June 2, 2015
We are currently in the process of winding down another awesome school year! I guess you can say time flies when you’re having fun, and of course learning at the same time. The students have been engaged in a number of activities in closing out the year, and it’s hard to believe that we are getting ready to cross the 2014 – 2015 finish line.
I would like to recognize some students that should be proud of their accomplishments. Most recently we had a couple of students gain recognition as a result of their talents in writing. Jack Ford was awarded second place and Alex Kibler received first place for their Hunterdon County historical essays!
Our middle school DI students recently arrived back from a trip to Knoxville, TN where they met other students from around the world. Our team, Swaggy Service, had a respectable finish and gained invaluable experiences while attending this great event. Congrats to Benji Beard, Alexis Judd, Grace Medea, Sylvia Papathomas, and Emma Zande for a job well done! Congrats and thanks also goes out to our staff members, Ms. Lima and Mrs. Medea, for their time and efforts in leading the team along the way. Thank you to Mrs. Beard and Mr. Medea for their commitment to the team as well. It really does take a team effort for success.
Our 6th and 7th grade students recently displayed their Science Fair projects for our students and their parents. I had a chance to talk with all of them about their experiments and learned something new as well. For instance, you don’t cry as much cutting a colder onion as opposed to cutting one at room temperature, you can extract DNA using regular household supplies, and slime is a lot stickier when you add food coloring. The experiments were very informative. In addition, the 8th grade students took part in a STEM Fair in which they designed solar cars. They participated in the Junior Solar Sprints competition at Kingwood Township School along with several other middle schools. A couple of the students displayed their “green” cars at the Science Fair.
I wanted to congratulate three teachers for their accomplishments this year. Mrs. Maryjane Medea was chosen as Rutgers Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Lisa Kooger was named as a third place finisher at the state level as “Outstanding Teacher of American History” selected by “Daughters of the American Revolution”, and Mrs. Patricia Johnston was chosen to represent the state as a Next Generation Science Standards Teacher Leader. Way to go teachers!
I wanted to take the time to thank Mrs. Gloria Winter for her efforts in leading our After School Language Program. Mrs. Winter is the parent of former students at Califon and also served as president of our Board of Education. She taught several French classes after school for about 22 students in total and I heard nothing but kudos from those involved. Not only did Mrs. Winter volunteer to teach French class two times per week, but she also supplies funds for our teachers in the form of the Fall Winter grant twice per year. Thanks Mrs. Winter!
We are excited to continue with our technology initiatives. We will be upgrading to a state of the art wireless system over the summer. We will be upgrading our server and firewall protection, and we will be replacing several older desktops throughout the school. In addition, we will also be adding a brand new touch monitor computer for our pre-school students!
I am looking forward to the annual 8th grade Washington DC trip. The trip is genuinely a learning experience for all involved as we visit a number of monuments and historical places. When I was asked last year to attend the trip, I have to admit that I was hesitant at first. In hindsight, I’m glad I decided to go, and I can’t believe it’s here again. The students will have a great time and it truly is “authentic learning” at its best!
At this time, I want to wish everybody a strong finish to the end. Let’s cross that line in fine fashion. Everybody have a happy and safe summer and enjoy the time with your kids. It does get quiet in the school building over the summer as we prepare for the start of another school year, which will be right around the corner. Thank you for your continued support of Califon School’s programs and events.
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