Smith News
May 5th, 2023
Achieving Excellence One Student at a Time
Ms. Christine Davis
Interim Principal
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote support for those who are struggling with mental health challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health has become an even more pressing issue for many people around the world. Below, we will explore why mental health awareness is important and how we can all take steps to support our children’s and our own mental well-being, as well as that of others.
Why is mental health awareness important?
Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. When our mental health is compromised, it can affect every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, school, work, and physical health. Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health, which can prevent people from seeking help when they need it. By raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma, we can help more people get the support they need to manage their mental health challenges and live fulfilling lives.
How can we support our own mental health?
There are many things we can do to support our own mental health. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support your mental and physical health.
Stay active: Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Seek support: If you're struggling with mental health challenges, don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for support.
How can we support others' mental health?
Supporting others' mental health can be just as important as supporting our own. Here are a few ideas for how to support others:
Listen without judgment: When someone shares their struggles with you, listen with an open mind and without judgment.
Offer help: Ask what you can do to support the person, whether it's helping them find a mental health professional or simply spending time with them.
Educate yourself: Learn more about mental health challenges so that you can better understand and support those who are struggling.
Speak out against stigma: Challenge harmful stereotypes and stigmatizing language when you encounter them.
Throughout the month of May, we will be highlighting Mental Health Awareness.
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 12th, when we invite the entire school to wear green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
By taking steps to support our own mental health and that of others, we can help create a more supportive and compassionate world for all. Let's use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to start these important conversations and promote mental health awareness in our community.
If you or someone you know needs to seek assistance, check out one of these resources:
Local
National
2023 Spring Student Council Pep Rally!
Are you ready to show your school spirit and cheer on your classmates?!
We are thrilled to invite you to the upcoming Student Council Pep Rally, taking place on Monday, May 8, 2023, @ 2:30 PM this is the perfect opportunity to come together as a Smith School Community and celebrate our pride and enthusiasm!
Our Pep Rally will be filled with exciting games, fun competitions, and amazing prizes. You won't want to miss the chance to show off your skills and win big!
Remember, 8th Grade wears Blue, 7th Grade wears White, and 6th Grade wears Gold! Make sure to wear your class colors to show your spirit and represent your grade.
Dr. Ryan Esdale
Interim Supervisor of K-8 Education and Student Welfare
Profile of a Ramsey Graduate Competencies: Reflection
Over the last 5 years, our District Goals have remained largely unchanged. Specifically, our dedication to the Profile of a Ramsey Graduate competencies continues to be a primary focus for teaching and learning at Smith Middle School.
This school year, we will highlight what the critical components of each competency look like in our classrooms. In this edition of the catalog, we will focus on Reflection.
The actions taken to sharpen the habit of being adaptable through the lens of the Profile of a Ramsey Graduate include:
Is aware of their areas of strength and areas of needing improvement
Learns from mistakes and thinks about what they could have done differently
Seeks and accepts feedback
Makes decisions and takes action after considering possible outcomes
What does Reflection look like in a Smith Middle School Classroom?
On April 4, 2023, grade 9 students from Ramsey High School volunteered their time to visit 8th grade students and reflected on their experience completing the Profile Project last school year. The 9th graders were not only gracious with their time, but offered multiple opportunities for students to learn from their wisdom in way that was digestible and relatable. The students talked about different mistakes to avoid, what an effective Profile Project looks like, how the days of the Profile Project are planned, and how to work collaboratively with their groupmates. Most importantly, the students emphasized how important it was to be a good teammate by actively listening, being responsible, proactive during the creative process.
We owe a gigantic thank you to Dr. Thumm and Ramsey High School for giving us the opportunity to learn from their reflections of the Profile Project. Our 8th grade students will be working on their own Profile Projects from June 12th to June 16th. We are looking forward to our students showing off their skills and their passion for Wellness!
Team Highlights: 6th & 7th Grades
6th Grade Highlights
On April 27th, 6th grade students toured the important historic sites of Old City in Philadelphia as they connected the real world sites to the content covered in social studies about the American Revolution, Civil War, and Civil Rights.
Students saw Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed and adopted, while also viewing the famous Liberty Bell only a few short steps away. Students toured the Betsy Ross House to view a real-life 18th century dwelling while learning more about the woman who supposedly “sewed” the first American flag. Did she do it? Ask our young historians! Students strolled down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States with houses dating back to 1703. Finally, we ended our journey at the National Constitution Center, an interactive museum devoted to study and scholarship of the Constitution and the Constitutional Convention, complete with Signer’s Hall where the students saw what the actual signers of The Constitution looked like. We even enjoyed a sweet ice cream treat at the Franklin Fountain shop!
What an exciting day, and our 6th graders made Smith and Ramsey proud! A huge thank you to our 6th grade social studies teachers- Ms. Young, Mr. Schrettner, Mr. Cichewicz, and Mr. Breen- for making this amazing trip possible!
7th Grade Highlights
Oh, the wonderful world of microorganisms! Marking period 4 is the start of the life science unit in science class, so the 7th graders have been spending time exploring with microscopes. Student engagement is at an all-time high and they are expressing how much they love using microscopes. Throughout the week, they have viewed their own skin cells, bacteria in yogurt, amoebas, and a variety of protists found in pond water. This leads them to an understanding of cells in the body and how they work together to build the larger organism- us! Pictured below is Ms. Rockefeller and Mrs. Rybak's classes exploring with the microscopes.
Social Studies students of the 7th grade tackled the first portions of their Civil Action projects. Students in Ms. Ung, Ms. Paone, Ms. Dobbs, and Mr. Abma's classes spent the last weeks of April determining a school-based issue to address, surveying and interviewing students across grade levels, meeting with teachers and building administrators for their insight, and finally holding a panel discussion with district administrators to discuss their findings and brainstorming potential paths to a viable solution. Next, students will analyze their data and begin their action plans!
7th grade "Mighty Monkeys" rounded out the third quarter of the School Year with Superstar Shout Outs for stellar work and demonstrating a high standard of character. Way to go, finish the year strong!
Staff Spotlight: Jacqueline Clinton
Hey everyone! My name is Jacqueline Clinton, and I am an eighth grade science teacher.
This is my first year back at Smith! I taught sixth grade math and seventh grade science here four years ago. Over the last three years I taught third grade, but I'm excited to be back in the middle school setting!
I attended West Virginia University, where I received my Masters in Elementary Education, with a specialization in Special Education. Throughout my years at WVU, I spent time camping, backpacking, rock climbing and white water rafting!
I love playing and watching sports, working out, spending time outside and watching Shrek, but my favorite thing to do is tell dad jokes!
RPEF Sprint For Our Schools 2023!
Get ready, get set, and mark your calendars for our 2023 Ramsey Public Education Foundation's Annual Sprint For Our Schools Event! Support our schools and participate in the 5K and/or family race on Saturday, May 13th.
The 5k race will begin at 8:30 AM and the Family Fun Run at 9:30 AM. Both races will begin at the Ramsey Municipal Pool parking lot. There will also be a DJ, representatives from the event's sponsors, and more!
RPEF is a non-profit organization created to enhance the quality of our children’s education by funding exceptional programs that would otherwise remain beyond the reach of the school budget. The foundation provides grants for technology, arts, and science programs in our five public schools
The school with the highest number of participants has the chance to win a cash prize of up to $1,000!
For more information & registration visit www.rpefrun.com
Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) Awareness Webinar
Open to parents district-wide, join Ramsey Technology Leaders of grades 6-12 in a Zoom webinar discussion on the newest innovation in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT. Further your understanding of ChatGPT and how Artifcal Intelligence is being responded to by our school district.
The webinar will be hosted on Zoom on Tuesday, May 9th at 8:00 PM. To register, scan the QR code on the flier or click HERE.
James Madison Fellow of New Jersey: Mr. Andrew Schrettner
Our very own 6th grade Social Studies teacher, Andrew Schrettner, was recently chosen as a James Madison Fellow for the state of New Jersey!
The James Madison Fellowship was established by Congress in 1986 to support educators who wish to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution. Each year, a total of 55 teachers from across the country are selected to participate in the Fellowship program. The Fellowship provides each selected teacher with a scholarship of $24,000, which can be used to pursue a master's degree in American history or political science. Fellows attend a four-week summer institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. A major highlight of the summer institute is the chance to be hosted at the Supreme Court by a sitting Justice of the Court.
Mr. Schrettner says he is looking forward to the opportunities for professional learning that the fellowship will provide, including the Summer Institute at Georgetown, which will offer the chance to study the Constitution with some of the nation's leading experts in the field.
Congratulations to Mr. Schrettner on this incredible accomplishment! It is amazing to see one of our very own demonstrating a dedication to being a life-long learner.
Come What 'May', Smith School Will Lead The Way!
Congratulations Declan and Derek on winning the March "Caught Being Good" Student of the Month Award! (Above)
Last month, Dr. Esdale visited with Grade 4 and 5 Wandell students to talk about and answer their questions about Smith Middle School. We can't wait for our new generation of Rams to join us next year! (Above, Left)
April's Charity Challenge Bake Sales were a sweet success! Students from each homeroom in each grade brought in goods to be sold during Wellness Wednesday periods by Student Council representatives- all proceeds will go towards their team totals for our Annual Charity Challenge event! Huge thanks to Student Council for their help and to Mr. Ricigliano for organizing these sales(Above, Below, Right)
Enrichment students compete the April Bergen Brain Busters Meet! Students across Bergen County battled it out over a wide array of trivia questions in a true meeting of the minds. (Above)
In recognition of Earth Day, Ms. Cosgrove’s students went around our school collecting & disposing of trash found in the halls or classrooms. (Top left)
Madame Kuhnel's 8th grade French classes took a field trip to Chez Madeleine's Petit Paris restaurant on Wednesday, April 19th to sample some fine French cuisine as they had a three-course luncheon. Bon appetit!!! (Left, Bottom Left, Below)
During a field study Ms. Meyers’ class observed the water and different types of rocks of Ramsey and compared them to Hawaii Volcano and Grand Canyon National Parks’ rocks and waters (Above, Below, Right)
Big thank you to the Smith PTO and to Tin Can Confections for their generous treats in honor of Teacher Appreciation! (Above, Below)
Environmental Club weeded, repaired garden beds and started sowing seeds for our fall harvest. The EC students work hard & aren’t afraid to get dirty! (Below, Bottom Left, Right, Top Right)
8th grade Spanish students had the opportunity for an authentic Mexican dining experience! Students visited "Casa Don Manuel" where they enjoyed a selection of traditional entrees which they ordered in Spanish. (Below, Right, Bottom Right)
Health Information from Our
Smith School Nurse
Laura Spiegelman BSN, RN
Certified School Nurse
201-785-2314
Fax 201-785-2320
HOW TO OBSERVE
Share the message: Taking care of our mental health is as normal as eating healthy, exercising, or even saving for the future.
Share your story to help others understand that achieving mental health is a daily process!
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
If you or someone you know needs to seek assistance, check out one of these resources:
Local
West Bergen Mental Health Care
CarePlus NJ
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
The Koch Center
National
Mental Health America
National Alliance of Mental Health
mentalhealth.org
National Institutes of Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
American Psychiatric Association
2023 Summer Explorations
Join the Ramsey Community School this Summer in their Summer Explorations program offerings! Summer Explorations offers two programs for all students entering 6th-8th grade.
Registration deadline is June 16th, space is limited so be sure to secure your spot today! Flyer with dates and pricing and the registration form are on the left. Questions? Call the Ramsey Community School at 201-785-2300 x21701
RAMSEY POLICE ACADEMY JR.
Train with Ramsey’s finest at Ramsey’s Police Academy boot camp. Engage in
team building drills, learn about emergency procedures, participate in a mock
crime scene investigation and learn about the SWAT equipment that officers use
on a daily basis. Get into physical shape through daily workouts that include
jogging, pushups, sit-ups and air squats. Campers will spend time throughout the
week participating in activities on-site at the Bergen County Police Academy in
Mahwah. All students will receive a JPA shirt to be worn for the week with black
shorts, white socks and sneakers. Along with Officer Beamon, high school
volunteers who are currently preparing for a military career will be on hand to
assist with the classes.
CPR/FIRST AID/SAFE SITTER TRAINING
This class combines a Safe Sitter® program with CPR and First Aid Training. Safe
Sitter® Essentials teaches how to practice important safety skills, handle
emergencies and treat illnesses and injuries. Learn business skills that are
helpful when starting babysitting, like how to screen jobs, set a wage, and work
with employers. Review first aid skills that can be used to help someone who is
injured or experiencing a medical emergency. Practice basic CPR and choking
rescue for adults, children and infants, and discuss how to use an AED
(Automated External Defibrillator). At the end of the week, there will be a skills
test and those who pass will receive First Aid/CPR Certification. *Please note that
there is no guarantee that all participants will receive certification as they must
pass the exam to qualify.
Super Summer Music Camp
Join certified Music teachers this summer at Hubbard school for Super Summer Music Camp! Led by Dater School's very own Mr. Jacobsen, this three-week accelerated program offers your child the most innovative and fun approach to playing a musical instrument.
Jump-start lessons, cutting edge electives, and performing ensembles provide a summer enrichment opportunity for all students entering 4th through 11th grade in the Fall of 2023! The wide variety of classes incorporate 21st-Century learning techniques to help each child stretch their imagination and open up new talents. Camp counselors and NJ certified music teachers are ready to help your camper with all the tips, tricks and inspiration they can handle. Each staff member specializes and plays on the instrument they teach so your child can be sure they are getting taught by a real professional. Every camper will also have the opportunity to perform at our Super Summer Music Festival 2023 on July 28th.
Check out their flyer and learn more at www.supersummermusic.com!
Ramsey Community School Classes for Grades 6-8
Ramsey Community School is offering a 6-8 class all about CHESS! Discover how much fun chess can be!
Learn how to master the game that’s more popular than ever by using various strategies and problem-solving techniques. Suitable for all skill levels, whether learning how to play for the first time or looking to raise your game to the next level.
The first half of the class will focus on teaching new skills and the second half will be devoted to hands-on game time.
Check out the flyer or visit https://www.ramsey.k12.nj.us/domain/13 for more information on the class & registration!
Parent Book Club 2022-2023
Parent Book Club is a group where interested parents and guardians of Smith students are invited to join the library media specialist once a month to read and discuss popular, young adult literature in the Smith School Media Center.
Each month, our library media specialist will be choosing three Young Adult books all sharing one common theme; you may choose to read all three or pick from this list the ones that interest you most.
The theme for our May meeting will be 2023 Award Winners. This will be our final meeting for the 2022-2023 School Year!
Our next meeting will be Thursday, May 18th in the Smith library at 9:15 AM and will last about one hour. The books and descriptions can be found by clicking here for the Smith Library Media site.
If you are interested and have not already signed up, please complete the form, print, & have your student submit it to the library media center, OR you can complete the form and email it directly to our library media specialist, Ms. Kelly.
Chromebook Insurance
Chromebook Insurance is Due Now....Register
We will no longer be using Family ID for Chromebook Insurance. Instead, we will be using PaySchools Central to collect the Chromebook insurance fee. Most parents should be familiar
with PaySchools as it is the same platform that the district leverages for parents to fund their student lunch accounts.
Information on Payschools Central, including how-to guides, can be found by visiting https://www.ramsey.k12.nj.us/PaySchools
Upcoming Dates
Smith Band Concert- May 4th
Bergen Brain Busters Meet- May 5th
PTO 8th Grade Yard Sign Pick-up- May 5th, 3:30-5:30 pm
Smith Jazz Band Concert- May 8th
Student Council School-Wide Pep Rally- May 8th
NJSLA Grade 8 Science Testing- May 9th-May 12th
PTO Meeting- May 9th
Parent Tech Meeting on Artificial Intelligence- May 9th
Smith Chorus Concert- May 11th
RPEF Sprint For Our Schools- May 13th
Smith Select Band Concert- May 15th
NJSLA ELA & Mathematics Testing 6, 7, 8- May 15th-May 19th
Parent Book Club- May 18th
Grit 'N Wit Grade 8- May 22nd
8th Grade Washington DC Trip- May 23rd-May 25th
Memorial Day- District CLOSED- May 29th
Past "Smith News"
April 2023- March 2023- February 2023- January 2023- December 2022- November 2022- October 2022- September 2022
June 23 2022-June 2022-May 2022- April 2022- March 2022- February 2022- January 2022- December 2021-November 2021-October 2021-September 2021
June 2021- May 2021- April 2021- March 2021- February 2021- January 2021- December 2020- November 2020 - October 2020 - September 2020
June 24, 2020 - June 5, 2020 - May 22, 2020 - May 8, 2020 - May 1, 2020 - April 24, 2020 - April 17, 2020 - April 3, 2020 - March 27, 2020 - March 20, 2020 - March 2020 - February 2020 - January 2020 - December 2019 - November 2019 - October 2019 - September 2019
