Happy Holidays

I think my own kids ruined their snow day (in their case . . . two days, they were also off on Tuesday) by constantly wondering/asking/etc. if people thought they were going to be off the NEXT day. "Dad, if you were superintendent of our district . . . "

Anyway, we are now past this December snow. Let's hope we have a quieter balance to the winter weeks ahead.

I wish everyone a happy holiday season.

As my regular blog readers can tell, these last few weeks have been a bit rough with respect to blog posts. I hope to give some explanation when we return from this break. Until then . . . enjoy!

Preseident Obama Responds to Mr. Lessman's Evergreen Students

Jacob Lessman's elementary students at Evergreen wrote to President Obama and the President sent a letter in response. Below, there is a copy of the letter and some images of what was also included in the envelope from Washington -- a picture of the president and another of family dog.

Congratulations to these Evergreen students for writing to and getting a response from our President!





href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6W-E48efwSbf4CkLF77myTyiLjaSR1FtFwl2NTRx0XTLB0RW2o0DAEsUCcTJ0pb_Rq9Y2ZpMuyfiEvgvnSJkgxul0iwLFX-UcDsw3CCOrXXLT4_I0javfA_Gz92lqXrhJWve/s1600-h/Bo+Obama.jpg">

New Automated Phone Attendant Menu

We have updated our automated telephone answering system. We have officially separated the telephone numbers for all four schools. The 853-0123 number is now focused specifically on the Jr.-Sr. High School.

The telephone numbers for each school are posted below. These are the same numbers that were advertised at the beginning of the school year and have been in operation all year:


Woodbury Junior/Senior High School 856-853-0123
West End Memorial Elementary School856-853-0124
Evergreen Avenue Elementary School 856-853-0125
Walnut Street Elementary School 856-853-0126

Board of Education Meeting

The regular December meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for this evening. The location of the meeting will be the auditorium of the Jr.-Sr. High School. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

This month, there will be a presentation given by the Jr.-Sr. High School including a focus on the alternative school program.

The agenda for the meeting is posted on the district's website.

Another Grant Awarded

Trinna Savage, 3rd Grade Teacher at Evergreen, applied for a small grant that will allow her to purchase additional materials for the Responsive Classroom program being implemented across the district.

The grant application was to the "Kids in Need Teacher Grants" program and she recently received word that she was selected to receive the $150 requested. Congratulations to Ms. Savage for taking the initiative to reach out to this organization and her success in being selected as one of the recipients.




From: penny hawk [mailto:pennyh@kinf.org]Sent: Wed 12/2/2009 11:57 AMTo: penny hawkSubject: Kids In Need Teacher Grants


Hello, Teacher Grant Applicant,


Thank you for participating in the 2009 Kids In Need Teacher Grants program. I know you are eager to find out the final results. Please find attached a list of the 2009 Teacher Grant recipients. The teachers are listed in alphabetical order by last name. The list will be posted on our Web site by the end of the day.

As you can see, 281 grants were awarded totaling $115,217.90. We’d like to thank our sponsors, LOFT Loves Teachers, Office Depot Foundation, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Fred Meyer Fund, and VIA Credit Union for their support of this program.

If you received a grant, please be advised that the checks are not distributed until the end of January, but they can be used for reimbursement if you have to purchase materials before you receive the funds. The checks are made payable to you. I will be sending further information within the next 10 days.

If you did not receive a grant this year, I will also be sending further information to you. Although we cannot give individual critiques of each grant application, I will send you information that may help when you apply next year.

Thank you again for your application.

Penny
Penny Hawk, Managing Director Kids In Need Foundation 3077 Kettering Blvd., Ste 114, Dayton, OH 45439 937-296-1230, x303 pennyh@kinf.org http://www.kinf.org/


Providing free school supplies to kids who need them.

Ms. Fitzgerald is Awarded $1,000 for the Science Department

Here is some exciting news for the Jr.-Sr. High School Science Department. Last year, high school biology teacher Colleen Fitzgerald participated in a Delaware Valley Innovation Network professional development activity. She was one of a few selected from among science teachers across the region who applied. The exciting weekend advanced Mrs. Fitzgerald's ever present quest to be the best teacher possible.

Recently, she received information about a bonus for the science department in a notice from the people at DVIN (see below). Congratulations, Ms. Fitzgerald and thank you for all that you do for the Woodbury Public Schools.


Subject: $1,000 Certificate to Ward's Natural Science from the Delaware Valley Innovation Network

Dear Colleen,

DVIN wanted to make you aware that we are awarding your school Science Department a Science Education Materials Grant in the form of a $1,000 Product Credit Certificate from Ward’s Natural Science Supplier. The certificate is being mailed to your school principal and should arrive within in the next few days.

Your school has been chosen because you showed a commitment to science education, by attending the DVIN BIO Teacher/Leader program. We believe a meaningful science education starts with a dedicated science teacher, but recognize, without sufficient equipment it is difficult for you to provide students with a classroom experience that will put them on the path towards a career in the sciences.

The certificate is to be used for science supplies and lab equipment that will enrich, excite, and enhance the science program for the students of your school. Directions on how to redeem your schools Ward’s Product Credit Certificate will be enclosed with the Certificate, which has been mailed to your principal. Please be aware that orders must be placed no later than January 15, 2010.

We thank you for your dedication to teaching and commitment to developing the future science workforce of our region.

Best regards,

Helen Groft

Project Director

Delaware Valley Innovation Network

Congratulations to the Football Team

I am sure that you heard, our varsity football team won the NJSIAA South Jersey Group I title on Saturday. Congratulations to the players, Coach Valentine, and all the coaches. Also -- the fans who braved the weather are applauded for their dedication. It was a day and a game to remember.

The following links were sent to me by high school counselor, Dan Howey. Thanks, Mr. Howey! Some of the articles provide nice recaps to the game and others focus on players and/or coaches.

Courier Post 1

Courier Post 2

Philadelphia Inquirer

Philly High School Sports Blog

Gloucester County Times 1

Gloucester County Times 2

High School Sports nj.com

Junior High Musical

The other night, I saw the musical director, Mrs. Berting, and asked if the Junior High School students were ready. Well, a director never feels that they are ready until that first performance is officially finished. So -- we will have to wait until Friday night.

This is the second year for a Junior High musical. Last year's performance was enjoyable -- many of the students made you forget that the students were only 6th, 7th and 8th graders on stage. I am sure that we will be in for another treat with this year's performance of Annie jr.

There are three show times: Friday night @ 7 p.m., Saturday morning @ 10 a.m., and Saturday evening @ 7 p.m.

(Note: For the Saturday morning show, those attending the musical are asked to park in the county lot by the courthouse. Our lower parking lot near the football field will be closed in preparation for the NJSIAA Group I Playoff game against Paulsboro -- game time, 1:00 p.m.)

Busy Weekend

This weekend has a lot in store for the Woodbury City Schools and the City in general:


Friday:


6:00 p.m. -- Festive Fridays: Santa Parade, Tree lighting @ Aberdeen Place, Pictures with Santa, Carriage Rides, etc!

7:00 p.m. -- Woodbury Child Development Center has a Silent Auction fundraiser happening here at the Jr.-Sr. High School. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

7:00 p.m. -- Junior High School Musical: Annie jr.


Saturday:

9:00 a.m. -- West End PTA Holiday Shop (until 1:00 p.m.) [Thanks to the anonymous poster below!]

10:00 a.m. -- Junior High School Musical: Annie jr.

1:00 p.m. -- South Jersey NJSIAA Group I Championship Game, Paulsboro vs. Woodbury @ Woodbury.

4:00 p.m. -- Holiday House Tour sponsored by the Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School Parent, Teacher, & Student Association (starts at the Woodbury Mews).

7:00 p.m. -- Junior High School Musical: Annie jr.



Wow!