February 23, 2016
It’s hard to believe that spring is around the corner! Since the beginning of calendar year 2016, we have had a number of students that should be proud of their accomplishments and I would like to recognize them. We held our annual Spelling Bee brought to us by Mrs. Witkowski the first week in January. Taj Piontkowski placed third, Alexis Judd placed second, and Will Keiser placed first. Will is going on to the next level in Pennsylvania where he will be given a written assessment to complete. Congratulations to all of the students who participated and good luck Will!
In our Geography Bee, which was recently resurrected by Mrs. Kooger, we had several students participate. Third place went to Taj Piontkowski, second was secured by Christian Beard, and our first place finisher for the second year in a row was Benji Beard! Benji went to the next level and took a written assessment at Rowan University. I am pleased to announce that “hot off the press” Benji did well on his written assessment and was selected to participate in the state final at Rowan University on April 1st! Congratulations to all of the participants and good luck Benji!
Each year, Mrs. Kooger spends time working with her eighth grade students on the American History Essay Contest at the eighth grade level sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. This year, the theme was the Stamp Act. The students were asked to write an essay describing a colonial family's discussion about the Stamp Act and what role it played in organizing the colonists against the British King and Parliament. It seems as if there are always one or two winners from Califon Public School. This year, our school is proud to honor all three winners at this level! Third place went to Lily Folsom, second place went to Ellie Hauptly, and the first place winner was Emma Zande! There will be a recognition event in Belvidere, NJ at the Warren County Library Headquarters for all recipients. Congratulations to all of our students who submitted an entry.
On Friday, March 18th, some of our students will participate in our annual TREP$ Marketplace. This is an excellent hands-on, real life learning opportunity for those students dreaming of one day opening their own businesses. The program begins for our 4th and 5th grade students in which they participate in TREP$ workshops as part of a Jr. Entrepreneurship Program. They meet during their technology/enrichment class period. It’s designed to teach the fundamentals of business and aid in the fulfillment of New Jersey's 21st Century Skills. They meet real-life entrepreneurs and it culminates with the TREP$ Marketplace. Thank you to Mr. Zimmerman and Ms. Heyduke for your hard work in getting our students ready. Good luck to all of our participating students!
Once again, Mrs. Winter and her committee have chosen several teachers to be recipients of the semi-annual WinterFall grant awards. Teachers submit grant proposals in the fall as well as the winter, hence the name. To date, many teachers have taken advantage of this excellent opportunity to enhance your children’s learning. At the February Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Winter recognized the following teachers for the following items:
- to Mrs. Parisella for the purchase of an iPad and accessories for paired use in first grade learning centers
- to Mrs. Medea for 'All About Owls', which is a Raptor Trust outreach program for students in grades kindergarten through fifth
- to Mrs. Johnston for the purchase of an Acurite Pro Color Weather Station for use with her sixth through eighth-grade science students
- to Mrs. Madson for the purchase of twelve hand-held microscopes and prepared slides for use in drawing with the second through eighth grade art students
- to Mrs. Thompson for the purchase of four wireless microphone systems for use with the Califon School community
- to the Media Center for a 60" Smart Interactive Flat Panel Display for use with the Califon School community. Ms. Weiss, Mrs. Montesion, and Mr. Blondina requested a Smart Board in the resource room. Soon after, they decided that we should move the Smart Board in the media center to the resource room and the Smart Interactive Flat Panel Display would be installed in the media center.
As always, thank you Mrs. Winter and your committee for your thoughtfulness and generous contributions! It is much appreciated.
I also want to thank all of you for participating in the school survey recently sent out. We will use your answers and comments to have thoughtful conversations about where we are currently and where we are headed in the future. We will continue to strive to make Califon Public School a great place to be for your children, and your feedback will assist us in our endeavors as it truly takes a “school community” to educate the youngsters of our future!
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