February Highlights

Odyssey of the Mind

On February 27th, James Monroe students competed for the very first time in Odyssey of the Mind at the Regional Tournament in Oradell. We were represented by two teams, each of which had to perform in a skit based on specific criteria, as well as collaborate on solving a spontaneous problem. They were each scored by a panel of judges for creativity, style, working as a team, and meeting all the bullet points of their chosen task. We believed this would be our “learning curve” year that would provide us with the experience to be competitive in the future. However, thanks to the hard work of all involved, both teams finished in Third Place, and will be moving on to States on April 9th. Congratulations to Mareena Yu, Reva Gholap, Oluwanifemi Omoniyi, Georgi Petrov, Mia Cabrera, Aliya Lloyd, Sebastian Pridady, Atharva Inamdar, Sohang Sethi, Cecilia O’Connell, Nayab Sabuwalla, Colin Hinkle, Adekunle Shittu, Paule Nguetsop and coaches Ms. DuHamel and Miss Horvath. Special thanks to Miss Speckin, Mrs. Shepherd, and Mrs. DeCoite who volunteered to spend their day off so that our students could compete without penalty, and to the parents who invested so much time in this endeavor.

5th Grade Pancake Breakfast

This year the fifth grade took an independent spin on the traditional Pancake Breakfast. We combined all of our curricular initiatives for Cycle 2 to implement a mathematical environment. The students independently applied all of the skills and strategies they learned and created a unique recipe to enjoy. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to integrate our math with a long-standing fifth grade tradition! Thank you to Mrs. Drews, Ms. DuHamel, Mrs. Romeo, Mrs. Schwarz, and Miss Vant who organized the event and the parents who helped out.

World Read Aloud Day

On February 24th, James Monroe participated for the first time in World Read Aloud Day. It motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries thanks to people like you who participate and spread the word across the globe! Activities were ongoing throughout the day, and I had the pleasure of reading aloud to many classrooms, with children in grades K-2 sharing with me the endings they created for the story Stuck, by Oliver Jeffers. My read aloud of choice for grades 3-5 was What Do You Do With An Idea?, by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. Although stated very simply the words and pictures in this book present a very powerful message for learners of all ages. I know I gained something new each time a read it.

Think Math: A Schoolwide Math Initiative

Each month at James Monroe, an optional math challenge is given to all students from our Math Specialist, Mrs. Shepherd. “Think Math” is that program where a solution given to students at their appropriate grade level and they must create the equation to match the problem stated. Students are encouraged to use recent grade level lessons to help them with their work.

For example, a first grader might choose the number 20 if that is one of the 4 given numbers and write an equation, solve and draw a picture to represent that problem. Intermediate grades are presented a greater challenge by given numbers like 1/5, 1121, or 14,450, and they need to create a word problem, an equation and solve the problem. The picture representation always helps other students solve the problem too. Two students at each grade level are recognized during morning announcements and are awarded a prize. There have been so many great submissions that choosing has been difficult. Even if a prize is not awarded, all of the students are winners for participating and challenging themselves. Keep up the GREAT work!

PTO Book Fair

Our second book fair was held from Feb. 9-12, with all classes having the opportunity to shop and revisit during that time period. Thank you to all of the wonderful parent volunteers who participated to facilitate book selection during this worthwhile fundraiser.

ETEA Volleyball Tournament

On Monday, February 29th, staff members took part in a district-wide volleyball tournament to benefit several worthwhile charities. The James Monroe team of nine (Mrs. Drews, Mrs. Hook, Miss Horvath, Mrs. Reif, Mrs. Cimino, Mrs. Durand, Miss Skriloff, Mr. Rich, and Mr. Nick) made it to the semi-finals. Yay Team! Thanks also to Mr. Fernandez, who coached but was unable to attend, our cheerleading contingent and families who came out to support us.

Sincerely,

Lynda Zapoticzny

When you call our main number 732-452-2970,

please listen to the prompts and dial correctly.

Here is a listing of all our prompts:

#1 = Absence Mailbox – Leave child’s name, spell last name, give teachers name and reason for being out. This is also where you request homework and how it will get home to your child. Please call before 10:00 AM.

#2 = School Closing – As soon as we know, we immediately update this message. DO NOT CHOOSE “O” for the main office.

#3 = School Events – Updated as needed.

#4 = Main Office

#5 = The Nurse – Mrs. Zangirova

#6 = Guidance – Mrs. Bennett

#7 = Child Study Team – Mary Ellen Kaulius, Sarah Brennessel, Chris Hanzley

#8 = Principal – Mrs. Zapoticzny

VERY IMPORTANT

The District’s “School Messenger” system is now in operation. It is now more important than ever that we have the correct phone numbers to make sure that you are contacted for important events…especially school closings. Go to Parent Portal to make any changes.

It is also important that your child knows how they are getting home during an emergency early dismissal. On days such as this, Latchkey and all after school activities are canceled. Many of our Latchkey students do not know what their emergency plans are, and neither do their teachers because it was not disclosed on the school Emergency Forms. Your children need to know, their teachers need to know, and so does the office. Waiting at school is NOT an option as the school staff leaves, too.

In the future on emergency early dismissal days, you will be able to pick your child up between 12:00-1:15 PM. Come into the office to sign them out, and then wait in the lobby for them. No child will be dismissed after 1:15. They must wait until the 1:30 dismissal.

March / Inclement Weather / April
1
2
3
4
8
21-24
23
25-Apr. 1 / 1:30 Dismissal – Conferences
Silly Day
1:30 Dismissal – Conferences
Read Across America
1:30 Dismissal – Conferences
Kindergarten Registration at Enrollment Center
School Store
Schools Closed
Spring Recess
/ Delayed Opening 10:30 AM
AM K 10:30-12:30PM
PM K 1:30-3:30 PM
1:30 Dismissal
AM K 9-11:00 AM
PM K 11:30-1:30 PM
www.edison.k12.nj.us
Local Cable TV/Channel 118
DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL / 6
15
18
27
28 / Silly Day
Bubbles for Autism
End of MP 3
BOE Mtg – JPS – 7 PM
School Store
Report Cards Go Home
Gr. 5 Class Trip

March 2016

Sun / Mon / Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat
/ 1
1:30 Dismissal - Conferences / 2
Silly Day / 3
1:30 Dismissal - Conferences / 4
Read Across America / 5

6 / 7 / 8
1:30 Dismissal –
Conferences / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17
/ 18 / 19
20 / 21
BOE Mtg – 7 PM – JAMS / 22 / 23
School Store / 24 / 25
Schools Closed / 26
27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31