Excellence in Academics, Athletics and the Arts
East Brunswick Public Schools
District E-News
November 4, 2011
...including
Volume 41, Issue 7
School Board Highlights
from the October 27 Board of Education meeting...
Reminder: Board of Education (BOE) meetings are video broadcast on EBTV, Comcast Channel 3
and Verizon FIOS Channel 37, as follows: Mondays at 1:00 pm and 10:00 pm and Fridays at 9:00
pm. You can also go to EBTV’s Video on Demand option to view BOE meetings at your convenience.
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Dr. Magistro’s Superintendent’s Report:
The artwork hanging in the boardroom was done by students at Chittick School.
Thank you to the Chittick students and their art teachers, Greg Baron and
Laurie Denenberg and Principal Steve Decker.
Since 2003, school districts throughout New Jersey have been observing State-wide School Violence Awareness Week.
during the third week in October. This year the events
and activities planned were a great follow-up to Respect Week, further emphasizing the aspects that en
sure a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
Pink was everywhere when the EBHS Girls Volleyball Team played
Edisons's J.P. Stevens on October 19. It was the squad's second annual Live Pink/Volley for
Cancer event. Hats off to the girls and Coaches Melissa Strauss and Greg Rutz whose team
spirit and hard work raised more than $4,300 for Cancer research. See Video
During the month of October High School athletes visited the elementary schools to talk about good sportsmanship with 5th graders.
Our athletes are often commended for their fine sportsmanship.
What better way for our younger students to learn respect and appreciation for one another both on and off the field than from their older
peers. See Video
The fall sports season is winding down. I am pleased to report that the Girls Tennis Team and
both the Boys and Girls Soccer Team are Red Division champs. Girls Tennis, Girls Gymnastics
and Field Hockey all won the GMC championship title in their respective sports. Both Boys and
Girls Soccer played in the GMC semi-finals on October 27. The boys won 3-0 and will play in
the finals on Saturday. The girls lost 2-1. Good luck to our Fall varsity teams all of which qualified for State tournament play.
The week of October 24-28 was Spirit Week at EBHS…what were the
traditional hall decorations moved into the cafeteria and were the
decorations for the “Spirit Week’” dance. The school-wide pep rally
on October 28 was perfect timing as our teams headed into State
tournament play on October 31.
CJHS, HMS and Irwin, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
and UMDNJ, are in the second year of implementing Positive
Behavior Supports in Schools…PBSIS. The purpose of PBSIS is
to create a school-wide positive learning environment for all students with specific interventions for students with more intensive needs. On October 20 educators from Iceland visited both
HMS and Irwin to see the program in action. Following the visits, in a thank you from UMDNJ’s Sharon Lorland, Director of
the PBSIS program stated, “The folks from Iceland were impressed and commented about how
much they took away from the visit. Presentations and tours by the students were phenomenal. It was one of the best experiences in recent memory!”
On October 21 the Sociology/Intergenerational Studies II Class held a
World’s Fair Heritage Festival. Totally planned and implemented by
the students, this activity included a buffet of foods from around the
world and a fashion show with clothes from a wide variety of cultures.
Both the students and their senior citizen partners learned from each
other as they discussed past and present history and social practices
and how they impact life today. See all Pictures and video
Parents of students in grades K-3 had an opportunity to learn more about the
revised report cards and have their questions answered at a Parent University
on October 24. Attendance was light, a sign that the information received at
Back-to-School Night was helpful. The questions asked and the answers will be
added to the Q&A online. Thank you to Debbie Gulick, Darlene Alderoty, Trudy
Atkins, Joe Csatari, Pam Mayo and Chris Raymond for attending. Teachers
used the revised report card when addressing parents’ questions during parent/teacher conferences.
The Student Services Committee meeting agenda on October 26 included an
update on the Lowe’s Learning Labs. Students at HMS and the EBHS are already learning important life skills in these “home-like” learning environments.
Many thanks to Lowe’s for their generous contributions to this project! The
CJHS lab will be completed over the summer. See full update and pictures
October was Principals Month. The Resolution of Proclamation on the agenda recognizes the
for their hard work and dedication of our principals and assistant principals. Though there is
not a nationally proclaimed “Supervisor/Department Chair” month, it is the collaboration between our Supervisors/Department Chairs and Principals that provides for ongoing evaluation
and improvement of curriculum and instruction in the district.
Much success to the PTAs holding their Halloween events on October 28
and to the East Brunswick Band Boosters Association and the EBHS
Marching Band who are sponsoring the 13th Annual Marching Band Festival on October 29.
Several of us attended the Annual School Boards Conference October 24-26 where required
training was completed by our Board members.
Reports and Presentations:
FY2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Auditor’s Report was presented by
David Kaplan from D.A.K. Certified Public Accountants.
Note: The independent auditor rendered an unqualified opinion on the financial reports, which
is the highest form of assurance that can be given. The audit reflected zero recommendations
requiring no corrective actions.
Following the presentation, Bernardo Giuliana, Business Administrator/Board Secretary,
applauded the Finance Department led by Director, Joseph Crotchfelt and Senior Manager of
Accounting, Tara Rosenvinge for their work throughout the year and the preparation leading
up to the audit.
Vicki Becker, Chair of the Board Finance Committee, thanked the Financial Services Department and complimented the staff on their very successful audit.
The Board:
Approved a Resolution of Proclamation for National Principals Month.
Approved a Resolution of Proclamation for American Education Week, November 13-19, 2011.
Accepted, with gratitude, a gift in the amount of $5,000 from the Warnsdorfer PTA that will be
used to purchase five wireless access points.
Approved a contract for Ithacapella, one of the premier male collegiate a cappella groups in the
world. On November 22, the singers will work with students in grades 6-12 focusing on pop
style, harmonization, improvisation and healthy singing practices. The contract will be funded
through a grant from the East Brunswick Education Foundation. SAVE THE DATE...in the
evening, the group will perform for the community at the EBPAC beginning at 7:00 pm.
Committee Reports and Good of the Cause for the Board:
Vicki Becker, Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee reported that the Finance Committee
received a preview of the audit at an October 18 meeting. As the Chair of the Technology/
Website Committee that met on October 20
Vice President Meredith Shaw, also Vice President of the Garden State Coalition of Schools
(GSCS) reported on the October 19 meeting of the GSCS where legislation likely to pass during
the lame duck session was discussed. Mrs. Shaw also commented on the School Boards
Association Conference where she attended a workshop that focused on students in the middle.
Chair of the Student Services Committee, Dr. Susan Karp spoke enthusiastically about the
meeting held on October 26. She is looking forward to giving a complete report on what is taking place in the Student Services Department to meet the needs of all students at the next
Board meeting. Dr. Karp also reminded everyone to vote in the November 8 election when all
120 legislative positions will be on the ballot.
Around the District
Bowne-Munro: The Grand Falloons present "Our Earth, What
Gas"...this assembly, brought to Bowne by
the PTA to enhance the science curriculum examined the bubble of our atmosphere, the basics we need to survive in that
bubble and the delicate cycles of the Carbon/Oxygen/Hydrogen exchange between
the Plant and Animal Kingdoms. Students learned how wasted resources,
litter and other pollution threaten that simple but delicate balance, trapping gasses and warming the
Earth's atmosphere, and the simple ways we can all chip in to take care of Our Earth.
Central: Senator Barbara Buono spoke
to 5th graders about the legislative process.
Chittick: On October 18 children's author Daryl Cobb visited Chittick. In the morning he sang and told stories to students in grades K2. Following lunch with the students who read the most books during
the summer, he held a writer's workshop for grades 3-5.
October 18 was also New Jersey Rett Syndrome Awareness Day. On
behalf of Abby, a Chittick student with Rett Syndrome, the school community dressed in purple. Rett Syndrome is a genetically-caused disorder seen almost exclusively
in girls. Rett Syndrome girls appear healthy in the
early months, but as toddlers they begin to regress
in development and lose ability in language and
social ability. For further information about Rett
Syndrome, you can go to the web site of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation,
www.rettsyndrome.org.
Irwin: Many students and their families enjoyed getting ready for Halloween at the PTA
sponsored "Decorate a Halloween Bag" event .
Irwin: Staff and students enjoyed working together at
the school community’s second annual car wash.
Funds raised will be used to support “Road to Success,’
Irwin’s PBSIS program.
Ben Embly Half Mile Run: Forty-nine (49) 5th graders from all eight elementary schools participated in this
annual event held by the physical education teachers to
celebrate their retired colleague. Pictured with Physical
Education/Athletic Supervisor, Frank Noppenberger are
from Lawrence Brook and Warnsdorfer.
Memorial: Students enjoyed shopping at the PTA sponsored
book fair. Elementary PTAs throughout the district generally
hold two book fairs per year. These events are a win/win in
that the pleasure of reading is encouraged for student and the
PTAs raise funds and/or obtain books to enhance classroom
independent reding libraries.
School Violence Awareness Week (Peace Week)
Public School districts throughout New Jersey observe School Violence Awareness Week the third week
in October . This year, activities were the perfect follow-up to Respect Week, held the first week in October. Both weeks acrivities provided opportunities to emphasize the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
Bowne-Munro
Several staff members performed a school-wide assembly depicting
the book, One by, Kathyrn Otoshi. One is an anti-bullying book that
uses splotches of color and numbers to speak of the power of one person to stand up and initiate change. Students certainly enjoyed
watching their teachers perform a skit sending a positive message
about acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion.
Detective Uncle of the EB police
department spoke to 4th and 5th
graders about anti-bullying and
the importance of standing up for
others.
Lawrence
Brook
Students signed a pledge to
be a buddy, not a bully.
Sergeant Knoll
Irwin
of the East
Brunswick
Police Department came to
Irwin to speak to
4th and 5th
graders about
what they can
do to prevent
violence and
vandalism within our town.
Frost
Memorial
“Improv for Kids” was an interactive assembly in
which students participated in original skits
about various topics including bullying.
East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF)
The EBEF’s Annual Fall Fashion Show/Dinner was held on November 2. The Fashion Show Committee
and the EBEF would like to thank all those who supported this event. The always spectacular theme
basket raffle was better than ever thanks in large part to donations from the PTAs and staff members.
EBEF President Jack Levitt and Joel Young, Vice President Emceed the event. First Lady of the Foundation grant winners were announced.
Congratulations to: Norma Commerford from HMS/“IPads and EB Math-Perfect Together;” Susan
Naturale, Maryann Lair, Colleen Gill, Lorri Goldstein, Patricia Hauser, Julie Poleshuk, Michael Finnegan, Robin Brodenstein, Amal Moussa, Briana Sarapochillo and Cynthi Mazza from Lawrence
Brook/“Year of the Dragon;” Danna Eastep from EBHS/“I saw it in a Movie Once;” Lois Moskowitz
from EBHS/“Projecty Discovery Career Development;” and Beth Warren, Jessica Martilotto-Lindsay
and Bonnie Benkard/“Dynamic Differentiated Learning.” The evening culminated with staff members
from all 12 district buildings modeling fashions from Loehmann’s, East Brunswick. Nearly 300 people
attended and funds raised will be used to enhance and enrich teaching and learning throughout the district. pictures
Tickets: Adults $20,
Students/Seniors/Staff $12
For more information call (732)613-EBEF(3233)
Community Bulletin Board Announcements
$ave money and support our schools! Find out how at www.ebef.org
Friday, November 4
Chittick School PTA Tricky Tray- Pre-sale entry
tickets are $10.00 per person. Contact Susy
Heredia at [email protected] or Kim Perez at
848-228-1591.
EBHS
6:00 PM
Saturday, November 5
Chittick School Fall Clothing Drive
Chittick
12 noon-4:00 PM
Friday, November 18
Bowne-Munro PTA Clothing Drive
Bowne-Munro
9:00 AM 5:oo PM
Saturday, December 17
Vendors Needed
East Brunswick High School Drama Club 4th Annual EBHS
Holiday Craft/Vendor Show Flyer
10:00 AM–
5:00 PM
Organizations (PTAs, EBEF, Boosters, etc.) that support our schools are encouraged to
submit information about upcoming fundraisers and other events.
District E-News Archive