MARCH

Spring is the time of the year when it is best to plant dreams...

-anonymous

Book Character Day truly brought the magic of reading to life, transforming PS 16's hallways into a vibrant parade of beloved literary figures.  Seeing characters like Harry Potter, with his iconic glasses and wand, reminds us of the adventures that await in the pages of a book. Matilda, with her love of learning and extraordinary powers, champions the underdog and illustrates the strength of intelligence and kindness. Sailor Moon, a symbol of empowerment and friendship, transports us to a realm where good battles evil with the power of love and justice.  And let's not forget Oscar the Grouch, who, despite his grumpy demeanor, teaches important lessons about acceptance and looking beyond first impressions.

A BIG thank you to all the students who participated in our successful Book Drive for the little free libraries!  Your generosity didn't just enrich the collections of these charming libraries, it also brought a sense of unity and encouraged a spirit of giving within our community.

This effort not only makes a diverse range of reading materials readily available to people of all ages, but it also promotes a culture of sharing and lifelong learning.  Congratulations on your achievement, and thank you for making such a meaningful difference!  Your dedication to spreading the joy of reading is inspiring!

TEAM UP for READING was a fantastic way to celebrate literature and the bonds we share with favorite characters, teams, or partners.  Buddy Reading, where we paired our older students with younger ones, offered a multifaceted approach to strengthening literacy skills and social connections.

This activity helped younger students improve their reading and ignited a love for reading, all while building their confidence.  For older students, it was an opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills, while solidifying their understanding by teaching to others.  This interaction created a supportive learning environment that instilled a sense of responsibility among students of different ages.  Moreover, empathy and patience were made visible as older students learned to adapt their guidance to the pace of younger learners.

Picture this: a cozy haven filled with the comforting scent of old books, everyone lounging in their favorite school sweats.  This wasn't your typical book club.  At STARBOOKS Swap, participants unearthed treasures from their personal libraries – books that left a lasting impression.

It wasn't just about exchanging titles; it was about sharing the emotions, the adventures, and the memories woven into those pages.  By bringing a cherished read, students offered a glimpse into their world, forging a unique connection only possible through a shared love of stories.

STARBOOKS Swap was a brilliant way to rekindle the spark for old favorites and discover hidden gems, all while strengthening the bonds of friendship.

Our girls' swim team wrapped up their season with a home meet, showcasing their dedication and hard work throughout the season. We're incredibly proud of their accomplishments!

District Science Fair Awards Ceremony 

The District Science Fair Awards Ceremony was a celebration of young scientific minds and their incredible achievements.  It was a day marked by excitement and pride, as all grade level winners, along with every student from grades 5 through 8 who participated, were honored for their contributions to the world of science.  PS 16 was represented by Devin Puri, Dhaanvi Shah, and Neha Arunkumar.  

Hudson County STEM Showcase

The Jersey City Medical Center STEM Showcase at Liberty Science Center exuded innovation as young minds across Hudson County presented their research findings. This event was a proud moment for Jersey City Public Schools, as it featured the top 16 students from grades 5-8 in the district science fair, including Devin Puri, who represented PS 16!

Saint Patrick's Day 

5th grader Aisling Kerr brought a piece of Ireland into her classroom with the help of her friend Aadhya and her mom, Ms. Leanne. Together, they unfolded the rich tapestry of Irish culture and history, making it an educational feast for their classmates. Aisling delved into the tragic history of the potato famine, a pivotal event that shaped Ireland, and shared the significance of Irish names, weaving the cultural importance and meanings behind them. She didn't stop there; the celebration of St. Patrick's Day was brought to life through discussions about its traditions, including the irresistible Irish chocolate. But Aisling's presentation was more than just facts and history; it was an interactive experience. She introduced her classmates to the lively world of Irish step dancing, offering a beginner's lesson that got everyone moving. The adventure into Irish culture was rounded off with a brief introduction to hurling, a sport deeply embedded in Irish heritage. Aisling's presentation was a vibrant journey through Ireland's past and present, leaving her classmates with a newfound appreciation for the Emerald Isle.

Thank you to the parents 

who generously shared their time and cultural traditions with our students this past week! Informative presentations about Holi, a vibrant spring festival, brought the rich traditions and significance of this holiday to life for our students. Our gratitude also goes to the parents who presented on Easter and Ramadan, giving students a deeper understanding of these important holidays.

Ahmed and Anaya's classroom visit from their moms brought a cultural enrichment to the second grade students of room 101 that was both enlightening and heartwarming.  The highlight of the visit was when Anaya's big sister, Amara, who is in the 5th grade, took the stage with a storybook in hand. Her reading not only captivated the younger audience but also bridged the gap between different grade levels through the universal joy of storytelling. This visit proved to be a memorable event that expanded the students' understanding of the world and the various cultures that enrich it.

In 101, Arya's mom visited the classroom to share the vibrant and joyous festival of Holi with the students.  She vividly described the main customs of Holi, emphasizing the play with colors, where participants throw and smear colored powders on each other, symbolizing the vibrancy and renewal of life. To make the experience more tangible for the students, she brought in natural, safe colors for them to play with!

In Room 201, the air was thick with excitement as students gathered to celebrate Easter!   

In an uplifting gesture of community engagement, the Jersey City Police Department took a delightful step outside their conventional duties to bond with our students by painting Easter eggs together!

Annual Hat Parade Winners

Last Thursday, March 21, thirteen students from the 4th and 5th grades were inducted into the Cornelia F. Bradford, P.S. 16 chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society for the 2024 school year.  These students excel academically and model exceptional responsibility in all areas.  For more information regarding the criteria and selection process, you can see the attached file.

Women's History Month

Fueled by the achievements of real-life heroines, students researched and showcased the stories of female role models in our Barbie: Inspiring Women Series Project. The main building bristled with activity as students explored the stations, eager to vote for their favorite inspirational woman. 

Making MAGIC with Mr. Bacher!

Girls Who Code

On Wednesday, March 27th, Cornelia F. Bradford celebrated the completion of the school's pilot program for Girls Who Code in partnership with Morgan Stanley. The 22 students were selected during an in-school lottery out of 52 applicants and spent the course of 10 weeks learning about the basics of computer science and coding. The students wrapped up the program with activities and morse code bracelets.

see you next month Bradford Bears...