February 2018
A monthly e-newsletter to keep you connected to your District
WRSD Health & Wellness
Consistent with Goal #1 of our strategic plan, we are committed to promoting health and wellness by creating a holistic approach to education to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Individually, our schools provide supports and resources that help our students manage the school / life balance in the digital age. However, collectively we can do even more.
I am pleased to announce that this year, all six schools of the Westwood Regional School District have teamed up to provide a series of Wellness Workshops as part of our ongoing efforts to support our families in the education of our children. These events are open to parents in all schools and grades so that we can hear and learn with one another. While the wellness theme is woven through all three experiences, you will learn something new with each one. Feel free to sign up for one, two or all three.
Registration is requested for each event for planning and communication purposes only.
Thank you for your interest and support.
2018 Wellness Flyer.pdf
WRSD embraces the use of social media for the purpose of providing our community with a glimpse into the wonderful things going on in our schools. Our schools, teachers, clubs, sports, and activities have lively feeds to keep you connected.
We've compiled a searchable list to help you Follow/Like us on social media. Use the Search boxes to narrow the list by school, class, club, team, or organization.
FEBRUARY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
At the public meeting on February 28, the meeting featured Student of the Month and Eagle Scout recognitions as well as a Progress Report on WRSD's District Goals presented by Dr. Ray Gonzalez (click the presentation on the right to see more). Click here to view the Agenda for our February 28 Board of Education meeting.
2018-19 Before/Aftercare Services
In addition, during the public meeting the Superintendent discussed the topic of Before/Aftercare Services for the 2018-19 school year. After reviewing options for these services, the Superintendent informed the Board that he was recommending that the district permit use of our facilities by Champions Before-and After-School. No vote was taken to confirm this decision; however, we anticipate making a final decision in March to allow sufficient time to inform our families of the Before/Aftercare options beginning in September. In response to several inquiries received on the topic of Before/Aftercare, please note that there will be no changes to the basic structure, schedule, and locations of the service.
2017-18 Mid Year Review.pdfRetirement Recognition
Diane Carroll - Assistant Principal-Middle School
Jr/Sr High School Students of the Month
Christopher Eagar (gr 8); Andrew Sklavounos (gr 12)
Eagle Scouts
Ryan Visich (gr 12); Andrew Loverich (gr 11); Nathaniel Vele (gr 12);
In addition to the recently adopted Board Policies listed below, any policies currently under review by the Board can found here and ALL final policies and regulations can be found on the district website under the Board of Education drop down menu.
Student Representatives Report
Each month at our public meeting of the Board of Education, our HS student representatives, Erik Kopp and Sydney Lewis, report out on the exciting news and activity taking place at our Jr/Sr High School. Here's what they reported this month.
Click here to view an archive of the 2017-18 student representative reports from the Jr/Sr High School
WRSD High School Students Can Earn College Credit
There are several new dual enrollment courses at the high school this year. Dual enrollment provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit by taking college-level courses at their high school. These courses are taught by high school teachers who meet college-level educational standards. The dual enrollment program is available to high school students of junior and/or senior standing who have demonstrated academic readiness and have received the recommendation of their guidance counselor, school administrator, and parents. We currently have partnerships with Bergen Community College and Syracuse University.
We have partnered with Bergen Community College (BCC) to offer dual credit for the following:
- Architecture and Industrial Design (formerly CAD I)
- Savory Foods
- Baking & Pastry
- Anatomy & Physiology - new in 2017-2018
- Introduction to Psychology - new in 2017-2018
- French IV Honors and CP - new in 2017-2018
- Spanish IV Honors and CP - new in 2017-2018
- Italian IV Honors and CP - new in 2017-2018
- English IV Honors and CP (pending BCC approval)
We have also partnered with Syracuse University Project Advance to offer a dual credit Economics course.
Our partnerships illustrate our commitment to providing new opportunities for students and to ensuring the academic rigor of our courses meets the expectations of colleges. The enhancement of our offerings complements the academic rigor and student achievement component of the district's strategic plan. For more information about our additional dual enrollment offerings, please click here.
Each month we highlight a member(s) of our school district staff who demonstrate a commitment to our motto "Excellence in Education". This month we are pleased to present ...
Maria Giombarrese
George Elementary School Teacher
Maria Giombarrese has been at the heart of the George School primary grades for eighteen years, as a Kindergarten teacher, and an active member of the Westwood Regional Community for even longer. In her spare time, Mrs. Giombarrese likes to paint watercolors and spend time with her family; although I’m not sure how there could be spare time. Mrs. Giombarrese seems to be everywhere with her indefatigable energy, whether it as Mrs. Claus at our Trunk or Treat, doing split jumps with our students at the Valentine’s Day dance, organizing a staff celebration or working with each student to find the best approach to further their learning in their individual style. Her approachable and welcoming nature, beginning with Kindergarten orientation, helps new parents along their scary first year of “real school”, making this transition smoother for the big kids too.
Mrs. Giombarrese's class is an absolute flurry of engagement and child centered activity. And even though Mrs. Giombarrese is a veteran teacher, she enthusiastically participated in every new professional development opportunity, continually improving her instructional practice. After each professional development experience, she eagerly puts into practice the newly honed strategies modeling academic risk taking for staff and students alike. With our new Literacy Initiatives this year, Mrs. Giombarrese is often seen spending her lunch hour collaborating with colleagues from across the grade and district, modeling 21st Century skills. She consistently provides essential foundational skills for students using Orton Gillingham's multisensory
approach along with Readers Workshop to meet the needs of each student, without losing the magic of kindergarten. When I asked Mrs. Giombarrese what her favorite part of the day was, she replied, “When a student reads, that’s when the magic happens, when all the skills come together.” Her child centered focus inspires all of us to remember the best part of our profession and the magic that takes place everyday.
When asked what Mrs. Giombarrese would do if she weren’t a teacher, she said she would be a Broadway Star. So I guess the Great White Way’s loss is George School’s very fortunate gain. She is a shining example of what makes George School such a special place to learn.
You are cordially invited ...
March 6: Understanding Anxiety
March 28: Distinguished Speaker Series
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2017-2018 Upcoming Dates
March
- 15: Board of Education Meeting (Adoption of Preliminary Budget)
- 29: Board of Education Meeting
- 30: District Closed
April
- 2 - 6: Schools Closed (Spring Break)
- 26: Board of Education Meeting (Annual Budget Hearing)
School Calendar 2017-18.pdf2018-2019 School Calendar
At the January 18, 2018 meeting, the Board approved the school calendar for 2018-2019. The calendar is attached for your reference and can be found on the district website, here, along with the NJ Department of Education list of religious holidays permitting student absence from school.
School Calendar 2018-2019.pdf