🌟 Logic vs. Emotion: Big Decisions at Dominick Pilla Middle School 🌟
Mrs. Amato’s class has been hard at work exploring the science of decision-making! 🧠❤️ With the beginning of our Unit 3, students had to evaluate the essential question, “To what extent should our emotions impact our decisions?” This question will be further explored throughout the unit of Romeo and Juliet. Our students were tasked with a unique challenge: analyzing different real-life scenarios to predict the consequences of making choices based on pure logic versus raw emotion.
Using a creative "Choice Board," students took over the role of experts and media creators to share their findings. We are so proud of the formal language and digital skills they displayed! Check out the different ways they brought their projects to life:
Expert Interviews & Puppet Shows: Some students stepped into character, conducting formal interviews and even using creative puppet shows to simulate high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Canva Flow Charts & Infographics: Using professional design tools like Canva, several groups mapped out "Consequence Flow Charts," visually breaking down exactly what happens when logic or emotion takes the driver's seat.
Video Briefings & Podcasts: We have some future influencers and broadcasters in the making! Students produced 5-minute podcast episodes to debate the pros and cons of different choices.
Google & Canva Slide Masterpieces: Others developed comprehensive presentations featuring voice-overs, data visuals, and professional graphics.
It was amazing to see our students use digital media to tackle such an important life skill. Great job to all of Mrs. Amato’s students for their hard work and professional presentations!
Link to Podcast: https://bit.ly/4pCppyB
Link to Puppet Show: https://bit.ly/4jyyiI8
Canva Video: https://bit.ly/4qLlNeH
Mrs. Amato’s class has been hard at work exploring the science of decision-making! 🧠❤️ With the beginning of our Unit 3, students had to evaluate the essential question, “To what extent should our emotions impact our decisions?” This question will be further explored throughout the unit of Romeo and Juliet. Our students were tasked with a unique challenge: analyzing different real-life scenarios to predict the consequences of making choices based on pure logic versus raw emotion.
Using a creative "Choice Board," students took over the role of experts and media creators to share their findings. We are so proud of the formal language and digital skills they displayed! Check out the different ways they brought their projects to life:
Expert Interviews & Puppet Shows: Some students stepped into character, conducting formal interviews and even using creative puppet shows to simulate high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Canva Flow Charts & Infographics: Using professional design tools like Canva, several groups mapped out "Consequence Flow Charts," visually breaking down exactly what happens when logic or emotion takes the driver's seat.
Video Briefings & Podcasts: We have some future influencers and broadcasters in the making! Students produced 5-minute podcast episodes to debate the pros and cons of different choices.
Google & Canva Slide Masterpieces: Others developed comprehensive presentations featuring voice-overs, data visuals, and professional graphics.
It was amazing to see our students use digital media to tackle such an important life skill. Great job to all of Mrs. Amato’s students for their hard work and professional presentations!
Link to Podcast: https://bit.ly/4pCppyB
Link to Puppet Show: https://bit.ly/4jyyiI8
Canva Video: https://bit.ly/4qLlNeH
Good evening Pilla parents. Please read the below Winter Dress Code memo from Principal Oshenic. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/4jAYL84
Happy Holidays from our family to yours! 🎄🎁💚❤️
Pilla's Climate and Culture Committee put together a successful pop-up holiday of festivities. Students were able to play various board games, cards and holiday bingo to celebrate their hard work and academic achievements, specifically straight A’s for marking period 1!
Students in Ms. Super’s 6th grade ELA class put together a mock trial during their study of factually based information on the topic of the dangers of energy drinks. Students analyzed and discussed 3 nonfiction articles and then chose roles and used evidence based arguments to determine who should be held at fault when health complications arise from energy drinks without health warnings.
👕 We Need Your Help: School Clothing Drive!
The School Nurse and Guidance Department are looking for specific clothing donations to support our students. If you have extra items at home that meet school dress code requirements, please consider donating!
Items Needed:
Leggings
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts
How to Donate:
📍 Where: Drop off items at the Main Office. 👤 Attention To: Please mark your donations for Nurse Saige or the Guidance Department.
Thank you for helping us keep our students comfortable and ready to learn!
The School Nurse and Guidance Department are looking for specific clothing donations to support our students. If you have extra items at home that meet school dress code requirements, please consider donating!
Items Needed:
Leggings
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts
How to Donate:
📍 Where: Drop off items at the Main Office. 👤 Attention To: Please mark your donations for Nurse Saige or the Guidance Department.
Thank you for helping us keep our students comfortable and ready to learn!
Students in Miss Welden and Ms. Franco’s 7th grade ELA classes had the distinct pleasure of learning about the restaurant business from local entrepreneur Rob Johnson. Mr. Johnson, the owner/operator of the Got Pizza Mobile Unit and former owner of Pizza Queen, visited the students to discuss serving the community as future business leaders. Johnson shared his story along with his book and merchandise with the students. Mr. Rob helped the students complete an activity where they planned, promoted and opened a pizzeria for a day. The students were excited for the visit because it prepared them for their Restaurant Challenge PBL in the Wellness Unit.
Please enjoy this video from Mrs. Baruffi and our Tech Team! "What Pilla Wants For Christmas"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waz2W7uhHGaIqubnPr3ZsKRvnZne6OyB/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waz2W7uhHGaIqubnPr3ZsKRvnZne6OyB/view?usp=sharing
Please join us for our December PTO meeting tonight at 5:30pm via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kdg-bduw-bzv
Ho Ho Hold on to Your Hats! Holiday Spirit Week is Next Week! 🗓️
Mark your calendars for a week of festive fun from Wednesday, December 17th, through Tuesday, December 23rd. We can't wait to see everyone participate!
Here is the daily lineup:
Wed, 12/17: Winter Hat Day - Wear your warmest winter hat or festive headgear. (Uniforms Required)
Thu, 12/18: Tinsel Toe Tuesday - Show off your most festive and cozy socks! (Uniforms Required)
Fri, 12/19: Flannel Friday - Rock your favorite flannel or plaid top. (Uniform Pants Required)
Mon, 12/22: Merry Monday - Time to debut those holiday sweaters and festive shirts! (Uniform Pants Required)
Tue, 12/23: Pajama Day! - Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. ($3 per student to participate)
Remember to check the uniform requirements for each day. Let's finish the year strong with tons of spirit! 🌟
Mark your calendars for a week of festive fun from Wednesday, December 17th, through Tuesday, December 23rd. We can't wait to see everyone participate!
Here is the daily lineup:
Wed, 12/17: Winter Hat Day - Wear your warmest winter hat or festive headgear. (Uniforms Required)
Thu, 12/18: Tinsel Toe Tuesday - Show off your most festive and cozy socks! (Uniforms Required)
Fri, 12/19: Flannel Friday - Rock your favorite flannel or plaid top. (Uniform Pants Required)
Mon, 12/22: Merry Monday - Time to debut those holiday sweaters and festive shirts! (Uniform Pants Required)
Tue, 12/23: Pajama Day! - Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. ($3 per student to participate)
Remember to check the uniform requirements for each day. Let's finish the year strong with tons of spirit! 🌟
Last call for the Double Good Popcorn Sale! The sale ends tomorrow at 4:30pm!
Pleases see the flyer for more details.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Contagious illnesses are circulating this time of year and we want to keep our students feeling their best. A few precautions can make a big difference in keeping illness from spreading throughout our school community.
Please remember our school district's health policy:
Students must be fever-free, vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for at least 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medication before returning to school.
Keep your child home if they have:
Fever of 100.0F or higher
2 or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
Very runny noses and/or frequent sneezing or coughing
If your child is absent 3 or more consecutive days, it is recommended to provide a note from his/her primary health care provider. If your child's doctor medically cleared them to return to school, please medicate your child for their symptoms prior to the start of the school day.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our students and staff healthy during this busy season. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Happy Holidays!
Contagious illnesses are circulating this time of year and we want to keep our students feeling their best. A few precautions can make a big difference in keeping illness from spreading throughout our school community.
Please remember our school district's health policy:
Students must be fever-free, vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for at least 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medication before returning to school.
Keep your child home if they have:
Fever of 100.0F or higher
2 or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
Very runny noses and/or frequent sneezing or coughing
If your child is absent 3 or more consecutive days, it is recommended to provide a note from his/her primary health care provider. If your child's doctor medically cleared them to return to school, please medicate your child for their symptoms prior to the start of the school day.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our students and staff healthy during this busy season. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Happy Holidays!
Congratulations to Mrs. Nicole Robbins, our November Staff Member of the Month! Her dedication, teamwork, and positive spirit make a difference every day in our school community.
Congratulations to Safety Patroller, Ethan Delgado, our Gold Badge Winner of the Month for December!
Your dedication and leadership shine brightly, and we are fortunate to have you on our team!
#Pilla Proud💙💛
Your dedication and leadership shine brightly, and we are fortunate to have you on our team!
#Pilla Proud💙💛
Let's make a difference for our tiniest community members! ❤️
Pilla Safety Patrol and NJHS, in partnership with Inspira Health, are hosting a "Preemie" Onesie and Pajama Donation Drive. We're collecting new or slightly used preemie-sized onesies and pajamas to help families in need.
Donations accepted: December 1st - December 22nd. Find our donation boxes in C209, C204, the Cafeteria, and the Main Office Entrance. Your generosity can bring warmth and comfort!
#PreemieCare #DonationDrive #PillaSafetyPatrol #NJHS #InspiraHealth
Pilla Safety Patrol and NJHS, in partnership with Inspira Health, are hosting a "Preemie" Onesie and Pajama Donation Drive. We're collecting new or slightly used preemie-sized onesies and pajamas to help families in need.
Donations accepted: December 1st - December 22nd. Find our donation boxes in C209, C204, the Cafeteria, and the Main Office Entrance. Your generosity can bring warmth and comfort!
#PreemieCare #DonationDrive #PillaSafetyPatrol #NJHS #InspiraHealth
Pilla Middle School Winter Concert Shines Bright!
What an incredible night at Pilla Middle School's Winter Concert yesterday! Our talented band, led by Mr. Schultz, and choir students, led by Mr. Thomas, truly outdid themselves, filling the auditorium with beautiful music and holiday cheer. 🎶 A huge round of applause to all the performers and their dedicated teachers for a spectacular show! We're so proud of our Panthers!
Get into the holiday spirit and support Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School PTO! 🎄✨
Our Holiday Greenery & Seasonal Decorations Sale is happening now! Use your $10 voucher towards all sizes and colors of poinsettias, wreaths, grave blankets, pine roping, and other beautiful decorations.
Proceeds benefit student activities funded by the PTO!
Vouchers are redeemable at Huffman Farms (296 S Bluebell Rd, Vineland) from Nov. 29th to Dec. 21st.
To purchase vouchers, send money and the amount of vouchers to the main office. If you have any questions, please contact sgtpillapto@gmail.com.
Don't miss out on making your home festive while supporting our school! #HolidaySale #SchoolFundraiser #SgtPillaMiddleSchool #PTO #HolidayDecorations
Our Holiday Greenery & Seasonal Decorations Sale is happening now! Use your $10 voucher towards all sizes and colors of poinsettias, wreaths, grave blankets, pine roping, and other beautiful decorations.
Proceeds benefit student activities funded by the PTO!
Vouchers are redeemable at Huffman Farms (296 S Bluebell Rd, Vineland) from Nov. 29th to Dec. 21st.
To purchase vouchers, send money and the amount of vouchers to the main office. If you have any questions, please contact sgtpillapto@gmail.com.
Don't miss out on making your home festive while supporting our school! #HolidaySale #SchoolFundraiser #SgtPillaMiddleSchool #PTO #HolidayDecorations
🎄 Spread Holiday Cheer & Kindness! 🎁
The 7th Grade Teen Outreach Program is hosting a Holiday Candy Cane Gram Fundraiser for charity!
It's the perfect way to say THANK YOU to your friends, teachers, and school staff while supporting a wonderful cause.
What: Candy Cane Gratitude Grams
Cost: Only $2 each
Where to Buy: During ALL lunch periods
When to Buy: December 11th, 12th, & 15th
Pick your message of gratitude and have a sweet candy cane delivered to anyone in the school!
All proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to CHARITY!
Please join us in offering the warmest congratulations to our 2025 Teacher of the Year, Gina Merlino, and our 2025 Educational Services Professional of the Year, Kelly Stipes!
These highly selective awards recognize educators who:
Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Demonstrate strong leadership and ongoing contributions to improving student learning.
Hold the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
We are profoundly proud of both Gina and Kelly for meeting these high standards and for the dedication they show our students every day. Congratulations!
These highly selective awards recognize educators who:
Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Demonstrate strong leadership and ongoing contributions to improving student learning.
Hold the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
We are profoundly proud of both Gina and Kelly for meeting these high standards and for the dedication they show our students every day. Congratulations!
