September 1, 2013
Hello Califon community! A lot has been going on the last two months! I continue to meet a number of fine individuals who want what's best for our students. Jim Gamble and I understand that in order to deliver the best education possible for your child, we all have to work together as a team. This is already occurring!
We are excited about the staff we have put in place over the past several weeks. Sue Dyer is our new secretary who has been working extremely hard to learn all of the procedures that must occur in the school setting, especially to open up a new school year. She has been very dedicated in making things work and getting everything set! Kristen Charleston is our new fifth grade teacher. She was in early to get her room ready to go and it sure looks great! Kelly Hubiak will be our new kindergarten teacher. Her Califon connection and her passion to learn and teach was evident in our discussions with her. it's not easy getting a kindergarten room together in a week but that's just what Ms. Hubiak had to do! She did a great job! Jenny Parisella is a new instructional aide. Ms. Parisella also brings energy and passion. You get the theme here. We want Califon School to be full of positive and energetic vibes, and so far that's exactly what is happening! Ms. Parisella also holds a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist. We look forward to hearing her insights. Maureen Folsom will be joining us as a case manager for our Child Study Team services as well.
I have had a number of meetings with various individuals to gain an understanding of what Califon is all about. We discussed the needs of certain programs and what the best way would be to move forward. Again, communication is crucial to the success of our school. I have had several discussions with our teachers in order to be proactive in beginning the school year on a positive note. I can't tell you how much I have heard that morale is sky high, which is another crucial item for a school to be successful!
As I have stated in the past, I want to involve the community in our school. I want to thank Mike Medea and his family for their generous efforts in beginning our Califon Landscaping Initiative. You may have noticed the large weeds pulled out in the front of the school. It was weeded, mulched and new vegetation planted. I can now see out of my office window! I also want to thank the individuals at the Califon Book Store for their gracious donation that will benefit our staff. Thank you so much as it is much appreciated. I will be looking to invite members working in our community and neighboring communities to speak with our students about career choices or curriculum topics.
We will be working with the Rutgers team very closely during the first half of the school year in literacy instruction. We will also be utilizing computerized instruction for one-on-one and small group intensive instruction. With Matt Zimmerman on board full time now, we are excited to have him as our multimedia/technology teacher. Under his guidance, our students will be connecting with students locally and around the globe as part of our Califon Global Initiative. We hope to connect with authors from all over the United states and elsewhere via virtual visits also.
Wow! So much is going on that I probably missed something. If I did, I will add it. I look forward to seeing everybody on the first day of school. We are set. It's going to be a great year!
Dan Patton Principal
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