Johnstone Jaguar 8th-grade NJHS students wanted to spread some Holiday Cheer to our bus drivers. They are so thankful that their bus drivers safely get them to and from school each day.
To keep them warm this holiday, they created a mug with hot chocolate, cookies, and a peppermint candy cane!
We Appreciate YOU!!
Happy Holidays
From Johnstone Jaguars NJHS
Fourth-grade students at Petway Elementary School learned about navigation from a very special guest presenter. Lieutenant Joshua DuBois spent an afternoon with Mrs. Bond and Miss Arno’s social studies classes, sharing his unique experiences in the Coast Guard. He explained how he utilized the global grid to navigate through different bodies of water. He also demonstrated how he used the stars and different tools to aid in identifying his location at night and in the middle of the ocean. His presentation allowed students to extend and apply their knowledge about latitude, longitude, and different kinds of maps. Students were excited to learn about his career and how it connects to their learning!
Winslow students geared up for a flurry of creativity as we dove into the magical world of STEAM! Our little learners have embarked on an enchanting journey exploring the intricate beauty of snowflakes through a delightful hands-on project. Using pretzel sticks and marshmallows, these budding scientists and engineers are bringing the wonder of winter to life. Through this engaging activity, students are not only discovering the unique geometry of snowflakes but also honing their fine motor skills and teamwork abilities.
In honor of the late John Pierantozzi, a Secret Santa has anonymously cleared $1,600 in negative lunch balances across eight district schools. Pierantozzi, a cherished former teacher and coach at Vineland High School, had a deep appreciation for Vineland's schools, and this generous gesture reflects his enduring legacy. With this act of kindness, the community is reminded of the profound impact that compassion can have during the holiday season.
Photo: Pierantozzi received the Red & Gray Gridiron Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to the Vineland High School football program in 2013.
Pictured, from left: VHS Athletic Director Don Robbins, John Pierantozzi, and VHS teacher and coach Dan Russo.
Mrs. Friend and Mrs. Boesz's fourth-grade class had some holiday fun in Science and Math. In science, the students worked in groups to complete a Christmas Tree StEM Project in which they used chenille sticks, straws, beads, and dot stickers to create a free-standing Christmas Tree. The students used their creativity and ingenuity to build some very impressive trees. Then, the trees were measured to see which group built the tallest tree. In math, the students completed a project in which they decorated the Rockefeller Tree. The students were given a budget of $40,000 then they had to use their math skills in multiplying, adding, and subtracting to decorate their tree without going over their budget. Finally, they drew a picture of what their Rockefeller Tree would look like.
Congratulations to Superintendent Alfonso Llano, who was recently named one of New Jersey’s “Top Latinos” by The United State Latino Affairs Initiatives. 50 Latino leaders from various fields across the state were recognized for their “inspiring stories of resilience, commitment, and compassion anchored on culture, heritage, and language.” More information on the recipients and the award can be found at www.thelatinoindex.com
Members of Pilla Middle School's Project Unity recently made 75 holiday ornaments for residents of Spring Oaks. Project Unity is a club dedicated to integrating all students and creating social interactions that promote unity while participating in activities to better our community.
On Tuesday, December 19th, the Sabater Safety Patrol visited the residents at Spring Oaks assisted living facility. During this trip, they read Christmas stories, created Christmas pictures, and shared cookies and milk with the residents. A merry time was had by all!
Mrs. Spinelli stopped by the Kindergarten classes at Rossi Elementary School to take us on a trip to Germany for the holidays! We learned about the traditions, such as the Christmas pickle and the candles placed on the Christmas trees. We each received a candy cane as a treat. Fun was had by all.
Santa made a surprise visit to Mr. Martine's 2nd and 3rd graders at Rossi Elementary. Students had written opinion essays, arguing whether certain book characters belonged on the nice or naughty list. The classroom was buzzing as each student presented their case to Santa, who listened attentively.
Santa praised their efforts, emphasizing the importance of kindness and redemption. In the end, he revealed that all characters discussed would be on the nice list, stressing the power of second chances. The room erupted in cheers.
The day left a lasting memory of a holiday visit that combined literature, critical thinking, and the spirit of Christmas. Students went home smiling, proud of their persuasive skills, and with a reminder that everyone deserves a shot at being on the nice list.
Students in Mr. Martine's 2nd-3rd grade class at Rossi Elementary School starred in their very own production of "The Gingerbread Man's Adventure," a mini-play adapted from the classic gingerbread man story.
Students had been working on elements of drama following their Into Reading lesson on the play "The Puddle Puzzle." Students learned about dialogue, stage directions, casts, and scene changes and applied what they learned to their very own holiday play!
The audience was filled with supporters from around the school. Ms. Menone, 2nd grade teacher, was perhaps the most enthusiastic audience member and rated the play "a solid 10/10, 100%."
The cast performed on stage under the lights with microphones. Starring as the gingerbread man was third grader Jason Merced, who received a standing ovation for his performance. The cast also included: Noah Rivera (Narrator), Zion Alvarez (Narrator), Kristine Buono (Old Lady), Jay'lannies DeAza (Horse), Kendall Barber Velazquez (Cow), and Alexander LeClerc (Clever Fox), as well as an ensemble cast of farm animals.
Students learned some incredible lessons while practicing for and performing their play. Mr. Martine's class can't wait for their next big production!
Ms. Caterina's Second Grade and Miss Bernard's Kindergarten classes at Dr. William Mennies Elementary School met up last week for their monthly "Buddy Time"! Miss Bernard's Kindergarten class is currently learning about "Holidays Around the World," and one of the countries they learned about was England! England started the stocking Christmas tradition, so the classes came together to decorate stockings with their buddies and make edible Christmas trees using ice cream cones, icing, and sprinkles!
Barse hosted its first "Book Swap" for staff. Staff who chose to participate brought in a new or used book, which was then wrapped, and words or a quick synopsis was written on top of the wrapping. Think: "Blind date with a book." Participants played a dice game to choose and swap their books. There were tasty treats, bookish discussions, several books swapped, and fun times had by all!
275 Mennies Elementary School students earned Magnet Club Status for the 1st
marking period. They were surprised by a cookie and juice treat in the cafeteria on Friday, December 15. Students had fun listening to music and eating together to celebrate their accomplishments. To achieve this status, students had to have no
discipline referrals, excellent attendance, earn A’s, B’s, or C’s on their report card, and earn G’s or E’s in the categories of Work Habits and Conduct. The Mennies Magnet Club Committee is made up of several teachers, the school counselor, social worker, and administration. The Committee hinted that there are more surprises to come!
Mrs. Stangle’s second grade class at Mennies Elementary School had their monthly "Buddy Time" with Miss Carbo’s Kindergarten class! The students partnered up to learn about Mennies December Character Corner Trait of Caring! The students played a game where they identified ways to show how they CARE and drew pictures. We are so proud that our buddies are ALWAYS caring towards each other!
At Durand Elementary School, kindergarten students and special members of their families enjoyed an afternoon of gumdrops, icing, and gingerbread to celebrate the season! Students used empty milk cartons as bases for their gingerbread houses, glued them together with icing, and decorated them with their favorite sweet treats. The sweetest treat of all, however, were the memories made!
Mrs. Myerson's 1st graders and Mr. Bogut's 5th graders at Mennies joined together this month to celebrate Caring and Kindness! At the beginning of the week, the 5th graders brought in books about Kindness and read them with their 1st grade buddy. Before the session ended, buddies made a goal to carry out several kind acts throughout the week. On Friday, the buddies met again to check in and discuss how their week of Kindness went, and then Mrs. Myerson taught everyone how to make paper snowflakes! On each snowflake, buddies wrote ways to be kind to others, which were then displayed in the main lobby of Mennies school! It's COOL to be KIND!
Mr. Martine and Mrs. Stasuk's classes at Rossi Elementary School joined forces for a sweet holiday experiment, exploring the solubility of candy canes in water and oil. Laughter filled the room as students uncovered the magical science behind everyone's favorite treat. To cap off the day, both classes indulged in the joy of the season, devouring candy canes and getting creative with sugar cookie decorations. Before the delicious finale, the young scientists discovered the fascinating process of how candy canes are made.
Thanks to a large donation of holiday cards from former art teacher Mrs. Scharnagl, the students in grades two through five at Mennies Elementary School signed holiday cards for 100 veterans at the NJ Veterans Memorial Homes. Each card is signed by an entire class of students with a little note of gratitude to each veteran. Being the official mascot of the veterans home, Cole asked to paw print each card with help from his Mennies friends.
During the month of December, Rossi Elementary School Safety Patrol, under the supervision of Mr. Jeff Martine, held their annual toy drive in collaboration with the Dream Foundation. The Dream Foundation, a charitable organization devoted to bringing joy to families in need during the holiday season, partnered with the safety patrol to make a positive impact on the community.
All month long, students and staff enthusiastically contributed brand new toys for children facing challenging circumstances. The collective effort resulted in three enormous bins filled with joy, ensuring that children in need will experience the excitement of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Mrs. Lacretia Carson, Mark & Gina Rudolph of the Dream Foundation, and the entire Rossi Elementary School community for their exceptional generosity and unwavering support for the safety patrol and, most importantly, for the children in need.
