December 2014 - The Ewing Public Schools

GOODNEWS
December
June
The Ewing Public Schools
2014
2005
Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored
Happy Holidays!
Adopt-a-Survivor Program
Begins at Ewing High School
Nearly sixty years since Allied forces liberated the
Nazi concentration camps, the now elderly survivors
of the Holocaust are turning to a new generation
Last May,
the Ewto preserve their testimony about
their wartime
ing
Public
Education
experiences for future generations.
awarded
Holocaust survivors are Foundation
steadily dwindling
in
over
$38K
in
grants
number. Many have made it their mission to educateto
in easily
our district
the world that anti-Semitism teachers
and racism
lead
to
help
supplement
curriculum
and
instruction.
to murder, and to speak about the horrors they and
Twofamilies
of the suffered.
grants were
to purchase
their
Withused
the passing
of time,Smartit has
Boards,
among
the
first
in
the
district,
for Lore
become urgent to find a new generation to continue
Elementary
serves
555
the
survivors’ school
mission which
and tell currently
their stories
after the
students.
Initiated
by
Technology
teacher
Stacey
survivors can no longer do so.
Hughes,
the easel-sized
SmartBoard is a portable
On April
12, the Adopt-a-Survivor
(AAS)
unit used
the computer
classroom.
program
wasinintroduced
to the Trenton
area Additionat Ewing
ally, School.
a full-sized
SmartBoard
is now
an adopted
integral
High
Six Holocaust
survivors
were
by
sophomores.
The adopted
parttwelve
of artEwing
classesHigh
thanks
to Art teacher
Eileen
survivors—Moshe
Gimlan,
Goodkin,
Conte. Both computer
andVera
art classes
areMarion
part of
Lewin,
Ruth Lubitz,
Rojer andschool
Jack Zaifman—
the curriculum
forCharles
all elementary
students.
were
originally
from access
Germany,
“By giving
students
to Czechoslovakia,
technology, we
Poland
and Belgium.
have seen
an increase in student motivation, selfThe AAS
pairs a with
survivor
withStudents
one or
esteem,
and program
collaboration
peers.
more
embark on in
a joint
can’tstudents.
wait to The
use students
the SmartBoards
our journey
Art and
with
the survivor
discussions
aboutSmartlife
Computer
classes.through
Lore students
use the
before,
and after
Boardsduring
with their
peersthe
forHolocaust.
day-to-dayParticipating
lessons and
students
be ablearetoteaching
representeach
the survivor
andto
projects.will
Students
other how
tell
story with We
accuracy
in
usethe
thesurvivor’s
new SmartBoards.
have and
seenfeeling
normally
the
to come.
In addition,
each
student
makes
shyyears
and quiet
individuals
really
open
up and
take
apride
commitment
to tellwhile
the survivor’s
story knowledge.
in a public
in their work
sharing their
venue
yearElementary
2045, a hundred
after the
All ofin
us the
at Lore
Schoolyears
are extremely
liberation
of Auschwitz.
grateful for
the grants from the Ewing Public EduThe twelve student adopters are Dave Angebranndt,
Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett,
Curtis Fornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones,
academic
year, Ewing students
will benefit
JenThis
Meade,
Billy O’Callaghan,
Nikyta Sharma
and
from a Wilson.
record number of grants. From
public
invitaMelysa
continued on page
A2
EPEF Grants in Action
Mrs. Swain’s 6th grade math class at FMS is
discovering all the ways math is used in the real
world. Students interviewed adults to learn the importance of using everyday math concepts, such as
percentages, fractions and probability. The project
culminated with parent volunteers demonstrating
hands-on math. Polyleah Kelly utilized fractions
and measurement when making a snack with the
class to enjoy. Melissa Antler showed how proportions, ratios and measurement can be used when
drawing. The students really enjoyed discovering
so many connections to math in the real world!
cation Foundation,” says Principal Ed Chmiel.
In addition to the SmartBoards, Lore received
EPEF grants this year for Electronic Books, NonFiction Nights collections and program, Zoo
Kits, and a theater outreach program (assembly).
EPEF grants also have enduring effects. For
example Lore Physical Education teacher Tracy
Radler was awarded a grant in 2012-13 for a
‘kinesthetic learning’ program called Multicultural Mathematical Monopoly & More. “The
children love this integrated, fast-paced program,” says Ms. Radler, who is using it again
this academic year.
Celebrating 20 years of giving to the students
of The Ewing Public Schools, the Ewing Public
Education Foundation is an independent, not-forprofit citizens’ organization whose mission is to
buildThe
community
support
and acquire
supplemenrecipients of the
2005 Teacher
of the Year
Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County
Teacher
of the Year, was
guest speaker. 1st
row (L to R): Joan
tary
resources
for a innovative
educational
pro-Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004
Mercer County
Teacher of the
Year;
Inetta Emery, that
Principal
Parkway; Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell
grams,
experiences
and
technology
enhance
Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS.
teaching and learning. Additionally, EPEF awards
scholarships to graduating Ewing High seniors.
Help us help our students! Become Whitney
part ofLewis,
our EHS Freshman
$20 for 20 Capital Campaign and make your
On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker
of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches,
tax-deductible contribution today at www.EPEF.
and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several
released political prisoners, and lifted bans on
org. You can contribute online or can send a
Mercer County high school and college students,
previously censored books.
check to: Ewing Public Education Foundation,
and politicians to hear a presentation given by
The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was
P.O. BoxGorbachev
7033, Ewing
NJSovereign
08628. Bank Arena.
Mikhail
at the
one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s
Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev Presentation
Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the
presentation. The policy’s main goal was to
term
he instituted
various
policies including
his
$20 for
20 Capital
Fundraising
Campaign.
political
policy
of
Glasnost
and
economic
policy
The goal is to encourage each family in Ewing
Perestroika
from
“The
goal ofinvolved
EPEF isthe
to transfer
provide of
thatcontrol
additional,
the
government
to
the
business
owners.
This
policy
yet critical level of support so that students can
continued on page A2
grow to be good citizens, ethical and inspiring
to budget
restraints
leaders Due
and critical
thinkers
sorely needed in
a rapidly
changing
society.”
These
sentiments
NO Summer School Programs
were echoed by Superintendent Mike Nitti:
will be offered by the
“The Board and administration are greatly apEwing
Public
Schools
preciative of all that
the EPEF
does to support
our students
innovative
instrucduringand
thepromote
Summer
of 2005.
tional programs. It is also wonderful to have
the opportunity to thank our corporate partners
in learning who do so much for our students. A
special thanks and congratulations to all of the
teacher grant award winners.”
For additional information about the Foundation
and to make your tax-deductible contribution, visit
EPEF’s website at www.epef.org. Donation forms
are available in our virtual backpacks.
Record Number
Grants
Benefit
Students
Sovietof
Union
from 1985 to
1991. During Ewing
his
make the
Soviet economic system more efficient.
tion to attend the ever popular ‘Hands-On Science
with a Dash ofSafety
Math’ night
hosted by Antheil ElTown
ementary School
to
Ewing
High
School’s ‘Graphic
June 30 - July 11
Novels Supporting Literacy for the Media Center’,
Contact: Jean Conrad
every student in The Ewing Public Schools stands
609-538-9800
to benefit from
grants awardedx1302
by the Ewing Public
for application
Education Foundation.
Each of the five schools in
the district was awarded grants submitted by teachers which were presented at last May’s EPEF annual reception totaling a record amount of $38,772.
Each year grant awards have been increasing, and
for the past thirteen years 251 grants totaling nearly
$388,000 have helped teachers in all Ewing Public
Schools to engage and inspire students.
The Ewing Public Education Foundation begins its 20th Anniversary Celebration with the
to make a tax-deducible donation of at least $20
to the campaign this year. Capital raised from the
community and corporate partners will help to
GoodNews
resume as well as
support ongoing
grants will
programming
strengthen long-term
sustainability
with the September for the Foundation. EPEF
hosted
issue
of an
theinformation
Observertable at each
back-to-school night.
Established in 1994, EPEF is an independent,
not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire
supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology
that enhance teaching and learning, and that reward student achievement through scholarships.
In his presentation at the May awards reception
EPEF President Steve Szmutko summarized,
Have a Happy Summer!!
The Ewing Public Schools
FMS Holiday Bazaar
Fisher Middle School students are invited to attend a Holiday Bazaar during lunch periods in December. FMS teachers will donate unused items
ranging from small goods to household décor for
students to purchase as holiday gifts for their family and friends. The money collected will be donated to Operation Holiday Joy (OHJ), a program
that assists military families with buying food and
gifts during the holidays. Last year, FMS donated
$421 to OHJ. If you are interested in donating
items for the Holiday Bazaar, please contact Jen
Citarella from the FMS Guidance Department at
jcitarella@ewingboe.org or 609 538 9800 X3114.
Sock-It-to-Violence-Day
During NJ School Violence Awareness Week, student volunteers, guidance counselors and FMS Dean
of Students, Mrs. Freeman, encouraged Fisher Middle School students to sign a pledge against the use
of violence. Those students are committed to keeping FMS safe, respectful and peaceful. They vowed
to never use violence to settle a personal problem or
dispute and to encourage their peers to do likewise.
Students and staff demonstrated solidarity by wearing purple, the symbolic color that represents peace
and anti-violence. Additionally, Fisher students and
staff got creative and showed their personal stance
against violence in our school by wearing their most
outrageous pair of socks for ‘Sock It to Violence
Day’. Seventh grade student, Michelle Frolio, made
a special contribution to the cause by making purple
ribbons for students and staff to wear.
Senior Spotlight: Aaron Noah D’Oleo
What do you like best about Ewing High School?
I love how diverse the school environment is, because I am able to collaborate with people of all
different backgrounds. I also enjoy the school pride
that has been rising over the past two years or so.
Everyone seems to love it and so do I.
Who is your favorite teacher(s) or coach and
why? One of my favorite teachers is Spanish
teacher, Mrs. Claudia Gonzalez. I have been in
her class for the past four years and she has been
nothing but a joy in my life. I have been able to
relearn my native tongue and she has made me
want to study Spanish as a minor in college. In
addition, Coach Besler has been someone who
has made me strive for greatness. I’ve had him
both as a coach and as a teacher and I have seen
how, in order to be successful, one has to be of
a unique dynamic and able to deal with people
of all different backgrounds and different levels
of learning ability/contribution. Coach Besler
has been the spitting image of such a dynamic. I
am truly going to miss these two teachers once I
leave high school.
In which activities do you participate? I
participate in baseball and football. On the
academic side, I participate in PUPP (Princeton
University Preparatory Program). It makes me
work harder and do better. Yes, the program has
been stressful with all the obligations I have to
it, but it has helped me in everything. I truly love
the program for its enrichment in my life.
What is your favorite memory of high school?
My favorite memories of high school are going to
all of the sporting/school events. Each event that
I attended showed me how much school spirit
my school has gained since my freshman year.
The school environment is so much different.
The class of 2015 was able to help make this possible. Everyone participates now and everyone
seems to enjoy school. Therefore, I don’t have
one event that has been memorable, but rather
many events that have made school memorable.
What do you do outside of school? Outside of
school, I’m an active participant in sports, PUPP
and in volunteer work. I’m also a social bug. I
love going out on the weekends for a few hours
and spending time with my friends. The majority
of my time is spent at home. I’m the second oldest in my home so I always try and make sure my
little brothers understand the importance of being a student. Although they don’t quite get it, I
hope that all I’ve said to them casts light on their
lives so they can have a bright future.
What are your plans after you graduate? After
graduation, I plan on attending an EOF or startup
program that the college I am going to may offer.
I aspire to attend Richmond University and major
in Organizational Psych and minor in Spanish. I
will also take advantage of all the resources and
classes Richmond has to offer. In addition, I plan
to study a semester or two in Argentina or Spain
so I can fulfill the minor in Spanish. All that I
have done throughout my high school career, I
plan on carrying over to my collegiate years.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five
years, I see myself entering/applying for graduate
school. I also plan to have fulfilled my requirements for both my major and minor. Additionally,
I plan to have traveled to the top four countries of
my choice (Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Philippines).
And, again, I hope to continue all that I have done
with volunteer work throughout my life.
AES Pre-K Celebrates Thanksgiving
Miss Lenarski, Miss Ortiz and Miss Spagnuolo’s Full Day Preschool classes were hard at work
in November completing a variety of themed activities related to Thanksgiving. During one of
their weekly group cooking activities, students
participated in a Thanksgiving Day Feast.
Preschoolers are looking forward to the activities planned for December. Best of all is the annual Polar Express Pajama Party where students
wear pajamas to school, make chocolate milk
and enjoy a reading of the Polar Express.
The Ewing Public Schools
Ewing High School Participates in
Unified Soccer Tournament
On November 2nd, Ewing High School students participated in the very first Unified Soccer
Tournament hosted by the Special Olympics New
Jersey. The Project Unify Club members, made
up of students with and without disabilities, practiced for the weeks leading up to the tournament.
Practices not only involved becoming familiar
with basic soccer skills, but learning how to play
and communicate as a team. With that, natural relationships were built among all students, and a
sense of confidence was instilled in our athletes.
On the day of the event, students participated
in three games. Athletes and their unified partners worked together on and off the field to have
a successful event. The sportsmanship displayed
by all team members towards each other and
competing teams was heart-warming!
Preparing for and participating in the tournament has encouraged inclusion in social settings,
and unity and acceptance, not only on sports
teams, but throughout Ewing High School. When
speaking with members of the team, their thoughts
on the experience are gratifying and inspiring.
“I like playing with [Sam and Jackie]. Sam
helps me block. Soccer makes me happy and I
like the team and going to the game with other
friends,” commented Velinda Ramsey, Athlete.
“The Unified Soccer Tournament is a newlyplanted seed of inclusion in our school that will
grow into something that will bring the school
together. I know this for a fact because, as we
practice, I see all the smiling faces and laughs
shared between partners and athletes on the
field. These newly-found friendships, smiles and
laughs are what waters this seed of inclusion to
make it flourish and to make it grow not only on
the field, but in the hearts of those who participate,” commented Sam Serrato, Unified Partner,
Project Unify Club President.
As expressed by Serrato, the seed of inclusion
has, in fact, begun to grow throughout the Ewing
Community. Students in the Life Skills Program
are branching out and becoming more involved
with their peers outside the walls of academic
instruction. Life Skills students are active members of the Cheerleading Squad, the Freshman
Football team, and manage the Varsity Football
team. The support that our students receive from
their peers and faculty in Ewing is immeasurable. The Unified Soccer Tournament is the first
step in inclusion and acceptance in all aspects!
ESL Family Night at the Ewing Public Library
On October 15th, 20 students and their families
enjoyed snacks, shared a read-aloud of the book
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, and created leaf creatures during the first of four ESL Family Nights to
be held this year. The evening was organized by
The Ewing Public Schools’ ESL teachers and ESL
Supervisor. Families met in the Ewing Public Library on Scotch Road so that students and parents
could explore the resources available through our
community’s library. By the end of the evening,
every child left with a leaf creature and (more importantly) a library card. A great time was had by
all! The next ESL Family Night will be held on
Monday, December 8th, at Ewing High School.
K9 Unit Visits Lore
Officers from the Mercer County Sheriff’s
K9 Unit recently visited Lore School. The first
graders learned about the duties of a K9 officer
and how trained dogs help them. They saw a
‘bite’ demonstration and had the chance to pet
a bloodhound!
FMS Varsity Boys Soccer
The Varsity Boys Soccer team from Fisher
Middle School just finished an undefeated season with a record of 10-0-2. Not only was this a
very talented group of young men, but they had
the character and fortitude to persevere through
their long, tough schedule and maintain the focus
needed to beat formidable opponents.
Our Fisher Eagles scored 42 goals in 12 games
and only gave up 11 goals the entire season. Everyone in the Fisher community is very proud of
these young men for their hard work and extraordinary accomplishment.
Being a Paws-itive
Parkway Panther
Since September
of 2007, Parkway
School has participated in PBS
(Positive Behavior
Support). PBS is
the mindset of reinforcing the good choices that students make by
rewarding their positive efforts. At PES, Pawprints are given to students for demonstrating
4R behavior: Ready to learn, Responsible for
your actions and choices, Respectful to everyone, and Resourceful by helping others.
Throughout the students’ years at Parkway, they
demonstrate 4R choices daily and participate in
grade level 4R programs regularly. For the second
year in a row, the culminating 4R program for the
5th grade students is participating in Camp Parkway.
Camp Parkway is a day-long event where the
students are placed in small groups and participate
in eight different activities where teamwork and
good communication skills are needed in order to
successfully complete each task. Throughout the
day, the students are taught the importance of ‘being a team builder, not a team buster’.
The Ewing Public Schools
December 2014 Schedule in Ewing Schools
Dec 2-5
Antheil - PTO Holiday Shop
Dec 2
EHS - Financial Aid Night @ 6:30pm
Dec 3
Lore - LPA Meeting @ 7pm
Dec 4
Lore - Picture Day Makeups
Dec 8
ESL Parents Meeting - 6pm @ EHS
Dec 9
EHS - Ring & Sing Concert @ 7pm
Dec 10
Antheil - Winter Concert @ 9:45am & 7pm
EHS - TEMPO Meeting @ 7:30pm
Dec 15
Parkway - 5th Grade Parent Meeting @ 6pm
Parkway - PTA Meeting @ 7pm
Dec 16
Parkway - Winter Concert @ 2:15pm & 6:30pm
Dec 17
Lore - Instrumental Concert @ 10:15am & 7pm
Dec 18
Lore - Instrumental Concert @ 9:30am
Lore - Vocal Concert @ 7pm
Dec 19
Lore - Vocal Concert @ 9:30am
Dec 22
BOE Meeting - 8pm @ FMS
Dec23
Single Session K-12 - No PM EDP
Dec 24 -
Jan2
Schools Closed - Winter Break
Teaching Art Is My Passion
“Art has always been my passion,
and, now, teaching art to others is my
passion,” says Sam DeCavalante, Art
Teacher at FMS. Mr. DeCavalante
attended the School of Visual Arts
in NYC. He originally majored in
Animation, later switching to Illustration. Mr. DeCavalante has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration and
an Associates of Applied Science in
Computer Graphics.
“I have been a freelance artist for
years with most of my work being in
portraits. I am a movie buff and enjoy
writing stories,” shared Mr. DeCavalante. He has studied martial arts for years, enjoys the beach in the summer,
and loves the outdoors.
When preparing for the recent dedication of the EHS football field to
honor Coach Bruce Martz, Mr. DeCavalante volunteered to produce a portrait of the coach to be presented during the dedication ceremony. In just a
few weeks, from an assortment of old yearbook photos, he came up with
this professional portrait. Mr. DeCavalante has also created the ‘Fisher
Eagle’ displayed in the hallways throughout FMS.
Ewing Twp Recreation Info
Please check the Virtual Backpack link under our website homepage
headlines for important information pertaining to Ewing Rec
opportunities and events. Details and registration forms are posted on
the Virtual Backpack/Community Information page of the website.
Board of Education
Mr. Carl Benedetti, Jr., President Ms. Maria Benedetti
Mr. Kevin J. Ewell Mrs. Karen A. McKeon
Mr. Bruce J. White
Mr. Anthony F. Messina,
Vice President
Mr. Kenneth J. Bradley
Mr. Scott Franks, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Staub
Emergency School Closings
We will communicate during emergencies via the district website,
Comcast Channel 19 and Verizon Channel 31, Instant Alert, and the phone
system message. Twitter is not an official emergency communication tool.
Should there be a delayed opening, all students report to school 1 hour
and 30 minutes later than normal. Do not drop your child off earlier as there
will not be sufficient staff for supervision.
Delayed Opening Hours:
Ewing High 9:15am
Fisher Middle 9:55am
Elementary 10:30am
Early Dismissal Hours:
Ewing High 12:15pm
Fisher Middle 12:55pm
Elementary 1:40pm
The Ewing Public Education Channel (FIOS31/Comcast 19) displays
district and school information, concerts and awards presentations.
Instant Alert is an important communication tool for The Ewing Public
Schools. A link is available on our website under Site Shortcuts/School
Closings/Instant Alert. It is the responsibility of the parent/staff member to
manage the profile for receiving alerts. Please update your profile.
If you are receiving alerts and are not a member of the Ewing Schools
Community, please notify us (538-9800 X1102 or cpankiewicz@ewingboe.org).
Virtual Backpacks, Calendars and Headlines pages on the website are
where you will find up-to-the minute information on district-wide events,
deadlines, fundraisers and interesting stories about our schools, students and
staff. Ewing Recreation and other area events are posted in the VBP under
Community Information.
Residency Investigation Hotline
Anonymous Tip Hotline
538-9800 x8999
538-9800 x1199
Policies and Regulations: All current policies and regulations for The
Ewing Public Schools are available on our website under the Board of
Education/Board Policy/Regulation tab.
The Ewing public Schools Tweet
The District uses Twitter as a means of sharing ‘what’s happening now’
information. The Twitter page for The Ewing Public Schools can be
found at www.twitter.com/TheEwingSchools.
?
For questions or information, please contact:
Superintendent’s Office
609-538-9800 ext. 1102
Email: cpankiewicz@ewingboe.org
Website: www.ewing.k12.nj.us
Design and Layout by
Daniella Crescente
GoodNews is an official publication
of The Ewing Public Schools
©2014 GoodNews