Newsletter of the Mahwah Township Public Schools
T-BIRD
VOL. 2 NO. 3
Digital learning has become an increasingly important component of preparing
students for the challenges of college,
career, and active civic participation in
the 21st century. During the 2014-2015
school year, the Mahwah Township Public Schools conducted a comprehensive
assessment of the state of educational
technology in our district and implemented initiatives designed to grow and
enhance our district technology offerings for both students and staff.
We began our endeavor with research.
During the first half of the 2014-2015
school year, we surveyed our district’s
faculty and administrators to determine
their perceptions about technology use
in our district. We also surveyed all Bergen County school districts to learn
what hardware (desktops, laptops, etc.)
students and teachers have in each district.
TALK
60 Ridge Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
JULY 2015
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
FOR THE
2015-2016
SCHOOL YEAR
Written by
Dr. C. Lauren Schoen, Superintendent
Mr. Dennis Fare, Assistant Superintendent
We developed district and school-specific lists of all hardware and software. Select staff
(administrators, teachers, and media specialists) from Joyce Kilmer, Ramapo Ridge and Mahwah High
School attended a three-day workshop presented by Dr. Alan November, a noted expert in educational
technology and digital learning. Central office administrators attended the 29th Annual NJ Educational
Computing Cooperative Conference at Montclair State University, co-sponsored by the NJ Department
of Education.
While the teachers who responded to our district survey teach across all content areas and grade levels,
their responses, on the whole, indicated that they feel comfortable using technology inside the classroom. Teachers communicated a desire for more technology (both software and hardware alike, including tablets, laptops, and perhaps, a 1:1 initiative) and increased professional development opportunities
that would enhance their ability to routinely integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Administrators’ survey responses indicated that they want staff to participate in professional development related to consistent technology needs across the district. They believe we should establish common platforms for teachers and students, determine what we want students to be able to accomplish at
each grade level, and focus our professional development training towards that end accordingly. Our
students need to authentically use technology for learning, and to do that, we must also increase our
teachers’ capacity to teach using technology.
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
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Bergen County School District Technology
Integration Results
We surveyed 80 school districts in Bergen County to determine:
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If teachers had an individual technology device for their use both in school and at
home
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The point at which teachers received a device in a student 1:1 or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
environment
What districts were currently in a 1:1 or BYOD environment?
Of the 80 Bergen County school districts contacted, 50 responded to the survey.
34/50 (or 68%) of responding districts provided their teachers with a laptop or tablet at least 3 months before
students were provided with a device.
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15/34 (or 44%) of the responding districts are currently in a 1:1 environment.
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4/34 (or 12%) were in the process of moving to a 1:1 environment during the 2014-15 school year.
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5/34 (or 15%) of districts who responded will be moving to a 1:1 environment in specific grade levels
in the 2015-2016 school year.
Based on the information gathered during the beginning part of the 2014-2015 school year, the following
recommendations were made and approved by our Board of Education for the 2015-2016 school year:
Fifteen Ramapo Ridge teachers received a laptop to use both in school and out of school during the 2015–
2016 school year. Seamless integration of laptop technology for teacher use in the classroom and at school or
home for planning purposes will allow for creative and effective instructional practices for teachers and improved learning opportunities for students. As these teachers learn various applications and have the ease of access to them through their own district-issued laptop that will function properly in any location, they will readily
use the laptop for instruction.
All teachers participating in the laptop initiative will receive training in Office 365 to learn the on-line platform
for collaboration tools, e-mail, personalization of websites, accessing One Drive, and
Office programs through the cloud. Additional training may include: applications in
the classroom, interactive classrooms, web tools, virtual classrooms, flipped classrooms, mobile assessment, etc.
In addition to the Ramapo Ridge Laptop Pilot, we are piloting a 1:1 student
laptop initiative in our new elective course STEM: Research and Design during
the 2015-2016 school year. This class was created as a response to students from
the two engineering courses that were looking for a true hands-on research and project-based course. The course will focus on applying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world
context. Student teams will work through the process of defining and solving a problem, not on just getting the "right" answer.
Each task will hone in on different aspects of the research and design process.
The STEM: Research and Design curriculum was designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that students need for
success in college and careers.
Both of the aforementioned initiatives for the next school year will run concurrently, and analytical reports will be provided to our Board of Education in order to monitor the progress and instructional efficacy of each. We are looking
forward to seeing how our talented faculty will utilize these innovative technologies to not only meet the demands of our rigorous instructional program, but to also help in harnessing relevance and application across the curriculum.
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
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Mahwah’s First Year of Full-day
Kindergarten a Rousing Success!
Written by Christine Zimmermann, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
When I served as a primary school principal during my first seven years in Mahwah, I had the pleasure of meeting with the
parents of incoming kindergartners each spring. The questions they asked varied from year to
year, but one question that always came up was, “Are we ever going to get full-day kindergarten
in Mahwah?” Parents with older children often mentioned increased academic expectations and
the limited time a half-day program allowed for students to meet them. Kindergarten teachers,
experts in the implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional practices, deftly
balanced what they knew about early childhood development with the rigors of higher academic
standards in the time constraints of a half-day program. Each year, kindergarten teachers would
echo what parents had asked me: “Are we ever going to get full-day kindergarten in Mahwah?”
Fast forward to the 2014-2015 school year. With the September 2014 inauguration of Mahwah’s
full-day kindergarten program, we could proudly count ourselves among the majority (64 out of
70) of Bergen County school districts with elementary schools offering full-day kindergarten. By
many measures – administrator, teacher, and parent feedback and student learning outcomes –
we are happy to report that the program has been a rousing success!
In an earlier T-Bird Talk article, the district’s primary principals, Mrs. Caridad Chrisomalis, Mrs. Siobhan Tauchert, and Mr.
Kevin Ulmer, described the “gift of time” full-day kindergarten offered to students. The principals reported that “students are
enjoying greater opportunities to explore daily hands-on learning in activity centers at their own pace and reaping the rewards of engaging in less structured and more creative projects with less time constraints.”
As part of the district’s evaluation of the full-day kindergarten program, a survey was sent to all kindergarten parents/
guardians at the end of the school year. Responses from the 85 survey participants were as follows:
Prior to the start of the school year, what was the level of your concern about your child participating in the first
year of the full-day kindergarten program instead of the previous half-day kindergarten program?
I had no concerns
62.35%
I had some concerns
32.94%
I had many concerns
4.71%
Please check any area in which you had concerns:
Child's stamina/energy for a full-day program
Academic readiness
Social readiness
Emotional readiness
Other
No concerns
33.75%
12.50%
6.25%
11.25%
7.50%
53.75%
How satisfied have you been with the kindergarten schedule
(amount of time in school)?
Completely satisfied
81.71%
Mostly satisfied
15.85%
Somewhat satisfied
2.44%
Dissatisfied
0.00%
How satisfied were you with your child's adjustment to a full-day
schedule?
Completely satisfied
85.19%
Mostly satisfied
13.58%
Somewhat satisfied
0.00%
Dissatisfied
1.23%
How long did the adjustment take?
A week or less
Two weeks
A month
More than a month
62.96%
12.35%
12.35%
12.35%
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
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In the year prior to kindergarten, did your child attend preschool or day care?
Yes
95.00%
No
5.00%
If you answered yes to the previous question, which of the following choices best
describes your child's program?
All full days
42.31%
Some full days, some half days
20.51%
All half days
37.18%
The full-day kindergarten program provided enough time for my child to learn the
skills needed to be ready for first grade.
Completely agree
86.42%
Mostly agree
11.11%
Somewhat agree
2.47%
Do not agree
0.00%
Do you have older children who attended our half-day kindergarten program?
Yes
35.80%
No
64.20%
If you answered yes to the previous question, have you noticed any differences in your child’s growth academically
or socially in comparison to your child that participated in the half-day program?
Yes
56.10%
No
43.90%
The survey allowed parents to add their own thoughts about the full-day kindergarten program. While a few parents offered
suggestions about scheduling and some others wondered if even more could be done to improve the balance of academic
requirements and young children’s needs for play and activity, the majority of parents were very enthusiastic about the program. Below is a sampling of these positive responses:
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There was a huge difference between half day and full day in all aspects for the children. My first child didn't read independently when she finished kindergarten. I'm so happy that my son was in the first generation of full day for kindergarten. Thank you!
I loved it! It was so seamless. You would never know that the program was in its "first" year. My child was blessed with
an excellent kindergarten teacher. She was outstanding! We couldn't be happier.
It was great. The kids got to be kids and learn over a longer period of time. No pressure felt and he was happy. He is perfectly ready for first grade.
Full-day kindergarten was an amazing experience for my son. He is much better prepared for first grade. I'm glad it was
switched.
I really thought my son would have a tough time adjusting to full school days. My concerns were completely unfounded.
He had absolutely no issues with adjusting. I think with all of the things that the kids need to know prior to starting 1st
grade, full-day kindergarten is a necessity. Good job!
I feel it is a much better program for both the children and the parents.
We are amazed with the amount of growth that had taken place - especially reading! It was a great year!
The program was needed in our school district. It is in step with the rest of other school districts in which the kids perform at a higher level.
The kindergarten program was phenomenal. The teachers at Lenape were wonderful and we LOVED the program. As
working parents, we were thrilled that Mahwah implemented the full-day program.
I think that a full-day kindergarten should be considered a standard across the board for 5 year old children. Betsy Ross
has done a wonderful job incorporating this into the curriculum.
Mr. Ulmer and the GW Kindergarten teachers did a great job with the adjustment to full-day K.
Full-day kindergarten is necessary and was a great opportunity for my child.
They need it in order to keep up with what the later grades expect.
I noticed the difference in him almost immediately. Well done, Mahwah. Well done, indeed.
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
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Teachers, too, appreciated the chance to offer their thoughts about the first year of full-day kindergarten. Below is a sampling from our talented staff in all three primary schools:
I’ve experienced rigorous curriculum in a full-day first grade classroom, as well as rigorous curriculum in a half-day Kindergarten. Without question, full-day kindergarten has been a tremendous benefit to the children. The day is paced beautifully
with a perfect balance of academic work and life experiences that allow the children to learn through exploration and discovery. The children and I have time to “think things out” and find a variety of ways to solve problems of all kinds. The length of
the day also gives time for deep discussion across all academic areas. These discussions foster deep thinking and meaningful
learning experiences.
I am always amazed at how the children grow and learn over the course of a year. Full-day kindergarten has somehow heightened that feeling to a new level. Largely due to the fact that we are together for the full day, the children have strongly bonded
with me and each other. The environment in the classroom is comfortable, trusting, and respectful. There is no better way to
foster effective and meaningful learning than to have the classroom a place in which the children are comfortable taking
chances in their thinking, sharing their thoughts, and finding multiple ways to solve problems. It not only helps them academically, but also in the way they view learning – and the world.
The children had more time to practice newly-learned skills. We know we get better at reading by reading. We were able to
spend quality time on all aspects of reading: phonemic awareness and phonics to develop skills of fluency, guided reading to
establish strategies of comprehension and make the transition to the next level, vocabulary development, and genre study to
encourage a love of reading.
We were able to meet the individual needs of the children. Being in school all day provided more time for learning. The classroom teacher and specialists worked with small groups to give every child instruction to meet the grade level benchmarks.
Full-day kindergarten has been a great success. Not only have the students made great strides academically, but they have developed strong relationships with their peers. Full-day kindergarten has prepared them for first grade as they have built their
stamina by attending a full-day program. Through the full-day program, the students have developed relationships with other
staff members and students in the building, which will provide a stronger sense of community and comfort when they advance
to first grade.
This year, full-day kindergarten has proven to be a huge success both academically and socially. The students made greater
progress in developing appropriate skills and had more time to grow into independent readers and writers. All our students
were able to receive individual and small group time with their teacher and better preparation for first grade. We were able to
fit reading and writing workshop into our everyday schedule, which made for more opportunities for mini-lessons and conferring time. The full day also provided time for a more relaxed and fun environment. We were able to go on our first field trip to
the Turtle Back Zoo, which supported our animals unit in science. We were able to invite parents into the classroom for readalouds and special crafts that supported our units of study. It has been a very busy and successful school year.
The full-day kindergarten program in our district this year was a revelation. I saw the amazing things that can happen due to
a lengthier school day for these young children. The teachers and I kept in close touch about every child in the program, and
we could see each young reader begin to gain and purposefully use strategies in phonics, reading and writing. We often marveled at the speed with which some of the children in the supplemental reading group were becoming thoughtful and purposeful readers of “just-right” texts. This was due, in large part, to the gift of time from the full-day program!
I am stating the obvious when I say that this program has been a gift to our young learners, and I know we will see the wonderful ripple effect of its success as these children move through the higher grades.
We have seen tremendous improvements with the initiation of a full-day kindergarten program. Most notably:
 writing/reading ability improved
 math fact scores increased
 more time to practice social skills
 less rushing to complete units
 more time to foster a positive classroom community
 flexibility in schedule
 more time for parent involvement
We are grateful to our staff, parents/guardians, Board of Education,
and community for their support of our full-day kindergarten initiative; this support has been integral to the success of the program. Fullday kindergarten has given our students the best possible foundation for their continued academic and social/emotional
growth. It is with pride and anticipation that we look forward to our students’ many future accomplishments!
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
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Betsy Ross School
ans and had so many questions about their experiences.
It was wonderful to see the American pride that was instilled in the students of Betsy Ross School and the respect shown for those who served.
Dr. Schoen helped our students conclude the ceremony by presenting an engraved stone to permanently
mark the occasion. The importance felt for their contribution to our school and country was evident in
their smiles and wonderful performance, making a
treasured memory for everyone.
Family Night, as always, was a special time at Betsy Ross
School. It is our students’ time to shine, and they did
just that! Our community gathered, had pizza, and
watched videos that encapsulated our school year.
Thanks to our dedicated Home School Organization,
Betsy Ross had videos of key events such as: “Hopes and
Dreams,” Math Mania, Read-a-thon, and Field Day. After
viewing these, our students brought their families to
their classrooms for parents to view the amazing stories
and projects created throughout the year. It was very
special to observe our students being confident in all
they have learned as they carefully described their work
to their loved ones.
To honor Mahwah Veterans, the Betsy Ross first graders held a Tree Dedication Ceremony. They prepared
for the event by learning patriotic songs and poems
which they proudly performed for their families and
Mahwah veterans in attendance. To highlight the significance of this recognition, Mayor Laforet and
George Washington School
George Washington School’s students made fundraising
fun by participating in Penny Wars during a week in
Betsy Ross continued its commitment to our community in the annual Color Day presentation. The second graders at Betsy Ross walked into the all-purpose
room and saluted the veterans present. They sang
patriotic songs, taught the audience about “Old Glory,” and performed another song using their beautiful
voices and American Sign Language. It was truly a
treat enjoyed by all. After the presentation, the students and veterans had breakfast together. The children were engrossed in conversations with the veter-
May. Students used strategy and number sense in a fun
competition to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Over the course of the week, the Penny Wars
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
competition, which was facilitated by a group of third
grade students, raised $1590. The competition came
to an end with a celebration for all of our students and
the presentation of a ceremonial check to the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. Students learned that, with kindness and generosity, little kids are capable of big
things!
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much parents could do to help their children at home
and modeled how to read aloud with children in ways
that promote the development of literacy skills. After
the presentations, students and siblings were invited
to the Story Time and Literacy Activities for Kids workshop, and parents were given the opportunity to
choose two workshops to attend.
Some of the workshops offered included:
Pre-Kindergarten – Early Literacy with Pete the Cat
Kindergarten – On Track to Literary Success
First Grade – Lifting the Level of Reading at Home with
Conferring and Tools to Help Us with Tricky Words
Second Grade – Story Time and Literacy Activities for
Kids
Third Grade – Words Their Way
Math – Math Jeopardy: Are You Smarter than a Third
Grader?
Special Education – Phonemic Awareness
Reading Improvement – Multi-Sensory Workshop:
What is Phonological Awareness?
English Language Learners – Bilingual Literature:
Home to School Connection
Media Specialist – Getting to Know your School and the
Mahwah Public Library
Our dedicated faculty planned, prepared, and presented the workshops in teams and provided parents with
numerous informational resources to take home. Parents were afforded many exciting choices across disciplines, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
As a matter of fact, the only disappointment parents
Each year George Washington School’s third grade students leave a lasting impression on our school community by creating a third grade project. This year, students worked with art teacher Barbara Dellentash to
create pop art-inspired lettering. The lettering coveys
a simple message: “Be Kind.”
Students worked collaboratively to create the lettering, which will be displayed in our main entrance, all
purpose room, and hallways. Our hope is that the message provides our school community with a reminder
that, if we simply be kind, each day can be successful.
Lenape Meadows School
On April 29th, Lenape Meadows School hosted a school
-wide Literacy Night event for parents, students, and
siblings. We began the evening with a warm welcome,
reinforcing our belief in the value of a strong homeschool connection and the significant role parents play
in their children’s reading development. Next, we presented our keynote speaker, who spoke about how
shared was that they could not attend more workshops! The staff’s professionalism, expertise, and love
of teaching and learning were evident throughout the
evening, showcasing the
outstanding education
Mahwah children receive each day.
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
On June 16, 2015, Lenape Meadows School hosted its first ever kindergarten graduation celebration! We are happy to report that the event was
incredibly well-attended by approximately 400
guests that included parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, and friends.
The kindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals
decorated the gymnasium with student selfportraits they helped the children create in class
and worked tirelessly to prepare the children for
a fantastic performance. The kindergartners,
proudly wearing Mahwah blue mortarboards,
processed into the gymnasium by class and seamlessly assembled on stage. One at a time, the classes were asked to take center stage so each child
could be presented a certificate of achievement as
his/her name was individually announced.
Between the presentations of certificates for each
class, the children wowed the audience with
songs they had learned and rehearsed in celebration of all of their accomplishments, and parents
and guests were given multiple opportunities to
take pictures.
Page 8
dents, teachers and staff, led by music teacher Mrs.
Owen, gather around the flagpole to sing patriotic
songs. The children work tirelessly to learn many
songs in music class, and then come together as a
school community for one last time each year to
sing in celebration. It is a beloved tradition at our school
to join together on this special day to honor our country,
our flag, and our service men
and women, and to also
sweetly say goodbye to one
another for the summer.
Joyce Kilmer School
The 4th and 5th grade students at Joyce Kilmer
School were able to take part in a very unique experience, Theater Week. The elementary thespians
were able to express themselves creatively while
participating in the production of Beauty and the
Beast. Over 60 students worked with Taubenslag
After the presentation of certificates, our fabulous
kindergarten teachers read a loving poem to the
children and their parents/guardians, thanking
them for all the joy they had so graciously shared
throughout year, and reminding them how special they would always remain in their kindergarten teachers’ hearts. It was a fantastic celebration
Productions for a week in order to put on the performance for their peers, parents and other family
members at Mahwah High School. This allowed the
students to experience what it’s like to be on stage,
which also boosted their confidence. Fun was had
by all! We want to thank the Joyce Kilmer HSO for
making this possible.
and a joy for all to witness our first full-day kindergarten students present themselves so confidently and convincingly as “Ready to be First
Graders.”
Each year on Flag Day, Lenape Meadows stu-
During a beautiful day in June, the Joyce Kilmer
community experienced a Field Day like no other!
The theme of “Around the World” allowed the different homerooms to build props, make t-shirts,
and create chants in order to prepare for the opening ceremonial parade. They traveled from station
T-Bird Talk From Our Schools . . . T-Bird Talk From Our Schools
to station, taking on various challenges along the
way and enjoying some time in inflatable obstacle
courses and slides. The students weren’t the only
ones excited about this experience. The staff did
an incredible job getting into the spirit of the day,
which made it that much more exciting for all!
During the afternoon, the staff competed against
each other in a very exciting staff volleyball game.
It was a great way to take part in a team-building
activity while staying physically active in our
quest to be fit!
Ramapo Ridge Middle School
As part of their culminating study of U.S. history
and as a year-end social celebration, the eighth
graders enjoyed a trip to Washington, DC and
Gettysburg, PA. During the trip, the students visited the numerous monuments and memorials
that Washington, DC has to offer.
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The civic lessons learned during one particular
hands-on experience was a unique opportunity for
our students. A very special moment took place at
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as our students
paid tribute to three soldiers. Former Mahwah residents Patrick J. Brems, Everett J. Meester, and Norman R. Hetzel all served our country and paid the
ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of
duty. Norman Hetzel was a Mahwah High School
graduate. Our students took etchings of the three
names on the Memorial and, in a special moment,
laid flowers in their honor. Upon our return home,
a plaque for the family of each soldier was created,
as well as one to donate to the American Legion. In
addition to the American Legion being named after
the soldiers, three streets in Mahwah are named
after them as well.
Following the Washington, DC portion of the trip,
students enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Potomac
before heading to Gettysburg, PA. The experience
in Gettysburg included tours of the many different
battlefields, including Little and Big Round Top,
Devil's Den, and the field of the legendary General
Pickett's Charge. A guided tour of the grounds was
provided by National Park Rangers, who complemented the learning that students completed in
school. These hands-on experiences provided our
students with the opportunity to touch and feel and
see first-hand where history happened. Throughout
the course of the trip, students documented their
learning in an interactive quest designed by teachers. Students responded to various questions and
scenarios during each portion of the trip, based on
their experiences. Special thanks to all the staff, administration, and the Board of Education for making this trip possible!
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Mahwah High School
We are proud to announce that, out of the 252 senior class members, our preliminary statistics (as of June 10,
2015) indicate that 95.6% will go on to some form of higher education, with 83.8% attending four-year colleges
and 0.8% entering the United States military respective branches of the US Marines and US Army.
Our students were recognized in many venues for their outstanding achievement and dedication to Mahwah High
School academics, activities, and athletics. Below is a partial listing of some of our achievements this year:
Class of 2015 Accolades
Congratulations to the Class of 2015. They are filled with Thunderbird pride and spirit due to the many accolades they achieved this school year. Among them are:
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01 National Merit Finalist and Scholarship Recipient
12 National Merit Commended Students
01 Presidential Scholar Candidate
25 Students ranked in the First Decile
23 Presidential Education Recipients
46 Members of the National Honor Society
16 Members of the Science National Honor Society
25 Members of the Spanish Honor Society
14 Members of the French Honor Society
18 Principal Award Recipients
5 Platinum Thunderbird Scholars (all grades in all courses were > 90% for all four years at MHS)
7 Presidential Fitness Award Recipients
52 Senior Minds in Motion Recipients
$15, 528,748.00 in scholarship offers received as of June 10, 2015
Curricular and Co-curricular Achievements 2014-2015
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Bergen County Mock Trial Semi-finalist Team Champions 2015
All State Mixed Chorus – 2 students selected
Bergen County Band – 17 students selected
Bergen County Chorus – 5 students selected
New Jersey All State Symphonic Band – 7 students selected
New Jersey All State Orchestra- 3 student selected
New Jersey All State Women’s Chorus – 1 student selected
North Jersey Region 1 Orchestra – 3 students selected
North Jersey Region 1 Symphonic Band – 13 students selected
North Jersey Region 1 Jazz band – 1 student selected
North Jersey Region 1 Chorus – 8 students selected
Academic Decathlon
Academic Decathlon won 2nd place overall in our region, and they moved on to state competition! MHS had 41
individual awards - 7 Honorable Mentions, 9 Bronze medals, 11 Silver medals, 12 Gold medals, and 2 overall high
scorers at the competition. Deanna Altomara had the highest score at the entire competition and won a scholarship prize! Congratulations to the entire team: Deanna Altomara, William Lee, Sara Zaat, Thomas Galow, Elizabeth Finneran, Swetha Cuddapah, Yadley Bonny, Akshitha Adhiyaman, Ileana Blustein, Philip Pillari, Lisa
Lubarsky, Eric Preisler, and Michael Nelson. The Academic Decathlon is under the direction of Ms. Christine Hartigan.
Symphonic Band Selected for State Gala Concert
Congratulations to the Mahwah High School Symphonic Band on a truly excellent performance at the Region 1
State Band Festival! They received a rating of GOLD and Special Awards for Most Outstanding Woodwind Section,
Most Outstanding Percussion Section, and Most Outstanding Soloist. The Symphonic Band, now for the fifth time,
as a result of their rating, was accepted to perform in the National Band Association State Gala Concert, held at
The College of New Jersey on Sunday, May 3rd. The Symphonic Band is under of the direction of Mr. Jeffrey
Bittner.
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Poetry Out Loud
Congratulations to Sara Zaat, who competed in the state finals of the Poetry Out Loud national recitation contest.
She came in 2nd to the state winner, winning a monetary prize. Sara and the state winner also recited in the afternoon as the opening act for the Princeton Poetry Festival, which continued through the weekend. This year, over
38,000 NJ students participated in class, school and regional contests. The Calliope, the literary magazine of Mahwah High School, is under the direction of Mrs. Mary Elbert.
Mathematics Association of America
The Mathematical Association of America sponsors the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) for the purpose of spurring interest in mathematics and developing problem-solving ability. The math department is proud
to announce that this year, a total of fifty-three Mahwah students participated in the AMC contests. Jack Xiong
was the school winner for the AMC 12, with the highest school score of 111. Also receiving recognition for the
AMC 12 were Ben Koa, with a score of 102, and Josie McMurdy, with a score of 84. Elise Kronbichler was the
school winner for the AMC 10, with a score of 93. Also receiving recognition for the AMC 10 was Joshua Sequeira,
with a score of 84, and Jack Darrow, with a score of 82.5. Jack Xiong and Ben Koa qualified to take the American
Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME) by achieving an AMC 12 score of 99 or more. These students participated
in the AIME on March 19. Congratulations to all who competed and their coach, Mrs. Sharon Friess.
Community Problem Solvers - Project Peace of Mind
Congratulations to the Project Peace of Mind team, which took first place at the 2015 New Jersey State Future
Problem Solving Bowl. They went on to compete in the International Competition at Iowa State University in
June. Team members were Robert Al Moustafa, Jaiveer Bhasin, Griffin Charyn, Allyson Damante, Emma Maley,
Caitlin Pavon, Brianna Stoohs, and Matthew Trevisani.
Their coach was Mr. Justin Saputski.
Minds in Motion Recipients (High Honor
Roll and Varsity letter)
State Bowl Results
Athletic Accomplishments 2014-2015
Fall - Girls’ Tennis Patriot Division Champions
Spring - Baseball – Patriot Division Champions
Spring - Boys’ Tennis – Patriot Division Champions
12TH
Grade
Grade
10th Grade
9th Grade
11th
College Athlete Signees
John Salute – Football – Salve Regina
Ryan Remo – Baseball – Fordham
Matthew Colucci – Football – Salve Regina
Alyssa Baldi – Tennis – TCNJ
Deanna Burbridge – Softball – Queens College
Brett Gilman – Tennis – Bentley College
Ben Hartwick – Football – Monmouth
Damon Savastano – Football – Salisbury
Jonathan Davis – Football – Gettysburg
Emily Jordan – Soccer – Muhlenberg
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
23
25
7
3
12
11
9
9
17
17
9
2
All League, All County, All State Athletes
1ST
Team All-League
2nd Team All-League
Honorable Mention All-League
1st Team All-County
2nd Team All-County
2015 North Jersey Field Athlete of the Year – Jairus Paul – Senior
Milestones
Alyssa Baldi – eclipsed 100 career hits – softball
Anna Marie Nielsen – eclipsed 100 career hits – softball
Kelly Pushie – eclipsed 100 career goals – girls’ lacrosse
Taylor Herrmann – eclipsed 100 career goals – girls’ lacrosse.
Pictured to the right is Abbegayle Young swimming the 100
Breaststroke in our first meet against Passaic. Abbegayle came
in 2nd place in the event, and the girls’ team won the meet 9258.
FALL
20
18
7
1
1
WINTER
16
21
10
0
1
SPRING
22
21
11
5
7