VOLUME 2: MARCH 2015 Committed to Excellence TheRoadrunner

Committed to Excellence

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH …………………2

SCHOOL CALENDAR…………………………2

READ ACROSS AMERICA…………………… 3

100TH DAY CELEBRATION……………………3

STRATEGIC PLAN: VISION 2018………………4

STUDENT ABSENTEEISM…………………… 5

KINGSWAY SUMMER CAMP………………… 6

UPCOMING EVENTS………………………… 7

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Publication of the South Harrison Township Elementary School District

VOLUME 2: MARCH 2015

TheRoadrunnerrrison

South Harrison Township Elementary School | 904 Mullica Hill Road | Harrisonville, NJ 08039 | (856) 769-0855 | www.southharrison.k12.nj.us

As we continue this year’s journey through the month

of March, it’s hard to avoid celebrating the birthday of the eccentric children’s author and illustrator, Theodor Geisel. Who’s that you ask? Geisel, the man who introduced us to thingamajiggers, Zike-bikes, and Thing 1 and Thing 2, may be better remembered by his pen name, Dr. Seuss. If you have children in any public school you already know March is reserved for Read Across America Month, in honor of Geisel’s birthday. So, in keeping with this month’s theme, I accepted an invitation to read to my niece Natalie’s preschool class. The book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” is the last book published (1990) by Dr. Seuss in his lifetime. Although my niece and her classmates seemed more captivated by the rhythmic cadence of my voice as I read each verse, their eyes fixed on the polychromatic cartoon images decorating each

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Our kindergarteners visited the local post office on February

10th and 11th. Prior to the trip, they learned about writing letters and wrote a valentine to a family member. Each student decorated and ad-dressed their very own envelope and applied the stamp while singing their new song, “Mail Myself to You!”This wonderful activity tied into the social studies curriculum by teach-ing the students about community helpers and how the post office is part of our community. The students prepared for their special trip by mapping the post office’s location and discussing how to properly cross the street. When the students arrived at the post office, they were given a tour and used the date stamp prior to mailing their envelopes. As a cul-minating activity after the trip, the students discussed other ways to send messages (e.g., email, text messages) and sent a letter to the post office thanking them for their support!

KINDERGARTEN VISITSPOST OFFICE

page, the moral of the story soared over their heads. In this perennial favorite, Seuss speaks to the journey of life and all its challenges. Seuss emphasizes that we can be anything we want to be, provided that we work hard and accept the fact that not everything will go our way. And, even though we may at times become discouraged, Seuss reminds us that success awaits those who go after it.These teachings, although wrapped in poetic wordplay, are as timeless today as they were when he wrote them. I hope our students reflect on their own personal journeys, Continued on page 2

BULLETIN BOARD

FEBRUARY STUDENTSOF THE MONTH

First GradeAngel Chavez

Wil FinnanZack Burlingame

Second GradeJulia Maden

Ethan LaBarberaLeonardo Constantino

Th ird GradeSara Durso

Ellie DiCarloBrendan McShea

Fourth Grade Lily Kinner

Madison BurtAnna Snyder

Dakota Reichelderfer

Fift h GradeZachary HickmanAnnalee Hennessy

Jessica Vincent

Sixth GradeKaitlyn Rivell

Jack SchellVictoria Nelson

ArtSky Kashow

ComputersGrace Reilly

Media CenterAmanda Hughes

MusicTrista Yandach

Physical EducationStephen Bleistine

SpanishEmma Fretz

South Harrison Township Elementary School | 904 Mullica Hill Road | Harrisonville, NJ 08039 | (856) 769-0855 | www.southharrison.k12.nj.usVOLUME 2/MARCH 2015: Page 2

The South Harrison Twp. Board of Education adopted the 2015-16 School Calendar during its January 27th meeting.

This calendar mirrors the approach we took this current year as we have maintained the fall and spring recesses, and have held half days to a minimum. The one difference in 2015-16 is that the student school year begins prior to Labor Day. This past fall, we took a bold ap-proach in how we develop our school calendar by surveying our faculty, staff, and parents. Why? Because the school calendar impacts so many different members of our community, it seems logical to seek the input of those who are impacted the most. It is our hope that if we continue to develop calendars that are conducive to the needs of our school communi-ty, we will reduce student absentee-ism, increase instructional time, and engender a more family-friendly approach to scheduling school days.To view the school calendar please click HERE.

SOUTH HARRISON ADOPTS2015-16 SCHOOL CALENDAR

embrace each challenge facing them, and pursue what makes them happy. And, remember Dr. Seuss’ words of wisdom as they move forward, “Bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you… but in the end you’ll move mountains!” After all, “you can steer yourself in any direction you choose… you know what you know. And you are the guy (or

girl) who’ll decide where to go.”The March edition of The Roadrunner celebrates Read Across America week and highlights many events where Dr. Seuss’ life lessons have come into our lives. There is plenty more included throughout these pages and I’m certain you will find this edition a pleasant read.Congratulations! Today is your day!

Dr. James J. Lavender

Continued from page 1

http://www.southharrison.k12.nj.us/cms/lib5/NJ01001796/Centricity/Domain/68/SH%20Calendar%20Memo%202015-16%20SY%201%2028%202014.pdf

SCHOOL EVENTS

During January and February, the Cat in the Hat took a va-cation. He visited all 17 children in Mrs. Crouch’s class, spent two nights in each home and was treated to all sorts of great food and fun activities. He even attended South Harrison’s Father Daughter Dance! With the help of his hosts, the Cat kept a journal of his adventures. Every night he was tucked in with his favorite bedtime story, “Th e Cat in the Hat Comes Back.” He has taken these trips since 2007 and loves visiting homes of new friends and revisiting homes of kids he’s stayed with in the past.On March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the Cat returned to the classroom and shared his journal with Mrs. Crouch’s students. His great details and funny pictures were very entertaining.

THE CAT’S VACATION

VOLUME 2/MARCH 2015: Page 3


READ ACROSS AMERICA Th e South Harrison Twp. Family and Community generous-ly donated new and gently used books to our Read Across America Book Drive! We collected 600, yes, SIX HUNDRED (right on the dot!) books that will be given to local children in need! From nourishing bodies to nourishing minds, our South Harrison Twp. family has really come through! A special thank you to Mrs. Henjes and Girl Scout 5th Grade Junior Troop 61719 (girls in the troop are Johanna Henjes, Gi-anna Campo, Amanda Hughes, Brenna Strehle, Savannah Williams, Elena Dunn, Kaelyn Charnitsky, and Jillian Dough-erty) for sorting and counting all of those books!

DR. SEUSS VISITS STUDENTSOn March 11th, our kindergarteners and fi rst graders participat-ed in a very special assembly celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Th e Cat in the Hat (our very own Mrs. Fretz…shhhh) transformed our cafeteria into a magical birthday celebration decorated with books, balloons, and gift s. Many Dr. Seuss characters were in at-tendance (in their stuff ed form) while the Cat in the Hat shared some of his favorite books with students.Aft er they sang happy birthday, the celebration burst into the hallway led by the Cat in the Hat followed by a line of little ones marching and chanting rhymes, while the rest of the staff and students lined the halls shouting simultaneously. Th is magical assembly brought the Dr. Seuss characters and stories alive as if the words were fl ying right out of the book!

100TH DAY CELEBRATIONOn February 18th, the kindergarteners celebrat-ed 100 Days of Learning! Th e students experienced multiple ways to make 100 by making crowns, count-ing by 10s, dressing up as someone 100 years old, grouping items, sharing 100 item collections, and exercising by 10s.

NEWS & UPDATES

This school year we have settled on a new motto: Committed to Excellence. Our new motto centers on several standards we refer to as Standards of Excel-lence and applies to faculty, administration, support staff and our students.

We focus on the needs of those we serve.We choose to be the best we can be.

We strive for continuous improvement.We take ownership for what we do and do not do.

We communicate effectively.We do little things well.

We take pride in our work & our school.We value & respect those who make our school extraordinary.

At South Harrison we choose to be excellent. We live excellence and this is reflected in our attitudes. We own our actions. We expect to apply these standards in all that we do: little things, big things, everything. Choose it. Live it. Own it. Expect it.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE



In the spring of 2013, South Harrison Twp. Elementary School embarked on the strategic planning initiative with the

intention of engaging the community in serious dialogue about the District’s future and with the purpose of defining the deci-sions and actions that shape and guide the future direction for the school district over the next several years. The planning process included targeted and prioritized action steps to move the District forward.Three community meetings were held and input was gathered in an effort to develop the goals and objectives of the plan. The first meeting served as our “kickoff ” and attendees had an opportunity to express all of the things they were most proud of about our elementary school. The second meeting concentrated on community expectations

and participants were asked, “if we were here three years from now, look-ing back over those three years, what would have happened in the elementa-ry school that would make us proud?” The final meeting focused on creating a strategic action plan.Vision 2018, South Harrison Twp. Elementary School’s Strategic Plan, was officially adopted on December 17, 2013. At the most recent Board of Education meeting held on February 17th, Dr. Lavender shared the Winter Update. To review the plan’s goals and progress toward those goals, visit our website and click on Vision 2018.For more information on the Strategic Plan, click HERE.

STRATEGIC PLAN: VISION 2018 - UPDATE

KINGSWAY OFFERS FULL DAY SUMMER CAMPThis summer, Kingsway Regional School District’s Community Education and Recreation (CER) Program will be home to a full day summer camp for kids ages 6 through 11. Campers will be able to expand their minds, cultivate new skills, and explore various subjects by participat-ing in weekly themed activities with certified teachers and dedicated camp counselors.For more information, click HERE or contact Camp Directors Nicholas Fiocco and Tracy Fagan at [email protected].

Camp Information & Registration Night:March 26, 2015

6:30 pmKingsway Middle School Library

Final Date for Registration: May 1st

http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/cer/summer-program/

http://www.southharrison.k12.nj.us/cms/lib5/NJ01001796/Centricity/Domain/16/Vision%202018%20Winter%202015%20Update%202.24.2015.pdf

NEWS & UPDATES



By Dr. James J. Lavender, Superintendent of Schools

A little more than a year ago the South Harrison Twp. Elementary School was designated by the Depart-ment of Education as a school with chronic student

absenteeism. Kingsway Regional Middle School shared that same distinction while the high school was a stone’s throw away from the same designation. Chronic absentee-ism occurs when more than 8 percent of the students miss 18 or more school days.This designation was eye-opening for district leadership and immedi-ately a review of student attendance data ensued. The results were inter-esting as patterns in student atten-dance behavior began to emerge. What we learned was that our schools experience higher absentee rates on similar days year after year. For example, more than 15 per-cent of the student body is absent from school on the Fridays before Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day; almost 9 percent during the first week in November, and 8 to 16 per-cent on scheduled half days. What is even more alarming is the high number of students who fall just under the state’s “chronic” threshold.As announced in my school calendar letter to the commu-nity last spring, there is little doubt that the teaching and learning process has a cumulative effect and we know that our students miss a lot when they are absent from school. The more absences a student collects, the more disruption to the learning cycle the student encounters. In fact, miss-ing a few days of school may seem inconsequential but a growing body of research suggests that students who miss as little as five school days are negatively affected. Students who miss 10 or more days have a more difficult time gradu-ating high school.Therefore, our efforts to reduce student absenteeism is essen-tial to ensuring its students are maxi-

mizing their opportunities for success but timely in this new world of teacher accountability. Why bother focusing on instructional practices if students are not going to be present to benefit from them? Of course this question is more rhetorical than anything, but it makes you think and put things into perspective.This year the host of changes we made seem to be showing

immediate results. First, we deter-mined that our student attendance threshold would be 96 percent. Next, we have monitored student attendance rates each day since the first day of school and have found some encour-aging results. Now, for the past two months (December and January), I am excited to report that we hit our targeted 96% attendance rate. That is a 1.5% improvement from November and a 1.00% increase from the first three months of school.So, what did we do to address atten-dance patterns and reduce student absenteeism? The school calendar was strategical-ly designed to meet the needs of our

families who vacation. For example, we added a fall recess because many of our families vacationed during the first week of November and added a full spring recess.

• We eliminated all half days from our calendar, excluding days reserved for parent conferences, because student absenteeism skyrocketed on these days, hitting 10 to 15 percent at times. This has addressed a problem area in the calendar, while considerably increasing instructional time over the course of the school year.

• We strengthened our policies by reducing the unexcused absence threshold from 12 to 8 days absent.

• We will continue to monitor student attendance in the months and years ahead. I would be remised, however, if I did not thank our parents for their cooperation with these policy and calendar changes. We cannot fix this problem alone and a true partnership with our families is imperative if we hope to see continuous improvement.

SOUTH HARRISON ADDRESSES STUDENT ABSENTEEISM

As mentioned in last month’s newslet-ter, South Harrison implemented stan-dards-based report cards (SBRCs) in grades K-2 this current school year. At the end of March, parent volunteers and several mem-bers of the curriculum team will meet as a committee to discuss the implementation of SBRCs in grade 3 for the 2015-2016 school year.The intent of this new third grade SBRC is to provide information to parents/guardians about student growth directly related to established grade-level standards and/or expectations. In the 2015-16 school year, South Har-rison is proposing to introduce a 3rd grade SBRC, with 4th & 5th to follow in subsequent years.

Collaboratively the committee will:• Learn more about the purpose behind stan-

dards-based report cards and the projected implementation at South Harrison;

• Share thoughts and ideas as to what parents/guardians would most like to see in a report card;

• Review the K-2 report cards that were implemented this year and drafts of report cards to be implemented in subsequent years to provide feedback for improvement/adjustment as needed; and,

• Seek input from other parents in your child’s school community as requested by the Elementary Report Card Committee.

CURRICULUM CORNER


Cycle II of RTI concluded March 13th. Teachers, together with Mrs. Henjes, are currently reviewing student per-

formance in preparation for the start of Cycle III on April 7th. This brief hiatus of RTI intervention sessions will allow staff to review student progress, reflect, and make recom-mendations for Cycle III. In the days between Cycle II and Cycle III, students will remain with their classroom teacher for an extra period of instruction. Gifted and Talented stu-dents will remain with Mr. Inzinna during this timeframe. Letters will be sent to parents notifying whether their child will be receiving additional or continued Tier II targeted instruction in English/language arts and/or mathematics or participating in the D.E.A.R. program during the extended RTI block. During Cycle III, students in grades K-2 will continue to engage in multi-age groupings using interventions offered to first and second grade students during previous cycles. Students in grades 3-6 will work in small groups with peers on a similar learning level. In these groups, teachers will remediate either English/language arts and/or mathematics using intervention strategies from a variety of programs such as: Strategies for Writers, Study Island, Reflex Math, My Math, and/or Mathematics Their Way. Those students not identified as needing supplemen-tal supports through Tier II interventions will participate in the D.E.A.R. program, which provides students with 30 minutes or more of independent reading and reading related activities such as literature circles, book talks, and writing activities.

RTI: MOVING INTO CYCLE III

f


Writing is a challenging task for many students. However, Mr. Rosenheim

uses a SPICE checklist within his writing classes in order to engage and excite stu-dents to love writing. Step inside Mr. Rosenheim’s writing class and you will see students engaged in writer’s workshop. Stu-dents read and learn from mentor texts, take time to write and develop their own writing pieces, and are inspired to take compositional risks. Throughout writer’s workshop, students participate in writing lessons using the work of Mike Devono, author of “Teaching Writing with Spice.” Mr. Rosenheim used this resource to develop a SPICE checklist. This writing check-list is designed to provide students with exciting and helpful techniques for writing that lay the groundwork for writing as well as teaching students to love and enjoy the written word. As students develop each piece of writing, they use the SPICE checklist to remind them of all of the writing techniques that they have leaned throughout the year. For instance, the checklist reminds students to include figurative language, use “showing” techniques, apply lead techniques, use dialogue and transitional phrases, vary their sentences, and use “power” vocabulary. In addition to practicing writing techniques and improving the overall quality of their writing pieces, the SPICE checklist helps students to tackle difficult writing tasks by breaking down the “I’m not creative” barrier!

MR. ROSENHEIM’S STUDENTS WRITE WITH SPICE!

STANDARDS-BASED REPORT CARDS FOR GRADE 3 IN 2015

The Outreach Program for Sports, better known as TOPSports, is an inclusive sports program open to chil-dren ages 4 to 18 with special needs. Th e program has four seasons: soccer, basketball, baseball, and bowling. Th e goal of TOPSports is to enable young athletes with developmental disabilities to develop their physical fi tness, technical skills, courage, and self-esteem through the joy and excitement of playing sports. Th e best part about this program is that it provides an opportunity for non-disabled stu-dents and siblings to get involved as assistants called “buddies.” Interested in knowing more? Check out www.TOPSportsnj.org. But HURRY…. opening day for baseball is April 12th!!

CHILD STUDY TEAMCHECK OUT TOPSPORTS!



March was declared to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Twenty-eight years later, many organizations, agencies, and schools are still championing the cause for individuals with disabilities to be provided opportunities and encouragement to lead productive lives and reach their full potential. People with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities continue to be trailblazers by working in the community, pursuing higher education, falling in love and getting married, and making their voices heard in all aspects of life. South Harrison’s Department of Special Education and the Child Study Team want to raise awareness and seek out new opportunities for students with disabilities to achieve academically and enjoy all aspects of school life. In the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

MARCH IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday by spotting fi ve diff erences in the image.

• • April 8th:April 8th: Home & School Meeting Home & School Meeting • • April 10th: April 10th: Coff ee with the PrincipalCoff ee with the Principal• • April 14th: April 14th: K-3 ConcertK-3 Concert• • April 23rd: Parent Academy April 23rd: Parent Academy

Family Game Night Family Game Night• • April 30th: April 30th: Art Show & Ice Cream SocialArt Show & Ice Cream Social

Contact Jessica Norris at Contact Jessica Norris at [email protected] [email protected]

• • May 1st: May 1st: Coff ee with the PrincipalCoff ee with the Principal• • June 5th: June 5th: Coff ee with the PrincipalCoff ee with the Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.TOPSportsnj.org


Board of EducationDeborah Cunningham PresidentMichael Brennan Vice-PresidentToni Buckley Carole English James McShea Joseph Talbot Janet Brown Janice Huggins Ron Reilly

AdministrationDr. James J. Lavender SuperintendentMrs. Janine Wechter School Business AdministratorMrs. Patricia Calandro Chief Academic Offi cerMrs. Corinne Mesmer Principal

BOARD OF EDUCATION

VOLUME 2: MARCH 2015 Committed to Excellence TheRoadrunner

Documents