The season of giving is alive and well at Rossi! Students and staff at Rossi collected nearly 600 items for our annual food drive. The Dream Foundation (The Rudolph family, Mark & Gina) not only donated their time to help us drop off all the items, but they also donated several bags full of coloring books, crayons, and small games for the kids. Our safety patrol coordinated a turkey and ham drive, as well. WISE Ambassadors decorated posters advertising the food drive and helped loading up hundreds of canned goods and non-perishable items. The Safety Patrol, along with the WISE Ambassadors helped make this service project a huge success.
Ms. Schwan's class at Rossi Elementary School started the new marking period by learning about Physical Science. The first lesson focused on force and how it is a push or pull of an object. To demonstrate their understanding of the concept learned, students created a miniature golf course with books, cups, and tape and used a yardstick to apply force to a ball. Students experimented with the amount of force applied and how force can make things move, speed up, slow down, and change direction. They also explored force through various interactive centers, such as, racing toy cars, bouncing balls into cups, and by using scooters with their peers. All activities were integrated into math, reading, and science lessons. Our Rossi students are a Fun Fabulous Force of learners!
The Vineland High School AFJROTC has been busy with many new events! Visitors to our Flights from our community included Sgt. Catillioni, who spoke to the flights about opportunities in the New Jersey National Guard, and former cadet Vincent Bristow, who graduated last year from VHS and joined the Wildwood Police Department. Bristow came back to talk to the students about a career path in law enforcement and how AFJROTC helped in his pathway to becoming an officer.
Our cadets are now being issued the new OCP uniform that is featured in the photo of the three students. Our two cadets c/Col. Anthony Gonzalez (right) and c/Capt Joseph Montana (left) are wearing the new OCP uniforms that our unit has ordered for the core command and will transition into over the next few years. In the photo, c/Capt Jayda Givens (center) is wearing the ABUs that we still currently have for many cadets. This is the first time our Alpha flight all has been issued either ABUs or the OCP along with their standard uniform of the service blues.
Our Color guard was asked to Present the Colors for the Board meeting that was scheduled in November. They did a fantastic job and were presented with certificates of appreciation by the board members. The Alpha flight cadets presented the briefing used in the inspection to our guest visitor, Chief Becham, who came by to help give our cadets well-needed feedback for their briefing. Her positive response on how well the cadets spoke and presented was well received by the Alpha flight and the instructors. Way to go AFJROTC!
On Thursday, students from Ms. Armanini’s class and Ms. D’Augustine’s class at Pilla Middle School went on a Community-Based Instruction outing to ShopRite. The program includes skills to safely and appropriately use community resources. Students were given a shopping list and were able to identify the items and prices within the store and then place the items in the shopping cart. Students completed pre and post-activities as well!
On Thursday, November 16, Petway Elementary School students strutted their stuff for a great cause. Petway students participated in the annual Turkey Trot to collect non-perishable food donations for local families in need. The Turkey Trot was led by two silly turkeys, Principal Jackie Mongelluzzo and fourth-grade student Madison Costa. Students collected enough food to make care packages for 25 families! Thank you to everyone who donated!
In Ms. Muller and Ms. Messore's 3rd-grade class at Dane Barse Elementary, a reader's theater adaptation centered around the beloved tall tale of "Johnny Appleseed" was performed to the kindergarten students. Beyond merely honing fluency and expression, this theatrical endeavor served as a platform for immersive learning. Dividing into small groups, students delved into the rich layers of the tale, deciphering literacy elements like plot and character traits. Other groups conducted research based on John Chapman, the legend behind the tall tale, creating a mini biography book, while another group created a genre craft. After finishing the projects and posters prior to performing, students then acted as the teachers and shared their newfound knowledge with each other.
Post-performance kindergarteners and third graders enjoyed apple cider donuts and refreshing apple juice. This fall-themed celebration served as a bridge between grades, fostering a sense of shared enjoyment for the fall season. Undoubtedly, this reader's theater experience emerged as a cherished highlight, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of both kindergarteners and third graders alike.
Congratulations to the Petway Safety Patrol!!! All patrol members received their badges during a badge celebration! Members of the Patrol: Corinne Ortiz, Cecilia Giordano, Kamryn Tuller, Carmine Veras, Brandon Flores, Melanie Dintino, and Alyanna Gomez. The newly elected leaders of the patrol: Captain Turner, Lieutenant Giuliana Pace, and Co-Sergeants-Landon Barrios and Catalina Palmieri
Winslow Elementary School had a great turnout on Wednesday for their VEA Pride Night featuring Cole and Friends! The event, featuring Christopher Hannah and his deaf dogs, Cole and Alice, was a tremendous success. The family not only educated attendees about special needs animals but also conveyed the importance of empathy and building confidence in children. Using Cole as an example, the presentation illustrated that challenges can be overcome, fostering a sense of empowerment in children.
The atmosphere was festive and inclusive, with families enjoying pizza, children engaging in coloring activities with Cole-themed sheets, and everyone receiving custom acceptance bracelets and VEA chapsticks. The Vineland Education Association banner and balloon towers added a celebratory touch to the night, creating a memorable experience for all, particularly as it coincided with Cole the Superdog's 7th birthday. The event successfully combined education, entertainment, and a sense of community.
D’Ippolito Elementary School honored a civil rights icon on Tuesday as they celebrated Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The event coincided with the school’s BRAVO assembly, which discussed the traits of empathy and compassion.
The celebration started first with the entire school gathering for the BRAVO assembly. BRAVO, the school’s character education program, stands for Be Respectful And Value Others. Students learned about the importance of showing compassion and empathy to others and learned more about Bridges’ background. The assembly also featured a monologue about Bridges performed by fourth-grader Ava Louis.
Following the assembly, the school proceeded outside and walked a lap around the school in honor of Bridges. The procession featured a drumline, music, and many colorful handmade signs.
On November 14, 1960, when Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she became one of the first black children to integrate New Orleans’ all-white public school system. Greeted by an angry mob and escorted by federal marshals, Ruby bravely crossed the threshold of this school and into history, single-handedly initiating the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is now held every November 14 as an annual day of dialogue to commemorate her historic steps.
Johnstone students and staff participated in Hat Day and raised $200 in donations for the Heavenly Hats Foundation, a charity that provides "...brand-new hats for cancer patients and other medical patients who lose their hair due to a disease or the treatment of a disease."
Vineland High School held the first SpeakUp! event on Tuesday, allowing students, family members, and staff to engage in open conversations about important issues facing our children. SpeakUp! is a charity dedicated to helping teens develop supportive relationships with the adults in their lives, allowing them to talk openly, honestly, and without judgment about difficult topics and reach out for support within their homes and schools.
The event began with a welcome session held in the VHS South auditorium. The student-led program explained the mission of SpeakUp! with several student ambassadors leading the crowd through important talking points and explaining the program. The participants were then divided into different breakout groups, which were pre-selected during registration, to discuss different topics privately. Breakout group topics focused on school security, student-staff communication, relationships, mental health, and more.
SpeakUp! offers a list of resources on their website with more information on these topics and more: https://speakup.org/resources/
Students in the RISE and JAG programs at Vineland High School have been hard at work helping out at the Salvation Army food bank. Great job by all!
The Inspira Team completed a month-long community sock drive, SOCKTOBER. Mennies students and staff donated 346 pairs of socks to the SOCKTOBER project. Brian Lankin, owner of Al's Shoes in Vineland, also donated socks to the Mennies collection. The socks were distributed to shelters in need in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. We are proud of our Mennies family for helping with this cause.
Don't forget! The VHS Parent University/College Resource Fair will be held Thursday, November 16, from 6-9 pm at VHS South. We hope to see you there!
Students in Mrs. Hadley’s class at Mennies Elementary School learned about the character trait of CITIZENSHIP, which is celebrated by Mennies School in the month of November. Mrs.Weir, School Counselor, led a lesson about what Good Citizenship “looks like” and “sounds like” in school, at home, and in the community. The class read the book “Celebrating Patriotic Holidays.” Students further extended their learning and wanted to show thanks to a student’s father, who is currently serving a tour in the military. Students discussed traits of heroes and expressed thankfulness for service members. The children wrote special “Thank You” notes to him, colored their pictures and were happy to convey how much he is appreciated and supported. The surprise notes will be mailed to him.
Fourth-grade Durand students recently learned about the annual Punkin' Chunkin' event held in Delaware. Students were challenged to design and build a catapult that would launch a candy pumpkin the farthest.
First, students started by thinking about potential problems they may face and then sketching out their catapult design. When they were ready, they worked together to build their catapults using rubber bands, popsicle sticks, and a plastic spoon.
After making predictions on what they thought would happen, students finally got to test their designs! They launched a small marshmallow and then launched a candy pumpkin. In the end, students reflected on their designs and reviewed where the objects had the most potential and kinetic energy. It was a great activity to wrap up lessons on motion!
Mennies Elementary School students made beautiful Veterans Day cards that Cole and Mr. Hannah dropped off and personally handed out to the veterans at the Vineland Veterans Home. Thank you for your service!
Dallago Preschool students participated in the New Jersey Department of Education’s Holiday Cards for Military Challenge. The goal of the Holiday Cards for our Military Challenge is the collection and delivery of personalized, signed expressions of respect, caring, and gratitude to United States troops, veterans, and service families. Personalized and signed cards reflect genuine support and caring, respect, and appreciation of our military heroes during the winter holiday season.” Students were asked to write or draw a personalized message. Our preschoolers were excited to participate in this service learning challenge and had lots of fun making cards to share with our Military Heroes!
The entire Durand School family scored a touchdown with a visit from former NFL offensive tackle Barrett Brooks. Mr. Brooks joined students in grades 3-5 for an assembly and then returned for family night. Students, staff, and parents were eager to meet Barrett and hear his story of hard work and perseverance. Those in attendance showed their support for Barrett by wearing attire that represented the teams he played for. Of course, Eagles Green was most prominent, and the night wasn't complete without the Eagles Fight Song.
Within his story were many important life messages. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. Respect your elders. Be the best version of yourself you can be. Don’t just get good grades…get great grades. Invest in your relationships. Grow into your shoes. Pay it forward. Take care of things that are important.
Special thanks to The Youth Alliance for helping plan this great event!
The Vineland Safety Patrol held its annual Safety Patrol Breakfast on October 28. $7000 was raised to help with the end-of-the-year trips to Dutch Wonderland (5th Grade) and Washington DC (8th Grade). An event of this size is not possible without the coordinated efforts of the Safety Patrol advisors and the Vineland Police Department Juvenile Unit. Officer Bill Burris of the Juvenile Unit, along with support from Officers Julio Dejesus, Dion Colvin, Ashley Arrocho, Captain Lene Bowers, retired Captain Dave Cardana, as well as Sgt. Sterchele worked alongside the advisors to make this annual event a wonderful success. We are also very grateful to the Vineland Police Explorers for all of their hard work during this event and to Sodexo Food Service for their support.
