February 20, 2019
Just a quick update on some items. We are currently in high gear looking at next year’s budget. We have been working hard to prioritize our students’ needs. Without realizing it, we tend to focus on the 4Cs - Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking. As a result, we continue to look for ways to amplify our learning through technology: coding, collaboration, individualized instruction, videography, and “skyping”. We will also focus on areas in need of improvement as it relates to student academics. Finally, your children’s safety is always a top priority, and as a result we continue to look for ways to keep our school safe and secure.
As you may have noticed, Mr. Zimmerman has opened our district up to Twitter. In this day of technology and social media, we felt it was necessary; a smart move to enable us to showcase the great things our teachers and staff do on a daily basis! Many of our parents already see a version of this through our Seesaw App. Our website will also be getting a makeover. Our goal is that it will be appealing and easy to navigate.
Don’t forget that our second annual Seussical STEAM Night will be on Thursday, February 28th at PM. Bring the whole family as there will be activities to participate in and prizes to win! We will also have our library set up with books to read with a focus on Dr. Seuss books!
And now the fun!
Each year we participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest, and each year one of our students places in the top three in the region. This year for the first time in many years we had three students place first, second, and third! Congratulations to Alex Kibler (3rd), Nick Malchewski (2nd), and Will Keiser (1st). The honorees will be recognized at an upcoming event in Belvidere. That’s not all; we also had Will Keiser move on and place second at the state level! He will be recognized in Princeton for his accomplishment! I would be remiss if I also didn’t recognize two teachers who have a direct impact on this awesome accomplishment. Our language arts teacher, Mrs. Charleston, and our history teacher, Mrs. Kooger, should be very proud!
Recently, a scrappy, hard working, set of boys and girls set out to accomplish something that hasn’t been accomplished in several years; a basketball championship! Congratulations goes out to our 2018-2019 championship basketball team, as you all worked hard to get there and complete the deal. Thanks to Mr. Chris Lemley for his hard work as coach. Accolades to the cheerleaders as well as they cheered on the team throughout the season and had a fantastic halftime show! Great work from Coach Mitzak! We recently recognized the team at a pep rally at the end of the school day, and afterwards the team and cheerleaders got a ride home on a fire truck! Needless to say, they were all excited!
Finally, I would like to acknowledge two conscientious, caring, hard-working, always there when you need them, individuals. One of the great things I have always maintained while working at Califon School is the great staff that I work with. As a result, there are many teachers that could qualify for this prestigious recognition. This year we are focused on two. Our Governor’s Related Services Professional of the Year is Mrs. Linda Patterson! She brings so much to our school, you can’t begin to imagine. I know all of you at some point or another have probably spoken to her about your children in not the best of circumstances. Mrs. Patterson always has a way of calming us down with a reassuring voice. It’s a very important skill to have, and that is just one of many she possesses. Thank you Mrs. Patterson for your dedication to our school!
Our Governor’s Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Maryjane Medea! Mrs. Medea is another team member that goes above and beyond on a daily basis. She is always willing to lend a hand, serve on a committee, help after school, I can go on. We truly appreciate the fact that she works on our team and is a part of this awesome community. We encouraged Mrs. Medea to apply for the Hunterdon County Teacher of the Year as well. Good luck Mrs. Medea, you deserve it!
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