Westwood Regional School District
Cardinal Staff  e-News!
Issue 7May / 2015
In This Issue




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Quote of the Month
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"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.

 Involve me and I learn"

   

From the Desk of the Superintendent
I can't believe that the 2014-15 school year is almost over. It's been an extremely busy and productive school year.  Between our deep dive into technology with Chromebooks and Google to preparing for the mysterious PARCC, we can safely say, "WE MADE IT!" Kudos to everyone for their perseverance and dedication.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, next year we must continue to build upon the foundation that we have set and refine our practices in order to witness even greater outcomes for our students in the classroom.

This month's issue highlights the following topics: 
  • On-line Video and Professional Development Resources
  • Administrative Appointments
  • Movement on the Guide
  • Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Kenny - Jr./Sr. High School
Regards,

Ray
Technology & Innovation Corner
On-line Video Resources for Professional Growth
Given the ease and prevalence of educational videos available, we now have access to on-demand staff development 24/7.  Here's a list of some sites to help feed your appetite for professional learning.
Web Resources
Have any technology or innovation resources you'd like to share?  Click here and let us know so we can add them to future e-newsletters.
Operations & Personnel
Administrative Appointments

On May 14, the Board of Education approved the appointment of several administrators for the 2015-16 school year. Some are familiar faces, while others are new to our school community. 

  • Jr./Sr. High School Principal: Frank Connelly
  • Jessie F. George Elementary School Principal: Jessica Gluck
  • Interim Supervisor of K-12 Science: Gary Trotter
  • Supervisor of Special Education: Gina Cush
  • District Technology Coordinator: Michael Rightmire
We congratulate them on their new roles and look forward to supporting their leadership as we move into the new school year. 

 

Movement on the Guide

Listed below are guidelines for submitting for Movement on the Guide:

  • A teacher who expects to advance to the next salary column must have proper evidence of such training eligibility on file in the Office of the Superintendent on or before September 15th.  All movement on the guide will be in increments of 15 credits.
  • A "Request for Movement on the Salary Guide" form must be completed.  Click HERE to download the form.
  • An official college transcript must be submitted with the form.
  • Movement on the guide paperwork is due in the Office of the Superintendent on or before September 15th.
  • All Movement on the Guide forms must be hand delivered to Dru Steel in the Superintendent's office and will be date stamped as received.  A copy will be given to the employee.  Do not leave the packet at the front window without receiving back a copy of your form with a date stamp on it.

Upon settlement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the WEA, all movement on the guide will be retroactive.  

 

If further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact Dru Steel ([email protected]).

 

Policies

Since the last newsletter, the Board of Education has adopted the following new policies:

All policies and regulations can be found on the District website under the Board of Education drop down menu.
Staff Spotlight
Jennifer Kenny - Westwood Jr./Sr. High School

The Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, SCIP (School Improvement Panel) developed the following criteria for the May staff spotlight.

  • Continuous commitment to professional growth and student achievement
  • Motivates students to work to their full potential
  • Consistently demonstrates support, respect and collegiality to his/her fellow staff members

The staff nominated 9 staff members from which Ms. Kenny was selected.

Ms. Kenny started teaching at Westwood Regional School District in 2009 as a Spanish teacher.  She graduated from Quinnipiac University with a B.A. in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching.  In 2014 she completed her certification through Rutgers as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities.  Since that time she has been working as a Collaborative Consultative Teacher in the World Languages and Social Studies Departments.  Ms. Kenny comes from an education family, her mother and two sisters are all teachers.


When asked to reflect on her motivation to become a language teacher and to remain committed to continuous improvement Ms. Kenny states:

 

"I have always loved the Spanish language and culture and have always wanted to have a career where I am helping and making a difference. Being a high school teacher has allowed me to combine both of those passions.  I believe there is true value in learning another language, as it has the ability to challenge stereotypes and expand horizons.  I love the look on my students' faces when they are able to make connections and when they finally understand a concept that was once so challenging!"

Dates & Reminders
  • May 25:   District Closed - Memorial Day
  • June 11:  Board of Education Meeting
  • June 18:  High School Graduation
  • June 18:  Last Day for Students
  • June 19:  Last Day for Staff
  • June 22-24:  Leadership Retreat
  • June 25:  Board of Education Meeting
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