COVE ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
8 Cove Road
732-264-5050
March 2015 Newsletter
Message from the Principal
Dates to Remember
March
2 – Read Across America Day – Dr. Seuss’
Birthday
2 – 6 – PARCC Grade 5
6 – Progress Report Available on Portal
“The more you read the more things that you
will know. The more that your learn, the more
places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss
As we celebrate Read Across America Day, and Dr.
Seuss’ birthday this month, please take an active part
in your child’s reading. You should read to your
child, ask questions about what your child is reading
and set up goals for your child to achieve.
9 – 13 – PARCC Grade 6
PARCC Testing at Cove Road School
Grade 5 – March 2 – 6
Grade 6 – March 9 – 13
13 – PTO Gift Auction
16 – 18 – Parent Teacher Conferences
17 – 18 – Book Fair
April
3 – 13 – Spring Recess
22 – 23 – Science Fair
20 – PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
24 – Early Dismissal Students 12:15 pm
May
25 – School Closed Memorial Day
The new assessments serve as an “educational GPS
system”, assess students’ current performance, and
point the way to what students need to learn by
graduation so they are ready for college and/or a
career.
The PARCC assessments are designed to give
schools and teachers more information to improve
instruction. Moreover, PARCC is designed to let
parents know how their child is progressing
academically.
The PARCC assessment will allow parents to engage
in their child’s education by giving parents more
information about how their child is progressing in
school.
Resources:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s different about the PARCC tests?
Glossary of PARCC assessment terms
A New Vision of Assessment
Expanding Access – A Parent’s Guide to
PARCC accommodations
Any questions, please feel free to contact me at
732-264-5050.
Keeping children first,
Wayne C. Ramsey, Principal
Cove Road School
HAZLET TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
William J. Kolibas, Jr. – President
Lauri J. O’Leary – Vice President
Carol A. Gaffney
Thomas Herman
Natale Iannello
Victor J. Iannello, Jr.
Joseph Lamb
Francis J. McGrath
Joe Pruscino
Emily McKenna – Student Member
ADMINISTRATION
Bernard F. Bragen, Jr., Ed.D. – Superintendent of Schools
David A. Roman, Ed.D. – Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Christopher J. Mullins – School Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Heather Schwarz – Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Testing
Thomas Toohey – Director of Special Services
Nathan Grosshandler, Ed.D. – Director of School Counseling Services
John DeGenito – Director of Athletics
Loretta Zimmer – District Affirmative Action Officer
Gregory Farley, Ed.D. – Supervisor of 21st Century Learning and Innovation
Suzanne Capraro – Supervisor of Language Arts K-12
Michael Miller – Supervisor of Science 7-12
Dara Van Pelt – Supervisor of Mathematics K-12
Jacqueline Hafner – Supervisor of Special Services
Charles Hildner – Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds
Parent-teacher conferences will be held as follows:
March 16 -
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
March 17 -
1:05 - 2:50 p.m.
March 18 -
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Lunches will not be served. Dismissal will be at 12:15 on these days.
The Hazlet Township Public School District will be utilizing an online appointment system for our
upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences on March 16, 17 and 18, 2015, available through the parent
portal on the Realtime Communication System. To schedule an appointment with your child’s
teacher, please follow the procedures below:
1. Log onto the parent portal and select the Teacher Page link on the upper left hand side of
the page.
2. Then click on the PTC Schedule link next to your child’s Language Arts teacher to schedule
an appointment request (Please note that the LAL/SS & Math/Sci/Health teachers will be
conferencing together so only one appointment is necessary.)
3. Choose a desired date and time for your conference.
4. Finally, check Request Conference at the bottom of the page to complete the process.
(Please note that the time selected is just a request. In order to confirm the scheduled
time, the teacher must accept your request.)
5. Please check the portal to see if the teacher accepts your request, by following the directions
1 & 2 from above. You will either notice an accepted checkmark next to your requested
date or you will need to select another time.
6. If your child attends a resource pullout program, you will need to schedule additional
appointments with your child’s Language Arts and/or Math teachers.
Additional information specific to your child’s school can be found on our school website.
Please note: Online appointment requests are not used for Special Teachers. The Special
Teachers listed below will be available throughout the conference times for parents to visit on the
dates noted.
Mrs. Baldini – Monday, March 16th
Mrs. Esposito- Enrichment- Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th
Mrs. Ford – Speech – Wednesday, March 18th
Ms. Kluck - Vocal Music- Tuesday, March 17th
Mr. Lahaye – Instrumental Music – Tuesday, March 17th
Mrs. Rowland- Art – Monday, March 16th
Mustang Rewind:
During the month of February, several school events/activities took place. I wish to thank the
people involved:
Mrs. Nealis/Mr. Lahaye/Mr. Russo – Drama Club Practice/Proformance
Raritan High School National Honor Society/Mrs. Ronan – Helping Hands on Thursdays
Ms. Esposito – Grade 6 Enrichment Trips
Ms. Evanowski – After school tutoring Language Arts
Mrs. Mazzucchelli – After school tutoring Math
Ms. Heagen and Mr. Connell – Hoops for Hearts Jump Rope for Hearts
Raritan High School – Heroes and Cool Kids
Mr. Connell – Volleyball Tournament
PTO – Valentine’s Dance
School Events for the month of March:
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March 6 – Progress Reports available on Parent Portal
March 16 – 18 – Parent Teacher Conferences
March 17 – 18 – Scholastic Book Fair during school hours.
Wellness Policy
Please be reminded that cupcakes, munchkins, etc. are no longer acceptable during birthday parties.
If these items are observed, I will have to call you to pick them up for after school. We would store
them in a refrigerator if necessary, until you arrive. Finally, food items from McDonalds, Burger
King, and Wendy’s etc. should not be brought to school for student lunches. Thank you for your
cooperation
Marking Period II Academic Awards
Academic Awards Criteria
Principal’s Award: High Honors – Nothing less than A’s (93 – 100) in all areas. E’s in all
special subject classes.
Teacher’s Award: Honors – 87+ in all areas, S+ and higher in special subject classes.
Mustang Award: Someone who shows effort and improvement.
Principal’s Awards
Grade 6
Mrs. Burns -
Mrs. Miller
Timothy Buckley
Matthew DiMaggio
-
Jaden Buckley
Nghi (Brittney) Nguyen
Mrs. Nealis -
Lisbet Garcia
Rebecca Valentino
Mr. Russo -
Kyle DiMaggio
Grade 5
Ms. Evanowski -
Juliana Chionchio
Mrs. Mazzucchelli – Branden Anjos
Olivia Dorato
Francesca Simon
Mrs. Ronan -
Samantha Skolnick
Teacher’s Awards
Grade 6
Mrs. Burns
-
Lucy Alberici
Casady Hand
Shannon Poggi
Mrs. Grazioli -
Allison Bacharach
Casey Brennan
Christopher Lemma
Daniel Maiers
Tyler Ruzzano
Ellie Sheehan
Mrs. Miller
Daniel Afflitto
Aoife Calnan
Gwendolyn Caverly
Salvatore DiMaggio
-
Mrs. Nealis -
Kaitlyn Walsh
Mr. Russo -
Amanda Craggan
Emily Godkin
Alexander Powers
Luke Powers
Kaitlyn Smilovic
Tyler Stulb
Teacher’s Awards
Grade 5
Ms. Evanowski -
Erin Connor
Marisa DePasquale
Sierra Michel
Christopher Moreno
Ms. Heagen -
Joan Furst
Amanda Stevenson
Mrs. Hornacek -
Grace Elmer
Elizabeth Estrada
Emily Federico
Isabelle Krampert
Jake Rojo
Mrs. Mazzucchelli - Gina DiGiacomo
Emily Menture
Megan Miragliotta
Mrs. Ronan -
Riley Glackin
Evan Lee
Sarah Ranaldi
Nicholas Sclavunos
Mustang Awards
Grade 6
Mrs. Burns
-
Anthony D’Amico
Christopher Fontanazza
Tyler Tristao
Mrs. Grazioli -
Darren (DJ) Schwedes
Mrs. Miller
John Bachmann
Chandra Cooney
-
Mrs. Nealis -
Emma Firsching
Alexis O’Neil
Alyssa Toth
Mr. Russo -
Hunter Amoedo
Diana Krolczynski
Kai Kruk
Grade 5
Ms. Evanowski -
Cheyanne Juntunen
Jack Lehan
Ms. Heagan -
Richard Bilka
Mrs. Hornacek -
Brandon Kochel
Mrs. Mazzucchelli – Taylor Pearce
Tess Reinle
Mrs. Ronan -
Brandi Donatelli
Alyssa Shamnarain
Maria Venuto
February 2015 “Student of the Month”
5th Grade Female
Francesca Simon- Francesca is a motivated worker who takes her class
work very seriously and gives her best effort on a daily basis. Frankie aspires
to be a top achiever and encourages her classmates to do the same. She loves
learning, and will ask insightful questions to deepen her understanding.
Involved in numerous extracurricular activities, she continues to stay on top
of her studies. She is an active participant in the enrichment program, our
school band, Reading Club, and Drama Club. Demonstrating her desire to
excel, Frankie has earned the Principal’s Award both the first and second
marking periods. She has earned two stars, and is a positive role model for
all she encounters. These are only a few reasons why Frankie Simon has
been acknowledged as Cove Road School’s Student of the Month for the
month of February.
5th Grade Male
Brandon Kochel – Brandon is a hard-working, focused student who always
does great work. He is respectful of his teachers and peers. Brandon
demonstrates responsibility by completing classwork and homework on
time, as well as obeying all the rules. He is a well-mannered student who is
an excellent role model.
6th Grade Female
Lisbet Garcia - Lisbet Garcia is very deserving of this honor. She has been
a model student in class this year. Lisbet is very respectful and an extremely
hard worker. In class, she always pays attention, participates, and enriches
classroom conversation. She is very kind, patient, and helpful to her
classmates. She is a leader in the classroom and very respectful to everyone
she meets. Lisbet participates in the School Band and receives fantastic
grades in her all classes. She received a Principal’s Award last marking
period for her exceptional grades. Lisbet’s constant display of responsibility,
organization, and making good choices makes her a great candidate for this
month’s Student of the Month. Congratulations Lisbet!
Anthony D’Amico – Anthony is very well deserving of the title, “Student of
the Month”. He is an excellent, hard-working student who is an active
participant in class discussions and who always brings his best effort to
every task. He is also a kind kid, watching out for others and doing “the
right thing”. Beyond the classroom, Anthony is an enthusiastic participant in
the Cove Road community. Activities Club, Drama Club and Reading Club
are just three ways Anthony contributes to Mustang pride. Cove Road is
lucky to have a kid like Anthony!
6th Grade Male
February Cove Road Stars
Grade
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
Star Student
Emily Chionchio
Sebastian Gonzales
Alexa Ryan
Emma Fest
Amy Fogerty
Brian Le
Jordan Lewandowski
Robert Scarola
Nicholas Schmidt
Juan Banos
Olivia Dorato
Emily Menture
Jordyn Reamer
Dylan Slattery
Kierra Jacobsen
Michael Mirassol
D’Nejia Hicks
Hunter Amoedo
Casey Brennan
Darren Schwedes
Ellie Sheehan
Jaden Buckley
Chandra Cooney
Christopher Gonzalez
Sarah Donnelly
Amanda Craggen
Mrs. Baldini – School Counselor
Cove Road’s February Kindness Award
The February “K Team Awards”- “K” means kindness – went to:
Kevin Baker, Richard Bilka, Megan Casey, Olivia Dorato, Jeffrey Peterson,
Daniel O’Chat, Tess Reinle, Alexa Ryan and Dylan Slattery.
Congratulations!!
"March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb".
I have heard that ever since elementary school. We had a very cold winter in my opinion, and I am
so looking forward to the warmer weather and beautiful spring flowers. Not too long ago, I went to
an in-service and they discussed a metaphor about Penguins and how they protect their young and
weak. I found it to be so interesting that I wish to share it with you. It was written by Donna
Gaffney, Mary Galbraith, and was checked and given the approval by the Liberty Science Center of
New Jersey.
A Lesson from Nature: Cold Penguins to the Middle
Helping children and families understand the importance of compassion and support in an
unpredictable world is so very hard today. I do think this metaphor relates to every parent, and care
giver in our community and nation.
It is said that the extreme conditions of Antarctica, the Emperor penguins huddle in densely packed
circles to keep each other warm and thriving. Healthy and fit adults who can regulate their
temperature best, take up the outer circle, and thus are buffeted the most by the frozen air and
winds. The youngest of those with more difficulty regulating body heat are permanently placed in
the warm center of the huddle. The adult penguins on the outermost edges of the huddle
periodically work their way into the center of the circle with the immature and infirm penguins in
order to regain their own body heat. Meanwhile, other robust adults take their places in the frigid
outer circle. Thus the herd keeps up the body heat of the whole group without sacrificing the young
or old, and giving those in the prime of life regular opportunities to warm them in the middle. The
lesson of the Emperor penguins will serve us all well!
With this being said, I am sure I do not need to remind you, (but I will) to never stop being
affectionate to your “penguin”. Hug them, High-Five them. Research shows that when asked what
they desire most from their parents or care-givers, the majority of the answers seem to be just to be
LOVED and CARED FOR.
Our penguins will soon be so warm and with your support and love, they can all finish the year out
so successfully.
Please enjoy the renewal of SPRING.
Most Sincerely,
Mrs. Baldini
Mr. Russo – OM Coach
Cove Road’s Odyssey of the Mind team will be competing at the Lighthouse Regional Tournament
on March 14, 2015. This year’s regional tournament will take place at Woodstown High School in
Woodstown, New Jersey. Cove Road’s team consists of five 6th graders (Luke Powers, Alex
Powers, Tyler Stulb, Christopher Lemma, and Kyle DiMaggio) and two 5th graders competing for
the first time (James Cannon and Thomas Henry). Cove Road’s Odyssey of the Mind team has been
meeting after school for two hours once or twice a week since November in preparation for the
tournament. The team is very excited to present their construction of different trains moving
through various forms of propulsion for their long-term problem “Runaway Train". Good Luck
Cove Road!
Mrs. Rowland – Art
Cove Road School Art Teacher, Mrs. Rowland and her students did a beautification project in
the cafeteria with recycled bottle caps that were collected during lunch.
Ms. Heagen – Grade 5
""We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant
If that quotes is true, then the students of Cove Road School have very big hearts! A BIG “Thank
You” to all the children (and their families) who have been taking our class rabbit – Eli - home for
weekend visits. What a wonderful learning experience for all involved. The students are truly
getting a glimpse of what it is like to care for an animal. It’s hard to tell who is happier, Eli or the
students (and sometimes, even the parents!)
Thanks to all the participants in the Jump Rope for the Heart fundraiser for the American Heart
Association. The students who participated raised $2,400. The American Heart Association
appreciates all the donations.
We have been getting ready for the PARCC in both Math classes. Aside from the computer-based
practice we have been doing, we are also using other resources to find problems in the domains we
are learning, sometimes even making up our own problem/situations! I’ve told my students to stay
calm and do their best……that’s all I ask of them and I’m sure they will do great!
The students are enjoying their Science modules. The 5th graders are learning about ecosystems and
the earth’s biomes. Soon we will be putting together our own ecosystems – please keep those empty
2 liter soda bottles coming in! The 6th graders are learning about levers and pulleys and seeing how
simple machines make word easier. Ask them what the 4 parts of a lever system are, and I’m sure
they can tell you! (Spoiler alert - - - lever arm, load, effort, and fulcrum)
It’s hard to believe our school year is already half over…..time sure flies when you’re having fun!!
Mr. Connell – Physical Education
In Physical Education class, we had a jump rope contest and a new school record was reached. The
record was 400 jumps in a row. During the month of February we had two people break it.
Christopher Gonzalez with 410 and Anthony D’Amico with a new high and school record of 427.
Congratulations to the both of them. Great job and keep jumping.
Volleyball Tournament
Mr. Connell would like to thank everyone who participated in Cove Roads 3rd annual volleyball
tournament. It was awesome. We raised $595 to go towards field day. Great Job! Everyone loved
the different colors each class wore and awesome names each class picked. There were many good
games but two teams rose to the top. I would like congratulate Mrs. Ronan’s 5th grade Royals for
coming in 1st place and going undefeated. For 6th grade we had another team go undefeated. Mrs.
Miller’s Mighty Mischiefs. Once again, thank you everyone who participated and teachers who
were able to stay including Mr. Russo who did help to officiate the 6th grade side. Thanks again and
have a great day.