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THOMAS R. GROVER MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Vol. 11, No. 1
September 2009
Principal’s
Principles
Once again, Happy New Year.
In case you have forgotten or
before you think I have gone
crazy, I realize it is not January
1st; however, in education,
September begins the new school year. While it
may sound a bit existential, September 1st has
come to have more meaning to me than January
1st. So, welcome back to school. Welcome to a
new school year, a new opportunity to take
advantage of all of the learning experiences
provided at Grover.
This was the first paragraph in last September’s
Principal’s Principles, and I still think the change
from August to September seems to be more logical for turning a new year than December to
January for numerous reasons, but I digress.
Well, last year was special because Grover
Middle School celebrated its 10th year in existence
(10 years of Learning Together). I was thinking it
would be difficult to top last year. Until I realized
Assistant
Principals’
Perspective
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
Actually, Happy New Grover Decade!
Ten years ago, on a cloudy Sunday
afternoon in October of 1999, the Thomas R. Grover
Middle School was dedicated with all the pomp and
circumstance the occasion deserved. At that time, we
envisioned that Grover would be a place where our
students would be well supported by a staff eager to help
them grow in their academic, social, and emotional
journey through the often tumultuous middle school
years. We work hard every day to achieve our vision and
have accomplished much in our ten-year history. As we
complete our first chapter, we are very proud of what our
school has become. We believe we have had a terrific
first ten years!
The beginning of the 2009-2010 school year is an
exciting time in the history of Grover Middle School, for
this year could prove even more exciting because
Grover is going to middle school. Wait a second,
isn’t Grover a middle school? Yes, Grover is a middle school and if Grover were an actual person he
would be eleven years old this year and entering
sixth grade. So, as Grover Middle School begins its
second decade, it, like its students and namesake,
are going through some changes: First, we welcome our new Assistant Principal, Mr. David
Argese, back to the Grover family. Second, we say
good-bye to the “E” teams and have moved team
teachers to different teams in 7th and 8th grade.
Third, we have renamed the teams in all three
grades T, G, M, S. That’s right the letters TGMS
will replace ABCD as team names. So you can see
our school is going through as many changes
physically, socially, psychologically and developmentally as a typical middle school student would
experience during adolescence.
My initial plan for this article was to sit with
Grover and have a Question and Answer session.
I imagined Grover could ask questions representing an everyman or every person for incoming sixth
graders and I could provide responses full of
principally wisdom for success in the middle
school. It would have gone something like this:
Continued on page 2
we are at the beginning again. This time,
as we embark upon our second decade,
it is a time to reflect on our past and prepare to expand our good work for the
future. Throughout the year, you will
hear of our endeavors in this column
and others, as we build on what we have
created and continue to make our school
stand out in every way imaginable. As
we write this, our teachers are busy setting up their classrooms and formulating
their plans, and our building is scheduled, beautified, and
ready for students. We have new team names at each
grade level [T, G, M, and S] and new combinations of
teachers in grades 7 and 8. We are eager to welcome our
new as well as returning “Jags” to what promises to be
another exhilarating year at Grover Middle School.
If you are already a part of our Grover family, you
know that our team consists of students, parents, staff
members, and administrators, all working together to
benefit “our” children. If you are just joining us, we hope
you will quickly discover that we truly enjoy partnering
with you each day. Please continue to be assured that our
doors are always open; we look forward to hearing from
Continued on page 2
JAGUAR JOURNAL
September 2009
Principal’s Principles
Page 2
Assistant Principals’ Perspective
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
GROVER: Do eighth graders really put sixth graders
inside lockers?
MR. LEPOLD: To my knowledge no eighth grader has
ever put a sixth grader inside a locker. As a matter of fact,
the only person ever stuck in a locker was an eighth grader who decided to step inside his locker to see if he could
fit. He fit; however, once inside he could not escape much
like a crab in a trap. Additionally, there is no need to fear
as sixth graders or as parents because the eighth graders
and sixth graders are rarely in the halls at the same time
and are rarely in the same part of the building. There are
bonuses to running three different schedules.
Unfortunately, the conversation never happened, so I
guess I am just going to have to get to the point. We are
so excited to start the new school year. Welcome back
Jags!
The Rule for Cell Phones:
OFF and Out of Sight
In an effort to maintain the sanctity
of the classroom, we ask all students to turn off their cell phones
and/or personal music devices and keep
them in their lockers during the school day—the
school day meaning from the time you arrive at
school until 2:46. We realize many students and
parents depend on cell phones to coordinate
rides after-school; however, there is no reason
to use a cell phone during the school day. Cell
phones and personal musical devices such as the
IPOD are a distraction in the classroom. In
order for us to provide our students with the
best learning experience possible in an environment that is conducive to learning, we need to
eliminate these distractions. Therefore, we
have changed the consequences for possession
of or use of cell phones in our code of conduct.
The first offense will be confiscation and
return only to a parent or guardian. The second
offense will be confiscation, Saturday
Detention, and parent conference.
Parents please be assured that students
can use the office phone in an emergency to call
for forgotten items or to arrange a ride.
Additionally, please do not call or text your
child during the school day. If there is an
emergency, please contact the main office at
716-5250.
you and your children at any time.
As you may have noticed from the picture, the administrative
team has our own good news to share…the arrival of our newest
member, Mr. David Argese. David is no stranger to our Grover family; he was one of our original staff members standing with us on
that Sunday in October of 1999. Here are a few words from David…
It is both an honor and privilege to be “coming back home”
to Grover Middle School. For our new students and incoming
sixth graders, you will soon discover that GMS is a very special
place. I was an eighth grade math teacher at Community Middle
School prior to coming over to Grover when it opened ten years
ago. I remember the excitement of teaching in a brand new
school, but I soon realized it was all of the people who truly made
Grover such a wonderful place. These included the teachers,
counselors, staff members, secretaries, custodians, administrators, and of course the students and their families. Every single
person at Grover is here to provide you, the students, with the
tools to be most successful.
Although middle school can be a challenging time, it can also
be a very exciting time filled with many opportunities for
discovery and growth. My wish for you is to take advantage of
some of these opportunities and get involved. This might include
joining an after school club, trying out for a team, auditioning for
the school play, playing an instrument or singing in the choir,
taking an elective class in an area you would like to explore and
learn more about, or playing a sport in the intramural program.
You’ll never know if you have an interest or passion for something unless you try it out, and middle school is the perfect
opportunity to do just that.
For the past five years, I’ve worked in WW-P at the elementary level as a math and science supervisor. This gave me the
opportunity to work closely with both new and experienced
teachers by offering them feedback, support, guidance, and
professional development. I was also in charge of leading a K-12
math curriculum committee last year and will continue to assume
this responsibility. Most recently, I worked on revising the math
curriculum this past summer with Barbara Braverman, the math
supervisor for grades 4-8, and over thirty teachers in eight
schools representing grades K-8.
If you’re a student who attended Dutch Neck, Maurice Hawk,
Town Center, or Wicoff, you may remember seeing me in your
classrooms or in the hallways. Since you have grown up and
changed a great deal from those early years, please remember to
say “hi” when you see me at Grover and remind me who you are
along with the school you attended. I’m looking forward to getting
to know you during your time here at Grover. I sincerely wish you
a happy, fun, and exciting year filled with many new learning
experiences and opportunities. Remember – each day we have a
choice, so I hope you choose to make every day a great one. Go
Jags!
Here’s to a great new decade!
Page 3
September 2009
Counse lor ’s Corne r
Welcome to a new school year at Grover! The counseling
department has already been hard at work this summer preparing
for the start of a new term. We look forward to working with our
students and we welcome your phone calls, emails, and scheduled visits. Here are some of the things we’ll be doing in the
coming months:
• Having “welcome back” meetings with students in their teams
• Holding weekly meetings with team teachers
• Running “new student” groups
• Facilitating other groups based on students’ interests and
needs
• Meeting with individual students, daily
• Attending Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) meetings
• Attending parent conferences and meeting individually with
parents
• Teaching developmental guidance lessons in the classrooms at
all grade levels
• Working with teachers and students in our “Let Me Learn”
program in 6th grade
• Helping students explore potential careers via “The Career
Game” in 8th grade
• Hosting “Coffee with the Counselors” events for our parents
• Visiting all 5th grade classrooms in the spring
• Coordinating our 8th to 9th grade transition program
• Assisting with the SAC transition groups in 8th grade
• Helping teachers and parents help kids
• Wiping away occasional tears, giving hugs, un-jamming
lockers, and more….
Our days are jammed packed and busy and we wouldn’t
have it any other way! Enjoy the challenges, laughter, and
excitement that a new school year brings. Remember that we are
here to help you over the “bumps” of middle school and share in
the joy of watching our young people grow into responsible
teens who are confident learners.
2009—2010 AMIGOS
Advisors: Ms. McKenna and Mrs. Hoeflinger
Mona Agarwal
Alex Allen
Scott Benerofe
Mike Byrnes
Alex Cohen
Luis Cruz
Garrett Erickson
Alexis Etheridge
Danny Fitzpatrick
Kevin Gu
Andrew Holubec
Katie Kempf
Sweta Konndapalli
Sohan Kumar
Jessica Lewinson
Jacob Lopez
Rohan Mishra
Jessi Musemeci
Andrea Ndubizu
Anthony Pisabaj
Peyton Pruce
Jeffrey Register
Isabelle Rose
Matt Saravia
Pooja Seth
Arjav Shah
Isabelle Tseng
Ankita Veta
Hanaan Yazdi
Yvonne Yu
JAGUAR JOURNAL
Grover’s Guidance Department
609-716-5250
6th Grade
Ms. Mary Fregosi (A-L): ext. 5257
[email protected]
Mrs. Linda D’Orlando
(M-Z) & Lead: ext. 5259
linda.d’[email protected]
7th Grade
Ms. Jenny Godnick: ext. 5239
[email protected]
8th Grade
Ms. Dawn Gilchrist: ext. 5258
[email protected]
Student Assistance Counselor: SAC
Ms. Nancy Himsel: ext. 5316
[email protected]
Guidance Intern
Ms. Trish Moscarello: ext. 5261
[email protected]
Guidance Intern
The Grover Guidance Department is pleased to
welcome Ms. Trish Moscarello to our team! Ms.
Moscarello began her teaching career here at Grover
in 2001. After teaching 8th graders for two years, she
switched to 7th grade and is currently the math teacher
on Team 7M. Ms. Moscarello is also in her final year of
her graduate program in counseling at Rider
University. Fortunately, she will be able to complete her
internship right here at Grover. She’ll certainly be busy
going back and forth from teaching math to working
with the school counselors, but she is excited and
enthused to embark on this journey! Welcome to
guidance, Ms. M!
FALL SPORTS
Fall sports will begin on or about September 9,
2009 and forms must be completed and on file in
the Nurse’s Office prior to trying out. In order to
be eligible for try-outs, practice or play, you must
have a signed parent permission slip and have
received a physical examination by your “home”
physician. All physicals must be within one year
prior to the start date.
JAGUAR JOURNAL
September 2009
STUDENT COUNCIL
Hi everyone! Suchira Sharma here, your student council
president. Welcome back Jags! I know summer’s over, but
no worries, another fantastic school year is right around
the corner. This year’s executive board includes our VicePresident Jay Gopalan, and our four Secretaries,
Margaret MacArthur, Jonathan Matthews, Sabrina
Olgin, and Sneha Salgam. Grover is an amazing school.
The time you spend here will be one you will never forget.
So whether you’re here for three, two or even one year;
make it one to remember forever.
One of several ways we make Grover special is
through programs and activities sponsored by our very
own Student Council. It is in charge of the majority of all
social events held here. Through dances, fundraisers, spirit weeks, you name it, Student Council helps to raise
money for charities and make school fun for all.
Speaking of charities, this year’s chosen state charity
is the Family Reach Foundation. The Family Reach
Foundation is an organization that has been around since
2003. Their mission: to provide financial and moral support
to families fighting pediatric cancers and other diseases
that children battle daily. Our mission: to raise money so
that we can help these families dealing with their tough
times. Fundraisers are currently being planned to benefit
this cause.
Our first fundraiser of the year has officially arrived! In
late September, we will be holding a Rita’s “Ice Night”
where a fraction of the proceeds from your sales are
donated to the Family Reach Foundation, making us on
our way to complete our goal of raising money. I hope to
see all Jags and their families there, supporting our cause
at this event.
But wait, there’s more! Very soon you will feel like
becoming a part of our student government. If so, all you
have to do is run for office. In the fall we have team elections for three positions as representatives, per team. And
in the spring, we hold elections for the six positions on
executive board; like the ones I’ve mentioned earlier. So if
you want to be a part of the decision making process here
at school, keep your ears and eyes open for announcements on how to be a part of the action.
I look forward to seeing everyone getting involved.
Whether it’s from running for office or showing up at our
fundraising events (like our upcoming Ice Night!), please
come out and show your school spirit by supporting YOUR
Student Council. This year is going to be a great one, but
let’s try to make it even better. Welcome back Jags, for
another unbelievable year together.
Sincerely,
Suchira Sharma
Student Council President
Page 4
S
T
A
P
Working Together/Learning Together
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It is with great pleasure that I am writing this letter to
welcome new and returning families to Grover Middle
School. I hope that you all enjoyed a fun summer and are
settling into the start of the new school year. I trust that
your Grover experience is as positive as it has been for my
family and me.
Grover Middle School has always worked to improve
upon its strong program—whether it is to attract and retain
highly qualified teachers and administrative staff or to
improve its educational programs. At the same time the
atmosphere exudes a strong Jaguar pride.
The PTSA strives to enhance the Grover experience
by providing fun and enriching programs and classroom
supplies that are meant to supplement classroom lessons.
This would not be possible without your help. Volunteers
make a difference in the education of our children. Years of
research have proven that children do better when their
parents are involved both at home and in school. We welcome you to volunteer your time and get involved. A
Volunteer Interest Form and descriptions of the many
things the PTSA does can be found on our website:
www.groverPTSA.org
To help fund educational materials, student assemblies, fun school spirit-building events and educational
awards the Grover School families voted to “Just Write A
Check” in place of multiple traditional fund raisers such as
gift wrap and coupon book sales. By writing a taxdeductible check to the Grover PTSA you are ensuring that
our children will continue to benefit from the great programs and activities the PTSA provides.
Finally, do not forget to become a member. Dues are
only $5.00, and we encourage moms, dads, guardians,
students and teachers/staff to become members. Stay
informed with our PTSA e-mail list, join a network of parents and teachers and enjoy the benefits of being a
National PTA member!
I am looking forward to a productive and fun year
ahead, and you can help to make that possible! With that,
I am confident that this school year will prove to be a
rewarding experience for you and your child.
Sincerely,
Melanie Lerner
President
Please see page 5 for PTSA events and projects.
Page 5
September 2009
JAGUAR JOURNAL
Thomas R. Grover Middle School PTSA
We are looking forward to another great school year!
Welcome PTSA Meeting
Wed., September 23, 2009
Grover Commons (Rear)
9:15 to 11 a.m.
“Navigating the New School Year”
Everything you wanted to know about Grover and didn’t know who to ask. Meet school staff and other parents.
Visit www.GroverPTSA.org for more info.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
JAZZ UP YOUR
BACK TO SCHOOL WARDROBE
WITH NEW JAGUAR CLOTHING!
Great new clothing designs will be available for sale.
Choose from a selection of sweatshirts, t-shirts, flannel
pants, and polo shirts. Show your Jaguar school spirit
by sporting the most up-to-date school fashions. Cash
and checks gladly accepted.
Contact Tracey Balestrieri at: [email protected]
Order forms are available on www.GroverPTSA.org.
Deadline to order is Friday, October 2, 2009.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PTSA Membership – Join Us!
Become a member of the Grover PTSA. Dues are only
$5. Everyone is welcome to join - moms, dads, students, teachers and staff. Get flyers and notices via our
PTSA Email list, join a network of parents and teachers, and enjoy the benefits of being a National PTA
member. Even if you cannot attend meetings, please
join. Membership Form is on www.GroverPTSA.org
Contact Linda DeMilt at: [email protected] or
Susan Druckman at: [email protected].
School and PTSA flyers will no longer be sent
home with students.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Student Directory Sales
Order your Grover Student Directory. This is a comprehensive listing of school staff and students. Directories
are only $5. Order form at www.GroverPTSA.org
Contact Eva Marie Schroeder at:
[email protected] or
Gina Finnie at: [email protected].
Deadline to order is Wednesday, September 30,
2009.
Scholastic Book Fair—Week of
October 5th
The Book Fair is the week of October 5th, between the
hours of 7:45am and 2:45pm, including lunch time.
Open late for families on Wed., October 7th from
6–9:00 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome.
Contact Leanne Bell at: [email protected]
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Grover Car Magnets—Only $5
Show your support for Grover Middle School by letting
your car wear one of our cool magnets! And why not
get one for your child’s locker as well?
Only $5 each! Contact Sarah Meadows at:
[email protected]
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Just Write A Check”
Tired of buying pizzas and gift wrap? We have the perfect solution. “JUST WRITE A CHECK”. All donations to
Grover PTSA are tax-deductible. Support our Parent
Programs, Student Assemblies, Teacher Mini-Grants,
Educational Materials, and Student Social Events. A
letter will be coming home in the mail with more
information.
Contact Pragna Mehta at: [email protected]
or Arthi Kannambadi at: [email protected]
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Corporate Proceeds
Did you know that every time you shop you can help
raise money for the Grover PTSA? Shop as you
normally would. Just send the receipts and logos to the
Grover PTSA. We have two collection boxes in the
school foyer by the Commons: one is for McCaffrey
receipts, Box Tops & Campbell’s proofs of purchase;
the other is for cell phones and toner cartridges.
Contact Andrea Crossey at [email protected]
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Father’s Initiative—Let’s Not
Forget the Dads!
The Grover PTSA Father’s Initiative is working to
ensure greater father and male involvement in
programs that support the safety, health, and academic and social development of all children.
Contact Andi Sjamsu at: [email protected]
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Visit our website at www.GroverPTSA.org.
Contact us via email at [email protected].
JAGUAR JOURNAL
September 2009
Page 6
Grover Middle School PTSA Calendar 2009-2010
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
9
14
16
17
17
23
28
1
5-9
7
9
22
23
Thursday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
Monday
Thursday
Mon.-Fri.
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Friday
2
3
5
6
11
20
23-24
25
26-27
3
23
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Friday
Mon. & Tues.
Wednesday
Thurs.-Fri.
Thursday
Wednesday
1
7
8
13
18
4
12-15
Friday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Monday
Thursday
Fri.-Mon.
4
10
19
29-31
1-2
8
8
Thursday
Wednesday
Friday
Mon.-Wed.
Thurs.-Fri.
Thursday
Thursday
6
7
12
27 & 28
31
TBA
TBA
2
4
10
16
17
18
18
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Thurs. & Fri.
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday
First Day of School
PTSA Committee Chair Kick-Off Meeting 9:30am
Back to School Night – 6th grade 6:30pm
Executive Board Meeting
Back to School Night – 7th and 8th grade 6:30pm
PTSA General Membership Annual Meeting 9:30am
Schools Closed: Yom Kippur
Executive Board Meeting
Scholastic Book Fair - Media Center 6-9pm
Parent Program: “Protecting Your Child in the Cyber Age”, NJ State Police 7:30 pm
7th & 8th Grade Welcome Back Dance
Early Dismissal: Parent-Teacher Conferences (grades 6-8)
Early Dismissal: Parent-Teacher Conferences (grades 6-8)
No PTSA General Meeting
Food Drive for Plainsboro Food Pantry begins
Executive Board Meeting
School Closed – NJEA Convention
School Closed – NJEA Convention
PTSA General Membership Meeting 9:30am
6th Grade Activity Night
Please email
Early Dismissal (K-8) Parent-Teacher Conferences
[email protected]
Early Dismissal (K-12). Thanksgiving Recess
with any changes or
Schools Closed. Thanksgiving
Executive Board Meeting
corrections.
Early Dismissal K-12 (Winter Recess 12/24/09-1/1/10)
No PTSA General Meeting
Schools Closed: Winter Recess
Executive Board Meeting
7th Grade Dance 7:00pm
PTSA General Membership Meeting 9:30am
Schools Closed: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Executive Board Meeting
Schools Closed: Presidents Weekend
No PTSA General Meeting
Executive Board Meeting
PTSA General Membership Meeting 9:30am
6th Grade Activity Night
Schools Closed: Spring Recess (Spring Recess: 3/29/10-4/2/10)
Schools Closed: Spring Recess
Executive Board Meeting
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation 6:30pm (PTSA information table)
No PTSA General Meeting
Executive Board Meeting
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
PTSA General Membership Meeting 9:30am Election of Officers 2010-11
Possible school closing: see below for more information
Schools Closed: Memorial Day
Summer Reading Program Book Sales Starts
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
PTSA Volunteer Recognition Breakfast & Installation of Officers 9:30am
8th Grade End of Year Dance
Cameos
8th Grade Awards
8th Grade Salute at High School South 6:00pm
8th Grade Picnic
Last Day of School (Early Dismissal Day)
The last day of school will be held on June 18, 2010. If we have one emergency closing, school will be in session on May
27, 2010. If two emergency days are used, school will be in session on May 28, 2010. If we exceed two emergency dates,
we will review the days off for spring recess. If we have no emergency closing days, we will be closed from May 27, 2010
through May 31, 2010.
Dates are subject to change. Updated: 8/25/09
Page 7
September 2009
JAGUAR JOURNAL
GROVER CHOSEN AS A PILOT SCHOOL
Grover Middle School is one of sixteen secondary
schools chosen by the State Department of
Education to pilot Personalized Learning Plans. This
past spring Mary Fregosi, 6th grade guidance counselor, working with the sixth grade teachers and
administration wrote a proposal for a grant to pilot
personalized learning plans for every 6th grade student. These plans will follow the students through
their secondary education. The plans have three
components: Personal, Academic and Career. We
have worked to develop goals for each of these areas
and the students will be working with their sixth grade
teachers and guidance counselors to take interest
and learning surveys as they begin to set personal
goals for their own personal, academic, and career
development. The basis for the Personalized
Learning Plan is Let Me Learn, an Advanced
Learning System that provides an inward look at students’ internalized behaviors, an outward analysis of
their actions, and a vocabulary for communicating
both to those within their learning environment.
The process will begin in September when all
sixth grade students will take a learning inventory,
called the LCI during September. The LCI will help
students identify their learning pattern preference.
There are four learning patterns: Precise,
Sequential, Technical, and Confluent.
The Precise Processor needs: Correct
Information, Detailed Information, Asking/
Answering Questions, Writing Detailed Answers.
The person who uses the Precise pattern on a Use
First basis takes detailed notes, asks plenty of
questions, and answers questions in a highly specific manner. The precise pattern wants to know
exactly what is going on.
The person who uses the Sequential pattern on
a Use First basis is most comfortable following stepby-step directions and completing assignments from
beginning to end without interruption. The sequential
pattern seeks order and consistency. This type of
processor needs: Clear Directions, Practice/
Planning, Time to Complete Work, Neatness.
The person who uses the Technical pattern on
a Use First basis seeks to problem-solve, doesn’t
like to write out answers, and learns best from
experience. That person processes technically
using stand-alone, independent reasoning. The
Technical
Processor
needs:
Technical
Reasoning/Hands On, Autonomy/Outside Real
World Experiences, Problem Solving.
The person who uses the Confluent pattern on
a Use First basis tends to avoid conventional
approaches, seeks alternative ways to complete
assignments, often starts before hearing all the
directions, and improvises. Confluent processors
rely on intuition rather than specific information or
knowledge of how something works. They need to:
Use Own Ideas, Use Imagination, Use
Presentations/Creative Writing, Risk Taking.
The teachers and counselors will teach 6th
grade students about their individual learning patterns, so our students will be able to articulate how
they learn. To learn more about Let Me Learn,
please check out their website: www.letmelearn.
org. Much of the information for this article was
taken directly from this website.
Academic Integrity Expectations
This year as a result of conversations at Site-Base
council, a group of teachers, parents, students, and
administrators, GMS will have students and their parents
sign a pledge to do their own work and follow school
rules about academic integrity.
After parents and
students sign the
pledge it should
be returned to the
student’s
IRLA
teacher. We are
hoping to begin
the year with a
discussion
on
Academic Integrity
within the first few
days of school in
all classes and
hope parents will
use the pledge as
an opportunity to
continue the conversation about integrity at home. Additionally, we will
have a poster stating the Academic Integrity Expectations
with the pledge displayed in every classroom to serve as
a reminder for teachers and students.
JAGUAR JOURNAL
September 2009
Dress Code
Appropriate choice of clothing and good grooming are expected. Clothing that disrupts or inhibits
education or endangers the safety of the individual or the safety of others is not permitted. The
types of clothing listed below are considered not
proper for school and will not be permitted in
school:
☛ Outdoor clothing (hats, coats, heavy jackets,
etc.) unless climatic conditions warrant
exceptions.
☛ Clothing that is designed especially for highly
physical or out-of-school activities (tank tops,
leotards, swimwear, etc.), unless required for
an activity.
☛ See-through clothing without under-garments
or clothing that obviously displays undergarments.
☛ Clothing that exposes any part of the midriff
(belly shirts, shrinks, halters, bra tops, etc.)
6S Gets Ready
Team 6S is looking forward to a super start to the
year. The teachers are planning some great, gettingto-know-you activities for the students. We will take
time during the first week or so to help students adjust
to middle school life. We are also looking forward to
meeting the stellar parents of the S Team at Back to
School Night on September 16th. The teachers will
share curriculum, and ideas to support student learning at that time. The S Team teachers are Glenn
DelSignore for Math, Mary Parker for Science, Kim
Reynolds for Social Studies, Toni Russo for IRLA,
Judy Kroll and Jen Warwick for Special Ed.
Welcome to the Team!
6G Welcomes Ms. Frost
6G is excited to Welcome Ms. Amanda Frost to our
team and Grover as our new Social Studies teacher.
Ms. Frost is replacing Mrs. Helen Tyson who is retiring after many years in the West Windsor-Plainsboro
School District. Ms. Frost is a wonderful addition to
the team and sixth grade staff. Please be sure to give
her a Grover welcome when you see her.
Page 8
PICK-UP & DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
We need your help to alleviate the potentially dangerous situations in our parking lots.
A.M. DROP-OFF: ALL Students MUST be
dropped off at the curb in the BACK OF THE
SCHOOL AND ENTER THROUGH THE COMMONS
REAR DOORS. This includes early drop off for all TV
students.
P.M. PICK-UP: After school hours, please pull up
at the curb in front of the school well past the main
door entrance, in a single lane.
SPORTS PICK-UP: Please use caution when
picking your child up in the front of the school
after sports practice.
BE AWARE: When the orange cones are out, the
GROVER TRACK TEAM WILL BE CROSSING
THROUGH THE PARKING AREA.
YOUR ATTENTION, COOPERATION, and ASSISTANCE ARE VITAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE
MOST PRECIOUS MEMBERS OF OUR GROVER
MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILY.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO HAVE
ALL ESSENTIAL MATERIALS WITH HIM/HER
BEFORE LEAVING FOR SCHOOL. THIS
INCLUDES LUNCHES, BOOKS, SPORTS
EQUIPMENT, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, ETC. WE WILL NOT
INTERRUPT CLASSES TO CALL STUDENTS TO
THE MAIN OFFICE FOR PICK-UPS.
CLUB INFO
Club Sign-up Time!
Join the fun! Students…are you
interested in Crafts? Chess? Dancing? Games?
Lego Robotics? 24 Math? Then an after-school
club may be just the thing for you!
There are many clubs offered here at Grover
so come check them out. Clubs take place on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:47-3:45 from
September 22 – December 17. Students can ride
the 4:00pm late bus home.
Be on the lookout. Club sign-up forms will be
coming home the first week of school. Club
choices are due back Tuesday, September 15th.
Page 9
F O R
September 2009
Y O U R
JAGUAR JOURNAL
I N F O R M A T I O N
Thomas Grover Middle School Main Number: 716-5250
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Wednesday, Sept. 9, the first day
of school is a full day.
SCHOOL HOURS: First Bell
7:32 a.m.
Warning Bell
7:37 a.m.
Period 1
7:40 a.m.
Dismissal
2:46 p.m.
TEL-SAFE: When your child is absent, notify the school by
calling Tel-Safe at 716-5250 x5260. Leave your child's name,
grade, homeroom, and reason for absence. The machine is
operational 24 hours a day. If the school doesn't receive a
message about your child, you will receive a call to verify your
child's absence. If no one can be reached, the police will be
notified.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTS: Parents have the opportunity to meet as a group with their child's teachers and learn
about specific course expectations. This is not intended as
an individualized conference. Mark your calendars to
reserve the applicable dates:
September 16, Grade 6
September 17, Grades 7 & 8
Look for your child to bring home more detailed information
after school starts.
TARDINESS: Students are tardy if they arrive at school
after 7:40 a.m. They must sign in at the Attendance Office
before going to class or homeroom.
EARLY DISMISSAL: Students leaving school before
2:46 p.m. need to present a note at the Attendance Office
before 7:40 a.m. A Parent must meet and sign the child out
in the Attendance Office.
DELAYED OPENINGS: Please note that the District has
changed its policy to a 90-minute delayed opening in
emergency situations (usually weather-related conditions).
On such days, GMS will start at 9:13 am. SCHOOL CANCELLATION AND EARLY DISMISSALS due to inclement
weather can be found:
On the school Website: www.ww-p.org
Or by dialing: 609-716-5000
It is essential that parents put plans in place for this type of
emergency. School and District phones get overwhelmed
with volume, so parents who do not have access to the
radio need to arrange a phone chain or buddy system.
LUNCH: Students are given 40 minutes for lunch and
recess/quiet study. They may bring lunch from home or buy
school lunch. Milk, cookies and other a la carte items are
also available. Information about establishing lunch
accounts can be found on the website.
AGENDA BOOKS: All students will receive an agenda
book in which to record homework assignments. A fee will
be charged if a replacement is needed.
VISITORS: Adult visitors are welcome at Grover Middle
School. All visitors should make arrangements through the
Main Office and must report there for a visitor's pass as
soon as they enter the building. Parents who wish to visit
specific classes should contact the department supervisor.
Student visitors cannot be accommodated.
HEALTH SERVICES: Students may report to the Health
Office before school or during class with a pass. If a student feels ill during class, the student needs to ask the
teacher for a pass to the nurse before leaving class. The
school nurse will determine whether students must leave
school and in that event she will contact parents.
MEDICATION: All medication must be administered by the
nurse and stored in the Health Office. A signed order by the
physician, with specific directions for administration, and a
bottle labeled by the pharmacist designating the patient's
name, instructions, name of drug and name of physician are
required for both prescription and nonprescription drugs. If
your child requires one day of a nonprescription drug, it may
be brought to the Nurse's Office with a note from a parent.
LOCKERS: Students will be assigned a hall locker and a
gym locker. Students are assigned combinations and
should not give their combinations to anyone else.
Students should report any lockers that are in need of
repair to the main office. Lockers may not be used to store
anything that is dangerous, illegal, stolen, or not permitted
in school. Lockers remain the property of the school and
can be searched. Gym lockers will have locks issued; students are responsible for maintaining these locks.
SCHOOL PROPERTY: Students are responsible for the
care of all school items they use. This includes textbooks,
library materials, science and physical education equipment, life skills materials and art and technology supplies.
All obligations for lost or damaged property must be paid
before the end of school. Textbooks should be covered and
the name of student and teacher written on the cover.
With the advent of our web-based student management
system, INFINITE CAMPUS, parents now have the ability to see students’ grades on an on-going basis. Grades
are posted on-line two weeks after classroom assessments have taken place. Therefore, Progress Reports are
no longer sent home during the school year. In addition,
Report Cards will be available for parents to view on-line
from home on the following dates:
November 18, January 27, April 14 and June 25.
If you need to establish an account or are having
trouble accessing your child’s information in Infinite
Campus, please do not call the school. Send an e-mail
to [email protected] and someone will get
back to you. If you do not have access to a computer,
please contact your child’s guidance counselor, and a
paper report card will be mailed to your home.
JAGUAR JOURNAL
September 2009
I M P O R TA N T
Page 10
D AT E S
September 16: Back to School Night – 6th Grade
September 17: Back to School Night – 7th & 8th Grade
HALF DAYS
October 22, 23 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23, 24 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25 – Beginning Thanksgiving Reces3
December 23 – Beginning Winter Recess
June 19 – Last Day of School
HOLIDAYS / NO SCHOOL
September 28 – Yom Kippur
November 5, 6 – NJEA Convention
November 26, 27 – Thanksgiving Recess
December 24 – January 1 – Winter Recess
January 18 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
February 12, 15 – Presidents’ Weekend
March 29 – April 2 – Spring Recess
May 31 – Memorial Day
May 27, 28 – Built-in Emergency Days
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
September 2, 3, 8
CYCLE COURSE DATES
6th GRADE
CYCLE
1
2
3
4
5
DATES
Sept.9 – Nov. 4
Nov. 9 – Jan. 14
Jan. 15 – Mar. 26
Apr. 5 – Jun. 18
NO. OF
DAYS
40
40
48
52
REPORT CARDS
AVAILABLE ON-LINE
November 18
January 27
April 14
June 25
LUNCH PRICES
$2.35 Full Lunch
entrée with bread, fruit, vegetable & milk
50¢ Milk
NO. OF
DAYS
36
35
37
36
36
GRADES
REPORTED
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
1
2
3
4
4
GRADES
REPORTED
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
Marking Period
1
2
3
3
4
4
7th GRADE
CYCLE
1
2
3
4
5
6
DATES
Sept. 9 – Oct. 21
Oct. 22 – Dec. 8
Dec. 9 – Jan. 29
Feb. 1 – Mar. 16
Mar. 17 – May 4
May 5 – June 18
NO. OF
DAYS
30
30
30
30
30
30
8th GRADE
MARKING PERIOD DATES
PERIOD
1
2
3
4
DATES
Sept. 9 – Oct. 29
Oct. 30 – Dec. 23
Jan. 4 – Feb. 26
Mar. 1 – Apr. 26
Apr. 27 – June 18
CYCLE
1
2
3
DATES
Sept. 9 – Dec. 8
Dec. 9 – Mar. 16
Mar. 17 – June 18
NO. OF
DAYS
60
60
60
GRADES
REPORTED
Marking Period 2
Marking Period 3
Marking Period 4
PARENTS’ PAPERWORK
✔ CHECKLIST
Please watch for these important items to be
sent home within the first week of school.
Each needs to be filled out and promptly
returned.
✔ Academic Integrity Expectations
✔ Acknowledgement of Receipt of
Student Handbook
✔ Emergency Card
✔ Insurance Forms
✔ Free/Reduced Lunch Forms
Page 11
September 2009
JAGUAR JOURNAL
Thomas R.Grover Middle School Staff List 2009-2010
ADMINISTRATORS
Principal Dennis Lepold
Assistant Principals
Bev Krocker • David Argese
SUPERVISORS
Karen Schubert-Ramirez – IRLA • Barbara Braverman – Math
Miriam Robin – Science • Mark Wise – Social Studies
Rosanne Zeppieri – World Language
Carol Meulener – World Language
GUIDANCE
Linda D’Orlando, Lead, Grade 6, M-Z
Mary Fregosi, Grade 6 A-L
Jenny Godnick, Grade 7
Dawn Gilchrist, Grade 8
TEAM 6T
Bethann Kinney, IRLA
Janine Lang, Math
Suzan Milman, Science
Nancy Tummillo, SS
Linda Melski, SE
TEAM 6G
Marnie Dratch, IRLA
Lisa Pacifico, Math
Gene Buck, Science
Amanda Frost, SS
Gennifer Mastro, SE
TEAM 6M
Rose Stevens, IRLA
Kathleen Kempf, Math
John Frasco, Science
John Cochrane, SS
Sheryl Morro, SE
TEAM 6S
Toni Russo, IRLA
Glenn DelSignore, Math
Mary Parker, Science
Kimberly Reynolds, SS
Jennifer Warwick, SE
Judi Kroll, SE
TEAM 7T
Mary Menna, IRLA
Sathu Solai, Math
Richard Stec, Science
George Agalias, SS
Eileen Marland, IRLA
Lisa Witt-Pinaire, SE
TEAM 7G
Ann Mika, IRLA
Joyce Schenker, Math
Deborah Cohen, Science
Jay Thompson, SS
Eileen Marland, IRLA
Melissa Morris, SE
TEAM 7M
Virginia Macaluso, IRLA
Patricia Moscarello, Math
Brian McGurney, Science
Deborah Doolittle, SS
Eileen Marland, IRLA
Brooke O’Scanlon, SE
TEAM 7S
Valerie Perhacs, IRLA
Steve Gold, Math
Shirley Allan, Science
Wayne Wendel SS
Eileen Marland, IRLA
Steve Beste, SE
Candace Musawwir, SE
TEAM 8T
Tracey Mengedoth, IRLA
Tara Dailey, Math
Kathy Mora, Science
Kathleen Tepel, SS
Kim Hoeflinger, SE
Kimberly Dolin, SE
TEAM 8G
Sara Fiess, IRLA
Barbara Young, Math
Teresa Maone, Science
Lynne Kirkpatrick, SS
Katie Delaney, SE
TEAM 8M
Jennifer Boutros, IRLA
Andrea Bean, Math
Andy Maskell, Science
Frank Cincotta, SS
Erica Linfante, SE
TEAM 8S
Stacey Friedman, IRLA
Mike Delasandro, Math
Rae McKenna, Science
Seamus Dowling, SS
Jodi Lipman, SE
Media Specialist
Patricia Radwanski
SPECIAL SERVICES
Meryl Goldstein, Psychologist
Nancy Himsel, SAC
Veronica Christenson, Speech Pathologist
Randi Levine, Social Worker
Diane McGovern, LDTC
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
Jen Baier
Gaye Cohen
Jan Nugent
Eileen Robb
Linda Schuster
Ivan Snow
Jocelyn Nordstrom
COMPUTER
Sharon Feig, Facilitator
Chris Edwards, Computer Technician
Leslie Kessler
Sharon Merritt
HEALTH
Nancy Kazior
Kathy O’Donnell
Physical Education
Kenneth Brzezynski • Owen O’ Shea • Jan Pittas
Michael Santoro • Linda Weingart
NURSE
Michelle Crilly
PERFORMING ARTS/TV
Richard Coppola
Deanna Whearty
ART
Sandy Bonasera • Diane Lufrano
Amy Picco
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Dennis Cassidy
Mel Jones
LIFE SKILLS
Ellen Jinks
Susan Mercurio
MATH LAB-LITERACY LAB
Faye Airey, Math Lab
Ginny McNeil, Literacy Lab
Pam Twiggs, Literacy Lab
Cindy Tantum, Literacy Lab
A&E MATH
Alyce Doehner, Bill Maloney
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, BAND
James Fultz
Glenn Kaufmann
GENERAL MUSIC, CHOIR
Louise Haemmerle
Jodi Johnston
Maureen Murphy-Fernandez
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, ORCHESTRA
Robert Peterson
Mariana Vasiliu
GROVER SECRETARIES
Diane Trybulski, Principal’s
Donna Cook, Receptionist
Suzanne Hoedl, Media Center
Patricia Kahlenberg, Administrative
Sharon Lasbury, Guidance
Judy Novack, Financial
Margaret O’Brien, Attendance/Nurse
PRISM
Joan Ruddiman
WORLD LANGUAGE
Diane Chiocca, French
Marsha Browne, French
Jamie Micallef, French
Cherine Zaki-Hucal, French
Dayci Chivukula, Spanish
Rhounda de Windt, Spanish
Maricel Martin, Spanish
Karina Padron, Spanish
Melissa Yount, Spanish
Ann Marie Waidelich, German
Susan Hsueh, Chinese
Suey-Lain (Alicia) Pei, Chinese
CUSTODIANS
Don Davison, Jr. – Operations Foreman
Lou Maressa – Maintenance
Tino Aguilar
Ron Daniels
Marco DeLucien
John Kurfuss
Maria Gloria Lima
Dora Roman
Karen Sun
Chih-Shong Kou
JAGUAR JOURNAL
Thomas R. Grover Middle School
10 Southfield Road
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Princeton, NJ
Permit No. 323
Thomas R. Grover Middle School
Principal
Dennis J. Lepold
Assistant Principals
David Argese
Beverly L. Krocker
Supervisors
Karen Schubert-Ramirez, IRLA
Barbara Braverman, Math
Miriam Robin, Science
Mark Wise, Social Studies
Rosanne Zeppieri, Carol Meulener,
World Languages
School Counselors
Linda D’Orlando
Mary Fregosi
Dawn Gilchrist
Jenny Godnick
Nancy Himsel,
Student Assistance Counselor
Editors
Michelle Crilly
Sharon Lasbury
Kathy O'Donnell, Photography
Calendar 2009
September 9 ....................................
September 16 ...............................................
September 17 ...............................................
September 22, 23, 24 ...................................
September 28 ...................................
October 5 – 9................................................
October 7 ......................................................
October 7 ......................................................
October 9 ......................................................
October 22 & 23 ................................
November 4 ..................................................
November 5 & 6 ................................
November 18 ................................................
November 20 ................................................
November 23 & 24 .............................
November 25 ....................................
November 26 & 27 .............................
First Day School (FULL DAY)
6th grade Back to School Night 6:30pm
7&8 grade Back to School Night 6:30pm
School Pictures
School Closed (Yom Kippur)
PTSA Book Fair
PTSA Parent Internet Safety Program 7:30pm
PTSA Book Fair for Parents Media 6:30pm
7 & 8 Welcome Dance 7 – 9pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences Early Dismissal @ 12:12pm
End of Marking Period 1
School Closed (NEA Convention)
Report Cards available on line
6th Activity Night 7 – 9pm
Parent/Teacher Conference Early Dismissal @ 12:12pm
Early Dismissal Thanksgiving Break @ 12:12pm
School Closed Thanksgiving Break
Look for upcoming issues of the Jag Journal
Fall issue will be available in December online only • Winter issue will be available in March online only
Spring issue will be mailed in June and also available online.
Go to www.www-p.org; select Grover Middle School: select Newsletters