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HILLSIDE EDITION

Thanks to a grant from AFEE, the Kindergarten students celebrated

the conclusion of their NON-FICTION writing unit with a visit from

Dassen, the African Penguin. Dassen lives at Jenkinson’s Aquarium

in Point Pleasant, NJ. Danni, the Aquarium Penguin Expert, shared

her knowledge about these interesting animals. The Kindergarten

students used facts learned during the “Penguin Pointers” program,

along with information they gathered through books and videos to

create their own non-fiction books. They explored the concepts of

fantasy and reality by reading fictional books and comparing them to

the REAL penguin that visited Hillside School. To complete the real

life penguin experience, all the kindergarteners wore black & white.

It was a memorable day!

Maria Perillo

AFEE Brings a Penguin to Kindergarten!

AFEE HELPS HILLSIDE SCHOOL INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY INTO THE CLASSROOM

A Message from Anastasia Maroulis

Students at Hillside School have been busy digitally researching, publishing their writing, and using educational apps, thanks to the new iPad and laptop carts provided by a generous grant from AFEE. This year, our technology teacher’s role changed to become a technology coach, allowing Mrs. Costanza to deliver the direct instruction students need to navigate the Internet, apps, and programs both in and out of the computer lab. Additionally, teachers extended and supported integrated technology lessons in their own classrooms with Mrs. Costanza’s assistance.

Using technology to produce and publish writing is a common standard for every grade level from kindergarten to grade eight. One of the best parts of digital publishing in the lower grades is that students can make their writing come to life. Kindergarten students used the app Little Bird Tales to digitally publish their personal narratives and “How To” books. This was a wonderful experience for them.

First graders also digitally published their ‘All About’ books using the Little Bird Tales app. They were able to illustrate and keyboard each page of their books using the iPads. The laptops were also used to watch informational videos for units such as weather.

Second grade student utilized the Voice Thread app on the iPads to publish their ‘Small Moment’ writing pieces. Students also used the laptops to research and publish a brochure about their assigned country during their geography unit.

Third graders have been using the laptops throughout the year to publish their writing. Students digitally created ‘Expert Books’ which showcased all of the nonfiction text elements they had learned. During the social studies unit about the US states, third graders partook in a Mystery Skype lesson where they used the iPads and laptops to research where another class was located, while communicating with them via Skype.

Johnna Costanza

The Hillside educational community pursues excellence with great enthusiasm and commitment. Through the generous support of organizations like AFFE, we can bring our students a rich and comprehensive educational experience. This past school year, the collective and collaborative efforts of our involved school community made a significant impact each and every day in the lives of our students. We were able to put more digital devices into the hands of our students through AFEE’s generous funding of an additional iPad cart that provided active engagement and skill differentiation while tapping into varied student learning modalities. The purchase of two laptop carts enabled students to immerse themselves in research and to collaborate and communicate globally while tapping into critical thinking skills. By integrating these digital tools with the classroom curriculum we were able to extend the learning that in the past occurred in isolation in our computer lab.Additionally, AFEE funded enriching and engaging assemblies and programs for students at all grade levels on curricular topics such as weather, geography and habitats. These ‘in-school field trip’ opportunities exposed students to inquiry-based and hands-on experiences in their own school setting. Particularly poignant was a visit from Newberry award-winning author, Jack Gantos, who taught students about the writing process in a vivid and lively way. We are fortunate to be working together with AFEE for the common good of all of our students. Our goal is to continue to focus on educational excellence that will continue to guide our path to greatness. Anastasia Maroulis, Principal

Have you ever been up close and personal with a falcon? Or touched a bald eagle? Well, thanks to a grant from AFEE, our 3rd graders had the opportunity to do this. In fact, the Birds of Prey assembly has been such a success, we’ve been

lucky to have AFEE fund it for 12 years.

The Birds of Prey assembly supports our study of wetlands and birds. Most of our learning comes from books, videos, and internet clips. We see many birds during our field trip to the Meadowlands, but not up close like this. Run by Jonathan Wood, a Master Falconer, the birds fly around in the All Purpose Room. The students get an up close, hands on, experience with LIVE birds. This is an incredible opportunity for a third-grade student.

Mr. Wood presents 15-20 birds of prey from diverse habits. Because Mr. Wood is so familiar with our curriculum, he tailors his presentation to focus on the topics we study in our classes, including bird anatomy, habitats, ecosystems, conservation, protection, and he demonstrates the different skills of each bird.

He even brings birds from as far away as Alaska. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience for the students (and the teachers too!).

Wendy Nadel

In schools across the country, the second week in October is nationally known as Respect Week. This week is set aside to acknowledge and bring attention to anti-bullying. At Hillside School, many events take place during Respect Week to help students remember to always ‘Bee a Buddy, Not a Bully.’ The activities are part of the school’s Character Education program, designed to help students build positive character traits that they can utilize throughout their time at Hillside School and beyond.

This past October, thanks to AFFE, students were able to see the USA TheatreWorks production of Helping Drew during Respect Week. Helping Drew teaches kids how to be a buddy and how to deal with students who are not being a buddy. An interactive, hour-long presentation sets up the students as the Bully Patrol, who are given the task of helping the principal, Mrs. Tector, spot the bullies and resolve any conflicts effectively. As one of our Character Education activities for October, the students had created Bully Patrol Badges prior to the assembly and wore them proudly to showcase their dedication to a bully-free environment.

The students answered questions and assisted in reporting Lee and Victoria as the bullies in the show. Helping Drew demonstrated methods of conflict resolution and taught the students that talking to an adult about a problem is usually the best option. After the show, students engaged in a lively question and answer session with the creator of the production.

Through continued learning in the area of character education, the students of Hillside School will become upstanding citizens of our community. Thank you to AFEE for its generous support in enriching the lives of the students in Allendale.

Elizabeth Diomede

Helping Drew Helps Hillside Students “Bee a Buddy”

EAGLES, HAWKS AND FALCONS... OH MY!

Save the Dates!LORD & TAYLOR SHOPPING DAY

October 9, 2014

COMMUNITY NIGHT OUT AT AB&GOctober 20 & 21, 2014

ANNUAL AUCTIONMarch 13, 2015

Theater WeekApril 6-10, 2015

THE HARLEM WIZARDS

May 8, 2015

Remember to “Like” AFEE on Facebook or check out our

website at www.afeenj.org

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Please mail this form and your check, made payable to AFEE, to the address above or drop it off in the AFEE mailbox at either Hillside or Brookside.

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