Oct. School Calendar
10/2-3 HSPS - seniors only MHS
10/4 SAT administration 7:30 am MHS
10/6-8 MHS HSPA make-up – seniors only MHS
10/9 Yom Kippur – Schools Closed
10/13 Wrapping Paper fundraiser UMS
10/14 Bd. of Ed. mtg., 7:30 pm
10/17 6th grd. Fun Friday LMS
10/18 PSAT administration 7:30 am MHS
10/20-24 Spirit Week MHS
10/20-24 8th grd. Camp Mason Trip UMS
10/20 7th & 8th grd. Assemblies UMS
10/22 Your Child’s Decision Making, 7 pm MPAC
10/23 Coffeehouse, 7 pm MHS
10/24 7th grd. Pumpkin &Quig Ming Day UMS
10/25 Fall Festival (TBA) MHS
10/25 Homecoming Dance, 7:30-11 pm MHS
10/27-31 Red Ribbon Week
10/28 Bd. of Ed. Mtg., 7:30 pm
10/30 Wrapping Paper fundraiser ends UMS
COLLEGE BOARD NAMES 24 STUART STUDENTS AS 2008 AP SCHOLARS
Princeton, N.J. (October 31, 2008) Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is pleased to announce that 24 of its students/alumnae have earned the designation of 2008 AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school and receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.4 million high school students in 16,000 schools worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar. Students took AP Exams in May 2008 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s performance on AP Exams.
Nine Stuart students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students, 8 of whom are from the Class of 2008 are: Comfort Clinton of Princeton, Ann Crawford-Roberts of Perkasie, Pa., Laura Engshuber of Princeton, Carys Johnson of Princeton, Glynnis Kearney of Princeton, Sarah Rich of Skillman, Sonali Sanyal of East Windsor, Helena Clare Wiles of Princeton and Katherine L. Wiles of Princeton
Seven Stuart students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students, 5 from the Class of 2008, are: Katherine C. Baker of Princeton, Yassamine S. Ebadat of Princeton, Margaret Mackinson of Princeton, Georgia Pierce of Lawrenceville, Carlotta Rice of Princeton, Ariana M. Vera of Princeton and Jacqueline M. Yost of Belle Mead.
Eight Stuart students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars, 2 from the Class of 2008, are: Samantha Bobra of Princeton, Abigail Borah of Belle Mead, Cecilia A. Carlowicz of Kendall Park, Zoha Kahn of Princeton, Elizabeth Kitts of Yardley, Pa., Rakhee Lalla of Princeton, Aishwarya K. Rajopalan of Wrightstown, Pa., and Hayley Shoener of Pennington.
About Stuart Country Day School:
Stuart Country Day School is an independent Roman Catholic school for girls in kindergarten-grade 12, as well as a coed Pre-School and Junior Kindergarten. Now celebrating its 45th year, Stuart is a member of the National and International Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Stuart offers an education deeply rooted in the Goals and Criteria of the Sacred Heart that enriches, inspires and empowers its students. While academic rigor is emphasized at Stuart, values are also placed on physical, social and moral growth. Students are educated by an outstanding faculty in an atmosphere of love and trust with the goal to empower young women to make a difference in their world.
RVCC TO OFFER ALLIED HEALTH COURSES
The Allied Health Department of Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Corporate & Continuing Education (CCE) division will be offering a program in Forensic Evaluation for Child Abuse/Forensic Identification in Mass Disasters. The one-day course will be held Friday, November 14, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the College’s North Branch Campus.
The seminar assists participants with early recognition and evaluation of child abuse injuries for reporting purposes. Recent mass disasters have required the services of health professionals, law enforcement and social/psychological personnel. Previous protocols for mass disasters are continually being reviewed and revised in order to better prepare professionals for possible future disaster events.
The fee is $179. Upon completion of the course, a New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) Certificate with 6 contact hours will be issued.
The Allied Health Department also will be offering the following courses: A Primer on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The course focuses on the Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) treatment for OCD, guiding participants on expectations for a successful exposure.
Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; $99; NJSNA contact hours: 3
Protocol Preparation and Writing
Pharmaceutical professionals, nurses, physicians and other professionals learn what background is necessary to be able to support decisions made in protocol writing.
Sundays, November 23-December 7, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; $680. NJSNA contact hours: 8
CPR Refresher Course for the Professional Rescuer
The course is designed for individuals who are currently certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and need to be recertified annually.
Tuesday, November 25, 5-9 p.m.; $57
Food Handlers Certificate
Presented by a New Jersey State Licensed Environmental Health Specialist, the program provides an assessment of the practical application of food sanitation techniques involved in the operation of a retail food establishment.
Monday, November 17, 5:30-9 p.m.; $103
Registration for Allied Health programs is limited and it’s on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis. To register, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8471. For further information, contact Dr. Sourri Baetjer, assistant dean, CCE/Allied Health, 908-218-8872.
RVCC, located on Route 28 and Lamington Road in North Branch, NJ, and serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 40 years, offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. In addition, customized training programs and non-credit courses are available for those seeking personal and professional development.
The College is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
MTSD - Oct. 24 2008 bulletin
10/25/2008 Saturday, 10:00AM MHS Paking Lot - Fall Festival with Montgomery Recreation - Fun-filled day of games, activities and great food. For more information call Montgomery Recreation at 609-466-3023.
Red Ribbon Week – It’s Cool To Be Kind
10/27/2008 8:30 AM D6 Pledge Leaders
10/27/2008 3:20 PM UMS - Teachers only - Content Articulation
10/27/2008 7:00PM MHS PAC - Getting Recruited: Your Guide to College Athletics and the NCAA Recruiting Process Seminar with Prominent Guest Speakers
10/27/2008 7:30 PM OHES - Parent Education Seminar - Bullying
10/28/2008 OHES - Kindergarten Assembly-Uncle Brothers Show
10/29/2008 OHES - 1st & 2nd Grade Assembly-Attitude of Gratitude
10/29/2008 VES - All day event Red Ribbon Week In School Assembly
10/29/2008 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM PTA General Membership Meeting-Budget Vote
10/29/2008 3:25 PM - 4:20 PM LMS Creative Design 2 Meets Today
10/30/2008 All day event UMS - PTA Wrapping Paper sale ends - ONLINE!
10/30/2008 3:25 PM - 4:30 PM LMS RAPP Club Meets Today C9; Rising Above Peer Pressure – With Ms. Erickson
10/30/2008 3:25 PM - 4:20 PM LMS Read It, Talk It Book Club Meets Today The Read It, Talk It Book Club for sixth graders will have its first meeting on Thursday, October 30.
10/31/2008 All day event Halloween Parades 10:00 and 1:15
10/31/2008 All day event VES - Halloween Reader’s Theater/Class Parties
11/01/2008 7:30 AM S.A.T. Administration - MHS Main Entrance
November Cheer Gymnastics Clinic
Fundraiser For Class Of 2011
Held during the Nov teachers’ convention, this camp consists of gymnastics and cheerleading instruction for students in Grades 1 – 8! Campers will spend half the day learning skills & techniques in gymnastics, and the other half learning new cheers, cheer dances & stunts. Both beginners & advanced are welcome --- more emphasis on game play than skill development --- Sign up for two fun-filled days!
Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6, 7, 9 am - 3 pm (bring a bagged lunch & water; snacks will be provided)
At Montgomery High School Auxiliary Gym & Commons. Head Coaches are Johanna Snedeker, Gymnastics Coach & Christina Venetucci, PE Co-Advisor; assisted by members Class of 2011.
Cost is $120. Call Montgomery Rec for availability 609-466-3023
COMMENDED STUDENTS IN THE 2009 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The principal, James Misek, of Montgomery Township High School announced today that
Samantha Chalek, Lesley Chen, Mimi Chen, Amos Chiou, Catherine Damelio, Greta Fowlie,
Gabriel Frangakis, Ching-Wei Gan, Emily Gong, Aaron Gopal, Andrew Han, Carrie Heckel,
Lauren Hogan, Shiriya Kaneriya, Kedar Kurpad, Michael Leach, Kristy Lin, Jason Liu,
Hannah Lo, Kristyn Manoukian, Katherine Meola, Cynthia Moffitt, Sarah Monn, Kenneth Ng,
Laura Noisten, Yifang Pan, Meghan Pandya, Siddharth Parikh, Emily Pramer, Anthony Qian,
Neha Rao, Alexander Ross, Charles Shadle, Daniel Shen, Ryan Weeks, Connie Wu,
Monica Yang have been named Commended Students in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship
Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corp.
(NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically
talented seniors.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their
exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2009 competition for
National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more
than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition by taking the 2007 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“Recognition of academically talented students and the key role played by schools in their
Development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation,” commented
a spokesperson for NMSC. “The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated
outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program.
We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will
continue to diligently pursue their professional goals.”
VES will be featured on Classroom Close-up, NJ
Classroom Close-up, NJ, a seven-time Emmy winning show produced by the New Jersey Education Association and NJN Public Television, will be visiting Village Elementary School on October 22 to tape a story about their live morning news program-VES News .
The show will air Monday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. on (NJN), February 9, February 14, March 16 and March 21.
New Jersey Education Association is the major underwriter for Classroom Close-up, NJ, with additional support provided by PSE&G and Lockheed Martin.
Classroom Close-up, airs on NJN every Monday at 7 p.m. and every Saturday at 9 a.m. (Consult your local television guide for the NJN Channel).
Now in its thirteenth season, Classroom Close-up, NJ features innovative programs going on in public school classrooms. Each half-hour program shows how caring school professionals inspire and motivate students. Each week, the excitement of learning comes alive as teachers, children and parents work together for success.
NJEA is the state’s largest association of educational professionals, representing 200,000 public school teachers and administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.
For additional information about the VES News program contact Jim Dolan, computer resource teacher at Village Elementary School. He can be reached by e-mail at jdolan@mtsd.us and by phone at 609-466-7606 ext 2015.
MUMS Students to Participate in Migratory Birds Service Learning Project
The students at the Upper Middle School have been taking part in several new and exciting programs. Last year, they raised $2,000 to collect mosquito nets to send to Uganda and South America. This year, the students have already had two video conferences with NASA through NASA’s Digital Learning Network and are about to embark on a district-wide program on the environment.
Margaret Weinberger, 7th and 8th grade robotics teacher, and Jane Plenge, former Assistant School Superintendent, applied for and received a $25,000 grant through “New Jersey Learn and Serve America: School Based Program” for the 2008-2009 school year. This grant focuses on finding ways to give back to the community through curriculum. Recipients of this grant were required to submit applications to do a service learning project under one of the five categories: Education, Human Needs, Environment, Public Safety and Homeland Security.
The School chose Environment and the project will be spearheaded by Weinberger and Jamie Witsen, 7th grade science teacher. Working in conjunction with the Somerset County Parks Commission, the Audubon Society and a local environmental group, Montgomery students will design and create an interpretive informational kiosk about migratory birds to be set up in the Sourland Mountains rest area.
The kiosk design project will be open to all interested 7th and 8th grade students. After the design ideas are completed and one design is chosen by the students and teachers, the design will be sent over to the High School where the architectural design class will build the actual kiosk.
“The kiosk will show different migratory birds and their paths and have information about the migrations (season, etc.),” says Weinberger. “The kiosk ‘picture’ will probably be engraved wood, since the High School has equipment that does this type of engraving.”
The Upper Middle School is partnering with Alexander Hamilton Academy in Patterson, a K-8 school. Sophia Alteieri’s 8th grade language arts class here in Montgomery will do a “Book Talk” with one of Alexander Hamilton’s 8th grade classes using the video conferencing hardware both schools have. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one possibility of a book they may discuss.
There will also be a poster contest open to all 7th and 8th grade students. Students may submit drawings and ideas based upon what they lean about the species that migrate from New Jersey to South America.
And it’s not just the science and language arts classes that will be involved. The whole Upper Middle School has an opportunity to participate. Weinberger and Witsen are going to give each teacher a packet of resources with lesson plans relating to migratory birds. The packets are going to all curricular areas where there might be a tie-in. For example, social studies classes may learn historical facts about the local area and lore, as well as map skills about the regions of migration. Math classes may calculate rates and distances birds travel. World language classes may do translations. Some of the 7th graders will do a video conference on migratory birds with the 4th graders at Village Elementary School.
“This is really great for our UMS because it is a way for the students here to see that their own proverbial backyard is a gateway to the world,” says Weinberger. “It is also a way students can see they have a voice in creating educational material to teach the rest of the world about an important phenomenon! Birds are just one of the many living species that migrate.”
Earlier this year, students participated twice in NASA’s Digital Learning Network program. NASA offers video conferencing free to schools around the world. In the first class, States of Matter, 8th grade science students witnessed firsthand demonstrations by a NASA teacher of matter freezing when it comes into contact with liquid.
The second NASA video conference was on NASA Mission Patches. Each space mission designs its own patch incorporating the name of the mission, the names of the astronauts and some artwork illustrating the goal of the mission. After learning about the different missions and how astronauts worked together to come up with their own patches, the students then designed their own patches
Nancy Lemmo Returns to the Waldorf School of Princeton as its School Administrator
This year, Nancy Lemmo, a resident of Princeton Borough begins her tenure as the school administrator of the Waldorf School of Princeton. Ms. Lemmo succeeds Robert Rund. Nancy has a long history with the school, having held the positions of Faculty Administrator, Board Member, teacher, interscholastic sports coordinator and coach. In addition, she has also been a parent at the school. Her two grown sons were among the first students at the school in the 1980's.
Prior to returning to the Waldorf School, Ms. Lemmo was a High School Science Teacher at the George School in Langhorne, Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2008. While at the George School she served on many committees, including being the co-chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee. Before entering the field of education, Ms. Lemmo was an environmental chemist working in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
"It is extraordinary for me to see the progress that the school has made over the past 25 years. I remember when the school started in Caroline Phinney's house at Princeton University in the 1980's. The school now enjoys a 20-acre property filled with creeks, fields and forests. The students can take Chinese, woodworking and gardening. All of these things were just dreams when the school began," said Ms. Lemmo.
A resident of Princeton for the past ten years, Ms. Lemmo said she particularly appreciates living in this area because of the "variety of people and ideas" that she encounters each day.
"Nancy has deep personal and professional ties to the Waldorf School of Princeton. She has uniquely experienced the wisdom of Waldorf education as both a parent and an educator-- teaching students within our community, as well as educating Waldorf graduates at the George School. I know she is delighted to return to the school and that she has many exciting ideas for moving the school forward," said Jeffrey Olkin, Board Chair of the Waldorf School of Princeton.
Stomp, Slide, and Dance at the Dance Factory
Last year the Dance Factory in Skillman introduced a Hip-Hop/Funk dance class exclusively for boys. This year the class has grown to 18 boys from age 6 to 9. The class is designed specifically with boys in mind. It offers high energy and the non-stop action that young boys need and want. The class is fun, exciting and uses rhythmic music that the boys can move to. "We want the class to be physical and energizing." said teacher Shani Love. "In many ways it feels like any other sports team practice."
This unique class helps boys develop spatial awareness, build body strength, muscle tone, balance, coordination, and cooperation. According to director Kelly Markowski, "We choreograph the dance moves to improve hand, eye, and foot coordination skills while training the boys to be aware of the position of everyone else on the floor."
Even great football players like former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Lynn Swann says his several years of childhood and college dance training greatly enhanced his athletic skills. "If one movement flows to another, you're going to be able to be evasive on the field and a good football player."
Pam McDermott owner of the Dance Factory stated, "We want all of our dancers to have fun, gain confidence and experience the joy and benefits that dance has to offer."
To learn more about us, visit our website at www.DanceFactory1.com.
Princeton Academy celebrates tenth anniversary
Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart celebrated its 10th anniversary Friday, Oct. 10, with a Founders' Day celebration in the school's athletic and convocation center.
Speakers at the event included Headmaster Olen Kalkus as well as three previous chairmen of Princeton Academy's Board of Trustees -- Steven DeRochi, Dr. Louis Tesoro and Tom Byrne. Founders' Day concluded with "Friday Thank Yous,” a weekly Princeton Academy tradition that brings together the faculty and student body to give thanks, whether for an engaging lesson, a word of encouragement from a teammate, or the support of the entire Princeton Academy community.
Founders' Day provided an opportunity for the community to commemorate the extraordinary progress the school has made over the course of the last decade. It all began Oct. 10, 1998, when a dedicated group of parents, many of whom had daughters at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, incorporated the school to provide their sons with a similar values-based educational experience.
The challenges they faced were many -- find a location, hire a headmaster and design a curriculum in less than 12 months. And yet, they did it, opening the school's doors at the former Our Lady of Princeton site to 34 students in grades K-3 in September 1999. Since then, Princeton Academy has raised more than $12 million to purchase the property, added grades 4-8, and grown to a student population of 228 boys this year. The school was accredited after its fourth year of operation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and, on April 26, 2008, became a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools.
The founding of Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart coincided with great gains in the understanding of the psychology and neuroscience behind gender differences in learning. Under the leadership of Headmaster Olen Kalkus, an expert on gender differences in learning, the school has become a school for boys by design, with a curriculum specifically created to meet the unique intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of boys.
Lewis School to Sponsor Lecture by National Best-Selling Author Richard Louv
The Lewis School of Princeton, in conjunction with CommonGround (The Parent Association of the Princeton Area Independent Schools), is pleased to announce its sponsorship of a lecture presented by national best-selling author, Richard Louv. Louv, who is the co-founder and chairman of the Children and Nature Network and the 2008 Audubon medal winner, is an advocate for children reconnecting with nature, an important initiative which The Lewis School shares. The lecture, entitled Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, will take place on Thursday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Trego-Biancosino Auditorium at Princeton High School. Admission is free and open to the public.
The lecture will focus on the premise in Richard Louv's best-selling book, Last Child in the Woods which sparked international conversation about health and societal costs of the nature-child disconnect and launched a federal No Child Left Inside Act. In his book, Louv links the lack of nature in children's lives to troubling childhood trends such as obesity, attention disorder, and depression. The book reveals that direct contact with nature reduces ADHD and stress in children, improves their physical and emotional health, improves test scores and grade point averages, and builds problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Louv states that "Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our own self-interest, not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depends upon it."
Richard Louv is an author and journalist focused on nature, family and community. He serves as honorary co-chair of The National Forum on Children and Nature. Co-chaired by four state governors, the Forum, sponsored by the Conservation Fund, will fund programs around the country designed to get kids outside. He is also the 2007 recipient of Clemson University's Cox Award for "sustained achievement in public service," and the Paul K. Petzoldt Award from the Wilderness Education Association, among other honors. In 2005, Discover Magazine named "Last Child in the Woods" one of the top science books of the year. Spirituality & Health magazine named it one of 50 Best Spiritual Books of 2005. And in 2006, the National School Board Journal chose "Last Child in the Woods" as a notable book in education.
Louv has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many other newspapers and magazines. Between 1984 and 2007, he was a columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune, a columnist and member of the editorial advisory board for Parents magazine, and served as an adviser to both the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World award program and the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. He has appeared on the "CBS Morning Show," "Good Morning America," the "Today Show," "CBS Evening News," "NBC Nightly News," NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and many other programs. He speaks frequently to audiences in the United States and abroad.
Richard Louv is married to Kathy Frederick Louv. They are the parents of two young men, Jason and Matthew. He is currently working on his eighth book.
For more information, please visit www.lewisschool.org or www.princetoncommonground.org, or call The Lewis School at 609-924-8120.
Waldorf School Lecture Nov 18
Veteran Waldorf teacher Elan Leibner returns to Waldorf School to Present a Lecture about the School’s Middle School Science Curriculum and Adolescent Development
On November 18 at 7:30 p.m. the Waldorf School of Princeton will welcome back veteran teacher Elan Leibner when he presents a talk about the school’s approach to teaching science in middle school. The lecture will include an overview of child development in the middle school years and give examples of the ways that the Waldorf science curriculum meets the challenges and opportunities presented when working with students at this stage of life. Mr. Leibner will also present several science demonstrations with follow up classroom teaching experiences.
Mr. Leibner has been a teacher at the Waldorf School of Princeton for 18 years. This year Elan is the Director of Teacher Education at Emerson College in the United Kingdom while on sabbatical. As for Mr. Leibner’s goals for the November 18 evening he said, “I want people to say wow! To come away from the evening saying it never occurred to them that education could do that.”
The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the community room in the grade school building at the Waldorf School’s campus at 1062 Cherry Hill Road in Montgomery. For more information please contact June Montanari at 609-466-1970 x115.
RVCC TO OFFER YOUTH ROBOTICS CLASS
Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Corporate & Continuing Education (CCE) division will be offering a Battle-Bot Build a Thon robotics class for students ages 7-12. The class will be held Saturdays, December 6 and December 13, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the College’s North Branch Campus.
Participants will use the Robotix building system to construct a robot that can push its opponent out of a large Sumo-robot ring. All students take home a student-designed, motorized Robotix battle-bot.
The fee is $159 to participate. For more information, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8404, or e-mail cce@raritanval.edu. Youth program brochures also can be picked up at the CCE office, located in the lower level of RVCC’s College Center, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RVCC, located on Route 28 and Lamington Road in North Branch, NJ, and serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 40 years, offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. In addition, customized training programs and non-credit courses are available for those seeking personal and professional development.
The College is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
Italy Trip! End Of June 2009!
Now being organized by Mrs. Beumee, Teacher of Italian at Montgomery High School.
Dates of trip: June 29— July 8, 2009
Itinerary: Venice, Montecatini, Florence, Siena, Capri, Pompei, Rome
Cost per person: $ 4,000 – 4,500, depending on room accommodations
(includes: airfare, hotels, meals (breakfast and dinner),
guided tours and excursions)
You must register by mid December, a deposit of $ 400 is due with your registration. The balance is due by the end of February 2009.
You may contact Mrs. Beumee at: fbeumee@mtsd.k12.nj.us.
This is a trip organized for the adults in the community and their families (although it is not for very young children). In previous trips participants have had a terrific, fun time. This is a fantastic trip.
Remember! Italy, all by itself, holds about 65% of all of the world’s art and treasures! It is a wonderful place to visit. You will truly enjoy its friendly people, great food, warm sun and its amazing beauty!
Superintendent's Corner - December - What Really Matters?
One can't go through the grocery store line without being barraged by tabloids that celebrate the truly bizarre and inconsequential; yet, one can't help but conclude that we must have an appetite for this kind of thing. Someone must be buying these magazines and papers! Maybe I have it wrong. What really matters?
Where one stands depends on where one sits. In most instances, what matters depends on one's interest. To a teacher, what matters is having a classroom that is conducive to student learning: well- resourced classroom libraries, space for students to explore, walls adorned by student work...To a parent, what matters is that his/her child is safe, challenged and happy. To a taxpayer, what matters is the value that his/her schools provide for the taxes he/she pays. To a school board member, well, it all matters!
As a district, what matters is the "educational experience" of our students. By educational experience I mean much more than just the curriculum. I include all of the interactions that make a classroom come alive. Students interact with each other. Students interact with their teacher. Students and teachers also interact with curriculum, and it is the totality of these interactions that produces learning and growth. The curriculum is like the day's news at our dinner table conversation. Imagine a dinner without "news" to talk about!
The educational experience of our children extends beyond the classroom, too. There are the special things that teachers like Ms. Linda Gesek attempt: securing access to the Supreme Court oral arguments or the Presidential Inauguration. There are also the more mundane, though nonetheless significant in the eyes of our children: interactions on the bus or playground, interactions in lunchrooms or during afterschool activities, and the like. All of these are "educational experiences" for our students, and all are important.
The district's goals for the year (see our website) recognize the many wonderful "educational experiences" going on in our classrooms and schools. At the same time, they suggest that we can do better. Until we can honestly account for the value that we add to the intellectual, social and emotional development of each child, through myriad educational experiences, we have room to grow. Our goals challenge us as much to be mindful of our broad responsibilities as educators as to measure and mark student progress; indeed, we are challenged implicitly to help students to mark their own progress.
Our district goals are going after the right things, the things that matter. They are about the intellectual, social and emotional development of each student as an individual. Our aim is to know and value each of our 5,300 charges and to help them develop into healthy, happy and high-achieving young men and women. Thanks to the continued support of the Montgomery community, the schools continue their pursuit of excellence in the things that matter most.
On December 2th at 7PM, we will host another Conversation with the Community. Our aim is to present and to take feedback on our draft mission/vision that grew out of our last Conversation with the Community. I hope that you will join us.
December School Calendar
December School Calendar
2 4th gr. Choral Concert, 7 pm VES
3 PTA Mtg., 9:30 am VES
3 Gr. 7 & 8 Band Concert, 7 pm UMS
3&4 Parent Conferences, 9:38 am opening MHS
3-5 Parent Conferences, 10:45 am opening UMS
Parent Conferences, 10:55 am opening LMS
5 Staff Development, 9:38 am opening MHS
5 PTSA Staff Appreciation Breakfast MHS
6 SAT administration, 7:30 am MHS
8 12th gr. College Financial Aid Night, 7 pm MPAC
8&9 5th gr. Band Concert, 7 pm LMS
10 7th & 8th gr. Orchestra Concert, 7 pm UMS
10 Fall Athletic Award, 7 pm MPAC
11 Winter Choral Concert, 7 pm MPAC
12 7th & 8th gr. Winter Dance, 7-9:30 pm UMS
15 5th & 6th gr. Chorus Concert, 7 pm LMS
16 Bd. of Ed. Workshop Mtg., 7:30 pm
17 PTA Mtg., 9:30 am VES
17 MMS PTA Mtg., 9:30 am UMS
17 5th & 6th gr. Orchestra Concert, 7 pm LMS
18 PTSA Mtg., 9 am MHS
23 Holiday Concert Morning Assembly UMS
23 Holiday concert Morning Assembly MHS
24-31 Winter Recess
OHES PTA's Used Book Drive donates 5,200 books
Montgomery Township's Orchard Hill Elementary School PTA's Used book Drive collected over 5,200 "gently-used" books this year for use in enhancing in-class libraries and increasing multiple copies of trade books for reading group instruction. Books were collected through many avenues, including backpack mail, garage and rummage sale leftovers, and "Freecycle" (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/somersetfreecycle/). Students, parents, churches, and community organizations all pitched in. Over 40 Publishing Houses were contacted for donations of new books.
For weeks, books arrived at the school via backpacks, the mail or were deposited in drop-off boxes. Donated books were sorted and organized according to themes and units provided by each grade level's team leader.
All staff members are invited to a "Literature Giveaway Day" on November 13. Enthusiastic teachers arrive with their blue recycling bins, ready to pick up lots of great books for their classrooms.
At least 80% of all books found new homes in OHES classrooms, ready for students to enjoy throughout this school year, and for years to come. Any remaining books, which are not appropriate for OHES ability levels, will be donated to Village Elementary School, Mary Jacobs Library, local nursery schools, and local women's shelters.
"We at the PTA believe that reading is the cornerstone of all learning and want to make sure that our students have access to an abundance of books. We thank our wonderful Book Drive Committee, all the volunteers and everyone who contributed their books to this cause! We have at least doubled our collection this year. It is thrilling to see!" said Jackie Barth, OHES PTA Vice President.
"When I moved here three years ago I met with Orchard Hill's Assistant Principal. She said that if she had a million dollars to invest in the school she would spend it on BOOKS! As a fellow educator and reading specialist, I decided I would try to help further that cause. Though I do not have a million dollars, I thought could be a catalyst through the PTA in getting one million books into OHES' classrooms. I think we are well on our way!" said Melissa Lister, Chairperson, OHES PTA Used Book Drive Committee.
The OHES PTA Used Book Drive collected 4,000 books in 2007 and 600 books in 2006. Getting multiple copies of the same book is crucial to group reading, increases the variety of choices for the students and teachers, and is a cost effective
MHS BAND NOTES _December 2008
It is a true fact that all good things do eventually come to an end, and so it goes with the 2008 Montgomery High School Marching Band season. The awesome Gershwin music and wonderful color guard effects made for a truly spectacular show, and the Cougar spirit was in evidence by all who attended the Friday night football games. The Marching Band ended their fall festival season with the rating of "Superior" for the third consecutive year as well as "Best" awards for both marching and color guard, so we are very sorry if you missed them this time around. Congratulations to all - so much is achieved through extraordinary teamwork, commitment, and of course, talent, which this group has in abundance.
But never fear! You cannot keep these students quiet for very long, thank goodness. Both the Stage Band and the Jazz Band have already geared up and will rehearse like mad to entertain you in style. Rehearsals began in mid-November, so watch this column for news of their upcoming winter performance season. You may already mark your calendars for March 28, 2009 for the annual swinging Jazz Festival, held right here in our very own MPAC.
But please, let us entertain you even before that - on January 14, 2009, the high school curricular bands are performing their Winter Concert at the MPAC beginning at 7 pm. We promise that there will be no greater way to warm you up -- and besides, it's free (and fantastic!). See you there, I swear.
The Waldorf School Of Princeton Joins The National No Child Left Inside Coalition
The Waldorf School of Princeton, located on Cherry Hill Road in Montgomery Township, has recently become the first school in the area to join the No Child Left Inside Coalition. The initiative represents 800 members throughout the country who are trying to find new ways to encourage children to experience nature and learn about the environment. The coalition seeks to combat what is termed a nature deficit among children.
Diane Barlow, the Director of Development at the Waldorf School and a parent of two Waldorf school alumni said, "Students come prepared to be outside in all seasons of the year, and many of our alumni recall their walks in the woods as a highlight of their time at our school." Time spent in nature, both structured and open-ended, is woven throughout the curriculum at each grade level, in order to engage all of the students' senses during the learning process."
Third graders at the Waldorf School of Princeton recently built shelters in the woods by the school's Pebble Beach. These rough shelters were made using materials from the earth and trees like branches, moss, grass and bark. This practical activity is part of the third grade curriculum, which includes learning how people live on, and care for the earth.
Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods", recently came to Princeton in an effort to bring the issue of nature deficit to the attention of area residents. Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today's children to disturbing trends such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression. His book has helped influence a growing number of initiatives, including the No Child Left Inside Coalition.
On December 4 at 7 pm there will be an opportunity to learn more about the importance of children spending free time outdoors. The Waldorf School of Princeton and the Princeton Public Library will co-host a screening of the award-winning documentary film, "Where do the Children Play?". The event will be held at the Princeton Public Library. For more information please contact Marla Hanan at the Waldorf School at 609-466-1970 x620.
Mollie Rose, Director of Teacher and Faculty Enrichment at the Waldorf School offers the following suggestions for spending time in nature with your family during the upcoming winter months:
- Help care for creatures like birds and squirrels by making or buying a simple bird feeder. Be sure to hang it in view of a window!
- Go on nature hikes and look for animal tracks.
- Notice and observe animals outside - which ones are around in the winter and which ones are missing?
- As it gets dark earlier, look up at the sky and star gaze!
- Go outside and try to notice how many different colors you can find in winter.
- Walk outside and collect fallen evergreen branches and bring them indoors and enjoy the smell of fresh greens!
The Waldorf School of Princeton is one of over 900 schools worldwide sharing an educational philosophy and curriculum that supports a child's natural development. Waldorf education is one of the largest, independent, non-sectarian school systems in the world. The School's campus is located amidst rolling meadows on Cherry Hill Road in Montgomery. The Waldorf School of Princeton welcomes children of all cultural, racial, social and religious backgrounds. The school is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization, accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.
Montgomery YouChoose! Election results reflect that of Nation
On November 4, Barack Obama won the presidential election with a majority of 52.7% of the popular vote to John McCain's 46%. On the Tuesday prior to the national election, Montgomery High School held its own mock election, which was sponsored by the YouChoose! Club. In that contest, Barack Obama also won with a landslide of 70% of the votes cast. An assembly of debates preceded the election during which students, portraying the both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, were asked questions pertaining to the major issues, some of which were taken from actual debates. The debates were designed to educate the students on the issues so that they could get a better understanding of both sides before deciding for whom they should vote.
As the co-president of the YouChoose! Club and co-moderator for the debates, I was very impressed by all the time and effort that students were willing to put into making this assembly a success. My co-president, Katie Volz, and I each had a great deal of support, with over 70 students involved in the production of this assembly. Mr. James Washburn, history teacher at Montgomery High School and advisor to the YouChoose! Club, believes that this was a big student effort. "Recognizing anyone leads to leaving others out of the spotlight," claims Mr. Washburn. "Hanging streamers, typing blurbs, researching issues, videotaping commercials, all of these tasks and more allow the job to get done, and done very well."
The assembly began with an introduction of the moderators followed by the candidates themselves and their spouses walking down the aisles towards the stage. First on stage were the vice presidential candidates. Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden was portrayed by senior Rami AbouSabe, and Republican candidate Sarah Palin was portrayed by eleventh-grade student Corina Cappabianca. With Corina's uncanny impersonation of Palin, "You know John McCain and I are just a couple of Mavericks," or Rami's harsh, attack-dog, debate tactics, reflecting those of Senator Biden, both students were able to get the audience excited.
After the vice presidential candidates answered their questions, the big moment arrived. Senators John McCain, played by senior Amos Chiou, and Barack Obama, performed by senior Christian Aurup, took the stage. Both candidates received a wave of applause and cheers from the eager audience.
Mrs. Linda Gesik, supervisor for the school's history department was in awe. "The program this morning was simply awesome," exclaimed Mrs. Gesik. "The benchmark test is always, does the audience pay attention, and they certainly did!"
After the questions were finished, candidates were able to make a closing statement, stating why the believed he would do the best job as president. Both Christian and Amos captured the candidates down to the smallest detail. Amos was able to imitate John McCain's physical movements, and Christian studied Obama's speeches so that he could perfect his voice and actions. "He spent hours on YouTube just watching videos," Rami described his running mate.
It was truly a sight to see as all the candidates and their families gathered on stage at the end to wave goodbye and shake hands.
With teenage involvement in politics at an all time high, increasing number of schools are introducing clubs and activities such as this one to allow the students to get a better understanding of the political process in this country. It is inspiring to see so many young people coming together to learn more about how their leaders get elected.
With the presidential election now complete, the students and the nation look ahead to January when president-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as our first African-American president.
OHES Teachers Choose from more than 5,200 Books
Donated to OHES PTA's Used Book Drive for their Classes
Montgomery Township's Orchard Hill Elementary School PTA's Used book Drive collected over 5,200 "gently-used" books this year for use in enhancing in-class libraries and increasing multiple copies of trade books for reading group instruction. Books were collected through many avenues, including backpack mail, garage and rummage sale leftovers, and "Freecycle" (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/somersetfreecycle/). Students, parents, churches, and community organizations all pitched in. Over 40 Publishing Houses were contacted for donations of new books.
For weeks, books arrived at the school via back packs, the mail or were deposited in drop-off boxes. Donated books were sorted and organized according to themes and units provided by each grade level's team leader.
All staff members are invited to a "Literature Giveaway Day" on November 13. Enthusiastic teachers arrive with their blue recycling bins, ready to pick up lots of great books for their classrooms.
At least 80% of all books found new homes in OHES classrooms, ready for students to enjoy throughout this school year, and for years to come. Any remaining books which are not appropriate for OHES ability levels will be donated to Village Elementary School, Mary Jacobs Library, local nursery schools, and local women's shelters.
"We at the PTA believe that reading is the cornerstone of all learning and want to make sure that our students have access to an abundance of books. We thank our wonderful Book Drive Committee, all the volunteers and everyone who contributed their books to this cause! We have at least doubled our collection this year. It is thrilling to see!" said Jackie Barth, OHES PTA Vice President.
"When I moved here three years ago I met with Orchard Hill's Assistant Principal. She said that if she had a million dollars to invest in the school she would spend it on BOOKS! As a fellow educator and reading specialist, I decided I would try to help further that cause. Though I do not have a million dollars, I thought could be a catalyst through the PTA in getting one million books into OHES' classrooms. I think we are well on our way!" said Melissa Lister, Chairperson, OHES PTA Used Book Drive Committee.
The OHES PTA Used Book Drive collected 4,000 books in 2007 and 600 books in 2006. Getting multiple copies of the same book is crucial to group reading, increases the variety of choices for the students and teachers, and is a cost effective
RVCC TO HOLD ADULT OPEN HOUSE
Individuals who have attended some college or gained knowledge through life experience can find themselves on the fast track toward earning a degree or certificate at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC).
To learn more, attend a special Adult Open House/Credit Fair on Thursday, December 4, at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the RVCC Conference Center at the College’s North Branch Campus.
During the event, RVCC’s specially trained advisors will discuss the process of transferring old credits earned from other colleges and universities, as well making a successful transition back to college. Interested students can also learn how they may earn up to 45 credits for what they already know. Information will be available about CLEP exams to earn credits and other lifetime learning options, as well as financial aid.
Participants can also learn about the College for Working Adults, a unique program for working adults who are interested in pursing a college degree. The program enables adults to work full-time and earn an associate degree in just two-and-a-half years. Courses are conveniently offered on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings and include classroom instruction and online studies.
For further information, call 908-253-6688 or visit www.raritanval.edu and click on “Register now for RVCC events.”
RVCC, located on Route 28 and Lamington Road in North Branch, NJ, and serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 40 years, offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. In addition, customized training programs and non-credit courses are available for those seeking personal and professional development.
The College is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
Kids' Musicround Offers Free Sample Class
Kids' MusicRound, music and movement classes for families with young children, is offering free preview classes of its winter programs at The Dance Factory, 10 Vreeland Drive, Suite 107, in Skillman.
The free, 30-minute, sample classes are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1 at 10:15 am., Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9:30 and 1:15, Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 9:30 and 10:30 am, Monday, Dec. 8, 10 am and Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 9:30, 10:30 am and 1:15 pm.
These free sessions encourage adults and children to explore the joy of music play and movement. Led by trained faculty, families with infants and children through age four will have opportunities to sing, clap, dance and play rhythm instruments while learning about early childhood music development.
The Kids' MusicRound series begins its winter session on January 5 in Montgomery. The 10-week, 45-minute sessions are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the program includes a songbook and two CDs of traditional, original and world music that can be enjoyed at home.
To reserve a space in a free sample class, request a brochure or for more information, please call 609-333-0100. Or, for a full schedule with information on Kids' MusicRound philosophy, teachers and song clips, visit the website at www.KidsMusicRound.com.
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