national honor society inducts new members

Committed to Excellence
A Publication of the Kingsway Regional School District
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS
On November 19th, Kingsway’s National Honor Society
inducted 67 new members into its chapter of this prestigious
organization. For the ceremony, students were dressed
to impress as they were honored for their all-around
contributions to Kingsway. Being selected into the National Honor
Society at Kingsway is an outstanding achievement, and these
new inductees went above and beyond in terms of Character,
Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.
To maintain membership in the Society, students must continue
to display characteristics that form the foundation of the national
organization. Kingsway’s NHS students are not only impressive in
the classroom, but show great dedication to their extracurricular
clubs, teams, and jobs, while also assisting in multiple events
throughout the year including the Craft Fair, Turkey Trot, and Peer
Tutoring. These exceptional students will continue to serve as
remarkable role models for students of all grades for the remainder
of the 2014-2015 school year.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS ISSUE:
COVER STORY................................1
CURRICULUM NEWS......................2
PUPIL SERVICES ............................3
DRAGONS HELPING.......................3
NEW H.S. ELECTIVES......................4
CHRISTMAS CAROL.......................5
SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS...................5
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS............. 6-7
RENAISANCE CELEBRATION...........7
ATHLETICS.....................................8
UPCOMING EVENTS.......................9
BOARD OF EDUCATION...............10
VOL 3: DECEMBER 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE
SUPERINTENDENT
contributes significantly to our
organization, it’s the sum total
of all our contributions that
s another exciting calendar makes Kingsway a unique and
wonderful place.
year draws to a close, my
thoughts are on all you
On behalf of our administrative
for having contributed to the
team, we appreciate the work
continual progress we make as
of all our stakeholders and
a school system. Our teachers,
recognize everything you do
support staff, volunteers, and
to make Kingsway exceptional.
administrators have selflessly
Looking ahead to 2015, I am
given so much of their time and encouraged by our success
talents to ensure our students
and your commitment to our
have the very best experiences
students and am excited about
and are prepared to leave our
the collaborative work that lies
campus ready and able to
ahead.
achieve their dreams.
As you gather with your families
As I write this message I recall
and friends throughout the
fantastic plays and musical
holidays, I extend to you
performances produced this
warmest wishes for a joyous
past year; nail-biting athletic
season and a Happy New Year.
competitions; hundreds of
club and activity meetings
and programs; and, of course,
countless lessons prepared and
delivered by our teachers in
an effort to ready our students
for life beyond Kingsway. And
although each role we play
Dr. James J. Lavender
Superintendent of Schools
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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CURRICULUM NEWS
FRESHMEN EXPLORE CAREERS
This year, the high school unveiled Career Exploration, a new required
course for all freshmen designed to guide the investigation of Kingsway’s
six Programs of Study and related career clusters. Under the direction of
teachers Mrs. Conn, Ms. Gatti, and Ms. Delaney, students are acquiring the
skills needed to make career and personal life decisions, become skilled in
the use of career information resources, understand the nature of the
changing labor market, and guide their high school studies.
By the end of this semester course, students will:
• Identify their values, interests, aptitudes, personal preferences,
and abilities and describe how they affect their career choices.
• Research careers using traditional resources, the Internet, and
informal strategies.
• Prepare written materials necessary for job-hunting, including
applications, résumés, and cover letters.
• Explain why ethics are important to employers.
• Appreciate and increase sensitivity to diversity in the workplace.
• Explain how businesses use the Internet and various programs
such as databases, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing.
• Identify ways to prepare themselves for the future.
• Understand how a positive attitude, high self-esteem, and enthusiasm lead to success on the job.
The Career Exploration course will better prepare Kingsway students by
identifying their career interests and using this information to guide their
high school course selections.
SPOTLIGHT TEACHER
This month’s Spotlight Teacher is a dedicated
and enthusiastic member of the high school
math department, Mrs. Laura Reynolds.
Mrs. Reynolds, who also serves as the
Department Chair for high school math,
works tirelessly to ensure her students
are exposed to rigorous and meaningful
work that is both exciting and engaging.
Mrs. Reynolds is leading her department
and students in the integration of various methods of instructional
technology to boost achievement and interest in mathematics.
She specifically uses Google forms with her classes, which allow
for the completion of online assessments and immediate feedback
for the teacher and the students. Mrs. Reynolds’ students also
use a multitude of technological devices and online forums to
complete assignments in class and to practice typing mathematical
expressions onto the computers. To support students’ curiosity and
engagement, Mrs. Reynolds stated, “I allow my students to choose
various methods of expression to demonstrate their understanding of
current material. Choice menus, which allow the students to showcase
their understanding of math concepts in various ways, are regularly
used.” It is typical to see Mrs. Reynolds engaging students in the
standards of mathematical practice in the classroom, which are a
focus of the new Common Core State Standards. These standards
promote collaboration, modeling, perseverance, and quantitative
reasoning. Mrs. Reynolds’ passion for teaching mathematics is
apparent in her daily interactions with her students as well as
her fellow math department members. Congratulations to
Mrs. Reynolds for being our December Spotlight Teacher!
DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION FOR ALL LEARNERS
Today, students in the classrooms differ
in many ways, including background
knowledge, prior experiences, readiness,
culture, learning preferences, and interests.
This year, the Kingsway Regional School
District has entered into its first year of
focusing its professional learning efforts
on providing its teachers with guidance on
differentiating instruction in the classroom.
Differentiated instruction, or DI, assists
teachers in varying and adapting their
instructional approaches to fit the vast diversity of students in the classroom
(Hall, 2002; Tomlinson, 2014,). DI requires teachers to do things differently
for different learners; it begins with knowing the students and their learning
needs. Much of this knowledge is gained through the use of various methods
of assessment. When teachers know their students, they can better support
them in their learning!
The goals of differentiation of instruction aim to maximize each
student’s growth, increase student motivation and achievement,
connect with learners, help students become independent learners,
foster student responsibility, and meet curriculum standards
for each learner. At a time when all students are expected to
master the Common Core Standards, differentiated instruction is
a proven way to help ensure that students are achieving to their
highest ability levels. Anyone interested in learning more about
differentiated instruction, we suggest The Differentiated Classroom
by Carol Ann Tomlinson. This resource is also available to all our
teachers via our online professional development library.
For more information on our district professional
development goals, please visit:
http://curriculum.kingsway.k12.nj.us/wp-content/
uploads/2014/08/District-PDP-14-15.pdf.
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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PUPIL SERVICES
KINGSWAY HIGH SCHOOL’S
ANTI-BULLYING CLUB
VISITS HARKER
In November, twelve members of Kingsway’s
Anti-Bullying Club visited Charles Harker
Elementary in Woolwich as an outreach project
to prevent bullying. Students from the high school
created mini-lessons to teach younger students
about the importance of speaking up when
witnessing bullying and safeguarding yourself
against being victimized. The Anti-Bullying Club
finds tremendous value in instilling the values of
kindness and respect to students at an early age,
as well as empowering them to “speak up” for the
rights of others. This outreach program began
in 2012 and continues to make a difference in
the lives of our future Dragons!
INSTANT DECISION DAY
The Guidance department was proud to
partner with area colleges and universities
to bring “Instant Decision Day” to Kingsway.
This exciting opportunity allowed students
to meet with a college admission official
to receive an immediate answer regarding
acceptance. Some of our students received
immediate scholarship offers as well.
CONGRATULATIONS to those that were
granted admissions to Widener University,
Richard Stockton College of NJ, and
Neumann University through this program.
Continue to log on to your Naviance/
Family Connections account under
the “College” tab to view future
opportunities.”
DRAGONS HELPING DRAGONS
Dragons Helping Dragons is a district-wide committee, created to assist
Kingsway students, staff, and community members in their time of
need when faced with major life challenges, such as illness or financial
hardship. Since 2013, the committee has donated over $3,000 in
monetary gifts to members of our Kingsway community. In addition
to monetary donations, Dragons Helping Dragons has provided clothing,
household supplies, and baby items to recipients. Other efforts have
included purchasing a mattress for a student in need and paying the
electric bill for a Kingsway family. Gift cards are often provided to cover
the cost of food, gas, or to acknowledge the death of a loved one. In
the words of Steve Maraboli, “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only
compassion can heal.”
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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HIGH SCHOOL
NEW ELECTIVES AT KINGSWAY:
INTRO TO VIDEO GAME DESIGN
KRHS Student Council Demonstrates the Spirit of Giving.
EAST GREENWICH TURKEY TROT
Photo by Sumana Stephenson
Members of the KRHS student council gave their time to assist with
the East Greenwich Home and School Association’s 2014 Turkey
Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk held on Saturday, November 29th. This
annual event raises money for the Jeffrey Clark and Samuel Mickle
Schools in East Greenwich. Runners of all ages participate in this
race, which combines an opportunity to engage in a competitive
race with a fun-filled morning for the community. Our own student
council continues to provide support for this community event by
assisting with set up and clean up, as well as providing water and
a cheering section for the race’s participants. The EG Home and
School Association appreciates the continued support of the KRHS
student council, who continue to serve as great ambassadors for
Kingsway.
KRHS INTERACT EVENTS
One of Kingsway’s premier community service organizations,
Interact, is currently gearing up for two of its biggest events of
the year. In December the club is running its Holiday Wish Drive,
which supports our local families in need of help. Money raised
through Interact fundraiser events is utilized to buy gift cards and
presents for local families. This year, Interact’s goal is to be able to
help between five to ten families in our sending districts. After the
holiday season, Interact will be hosting the 2nd Annual Battle of
the Bands on January 16th. Local bands perform on stage and vie
for the title of top band and a cash prize. Proceeds from the event
support Interact programs such as the Holiday Wish Drive and our
local Ronald McDonald House in Camden, NJ.
Like most of us that have
grown up in a time when the
evolution of video games has
gone from movable dots on
a screen to increased graphic
designs, the programming
and design of games has also
evolved. Kingsway added Introduction to Video Game Design
for students interested in pursuing animation, digital media,
entertainment marketing, and game development.
The course starts off with an analysis of traditional games that
have spanned generations. Students create their own board
and/or card game. This generates a foundation in creating
game brands, rules, and descriptions. Over the course of the
first semester, students build an Internet e-portfolio. Initial
projects include writing game reviews and producing game
trailers. Kingsway has invested in professional digital media
applications such as Unity, Final Cut Pro, and the Adobe Creative
Suite to support student game production efforts.
This course analyzes casual games that are successful in the
billion dollar video game industry, and identifies reasons for
the success or failure of a game. Students formulate a baseline
understanding of game mechanics. They work on creating
game objectives, story lines, and characters to appeal to a
casual game (PC and mobile) consumer market. Students learn
to apply game design, video, graphic arts, and audio into a
functional game. If there is an interest in interactive media,
technology, and entertainment, students should take a look at
Intro to Video Game Design when scheduling this Spring 2015.
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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HIGH SCHOOL
CHARLES DICKENS’
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
PERFORMED KINGSWAY REGIONAL HS
On December 6th, 2014, the Kingsway Regional HS Drama
Department completed a successful, crowd pleasing run of
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This famous Dickens classic
was adapted for the stage and directed by KRHS faculty member
Andrew Young.
A Christmas Carol is a heartwarming tale of the moral
transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge who began as a “squeezing,
wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!”
He refused to help or to even care about the poor, but visits from
the Ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley and the Spirits of
Christmas Past, Present, and Future, left an indelible impression
on Ebenezer. Filled with love and the true spirit of the Christmas
season, Scrooge changed his selfish ways and opened his heart to
those around him.
Christmas Carol opened Dec. 4th and ran Dec. 5th and 6th 2014,
in the famous Eitel Theater for four sold out performances.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Chemistry teacher Bradley Bailey and his wife on
the birth of a baby boy – Elliot Matthew Bailey, born 12/2/14!
Congratulations KRHS Seniors of the Month and
KRHS Spotlight Students:
KINGSWAY SINGERS SELECTED
FOR SOUTH JERSEY CHORUS
SENIORS OF THE MONTH
FOR NOVEMBER
Three Kingsway singers were
selected to participate in the
2014-2015 All-South Jersey
Chorus festival. At the end of
January, Patrick Carpenter,
Madison Lenhart, and
Andrew Sullivan will perform
with 200+ of the best singers
from the southern part of New Jersey. Each of the students
sang a rigorous audition and was selected on the basis of
their vocal ability and musicality. All three are members of
Kingsway’s Senior Chorus and musical.
Marissa Ciocco & Sophia Nitsolas
SPOTLIGHT STUDENTS
September October
9th Grade 10th Grade
11th Grade 12th Grade Ben Curtain
Jalen Gehen
Walt Huder
Noelle McLeer
Dominic Fiola
Ryan Evernham
Gianna Emmett
Victoria Brady
November
Annie Lancos
Jerrell Bishop
Margaret Palilonis
Madison Lenhart
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kingsway Middle School is proud to recognize our
NOVEMBER Spotlight Students.
The following students have stood out amongst their
peers due to their exemplary character.
NOVEMBER
R team – Kalel Martorano, 8th
A team – Alyssa Doyle, 8th
N team – Stephen Wilkins, 8th
Simone Burgess, 8th
D team – Brooke Calhoun, 7th
O team – Jada Komadina, 7th
G team – Nicole Rival, 7th
PEN PALS
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
In Italian class, we are launching a pen pal program with a school
in Monreale, Sicily, Italy. Participating in this activity will allow
our students to practice their Italian writing skills in a real-world
context while making a new friend. The Italian students are ten
years old and are studying English. Both our students here at the
middle school and the Italian students in Sicily are very excited
for what we hope will become long-lasting friendships!
We are proud to announce that 444 students at the middle
school had PERFECT attendance for the month of October!
These students were granted the opportunity to wear
pajamas during the school day!
The attendance goal for November was 500 students, and
we are proud to say that 537 had PERFECT attendance in
November! Great job students!
NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE
In one of Kingsway’s new middle school elective classes, Sports and Health Science II,
students started off the year by learning about the five fitness components and
tracking their fitness testing data in their strength and conditioning software.
They have been using various pieces of functional fitness tools and technology
in the fitness lab to improve their overall health in the areas of cardiovascular
endurance, muscular strength, and body composition. In the classroom, students
measured their heart rates in the resting state, in the moderate exercise state, and
in the vigorous exercise state; and then using the Karvonen formula, calculated
their heart rate zones. Afterwards, they took part in a mathematics activity, in
which they graphed their data to gauge how hard they were physically working
based on their various heart rates.
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
FIRST RENAISSANCE CELEBRATION
On Friday, December 5th, Kingsway Middle School held its first Renaissance
Club celebration. 170 students qualified based on their academic success,
behavior, attendance, community service, and attention to homework
completion during the first marking period. Students played on multiple
blow-up slides and obstacle courses, sang karaoke, tried their hand at archery,
and hung out with their friends. Fun was had by all 170 students! Thanks to
all of our Renaissance club sponsors who made this celebration possible.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to eighth grade English teacher
Dana Ramsden. Ms. Ramsden got engaged
over our fall break. Additionally, on the same
weekend, seventh grade Math teacher Kristina
Yoroshko also got engaged. Please join our
Kingsway family in congratulating Ms. Ramsden
and Ms. Yoroshko!
For more information about our incentive program, go to
http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/renaissance-program-2/
PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY
Congratulations to eighth grader
Alexandra Kerr, who did an
outstanding job serving as Kingsway
Middle School’s principal for the day
on Monday, November 24, 2014. Alex’s
name was chosen in a Renaissance
club raffle; she worked closely with
Mr. Tonelli, Mr. Miles, and Mrs. Mesmer
throughout the entire day. Luckily, she
didn’t have to issue any after school
detentions!
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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ATHLETICS
KINGSWAY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS COACHING STAFF 2014 – 2015
MS. JUNE CIOFFI – DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS MS. CHRISTINA LUDLAM – CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER
MRS. KATHY GALLEN – ATHLETIC SECRETARY MR. ROBERT BAERMAN, JR. – CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER
Thank you Fall Coaches and Athletes
for an outstanding season!
Billy Gray, Kyle Evernham, Myles Boerlin, Rachel Vick,
Noah Culbreath, Trevor Culbreath
Denzel Polk, Andrew Beamer, Phil Bellace, Coach Barchuk, Conner Bell
Congratulations to our Boys Cross Country
Team for placing4th in the Meet of Champions!
This means Kingsway is the 4th BEST TEAM in the State of
New Jersey!
Noah Culbreath was named All South Jersey and All State
for Cross Country Team
Rachel Vick was named All South Jersey and SJ Times Girls
Cross Country Runner of the Year!
Our Boys Cross Country Team was named SJ Times
Team of the Year!
Congratulations to our Football Team for
defeating Clearview and winning the
“Coaches Trophy” at the Thanksgiving Day
game! The trophy is donated on behalf
of the Bellace Family!
THE TOUCHDOWN CLUB
OF SOUTH JERSEY
Denzel Polk was named All South Jersey by the
Brooks-Irvine Football Club
Jay Scerbo was named “Back of the Week” And Andrew Beamer
and Marshall Hoebing were named to the All-Academic Team
by the Touchdown Club of South Jersey.
Andrew Blaszczyk, Alex Noel, Evan Schneider were selected
to the All State Boys Soccer Team by the NJ Soccer Coaches
Association!
KINGSWAY ATHLETICS TWITTER ACCOUNT
Gabrielle Campbell was selected to the NJ Girls Soccer
Coaches Association All Star Team
Good Luck to our Winter Coaches and Athletes as they
begin their season!
The Kingsway Athletic Department now has a Twitter account!
KINGSWAY ATHLETICS @DRAGONS_ AD. The athletic department will utilize Twitter
to communicate athletic updates, scores, etc. There is no need for coaches to
set up/maintain separate Twitter accounts for an individual sport. Coaches
should send June Cioffi any information they want posted. We will only post
good news, scores, important information, and major event changes!
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING EVENTS:
DECEMBER 3RD .................................................. MS BAND CONCERT @ 6:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 9TH .....................................................7:00 P.M. HS KHSAC MEETING
DECEMBER 9TH ............................................................ WINTER SPORTS START
DECEMBER 10TH ............................................. MS CHORUS CONCERT @ 6:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 11TH ........................................7:00 P.M. HS HOLIDAY BAND CONCERT
DECEMBER 12TH............................................. 7:00 P.M. HS BROADWAY CABARET
DECEMBER 17TH...............................................................PROGRESS REPORTS
DECEMBER 22ND.................................................................... MS CAREER DAY
DECEMBER 24TH – JANUARY 2ND.........................WINTER BREAK/SCHOOL CLOSED
2014–2015 MARKING PERIOD
PERIOD START
1ST MP
9/4/14
2ND MP
11/13/14
END SEMESTER 1
3RD MP
1/30/15
4TH MP
4/15/15
END SEMESTER 2
TOTAL DAYS
181 DAYS
END
11/12/14
1/29/15
1/29/15
4/14/15
6/19/15
6/19/15
TOTAL DAYS
MID-PERIOD MARKING
PERIOD
MID-MARK 1
MID MARK 2
MID-MARK 3
MID-MARK 4
DATE 10/6/14
12/17/14
3/5/15
5/15/15
DAYS
45 DAYS
45 DAYS
90 DAYS
45 DAYS
46 DAYS
91 DAYS
181 DAYS
REPORT CARDS
PERIOD
REPORT CARD 1
REPORT CARD 2
REPORT CARD 3
REPORT CARD 4
DATE
11/21/14
2/9/15
4/23/15
6/29/15
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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BOARD OF EDUCATION
MARK KEHOE, PRESIDENT..................................................................................................WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP
LAUREN BOERLIN, VICE PRESIDENT........................................................................ EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP
JIM MUELLER............................................................................................................ EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP
BARRY JENKINS........................................................................................................ EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP
DEBORAH CUNNINGHAM........................................................................................SOUTH HARRISON TOWNSHIP
MICHELLE BLAIR..................................................................................................................WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP
MIA RANDAZZO...................................................................................................................WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP
DANIEL BATTISTI..................................................................................................................WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP
PATRICK M. DALEY...................................................................................................... BOROUGH OF SWEDESBORO
FRANK DONNELLY....................................................................................................................... LOGAN TOWNSHIP
DR. JAMES J. LAVENDER..............................................................................................................SUPERINTENDENT
JASON SCHIMPF, SBA................................................................................................................. BOARD SECRETARY
PATRICIA CALANDRO..................................................................................................... CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
Kingsway Regional School District | 213 Kings Highway | Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 | (856) 467-3300 | www.krsd.org
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