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The Messenger Monroe Township Public Schools
Williamstown, New Jersey
The Monroe Township Public School District, an education team, is dedicated to the development of the
potential and uniqueness of the individual student to become effective participants in an evolving, global
society, while providing a safe educational environment for students to attain the skills and knowledge
specified in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
January Visit our web site: www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us 2018
“Greetings from the Superintendent”
I am pleased to address our parents/guardian and citizens of Monroe Township at the mid-year mark of the 2017-2018 school
year. As you review this edition of the Messenger, you will see some of the exciting events
and accomplishments of our students and staff this past fall and winter months throughout our
Monroe Township Public Schools. Our high school middle school and elementary students
have been very busy in their academic and co-curricular programs. As you visit our schools
and interact with our student activities you will witness the enthusiasm and excitement dis-
played by our students and staff. Monroe Township teachers continue to dedicate themselves
to helping their students feel good about their performances everyday in the classroom. They
are passionate about teaching your children and perform their jobs so that the learning process is meaningful and enjoyable at
all times. Our teachers maintain a positive attitude and keep their students focused on learning while making learning an en-
joyable process.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to thank our professional staff, student, parents/guardians, community
members and friends of Monroe Township for their support and patience throughout the past four months as continue to
remediate and repair the mold related issues at Whitehall School and Holly Glen School. On January 2, 2018, the students
and staff were able to return to Whitehall School. Students were welcomed by staff with a red carpet and a blue and white
balloon arch. Our Middle School Band played as the students entered the building. The students were escorted to the
cafeteria for a DJ Dance Party. It was an outstanding way for them to begin the New Year back in their home school. Special
thanks are extended to our faculty and staff of Radix, the Middle School, the High School and Oak Knoll for their cooperation
in hosting everyone from Holly Glen and Whitehall.
Our district Architects and Engineers are presently working on plans to design the necessary improvements to Holly Glen
and should have their report to the Board of Education by the end of February. As always, if I can be of service to you,
please feel free to call.
A reminder to everyone that schools are closed on Monday, February 19, 2018 as we celebrate Washington’s Birthday
and Presidents’ Day
.
Very truly yours,
Charles M. Earling
Superintendent of Schools
Charles M. Earling, Superintendent of Schools
856-629-6400, Ext. 1000
Ralph E. Ross, Sr., Human Resources Manager Lisa Schulz, Business Administrator/Board Secretary
856-629-6400, Ext. 1006 856-629-6400. Ext. 1004
Teachers of Radix and Holly Glen went Pink on November 13th to show support for a district teacher who will
begin treatments for Breast Cancer. Faculty and Staff wish Mrs. Catania a quick and successful road to recovery.
STANDING TOGETHER FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Fifth grade WMS students enjoyed “5-K Day” a fun collaboration with the Whitehall kindergarten students. Students enjoyed the book “Marathon Mouse” by Amy Dixon. They made a mouse craft together and shared a snack with new friends. The classes learned about running a city marathon and even wore their own race bibs! The teachers were so proud of our nurturing fifth grade leaders!
FIFTH GRADERS LEAD
READING MARATHON
Students in Miss Gross & Mrs. Holman's second grade class at Radix celebrated Thanksgiving by making their own Turkey mascot. Students wrote all of the things that they are thankful for this season onto the turkey
pals. They are a class full of happiness and thanks!
A HAPPY AND THANKFUL
TIME OF THE YEAR
Mr. Randy Gardner was chosen as the WMS Rising Star for the month of September. This is a monthly award that is nominated by staff members in the building. Mr. Gardner was nominated for demonstrating various RISE traits. He said that after working for 19 years in the district, he feels WMS is the best school to work at, adding “There seems to be nothing the world can ‘throw at us’ that we can’t adapt to and overcome”. Congratulations to Mr. Gardner for his outstanding achievement!
CONGRATULATIONS MR. GARDNER
Students in Mrs. Gallagher's fourth grade ELL class made special Christmas ornaments for the holiday season. Boys and girls were able to create their own personalized greetings. The final product was a beautiful ornament that reflects their family's special Christmas traditions.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
During the month of October DECA and the Business and Finance academy teamed up to decorate the downstairs K-wing for the incoming Holly Glen fourth graders. We decorated the classroom doors, the hall, the office, and the entrance to the K-Wing they would be using. Ultimately, we wanted the fourth graders to feel welcome at the high school and help make their transition smooth. Welcome to the high school Holly Glen!
WHS SHARING THEIR SPACE WITH HOLLY GLEN
WHS
BASKETBALL GAME
SENIOR CLASS
VS
FACULTY
On Monday, November 6th, members of the senior class took on the faculty of Williamstown High School in a basketball game. The game was an amazing display of sportsmanship combined with extreme spirit from both sides of the court. Coach Peterson making the half-court shot and Mr. Sporny taking on his own players were some highlights of the night. By the end of the game, the faculty came out victorious in a close -scoring game of 80-83. Thanks to the overwhelming support of students, parents, and teachers, the event was a huge success, with an attendance of over 150 spectators. All proceeds from the game will be going to BCRF, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, in order to help find a cure. A massive thank you goes out to all of the players, both students and faculty, for their participation and enthusiasm during the game as well as anyone who came out to support. Also a special thank you to everyone who made the game possible, including Mrs. LaPalomento and Mr. Carullo along with Mr. Becker.
A NEW APPROACH TO MATH
The students in Mr. Czbas and Mrs. Wristbridge class have been learning how equal groups help us add. Students had fun creating arrays with partners using math manipulatives found in their new classroom at Radix. The students were able to realize that arrays show equal rows, and not just equal groups. Not only did they have fun, but they were able to make repeated addition sentences and
multiplication sentences using the arrays.
CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING
Oak Knoll's first grade teacher Mrs. Gayle Butler's class, performed songs and read poems in honor of Thanksgiving. They even acted out "The Night Before Thanksgiving" by Dav Pilkey. The program focused on saving the Turkeys from being the main course on Thanksgiving Day! Students are parents alike thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
JOINING IN ON GINGERBREAD FUN
The German Junior Honor Society was awarded a grant by the AATG (American Association of Teachers of German) to have a community event. They invited the self-contained autism and MD classes to partner up with the Honors kids to make gingerbread houses. Gingerbread houses have been a tradition in Germany for centuries. The Junior German Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi, planned and hosted the
event. It was a tasty treat for all who joined in.
Mrs. Monzo's class at Whitehall School is practicing how to approach a challenge with a growth mindset. They learned how "the power of yet" can change your thinking! It's not about what they can't do, it's all about what they can't do, YET!
THE POWER OF “YET”
Magician Ken Northridge visited Radix Elementary School to share his magic show. He wowed our students with his tricks and illusions, while teaching them about the importance of being true to them-selves and kind to their friends. Radix loved his
magical performance and powerful message.
MAGIC WITH A TWIST
WHERE OH
WHERE
DID THE
TURKEYS GO?
Students in Mrs. Goffredi and Mrs. Shannon's second grade class at Whitehall Elementary School disguised their Thanksgiving turkeys so they wouldn't become dinner. They invited their friends from Ms. Ealer's sixth grade class at Williamstown Middle School to critique their turkeys. The sixth grade students praised the second grade student's work. In addition, they read them a story and practiced Thanksgiving Math facts. The second graders are very thankful for their new friends at the Middle School.
FIFTH GRADE
FEAST
Fifth graders at WMS enjoyed a tasty pre-Thanksgiving meal. Parent volunteers came and served up a delicious meal of turkey, corn, potatoes, and pie. The students were able to eat both firsts and seconds. It was a fun day to be together and feel thankful for friendship. Happy
Thanksgiving!
CULTURES AND TRADITIONS
FROM
AROUND THE WORLD
Mrs. Costill's third grade ELL class spent time sharing about cultures from around the world. Students shared special holidays and traditions that they celebrate with their families. Joseph taught the class about Diablo Huma in Ecuador and brought in his homemade mask!
SHARING SOME TIME TOGETHER Mrs. Reagan and Mrs. Boettcher's fourth grade class at Holly
Glen School had a great time at the Radix and Holly Glen
Halloween Parade!
Students in Mrs. Costill's third grade class at Radix Elementary participated in a STEM lesson about building structures. Students worked together to create gingerbread houses out of icing, graham crackers, and different toppings. All of the houses were built with a great design!
A SWEET LESSON IN HOUSE
DESIGNING
At Oak Knoll School, the fourth grade classrooms marked this milestone day in the school year by dressing up for the 50th day of school as if it were 1950!
Pictured are the participants of Mrs. Imbesi's fourth grade class.
50th DAY
OF
SCHOOL!
HIGH SCHOOL/ELEMENTARY LESSON
In November, Brianna Peoples (right), Nicholas Krisch (middle) and Lauren Coffey (left) taught a financial literacy lesson to Mrs. Boettcher’s fourth grade class. The lesson was constructed of a skit involving the three famous "Beauty and the Beast” characters: Be l le, Lumiere and Cogsworth. During the interactive skit, the children were able to rotate around the classroom and help each character buy more furniture for the castle. Using the term BLC (balance, limit and choic-es) the students were able to work together to figure out the best solution for each problem, putting their new financial skill to work.
GRINCH DAY Everyone has a little Grinch in them, especially on
Grinch Day at Oak Knoll! Mrs. Butler's adorable first grade class showed up dressed in head to toe Grinch
Gear and their hearts grew three sizes that day!
Dr. DelConte proudly presented Radix third and fourth grade students, Safety, and Student Council members of the month with a certificate and reward. These students have been recognized for being exemplary students and showing strong character towards teachers, friends and peers.
First grade students at Oak Knoll School enjoyed investigating pumpkins. Mrs. Butler's class measured the height, counted the stripes on their pumpkin, and cleaned and counted the seeds inside. Who knew pumpkins could be so much fun! Mrs. Butler's class, that's who!
WMS’ RISING STARS
Every month, one Williamstown Middle school staff members is recognized for outstanding actions and positive actions with their students. Karyn Park was the WMS Rising Star for the month of December. Ms. Park teaches instrumental music lessons at the elementary and middle school level, as well as elementary, middle, and high school band. She also teaches a percussion ensemble at the middle school, and general music at the elementary and middle school level.
Mrs. Kimberly Morris was the Rising star in November. Pictured is Mrs. Morris presenting the trophy and sign to Ms. Park.
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER
Fourth grade Radix students "wowed" the school with a festive Holiday concert by the Radix Chorus.
Led by the new music instructor, Mrs. Botbyl, the students sang, danced, and spread holiday cheer during their show titled "Shooting Star".
Mrs. Temple's first grade class at Radix Elementary was filled with wonder as they celebrated Polar Express Day. Students were comfy cozy in pajamas as they enjoyed special crafts, snacks, and the movie Polar Express. Students made their very own shiny bell, to show their families that they believe!
CELEBRATING POLAR EXPRESS DAY
HOLIDAY FUN AND TREATS!
Radix iCare Club hosted an "Ugly Sweater Cookie Party" to celebrate the Christmas season. Teachers and staff were encouraged to rock their ugliest Christmas garb and bring in their tastiest cookie recipes. A great time was had by all who
participated. Tis' the season for friendship, fun, and yummy treats!
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE
SEASON
WMS guidance "elves", Mrs. Nelson, Ms. Molino, Mrs. Borkowski, Mrs. Pearl, and Mrs. Spillman organized gift cards from the Guidance Giving Tree to help needy families of WMS for the holidays. With the help of the WMS staffulty (staff + faculty= staffulty), they were able to successfully raise $2,225 to give back to the students!
Mrs. Kuni and Ms. Coskey (WMS Builder's Club advisors) collected canned goods, cereals, sauces, tuna, pop tarts, oils, etc... to give each family on the Giving Tree and basket of food for the holidays.
Mrs. Cunningham's first grade Radix students worked in groups to 'unscramble' some silly Christmas sentences. These 'jolly' workers rearranged the words they found so that each sentence made sense and started with a capital
letter and ended with a period. Ho-Ho-Ho to a job well done
Second graders at Radix Elementary had a blast during Grinch Day! The little Grinches and Cindy Loo-Whos came to school all dressed up and ready to learn.
GRINCH
DAY!!!
These dapper artists are all dressed up for their Holiday Concert at Radix Elementary. They spent many months singing, dancing, and preparing for the special show! A job well done!
LET US
ENTERTAIN
YOU
MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONS
In December some of the Honors eighth grade German students held a presentation for the Whitehall fourth graders. The students moved through 3 stations: German candy, German dancing, and a skit. Everyone seemed to have fun.
TWAS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR
Ho, Ho, Ho,,, Students of Radix and Holly Glen had a very merry visitor! Students were checked in by the one
and only Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Of course, he saw nothing but wonderful children, lots of learning, and smiling faces.
WMS
PRINCIPAL AWARDS Williamstown Middle School announces the
Principal’s List for the new school year for fifth graders. A total of 64 of our fifth graders earned the honor of being named to the principal’s
list. Students must earn a 93 percent or higher in each subject in order to make the list. The students work hard to earn this prestigious award. Mrs. Mericle is proud of her school and all of her students.
Mrs. Dana Mericle, WMS’ principal celebrates and honors each student who earned principal’s list each marking period. Parent are invited to attend the festivities. A large breakfast and musical event is served for the honorees and their family. Mrs. Karyn Park and her band plays several songs and Mr. Ed Dougherty and the choir sing festive music.
HOLIDAY’S FOODS & TRADITIONS
Holly Glen third graders have been learning about holiday celebrations in countries around the world, including Italy. As a culminating activity, Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. Snape, Mrs. Sweitzer, and Mrs. Greener organized a holiday feast. Jessica Murro, parent and Olive Garden manager, provided pasta, salad and breadsticks. Students enjoyed learning
about foods and traditions in Italy. We all loved the Italian food! Buon Natale!
Eagles spirit was evident in Oak Knoll. Students and staff donned their Eagles gear in support of their local NFL team
GO EAGLES GO!!!
Here the fourth grade Spelling Bee Champ
from Mr. Ford's fourth grade class is pictured with
Principal Baker at Oak Knoll School .
The Terrific Kids pictured here were Oak Knoll's November and December honorees. Principal Baker poses here with all of the winners she is so proud of. Day in and day out these student's should TERRIFIC behavior and are
honored by Kiwanis with a tee-shirt, certificate and ceremony! Way to go Oak Knoll students!
W
E
L
L
A
J
O
B
D
O
N
E
Mrs. Batchelor and Mrs. Drawdy's second grade classes at Oak Knoll helped brighten the holiday season for the residents of Juniper Village right here in Williamstown, N.J. Both classes created holiday cards to let the residents know that someone is thinking of them during Christmas. Ms. Baker helped celebrate the students
kindness too! The residents were thrilled to receive the cards and a box of candy.
CARDS FOR JUNIPER VILLAGE RESIDENTS
In December, DECA sponsored its 12th annual CHOP toy drive. During the month we collected toys throughout the school to donate them to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. On December 22nd we took the toys to the hospital. We were able to collect an abundant amount of toys. Thank you to anyone who donated your donations are greatly appreciated!
WHS REACHING
OUT TO OTHERS
Students at Oak Knoll School were able to participate in a Polar Express Day led by Conductor Baker! Students got their tickets punched, watched the movie in their pajamas and enjoyed hot chocolate in their classroom. The marvelous "Polar Express" stopped by the school for all to board!
Another celebration at Oak Knoll School was when the fourth grade chorus treated the school to many fun holiday
tunes. Mr. Graff and his chorus did an excellent job and put the entire school in a festive mood.
EIGHTH GRADERS SET CAREER GOALS
Eighth grade students in pull out replacement classes recently took a trip to Rowan University so that they could visit the career center. Students took a test that showed students their personality trait strengths. A counselor helped identify possible career choices for the students and also discussed interview techniques with them. Although they are eighth graders, college is only a few short years away. Students enjoyed being on campus for the day and ate lunch in the college cafeteria. Who knows what the future holds for some of these rising stars?
Oak Knoll’s second grade teacher Mrs. Batchelor and Principle Baker were so proud of Mrs. Batchelor's second grade students. When given the option between celebrating the holiday with a pollyanna gift for themselves or collect-ing donations for the local animal shelter, the students chose to take up a collection for the local animals in need. The students were able to collect two big boxes of donations, which the Gloucester County Animal Shelter was so happy to receive. Good job boys and girls. We are so proud of the choice they made!
WHTEHALL /WMS STAFF BREAKFAST
WMS and Whitehall staff joined together for a delicious holiday breakfast with a Polar Express theme which was held on December 15th. Mrs. Maureen Coelho, Mrs. Val Mercurio, Mrs. Jenn Longo, Mr. Peter Longo, Mrs. Ruth Schneck and Ms. Christine Scott planned and hosted the delightful event. Staff members brought in yummies for everyone to enjoy. Door prizes were awarded, and staff were allowed to dress in their comfortable pajamas for festive attire. Retirements were celebrated and several old friends came to join. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the final week of school before a holiday break. The breakfast was complete
with a selfie station and Railroad signs.
HOLLY GLEN SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN WHS’ DECA PROGRAM
Throughout the months of November and December, Miahjé Williams conducted a vast community outreach project for the 2018 States DECA Competition. This project exposed young children to entrepreneurship through a learning seminar and various interactive workshops. Miahje presented it to three fourth grade classes at Holly Glen School. Each class participated in this activity for two consecutive days. During this activity, students had the opportunity to learn what entrepreneurship is, the necessary steps to create a start -up business, and even take part in a contest amongst their peers in which students, staff, and faculty members at Williamstown High School voted
on their performance. This was truly an amazing experience for both Miahje and the students at Holly Glen!
The students and staff of Whitehall Elementary were extremely ecstatic to return to their school after the New Year. Students were welcomed with a red carpet and a blue and white balloon arch. The Middle School band p layed as the students entered the building. Then the students were taken to the cafeteria for a DJ dance party. It was an amazing way to start the new school year back at home!
Mrs. Hackney's third grade class at Oak Knoll show off
their self-created gingerbread houses. The students worked
diligently building their well crafted house and show them off
here in this picture.
GINGERBREAD
ANYONE?
BACK WHERE
WE BELONG!!!
The students in Ms. Dolores' First Grade class at Whitehall Elementary were excited to integrate Science with Reading. Students read the story "The Three Little Pigs" and at the end of the story had to build a house. Students were given materials and had to build a house that was sturdy and would not blow over when the teacher tried to blow it down. They had to explain why they built their house the way they did and how they would change it if they had to
do it over. The students really enjoyed working together and figuring out the best way to build a sturdy house.
YOU CAN’T
BLOW MY
HOUSE
DOWN
WHS JOINS IN HELPING “ADOPT A FAMILY” PROGRAM
Starting as a tradition with just her Family, Mrs. Lisa Weikel's community reach through her Adopt a Family Program has grown year after year. Now with the Health Careers Club (Lisa Weikel), National Honor Society (Mark LaPalomento), Computer Club (Gary Weikel) and REBEL Club (Mark LaPalomento) all on board, this program allowed hundreds of high school students to participate in the giving experience and countless district children were given the holiday they deserved. As Mrs. Weikel got the wish lists organized for the families in need, our caring students at the high school started shopping. From wireless headphones to a winter hat, these families get just about everything they could ask for. Once all the gifts were in, the clubs started wrapping! To sit back and watch the smiles as our students wrapped the gifts they picked out, you might wonder who is benefiting most from this experience. These stu-dents truly got to experience what it means to give back to their community and they cherished every second of the experience. Over the past ten years Mrs. Weikel's program has touched the lives of hundreds of children, and it will only become stronger going forward. Her hard work is much
appreciated, by everyone involved.
SANTA
TAKES A
BREAK
Students at Oak Knoll were treated to a surprise visit from the big man himself, and his wife of course. Pictured here Santa and Mrs. Claus discuss behavior of Mrs. Hackney's third grade class. Santa distributed candy canes before he was off to tend to his busy schedule. Students were thrilled that he was able to make some time to visit!