirany, Tori, and Vanessa Hackett

Ms. Tonti’s class at Charles Olbon School learned about the flag of the U.S.A. They listened to non-fiction books to learn the meaning behind our nation’s flag as well as what each color represents. They took a virtual tour of Betsy Ross’ home where it is believed she sewed the first flag sample for George Washington. The children also enjoyed completing a windchime arts and crafts project in honor of Flag Day.

After learning about different landforms, Mrs. Skrbic's second grade class at Charles Olbon took a virtual field trip to the Grand Canyon. They learned so many different things about this beautiful wonder of the world. They even took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon itself. What a fun day!

Mrs. Parker's class at Charles Olbon School used their investigative skills to classify insects during their study of insects.

District Schools ended the year with Theme Thursdays in the buildings. Shown are Ms. Miranda's third grade and Mrs. Dizzia's fourth grade classes yesterday at Beatrice Gilmore School with a summer theme day. Also shown are some BG students the week prior for the "I Can Be Me At BG" theme day.

Pictured above is the Memorial Middle School band and chorus under the direction of music teacher, Mr. Schaefer, outside practicing for graduation.

The Woodland Park Board of Education announces that enrollment is open for full-day, tuition-free preschool for the 2021-2022 school year. Any Woodland Park resident child who is 3 or 4 years of age by Oct. 1 is eligible. To register, click here. Any questions, call 973-317-7770. If you are concerned your preschool child is developing or learning differently, you can call the district at 973-317-7700 to request an evaluation for Preschool Special Education and related services.

At its meeting on Monday night, the Board of Education recognized and congratulated two paraprofessionals at Charles Olbon School on their retirements. Robin Giardina is retiring after 25 years with the District. Lidia “Lee” Carioti is retiring after 23 years with the District. We wish them all the best!

Mrs. Davidson's second grade class at Charles Olbon School has been teaching in a hybrid setting all year. She recently took her in-person students and her virtual students, who are in a Google Meet on the laptop, outside for a special read-aloud. Students were able to turn and talk about the story and discuss comprehension strategies.

The final Beatrice Gilmore School virtual chorus performance of the year is now live on YouTube. Choir Director, Mr. Schaefer, thanks parents for encouraging their children to participate and helping them record their videos for these concerts. "Even if they didn't record and just stopped by for a few rehearsals, it was a joy to share my love of music and sing with them virtually," Mr. Schaefer said. "I look forward to singing in person with them next year!" There are two song selections: "I Don't Need Anything But You" and "I Will Sing." You can view the video here.

Congratulations to the 7-0 undefeated MCYSA U-12 PV United, which includes Woodland Park boys Philippe, Angelo, Adam, Liam, Onur and Dante. This upcoming weekend, they will compete in a Father’s Day tournament in Ridgewood.

On Monday, June 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion, 410 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Cub Scout Pack 31 will be accepting applications for boys entering kindergarten to fourth grade. If you wish to register for next year, come by to apply. Spots are limited.

Likewise, Boy Scout Troop 238 will be accepting applications for new Scouts at the same time and place. Troop 238 is open to boys entering sixth grade through age 18.

The registration fee for July 1 through Dec. 31 is $88, which includes the New Scout application fee. Checks may be made payable to "Northern New Jersey Council BSA." If you cannot make it on Monday evening but wish to register or have any questions, e-mail WPCubScouts@gmail.com.

The WP Summer Camp held a parent meeting Tuesday night, where attendees could meet the staff, learn about the schedule, and get answers to any questions they had. Camp will be led by director Shannon Marren, who has been with the camp for nine years, and assistants Christina Scillieri and Kelsey Marren.

Parents are encouraged to follow the camp on Facebook and/or Instagram, as photos of activities and reminders will be posted. If parents have any concerns or questions they should call or email the camp and not post on social media. Camp reminders will strictly be emailed to parents. Please make sure your email is up to date on the Community Pass system.

Other important notes:

• Camp opens at 8:30 a.m. each morning. Drop off is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Pick up for full-day campers is from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
• Hand-held games, toys, and phones are strongly discouraged.
• Label all items brought to camp boldly with a Sharpie (lunch box, towel, bags, etc.)
• An EMT is on staff daily at the camp.
• Apply sunscreen before the day begins. A camper may bring spray sunscreen with them.
• Full-day campers must bring their lunch daily. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from 25 cents to $1 each. A list will be sent out. Please send children with change and small bills. Half-day campers will get a snack time.

Residency and immunization records MUST be on file before the start of camp. They can be brought to the Welcome Summer Party on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Diane Grimes Park. Alternately, the documents can be brought to Borough Hall Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Any questions can be directed to recreation@wpnj.us or 973-345-8100, ext. 213. Once camp is in session, parents can contact the camp at 973-278-5053 or summercamp@wpnj.us.

The Alfred Baumann Library building is now fully open to the public. Its hours are continuing to expand. Beginning June 21, the Library will be open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Library services have been fully restored to pre-COVID levels.

Patrons can now come into the building to browse with no restrictions on length of stay and have full use of the reopened adult seating areas. All computers are available as well as printing, copying, and faxing. Library staff are on hand to help with all of your needs as always.

The Library is also excited to reopen the children’s and teen areas for its young patrons - a perfect time, with the Summer Reading program beginning next week. Make sure to register online to be a part of the Tails & Tales Summer Program filled with all kinds of exciting missions and the opportunity to win prizes. The summer program is for children, teens, and adults.

Miss in-person programming? The Library is now offering several programs outdoors. Some will still be offered via Zoom or during inclement weather. Have you met our newest Librarians, Miss Sara and Miss Bri? Make sure you register for their programs. Ms. Christina will continue to bring outstanding teen and family programs to the community and Ms. Reem will be offering her outstanding Bedtime Math program this summer. Also, look for Library staff at the Woodland Park Summer Camp and the Woodland Park Farmers Market on Saturdays.

The Library continues to maintain high standards of cleaning and sanitation to help prevent the spread of COVID. While masks are no longer required per the state of New Jersey, the Library does request that all unvaccinated individuals and children under the age of 12 wear masks in the building.

The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. All programs are VIRTUAL unless noted. To view virtual programs, click here.

Monday, June 21, 10 a.m. - Weigh to Go. Register here.

Tuesday, June 22, 1 p.m. - Sensory play for babies to PreK. Register for Sensory Play and pick up a monthly kit. Then join us via Zoom for a loosely guided playtime that focuses on sensory perceptions and motor skills. Register here.

Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. Spring Into S.T.E.M. Put your creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance to the test at this interactive program to be held outside the Library, weather permitting. In event of inclement weather, a Zoom meeting link will be provided via email that day and take and make kits provided. Open to grades 3-8. Register here.

Tuesday, June 22, 7 p.m. - Virtual Trivia Night! Grab some snacks for six rounds of trivia fun. The questions are challenging and geared for adult players, but family teams are welcome. Register here.

Wednesday, June 23, 6 p.m. - Learn how to make a wildflower wreath. This is a guided project that involves you collecting and foraging from your own yard or other green spaces, and the base can be used again and again. Sign up and we'll call you to pick up a free pre-made wreath base, some tips for foraging, then join in on Zoom for a demo. Register here.

Thursday, June 24, 4 p.m. - Summer Reading Kick-off with Dinosaurs Rock! at Dowling Gardens. Join in as we kick off "Tails & Tales," the summer reading program for 2021. Children of all ages are welcome to attend this educational and fun program, which includes real, genuine dinosaur artifacts from Dinosaurs Rock. Register here.

Thursday, June 24, 7 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club will meet virtually. Register here.

The Library's website is www.abwplibrary.org. Phone number is 973-345-8120. Reach the Library via email at library@abwplibrary.org.

Click here for Facebook

Click here for Instagram

Click here Twitter

Email: mpillari@wpschools.org
Website: www.wpschools.org
Location: 853 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Phone: 973-317-7711