Upcoming Events
| |
June 14
Father's Day
June 19
Summer Solstice
June 20
Minimum Days
June 17 & 20
Last Day for Students
June 20
BOE Meeting
June 28
|
|
|
Franklin Lakes Public Schools
School News and Views May, 2016
|
|
Dear Community Members,
Now that May is coming to a close and June is on its way, our classrooms are brimming with displays of student work, and our hallways are buzzing with excitement. There are many projects and events going on in our schools that center on global awareness, citizenship, leadership and service.
In this issue of School News and Views, you will learn about some exciting opportunities in which our middle school students have been engaged, such as the NJ Bar Law Adventure, Mini-Model Congress, and Physics Day at Six Flags Great Adventure. Our elementary school students at HMR and WAS were engaged in "Change the World" projects, and all of our elementary schools held annual events such as "Colonial Day", Spring Concerts, and their Spring Art Shows.
The New Jersey Department of Education released the 2014-2015 School Performance Reports earlier this month, and Mrs. Steines and I gave a presentation about their content at the May 10th Board of Education meeting. If you would like to view the presentation or the School Performance Reports, please visit the Superintendent's page on our District website and click on the link for NJ Performance Reports.
The Franklin Lakes Board of Education honored our Bergen County Teachers of the Year at the May 24th meeting. That same evening, a presentation was made about the work of the Science Curriculum Committees for both elementary and middle school. In support of another of the Board's goals for this year, we are also working toward applying to become a Sustainable Jersey for Schools district. I will share more information about that in a future edition of School News & Views.
Finally, please be sure to review school and District calendars for all of the events that are coming up in June. The last few weeks of school will go very quickly, and we don't want you to miss any of them!
I hope you enjoy this edition of School News & Views.
Sincerely,
Lydia Furnari,
Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
|
|
|
How We Connect
 Web E-Mail |
|
District News
Curriculum & Instruction: Parent Academies
FLPS has been pleased to offer evening Parent Academies to parents and guardians in the District. A diverse array of topics were presented, including a two-part, interactive "Approaches to Parenting" series in February and March focusing on Parenting to Elicit Positive Behavior and Academic Results and Parenting Protocols to Develop Children's Organizational Skills.
In April, elementary Child Assistance Counselors, Ms. Becca Magnussen and Ms. Jennie Ballas presented on the elementary school implementation of Olweus, our District's bullying prevention and school-wide positive behavior system. Ms. Allison Larson and Ms. Dana Cotsopolous, Child Assistance Assistance Counselors, subsequently presented Olweus' implementation at the middle school level. In both interactive sessions, parents learned more about the positive climate staff members strive to cultivate in each of our schools. Q & A sessions offered an opportunity to further explore the nuances of our District's efforts to prevent bullying and support students' overall social-emotional growth.
In May, Ms. Stacia Mascharka (Grades K-3 Curiosity Corner teacher) and Ms. Eileen Antonison (Gr. 6-8 STEM Lab teacher) led a hands-on session on District STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, &  Math] initiatives, in collaboration with Ms. Kelly Hart (Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction), Ms. Liesel Steines, (Director of Curriculum & Instruction), and Ms. Denise Hatley (Gr. 4-5 Discovery Room Teacher). Parents gained insight into our existing programming that provides students with engaging STEM learning experiences, and our District's plans to expand upon these experiences as Next Generation Science Standards-aligned curricula officially roll out in middle school in 2016-2017 and elementary school in 2017-2018. The many benefits of STEM learning were also highlighted, including development and honing of student creativity and applications for college and careers.
Participants engaged in a Problem-Based Learning design challenge, simulating engineers byconstructing "launchers" to hypothetically air drop supplies to a country following a natural disaster. Using simple materials (rubber bands, plastic spooons, pipe cleaners, binder clips, etc.), participants applied pre-existing
 knowledge of science content to design, construct, test, and refine their launchers. The solutions participants devised were varied and exemplified the spirit of collaborative problem-based learning and thinking, providing a window into the basics of STEM learning activities that can easily be executed at home with children.
To view the individual 2015-2016 FLPS Parent Academy presentations, please visit the "BOE/Parent/PTA Presentations" folder in the "Curriculum and Instruction" section of the District web page, or click here.
Technology: FAMS Student Laptops
We are fast approaching the end of our second, successful year of 1 to 1 student computers in FAMS. Teaching and learning with personal computers seems so natural now that we almost can't remember what it was like without them! As you know, students return their computers at the end of the school year so we can perform any necessary upgrades or maintenance. This year, we will collect student computers on the following days:
8th grade - June 14th
7th grade - June 15th
8th grade - June 16th
At those dates, it is mandatory that each student return his/her computer in both of its cases (hard protective case and black carrying case) along with both parts of the charger. Computers will be inspected for damage. Any damage caused by negligence, defacing and/or any missing components (cases or charger) will result in a charge as explained in the 1:1 Parent/Guardian & Student Technology Handbook.
For 6th and 7th graders, we will once again use PayForIt.net to collect the $70.00 insurance payment for the 2016-2017 school year. You can pay online using PayForIt.net (via credit card or check) or drop off/mail a check to the Board of Education at 490 Pulis Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. All checks should be made out to the Franklin Lakes Board of Education (FLBOE). Payments are due prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year. We will send out email reminders in regard to the insurance payment and the mandatory forms that will need to be filled out in Genesis Parent Access over the summer. If you need to review any part of the Handbook, you can find it on the District website under Administration-->Information Technology-->FLSD Technology Policies--> 1:1 Parent/Guardian & Student Technology Handbook.
Business & Operations: Charitable Support
The District is proud to support our local charitable organizations by providing them with the use of our facilities for events. Sunday, May 22nd brought the Go the Distance for Autism Ride to Franklin Avenue Middle School and High Mountain Road School. Both served as rest stops for approximately 200 bicycle riders and were designated as shelters in case of threatening weather. This bicycling fundraiser benefitted several schools in northern NJ which have formed a coalition for autism education.
On Saturday, June 25th, HMR's fields will be used along with the Borough's to host the 8th annual Matthew Larson Foundation softball tournament. Click here for further information about the event. Also known as IronMatt, this organization "raises the awareness and funds necessary to overcome pediatric brain tumors and to help the children and families affected by them." Special Services: Preschool Friends Perform
Bright Horizons Preschool presented Preschool Friends Celebrate America on May 12th at High Mountain Road School. All three classes proudly  wore their self-made American Flag shirts and performed patriotic songs together below an American Flag made up of their handprints. Each class also had the opportunity to shine brightly on its own by singing a song or two. The children brought down the house performing their "Red, White and Blue" friendship show!! Special Services:
Ms. Stein's 6th Grade Resource Language Arts class is reading the inspiring and enlightening novel, A  Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park. This book tells two stories - the fictional story of a girl named Nya living in Sudan in 2008 and the true story of Salva Dut, a Sudanese Lost Boy in 1985. Ms. Stein's students are exploring the important theme of perseverance, using their laptop resources to research solutions for the worldwide water scarcity problem.
|
|
FAMS News
FAMS: Mini-Model Congress
Students in Mrs. Milano's 8th grade ACE (Academic Challenge and Enrichment) classes recently returned to the State House Annex in Trenton, where they once again enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a
 |
| |
J. D'Avanzo and M. Dellapi
|
one-day simulation of the legislative process by assuming the roles of Senators and Representatives. To prepare for the day, students develped bills on current topics which they believe needed to be addressed through legislative measures. If their bills were selected for consideration in "committees", the goal of the day became getting these bills passed out of as many committees as possible and again out of General Assembly. Two bills from Franklin Lakes were chosen for consideration, one co-authored by Josh D'Avanzo and Marissa Dellapi, and another co-authored by Hannah Schwartz and Jessica Zames. At the end of the day, the latter team was able to successfully get their legislation "passed into law".
Playing a central role in the successful "passage of legislation" were the debate skills of our committee members. Marissa Dellapi, Kasie Del Otero and Vanessa Haselkorn received special recognition in this area. In addition, the overwhelming majority of FAMS students who participated also received awards for "Excellence in Bill Writing". As an additional bonus, students in the Senate General Assembly enjoyed an afternoon visit from Senator Kevin O'Toole, arranged by one of our student's parent, Mr. David Catuogno.
|
| | K. Del Otero, V. Haselkorn, H. Schwartz and J. Zames |
FAMS: Thrill of Physics in Action!
Our 8th graders experienced the thrill of physics in action during a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure inmid-May. Our students have been studying the mechanics and practicing the calculation of factors such as velocity and acceleration. This trip brings
Physics alive to the students, demonstrating the application of abstract concepts. During the trip, students used several tools to take measurements
 on the rides. Back in the classroom, we are continuing to analyze our data and the physics related to our observations on the roller coasters. Spending a day at Six Flags Great Adventure turns our classroom into an amusement park!
FAMS: NJ Bar Law Adventure
The 7th grade ACES classes attended the New Jersey State Bar Foundation Law Adventure Mock Trial Presentations. Earlier this year, ACES students participated in the Law Adventure Competition and wrote original, compelling mock trial cases pertaining to the Bill of Rights. Although our school was not chosen to present our cases, we attended as members of the jury and experienced two civil cases in an authentic courtroom with a sitting judge.
|
CRS News
CRS: Lions, Tigers, Bears Oh My!
After weeks of preparation and studying, the first graders at CRS put their skills to the test as they traveled together to the Bronx  Zoo to explore animal habitats. Students relished this opportunity to see firsthand how animals live in nature. Students delved into researching everything they have learned about animals and our teachers were very proud as students demonstrated cooperation, diligence and enthusiasm. Overall, our students had a wonderful and memorable day!
We would like to extend very special congratulations to Ms. Marissa Lindenthaler, who was selected by the Bergen County Teacher/Education Services Professionals Recognition Program as "Teacher of the Year" for Colonial Road School. As a First Grade teacher at Colonial Road School, Ms. Marissa Lindenthaler instills a tremendous sense of pride and purpose in all of her young students each and every day. We celebrate Ms. Lindenthaler's honor and thank her for all of her passion and dedication.
|
|
HMR News
HMR: HMR Changes the World (again)!
For the second year in a row, students, families and staff put on  plastic gloves and hair nets for a hands-on lesson in helping others. The HMR community joined together to package 40,000 meals and "Change the World Event." On May 26th, preschool through 5th grade students worked alongside their parents, community members (including Mayor Bivona) and teachers to form an assembly line to measure and package the ingredients for Rice and Beans. The meals were then delivered to local food pantries.
Prior to the event, students raised money to purchase theingredients for the meals. Some had lemonade stands, others sold bracelets, and many went into their own piggy banks! There were also a variety of generous contributors from the community. The funds raised allowed HMR to purchase the necessary ingredients from Outreach Inc. to create 40,000 packaged meals. The students were engaged in this hands-on life lesson about helping others less fortunate.
HMR: HMR Student Teachers honored by WPU
We are so proud to share that two of HMR's student teachers from William Paterson University were honored with a Distinguished Student Teacher Award. Taylor Wos and Nadeen Faraj were both student teachers this school year. Ms. Wos worked under the mentorship of Mrs. Kosch in 1st grade. Mrs. Faraj worked under the leadership of Mrs. DePalma in 2nd grade. We are so grateful that our talented teachers are willing to mentor the next generation of educators and guide them with their own expertise. We wish all of our student teachers the best of luck in their careers and are so proud of their progress!
|
|
WAS News
WAS: Kids' Choice Spirit Week
As Election Day approached, fifth graders took on a leadership role by promoting the upcoming election. Fifth graders visited classrooms in each grade to talk about the school election, and to give more information about each of the activities students would be voting on. On Election Day, every child in the school got to cast his/her vote and choose five activities for Spirit Week. The five activities that received the most votes and were subsequently made available during our first ever Kid's Choice Spirit Week were:
* No Homework Day 
* Stuffed Animal Day
* Extra Recess Day
* Teacher Swap Day,
* Class Movie Day
We want to thank the PTA for providing such an authentic experience at our very own voting location. The voting booth, decorations, stickers, and sign-in process helped make this both an enjoyable and educational experience. We had a great week!
WAS: Celebrating the Arts
Congratulations to all of our musicians that performed at our Spring Concert! Our 5th Grade  Chorus and The Woodside Wonders wowed our audience with their beautiful voices. The 4th and 5th Grade Strings Ensemble and 4th and 5th Grade Band enchanted our guests with their performances. A special thank you to Ms. Lim, Mr. Finnen, and Ms. Cipriano. Students, parents, and families had the opportunity to visit our Art Show prior to the concert, effectively creating the perfect combination of an arts filled evening! All of our students' artwork was on display throughout the building as Mrs. LaRubbio hosted a fabulous event.
|
|
Franklin Lakes Borough News
Franklin Lakes Recreation Summer Camp
June 27-August 5
The Franklin Lakes Recreation Camp is hosted by the Wyckoff Family YMCA for Franklin Lakes campers in Grades K-8. One week camp sessions run Monday to Friday from June 27 to August 5. Cost: $100 per session.
Click here to view the flier and registration form.
Franklin Lakes Safety Town
July 5-15, 9:30- 12:oopm
Safety Town is a program designed to teach children entering Kindergarten in September different strategies about safety at home and in their community. The children will learn about personal safety, traffic safety, fire safety and first aid from members of the Franklin Lakes Police, Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. Click here to view the Safety Town flier and registration form.
|
|
|
|
|
