A monthly e-newsletter to keep you connected to your District
October 2018
A Quick Note from Dr. Gonzalez ...
Digital Citizenship
A pillar of successfully educating students in the 21st century is the responsibility to improve digital citizenship based on courtesy, content, communication, and adaptable or transferable skills. As an outward sign of our commitment to this grand endeavor we have embedded this into Goal #5 of our strategic plan. Specifically, we have developed curriculum that is embedded into instruction at the elementary, middle, and high school levels that explicitly addresses topics such as: personal privacy, data, and security, hate speech, cyber bullying, online presence, and online speech.
In recognition of digital citizenship week, please take a moment to read the following essay and reflect on ways we can help our students make their own smart choices online and in life.
Around the district
Curriculum and Instruction
- On October 8 our staff took part in a full day of Professional Development. Throughout the event teachers engaged in workshops that included:
- Reading & Writing Workshop for K-7 Language Arts teachers
- Technology integration and connected learning for grades 6-12 teachers
- Continued support for our co-teachers through our partnership with Montclair University
- Site visits by HS PE teachers to other schools to examine ways to enhance wellness and fitness topics in the curriculum
- The PARCC test has officially been renamed the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments-ELA (NJSLA-ELA) and New Jersey Student Learning Assessment-Mathematics (NJSLA-M). Testing time has been reduced to 150-180 minutes, depending on the grade; PARCC testing time was between 225-270 minutes.
- STEAM Tank Challenge: Congratulations to our HS students and staff who, for the second year in a row, made it to the finals of the STEAM Tank Challenge competition sponsored by NJ School Boards Association and the US Army. The concept that brought them to the big show was a bake bot - a pancake making robot.
- Read for the Record: On October 25, many students took part in the 13th annual Read for the Record, a nationwide movement to promote the importance of early education. This year students and their readers shared in the book, "Maybe Something Beautiful".
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Violence Awareness
Each year, during the month of October, school districts around the State recognize the importance of developing and maintaining positive school climates, and providing students with a safe and supportive school environment devoid of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) encourages academic success and increased social and emotional competence. Here are some of the activities that took place in our schools.
Berkeley students showed their support by "putting a lid" on bullying.
George School Peer Pals greeted every student with a smile sticker and a warm greeting to start off the day!
Jr/Sr HS staff wore blue on October 1 in unified support of World Day of Bullying Prevention
To recognize Week of Respect, students in Washington participated in an assembly focusing on tolerance and acceptance of others!
WRMS contributed to a kindness message board and pledged to promote safety, acceptance, and respect!
Art students at Brookside celebrated the Week of Respect with a rainbow project. "A rainbow of friends is a dream we can share where everyone is treated with kindness and care!"
At the Jr/Sr High School, visual reminders were posted everywhere to keep our core values front and center at all times.
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
At the Board of Education public meeting on October 18, featured Students' of the Month for September as well as student artwork on display showcasing the artistic creativity among some of our Middle School students.
In addition, Dr. Ray Gonzalez reported on the district's Student Safety Data Report as well as the Week of Respect and School Violence Awareness Activities that took place across our schools (click HERE to view the agenda).
Middle School Project Bid Award
At a special public meeting of the Board of Education on October 30, the Middle School expansion project bid was officially awarded to Dobco Inc., in the sum of $19, 710, 000. The award includes the replacement of the heating system in the existing building with a more energy efficient solution that will tie into the new construction's heating and air conditioning system. Click HERE to view the resolution. Stay connected to our progress by visiting our MS Expansion site HERE.
No new Board policies were approved at this meeting, however, 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, Gabriella Dunay and Kaavya Muthuraman, 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 2018-19 student representative reports from the Jr/Sr High School.
christina lizzi
Berkeley Elementary School
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Christina Lizzi is enjoying her eleventh year in the Westwood Regional School District. After graduating from The College of New Jersey with an undergraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science, most of Ms. Lizzi’s years as a physical education teacher were at our district preschool and Berkeley Elementary School.
Ms. Lizzi creates a warm and positive physical education experience for all children. With Ms. Lizzi, it’s not always about winning, losing, or physical effort, but more importantly how children support each other as a team and how each child can offer something to benefit all. Critical thinking skills and overall wellness are infused into physical education class and daily recess time.
You can always count on Ms. Lizzi to make each child feel special. Whether it’s attending their after school event or sport or awarding special privileges for sportsmanship and teamwork, Ms. Lizzi always puts children first and helps all children experience success.
Ms. Lizzi is a kind and giving person to her students, colleagues, and administration. She offers her assistance wherever it may be needed without hesitation; teamwork is embedded in her spirit. We appreciate her always positive attitude and the selfless decisions she makes each day.
You are cordially invited ...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
School Calendar 2018-2019.pdf2018-2019 School Calendar
NOVEMBER
- 8-9: District Closed
- 15: Board of Education Meeting
- 21: District Early Dismissal
- 22-23: District Closed
DECEMBER
- 13: Board of Education Meeting
- 24-31: District Closed
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