Arbor Intermediate School
January 2024 Issue
School Leadership Team
School Leadership Team
Heather O’Donnell, Principal
Janell Smolk, Assistant Principal
Amy McLaughlin, Counselor
Karen Hoeg, Secretary
Corinne Fender, School Nurse
Kenneth Dzurilla, Custodian
A Message from the Principal
Dear Arbor Families,
Happy New Year! I am excited to see all that 2024 will bring for our students, staff, and families. Students have settled back into a routine after the holidays, and we have a busy few months ahead of us. The New Year provides us all with the opportunity to celebrate our students and their hard work. Students had opportunities to explore and recognize the contributions of Muslim culture for Muslim Heritage Month. Concert season is also underway, and our students in the Band, Orchestra, and Chorus programs have been working hard and are excited to showcase their progress and talents. The end of the second marking period is coming up, which will allow us to recognize our Honor Roll students.
We are looking forward to many fun upcoming events and fundraisers. We continue to have great participation from families for Family Fun Nights, concerts, Dine to Donate events, and PTO sales. Be sure to check out the PTO section of the newsletter to save the dates for our upcoming events. The New Year will surely bring many more opportunities to gather as a community to celebrate our students' successes!
Sincerely,
Heather O’Donnell
Counseling Corner
At Arbor, 4th and 5th grade students receive lessons from the Second Step curriculum. Second Step is a program designed to build supportive communities through social and emotional learning. Our Second Step lessons will be taught collaboratively with teachers and counselors. Please see the link below for additional information.
Nurse's Corner
It’s cold outside! Please dress for the weather. It’s time to wear hats, gloves, scarves, winter coat and sometimes boots.
It’s important to:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often
- Eat health food
- Keep moving and exercise
- Get plenty of sleep
We can stay healthy together!!!
Muslim Heritage Month
In celebration of Muslim Heritage Month, students at Arbor participated in a learning walk on January 24, 2024. The event was spearheaded by parent volunteers Laialy Eid, Randa Assaf, and Talaha Khan. During this event, students had an opportunity to learn about Muslim Heritage. Students listened to a presentation and visited various exhibits that included information and artifacts related to Muslim traditions, culture, geography, and art. Students were able to be hands on, share their own experiences, as well as ask questions and participate in thoughtful discussions. We appreciate the time and effort of our volunteers to promote awareness and recognition of the many contributions of the Muslim community.
A Virtual Visit from an "American Idol"
Mr. Bennington & Ms. Riddick's class had a special virtual presentation from "American Idol" and Billboard recording artist Kimberley Locke. She spoke to the students about her passion for singing, tips on public speaking for their upcoming presentations of their Extreme Weather Projects, and she sang a song to the classes. Also, students had an opportunity to ask her questions about her favorite music, mindfulness, and her inspirations (hint: it's teachers!) Students had a great time and were so excited for the opportunity.
Band Concert
L.E.A.D. Program
Detective Laughlin teaches 5th grade students through the L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) program. L.E.A.D focuses on social and emotional learning by promoting positive attitudes, teaching aversion to negative peer pressure, and encouraging healthy habits and relationships. During Detective Laughlin's lessons, he ends with a parody of the song "We Will Rock You." During this activity, students clap their hands and say "We will, we will LEAD you." After the lesson, students apply their knowledge by creating posters to be displayed throughout the school.
Arbor Staff Spirit- Decades Day
Check out some snapshots of Arbor Staff representing the decades!
Mr. John, Ms. Sam, Ms. Niyah, Ms. Nina and Ms. Heidi
Mr. Mejias
Ms. Taylor and Ms. Cremone
Mr. Kramer
Ms. Fender, Ms. Hoeg, Ms. Carlon, Ms. Smolk, Ms McLaughlin, and Ms. O'Donnell
Ms. Regan, Ms. Reyes and Ms. Salcedo
Arbor Awesomeness- Staff Recognition
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.
Arbor PTO
Dear Arbor Families,
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and commitment and a huge shout out to all the parents who completed the end-of-year survey. Follow our progress and engage with us on FACEBOOK.
Key Highlights:
Survey Results:
Family Fun nights preferred day (most votes): Friday (1st), Thursday (2nd)
Family Fun/Fundraising preferred activities (most votes): Bingo, Outdoor movie on the lawn
Fundraising preferred activities (most votes): Trampoline Park, Baseball Games, Skating/Bowling Rinks
Family Fun night: It’s GAME time! Gear up for a spectacular night of Bingo! On Friday, February 23rd from 6:30 pm - 8 pm, the Arbor Cafeteria will transform into the ultimate hotspot for thrilling games, fantastic prizes and ultimate excitement.
Early Bird until Feb 15th: Secure your spot for just $5 per person (1 ticket includes 1 sheet of 3 bingo cards). Each additional bingo card is $5.
Late Registration/Door: $10 per person/ticket (if seats are still available).
Advance registration is encouraged due to limited capacity.
Scholastic Book Fair: Our Spring Book Fair will run from Monday, March 4, to Friday, March 8 during school hours. Every book purchase earns a raffle ticket, and we have daily prizes for lucky winners. Our previous co-chair, 5th-grade parent Ms. Sandy Hegedus has graciously accepted to lead this initiative again.
Volunteers Needed: We rely on volunteer support to help us bring such impactful initiatives to life and cultivate the joy of reading amongst our students . Stay tuned for communications to sign up for available time slots.
Upcoming Activities
Family Fun Night - Friday, February 23. 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Scholastic Book Fair - Monday, March 4 - Friday, March 8
Important Links:
Bingo Night Registration: link
Bingo Night volunteer registration: link
Online Donations platform: link
Follow Us: FACEBOOK
Sincerely,
PTO Officers:
Hesha Patel, President
Aaron Gibbs, Treasurer
Shameeka Gibbs, Recording Secretary
Check out the Student of the Month Winners- December
Upcoming Events
- 1/30/24- Arbor Chorus and Orchestra Concert (6:30pm-Schor Middle School)
- 2/9/24- Spirit Day- Jersey Day
- 2/1/24-2/16/24- Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser
- 2/21/24- 4th Grade Academic Awards
- 2/22/24-5th Grade Academic Awards
- 2/23/24- Family Fun Night (6:30pm-8:00pm)
- 3/2/24-3/6/24- Spirit Week- Read Across America