Woodbury White & Gold (blog edition)

2011 Periodic Update of the Strategic Plan: Personalizing Education

2011-10-03T08:50:00.005-04:00

If you are a reader of this blog, you will know that the district has been actively working with a Strategic Plan since the 2008-09 school year. Last year, the plan was formally reviewed and some minor adjustments were made.

You can read more about the district's Strategic Plan effort, review the updated plan, and read about the work on the various action plans that has occurred during the first three years of operation. This information is posted on our district website: http://www.woodburysch.com/district/stgplan/stgplan.php .

Parent Conferences in November

2011-09-27T05:20:00.003-04:00

Last week concluded our Back-to-School Nights for the district. The Junior-Senior high program was held on Wednesday. The elementary schools held their programs the previous week.

Now, please mark your calendar for the next, important chance for you to formally connect with your child’s teacher – parent conferences. For the last few years, the district has been holding these during the short week of school that precedes the Thanksgiving holiday.

Elementary Schools:
Monday, 11/21. Afternoon and Evening
Tuesday, 11/22. Afternoon
Wednesday, 11/23. Morning

Junior-Senior High School:
Tuesday, 11/22. Afternoon and Evening

Please note that, as part of the district’s Strategic Plan, the following is an Action Plan:

“Require parent participation in district-wide teacher conferences in order to enhance individual student achievement.”

The reason for the inclusion of this Action Plan was to clearly establish for parents, especially parents of our 6th-12th grade students, that they should be in attendance at conference time and use this opportunity to further establish the important school-home connection. During the development stage of the Strategic Plan, it was made clear that for some parents there was a level of uncertainty with regard to whether they should attend parent-teacher conferences if their children were performing well in the class. The inclusion of the action plan to require attendance at conferences is to help remove any doubt.

Building principals will provide reminders about the upcoming conferences and then also follow up by sending out letters to those who miss attending. There is another opportunity later in the school year, in February (2/22/12), for those who are unable to get to the November session; attendance in February will also satisfy the district’s expectation. Finally, any conference that you hold with a teacher outside these official conference days will also suffice to satisfy the required parent conference.

We look forward to working with you throughout the school year to help ensure the success of your child.

Spotlight on Ms. Blizzard

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ms. Chritine Blizzard

Teacher of Enrichment

Elementary Schools

• Name: Christine Blizzard

• College(s) and degrees(s): The College of New Jersey B.S., Elementary Education and Math/Science/Technology

• Work experience: Enrichment Teacher, Hillside Public Schools

• Favorite books
o fiction: The Harry Potter Series
o nonfiction: Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson

• Favorite television show: Glee

• Last movie I loved: Toy Story 3

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Queen’s Greatest Hits

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: My dad- he died when I was a baby, and I would love to get to know him and to see how much alike we are.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: Ocean City, NJ. I love laying on the beach and hearing the waves crash.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Wash my car- It’s been over a year!

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Cows!

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: A cruise to anywhere warm and sunny.

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: Mrs. Borucki, my second grade teacher, was such a dedicated and loving teacher. She encouraged me to work my hardest and never give up on my dreams. I still keep in touch with her today!

I Did Not Exercise This Morning

2011-09-20T12:16:00.003-04:00

Routines work for many of us. For me, a daily routine is to exercise first thing in the morning -- every day, seven days a week. That way, it is done and, as I read one time, you are always glad, when you are finished, that you completed something good for your health.

But . . . today, I am off my routine. Now, I have to find time to make it happen. I am here at school with a Board Of Education committee meeting during the early part of this evening, so it will be a late night workout of some sort. Not fun -- and something that is less likely to happen.

Routines work well with our children. Students who have good routines when they come home from school can structure their time for success.

*When does homework get done?
*Where in the house is the best place for homework completion?
*How much time will be dedicated to homework?

Once the routine is established, there is a greater likelihood of success:

Home from school, snack, 1/2 hour of television, 1 hour of work, 1 hour free time, dinner, finish homework (if needed), free time.

What is your child's homework completion routine? Talking about the routine and the value of having this structure may help.

One routine for our Jr.-Sr. High School students to incorporate into their day (if time allows) is to attend WORKPLACE after school in the library. There, any student can have a nice place to go to complete homework where computers, college age tutors, and certified mathematics and language arts literacy teachers are available to assist. A snack is provided, too.

The elementary schools will be starting a form of WORKPLACE in each of their buildings a bit later in the school year.

Good luck. (and, good luck to me working in my exercise now that I am off my daily routine!)

Woodbury Girls Tennis Tops in Gloucester County Singles Play

2011-09-19T09:20:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to our girls tennis team players.

Maddie Graziani plays first singles on the team and Isabella Schoning plays at second singles.

Over the weekend, the annual Gloucester County Times Tennis Tournament took place. This tournament features tennis players from across the county. The singles competition came down to our two top players playing each other for first and second place. This same thing happened last year.

Maddie won that last match and caputured her third straight Gloucester County title.

Again, congratulations to both young ladies.

Spotlight on Mrs. Crowley

2011-09-16T06:00:00.004-04:00

Mrs. Kerri Crowley

Teacher of Spanish

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name: Kerri L. Crowley

• College(s) and degrees(s): Douglass College, Rutgers University - B.A. in Spanish, B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies, B.A. in Information Technology & Informatics
Rowan University - M.S.T. in Secondary Education

• Work experience: This is my first year teaching!
I work/have worked at TD Bank since April of 2006 as a Senior Customer Service Representative and Certified Consumer Lender.

• Favorite books
o fiction: Anything written by Charlaine Harris - she is my favorite author! Also The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown, and many more!
o nonfiction: The Next Catastophe: Reducing Our Vulnerabilities to Natural, Industrial, and Terrorist Disasters by Charles Perrow and Letters to a Young Teacher by Jonathan Kozol

• Television Show: Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives

• Last movie I loved: The Shawshank Redemption - I just saw it for the first time!

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Adele "21"

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: My great-grandmother Rose D'Angiolini, who I had the privilege to spend 11 years of life with learning to speak Italian, cook, and laugh. I'd give anything to spend some more time with her.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: Shenandoah National Park

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Skydiving

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Cats - I am definitely a cat person!

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Flyers (I am a HUGE hockey fan)

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: A leisurely cruise through the Mediterranean Sea!

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: The teacher who inspired me to enter the profession was working at a newly established charter school in Houston, TX. She was teaching a Bilingual Pre-K class and she was so passionate about working with the children and she put her heart and soul into every lesson. Seeing how hard she worked and how much the kids were learning every day was so motivating. I realized quickly that I belong in a classroom, using my passion for language and love for children as impetus for creating engaging lessons. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to go see Celeste Baretto in action, or I may never have found my way into the profession I love so much!

• Anything Else: Although I am a Spanish teacher, I also speak Arabic and Italian as well. From my studies at Rutgers University, I can also read French, German, and Aramaic (Biblical Hebrew).

White & Gold -- Community Edition

2011-09-15T21:00:00.002-04:00

The White & Gold -- Community Edition has traditionally been an item mailed to all Woodbury residents. Unfortunately, the cost of the production of the newsletter has caused the Board of Education to reconsider this past practice, and we have shifted to an electronic delivery.

Today, we attempted to use e-mails stored in the student management system, PowerSchool, to get the copy of the most recent edition out to the parents of our students. We also targeted a number of other people affiliated with the school and the larger Woodbury community and sent it to the e-mails that we had on record for these individuals.

Over time, our e-mail distribution list for those interested in this publication will grow. Also, the document is able to be accessed on the district's website -- at the bottom of the opening page.

Here is a link that should take you right to the most recent issue:

http://www.woodburysch.com/boed/wgcedition/wgcedition-summerfall2011.pdf

Please pass word along to others to be sure that as many as possible are getting a chance to keep up with our school news. Thank you.

Current Woodbury Alumni on College Rosters

2011-09-13T21:14:00.004-04:00

Dan Howey, one of our Senior High Counselors, put together the following list. As he points out, it is impressive to see how many student athletes from Woodbury are currently participating in a sport at the collegiate level:

Basketball

Isaiah Roberts: Navy

Marc DiRugeris: Chestnut Hill

Kenny Moore: Slippery Rock University

Megan Fox: Wilmington University

Marcus Davis: Ramapo College

(The original list forgot to include Dominique Sellers -- a freshman at Rosemont College)

Football

Shawney Kersey: Penn State University

Dyshawn Davis: Syracuse University

Jared Roberts: Lafayette College

Brian Purnell: University of Delaware

Tyler Jenkins: Rowan University

Eric Blackwell: Rowan University

Matt White: Rowan University

Michael Paige: Saint Vincent's College

Gymnastics

Robert DiRugeris: Ohio State University

Soccer

Eric Ulmer: Bentley University

Michael Ulmer: Stone Hill College

Track

Kevin Brown: Rutgers (New Brunswick) University

Jacqui Nisbett: Rowan University

Alexis Gligor: University of Delaware

. . . thanks for sharing, Mr. Howey!

Woodbury on Twitter

2011-09-12T18:53:00.002-04:00

Some of our administrators will be experimenting with Twitter this year. Check them out . . .

Jason Vivadelli, Evergreen Avenue Principal @ Evergreen_Elem

Vince Myers, West End Principal @ WestEnd_Elem

Jeff Adams, Walnut Street Principal @ Walnut_Elem

Denise Dunham, Jr.-Sr. High School Principal @ Woodbury_JrSr

Grant Shivers, Jr.-Sr. High School Athletic Director @ HerdsSports_WHS

Ed Murphy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services @ WPS_Counseling

Spotlight Postings on Fridays

2011-09-09T12:37:00.011-04:00

Each year, I have posted in the blog entries that "spotlight" our new faculty members. These are typically Friday postings. For the next few Fridays, I will get information out to you about the following individuals.

The list of new hires is shorter than it has been in the recent past. It will only take a couple of months to cycle through the eight names below. We welcome each to the district (and, in the case of Mr. Vivadelli, to his new assignment!).

Stay tuned . . .

Administrative:

Ellen Grimes
Assistant Principal
High School

Jason Vivadelli
Principal, Evergreen
Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction: Grades PreK-5

Faculty:

Jr.-Sr. High School
Kerri Crowley - Spanish
Surinder Kaur – Science

Elementary
Christine Blizzard – Elementary Enrichment
Joanne Ferrara – Preschool
Emily Mason – Elementary Instrumental Music

District-wide
Mary Moody – Media Specialist

Access to the Internet

2011-09-08T10:13:00.002-04:00

This is an offer that Comcast has been advertising over the summer months. It will apply for some of our families. We are providing those families with the information in a direct mailing, but it may be helpful for more in the school community to be aware and help inform families about this resource, if appropriate.

Therefore, I am printing the specifics of the new Comcast initiative here:

Bringing the Internet to your home is easy and affordable

Now you can connect to the Internet at home - for school, work, communicating with others and so much more.

How to qualify:

To qualify for $9.95 a month Internet service and a low-cost computer, your household must meet all these criteria:

1.Be located where Comcast offers Internet service
2.Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program
3.Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
4.Not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment

How to apply:

1.Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to request an application
2.We will mail you an application. Complete and return it, along with lunch program documents from your child's school
3.We will notify you by mail about the status of your application. Allow 7-10 days for a response.

We are Back . . . and my Blog Entries are Back, Too

2011-09-06T15:53:00.007-04:00

Hello. It was a much longer hiatus from blogging than I imagined, but I am back. Today, we started our first student day for the 2011-12 school year. Even though it rained, it was a successful start in all of our school buildings.

Even our students were ready to get back to school (well, most of them!). Our teachers understand the important role that they play in the education of Woodbury's children and value the faith and trust that has been placed in them by you.

Here are some pictures of my day as I moved about the district buildings:

I hope that your child(ren) had an enjoyable first day. We look forward to working in partnership with our families and the Woodbury community to create a valuable, personalized learning experience for all.

We work to prepare our students to "meet life's challenges with courage, confidence and pride." [Woodury Strategic Plan -- Mission Statement]

Spotlight on Ms. Satterfield

2011-06-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Spotlight on Ms. Satterfield!

Marisa Satterfield

Teacher of Language Arts Literacy

Woodbury Junior High School

• Name:
Marísa Satterfield

• College(s) and degrees(s):
BA in English and Certification in Secondary Education from the Honors College of Rutgers University; TEFL International TESOL Certification from TEFL International

• Work experience:
Substitute teacher, AVID and Homework Workplace Tutor- Woodbury Jr. Sr. High School- 2009-2010

• Favorite books
o fiction: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
o nonfiction: Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

• Favorite television show:
My Fair Wedding with David Tutera

• Last movie I loved:
I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice all over again when I saw BBC’s 6 hour screen adaptation for the book.

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
I could listen to anything from Alicia Keys over and over again.

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
My Mom-Mom so that we could talk about books and crossword puzzles again.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
Visiting my little sister and walking with her around town always allows me to relax.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
Becoming fluent in Spanish is a slow but continuing process for me.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
My pit bull, Koda.

• Favorite sports team:
My family would disown me if I didn’t say the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
Last summer I stayed a month in Barcelona, Spain. I’d love to go back to my favorite places, La Fontana Magica de Montjuic and Parque Ciutadella.

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
Growing up I loved visiting my mother’s classroom because I could see how much she cared for her students and how they cared for her in return.

.....Anything Else?
I have lived in Woodbury all of my life and for senior superlatives I was voted Most Likely to Come Back and Work at Woodbury. I’m baaaack!!!!

Math Olympics III

2011-04-14T10:54:00.002-04:00

(This entry is from our Math Coach -- Ms. Realley)

During the months of February and March, students in grades 3-5 at our three elementary schools participated in events for the Woodbury Math Olympics. These events took place in the classroom and helped prepare students for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) test that every New Jersey student takes in the month of May. Students worked very hard, doing their best on all of the events, which included Math Sprints, Calculator Exercises, and Archery Questions. Each class also chose a song to help keep them motivated and designed a flag to represent their class during the Olympic competitions.

After all events were completed, the Math Coach and the school principals acknowledged the top three students in each class with a certificate of achievement. The student with the highest score in each class was also rewarded with a certificate for a free sandwich from McDonald’s (generously donated by the McDonald’s in Woodbury). The top student was also moved on to the next round to represent the class and compete in the School Olympics. During this competition a third grader, a fourth grader, and a fifth grader formed a team to answer questions and earn the right to be the representatives for their school at the Woodbury District Math Olympics.

Each student on the first place teams was rewarded with a “gold medal” and a certificate for a free water ice at Rita’s Water Ice (generously donated by the Rita’s in Woodbury). We now look forward to the District Math Olympics on Thursday, April 21, 2011. During the District Olympics, the 1st Place team from each school will compete against one another for the honor of bringing the Math Olympics trophy to their school.

Good luck teams!

From the New Jersey Department of Education . . .

2011-04-13T04:59:00.000-04:00

Support for Families from the New Jersey Department of Education

As parents or guardians, you want nothing more than an excellent education for your children. Atthe NJ Department of Education, we want nothing more than to help you achieve this!

We have created a family-focused web site at www.NJFamilies.com with resources to help yousupport your child’s education, and navigate your school system. We have also opened a “Help Desk” which can be reached through the parent menu option of our toll-free number: 877-900-6960.

Let’s work together for the good of our children. Please sign up for our mailing list on our web site at http://www.state.nj.us/education/ or join our mailing list here.

We look forward to helping you help your children.

West End PTA Talent Show & Basket Raffle

2011-04-12T05:44:00.001-04:00

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School Auditorium

Friday, April 15, 2011

Basket Raffle
6:00 p.m.
Tickets 1/$0.50 or 11/$5.00

Talent Show
7:00 p.m.
Admission @ the door - $5/adult & $1/student

Musicians, comedians, poets, dancers, & singers,
…this show has something for everyone!
Special appearances featuring staff members!

Events hosted by the West End Parent-Teacher Association
Proceeds to benefit the children of West End Elementary School.

Congratulations, Girls Track

2011-04-11T08:41:00.003-04:00

The girls track team dominated at the West Deptford Relays last Saturday. Congratulations to all.

C25K: Couch to 5K

2011-03-14T11:38:00.002-04:00

As you can see from the lack of posts recently, it is a hectic time of the year for me. In addition, my personal exercise program has been causing serious time constraints -- especially since I tend to take care of that obligation first thing in the morning (around 5 a.m.) which was my best time to blog. Finally, the fact that many of the school events now end up on the front page of the district website also limits blog entries.

Oh well. I do think that this blog will need to change to something that posts items of more significance -- less frequently. Maybe a once a week posting? This is definitely a time of evolution for the blog.

Now -- C25K. Given my personal interested in exercise (recently!) and my success with this program (I went from not being able to run a single lap around the track to running a half marathon in about one year's time.), I wanted to make an opportunity available to our students to get moving.

The C25K program is rather simple. It progresses from a walking/running program to a running/walking program. You start out walking more than you run and end up at the end running more than you walk.

I have been able to get to class meetings and/or lunch periods to talk to students in Grades 6,7,10. and 11. I intend to speak with all students before March ends. If we get six OR sixty students interested, it will be a success. I have been pleased with the amount of early interest.

Students have been told by me that this can be an activity that they do simply as something new to try if they are in shape OR something that they want to get involved with to get into better shape.

FINALLY -- the program is open to staff who are available at the time that we are meeting. Feel free to join us. Let me know by e-mail so that I have a sense of who to expect. (You do not have to walk/run all three days each week with the group; some of the days can be completed on your own.)

BELOW IS THE INFORMATION THAT IS ON THE FLYER GIVEN TO INTERESTED STUDENTS. MORE COPIES ARE IN THE MAIN OFFICE.

C25K: a fantastic program designed to get you from the couch to running a 5K in just 9 weeks.

• Open to ALL interested 6th-12th students (and staff!) – those who run and those who have never run.

• Complete C25K under the supervision of Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School staff starting Monday, April 4, 2011.

• The program will be every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday -- 4/04 through 6/05

• The time commitment is from 2:55 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. each day: M, W, and F.

• What you need: Sneakers (Running sneakers are best – but any pair will work!).

GOAL: For all participants to run in (and FINISH) Woodbury’s George Benjamin-Browning Ross Memorial 5K the first weekend in June.

You can find out more information on the C25K online at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

More details will be provided on the first day; we will meet on the parking lot by the press box.

You are welcome to contact Joseph Jones (853-0123, ext. 230 or josephjones@woodburysch.com) if you have specific questions.

Please have your son/daughter return the sign-off below to the Main Office.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I give my son/daughter ___________________________ (Grade: ____) permission to join the Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School C25K Club.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________Date: _________________

Spotlight on Ms. Lauk

2011-03-04T04:46:00.001-05:00

Erin Lauk

Occupational Therapist

Woodbury School District

• Name:
Erin Lauk

• College(s) and degrees(s):
University of the Sciences- Master’s in Occupational Therapy
University of the Sciences- Bachelor’s in Health Science

• Work experience:
Manor Care 2009-2010

• Favorite books:
Anything by Jodi Picoult or Janet Evanovich

• Favorite television show:
Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, and Law and Order: SVU

• Last movie I loved:
Black Swan

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
Zac Brown Band is the most current CD that I have worn out.

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
My grandfather because I miss him and have so much to tell him.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
Seeing and hearing the ocean.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
Clean my car.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Frogs

• Favorite sports team:
Phillies and Eagles

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
Caribbean because it seems so beautiful and relaxing at the same time and Europe because of the history and scenery.

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
A college recruiter was the one who helped me to find the profession of Occupational Therapy.

Playoff Tickets -- Boys Basketball

2011-03-02T14:18:00.003-05:00

Mr. Shivers has asked that the following information be posted:

Tickets for the Thursday, March 3, playoff game @ Pennsgrove will be on sale for students during the lunch periods on Thursday and for the public in the Athletic Director's office after school (2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

Our Woodbury boys are seeded #7. Pennsgrove is the #2 seeded team.

Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Jr.-Sr. High School PTSA Fundraiser

2011-02-28T10:07:00.002-05:00

(This is from the PTSA: Parent, Teacher, Student Association)

Do You Have a Resolution?
WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
Be the 1st Biggest Loser of 2011!!

REGISTER NOW!!
Contact: tinahaydu@gmail.com Or Call Joan Hammer (Broad St. Nutrition)@609-314-5545

Support WOODBURY Jr-Sr HS PTSA Fundraiser
Begins: Thursday, March 3, 2011
Time: 6:15 PM –7:15 PM
Location: Broad Street Nutrition
55 S Broad St., Woodbury, NJ 08096
$39 FOR 12 WEEKS
(PTSA will receive $10 per participant & $25 awarded to Top 3 Biggest Losers)

Nutrition Lessons, Personal Coaching, Weekly Prizes
Lose 10, 20 or even 30+ Pounds!
Challenge Winners WIN CASH!!

Be one of the first 25 people to register by Monday, March 1st
and be submitted for a drawing to WIN!!
Your Weight Loss Challenge Fee FREE!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return by Tuesday, March 1st to PTSA Mailbox (High School Main Office)

Or

Email: tinahaydu@gmail.com with any questions or concerns

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________ Email: _______________________________
Make Checks Payable to: Joan Hammer

Spotlight on Mrs. Jessica Nowak

2011-02-18T09:58:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Jessica Nowak

Teacher of Business

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:
Jessica S. Nowak

• College(s) and degrees(s):
BA in Communication, Emerson College, Boston,
MA; Masters in Business Administration, University of Phoenix, Distance Learning

• Work experience:
My background includes everything from professional theater to medical editing to financial communication.

• Favorite book:
East of Eden, John Steinbeck

• Favorite television show:
I am currently crazy for The New Adventures of Old Christine.

• Last movie I loved:
A Serious Man – Joel and Ethan Coen (drama)
Run, Fat Boy, Run (comedy)

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s recording of Porgy and Bess

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
My Bed

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Pygmy Marmosets…cute!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
Seychelles

Mr. Gwalthney Goes to Washington

2011-02-17T04:09:00.000-05:00

(The following comes from the New Jersey School Board's weekly publication, School Board Notes. Frank Gwlathney, Woodbury City Board of Education President, was one of those who participated in the conference.)

The 2011 Federal Relations Network Conference – the National School Boards Association’s grassroots advocacy network at the federal level – was held in Washington, D.C. from Feb. 6-8.

NJSBA governmental relations staff attended FRN with approximately 20 local board of education members from New Jersey.

The national issues discussed at the conference included:

•Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) /No Child Left Behind (NCLB)reauthorization
•School board governance
•Education funding
•Becoming a resource to new and returning members of Congress
•Taking your advocacy skills to the next level
•Urging Congress to support initiatives for 21st century learning and skills
•Learning to be a face for school districts on Capitol Hill

Julie Groeninger, an aide for Sen. Frank Lautenberg, sitting at the head of the table, speaks with (from left to right) Diane Holzberg, a member of the Demarest Board of Education; Richard Snyder, board member from Ramsey; and Beth Politi from the Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education. In the background is Frank Gwalthney of the Woodbury Board of Education (left), and Michael Vrancik, NJSBA’s director of Governmental Relations

At right, Martha Wilson, a school board member from Camden, and her husband, New Jersey Assemblyman Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson from Camden County, speak with a legislative aide in U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews’ office. At left is Frank Gwalthney of the Woodbury Board of Education, and Wayne Marek of the Morris Plains school board.

Luncheon & Musical for our Senior Citizens

2011-02-16T07:31:00.000-05:00

A special note from the Woodbury Education Association:

Attention Woodbury Senior Citizens!
Please join us for
Woodbury High School’s
matinee production of

“Thoroughly Modern Millie”

Be our guest at a FREE luncheon prior to the play

compliments of the Woodbury Education Association

Date: Saturday, March 19th

Time: Luncheon begins at 11:00 a.m.
Play begins at 1:00 p.m.

Place: Woodbury High School Blue Cafeteria
(Free tickets to the show provided by the Woodbury High School Drama Club will be provided at the luncheon).

PLEASE CALL SHARRON KNAUSS TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT THE LUNCHEON

AT 853-0125 X248 (limited seating available)

Good to Debate: College at 18 years old?

2011-02-15T04:32:00.003-05:00

My blog has been getting the short end of my attention recently. So, let me spice things up a bit with this entry. I came across this on my home e-mail, "Yahoo" page. The topic caught my interest.

Obviously, we in the public K-12 school arena are in the business of readying all of our students to have the option to go to college upon graduation. The question that this individual raises is whether college is the right choice.

I am not convinced of the complete argument that would cause one to forgo college entirely. For most of us, there is much to be gained by attending an institution of "higher learning."

I do think the concept of taking a year or two to do some of the things referenced here and then making a decision about college is interesting. I say that because I believe there is a real benefit to taking college courses with some additional, real life experiences to draw upon. The entire college experience for an individual could benefit from that sequence.

Take a look at the article from the internet that was posted on the Yahoo site (copied below). Also, I have activated a link here so that you can go to the site to view a brief interview with the gentleman making the argument for life experiences over college.

So -- thoughts?

James Altucher's 8 Alternatives to College
Posted Feb 08, 2011 08:00am EST by Aaron Task

It's been nearly a year since Formula Capital's James Altucher discussed his theory on why sending your kids to college is a bad idea. The segment proved to be one of Tech Ticker's most popular...and controversial of 2010. (See: Rethinking College as Student-Loan Burdens Rise)

More recently, a report based on the book Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses found that after two years of college, 45% of students learned little to nothing. After four years, 36% of students learned almost nothing. (See: Brain Drain: Most College Students Learn Next to Nothing, New Study Says.)

Meanwhile, the cost of college keeps rising -- 20 times the rate of inflation and much faster than say healthcare costs -- and student loan debt keeps growing. As of mid-2010, U.S. student loan debt totaled $850 billion vs. $828 billion for credit card debt, according to the Federal Reserve.

So with more people coming around to the idea that maybe Altucher is onto something (vs. being on something), the money manager and author is back with a follow-up: The 8 Alternatives to College:

-- Start a business.
-- Work for a charity.
-- Travel the world.
-- Create art.
-- Master a sport.
-- Master a game.
-- Write a book.
-- Make people laugh.

"Whenever I suggest 'don't send your kids to college' a lot of very smart people invariably come back with the response, ‘well what else should they do?'," Altucher writes on his blog. "So I figure I will help people out by coming up with a list and try to handle the criticisms that will certainly arise even before they arise. I can do this because I have a college degree. So I've learned how to think and engage in repartee with other intelligent people."

In the accompanying video, Altucher "repartees" with Henry and me about his alternatives to college and addresses the most powerful thing working on behalf of higher education: The huge gap in employment between those with and without college degrees.

Aaron Task is the host of Tech Ticker. You can follow him on Twitter at @atask or email him at altask@yahoo.com .

Congratulations -- 2011 Teachers of the Year

2011-02-14T08:37:00.001-05:00

We are excited to announce the following selections for
The New Jersey Governor’s 2011
Teacher of the Year Award
for the Woodbury City Public Schools

Evergreen Avenue
Christine Abdalla

Walnut Street
Robby Richardson

West End Memorial
Debra Aversa

Junior High School
Ellen Firth

Senior High School
Cheryl Federline

Each demonstrates hard work, dedication, and a professional spirit worthy of our recognition.
Woodbury is fortunate to have a truly dedicated faculty. The selection committee felt that
these teachers provide strong example of all the good teaching that takes place across the district.

Spotlight on Mr. Seligman

2011-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mr. Jonathan Seligman

Teacher of Mathematics

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:
Jonathan Seligman

• College(s) and degrees(s):
University of Maryland B.A. Government and Politics
Rutgers School of Law - Juris Doctorate
Rowan University - Masters of Science in Teaching

• Work experience:
Teacher Carusi Middle School Cherry Hill 2008-2010
Practicing Attorney 2003-2008

• Favorite books
o fiction: Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and 1984 by George Orwell
o nonfiction: Game Change by Mark Halpern

• Favorite television show:
How I Met Your Mother

• Last movie I loved:
Idiocracy

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
Ten by Pearl Jam

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
My father because I miss seeing him and I miss his wisdom and has ability to remain level headed.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
When I drove cross-country after college I stayed in Kentucky for a night. I spent three hours on a bay watching the sunset, I never forgot how the world reset at that moment and I felt so peaceful.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
Calling friends and making plans.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Duck-They bake in the sun all day, hang out with their friends and go swimming. It’s a sweet life.

• Favorite sports team:
Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
30 Baseball Stadiums in 28 Days

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
Mr. Gray in 5th Grade. He always cared and looked for the good in everything and everyone. He taught me that positive thinking led to achievement and accomplishment.

• ANYTHING ELSE?. . . I feel like I accomplish more in a day teaching than most people do in a year. I love the everyday give and take. I really consider myself lucky to have such a fun job.

A Sweet Taste from Home

2011-02-03T12:08:00.006-05:00

(This blog entry was written by Amanda Colella Gallenthin, 9th grader)

On January 21st, 2011 four students set out to make a difference and not just because their grade depended on it. Justine Gartner, Maria Weber, Tyrah Brown, and Sarah Novalsky, a small group who came together as a result Challenge Day,organized a care package drive for Woodbury resident Charles Boyle and his fellow troops stationed at Camp Moreell in Kuwait.

“A Sweet Taste from Home” care package drive collected calling cards, Tastykakes and chewing gum for the troops.

Justin and Tyrah created a power point trivia game about Kuwait and the military for a presentaton to Woodbury 5th graders. Maria and Sarah did a read aloud with the theme “Helping Others,” along with a writing activity called “When I was a Helping Hand.”

The group reflected upon how they inspired their younger peers recalling: “Not only did we bring smiles and laughter to the young students but we had fun returning to a time, not so long ago, when we were once sitting in the tiny chairs in Mrs. Stanek’s class at West End with tennis balls attached to the legs.”

“Putting this project together was challenging yet fun. I enjoyed learning about Kuwait and our current situation overseas. I hope after we talked with the 5th grade students they will donate items to our drive” Justine Gartner expressed.

The Freshman group is in the process of organizing the items donated to the drive and will be sending the packages soon. “This wasn’t like a job at all. It was something that people could be involved in and feel good.” Maria Weber said.

So don’t forget to thank the students who have made a difference among our community, give credit where credit is due. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Wintry Mix

2011-02-01T06:15:00.002-05:00

This has been a real wintry mix of a winter season. Today seems as if it has not produced the snow/ice that the weather predictors forecasted. So -- like most of the schools in South Jersey at this time -- we will look to get a regular day of school in for this Tuesday.

Obviously, we will keep an eye on the weather and what is projected for this evening to make decisions regarding after school events, etc. Any changes will be posted on the district website.

To date, we have missed two days of school due to weather. Those days get made up during the Spring Break. That means we are now in session Thursday, April 28th, and Friday, April 29th. The district calendar is updated on the website: district calendar.

Winter Wednesday Program -- This Monday!

2011-01-28T05:33:00.001-05:00

NEW DATE (Original Program postponed due to weather):

MONDAY, JANUARY 31 – Series 1: The Head

REVEREND DR. TONY CAMPOLO

Tony Campolo is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University. He is the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. He is an ordained Baptist Minister who has served churches across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has worked to create, nurture, and support programs for "children at risk" across North America. He has appeared on Larry King Live, Crossfire, Nightline, and CNN News, and is the author of thirty-eight books.

Woodbury High School Alumni Association Presents
THE WINTER WEDNESDAYS SERIES

A series of three programs designed to stimulate

the head, the heart, and the feet.

All programs will be educational in nature and follow with a

Q&A session following each presentation.

All programs begin at 7:00pm in the high school auditorium.

Admission is $10.00 per ticket, per presentation.

You may purchase tickets in advance by calling

856-853-0123, ext. 214,

or you may purchase your tickets at the door.

Cash or checks made payable to the

Woodbury High School Alumni Foundation

will be accepted.

All profits go to support the students of Woodbury High School.

10% Off Meal Check on the Evening of the Show with a Ticket or Stub
@ Charlie Brown’s, the Golden Palace, or Piazza di Scotto

February 2, 2011 – Series 2: The Heart
GOSPEL MESSENGERS OF SOUTH JERSEY
The Gospel Messengers of South Jersey were established five years ago. They have performed throughout South Jersey, teaching the meanings of many spirituals before performing them. They are all members of the First Baptist Church of Jericho.

February 16, 2011 – Series 3: The Feet
PETER A. BROOMALL STRING BAND

The Peter A. Broomall String Band has marched up Broad Street since 1925. They perform throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. Though originally formed in Philly, their home is now nearby in National Park.

Woodbury Junior Senior High School Celebrates…..

2011-01-25T04:43:00.002-05:00

A day on... not a day off!

(This blog post was prepared by Ms. Stalter-Allen.)

On Monday January 17th, over 125 Woodbury students, parents, faculty, staff and community members joined together with America in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by celebrating a day on – not a day off.

Beginning with breakfast and a short music program that featured our very own Mrs. Denise Dunham and Mr. Justin Tompkins, our assembly answered Dr. King’s famous question “What are you doing for others?” Afterwards - armed with arts and crafts, mops and scrub brushes, and culinary supplies – Woodbury Junior Senior High School’s finest went out among the neighborhood and turned Dr. King’s powerful words into action.

Many of our students chose to stay on site at the high school to perform housekeeping chores. Mrs. Nikki Roberts, Ms. Eliza Cadorette and Mrs. Theresa Slusser were among the many that supervised our young volunteers as they polished banisters, cleaned trophy displays and scrubbed stairwells. The Maintenance Department joined this enormous undertaking by organizing an endless amount of supplies and materials to keep everyone working hard.

Mrs. Kylie Pringle is a new member of the Woodbury Jr. Sr. High faculty, but jumped right into the effort and chaperoned students at the Woodbury Mews. Over 30 students spent the afternoon visiting the residents and spent time doing arts and crafts, playing games and giving manicures. “But mostly”, reported Mr. Ed Murphy, our Director of Pupil Personnel Services, “they spent time in good conversation and sharing stories about their lives and families.”

Mrs. Ivy Pinkney-Davis, also new to our staff, lead a group of 8th graders to the Bethlehem Baptist Church where students were able to clean and organize various parts of the church and offices. The Seventh Day Adventist and Central Baptist Churches were also hosts to this great effort. Mr. Joe Pegues, a high school teacher, and his crew partnered with the Woodbury Cooperative Ministries and organized packages and supplies for the Food Bank. Mr. Al Kilpatrick, a Junior High teacher, with his son A.J., chopped vegetables and prepared other ingredients with a culinary crew at the Central Baptist Church – where the Miller family cooks soup that will go to feed the homeless in Camden.

At the day’s end, over 125 people proudly served their school and community. On that next Tuesday morning, the Woodbury High School was “buzzing” about the fun and value that came from the prior day’s events. Many students have asked about committing their time on a more regular basis. Some are interested in other opportunities within their community and a few have asked about starting an after-school Service Learning Club.

With only 357 days until the 2012 Day of Service – students and staff at Woodbury Junior Senior High School are already planning to expand this awesome event.

Spotlight On Ms. DiBenedetto

2011-01-21T04:47:00.000-05:00

Devon DiBenedetto

Teacher of Elementary Technology

District

• Name: Devon DiBenedetto

• College(s) and degrees(s): Rowan University BA Elementary Education BA Geography

• Work experience: Instructional Assistant - 1st grade at Walnut Street Elementary. Kindergarten Interim -Walnut Street Elementary.

• Favorite books: Accident

• Favorite television show: Grey's Anatomy

• Last movie I loved: Pride and Glory

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: The Beach

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Take my dogs to the dog park.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Monkey

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Ireland

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: I will never forget my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Zellers. She was, and still is, an amazing teacher who inspired me to continue my education to become an elementary school teacher. Mrs. Zellers was a very kind, caring, and patient teacher who always made all of her students feel successful.

West End Art Show

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, January 13th, the West End PTA sponsored the West End Art Show. The PTA collaborated with our elementary art teacher, Miss Friedman, to produce a wonderful evening of multiple exhibits. All students had work on display in the following areas:

• Mosaics
• Starry Night Interpretations
• Chinese Landscape
• Color Shape Painting
• Thumb Print Tree
• Abstract Sculptures
• Collages

It was amazing to see such wonderful art work displayed in one setting. All in attendance were in awe over the high quality of work. Once through the exhibit, families were treated to cheese & crackers along with sparkling cider. First grader Kelsey Lay won a basket raffle which included over $50 of art supplies. We look forward to making this an annual event.

Contributed By: Vincent Myers, Principal of West End Memorial School

Sixers Black History Month Essay Contest

2011-01-19T04:17:00.001-05:00

From the 76ers' website:

In honor of Black History Month, the Sixers want to know...

Who has been a strong African American role model to your child and what impact has he/she had on your child's life?

If your child is between 7-15 years old, the Sixers are inviting you to participate in the Black History Month Essay Contest. You could win a trip to Memphis, TN to see the Sixers take on the Memphis Grizzlies!

In addition to the game, you will be able to take a tour of the renowned National Civil Rights Museum and see first hand where monumental moments in history took place.

To win this exciting experience, the Sixers want you to submit a 250 word essay written by your child, telling us who has been a strong African American role model to your child and what impact that person has had on your child's life.

Contest begins on Monday, January 17 and ends on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

Three winners will be selected to travel to Memphis, TN on February 15, 2011 - February 16, 2011.

More information at the Sixers' website.

MLK Day of Service

2011-01-18T12:16:00.003-05:00

There was a nice story and pictures in the Philadelphia Inquirer on MLK day that included reference to the Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High Schools students involvement in activities here in Woodbury. This was our third annual event. Congratulations to all our young people who took time out of their day off to honor the memory of Dr. King.

Let it Snow

2011-01-11T04:40:00.004-05:00

This "snow event" concept is becoming less of a novelty around these parts. These last two winters have been very active.

We have been fortunate this winter to have missed the last couple snow days in that we were not in session -- holiday/weekends. At least, as superintendent, I consider that fortunate.

For this year, we will be doing things a bit differently:

1. Our staff will be notified about a snow day using our new Global Connect calling system. That means we have abandoned the old "snow chain" calling tree. Everyone should be getting his/her telephone call instantaneously as soon as the initial call is placed.

2. We will be using that same Global Connect system to call out to our families to inform them of the snow day. This is a new capability for us this year as a result of the upgraded phone calling program. Our schools have been using Global Connect to get messages about programs, etc. out to the homes in certain circumstances already; this snow call will work the same way -- except that it will be a very early telephone call!

3. As a back-up to all of the above, we will still be posting any closing information on the district website and on the local television stations (ABC, NBC, and CBS). Each of those television stations also maintains a website with school closing information.

That should cover us. I believe that I have reported in this blog in the past how the Gloucester County school superintendents participate in a conference call on mornings where weather is a concern. This call takes place at 4:45 a.m. I also will use information that I receive from connecting with the local police and our district's facilities coordinator (responsible for snow removal!) to help assess the situation.

Finally, any snow day that causes us to miss school this 2010-11 school year will be made up at the end of the Spring Break. The first day that we miss will mean the Friday of Spring Break becomes a school day, the second day means that the Thursday of Spring Break becomes a school day, etc. This is pattern is true for the first four days of snow. Let's hope that we do not have more than four snow days this year!

In actuality, I typically do not make a call about having school until the morning of the weather event because the meteorologists have proven in the past that they can be very wrong with their forecasts. So, I will be watching -- like many of you -- and keeping an eye on this forecast as the day unfolds.

There are a number of school related events that may be impacted by the weather today and tomorrow in addition to the regular school program. You will find updates on that information -- sports, Family Nights, etc. -- posted on the front page of district's website as these decisions are finalized.

I think that's it! I guess you can see why it is enjoyable for me to watch it snow on a Sunday morning or a day over a long winter break.

Spotlight on Mrs. Darmo

2011-01-07T04:52:00.001-05:00

Joann Darmo

Teacher of Elementary Enrichment

District

• Name: Joann Darmo

• College(s) and degrees(s): Brandywine College: Associate Degree;
Western Governors University: B.A. Education K-5

• Work experience: Instructional Assistant: Walnut School Grades 2/3 & 4/5
Substitute Teacher: Mt Laurel Schools

• Favorite books
o fiction: I just read Mockingjay from the Hunger Games Trilogy and I loved it.
o nonfiction: I enjoy to read National Geographic each month.

• Favorite television show: Modern Family

• Last movie I loved: Slumdog Millionaire

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: I love all different types of music, so I would say I wear out my shuffle button on the iPod.

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: My father, he died right after I got married and hasn't been here to see me start my family, have a career I love, and my antique VW Bug convertible which he would love! He was a great moral compass for me, and I would treasure any time I could have with him -- even if it was just lunch.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: I love the mountains.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: It's always last on the list because I despise doing it -- cleaning my house.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): My beagle, Max

• Favorite sports team: Any team my daughters play on and, of course, the EAGLES!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Hawaii or Europe

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: It's sad that I don’t remember her name, but I look back now and I wouldn't have received my teaching degree without her. I was taking a class at TCNJ at the beginning of my journey to get my teaching certificate. I was quite overwhelmed, being the oldest in the class and a mom with three little children. She noticed this, called me at home and talked to me about why I wanted to be a teacher, the life experiences I had, and the qualities she saw in me that would enable me to someday be a great teacher. That short phone call was the catalyst I needed to keep going. I thank her from the bottom of my heart -- because she cared. I remember that everyday and try to make some connection to my students to show them that I care about them and their education.

Holiday Happenings

2011-01-06T09:37:00.010-05:00

In connection with our holiday break, a couple school items are worth highlighting:

1. Girls Basketball

Our girls varsity team is off to a strong start for this 2010-11 season. Over the break, they won the holiday tournament held at Buena High School. The picture is from my cell phone and fuzzy -- but they were very happy! Congratulations.

Also, during the tournament, Dominique Sellers scored her 1,000th career varsity point for the girls team. She was named the tournament MVP.

2. Evergreen at Woodbury Mews

As part of Woodbury’s Strategic Plan, one of the goals of the school district is to reach out to the local community. Prior to the break, Evergreen students from Mrs. Stankiewicz and Mrs. DiRienzo class and Mrs. Mills,the school nurse, visited the Woodbury Mews Memory Care Center.

The students and staff made holiday door hangers to spread holiday cheer to the residents. Songs were sung by all, and students visited and talked to residents. Lamont Kee, pictured here, is giving a resident a gift from the class. The students have been invited back by the community director to spend more time with the residents.

Happy New Year

2011-01-05T09:43:00.005-05:00

This year has started with a bit of a bang for me and -- as a result -- I have missed some early opportunities for blog entries for 2011. Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had an enjoyable break. We are back and ready to continue our efforts for high quality school experiences for all students.

My calendar had me visiting with the elementary principals during the early part of this week. It is always exciting to see the strong, foundational work that takes place at these grade levels. This has been a wonderful start to a new calendar year.

One idea that Tonya Breland, our Evergreen Principal and district Supervisor for Curriculum and Instruction PK-5, is promoting for the new year is the goal of increasing the opportunities for students to read and our overall expectation for independent reading. Her message has been one that she has shared with her teachers and with me personally.

In an effort to support this reading emphasis, I thought it would be a good idea to put the call out for any books in good condition that may be in your homes collecting dust. If your children have moved past a certain reading stage and you have books to donate, we would welcome these at any of our schools.

You can drop off the donations to the main offices of the school of your child attends (or, if you are reading this as a community member interested in helping, you can get the books to Mrs. Breland at the Evergreen School and she will get them out to all of the schools across the district). At the elementary level, we are looking to expand in each room the available books so that there are rich, exciting classroom libraries available to all students. Your donation (and the donations of any friends or neighbors?!?) would be most welcomed.

Thanks -- and Happy New Year. I guess one of our school district resolutions is to read more! Interesting, because that is the same thing that I resolved to do better with for 2011. We are all so busy, I set my goal to be a realistic "book a month" for enjoyment.

Good luck with any personal resolution you are working to accomplish.

6th Grade Choir -- Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T09:54:00.002-05:00

Our 6th grade choir, under the direction of Ms. Theresa Savage, submitted a song for consideration in the recent BB101 school choir christmas competition.

The winners received a $5,000 award for their school’s music program, courtesy of your local Mercedes-Benz dealer and B101 and thanks to Peter Nero and the Philly Pops had the opportunity of a lifetime - performming live on stage at the Holiday Pops Show on Sunday, December 19th.

B101 thanked each school choir who entered this year’s competition. They indicated they were overwhelmed by all the wonderful songs received and look forward to another fantastic competition next year!

Though not selected as a finalist, we are proud of how nicely our students sound. Give a listen -- and enjoy.

6th Grade Choir Song

Happy Holidays to All.

Winter Wednesdays

2010-12-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

Woodbury High School Alumni Association Presents
THE WINTER WEDNESDAYS SERIES

A series of three programs designed to stimulate

the head, the heart, and the feet.

All programs will be educational in nature and follow with a

Q&A session following each presentation.

All programs begin at 7:00pm in the high school auditorium.

Admission is $10.00 per ticket, per presentation.

You may purchase tickets in advance by calling

856-853-0123, ext. 214,

or you may purchase your tickets at the door.

Cash or checks made payable to the

Woodbury High School Alumni Foundation

will be accepted.

All profits go to support the students of Woodbury High School.

10% Off Meal Check on the Evening of the Show with a Ticket or Stub
@ Charlie Brown’s, the Golden Palace, or Piazza di Scotto

January 12, 2011 – Series 1: The Head
REVEREND DR. TONY CAMPOLO
Tony Campolo is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University. He is the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. He is an ordained Baptist Minister who has served churches across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has worked to create, nurture, and support programs for "children at risk" across North America. He has appeared on Larry King Live, Crossfire, Nightline, and CNN News, and is the author of thirty-eight books.

February 2, 2011 – Series 2: The Heart
GOSPEL MESSENGERS OF SOUTH JERSEY
The Gospel Messengers of South Jersey were established five years ago. They have performed throughout South Jersey, teaching the meanings of many spirituals before performing them. They are all members of the First Baptist Church of Jericho.

February 16, 2011 – Series 3: The Feet
PETER A. BROOMALL STRING BAND

For further information, please contact:

Frank Gwalthney

856-845-5531 -or-

at gwalthney11@verizon.net

Board of Education Meeting: Wednesday -- 7:00 p.m.

2010-12-20T04:55:00.001-05:00

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m.

This board meeting is scheduled to be held in the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium. Entrance to the building can be made through the lobby doors by the auditorium, across from the Cap Paine gymnasium.

The agenda for the board meeting will be posted on the district website later this morning. (agenda)

The special presentation for this month's meeting will be from the Jr.-Sr. High School.

Coming in April . . .

2010-12-14T07:06:00.000-05:00

C25K

Action Team Kick-Off Meeting

2010-12-13T04:50:00.003-05:00

I want to thank those of you who have volunteered to be part of the work of the Action Teams as we complete our “periodic update” of the district’s Strategic Plan.

Thirty-four (34) individuals are scheduled to meet this evening to form the three Action Teams. This kick-off meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Jr.-Sr. High School Auditorium.

There were twenty-six (26) other Woodbury school community members who already identified the areas of the Strategic Plan that required some additional attention by these Action Teams. The Planning Committee completed that earlier work back in September; a few of the Planning Committee members are joining the work of the Action Teams.

If you have a last minute desire to be part of this work, your time and input are still welcome. Please give my secretary, Mrs. Hoffman, a call (856-853-0123, ext. 214) or e-mail (shoffman@woodbursch.com). Or, if it is close to 6:00 p.m. and you can make the meeting, simply show up at the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium.

The Strategic Plan is the guiding document for important decisions regarding program emphasis and funding priorities.

Spotlight on Ms. Kalbach

2010-12-10T04:26:00.000-05:00

Kimberly Kalbach

Teacher of Health/Phys. Ed.

West End Memorial

• Name: Kimberly Kalbach

• College(s) and degrees(s): Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Drivers Education from Wesley College & currently attending Delaware Valley College for Master's in Educational Leadership

• Work experience: 2006-2007 10th Grade Health and PE at Camden High School; 2007-2010 K-6 Health and PE at Riverside Elementary and Middle

• Favorite books: Anything by Jodi Picolt

• Favorite television show: Law and Order

• Last movie I loved: Big Daddy or Shrek

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Jessica Simpson

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: My Grandfather -- in order to learn more about my family's past.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: The Beach

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Finishing my Basement

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Frogs

• Favorite sports team: The Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Italy or Costa Rica

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: My art teacher always made everything a positive. There were no negatives in her classroom. She always pushed me to succeed and had an open mind about every student. She taught me that all students can be successful.

Bobby DiRugeris to Ohio State University

2010-12-07T03:54:00.003-05:00

Grant Shivers, Athletic Director, sent this link to a recent Courier-Post newspaper article on Bobby DiRugeris. Bobby is headed to Ohio State to further his education and continue with his gymnastic pursuits. Congratulations to Bobby for all his success.

Courier-Post article.

Did You See?

2010-12-06T04:08:00.002-05:00

This article ran in the Gloucester County Times last week regarding Woodbury City Public School's periodic update of our Strategic Plan :

Tuesday, November 30: Strategic Planning -- Call for Community Involvement

Teams are currently being formed. The first meeting of the Action Teams is scheduled for next Monday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m., in the Jr.-Sr. High School Auditorium.

Please contact my secretary, Stacy Hoffman, at 856-853-0123, ext. 214, or shoffman@woodburysch.com to inform us of your interest.

Thank you.

Spotlight on Mrs. Gaffney!

2010-12-03T04:55:00.000-05:00

Laura Gaffney

Teacher of Elementary Vocal Music

District

• Name: Laura Gaffney

• College(s) and degrees(s): Villanova Univ. (Bachelor of Science: Finance) and Rutgers-Camden Univ. (Bachelor of Arts: Music)

• Work experience:St. Rose of Lima School, Haddon Heights (2 years)

• Favorite books
o fiction: 1001 Nights
o Nonfiction: Bible

• Favorite television show: Scrubs

• Last movie I loved: Life is Beautiful

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Music K-8, vol.21

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: my grandmother. I miss her.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: Avalon, NJ (the beach of course)

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: dusting (hate it)

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): kitties of any sort

• Favorite sports team: PHILLIES!!!!!! (much to my Yankee fan Dad’s chagrin)

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Hawaii (specifically Maui)

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: Mrs. Nathanson. She told me I was creative.

• Anything Else: My husband’s name is Douglas and he plays the guitar, my daughter’s name is Emily and she is a violinist and singer, and my son Andrew is a trombone player. We sometimes play together as a family and it is joyous.

Visitor from Bury, England

2010-12-02T03:35:00.001-05:00

(This posting was provided by Dr. Adams, Principal of the Walnut Street School.)

The work on the Strategic Plan brought about a newly developed district mission statement with an added emphasis on students working in concert with the larger, global community. Some Walnut Street School students have put this goal into action by making a connection with their counterparts in Bury, England.

For the past year and a half, the Walnut Street Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students have had an ongoing “pen pal” program with a group of transatlantic friends across the pond. This email based exchange program is with a group of students at St. Bernadette’s Elementary School in Bury, England. The significance of this relationship is that the City of Woodbury was founded by Henry Wood, a Quaker from Bury, England, in 1682. His surname and his home town combine to make up the name of the city he founded – Woodbury, NJ.

On a recent school day, a resident of Bury, England, Melvin Magnall, visited the students of Walnut Street School. He shared with the Woodbury students projects, posters, and other artifacts developed by the students from Bury. He also explained to our students the history of a holiday celebrated in England on November 5th called Bonfire Day. The students in Woodbury then shared artifacts they had developed and gathered representing our November holiday, Thanksgiving.

Over the past year this project has enabled students from both sides of the Atlantic to learn about similarities and differences between our two countries and cultures. It has also taught our students the local history of the City of Woodbury.

West End PTA Night at Scotto's

2010-12-01T06:46:00.000-05:00

(The following is a messge from the West End PTA.)

Please join us for ~ West End School PTA’s Restaurant Night

Who:
YOU, along with your family and friends!

Where:
La Piazza de Scootto
(under new management)
40 S. Broad Street, Woodbury, 856-384-7700

When:
Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010
5:00pm-8:00pm

How:
Eat In or Take Out, but be sure to bring this flyer or mention that you are there to support the West End PTA. A % of these sales will be donated to the PTA.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Challenge Day for Freshman: Wednesday, December 1

2010-11-30T04:54:00.003-05:00

We are excited about the positive impact that the Responsive Classroom program in grades 3-5 and the Developmental Designs program ("Herd Huddles") in grades 6-8 are having on individual classrooms and the schools overall.

The high school effort to promote good citizenship and good will toward others is partly accomplished through the Challenge Day program for Woodbury freshman. Last year, the Class of 2013 experienced a very emotional day that helped forge stronger relationships among the various individuals who participated. Tomorrow, this year's freshman class, the Class of 2014, continues this new tradition.

You can find out more about the program by clicking on the link: Challenge Day.

Thanksgiving Day Fire

2010-11-29T10:34:00.002-05:00

(This letter is being sent home with the Evergreen Avenue school children. The family who suffered this tragedy has children at both Evergreen and the Jr.-Sr. High School. Mrs. Breland is the principal of the Evegreen Avenue School.)

November 29, 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are reaching out to the Woodbury community to make a difference in the lives of one of our Woodbury families. Thanksgiving Day, one of our Woodbury families lost their home and all of their belongings to a fire. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time and no one was hurt. The fire destroyed everything and the family will need to completely start fresh.

As you might imagine, starting over can be very overwhelming, however, we are hoping that we might be able to help. We are joining efforts to raise funds for this family with three children in the Woodbury Public Schools.

Please consider making a financial donation in the form of cash, money order or gift cards to the family. No amount is too small, as it will be combined with everyone’s contribution. Please send your donations to the main office of the school in an envelope. We will distribute to the family.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration to help someone in need.

Yours Truly,

Mrs. Breland

Cyberbullying and Cyber Abuse

2010-11-29T04:33:00.001-05:00

Christ Church, 62 Delaware Street, directly behind the Jr.-Sr. High School is inviting the Woodbury community to an evening program on Wednesday, December 8:

Crimes of the Internet

A Community Forum on Cyberbullying and Cyber Abuse

Wednesday, December 8

7:00 p.m.

The program will take place within the upper assembly room of the Parish House of Christ Church. Enter through the glass door on New Street. There is no charge for attendance.

Presenter: Sergeant Steven J. LaPorta
Unit Supervisor, High Tech Crimes Unit
Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office

Parent Teacher Conferences

2010-11-23T08:56:00.005-05:00

When our Strategic Plan was adopted in June 2008, it included an expectation that all parents would attend an individual conference with their child's teacher(s). Given that expectation, we hope that you were/are able to attend the parent conferences that are being held this week.

If you miss the conferences, it is likely that you will receive a follow-up note from the building principal asking that you schedule a conference with the teacher (or teachers) -- or that you mark you calendar for our mid-year, February 23rd conferences.

These chances to meet with your child's teacher assist in developing the important connection between the home and the school. We appreciate the efforts that you make to attend and all that you do to support your child in his/her academic success.

West End Mileage Club

2010-11-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

West End Memorial Elementary School is now in its fifth year implementing Mileage Club during lunch recess to promote healthy habits while providing an organized activity to reduce playground incidents. Members of the West End PTA volunteer their time twice a week during recess to organize and run this activity.

Here's How It Works
Students walk on the school playground twice each week. The Mileage Marker Cards are checked every time a child completes a lap or laps on the course. When recess ends, the students return their cards to their personal files. For each five laps a child walks, the child is rewarded with a Toe Token. All awards are designed to provide children with a sense of accomplishment, recognition and a source of positive image building. The children also learn responsibility, mathematics and record-keeping skills.

Children Sharpen Their Skills
By participating in the Feelin' Good Mileage Club, students discover that physical activity can be fun and rewarding. The children also enhance their scholastic skills! Feelin' Good Mileage Club schools find that:
• Students learn fractions (by counting laps).
• Students learn geography by plotting miles on a map and/or "walking" to a new destination.
• Participants learn about the environment and how to take care of it.
• Children learn how to set goals, work to achieve them and then evaluate their personal achievement.

Walking helps develop fitness while building muscles, burning calories, reducing stress and creating good lifelong habits. Educators who use the program say their students end the school year in better physical condition than before they began the Mileage Club. Best of all, we use walking to help make our playground almost hassle-free and a contributing part of the educational process. Besides promoting fitness, we also have a program that makes it easy to enhance learning readiness and self-esteem - two key elements in children's academic achievement.

Contributed by: Vincent Myers, West End Elementary School Principal

Spotlight on Ms. Brennan

2010-11-19T04:19:00.002-05:00

Kelly Brennan

Teacher of Elementary Technology

West End

• Name: Kelly Brennan

• College(s) and degrees(s): University of the Arts, graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a minor in Multimedia. Fairleigh Dickenson University, anticipated graduation August 2011 with a Masters of Arts in Teaching.

• Work experience: I worked at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging from 2006-2009 as a graphic designer and production coordinator. My responsibilities included coordinating print and communications projects; designing and coordinating production of agency newsletters, brochures, and flyers; and serving as the staff photographer for internal and external events. While working at PCA I realized that my technological talents and resources might be better utilized in a classroom setting, rather than simply sitting in a cubicle. I student taught in Mt. Laurel during the fall of 2009 and then worked as a long-term substitute in Gibbsboro School District as a Computer Teacher for grades pre-K through eight. While I was winding down the school year with Gibbsboro I came across a listing for an elementary technology teaching position with Woodbury, and let’s just say the rest is history…

• Favorite book -- fiction: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

• Favorite television show: The State

• Last movie I loved: Rabbit Proof Fence. I was required to watch this movie for one of my classes recently and I was intrigued by the storyline from start to finish.

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Sun Kil Moon’s album, Ghosts of the Great Highway

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: Dave Grohl. His ability to remain grounded and authentic while living in the spotlight for so many years intrigues me. I’m a fan of all of his musical endeavors, and I would love to "pick his brain" about the different experiences he has had during his career.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: My bedroom on a Saturday morning with my dog and three cats surrounding me.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Traveling! I love to see and experience new places and it’s been entirely too long since my last vacation.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Since I’m unable to choose between cats and dogs, I will have to go with polar bears!

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Any French Polynesian island

• Anything Else: I am an avid animal lover – I have three cats (Gwennie, Artie, and Tuna) and one greyhound (Fab). I volunteer as often as I can at a rescue organization in Pennsauken, NJ called Greyhound Angels Adoption.

Open Invitation to Join Strategic Plan Action Teams

2010-11-17T14:20:00.005-05:00

WOODBURY CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
25 NORTH BROAD STREET
WOODBURY, NEW JERSEY 08096
(856) 853-0123, EXTENSION 230

November 2010

Dear Woodbury City Public Schools Community Member:

Our community developed a Strategic Plan during the 2007-08 school year which the Board of Education adopted in June 2008. (The full plan can be viewed on the district website.) During this third year of implementation, we are updating the plan to ensure that we are on track for success and to make adjustments needed in response to any changing dynamic impacting the district. We welcome you to add your voice to this process.

Over the summer, a planning committee of thirty individuals was formed. This group met in late September to identify areas of the plan that warranted more conversation. Now we are looking to form three teams; each will hold focused discussion sessions and make recommendations to modify the existing Strategic Plan.

Would you like to join one of the Action Teams?

• Action Team I. This team will focus on six topics: homework completion programs, evening library hours, attendance recognition programs, preschool, technology in the classroom, and curriculum mapping/benchmarks.

• Action Team II. This team will discuss character traits of responsible citizens: how to identify these traits, how to measure the success our students have demonstrating the traits, how healthy eating and exercise may connect to this topic, and how the various programs that the school currently employs or is looking to employ help achieve the goal of responsible citizenry.

• Action Team III. This team will focus on how students can create meaningful personal learning plans with the help of faculty members.

We hope that one of the above Action Teams will interest you. Our kick-off meeting for these teams will be on Monday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m., in the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium. After this initial gathering, each group will set its own meeting schedule; we anticipate that the work can be accomplished from December through February. Meetings are likely to occur every other week (or as needed).

To indicate your interest in participating, simply inform my secretary, Stacy Hoffman, at shoffman@woodburysch.com or 856-853-0123, ext. 214, by Friday, December 3, 2010.

Thank you for considering this request to serve our community.

Sincerely,

Joseph Jones, III
Superintendent

Friday and Saturday Activites @ the Jr.-Sr. High School

2010-11-17T08:45:00.005-05:00

Friday 11/19
7:00PM JHS Musical Sat 11/20 - Sun 11/21

Sat 11/20
1:00PM JHS Musical
1:00PM NJSIAA Group I Playoff Semi-final Football Game vs. Paulsboro High School (H)
7:00PM JHS Musical

There is a good bit of activity at the high school this weekend and fun for the whole family. Saturday afternoon there is a choice between watching the Junior High School musical, Alice in Wonderland, Jr., or attending the football game. Both activities are at 1:00 p.m.

Parking for these Saturday events may be difficult. If you are driving, you can use the newer county parking garage (free parking)at Hunter and Broad Street, directly across the street from the high school at the light.

Also, the musical will be held both Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Belated Halloween Pictures -- West End

2010-11-16T09:15:00.004-05:00

Friday, October 29th, was a fun day at all the elementary schools. The pictures above were provided by West End. Fun memories for many -- "Mom, remember the time I was the McDonald's French Fries!"

Board of Education Meeting -- Wednesday @ 7 p.m.

2010-11-15T04:53:00.003-05:00

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. This one is coming quickly on the heals of the last meeting. Typically, our meetings are the fourth Wednesday of each month, but due to next week's holiday schedule, we will be meeting a week earlier in November.

Another change is the location of the meeting. This board meetings is scheduled to be held in the Walnut Street School's All-purpose Room. During the course of the year, the Board of Education will hold a regular, monthly meeting at each of the three elementary schools. November is the month scheduled for Walnut Street School.

Finally, a third change is the start time of the meeting. The official start time is listed as 6:30 p.m. The board will open the meeting at this time and then go immediately into executive session to continue a discussion from the last meeting. Then, the plan is to return to the full, public meeting by the typical 7:00 p.m. time.

The agenda for the board meeting will be posted on the district website some time during the day today. (agenda)

At this November meeting, there will be a presentation by Walnut Street School, a report on the district's Strategic Plan update efforts, and a review of the district's completion of the NJDOE's Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) District Performance Review.

NJSIAA South Jersey Group I Football Playoffs: Saturday, 1 PM

2010-11-12T04:33:00.006-05:00

The Woodbury Thundering Herd play Haddon Heights this Saturday in a first round playoff game at home. Game time is 1:00 P.M.

QuarterfinalsSemifinalsSectional Final

Nov. 13th, 1 p.m. - Woodbury
Preview \| Box Score
(1) Woodbury	---
(8) Haddon Heights	---

Nov. 13th, 1 p.m. - Paulsboro
Preview \| Box Score
(5) Schalick	---
(4) Paulsboro	---

Nov. 12th, 7 p.m. - Pennsville
Preview \| Box Score
(3) Pennsville	---
(6) Audubon	---

Nov. 12th, 7 p.m. - Glassboro
Preview \| Box Score
(7) Gloucester City	---
(2) Glassboro	---

Woodbury nabs Group I top seed

Sunday, November 07, 2010

By Scott Chappelear

schappelear@sjnewsco.com

Thanks to a surprising loss on Saturday, the defending NJSIAA South Jersey Group I champion will get a chance to repeat at the top seed.

The Glassboro High School football team was upset by Camden on Saturday, 9-7, giving Woodbury (7-1) the No. 1 seed by one point over the Bulldogs (6-2) according to unofficial power point standings computed by the Gloucester County Times following this weekend's action. The Thundering Herd downed Collingswood Friday night.

Woodury Football on Comcast

2010-11-11T12:44:00.003-05:00

Mr. Jarrett, high school counselor, forwarded to me the following message. I am assuming that this means there was some fly-by video of a recent Woodbury football game. I do not get this Comcast feed, but you may:

The video of the Woodbury game can be viewed all this week on our new nonstop digital channel.

It's in our High School Sports Show program which airs every day, Monday thru Friday at 4:30pm on Comcast
channel 248, Fios 460 or over-the-air on 10.2.

Best,

Colin Macaulay
NBC10 Sports Producer

So -- for those of you tech savy enough to understand this message, there may be a chance today or tomorrow to view this clip!

November Calendar

2010-11-09T04:37:00.003-05:00

November is a "choppy" month for school. At Woodbury, we have combined staff development days with the election day and New Jersey Education Association convention days so that there is a full week off. It is hoped that this helps to consolidate some coverage issues at home.

This week continues with a calendar that is different from normal: Thursday, November 11, is Veterans' Day. School will be closed for this state holiday.

Also this week: Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School is the site for a Gloucester County Board of Health flu clinic. The clinic will be held TODAY, November 9th, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (New/gold cafeteria). Any Gloucester County resident is welcome to use the clinic to receive his/her flu shot for the year.

Then, in two weeks, we have parent conferences and the Thanksgiving holiday. . . Before you know it, we will be into December!

November Playoff Soccer

2010-11-08T04:58:00.001-05:00

Both the boys and girls soccer teams played in the NJSIAA South Jersey playoffs last week.

The boys, ranked ninth, beat the eighth seeded Pennsville team on Monday and then fell to the top seeded Pitman team on Friday. Similarly, our girls team, seeded ninth, shut out eighth seeded Maple Shade for their first playoff victory in sixteen years. Then, they too played the top seeded team in their competition, Clayton, on Friday and lost.

Each team represented the school well all season and in the respective post-season runs in the playoffs. Congratulations to all.

First round stories in the Gloucester County Times:

Boys: Pennsville
Girls: Maple Shade

Spotlight on Mr. Datz

2010-10-29T04:38:00.000-04:00

Steven Datz

Teacher of Mathematics

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name: Steve Datz

• College(s) and degrees(s): 1) Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Villanova University 2) Master of Arts, Secondary Education, Wilmington University

• Work experience: Civil engineering land development firms: 1) Taylor, Wiseman, and Taylor (Mount Laurel, NJ) 2) Stantec Consulting (Kennett Square, PA) 3) VanDemark & Lynch, Inc. (Wilmington, DE)

• Favorite books
o fiction: A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini)
o nonfiction: 1776 (David McCullough)

• Favorite television show: The Office

• Last movie I loved: The Blind Side

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Dave Matthews Band (Under the Table and Dreaming)

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: Abraham Lincoln, because he was one of the greatest presidents of all time, and I would love to hear what he had to say.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: North Carolina beaches

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Washing/vacuuming my car

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Dog

• Favorite sports team: Villanova basketball

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Hawaii

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: My mom has been an elementary school (1st/2nd grade) teacher in Pennsville for 15 years.

Upcoming High School Sporting Events

2010-10-28T07:08:00.002-04:00

Today -- Girls Field Hockey will play a first round NJSIAA Group I playoff game at Maple Shade (3:45 p.m.). Good luck girls.

Saturday -- Varsity Football (5-1) travel to Paulsboro (6-0) for an exciting Group I match-up. Game time is 11 a.m.

Next Week -- Our soccer teams will be in the NJSIAA playoffs; more information to follow.

What If You Passed By This Man?

2010-10-27T04:49:00.007-04:00

Have you read about this? It seems that this dates back to 2007, but it was circulated to me in an e-mail just recently.

The story will likely give you pause -- as a parent and/or teacher, we know that the world is moving fast and part of our responsibility is to slow it down long enough for our children to be able to partake in all that life has to offer.

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After about 3 minutes:

A middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded.

There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:

*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . . How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

__________________________________________

Here's a YouTube clip of part of the performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw

FYI, he's playing the Bach Violin Partita Number 2 in D Minor.
The story about this "non-event" won a Pulitzer for The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2007/04/06/DI2007040601228.html)

Curriculum Standards

2010-10-26T05:44:00.004-04:00

Just this past June, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the State Board of Education finalized the update to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS)), now listed on the state's website as the New Jersey World Class Standards.

The NJDOE website has a significant amount of information about schooling in the state. Specifically, you can find detailed information about the NJCCCS on the site.

The newly adopted standards are to be phased in over the next couple of years at the school level. This year, Woodbury faculty members are examining our local "curriculum maps" to ensure that we have all the key components included so that our students are meeting (and exceeding!) the expectations set by the state through this curriculum standards initiative.

If you have specific curriculum questions, you can ask your child's teacher, the building principal or either of the two individuals specifically charged with curriculum oversight in the district:

Tonya Breland, Evergreen Avenue Principal and Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor PK-5 (853-0125, ext. 142 or at tbreland@wooburysch.com)
Donna Cohen, Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor, 6-12 (853-0123, ext. 241 or at dcohen@woodburysch.com)

Board of Education Meeting -- Wednesday @ 7 p.m.

2010-10-25T06:35:00.004-04:00

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m.

This board meetings is scheduled to be held in the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium. Entrance to the building can be made through the lobby doors by the auditorium, across from the Cap Paine gymnasium.

The agenda for the board meeting will be posted on the district website some time during the day today; stay tuned. (agenda)

At the October meeting, there will be a report on the New Jersey Department of Education Violence and Vandalism numbers from the 2009-10 school year. Also, an annual report on testing data focused on the 2009-10 will be reviewed with the Board of Education members.

Oral History Project: African-American Community in Woodbury

2010-10-20T12:54:00.002-04:00

This was sent out by the Woodbury Neighborhood Presevervation Program. If you or someone you know is interested in this project, please consider attending (or pass the information along to those who may be interested).

Please join us for the next workshop for

The African-American Community in Woodbury

Oral History Project

on

Saturday, October 23, 2010

11:00 AM

at

The Woodbury MEWS

122 Green Street, Woodbury

RSVP to Gloria Holmes at 845-1630

Please bring any photos or documents you have regarding life in Woodbury when you were young: sports teams, church choirs, school photos, homes and businesses in your neighborhoods, places you or your parents worked, etc.

And please bring your white binders.

Everyone is welcome to join us -

you don’t have to live in Woodbury to participate.

We are looking for the history of people & events from the past

and all information is important!

Lunch will be served at 12 noon.

There is a $5.00 per person fee for lunch,

which will be collected at the meeting.

Sponsored by the

Woodbury Neighborhood Preservation Program

Homecoming 2010

2010-10-19T04:52:00.003-04:00

Woodbury High School's Homecoming football game will be played this weekend. Come out and enjoy the Saturday morning game. Woodbury currently enjoys a 4-1 record to start this season. Haddon Heights enters with a 3-2 record. It should be good contest and an enjoyable opportunity to catch up with old friends.

Students will hold their annual Homecoming Dance that evening in the school gymnasium.

Saturday 10/23
10:30 a.m.
vs. Haddon Heights

Hall of Fame Recap

2010-10-18T04:50:00.001-04:00

Special thanks are extended to the Hall of Fame Committee for putting together a wonderful evening this past Saturday: Grant Shivers, Tony DeLucas, Ed Hughes, Frank Gwalthney, Megan Lucidi, Scott Henderson, and Calvin Ferguson.

Those of us in attendance at the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner were treated to a night of Woodbury High School memories and the reaffirmation that this school district is a unique, special place. Alumni with athletic talent spanning classes from 1925 through 1993, three coaches and three additional “distinguished” alumni constituted the group inducted.

A highlight of the evening were the warm remarks of the 1939 graduate, Mary Lockett Moody. She spoke about being an African American athlete at a time when that was not the norm for schools and how her coach insisted, even when other schools attempted to turn away the African American student athletes, that they were one team and that everyone played or no one played. Though she indicated her 90 year old body was not ready to climb the stadium steps as part of a practice routine, she did talk about how she continues to carry many of the lessons learned as a student at Woodbury with her throughout her life.

The current high school principal, Mrs. Dunham, will be reaching out to Ms. Moody to set up opportunities for her to connect with the students who walk the halls today. She has recently moved back to Woodbury after a number of years in the south.

Congratulations to all the new inductees and thank you for sharing such fond memories of your time at Woodbury High School.

Spotlight On Mr. Travis

2010-10-15T04:16:00.000-04:00

John Travis

Teacher of Mathematics

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name: John Travis

• College(s) and degrees(s): Princeton University, A.B. in Economics

• Work experience:
- Montgomery High School - Skillman, NJ
- Foundation Academy Charter School - Trenton, NJ

• Favorite books
o fiction: Lord of the Rings Series - JRR Tolkien; Harry Potter Series - JK Rowling
o nonfiction: Savage Inequalities - Jonathan Kozol; Freakonomics - Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

• Favorite television show: House

• Last movie I loved: Inception (or Toy Story III)

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with: Jackie Robinson

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: Top of a mountain at sunset.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Listening to/Analyzing the premier canonical works of classical music.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Tiger

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Mediterranean Port City Tour (ending in Greece)

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: My 8th grade Math teacher, Mr. Neights inspired me to consider teaching. I had a C after the 1st marking period in his class, and he met with me and convinced me one day after school that with consistent work and effort I could find success. That day changed how I looked at school and also made me realize that teachers often have their largest victories outside of their 45 minutes of instruction.

Sharing a Letter from a Graduate . . .

2010-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

The following letter was recently received, and I thought it would be good to share the perespective of this Woodbury graduate after returning to the school for a recent reunion:

David & Denise Winter
Sarasota, Florida

Mrs. Denise Dunham, Principal
Woodbury Junior Senior High School
25 North Broad St.
Woodbury, NJ 08096

Dear Mrs. Dunham,

On Saturday, October 2, Woodbury High School hosted a tour for my class (1965) at “my old school”. Having not been back in 45 years and heard previous stories about the decline of small town America reflected in Woodbury, the decline of the downtown area and the reduction in size of the student body due to the building of an additional high school in the area, we really expected to be disappointed in the school.

That expectation could not have been further from the truth. As a 15 year principal of a Chicago elementary magnet public school married to a 15 year athletic director at a suburban high school with combined 68 years of experience in public education, the two of us know what it takes to run and maintain a public high school. The cleanliness of your building, the total absence of any sign of graffiti and obvious pride of your support staff is clearly reflected in your facility. We especially liked the educational resumes of teachers reflected on each room door as a model to which students can aspire. The condition of the auditorium is just one area where we noted the pride of the school reflected in the facilities offered to the students of Woodbury.

As much as the school building and facilities reflected well on the community, our tour was even better. Run by Athletic Director Grant Shivers, he could not be more positive and supportive of the school and community. He exudes pride in the entire school, not just the athletic program. His reflecting on academic achievement, performance of the fine arts programs and special education programs indicate on-going emphasis on the total education of the total child.

Please share our impressions with your staff, both educational and support. We are surely aware of the many challenges with which you are confronted. You need to know that the face you are presenting to the public makes me proud to be an alumnus of Woodbury High School as well as a veteran educator. Thank you for the good work you are doing.

Sincerely,

Denise Frick Winter (Class of 1965)

Hall of Fame Dinner -- This Saturday

2010-10-13T04:43:00.004-04:00

Reminder: The Woodbury High School Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will be held this Saturday. This event happens on a three-year cycle and provides a wonderful opportunity to relive old school memories.

See this prior blog post for more detail on those being inducted.

It is not too late to pick up a ticket and enjoy a night with Woodbury friends.

Main Street Woodbury Presents . . .

2010-10-12T05:46:00.005-04:00

Timed Tickets are now available at Edwards Hairstyling 14 S Broad St.

Any questions call Main Street 856-845-8655

Please share with family-friends!

Spotlight of Mrs. Carr

2010-10-08T04:30:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Holly A. Carr

Teacher of Business

Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:
Holly A Carr

• College(s) and degrees(s):

Stockton State University, BA Business Administration
Certified Public Accountant
Rowan University, Standard Certificates to Teach in following areas: K-5 Elementary School, Middle School 5-8 Mathematics, High School Business - Both Accounting and Finance/Economics/Law

• Work experience:
Accounting Profession for 15 years
Teaching: 2 years
Woodlynne Elementary School, Woodlynne School District
Lewis Middle School, Gloucester Township School District

• Favorite books
o fiction: My Sisters Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
o nonfiction: The Way to Wealth, by Benjamin Franklin

• Favorite television show: Office

• Last movie I loved: The Notebook

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
Nora Jones - anything

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
Benjamin Franklin - He was brilliant.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
Bell Lake Park

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
A Spa Day

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Dog

• Favorite sports team:
Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
Greece

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
Mrs. Tortu and Mrs. Albey. They were both very nice teachers, and each made you excited about the things you did in class.

• Anything Else:
I would like students to grow their knowledge and their self esteem in the classes I teach.

Monday, October 11 -- Columbus Day

2010-10-07T05:01:00.002-04:00

Reminder -- no school this upcoming Monday.

That works well for Phillies fans. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday night -- go Phillies!

And . . . for juniors who are just beginning to think about the college selection process, school holidays like these are a good time to visit nearby colleges. Visits to campuses while school is in session help give a full picture of the college experience. Columbus Day, November teacher convention, and Spring Break are all good times to plan college visitation days.

Senior Parent Night College Application Process 7PM

2010-10-06T04:42:00.004-04:00

Mr. Murphy, our Director of Pupil Personnel Service will be hosting Woodbury Jr-Sr High School's annual College Application Process Night for parents of seniors tonight at 7:00 p.m. (Hopefully, the Phillies will have a nice, big, early lead!).

Our counseling department will review the college application process with you, how Woodbury Jr-Sr High School will assist in the process, and what you should be especially careful to attend to in order to ensure a smooth, successful effort.

This can be a stressful time for families, but the "Common Application" and on-line processing can help make this time be a bit more manageable. Learn about these features and understand the deadlines that colleges have when it comes to their acceptance procedures.

Finally -- though the title of the program indicates this is a night for parents of seniors, the program is open to anyone. Parents of juniors (or younger students) may want to come to the session to get a jump on the types of things that will be required down the line. The reality is that the application process for colleges can start as early as the summer before the senior year -- it isn't too early to get a sense for what will be expected of the student and his/her family.

Go Phillies!

Website Calendar for Specific School Activities

2010-10-05T04:42:00.004-04:00

Last week, I reminded you that the district calendar listing the 180 school days, school holidays, and major events (back-to-school night, etc.) could be found on the district website.

Today, I want to point out that our district website also has a more detailed, interactive calendar found on the left side of the front page of the website. You can click on the month at the top of the small calendar (October) and find a listing of more detailed activities for the individual schools:

HS: SAT testing on 10/09

HS: Homecoming on 10/23

EV: School Pictures on 10/12

WA: Book Fair the week of 10/18

WE: Mileage Club every Wednesday and Friday

You can also click on a specific date in the calendar to see a daily view. Finally, you can choose only one of the schools so that the program filters out activities and just that school's happenings will display.

This is what the monthly view looks like (there is a color key/filter at the top of the page of the actual website):

					1 9 Events School Tools 25 book assembly 10:30 am Mrs. Platt's class walking trip to Stewart Lake Spirit Week Spirit Day - sports theme MAP Testing Spirit Day - Fall Colors Mileage Club Treasure Tower	2
3	4 5 Events Fire Prevention Week Begins Book Fair Preview Day MAP Testing Pretzel Sale Begins Choir - Gr. 4 3-3:30	5 9 Events Book Fair Shopping Day 9 am - 1 pm Book Fair Family Shopping Night 7 - 8:30 pm HSPA Testing Band rehearsal, 5:00-6:00, West End MAP Testing Fire Drill 2:15 Band Practice 5-6:00 PAC meeting 6p. 7p. PTA Meeting	6 10 Events Book Fair Shopping Day HSPA Testing Senior Parent Night College Application Process 7PM Choir, 3:00-3:30 Band percussionist rehearsal, West End, 5:00-5:45 MAP Testing Mileage Club 9:00 Fire Prevention Assembly Fitness Club Gr. 2&3 5-5:45 Percussionist Rehearsal	7 7 Events Book Fair Shopping Day HSPA Testing Fire Prevention Assembly, 10:00 Progress Reports Book Club, 3:00-4:00 MAP Testing Choir - Gr. 5 3-3:30	8 7 Events Book Fair - last day for shopping Fire Prevention Assembly 9 am & 12:30 Sophomore Class Ring Information Assembly MAP Testing Mileage Club Treasure Tower Pretzel Orders Due	9 1 Event SAT @ WHS
10	11 1 Event Columbus Day	12 7 Events School Pictures - All grades group & individual Class Ring Orders at lunch Post Graduation Planning 3-7PM Curriculum Mapping Band rehearsal, 5:00-6:00, West End MAP Testing Band Practice 5-6:00	13 7 Events Sophomore Ring Night 6-8pm PSAT Choir, 3:00-3:30 Band percussionist rehearsal, West End, 5:00-5:45 MAP Testing Mileage Club 5-5:45 Percussionist Rehearsal	14 3 Events Post Graduation Planning 3-7PM H.S.A. Meeting, 7:00 Choir - Gr. 5 3-3:30	15 4 Events JHS Dance 7PM Mileage Club Treasure Tower Pretzel Delivery	16
17	18 8 Events School Violence Awareness Week Begins Underclassmen Pictures Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales Book Fair Choir - Gr. 4 3-3:30 9:00 Fire Drill Fall Book Fair School Violence Awareness Week	19 10 Events PTO Meeting 7:00 pm Underclassmen Pictures PTSA Meeting 7PM Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales Book Fair Faculty Meeting, 3:20 Band rehearsal, 5:00-6:00, West End Band Practice 5-6:00 6:30-9p. Book Fair and Water Ice Social Fall Book Fair	20 10 Events Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales AVID Parent Night Choir, 3:00-3:30 Book Fair Book Fair Family Night, 6:00-8:00 Band percussionist rehearsal, West End, 5:00-5:45 Mileage Club Fall Book Fair 5-5:45 Percussionist Rehearsal School Store	21 7 Events Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales NHS Induction 7PM Book Fair Book Club, 3:00-4:00 Choir - Gr. 5 3-3:30 Fall Book Fair Terrific Kids	22 5 Events Assembly Mileage Club Treasure Tower Fall Fun Friday Fall Book Fair	23 1 Event Homecoming Dance 7-11
24	25 2 Events Choir - Gr. 4 3-3:30 Red Ribbon Week	26 3 Events Post Graduation Planning 3-7PM Band rehearsal, 5:00-6:00, West End Band Practice 5-6:00	27 5 Events Birthday Table Choir, 3:00-3:30 Band percussionist rehearsal, West End, 5:00-5:45 Mileage Club 5-5:45 Percussionist Rehearsal	28 5 Events Class Trip Mrs. DiRienzo & Mrs. Stankiewicz Creamy Acres Preschool trip G&G Farms Post Graduation Planning 3-7PM Terrific Kids, 10:15 Choir - Gr. 5 3-3:30	29 8 Events Halloween Parade 1:45 JHS Costume Contest Birthday table Halloween parade and parties Mileage Club Treasure Tower WEBSTER ASSEMBLY: 8:50 Gr. 3-5; 9:15 Gr. K-2 2:15 Halloween Parade	30
31					www.woodburysch.com

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! -- West End in the News

2010-10-04T04:42:00.003-04:00

West End Principal, Vince Myers, had a guest "op-ed" piece published in Sunday's Gloucester County Times. The focus of the article was on efforts the school has made with respect to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Click here to read this special to the GCT.

Congratulations, West End.

Spotlight on Mrs. Shute

2010-10-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Kristin Shute

Speech-Language Specialist

Woodbury City Schools

• Name:
Kristin Shute

• College(s) and degrees(s):
Kean University: BA in Communication Disorders and Deafness,
MA in Speech Language Pathology

• Work experience:
09-10 Gloucester County Special Services School District

• Favorite books
o fiction: Anything Janet Evanovich
o nonfiction: Pretending to be Normal - Liane Willey

• Favorite television show:
Glee and One Tree Hill

• Last movie I loved:
Anchorman

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
Jessica Simpson (my own favorite mix)

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
My Brother. He died before I was born and I would love to have known him.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
Barnes and Noble

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
A new passport

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Miniature beagle

• Favorite sports team:
Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
Hawaii

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
My sister, as corny as that seems, inspired me to make learning interesting and fun and be an active participant in the students' experience (class advisor, musical director, & coach).

Underwood Memorial Hospital Collaboration

2010-09-30T04:53:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I was joined by two other representatives from our school district (Ed Muprhy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Kathy Stalter-Allen, Option II Coordinator) at a meeting with three members of the Underwood Memorial Hospital team. This encounter was one that I was able to coordinate along with John Graham, Chief Operating Officer for the hospital. Mr. Graham was also a participant.

We were able to exchange ideas for collaboration between our two organizations -- especially ways that the hospital could provide meaningful experiences that our students could incorporate into our Option II program or our new Service Learning graduation requirement that starts with this year's freshman class.

We look forward to working more closely with the hospital and finalizing some of these opportunities so that we can capitalize on the wealth of experiences that this large organization can provide our students.

College Planning Information

2010-09-29T05:28:00.002-04:00

The following information has been announced to our students via the daily, morning announcements.

These can also be found on the PowerSchool program that parents can log on to in order to check a child's academic performance, attendance, etc. There is a section, once logged on, that can be checked: Daily Bulletin.

College Visits Attention Seniors - The following schools will be visiting Woodbury High School: Drew University on Friday, Sept. 24th at 10:15 am Penn Co. Tech on Monday, Sept. 27th at 9:00 am West Virginia Wesleyan on Monday, Sept. 27th at 10:00 am Ramapo college on Tuesday, Sept. 28th at 11:30 am Monmouth University on Thursday, Sept. 30th at 11:30 am. Please see Mrs. Rivera in the Counseling office to sign up. You must be signed up on day prior to the college visit.

ATTENTION SENIORS; College Fair Attention Seniors: The Southern New Jersey College Fair will be held at River Winds on Thursday, October 28, 2010. If you would like to attend the College Fair, please see Mrs. Rivera in the Counseling Office to sign up and get a permission slip. All permission slips must be returned to the Counseling Office by Monday, October 18, 2010.

School Calendars for the 2010-11 School Year

2010-09-27T05:14:00.004-04:00

Under the heading of "District Information" at the top of the main page for the district's website, www.woodburysch.com, you will find a selection available for "District Calendar."

If you have misplaced the hardcopy of the calendar, you can find versions of both the Jr.-Sr. High School calendar and the Elementary calendar here. (There is a "toggle" option to switch between the two calendars at the top of the page once you select to go to the calendar.)

The two versions are very similar, but differ slightly with respect to the conferences at the end of the first marking period.

We have only one day off in October, with no other special events of note on this district version of the monthly calendar. Do you know what day we are off in October?

Hall of Fame Induction: 2010

2010-09-24T04:40:00.000-04:00

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The following people will be inducted into the Woodbury Hall of Fame on October 16, 2010. The Induction ceremony will take place at Auletto’s Caterer’s in Almonesson at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased in the Athletic Office at Woodbury HS. Please call Woodbury Athletic Director Grant Shivers with questions at 856-853-0123, ex 253.

ATHLETE

Edna Lackey, Class of ‘25
o Field Hockey, Tennis, Basketball and Track Athlete
o Temple Field Hockey and Basketball and Volleyball athlete at Temple
o Coached Field Hockey and Basketball at Temple

Mary Moody, Class of ‘39
o Field Hockey player at WHS
o Led team to three SJ titles for Coach Bess Taylor
o SJ Field Hockey Assoc. Distinguished Service Award 1984

John Jones, Class of ‘39
o State Champion in High Jump
o Lettered in track at Alabama State University
o Won High Jump Title at Penn Relays
o Long time coach of Track and Field at Alabama State University

Herb Baptiste, Class of ‘43
o Undefeated wrestler in 1942 and 1943
o First ever two time state wrestling champion in NJ

Terry Jacobs, Class of ‘75
o 10 letter winner at WHS in Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball
o All Colonial Conference in Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball
o Lettered in Field Hockey and Softball at Glassboro State College

Bob Thomas, Class of ‘57
o Outstanding wrestler in 1955-1957
o Two time SJ wrestling Champion and Two time 3rd place finisher in the State
o Helped start several wrestling programs in NJ and PA

Al Szolack, Class of 68
o All-Conference and All County in Basketball
o Played at Atlantic Community College and Glassboro State
o Played with Washington Generals against the Globetrotters
o Successful Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Jim Wright, Class of ‘62
o Successful Cross Country, Wrestling and Tennis athlete
o 3rd in State wrestling Championships in 1962
o Wrestled at Brigham Young University
o High profile career as FBI Investigator

Chuck Lamson, Class of ‘74
o Lettered in Basketball and Baseball at WHS
o Drafted by Texas Rangers in 1977
o General Manager and President of the Tulsa Drillers Minor League Baseball Team

Vicki Moore, Class of ‘93
o 12 Varsity letters in Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball
o All State in Softball and Hockey
o University of Pennsylvania Graduate 1997
o All-Ivy Softball player in 1997

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Oscar Fraley, Class of
o Sports writer for UPI for 25 years
o Co-author of “The Untouchables”
o Authored 31 books, including “Hoffa, The Real Story”

Scott Kintzing, Class of ‘70
o 1974 Gettysburg
o 2006 Gettysburg Distinguished Alumni Award
o Distinguished Career as NJ Banker
o Committed Community Volunteer

Herb Neilo, Class of 1948
o Founder and 55 year coach of Westville Midget Football
o Founding member of Touchdown Club of SJ

Sherrie Hodges, Class of ‘80
o Chief of Obstetrics at Lady of Lourdes Hospital

COACHES

Thom Hurst
o Baseball Coach 1978-1990
o Coached football and basketball

Jim Combs
o Football Coach
o 47-20-3 at Woodbury

Bob Kann
o Softball Coach 1979-1988
o State Softball Championship 1983

Ed Malaska
o Softball Coach 1989-1994
o South Jersey Champions in 1991 and 1992
o Long time Basketball assistant coach

See Gloucter County Times article: Bob Shryock: 'Untouchables' author to be inducted into Hall of Fame

National Library Card Sign-up Month

2010-09-23T05:06:00.003-04:00

The following message is from Ms. Sharron Knauss, Wooodbury City Schools District Library Media Specialist:

September is National-Library Card Sign-up Month, and local libraries across the country are relaying to parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

Celebrated throughout the month of September, National Library Card Sign-up Month encourages people to check out what is new at their library by signing up for a library card. Libraries today offer more than just books-- they have videos, CDs, computers, Internet access and more. Libraries also are dynamic community centers with librarians on hand to help.

Library cards are free of charge-- simply go to the Woodbury City Public Library on Delaware Street and fill out an application.

Have a great school year!

$395,372

2010-09-22T04:18:00.001-04:00

The district was informed this week that we will be receiving an infusion of $395,372 as part of the federal government's "Education Jobs" stabilization legislation. This is good news. The Board of Education will discuss how this money will be spent. The guidelines provide that school districts can spread out the expenditure over the course of this school year and next school year.

Areas of greatest need will be the focus. This determination will be made by examining student performance measures at the individual schools/grades and the recent history of achieving the federal government's annual measure of "Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)."

Again -- good news. We will be able to support students better as we work to have them meet with success on all fronts.

[More information regarding the program and how it will be administered in New Jersey]

Girls Tennis

2010-09-21T04:24:00.001-04:00

The Girls Tennis team came in first place at the GCT Girls Tennis Tournament. The team finished in first place and was led by both first singles player, Maddie Graziani, and second singles player, Isabella Schoning. The two met in the finals; Maddie won this tournament for the second straight year!

For the full story, see the GCT article on the team's victory. Congratulations, girls!

Board of Education Meeting this Wednesday -- 7:00 p.m.

2010-09-20T04:47:00.004-04:00

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m.

This board meeting is scheduled to be held in the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium. Entrance to the building can be made through the lobby doors by the auditorium, across from the Cap Paine gymnasium. Most board meetings are held in this location, though there will be three different months this school year when the board meets at one of the three elementary schools. A listing of the board meeting dates and locations is on our district website.

The agendas for the board meetings are also posted on the district website. (agenda)

The special presentation for this month's meeting is the introduction of our new faculty members for the 2010-11 school year.

Spotlight on Ms. McLeod

2010-09-17T05:00:00.002-04:00

Samantha McLeod

Teacher of Music

Elementary Schools K-5

• Name: Samantha McLeod

• College(s) and degrees(s): 2010 Graduate of Rowan University with a BM in Music and a BA in Education.

• Work experience: Working in the Woodbury City Public Schools is my first job as a music teacher!

• Favorite books

o fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird, but there are so many more.
o nonfiction: Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks

• Favorite television show: Lost and Grey’s Anatomy

• Last movie I loved: The Cove

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing: Well… since I’m a music teacher, this is a tough one, but I’ll go with Michael Buble’s self titled album.

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why: Aaron Copland, the composer, because his music is so passionate and intricate.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful: Ucles, Spain, where I spent a summer teaching English to Spanish summer campers. I lived in a monastery surrounded by rolling hills and sunflowers.

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to: Putting wheels on my laundry basket

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild): Flamingos

• Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip: Easter Island

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession: My elementary band director, Mike Marano, was the most wonderful role model for teaching. I remember being so excited for my flute lessons, and I would practice every day because I wanted to learn more and more. I hope that I can inspire students to achieve great things like he did for me.

Periodic Update of the Strategic Plan

2010-09-16T04:01:00.004-04:00

A thirty-person committee met back in 2007 to begin the work of developing a new five-year Strategic Plan for Woodbury City Public Schools. That team consisted of a diverse group that included students, parents, community members, teachers, support staff, board members, and school administrators. Their work ultimately resulted in the crafting of district beliefs, a district mission and overall objectives thought to be in the best interest of all our students. From the discussions, five specific strategies and associated action plans were outlined to ensure we achieve our district’s goals.

This year, the district will spend time reviewing and updating our Strategic Plan. This plan guides many of the larger projects that impact the schools in the district. The thirty-person planning committee has already been reconstituted and is scheduled to meet later this month for a two-day session. Then, it is expected that there will be more work to be done by others in the school community to follow-up on any new ideas that are recommended for inclusion into the existing plan.

I welcome any interest that you may have in becoming involved in this "second phase" of development during this periodic update of the plan. If you have a desire to get involved in this process, please contact my secretary, Mrs. Hoffman, at 856-853-0123 (ext. 214) or at shoffman@woodburysch.com. We are beginning to compile of list of those interested and will reach out a bit later this fall to begin this phase of the work.

For more information on the Strategic Plan: http://woodburysch.com/district/stgplan/stgplan.php

Fall Sports Are In Action

2010-09-15T05:05:00.004-04:00

This post is a reminder that, on the district website, there is an easy link to the website "highschoolsports.net." You simply go to the "ATHLETICS" tab on the bar across the top of the home page and select "SCHEDULES."

On the "highschoolsports.net" site, you will see a five-day snapshot of what is happening in the world of Woodbury athletics. You can also request a full schedule for specific teams.

Finally, you can use the system to transfer data directly into your computer's calendar -- that way, for example, you can have the entire soccer season downloaded.

Below is an example of the five-day look (The screen for the blog cuts off a good bit of this table; the full table is displayed when you go to the actual site.).

Good luck to Tennis and Field Hockey today in their respective competitions!

Wednesday 9/15

Activity Fair @ Lunch

3:45PM G V Tennis vs. Paulsboro High School

3:45PM G V Field Hockey vs. Collingswood High School

Thursday 9/16

3:45PM B V Soccer vs. Collingswood High School

3:45PM G V Soccer @ Collingswood High School

3:45PM B JV Soccer vs. Collingswood High School

3:45PM G JV Soccer @ Collingswood High School

3:45PM G V Tennis @ Gateway Regional High School

Friday 9/17

3:45PM G V Field Hockey vs. Paulsboro High School Postponed to TBA

7:00PM B V Football @ Lindenwold High School

Sat 9/18 - Sun 9/19

Sat 9/18 Soccer Car Wash

Sat 9/18 TBA BG V Cross Country @ SJ Shootout

Sat 9/18 TBA G V Tennis @ Gloucester County Tournament

Sun 9/19 TBA G V Tennis @ Gloucester County Tournament

Monday 9/20

Student Council Campaign and Speeches

3:45PM B JV Football @ Lindenwold High School

3:45PM B V Soccer vs. Paulsboro High School

3:45PM G V Soccer @ Paulsboro High School

3:45PM B JV Soccer vs. Paulsboro High School

3:45PM G JV Soccer @ Paulsboro High School

Jr.-Sr. High School -- Update on a Concern

2010-09-14T04:57:00.008-04:00

Last week, were were presented with a difficult matter in the form of a Philadelphia news station's choice to run a story on bulllying. The focus was the Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School and the information seemingly came from a single source. It is very difficult for the school to comment on individual matters, but we want to assure our school community that we take these matters very seriously. Our faculty and administration work hard to establish strong relationships with students and to provide a safe, structured environment for all students. There are definite expectations for all students that are outlined in our student conduct code, and this code is upheld.

Below is a copy of a letter that Mrs. Dunham, the high school principal, sent by mail to each family in the Jr.-Sr. High School in an effort to provide some limited explanation from the school's perspective. This should be arriving in homes today or tomorrow; this electronic version is an advanced copy for blog readers. As she indicates, our doors are always open. If you would like a tour of our building during any school hour, simply stop by the main office and we will arrange it for you.

Letter from Mrs. Dunham, Jr.-Sr. High School Principal:

Dear Community Members,

On Thursday evening of last week -- just before midnight – WCAU-TV 10 News in Philadelphia ran a story about a student of Woodbury with claims that she was bullied and afraid to attend our school. It is unfortunate that this news agency chose to run a story received from a single source with apparently no fact checking on their part. There were a number of false statements included in the story leaving an overall impression that does not correspond with the true facts.

Though I cannot be more specific with respect to the details of this incident, let me assure you that we have a building that develops strong character in our students in a positive setting. The New Jersey Department of Education will visit our school to investigate the allegations. We do not expect the investigation to disrupt the academic routine; we do expect those investigating to find students who are content, focused, safe, and engaged in learning – learning that will ensure they will be prepared for college.

We welcome anyone into our building at any time during the school day and after school to witness our daily routine that ends, for many children, long after the last bell rings. Simply stop by the main office and ask for me; I will be glad to arrange for a tour.

• If you arrive as our Junior High School day begins (at 7:40 a.m. each morning) you will see 20+ classrooms serving nearly 300 adolescents from every corner of our town bond with morning greeting activities that have the purpose of setting a positive climate for learning each day. We call this Developmental Designs activity “Herd Huddles.”

• Town Hall meetings are held every Friday morning for Junior and Senior High School students where we take time to address students in specific grade levels with important news and celebrate academic and co-curricular achievements.

• Even though the school year has just begun, some students have already identified their own “special places” during the lunch period; they share lunch with teachers and students with whom they have already established positive and productive relationships in small groups in various classrooms around the building.

• Our after-school WORKPLACE program is staffed with four tutors and a Lead Teacher on Mondays through Thursdays. This is a place where students are encouraged to come to study, receive assistance in homework, or hone their testing skills for those high stakes assessments in the spring.

• Targeted professional development occurs annually so that our faculty members are prepared to appropriately address any concerns associated with harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

• Despite severe budget cuts, we offer nearly 20 sports and/or co-curricular activities for Junior High School students and over 40 sports and/or activities at the Senior High School level from which students can choose to contribute their talents and gifts to our school community.

Our faculty and staff are “second to none”; we value every parent; we honor every child who enters our doors each day.

We do investigate all incidents of bullying, intimidation, and/or harassment. We have a student conduct code that we work hard to uphold. Students are held accountable and discipline consequences are administered in accordance to that code. Additionally, we spend considerable time working with students who find themselves in trouble and with their families to help support a positive change so that everyone can find school to be a productive environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me or either of the assistant principals if you ever have a concern.

This school opening was one of the smoothest openings in many years. It was unfortunate that our first days of school were disrupted by an inaccurate and one-sided account of a situation -- tainting the good work that is going on in our school.

We will continue to do what is right by students – every student – and look forward to a very positive 2010-11 school year.

Sincerely,

Denise Dunham,
Principal

Contact Information:
Denise Duham, Jr-Sr High School Principal, 853-0123, ext. 212
Jason Vivadelli, Sr High School Assistant Principal, 853-0123, ext. 209
Thomas Braddock, Jr High School Assistant Principal, 853-0123, ext. 200

For more information, you can view the board’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying policy (Policy Number 5512.01) on the district’s website: http://www.woodburysch.com/boed/policy/5000/Policy%205512.01.pdf.

Back-to-School Nights

2010-09-13T04:13:00.003-04:00

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: This Thursday, September 16th

JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL: Next Thursday, September 23rd

We hope to see everyone out. These evenings present a good opportunity to establish an early connection with your child's teacher(s). Please mark your calendar.

Spotlight on . . .

2010-09-10T04:09:00.001-04:00

On Fridays during the early part of the school year, our new faculty members are "spotlighted" with special blog entries. For the 2010-11 school year, these posts should start within a week or two.

Now that the blog has been up and running for a while, there are a number of these spotlights arvhived for faculty members who began working with the Woodbury City Public Schools over the course of the last few years. You can use the "search" feature at the top of the blog site to find a teacher's entry and discover out a bit more about his/her background.

Stay tuned for this year's spotlight entries.

U R College Bound --> You Are College Bound

2010-09-09T04:53:00.003-04:00

Our teachers in all grades were in over the summer planning for the new school year and preparing rooms for students. Often, this involves setting up various bulletin boards around the room to work in functional ways -- homework announcements, etc. -- or as motivational tools.

Here is one bulletin board in high school English teacher Beth Luthke's classroom. Throughout the room she has an "on the road" theme. This particular bulletin board reminds our students that we want them all to be "college bound." The high school program looks to put all students in a position to make a decision as a senior to choose to go to college.

The message: "You Are College Bound" -- but the board shows the original message as "U R College Bound" and corrects the U --> You and R --> Are. Cute.

As part of the high school's Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, many teachers are also displaying images from their own college experiences -- a type of "college shrine." To the right of this bulletin board, Ms. Luthke has items that note her degrees from the University of Delaware and the College of New Jersey.

A Good First Day -- A Good Year

2010-09-08T04:02:00.003-04:00

Energy and excitement are always evident the first day. Staying focused and determined throughout the school year is the key to increased academic success.

Please take some time this week and this weekend to discuss with your child what he or she can do to meet with success. Here are four good ideas that come from the www.livestrong.com website:

In addition to brains and books, there is another thing your children need to succeed in school: you, the parent. Parents play a large role in ensuring a child's academic success, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This means helping your child perform at her best, both physically and mentally. By emphasizing healthy choices and good study habits, you can help your child succeed in school.

Good Health and Energy

Caring for your child's physical needs is an important aspect of student success. This means making sure your child gets plenty of rest each night and eats healthy snacks and meals. A healthy lifestyle will give him the energy he needs to perform. Plenty of whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables will give your child a good start, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Exercise also is vital, so your child will maintain a healthy weight.

Communicate With Teachers

Part of a parent's student-success strategy should include creating open lines of communication between you and your child's teachers. Communicating regularly with teachers has been shown to help children succeed, according to the University of Illinois Extension. This does not mean you have to call your child's teacher every night. However, it does mean you should join parent-teacher organizations and attend any regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences. If you do have a question or want feedback, respect the teacher's personal time at home. Contact the teacher during school hours, and request that she call you back at a convenient time.

Set Up a Study Zone

Studying is accomplished best in a place where there's peace and quiet. This allows your child to focus on her studies, according to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. Find a comfortable place where she can sit and study. Minimize distractions, such as the television or loud music. Check on your child regularly to ensure she does not need assistance. While concentration is important, encourage her to take a short break if her studying exceeds 45 minutes or an hour.

Read with Your Child

You can teach your child to be a good student by fostering a love of reading and making learning fun. If your child is younger, curl up with him in a comfortable chair and read some favorite books together. As your child gets older and reads on his own, ask him about what he is reading and what he likes about the book, suggests the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. Encourage him to keep reading by making trips to the library a fun and special event.

2010-11: Welcome Back

2010-09-07T04:46:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone. We are excited to start the new school year. Our faculty and staff were in for two days last week getting ready. Now, it is time for the students to join us!

The Jones house has three kids waiting for the start of their school year -- all with varying degrees of readiness. But -- I believe that each is ready. Two are in high school and one is finishing his last year in the middle school. Our oldest is off to his freshman year in college and already headed into week three. Time marches on.

The weather looks good -- a bit warm for Tuesday and Wednesday but no rain. No rain is good, especially for a walking district.

The blog will provide some updates on the upcoming school year over the course of the next few days. I hope to do a better job with the posts; last year got away from me a bit. So, this is the first post for the blog as it enters its fifth school year! Tune in and keep up with what is happening around the schools.

Again, welcome back.

Walnut Street School Assembly

2010-06-17T04:06:00.003-04:00

Recently, Kixx Mascot, SocceRoo, and starting forward, Anthony Maher, visited our grade 3 through 5 students.

The focus of the assembly was on teamwork, setting goals, practice, and hard work.