Spotlight on Mr. Soper

Mr. Sheldon Soper

Teacher of Grade 3

Evergreen Avenue Elementary School

• Name:

Sheldon Soper

• College(s) and degrees(s):
Ithaca College/Rutgers University - BA History
Rutgers University Graduate School of Education - M Ed. Elementary Education with 6-8 Social Studies concentration

• Work experience:
4 years as a 4th grade inclusion classroom assistant in New Brunswick, NJ

• Favorite books
o fiction: The Mezzanine by Nicholson Baker
o nonfiction: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

• Favorite television show:
The West Wing

• Last movie I loved:
The King of Kong

• Music CD that I have almost worn out from repeated playing:
The Black Crowes - Darlings of the Underground Press

• Person (living or not) that I’d like to have lunch with and why:
Larry Bird - "Larry Legend" is the consummate example of how hard work and the philosophy of being the first to practice and last to leave can overcome one not being the strongest or the fastest. His success demonstrates the power of will, determination, and an innate competitive fire to be the best one can be can make the impossible a reality (Plus the '86 Celtics season was my first real sports memory growing up).

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:
Geneva Point Center on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire

• One item on my “to do” list that I can’t seem to get to:
Finish writing/recording my goal of 12 songs (been stuck at 5 for quite a while).

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):
Monkey

• Favorite sports team:
The Boston Celtics

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:
The Mediterranean

• Details about the teacher I will never forget who inspired me to enter the profession:
Mr. Morrow - 4th Grade - Cranberry Pines Elementary School

Mr. Morrow was my first male teacher growing up. He had this innate ability to draw out our personalities and energy in a way I had never experienced before. We all were part of his team in that classroom, and as a result, we were able to accomplish some truly amazing things as 9 and 10 year olds that we likely could not have as individuals.

Additionally, Mr. Morrow was the first teacher I had who really integrated technology into the classroom as a powerful tool. We had no science text; instead he used fill-in-the-blank notes and laser discs to bring the content alive and push our understanding. The detailed and complicated things I learned in that science period carried me through science in high school and college.

Last year I had the opportunity to substitute for his class for a period of time while he battled bronchitis. At the end of the nearly two weeks, one of his students said, "Mr. Soper, you do that just like Mr. Morrow!" That was one of the best compliments I have ever received from a student. I simply replied, "Where do you think I learned it?"

This and That . . .

Well, news from this workshop has been a bit mixed.

The governor spoke yesterday, and he was one of at least three different speakers throughout the program these past couple of days to indicated that we may be lucky to simply maintain the level of state funding that was received for this school year. As some of you who have been following our financial situation know, Woodbury received a 20% increase in state aid for this school year, and we were slated (in accordance with the new state funding formula for schools) to receive a similar increase for the 2009-10 school year. The news regarding the toughening financial times and how that may impact state aid to school paints a much different financial picture for us. Time will tell -- we typically do not receive state dollar numbers until late January.

On the other hand, I just came from a wonderful presentation regarding the use of today's technology tools in the classrooms. I may be able to post the PowerPoint for the program in the near future. It was very upbeat and spoke to a very different, exciting classroom experience.

Finally -- how nice! World Champion Phillies. And, the 3-inning game allowed my kids (and me!) to be up to see it happening. That worked out nicely.

Have a great day.

NJSBA Workshop

The NewJersey School Board Association, in conjunction with the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and New Jersey Association of School Business Administrators, is having their fall workshop/convention.

There are numerous opportunities for board members to network and engage in important informational sessions on a wide variety of matters related to education within districts and across the state. Woodbury is represented at this convention -- and it is the reason I am late with this post!

In addition to the planned sessions, there is a large exhibition that includes vendors who do business with schools. Again, this is a great chance to get better information on products and services that may help the local district.

The link on the NJSBA website provides all the detail of the program. NJSBA Workshop

New Jersey High School Redesign

Representatives of the Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School were in attendance at yesterday’s fourth of four New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) presentations to educators on the topic of redesigning the New Jersey high school.

There is a wealth of information on the NJDOE website.

The vision statement found at that site reads as follows:

Vision ~ New Jersey will educate all students to prepare them to lead productive, fulfilling lives. Through a public education system that is seamlessly aligned from pre-school to college, students will gain the requisite academic knowledge and technical and critical thinking skills for life and work in the 21st century.

One of the four major areas of emphasis of the redesign conversation is on “personalizing” the high school experience. At Woodbury, this has been an area of focus for us for the last few years and this concept is now embedded in our own, new mission statement.

There are a number of other interesting items that will be coming out of this state effort including new graduation requirements, new end of course testing, and a renewed interest on the part of the NJDOE to see districts employ more options for students.

Again – we feel that we are on the right course with much of the work that we did through our recent strategic plan development. Nonetheless, there will be more that the high school will need to grapple with during the upcoming months to be sure that we meet the specifics of these new expectations.

I am sure that I will revisit this “High School Redesign” topic in future posts.

Seriously Tired

I am having a difficult time with this baseball series and time. On Saturday, we were up 4-1. Next thing I know, the Rays have tied the game, and we are headed to the bottom of the 8th inning. What happened to the 6th and 7th inning?

Again, last night, I’m not sure if I was more excited about the fact that the Phils were able to get their bats going or that I was able to be awake during most of the homeruns hit.

This has been a real challenge. The most unfortunate part of the whole experience is not my inability to stay awake during these ridiculously late games. The real shame of the series is that my four kids – like many children – are missing a chance to see this World Series event.

As much as they like baseball, even they realize that the hour is just too late. They fall asleep with the game on in the background. The inevitable first question of the morning becomes, “Did the Phils win?” What a shame.

Oh well – one more game. Go Phils!

Spotlight on Mr. Banka

Mr. Robert Banka


Teacher of Science


Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School



• Name:

Bob Banka

• College(s) and degrees(s):

University of Pennsylvania, BA in Geochemistry

• Work experience:

20 years as the 7th and 8th grade bio/chem and math teacher at Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson, NJ.; 5 years, both full and part time, chemistry lab instructor and IA at Burlington County College in Pemberton, NJ

• Favorite books:
o fiction: The The Killer Angels (Michael Shaara)
o nonfiction: Chronicles, Volume One (Bob Dylan)


• Last movie I loved:

"Magnolia" directed by P.T. Anderson

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

Eric Clapton's "One More Car, One More Rider (Live):"

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

Film director Stanley Kubrick, because he was such a recluse and so little is known about his personal approach to filmmaking - his decision process, how and why he selected the projects he undertook. What was he thinking on the set and how did he determine what he beleved was the best way to communicate his ideas to the viewer with images and sound.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

An art museum

• One item on my "to do" list that I can't seem to get to:

My degree is in geochemistry, and yet I've never been futher west than Ohio! All but the very northern reaches of New Jersey is a giant sandbox. There's almost no geology here to speak of. A voice is pleading... "Go West Young Man."

• Favorite animal:

Scottish Terrier. I was lucky enough to have one for a while. Her name was Bonnie.

• Favorite sports team:

Philadelphia Phillies

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

A cruise along the coast and into the interior of Alaska

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

Professor Vincent Sollimo - an inorganic chemistry teacher who got me hooked on all things chemistry, which if you think about it IS all things. He was a fabulous presenter who had high expectations for his students, as well as the ability to generate enthusiasm and the desire for his students to reach them. Something he saw in me brought him to ask if I would like to begin leading review sessions for students having difficulties with some of the concepts being taught in class. I agreed to do so and found that I enjoyed devising new approaches to the material that would help the "lights go on" in the minds of students. Everything I've done since leads back to those review sessions and the boost of confidence given to me by Professor Sollimo.

• Anything else:

I have a passion for nearly all types of music from opera to smooth jazz to rock and folk. I've been playing guitar for many years and currently I play and sing in a 5-piece band. It's a wonderful distraction. I also enjoy writing poetry.

Who Won?

Okay -- 8:35 p.m. is too late to start these World Series games. Everyone in my house is a Phillies fan. What a great time. But, each one of us woke up this morning asking the same question: "Did the Phillies win?"

Last I heard was that they were warming up Ryan Madson -- Madson for the 8th and Lidge for the 9th. Sounded like a good plan. I guess the went to commercial. I was the last hold out in my house, but that commercial was it for me.

So -- I found out the answer to the question by checking the paper this morning. Nice. Winning that first game was important. Go Phils!

Evergreen!

Mrs. Breland, Evergreen Avenue Principal, sent along a couple items from Evergreen. I am catching up on my posts. Below, please find two that were sent along earlier this month.

(There was a recording of the song that is part of the Fire Safety post -- but I could not get it loaded onto this site! It was a shame; it sounded very cute.)

Evergreen Avenue School Celebrates Fire Safety

Like many other schools across New Jersey, Evergreen Ave. School celebrated Fire Safety Week with a few special activities. The Woodbury Fire Dept. presented fire safety tips to students in assemblies. Preschool, first and second grades had an opportunity to explore the fire engine.

One special activity was the fire safety door decorating competition. Classes decorated their classroom doors with fire safety messages. Non-classroom staff went around to judge the doors and chose the top three winners. The doors were very creative and all stressed the message of fire safety in their own unique way. The winners are…

3rd place winner: Ms. Frazier’s 2nd grade class

2nd Place Winner: Ms. Lyons’ 2nd grade class

And the Grand Prize Winner is….

Mrs. McLaughlin’s Kindergarten class, who created the Singing Fire Safety Door with the following song:

The Lyrics of the song are:

FIRE SAFETY SONG
BY
MRS. MCLAUGHLIN’S KINDERGARTEN

If there’s a fire in your house
And you don’t know what to do
Just sing this song and it will help you.
Fire and be scary, very noisy too
Just follow these steps
And you’ll know what to do.

If you see a fire, never, ever hide
Think about your meeting place and go outside.
If it’s getting smoky, get down on your knees
Crawl to your meeting place, quickly please.

Never stop for toys, along your way
Go to your meeting place, you’ll be okay.
Hooray, Horray, a happy day for you,
You’ve practiced every safety step,
You know what to do!
HOORAY!

Evergreen Avenue School Celebrates Good Behavior

This year Evergreen Avenue School is implementing a new school-wide program to recognize the many students who display appropriate school conduct. The program was launched with a lively kick off assembly where 4th and 5th graders dramatized special skits designed to show students what behaviors are expected at school.


During the kickoff, students were told about the new program that promoted zero discipline points and used the theme, “My Hero, Zero”. Students were excited about the rewards that were planned for those who demonstrated positive behavior throughout the month, including daily playground champion recognition and monthly celebrations. At the end of the month, eligible students were invited to participate in a school-wide Friday Fun activity.

Students who demonstrated good behavior through the month of September were able to enjoy a late Tuesday afternoon of fun and delight (It rained Friday). There were moon bounces, carnival games, and Italian ice. For some, it was their first time ever jumping in a moon bounce. What a pleasant memory to carry into their adulthood.

Teachers have a special celebration scheduled at the end of each month for students who exhibit positive behavior. Students look forward to the surprise celebrations and work towards it daily.

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

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

The board meetings are now 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 is posted on the district website. (agenda)

At the October meeting, there will be a report on the New Jersey Department of Education Violence and Vandalism numbers from the 2007-08 school year. Also, testing data will be reviewed.

PowerSchool for Grades 6 Through 12

Reminder – our new student information system, PowerSchool has a link for parents. You can use this to follow-up on your son’s or daughter’s performance in each class – grades, attendance, etc. If you have not signed onto the system, you should try now.

The first marking period progress reports that were sent home recently have the logon information at the bottom of the progress report itself. You will find the link to PowerSchool on our district’s website.

Another feature is that you can access the “School Bulletin” section. It provides a typed copy of the morning school announcements. See below for an example from last Friday:






Woodbury High School Bulletin for Friday, October 24, 2008



Reminder - School Latenesses
Mr. Vivadelli has asked us to remind you that students are only allowed to be late to school twice all year. Each and every time you are late to school thereafter you will receive an administrative detention. It is imperative that all students arrive at school on time each day.

Attention Seniors
If you would like your name printed on your yearbook, you must complete the yearbook form. Forms are available in homeroom or from Mrs. DiRienzo or Mrs. St. John. The cost is $5.00. Form and money are due by November 1st.

PINK Day!!!
Friday, October 24th is PINK DAY!! There are many students as well as faculty and staff members that have been touched directly or indirectly by cancer. Show your support for cancer awareness by wearing pink on Friday, October 24th and to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Fund by buying pink items during lunches this week. There will be bracelets, hats, beads and many other items to buy so you have something pink! Volunteers are needed to help sell pink items at lunch, please see Mrs. Woodrow in N-34 or the Women's PE office.

Fright Nights
Halloween is almost here. Are you looking for a fun-filled night of fright? The Woodbury Jr./Sr. High School PTSA and the Sketch Club of Woodbury presents "Fright Nights" at the Sketch Club on October 23, 24, and 25. Shows begin at 6:15, 7:30 and 9:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door at a cost of $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. Bring your family and friends out for a fun night of spooky entertainment.

Spotlght on Mr. Delaney

Mr. Steven Delaney

Teacher of English

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:

Steven Edward Delaney

• College(s) and degrees(s):

Hood College (Frederick, Maryland), B.A. English

• Work experience:

First teaching position

• Favorite books:

o fiction: Of Mice and Men
o nonfiction: Running with the Buffaloes

• Favorite television show:

The Office or The West Wing

• Last movie I loved:

Tropic Thunder

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

Guster's Lost and Gone Forever

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

Either of my parents because we always have enjoyable conversations, and they provide great advice.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

North Dakota

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

Run a half- or full- marathon

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

Monkeys

• Favorite sports team:

New York Yankees

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Basically any place in Europe because I've never left the United States

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

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but it was my English professor in my freshman year of college who pushed me towards English. She wrote on one of my papers: "Steve, I know you love political science (my major at the time), but you're really good at this."

Fire Prevention Week

All of our elementary schools held different events to recognize Fire Prevention Week. The following was sent in as a blog entry by Mr. Myers, West End Elementary School Principal:












Fire Prevention Week was celebrated during the week of October 6^th. On October 9^th, the Woodbury Fire Department visited West End Memorial Elementary School to present a program on fire safety.










Mrs. Gassner’s class participated in a special treat after theprogram when firefighter Brent Stanley took them out to see the fire truck. The children were very excited as they took turns sitting in the cabin and wearing a real firefighter’s helmet. They were surprised that the truck is yellow.



West End is appreciative for the time the Woodbury Fire Department took out of their busy day to teach a valuable lesson.

Congratulations, Scott Bassler

Congratulations to Scott Bassler, senior at Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School. Scott recently was notified that he was among the 50,000 highest scores on the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). There were over 1.5 million students who took the test nationally, and Scott’s score places him in the top 5% of all students in the nation who took the exam.

Scott's plans for post-secondary study will likely focus on biochemistry or biological engineering. Schools that he plans to apply to include Princeton University, Yale University, Drexel University, Roanoke College, and Washington Lee University.

We are proud of the strong academic performance by Scott on this test and in all his work here at Woodbury.

Reminder: Internet Safety Night Tonight

Internet Safety Night

Information Session open to all Parents

Tuesday, October 14
7:00 p.m.
Jr.-Sr. High School Auditorium

FRIGHT NIGHTS

WOODBURY HIGH SCHOOL PTSA

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE SKETCH CLUB OF WOODBURY

Present --

FRIGHT NIGHTS

OCTOBER 23,24, & 25

THE WOODBURY SKETCH CLUB

433 GLOVER STREET

Show Times: 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, & 9:00 PM

ADULTS $10.00
CHILDREN $6.00

COME OUT FOR A NIGHT OF GREAT HALLOWEEN FUN

& REFRESHMENTS.

VAMPIRES, ZOMBIES, THE WALKING DEAD AND MANY OTHER SURPRISES!

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

MRS. GAIL PARHAM 845-4824

MRS. LINDA LONABAUGH 853-7705

A Battle of the Marching Bands

High School Cavalcade of Bands

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School Stadium

Saturday, October 11

12:00PM to 3:00PM

Admission: $6.00

Spotlight on Mrs. Chavez-Naimoli

Clery Chavez-Naimoli

Teacher of Spanish

Woodbury Jr.-Sr. High School

• Name:

Clery Chavez-Naimoli

• College(s) and degrees(s):
Camden County College - Art and Science
Federico Villarreal University, Peru - Bachelor Degree in Education, Spanish Language, and Literature

• Work experience:
Springfield Public School System - Teacher's aid
Living Faith Christian Academy - Spanish Teacher K - 12

• Favorite books:

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho's novels (Portuguese writer)

• Favorite television show:

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

• Last movie I loved:

Man on Fire

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

Santana

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

My mom, because she is overseas, and I do not get to see her as often as I like.

• Visiting this place makes me peaceful:

The beach - watching the sunset.

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

Lose some weight.

• Favorite animal (domestic or wild):

My lovely dog that is no longer around.

• Favorite sports team:

I do not have one.

• Destination of my fantasy vacation trip:

Italy

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

My 6th grade teacher.

Walking Ghost Tour

Main Street Woodbury Presents . . .





Walking Ghost Tour

October 17th

6:30 p.m.

Walk the favorite haunts of Woodbury – Starts from the County Court House steps on Delaware Street

$10 Adults
$5 Children (13 and under)

Groups formed in order of arrival. Reservations given priority:
Call 856-845-8655

Flashlights suggested.

Rain or Shine