Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School

On Friday, January 23rd, students from Ms. Armanini’s, Ms. Colan’s, Ms. Kline’s, and Mr. Rosa’s classes visited the Levoy Theater to enjoy Jurassic Bark Live! They embarked on a journey to prehistoric times alongside REAL DINOSAURS while also being entertained by Freestyle Dancing Dogs, Agility Dogs, Frisbee Dogs, High Jumping Dogs, and even some Hilarious Canine Costumes!

During this outing, students were able to practice good safety skills while walking with adults, use appropriate proximity to others, walk to their seats appropriately, use safety signs, recognize community helpers, request for basic needs, and wants, use conversational exchanges, understand the layout of the theater, remain quiet while watching the play, and demonstrate appropriate social behavior while watching the play.

What a night! 🃏🏓

Thanks to everyone who made the Pilla Family Game Night such a success. We had a blast with the cards, board games, and Ping Pong! Special thanks to the parents for attending and making it a night to remember.

Can’t wait for the next one! 🏆

The Winter Wonderland Dance has been postponed until NEXT THURSDAY, February 5th. Tickets will be sold during lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Permission slips have already been sent home.

Our students in Mrs. Morgan's Project Lead the Way challenge took on an exciting and eye-opening challenge that combined science, engineering, teamwork, and real-world problem solving! Using a hands-on activity, students created their own miniature ocean ecosystems and then faced a tough challenge: a simulated oil spill.

Their mission? To design and test methods to filter out the oil and help clean up the water. Through trial and error, collaboration, and creative thinking, our future scientists and engineers explored how pollution impacts the environment and what it takes to protect our oceans.

Give your Chromebook some love! ❤️💻 The Pilla Student Tech Team is hosting a Chromebook Carwash all February long.

🗓️ Mondays & Fridays 📍 Cafeteria

Stop by and get your device cleaned by the pros! 🫧✨

Pilla Chick-Fil-A Night! Please stop by Chick-Fil-A by the mall on Thursday, January 29th, from 4-8pm to support our school!

Get ready to twist and shout—the NJHS Pretzel Sale is here! 🥨

Whether you’re a fan of the classic salt or craving something sweet, we’ve got you covered with fresh Philly Pretzel Factory favorites. Come grab a snack and support a great cause!

🥨 THE DETAILS
Regular Pretzels: $1.00

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: $3.00

🗓️ WHEN & WHERE
Dates: Wednesday, 1/21 – Friday, 1/23

Time: During Homeroom

Location: The Cafeteria

All proceeds go directly to benefit NJHS. Don't forget your cash! 💸

Get your game face on! 🎲✨

The Pilla Family Game Night is almost here! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, laughs, and school spirit. Whether you’re a board game pro, a card shark, or a Skee-Ball legend, there’s something for everyone!

📍 When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🍕 Dinner: A lite dinner will be provided!
👕 Bonus: Attendees get a FREE Dress Down Day!

Note: Parents must be in attendance. Spread the word and invite your favorite Pilla friends and families!

🔗 RSVP by 1/21: Scan the QR code in the flyer or use this link: https://bit.ly/3Z6pP5k

Please join us for our January PTO meeting at 5:30pm via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kdg-bduw-bzv
We will be discussing Candy Bar BINGO and Chick Fil A Night among other things. Everyone is welcome!!!

Pilla parents - because of a busing shortage, all after school activities for today, Tuesday, January 20th, have been cancelled.

✨🏰 Disney Day was a success! 🏰✨

From magical outfits to generous donations, our school truly showed its Disney spirit! 🐭👑

Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our Safety Patrol Disney Day fundraiser. 🪄

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 🕊️✨

Yesterday, our Pilla NJHS members answered that call by participating in a Day of Service in honor of MLK Day. Partnering with the Newfield Recreation Committee and the Vineland Soup Kitchen, our students dedicated their time to supporting our local community.

Together, they assembled "Blessing Bags" filled with sandwiches, snacks, and—most importantly—handwritten notes of encouragement to brighten someone's day. 🥪ed💌

We are incredibly proud of these young leaders for spending their day off giving back and making a real difference in Vineland and Newfield.

Students in Mrs. Franco and Miss Welden's Language Arts classroom completed their Hunger Games projects. They first had to research a crop they wanted to grow on their farm. Then within their group they had to create a grant proposal to submit to the committee as to why they should receive $100,000 in grant money to grow their sustainable farm. The template included creating a budget, cover letter, abstract, a statement of need and a program description. Finally, they put all this information into a vivid presentation and presented it to the class.

Spreading holiday cheer to our furry (and feathered) friends! 🐾🎄

The students of Pilla’s National Junior Honor Society recently sent handmade holiday cards and a generous donation to the animals at Freedom Farm. Not only did they help provide care for the farm's residents, but they also got a wonderful surprise in return!

The NJHS received a special "thank you" delivery of holiday cards and pictures directly from the animals. Swipe to see the festive messages! 📸✨

We are so proud of our students for their compassion and community spirit.

Good evening Pilla parents. This upcoming week, students will be iReady testing. Please make sure that your student's chromebook is fully charged and brought to school tomorrow. Thank you very much for your help!

Pilla Safety Patrol and NJHS partnered with Inspira to host the annual Preemie PJ & Onesie Drive.

Pilla Middle School, in its entirety, helped donate two full boxes (over 30+ pairs) to help premature babies this winter. Seen pictured are the members of the Pilla Safety Patrol and PICU Inspira nurse, Caroline Tolotti, who so graciously volunteered her guidance on the overall initiative, as well as picking up the donation boxes here at Pilla Middle School. We are SO #PillaProud to continue to serve the community!

Students in Mrs. Purich’s science class became atmospheric scientists as they explored how light changes as it travels through Earth’s atmosphere. Using flashlights and rectangular bins of milky water to model the atmosphere, students revisited their ideas about why light can change in color and brightness.

After making predictions, students investigated what happens when light passes through more or less of their simulated atmosphere. They carefully observed and recorded changes in brightness and color, then shared their findings with classmates. Together, the class co-constructed a model to explain how light scatters and transmits through the atmosphere.

This engaging investigation helped students connect real-world phenomena—like colorful sunsets and dimming light—to scientific models through collaboration, curiosity, and hands-on learning!

Congratulations to Ms. Savannah Kissling, our January Staff Member of the Month! Her dedication, teamwork, and positive spirit make a difference every day in our school community.

REMINDER - NO PAJAMAS!!!

✨🏰 Disney Day for Safety Patrol! 🏰✨

Join us tomorrow, Friday, January 16th, to support our Safety Patrol Fundraiser by dressing up for Disney Day! 🎉

Students may wear Disney ears, character-themed clothing, capes, hats, and more for just $2, given to your HR teacher.

🚫 Please remember: no pajamas, ripped jeans, masks, or hand-held props.

Let’s bring the magic while supporting a great cause! ✨💙