An Added Effort -- Swim Team

Proceeds from a fundraiser scheduled for this evening at Pizzeria Uno in Deptford Township were originally slated to benefit the Gateway/Woodbury Swim and Dive Teams. Through their generosity, all "dough" raised will instead go to Grant Shivers and his family to assist them in this time of need.

The coupon included here is to be presented if you go to eat.

The event is scheduled for tonight: 4 - 10 p.m.

Thank you.

New School Resource Officer

The Woodbury City Police Department and the Woodbury City Schools have a strong working relationship. One way that lines of communication are maintained is through the School Resource Officer Program.

Effective the beginning of this calendar year, a new School Resource Officer, Patrolman Daniel Steigerwald, was assigned to the school district. Officer Steigerwald has been provided specialized training through the police department to maximize his effectiveness in a school setting.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, Officer Steigerwald has been in and about all of the city schools getting to know the buildings and the people. Though a majority of his time will be spent in connection with the Jr.-Sr. High School, he will have a presence in our elementary schools as well.

The School Resource Officer program has been a valuable program for Woodbury and other school districts. We welcome Officer Steigerwald and wish him well in his new assignment.

Distinguished & Urban Scholars

(This posting was provided by Mr. Murphy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services.)

The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority announced its recipients of the Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished and Urban Scholars. Eight students from Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School were selected to receive scholarships, which award up to $1,000 annually without regard to financial need.

The Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar is intended to recognize the highest achieving graduating high school students in or from New Jersey. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars must have a class rank of one, two or three and rank within the top 10 percent at the end of junior year, or rank within the top 10 percent with a combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1260 or higher.

Urban Scholars are renewable scholarships awarded to high achieving students in the state’s urban areas. Students must rank in the top ten percent of their class and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

The following Woodbury students were recognized: Stefana Burlacu, Megan Kier, Megan Pierson, Laura Hassan, Caitlyn Pipolo, Oluwatunmi Oni, Scott Bassler, and Christian Schoning.

Each student received an award letter in early January providing notification of this recognition.

Spotlight on Mrs. Introcaso

Mrs. Camille Introcaso


Academic Coach - Literacy


District Elementary Schools


• Name:

Camille C. Introcaso

• College(s) and degrees(s):

LaSalle University, BA in Elementary/Special Education

University of PA, MS In Literacy Education

• Work experience:

Philadelphia Public Schools; Various preschool experience; Collingswood Public Schools as special education, basic skills, and Reading Recovery teacher

• Favorite books
o fiction: anything by Ian McEwan (but this changes all the time)
o nonfiction: anything by Bill Bryson (same here)

• Favorite television show:

As Time Goes By - a corny British sitcom

• Last movie I loved:

Little Miss Sunshine, Atonement

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

Paul Simon's - Graceland

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

Randy Pausch, the educator and author who recently died. In the face of such tragedy, how did he keep such a seemingly serene outlook? Where did he find that strength?

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

Any beach, anywhere

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

Getting the family photos organized, but I keep taking more

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Giraffe - they just look impossible!

• Favorite sports team:

Phillies, of course, and any team my kids are on!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

The Galapagos Islands - someday!

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:

Mrs. Eustace -- she brought in opera recordings for students who had never experienced opera and made us feel her passion for it, she brought her class to a French restaurant to try French food (with the most inexpensive appetizer possible!), she discussed books and movies and places outside the realm of our experience and suddenly made them seem like possibilities, and she opened my eyes to the ways in which a teacher could influence a life.

• Anything Else:

Proudest accomplishment: My three children, now in their twenties, and making their way in the world.

Challenge I’m working on: I am a daily walker (four miles a day) trying to become more of a runner, but struggling to get past more than two miles.

Skill I will share with Woodbury colleagues: I am a great cook and baker (sometimes counteracts the effects of all that walking!).

Teachers of the Year: Nomination Process

(This information is going home with our students this week. Please give the idea of a nomination some serious consideration as we complete this annual process to select our Teachers of the Year.)

Dear Community Member:

The Woodbury City Public School District will be participating in the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program. I am asking you to help in the district’s selection process by nominating the faculty member (teacher or educational services professional) you feel has made the greatest contribution to your child’s education. The deadline for entries is Monday, February 2, 2009.

Sincerely,



Joseph Jones, III
Superintendent

Selection Criteria: Teachers - distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions in effective instructional techniques and methods; productive classroom climate and rapport with students; and development of feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students. Educational services professionals (i.e., nurses, librarian, counselors, Child Study Team staff members) - interact positively with students, staff and parents while functioning as a frontline advocate for the student between home and school.

Please return by Monday, February 2, 2009, to the Superintendent’s Office of the Woodbury City Public School District, 25 North Broad Street, Woodbury, New Jersey 08096; Fax: (856) 853-0704.

Name of Nominee:

School:

Reason for Nomination (Attach Additional Paper if Needed):

Nominated by:

Phone number where you can be reached in the event more information is needed:

(The hard copy of this information is going home with the students. If you would like to simply send in your nomination electronically, you can do that by e-mailing the above information to my secretary: Stacy Hoffman -- shoffman@wooodburysch.com)

Alumni News

With all the alumni Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School from over the many years of graduates, we could really have an entire blog focused on accomplishments and various WHS alumni "in the news." (Some of our younger readers will likely be thinking that it should be a Facebook page -- or, more likely, something else that I don't even know about yet!)

In this spirit, Mr. Shivers, our Athletic Director, sent the following information to me about one of our recent graduates (see blue text):


Riverdale, N.Y.- Monmouth University’s track & field team wrapped up its second weekend of competition with a pair of meets in NYC, traveling to the Fordham Christmas Classic on Friday and to Manhattan College on Saturday night.



In Friday’s Fordham Christmas Classic, junior Aracelis Lantigua (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) won the 800m, leading wire to wire and crossing the line with a time of 2:26.20. A trio of freshmen in Vin Improta (Staten Island, N.Y./Staten Island Tech), David Balzer (Staten Island, N.Y./St. Joseph’s) and Ryan Lundy (Laurence Harbor, N.J./Mater Dei) took third, sixth and seventh in the 1000m. The same three teamed up with sophomore Michael Slater (Belford, N.J./CBA) in the 4x400, crossing the tape in fifth place.


At the Jasper Invitational on Saturday night, the Hawks brought home a trio of first place finishes paced by the men’s and women’s triple jumpers. Sophomore Marykate Walsh’s (Woodbury, N.J./Woodbury) leap of 17' 2 3/4" was the top mark of the meet, while junior Alex Bowers’ (Bayville, N.J./Central Regional) distance of 22' 2 1/4" won the event on the men’s side. Walsh also tallied a second place finish in the triple jump with her distance of 36' 4 1/4" meters.

College Students Speak with Seniors

(This post was submitted by Mr. Murphy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Woodbury.)

On Friday, January 9^th, nine graduates from the class of 2008 came back to share their experiences with our students concerning the transition from high school to college. In addition to meeting with our seniors in the auditorium, the students visited three different AVID classes during the morning.

The graduates' stories emphasized the importance of knowing yourself as a student and being able to manage your time. Other issues that were discussed were selecting a roommate, the use of technology in college, money management and doing research.

Each expressed how the diversity of WHS helped to prepare for the larger college campus. Also, all indicated that they felt well-prepared academically for their freshman year in college.

Front Row: Laura Lonabaugh (University of New Hampshire), Denea Jerry (Virginia Union), Ashley Pollard (Seton Hall), Sarah Hesser (GCC/STARS), Stefanie Parker (GCC/STARS),

Back Row: Dan McGarry (Rowan), Matt Fitzgerald (Seton Hall), Sheldon Jackson (Rutgers), Eric Ulmer (Bentley)

Math Olympics -- West End, Evergreen and Walnut

There is an article in today's Gloucester County Times regarding the elementary school Math Olympics taking place. This event has been organized by our academic coach for mathematics, Kathy Estep. See the link below:

Monday, January 12th GCT Article

Spotlight of Mrs. Luthke

Mrs. Elizabeth Luthke

Teacher of English

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:

Elizabeth (Beth) Luthke

• College(s) and degrees(s):

B.A. University of Delaware, English Education,

M.A. English (American Literature) and M.A Educational Leadership The College of New Jersey

• Work experience:

Spotswood High School--just over 4 years

Bernards High School--just under 6 years

Northern Burlington Regional Middle School, Asst. Principal--just under 2 years

Part time: Burlington County College and The College of New Jersey 2 years

Bruriah High School for Girls--1 year

• Favorite books

fiction:

Classic - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison;

New - Ella Minnow Pea by Stephen Dunn

nonfiction:

Old - Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol;

New - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch--a good one for a whole high school to read

• Favorite television show:

I love Grey's Anatomy and Hopkins

• Last movie I loved:

Can't remember the last one in the theater, on DVD Ahkeela and the Bee

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

Mark Harris - The Writing on the Wall

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

My maternal grandmother because I wish she could meet my kids

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

any not-too-crowded beach

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

too many---see my college friends

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

monkey

• Favorite sports team:

Philadelphia Phillies---and not just because they were good this year!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

a literary trip through Europe

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:

There isn't a specific one, except my mom who taught elementary school in Trenton, and more importantly, she taught me what matters.

$22,000 Grant from Verizon

(Jennifer P. Young, of Verizon New Jersey Southern External Affairs, presents Walnut Street School Principal, Dr. Jeffrey Adams, with a check for $22,000.)

Woodbury Public Schools received a $22,000 grant from Verizon Foundation. For the second time in three years, the Verizon Foundation has awarded the Woodbury Public Schools a grant to support innovative programs that will provide a focus on literacy development.

Verizon and Woodbury originally partnered on a literacy project during the 2006-2007 school year through a $10,000 grant award. At that time, an after school reading program was launched at the West End Memorial School and Walnut Street School. During that pilot program, the district was able to utilize a computer based reading program developed by MindPlay Corporation, called My Reading Coach – Platinum Edition.

This year, through the Verizon grant coupled with in-district funds, the program has evolved to include all three elementary schools. The extra support will consist of an after school program as well as academic intervention during the regular school day; both efforts will utilize computer based interventions. The district has also acquired a new piece of computer software from the MindPlay Corporation to assist instructional staff entitled, “Fluent Reader Trainer”.

The Woodbury School District believes that that this partnership with Verizon, coupled with in-district resources and highly qualified instructional staff, will provide the elementary school students involved with extra resources necessary for academic success.

About the Verizon Foundation:

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since Verizon’s inception in 2000.

This year, thanks to the generosity of Verizon customers who participated in the company’s Check Into Literacy program, 39 nonprofit organizations throughout New Jersey are receiving $325,000 in grants to support their literacy programs. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

See GCT article

The Library is Open: 5-7 PM

Beginning this week, the Woodbury Junior - Senior High School Library will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday for your use. The library offers a good setting to get school work done and a place for computer access.

(The goal is to provide a place for students to work while the Woodbury City Public Library closes during these two “dinner” hours.)

This program is one of the action items of our new Strategic Plan

• Strategy I—to effectively utilize multiple sources of assessment data to improve instruction, close the achievement gap, and increase academic performance
• —Action Plan 5: to assure the Jr.-Sr. High School library will be open to students and parents minimally from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday through Thursday while school is in session.

This is one more way Woodbury Public Schools works to be a leader in personalizing education for our students — words found and manifested in our mission and beliefs. We feel that this action addresses a very specific need here in the Woodbury community.

Please use the lobby door entrance to the school (across from the gymnasium) for your access the library. The library is on the first floor, turn right down the long hallway and take your first left

Adults should bring identification to present to our Evening Library Program Coordinator when you arrive.

An Active Week for Winter Sports

(This post comes from Mr. Shivers, Jr.-Sr. High School Athletic Director.)

For sports fans, this is an active week for our winter sports program:

• There is swim meet Tuesday at the Woodbury YMCA at 3:30. Our meets are usually at Gloucester County Institute of Technology or Camden County Institute of Technology. So, this is a great chance to see our swimmers close to home.

• There is a wrestling match Wednesday night at Gateway. Several of our students are wrestling and doing a great job. (We field a joint team with Gateway for wrestling competition.)

• The girls basketball team plays at 4:00 p.m. (jv @ 5:30 p.m.) Tuesday versus Paulsboro at home.

• The boys basketball team has their home opener Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. versus Audubon (jv-5:30 p.m., Frosh/Jr. High 3:45 p.m.)

Also from Mr. Shivers . . .

For those traveling to the away Boys Basketball game at Paulsboro today, the start times for the games have been changed:

JV -- 5:30 p.m.
Varsity -- 7:00 p.m.

Happy New Year, Winter -- and Welcome Back!

Well – this was a long break this year. I know how hard it can be getting everyone back into the school routine. I hope that all went well this morning.

As a school superintendent, I look with a wary eye at these next couple of months due to the weather concerns that winter brings. I keep telling my kids that I am hoping for no snow – or, at least, snow on weekend days only! Time will tell how this winter unfolds.

We do have a decision to make with regard to the Jr.-Sr. High School make-up of the December 23rd closing due to the heat situation. I will have a recommendation ready for the January Board of Education meeting and that will be communicated once the calendar change is formalized. There are a couple options to consider – an added day to the end of the school year or utilizing the last day of the Spring break.

I hope that you had a nice holiday season, and I welcome everyone back. Happy New Year!

West End After School Music

(This was an entry that missed an end-of-the-year posting for 2007-08 and then got lost in the shuffle. Here it is -- just in time to make it before we turn the calendar over to 2009!)



Ms. Guerin's and Mrs. Spittal's first/second grade after school enrichment students were very creative producing their first CD. The students collaboratively wrote songs about Springtime Allergies, The Beach, Mother's Day and Jack and Jill.

To add those perfect finishing touches to the recordings there couldn't have been anything more exciting than Billy Gale, a member of the popular band, Burnt Sienna, accompanying the young artists with an acoustic guitar.

Songs were burned to a CD and given to each of the participants as a momento of their extraordinary efforts. A special thanks to Billy Gale. Thanks for helping us "ROCK OUT" it was AWESOME!

Spotlight on Ms. Rosado

Felicita Rosado

Teacher of Elementary Spanish

West End Memorial School

• Name:

Felicita Rosado

• College(s) and degrees(s):

Rowan University: Bachelor's Degree (Elementary Education K-8)

• Work experience:

Teacher's Aide in an after school program (2 years)

5th grade Bilingual Teacher at Bridgeton, New Jersey

Long-term Spanish Teacher at Woodbury Jr./Sr. High School

• Favorite books:
o fiction: A House in the Woods by Isabelle Holland
o nonfiction: Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

• Favorite television show:

Family Matters

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

Run the Show

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

The person I would like to have lunch with today would be my grandmother because there are many things that I would like to share with her.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

???

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

Set up the file folders.

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

A cruise to different parts of the world.

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:

The teacher who inspired me to become whom I am today is Madeleine Clark. Mrs. Clark was my 5th grade math teacher. She was always very understanding and caring toward her students. After she became ill and had to leave the classroom, she and I kept in touch through letters for a number of years. The part that I loved the most about her was that she took the time to listen and form that bond that strengthened over time.

Welcome, Winter

Hold on to your hat – winter officially begins Sunday, December 21, 2008. Also, our winter sports are off to a start this weekend. Our high school swim team is in action tonight, the boys and girls basketball teams start the season tomorrow, and the wrestling program has a tournament this Saturday.

I remind you that the easiest way to keep track of a team's schedule is through the on-line schedule on highschoolsports.net. On the district’s website, go under the tab for “Athletics,” and you will find a selection for “Schedules.” There you can be updated by the day, week, month, or season on all your favorite teams.

Grab a coat and hat – and let winter begin. Of course, as a school superintendent, I only wish that all of our snow occurs on the weekends!

Lesson Learned

Ouch – a car accident on the way in to work yesterday! Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it will cause for an early New Year’s resolution: more distance between the car in front and my car.

I am not sure why is seems like there is a need to hurry all the time. I remember riding with a former athletic director to meetings, and the pace of his driving was much slower than what I was accustomed to. After a while, I came to appreciate the more leisurely, less frantic pace of our monthly drives to a county meeting that we attended.

Unfortunately, I only partially learned that lesson. In school, we want to teach our students in such a way that they UNDERSTAND a topic and are then be able to TRANSFER the learning to new situations. I understood – that the slower, less hurried driving was a better approach in many ways. I just didn’t make the transfer of that learning to my own driving.

Well, a little more direct experience with the lesson (and some added financial impact!) should help. Maybe you can learn from my story without your own need for any “hands-on” experience!

Have a good day.

Congratulations, Kyle Parham

Kyle Parham, 11th grade student at Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School, has been selected to be a Student Ambassador for People to People. Kyle went through a selection process that involved an interview and a requirement to submit three letters of recommendation -- two teachers and one community leader.

People to People was started by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. His dream was to bring together students from around the world to promote world peace.

Over the summer Kyle will spend a total of three weeks in France, Italy, and Greece (where he will stay with a host family). The People to People hope is that this experience will help students return to their community and school with a new outlook on the world and help to build bridges to bring us closer together through peace and understanding.

Congratulations, Kyle.

Board of Education Meeting -- Wednesday, December 17 @ 7 p.m.

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m.

The board meetings are 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 today. (agenda)

During the course of the school year, each of the four schools will provide an update to the board on activities that highlight the good work occurring in each building. At this December meeting, the Jr.-Sr. High School will provide our first presentation for the 2008-09 school year. Also, following the school presentation, the board will hear from its auditor, HOLMAN & FRENIA, P.C. , on the recently completed 2007-08 audit.

Spotlight on Mr. Pentz

Timothy Pentz

Teacher of Health & Physical Education

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:

Tim Pentz


• College(s) and Degrees(s):

Messiah College – BS – Business Information Systems
Rowan University – Teaching Certification Program – Health and Physical Education


• Work Experience:

YMCA of Gloucester County – Two years – Youth and Family Coordinator
Assistant Coach of Wrestling – Past three years at Kingsway


• Favorite books:

o Fiction: The Old Man and the Sea


• Favorite television show:

Prison Break, Entourage

• Last movie I liked:

We Own the Night

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

Fishing in the Pocono Mountains

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

Washing my Car

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Dog

• Favorite sports team:

E-A-G-L-E-S!!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Ireland

Woodbury NHS Fundraiser Tonight -- Scotto's

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a fundraising night at Scotto's Pizza today -- Thursday, December 11th.

If you are ording out tonight or heading out to eat at Scotto's, please mention the Woodbury High School National Honor Society. A portion of each order will be donated to the NHS as part of the fundraiser.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Taste of Woodbury 2008

This Friday -- December 12th, from 5-9:00pm

(Sponsored by the Woodbury Merchants and Professional Organization)

Enjoy Holiday treats from area eateries -- Hors D’Oeuvres, Desserts, and Holiday drinks.

Tickets available at participating Sponsors, City Hall, Library and Foxfire Accessories

Tickets $15.00

Restaurants can be visited in any order.

1. PNC Bank, 22 North Broad Street, ACME
2. La Piazza di Scotto Restaurante, 40 South Broad Street
3. Monogram Shoppe, 146 South Broad Street, Angelos
4.Charlie Browns, 111 North Broad Street
5. The Spot, 43 South Broad Street, featuring wine tasting from Wagonhouse Winery
6. The Nut Shop, 17 South Broad Street
7. El Mantial, 142 South Broad Street
8. Woodbury Antique Center, 66 South Broad Street, samples from J&D Liquor & Cheese to Please & Jimmies
9. Country Sweets Bakery, 31 South Broad Street
10. A Taste of Philly Hard Twisted Pretzel Bakery, 53 South Broad Street
11. Lifeway Café, 113 South Broad Street
12. Lovely Creations, 238 South Broad Street, Domino’s
13. Woodbury Variety, 159 South Broad Street
14. Treasure Depot, 160 North Broad Street, Caterers Corner
15. Edward’s Hairstyling, 145 South Broad Street, Impromptu Caterers


Call 856-845-9765 for more information

Celebrating Our Heritage, One Bite at a Time

(This entry was submitted by Ms. Cadorette, 5th grade teacher at West End.)

During our first literacy theme, the 5th grade learned about how families work together, how families discuss their heritage, and how families share their traditions. As a culminating activity, each student created a Family Shield. Students completed family history surveys and questionnaires to gather information about the importance of their name, details of their family heritage and history, a special recipe their family enjoys, and created a timeline of important family milestones. As each student presented their family shield to the class, students discussed the similarities of their family history and respected their differences.

In addition, on Tuesday, November 25th students had the chance to sample the tasty family recipes. Over 25 dishes were prepared by our amazing West End families.

The students enjoyed Spanish Rice and Beans, Jamaican Curry Chicken, Matzo Ball Soup, Pumpkin Bread and Grandma Wanda’s Apple Sauce Spice Cake, just to name a few. The food tasting celebration was a first-hand experience for each student to discover the ethnic diversity which makes the city of Woodbury unique.

City of Woodbury Survey

The City of Woodbury, in partnership with the Gloucester County Department of Economic Development, is conducting a survey to better understand the wants and needs of the people who live, work, or shop in Woodbury. As part of their ongoing efforts to revitalize and improve the Broad Street commercial district, they want know know what will make the downtown district more appealing to you. Please take this opportunity to express your views about shopping and dining in Woodbury. The results of the survey will be used to develop a community-driven plan of action for the Broad Street corridor.

The survey is available online at www. Woodburysurvey.com. The survey is anonymous-- no personal information will be requested.

Happy Friday

Well -- I have to retool. I need to update a few of my new teacher entries so that I can get more ready for the Friday Spotlights.

For today, let me point out that the Junior High School Theatre Club will be performing Seussical The Musical tonight and tomorrow, 7 p.m., in the Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium. Come on out for some local entertainment. It is sure to be fun.

Tickets at the door. Adults -- $7; Students and Seniors -- $5.

(This is a copy of the letter that will go home with our Jr.-Sr. High School students today. I post it here as an added way to ensure that some of our parents have quick, ready access to it.)
______________________________________________________________

WOODBURY JUNIOR – SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
25 North Broad Street
Woodbury, New Jersey 08096
(856) 853-0123

Denise Dunham, Principal
Jason Vivadelli, Assistant Principal
John Lukis, Assistant Principal
Grant Shivers, Director of Athletics and Student Activities



December 4, 2008


Dear Parents/Guardians:

I am writing this letter to inform you of an incident that occurred in the downtown area of the City this morning.

Just prior to the start of school, the Woodbury Police were informed that a gunshot was heard in the alley behind the Gloucester County Family Court building. This building is located across Broad Street on the south side of the main intersection.

The police recovered the firearm before school started and have a report regarding the description of the alleged shooter. As part of their search for this individual, Woodbury police were stationed around our building at the start of the school day.

A collaborative decision by the City police and the school district resulted in the determination that the matter could be handled by the police with no need for the school to take any special action. Faculty and staff were provided an update early in the morning and there was no interruption to our school day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Denise Dunham Principal

Family Nights

In mid-November, the 2nd and 3rd graders in the Woodbury School District were invited to come out for a Reading Café Family Night. Parents, students and teachers from all three schools came together at Evergreen Avenue School to hear a story and participate in learning centers. These centers included math and literacy games and activities related to a story that was created by Woodbury elementary teachers. Students were able to work on laptop computers, assemble a thermometer craft kit, and write a comic strip as well as other fun activities. Refreshments were served and wonderful time was had by all!

For more information on 2008-09 Family Nights see our district website.

(This post was prepared by Toni Capodanno, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction)

WHS Boys Soccer

Coach Marc Cannuli was recently informed that his Boys Soccer team has again been recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America with a National Team Academic Award. Woodbury Boys Soccer has achieved this award every year since 2002. Congratulations to each of our scholar-athletes for this accomplishment!

http://nscaa.com/articles/20081118090750381.php

2008 NSCAA High School Team Academic Award Winners Announced

A total of 402 soccer teams (148 boys, 254 girls) from throughout the United States have earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2007-08 academic year. Among these programs are 56 schools receiving honors for both their boys and girls teams. To qualify for the award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player's GPA, then dividing by the number of players. 2007-08 NSCAA/adidas Boys Team Academic Award School, City, State, Coach, GPA Academic Magnet High School, North Charleston, S.C., Troy Bennage, 4.08 Alamo Heights High School, San Antonio, Texas, Bruce Fink, 3.73 Arapahoe High School, Centennial, Colo., Mark Hampshire, 3.53 Arrowhead Christian Academy, Redlands, Calif., Greg Treur, 3.32 Augusta Preparatory Day School, Martinez, Ga., Forrest Wimberly, 3.50 Avon High School, Avon, Ind., Philip Schmitt, 3.66 Bath-Haverling High School, Bath, N.Y., Matt Hill, 3.68 Bay High School, Bay Village, Ohio, Robert Dougherty, 3.39 Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tenn., Curtis Blair, 3.54 Beachwood High School, Beachwood, Ohio, Brian R. Greene, 3.62 Bellbrook High School, Bellbrook, Ohio, Charles Luse, 3.33 Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, Fla., Tim Cooper, 3.40 Blackman High School, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Bill Vice, 3.30 Blacksburg High School, Blacksburg, Va., Travis Bishop, 3.48 Blue Valley High School, Stilwell, Kan., K. Dean Snell, 3.48 Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park, Kan., Tom E. Holland, 3.50 Brenham High School, Brenham, Texas, Erik Lane, 3.28 Broadneck High School, Annapolis, Md., Sean Tettemer, 3.65 Brookland-Cayce High School, Cayce, S.C., Kevin Heise, 3.85 Broomfield High School, Broomfield, Colo., Jim Davidson, 3.60 Brophy College Preparatory , Phoenix, Ariz., Marc A. Kelly, 3.56 James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, S.C., Matt Brophy, 3.35 Cabell Midland High School, Ona, W. Va., Jack DeFazio, 3.84 Cambridge Christian School, Tampa, Fla., Kevin Hickinbotham, 3.75 Campbellsport High School, Campbellsport, Wis., Jim Schwindt, 3.41 Canfield High School, Canfield, Ohio, Phil Simone, 3.29 Canterbury High School, Fort Wayne, Ind., Greg Mauch, 3.49 Cardinal Newman School, Columbia, S.C., Will Eudy, 3.71 Catonsville High School, Catonsville, Md., Victor Vega, 3.51 Chapin High School, Chapin, S.C., Dick Hiller, 3.40 Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst , Ohio, John Scramling, 3.55 Charlotte Latin School, Charlotte, N.C., Lee Horton, 3.51 Chestatee High School, Gainesville, Ga., Michael Herrin, 3.33 Chickasha High School, Chickasha, Okla., Steve Scott, 3.25 Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville, S.C., David A. Wilcox, 3.84 Christian Life School, Kenosha, Wis., Alan Kross, 3.47 Circle Christian School, Orlando, Fla., John Lauretta, 3.76 Cocalico High School, Denver, Pa., Bob Dungan, 3.39 Cosby High School, Midlothian, Va., Mike Anderson, 3.87 Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, Pa., David Hartlaub, 3.59 Frank W. Cox High School, Virginia Beach, Va., Richard Mead, 3.29 Crespi Carmelite High School, Encino, Calif., Rob Kodama, 3.25 Danville High School, Danville, Ky., Brent Beauman, 3.67 Danville Area High School, Danville, Pa., Christopher Johns, 3.70 Deep Run High School, Glen Allen, Va., Steven Chapman, 3.76 Dorman High School, Roebuck, S.C., Carlos Osorio, 3.45 Durham School of the Arts, Durham , N.C., Amy Green, 3.88 East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, N.C., Joe Burger, 3.60 East Hampton High School, East Hampton, Conn., Bob Boscarino, 3.67 East Limestone High School, Athens, Ala., Tim Kay, 3.80 Eastern Mennonite High School, Harrisonburg, Va., Kendal Bauman, 3.35 ELCO High School, Myerstown, Pa., Mike Seigfried, 3.58 Elyria Catholic High School, Elyria, Ohio, Michael Wisnor, 3.33 Emmaus High School, Emmaus, Pa., John Cari, 3.44 Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Maine, David Halligan Jr., 3.42 First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, Ga., Joshua Trieste, 3.42 Forest Lake Christian High School, Auburn, Calif., Thad Kopec, 3.58 Franklinton High School, Franklinton, N.C., Deran Coe, 3.65 Free State High School, Lawrence, Kan., Jason Pendleton, 3.36 Freedom, Morgantown, N.C., David Fletcher, 3.72 Friendswood High School, Friendswood, Texas, Stephen Peter, 3.49 Gaffney High School, Gaffney , S.C., Frank Ridlehoover, 3.26 Gahanna Lincoln High School, Gahanna, Ohio, Dwayne Marshall, 3.35 Gaston Day School, Gastonia, N.C., Kevin Sims, 3.82 Grants High School, Grants, N.M., Mike Hatfield, 3.61 Great Bridge High School, Chesapeake, Va., Paul Duval, 3.41 John Handley High School, Winchester, Va., Cosmo Bailo, 3.80 Hickory High School, Hermitage, Pa., Michael Pascarella, 3.47 Horace Greeley High School, Chappaqua, N.Y., Robert Oddo, 3.39 Hickory High School, Hickory, N.C., Brian Jillings, 3.77 Highland High School, Gilbert, Ariz., Timothy Barmettler, 3.29 Hinsdale High School, Hinsdale, Ill., Michael Wiggins, 3.38 Irmo High School, Columbia, S.C., Phil Savitz, 3.72 John F. Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Steven Robertson, 3.40 John F. Kennedy High School, Warren, Ohio, Stelios L. Bournias, 3.52 Kennesaw Mountain High School, Kennesaw, Ga., Daniel DePlanche, 3.25 Koehler High School, Koehler, Wis., Scott Feltner, 3.25 Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orlando, Fla., George Sasvari, 3.82 Mirabeau B. Lamar High School, Houston, Texas, Bryan Hayman, 3.26 Liberty High School, Colorado Springs, Colo., Mike Goyden, 3.30 Lima Central Catholic High School, Lima, Ohio, Bryan Burkholder, 3.94 Lincoln East High School, Lincoln, Neb., Jeff Hoham, 3.50 Loch Raven High School, Towson, Md., Joe Fiedler, 3.97 Lynbrook Senior High School, Lynbrook, N.Y., Joshua Berlin, 3.66 Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa., Leighton Walters, 3.54 Manheim Central High School, Manheim, Pa., Matt Schwartz, 3.98 Mauldin High School, Mauldin, S.C., Joe Siatkowski, 3.68 McCallie School, Chattanooga, Tenn., Tony Meyers, 3.60 Bishop McGuinness High School, Oklahoma City, Okla., Andrew Worthington, 3.66 McIntosh High School, Peachtree City, Ga., Bunky Colvin, 3.41 McKinney High School, McKinney, Texas, Alan Pocock, 3.88 McKinney Boyd High School, McKinney, Texas, Daniel R. Lowe, 4.17 McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, N.Y., Ken Wilkin, 3.39 Metuchen High School, Metuchen, N.J., Ken Graf, 3.46 Middletown High School, Middletown, Md., Bob Sheffler, 3.40 Morgan High School, McConnelsville, Ohio, Barry Ross, 3.39 Montclair High School, Montclair, N.J., Jack Weber, 3.67 Mount de Sales Academy, Macon, Ga., Iain Jones, 3.48 Newman Catholic High School, Wausau, Wis., Michael Switalski, 3.31 Newton-Conover High School, Newton, N.C., Angelo Palozzi, 3.57 Norcross High School, Norcross, Ga., Chris Bess, 3.17 Norwalk High School, Norwalk, Iowa, Dustin Kralik, 3.35 Northwestern High School, Rock Hill, S.C., Dominic Wren, 3.30 Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Brad Wittenborn, 3.31 Ouachita Christian School, Monroe, La., Bruce Deaton, 3.65 Ocean Lakes High School, Virginia Beach, Va., Don Hart, 3.45 Orange High School, Pepper Pike, Ohio, Jake Cooper, 3.52 Owen County High School, Owenton, Ky., Jerry Doolin, 3.30 Owensboro High School, Owensboro, Ky., L. Dale Poole, 3.40 Parkview High School, Lilburn, Ga., Michael Tolmich, 3.33 Pewaukee High School, Pewaukee, Wis., Randy Staus, 3.37 Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, Pittsburgh, Pa., Edward R. Powers, 3.27 Pittsford Mendon High School, Pittsford, N.Y., Mark Hurley, 3.57 Pittsford Sutherland High School, Pittsford, N.Y., Stephen Schreib, 3.28 Princeton High School, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeff Hemphill, 3.40 Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, Va., Frank Shreve, 3.46 Regina High School, Iowa City, Iowa, Rick Larew, 3.51 Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, Vt., Ed DeMulder, 3.50 Roncalli High School, Indianapolis, Ind., Bryce M. Cooper, 3.56 St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, Ohio, Mike McLaughlin, 3.60 St. Louis Catholic High School, Lake Charles, La., Jason Oertling, 3.33 St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Dover, N.H., Scott Suleski, 3.28 St. Vincent St. Mary High School, Akron, Ohio, John Stavros, 3.35 St. Xavier High School, Louisville, Ky., Andy Schulten, 3.94 Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, Pa., Harry Fleishman, 3.44 Shawnee Heights High School, Tecumseh, Kan., Michael Balint, 3.38 Siegel High School, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Eric Shelton, 3.37 Smyrna High School, Smyrna, Ga., Bill McCloskey, 3.56 Sparta High School, Sparta, N.J., Andrew Lowery, 3.60 Staples High School, Westport, Conn., Dan Woog, 3.31 Starr's Mill High School, Fayetteville, Ga., Mike Hanie, 3.44 State College Area High School, State College, Pa., John Marsden, 3.43 The Summit Country Day School, Cincinnati, Ohio, Barnard Baker, 3.68 Taylor High School, North Bend, Ohio, Jim Mercer, 3.63 Trinity High School, Louisville, Ky., Gregory Moss-Brown, 3.46 Tullahoma High School, Tullahoma, Tenn., Richie Chadwick, 3.49 Twinsburg High School, Twinsburg, Ohio, Michael Lally, 3.36 Wadsworth High School, Wadsworth, Ohio, John Johnson, 3.34 Wahlert Catholic High School, Dubuque, Iowa, Will Spencer, 3.42 Wakefield High School, Raleigh, N.C., Scott C. Sloan, 3.64 Walkersville High School, Walkersville, Md., Kevin Conley, 3.54 Wasatch High School, Heber City, Utah, Dawain M. Wheatley, 3.40 George Washington High School, Charleston, W. Va., Tom Hopper, 4.15 West Ashley High School, Charleston, S.C., Stephen Jackson, 3.36 West Babylon High School, West Babylon, N.Y., Jeff Cronk, 3.98 West Morris Central High School, Chester, N.J., Matt Ferreri, 3.33 Whitewater High School, Fayetteville, Ga., Shane Pulliam, 3.57 Woodbury Junior Senior High School, Woodbury, N.J., Marc Cannulli, 3.30 Worthington Kilbourne High School, Columbus, Ohio, Jon Sprunger, 3.51

“.docx” Issues

The school district switched over to Windows 2007 this past summer. I like the new layout for the Microsoft programs in the 2007 format and have not found much difficulty with the transition.

I am sure, as with all of the new technology today, I am only using a small fraction of all that is available to the user. That is frustrating if you think about it – so I simply try not to think about that.

The one problem with the Windows 2007 package that I am struggling with always seems to hit me first thing in the morning. Now that this blog is in its third year, I have teachers, administrators, board members, and people in the community who will send me ideas for postings. Some even go as far as to send me draft copy of the text to use (and that is great!).

The problem I have encountered is that I will now have a potential post saved -- waiting to be published -- but it sits in the new Windows 2007 format (with that “.docx” suffix). And, I sit here at home with the older version of Windows on an Apple machine.

I think there is a “patch” . . . but I am not sure one exists for the Apple version. It probably would take less time to find the patch than write this entry . . . but it seems that this is how we sometimes go about our struggles with the new technologies.

So – I still need to overcome this hurdle. Anyone find that patch yet? I know that I tried a Google search once – to no avail. I am sure it is only a matter of time before I get this right . . . but this can be when technology gets frustrating.

Oh well – off to my good, old-fashioned hard copy of the newspaper that is sitting at end of my driveway. I know that I will have no trouble opening that.

It's December!

I hope that you all had a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

At my house, we even started decorating for the next holiday already. I almost feel like the stores, but they still had a big head start on that front. My youngest wanted to “do it up big” this year with the decorations. I guess we could not figure out what that would mean other than getting started earlier.

At school, we have a full plate during the next three and a half weeks, and the winter concerts fill the evening agendas:

Tuesday, December 9: Elementary Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 16: Junior High School Choir Concert
Thursday, December 18: High School Band Concert
Monday, December 22: High School Choir Concert

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoy the holiday time – especially for those of you lucky enough to be able to spend time with family and friends. You can start the day off with some Thanksgiving Day football by coming out to watch the traditional Woodbury-Gateway game. The game is home and will start at 10:30 a.m.

We congratulate each of our four schools on their successful Thanksgiving food drives. Each of the elementary schools put together large baskets of food for Woodbury families – nearly thirty Woodbury families will have much more during this holiday thanks to these efforts. Additionally, the Jr.-Sr. High School Interact club helped lead that schools effort to collect and donate food directly to the Food Bank of South Jersey.

See the GCT’s article spotlighting Woodbury graduate Bryant McKinnie’s visit to the schools yesterday: GCT article on Food Drive

See everyone December 1st !

AVID in Action

(The following is a press release that was modified to be included here as a blog entry. I was fortunate to be present to witness our student performance. After hearing the opening testimonials from our senior AVID students, I knew that I was in for one of the most powerful student run programs I have ever witnessed. It is no exaggeration to state that it was one of my proudest moments as an educator. AVID is changing the educational landscape for many Woodbury students – over 20% of our students in grades 8 through 12 participate in the AVID program.)



Last week, as part of the eight seminar series of the New Jersey Network to Close the Achievement Gap, seventy school leaders met in Sewell at the EIRC to discuss a program whose mission is to ensure that all students are prepared for college, AVID. Students from Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School presented at the program to the gathered school administrators and teacher leaders.

AVID Executive Director, Robert Gira, visiting from California where AVID originated, along with AVID New Jersey Director, Ellen Nickerson, were also available to answer questions.

AVID is a fourth- through twelfth-grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

AVID targets students in the academic middle — B, C, and even D students — who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation." In the case of Woodbury we include some A students who have the desire to be a part of the program.

The program included an introduction of AVID elective teachers and AVID testimonials by Seniors, Malcolm Beale, Rasheeda Roundtree, Anthony Blackwell, and Malcolm Beale. AVID seniors shared the college preparation process using a student created PowerPoint featuring senior, Shelby Martin. AVID “Tutorlology” sessions were demonstrated by eighth grade students. Students from all grades presented their AVID binders. Juniors taught the gathered school leaders to use Costa's levels of questioning to have deeper discussions. Finally, an AVID Socratic Seminar was be presented by freshmen.

(Coming soon – pictures from the day . . .)

Family Tiles @ West End Memorial

(This post was provided by Mr. Myers, West End Memorial School Principal)




Over the years we have had great success with our W.E.B.S.T.E.R. home projects that encouraged families to come together as a school community. Some of our past family projects have included multicultural children, wooden flowers that adorned our school gardens, a large community quilt -- which is still a matter of great pride for us here at West End Memorial School, and the “West End Students are Heads and Shoulders Above the Rest” banners.


During the 2007-2008 school year, we were excited to work on a new project: tiling the wall outside of our computer lab. West End families were able to use their imaginations to create a tile that uniquely represented their family. Once each tile was returned, first grade teacher Mrs. Spittal and representative from our PTA shellacked each one in order for the family tiles to “shine.” Each was then mounted on boards in preparation for display. These boards were then hung in the hallway. The final piece to this project occurred at the beginning of this school year when Mrs. Spittal orchestrated the effort to paint the wall around the tiles to give all of the boards some “pop.” Along with the blue and gold paint, various character traits from W.E.B.S.T.E.R. were incorporated along the wall boarders.



We were excited to be able to display all of the creativity and diversity from our West End Families!

Spotlight on Mrs. Stalter-Allen

Mrs. Stalter-Allen


Option II Coordinator


Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School


• Name:

Kathryn Stalter-Allen


• College(s) and degrees(s):

Eastern University, St. Davids, Pa BA - Organizational Management


• Work experience:

Salem Community College, Gloucester County OEL,

Cumberland/Salem Workforce Investment Board


• Favorite books:

o fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird
o nonfiction: The Last Lecture


• Favorite television show:

The Dog Whisperer


• Last movie I loved:

It's a Wonderful Life


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

10th Avenue North: Over and Underneath


• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

Homer, Alaska


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

Stand-Up Comic School


• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Horses


• Favorite sports team:

Woodstown Boys Varsity Soccer (sorry) :(


• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Kenya, Africa


• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:

College Professor D. DeRosier….. "Just keep learning"

Parent Conferences

Please note that we have our annual parent conferences scheduled for next week.

Elemenatry Schools
The elementary schools will be meeting with parents Monday afternoon, Tuesday afternoon and evening, and Wednesday morning.

(Early dismissal for students on Monday and Tuesday; no classes on Wednesday for West End and Evergreen; Walnut will make up a day on Wednesday -- early dismissal)

Jr.-Sr. High School
The Jr.-Sr. High School will have conference concentrated on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

(Early dismissal for students on Tuesday and Wednesday)

As part of our new Strategic Plan, we are operating on the concept that the district requires parent participation at conference time. Parents of Jr.-Sr. High School only need to meet at least one of the teachers on your child's schedule, though you are welcome to see as many as needed.

If you have a conflict with the dates and times of the conference, please contact the building principal.

Jr.-Sr. High School Concern. Wednesday, November 19th.

I am writing to report to you a concern that was relayed to the school district by the Woodbury Police department late Tuesday evening. The police provided a report that one of our students allegedly received a call indicating that there would be a bomb at the school on Wednesday, November 19. The family of the student contacted the Woodbury police, and the police reached out to school officials.

Late Tuesday evening, school district personnel and the police worked closely together to ensure that the school building itself was secure. Though these matters are almost always a hoax, we have obviously chosen to treat this case seriously.

In addition to last night’s efforts, all students will be checked upon entering school today through a designated doorway. We will have established checkpoints with enough adults participating in the process to ensure that students move through as rapidly as possible. The police will have officers available, and police cars are scheduled to be on campus at the start of the school day.

We anticipate that there will only be a minimal delay to the start of school as we move students through a common entrance. Once the above student procedure is followed, we will go about a regular school day with "business as usual."

Finally, students will be informed that a reward will be offered for the first person to provide information to the building principal that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for generating this concern.

Though this posting fully summarizes what we know at this time, you are welcome to call (or e-mail) me or any of the Jr.-Sr. High School administrators if you have additional questions or information.

A New Woodbury Venture

The Greater Woodbury Arts Council will introduce itself to Woodbury and surrounding communities on Friday, November 21, with their “Meet the Artist” night at 67 Cooper Street starting at 7 p.m.

Over twenty-five art works by local artists will be on display, and local musicians will be featured. Refreshments will be served. The event is free.

Come out and enjoy this fun and exciting kick off to a new arts venture in Woodbury. Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School art teacher Maureen St. John will be one of the featured artists!

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

The regular, monthly meeting of the Woodbury Board of Education will be held this Wednesday, November19th, at 7:00 p.m.

The board meetings are 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 today. (agenda)

At this November meeting, there will be a report on our efforts to expand "Option II" and an update on the status of the implementation of our new Strategic Plan.

Spotlight on Mrs. Evans

Mrs. Denise Evans

School Psychologist

Woodbury City Public School District

• Name:

Denise Evans

• College(s) and degrees(s):

Temple University--earned my M.Ed in School Psychology; working toward my Ph.D in School Psychology (anticipated May 2009)

• Work experience:

I completed my internship at Paulsboro School District during the 2007-2008 school year. Prior to that, I worked at NewPoint Behavioral Health (formerly Gloucester County Mental Health) as a case management supervisor. I helped to link children and their families to mental health resources in Gloucester county and then supervised the delivery of these services. As a result, I feel more comfortable in navigating the mental health system and am more than happy to provide any assistance.

• Favorite books:
o fiction: Harry Potter series
o nonfiction: Anything related to ancient civilizations (Incan, Mayan, Roman)

• Favorite television show:

I love LOST, 24, The Office, and The Tudors

• Last movie I loved:

I'm a big fan of all the Harry Potter movies, but the last movie I saw was the new Indiana Jones film -- it was pretty good.

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

Jack Johnson

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

I enjoy going to the park by my house or the library.

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

Finishing my dissertation--ugh, so frustrating

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Panda bears

• Favorite sports team:

Pittsburgh Steelers!!!

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Italy or Jerusalem

• Details about the reasons I entered the profession:

When I was young, my best friend lived next door. Her mother was diagnosed with mental health problems and ended up taking her own life. This had a devastating impact on my friend, who was very close with her mother. She was eventually diagnosed with similar mental health problems but sought out the help of a psychologist. This psychologist encouraged her talk about the issues with which she struggled and helped her address her problems head on. At the time, I remember wishing that I could help her and feeling like my hands were tied due to my lack of understanding regarding what she was going through and what I could do. After witnessing a positive change in her whole demeanor and attitude toward life, I decided that I wanted to learn more about psychology and what drives behavior and behavior change. After graduating from college, I decided to combine my own love of learning and children with psychology and attended graduate school to become a school psychologist. After many years of studying hard, I'm here to begin my journey as a Woodbury School Psychologist. I am looking forward to a great year!

Chatter Matters

Here’s a non-school post. We are a game family – we like board games. Games get the family around the kitchen table, talking, and having fun. I said in a recent post that we were playing a good bit of Monopoly over the break. A number of our games tend to be the traditional board games.

At the same time, my wife is always on the lookout for new, fun games that will engage everyone – especially at the holiday times. December is often a time new games get introduced.
Last night, my third grader wanted to play a game that has been in our house for a while now. It is not in my repertoire of “traditional” games because it is a relatively new entry into the game market. But, it is a fun game that has as a main goal to get the family talking --- about family. The name of the game is Chatter Matters Family Game.

If you are looking for a good gift for a family with children – give some thought to Chatter Matters. It is for 2 to 6 players and the box indicates ages 8 & up. My son and I played last night – but it is even more engaging with a bigger group.

Anyway – just a thought/suggestion. It is a Mattel game. See the link below for even more information, if you are interested.

More Info

Election Activity at Evergreen

(This entry was submitted by Principal Breland and 5th grade teacher Mr. Richardson.)

To celebrate and recognize the 2008 Presidential Election, students from Evergreen Avenue Elementary School gathered on October 30th to debate and sing patriotic songs.

The ceremony was opened with the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by principal Tonya Breland and followed by songs that the students had practiced in their music classes with teacher Mrs. Savage.

With the auditorium decorated for the occassion, students from Mr. Richardson's and Mr. Grundel's 5th grade classes debated on the issue of attending year round school. Some points were argued that attending school year round allows for more opportunities to travel and could provide a chance for enrichment education during the many breaks. To counter some points, students rebutted by saying that year round schooling could cost the school more money and not allow students and teachers to have summer jobs.

After listening to the many points from each class, the school was then given the opportunity to vote for or against year round schooling the following day. All in all, the event was a huge success.

Peer Mediation @ Woodbury

(This posting was provided by Mr. Murphy, Director of Pupil Personnel Services.)

On Tuesday, October 28th, twenty-six students in grades 4-7 were trained as peer mediators. Students from each of our elementary schools and the junior high school participated in this year’s training. The final selections were made by the teachers and counselors, and training was held at RiverWinds in West Deptford, NJ.

During training, students learned the fine art of listening and the process involved in helping their peers resolve conflict. The day was filled with hands-on activities, and the students were provided time to practice the process through role-playing activities. After a full day, the students returned back to their respective schools eager to be a part of this character education program.

A group of students who were trained last year and who attended a refresher course this year also submitted Peer Mediation t-shirt designs. The designs were then voted on by this year’s peer mediator group. Congratulations to the design winners, 6th grader Megan Rogers and 7th grader Emily Repas. Each peer mediator will receive a t-shirt.

Parents or students who would like additional information about the program are encouraged to contact any of the school counselors.

Welcome to November

Welcome back, everyone. I hope that this fall break provided some opportunities to do things as a family that the hectic pace of the school week does not allow. Even if it was something as simply as a few Monopoly games (I know that is what capture the fancy of my family!).

At school, during the course of the last week, we had two days dedicated to a new initiative. The faculty started work on an ambitious project to move our local course curriculum documents into a new computerized format. This "curriculum mapping" process will allow for teachers to have easy access to all the curriculum in the district through a specially designed computer database.

We feel that the end product will provide new accessibility to important information and that this will help improve instruction across the district.

I would like to extend a special thanks to all the teachers who moved so quickly to begin tackling this curriculum mapping task.