GJM Newsletter 11/1/16

Volume 16-17, Issue 1

GEORGE J MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

LITTLE EGG HARBOR SCHOOL DISTRICT

The George J. Mitchell Elementary School Family is looking forward to a successful 2016-2017 school year! Our teachers have been actively involved in planning creative lessons and activities for their students that will result in exciting opportunities for problem solving and discovery. As a foundation for all English Language Arts and Math lessons, the Common Core State Standards will provide our K-6 teachers with innovative project based learning using the American Reading Company Program, the Journeys Literacy Program, the Zaner-Bloser Writing Program and the Go Math Program as its basis for planning lessons for their students. With an integrated curriculum that includes Social Studies, Science, Technology, Art, Music, Foreign Language and Physical Education, our students are beginning to research exciting topics that will result in active learning and participation. With an emphasis on our EGG-CELLENT Positive Behavior Program and Anti-Bullying Program, our Character Education Program will include lessons that will focus on educating all of our students on ways to utilize positive behavior character traits in their everyday lives. Our School Safety Patrol Program will continue its success with ongoing training for our Sixth Grade students by promoting safety on our school buses and throughout our school building. As we continue through the school year, GJM teachers and their students will take part in many fun lessons and activities that will result in lasting memories for all! For students in grades K-6, upcoming Assembly Presentations focusing on our curriculum and our character education programs, as well as our GJM Drama productions and music concerts are just a few of the exciting activities for our students to participate in. Take a moment to read the complete list of upcoming events included in this Newsletter. Continued communication between our staff and families is an essential component for student success. Our GJM staff welcomes any questions or concerns that you might have and we look forward to working with all of you throughout this school year. Yours in Education, Mrs. Deborah Giannuzzi Principal

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

*WELCOME

*2016 FIRE PREVENTION

*TECHNOLOGY

*PARENT INFORMATION

CENTER

*REVISED CALENDAR

SOARING TO EXCELLENCE

MITCHELL OSPREYS

Mitchell Messenger

WELCOME BACK!

2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR!

Mrs. Guinan

Principal

Elementary Supervisors

Mr. Acampora

Mrs. Giannuzzi

George J. Mitchell Elementary School – STUDENT OF THE MONTH—September 2016

Kindergarten Jackson Simoncini - K May Jackson is an excellent role model for his Kindergarten peers. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and encourage his

classmates with kind words. He is a good friend to all! 1st Grade Kingston Hastings - 1 Borer Kingston has made a wonderful transition from the Frog Pond school to the George J Mitchell School. He is a warm and caring

friend to his classmates. Kingston has follows all school rules and is a responsible and respectful student. 2nd Grade Cael Dutton - 2 Eastburn Cael is a hardworking and enthusiastic learner. He rises to the challenges put in front of him and works through problems with

determination. He is always willing to help others and is an excellent positive role model for his peers. 3rd Grade Maggie Cranmer - 3 Rumpf This student exhibits responsibility and is a conscientious student. She always strives to do nothing but her very best. She is

active in drama and gymnastics. Lilly Casella - 3 Trainor Lilly is a new student to George J Mitchell this year. She has adjusted to this transfer in September and has assimilated into our

school very quickly. She shows responsibility and always ready to learn. She is always willing to help and respects others in our

school community. She is kind, honest, trustworthy, and an extremely hard worker. She goes out of her way to be a good friend

and fits into our Little Egg School District family very well. We are so proud of her efforts!! Congratulations Lilly! 4th Grade Isaih Armstrong - 4 Mulligan He is a very respectful young man who is always willing to help others. Isaih is responsible as he always is on task and

accomplishing everything that he is required to do. 5th Grade Devonte Bonds - 5 Wright From day one, Devonte walked through the door of his fifth grade classroom as a role model student and citizen. It's very

obvious how much he strives to do his very best each day, as he is an active and engaged participant in our learning

community. He is well-liked by his peers, and his fellow students look up to him and respect him. I witnessed an extraordinary

act of citizenship as Devonte extended congratulations to a student whom received an "Egg-cellent" certificate. What made

this act so extraordinary was that this student had a dispute with Devonte just days earlier. Devonte put the infraction behind

him and expressed sincere congratulations to this student. I thought this act alone spoke for itself. Yet, this is just one

example of some of the amazing things this young man is capable of! 6th Grade James McDowell - 6 Sailer/Cummings Is a very conscientious student who comes daily to class prepared and ready to work. He is helpful, focused, responsible

person, and asks for help when needed. He is a sincere person who has a genuine concern for his fellow students, that is why

he was chosen to be a safety patrol member.

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GJM Students Learn About Fire Safety!

Fire Prevention Week concluded with an assembly presented by the West Tuckerton

Fire Department. The assembly focused on this year’s campaign, “Don’t Wait-Check

the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” The firefighters explained the

importance of fire safety and highlighted ways to prevent fire and how to stay safe in

case of a fire. The students saw the firemen dress in their gear, asked questions

about fire safety and learned about the parts of a fire truck. Earlier in the month,

the students in each class created fire safety posters that centered on the

campaign slogan. The firemen visited the school earlier in the week to judge

the posters hanging outside of their classrooms. Three winners from each grade

level were awarded trophies for their outstanding artwork! We would like to thank the

West Tuckerton Fire Department for their continued commitment to assisting us

with educating our students about fire safety!

Fire Poster Contest Winners!

First Place Second Place Third Place

Kindergarten Noah Nesci TJ Assadourian Jada Zubrzycki

1st Grade Liam Fence Rex Kline Dakota Cocciolillo

2nd Grade Giovanni Carnes Olivia Holdzkom Shane Rider

3rd Grade William Simonsen Haley Shrader Kristopher Doughty

4th Grade Hannah Mancuso Hannah Theuret Gabriela Pastrana

5th Grade Katelynn McDonald Taylor Zimmerman Samantha Fisher

6th Grade Alyssa Ruland Melissa Myslinski Hailey Niestempski

2016

Fire

Prevention

Poster Winners

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The George J Mitchell School has been very busy utilizing technology across the school. With the addition of Chromebooks, iPads, and Interactive Flat Panel displays, comes many opportunities to engage students in high-quality instruction and innovative activities.

Kindergarten and First graders now have access to iPads in their classrooms. Teachers have been capitalizing on this opportunity and utilizing them as students work in centers and/or small groups. In 2nd through 6th grade, teachers and students have focused their efforts on

using Chromebooks across the curriculum. Many teachers have been using Google Classroom with their students. Google Classroom is a blended learning platform that allows the class to interact, share, and collaborate through the use of the internet. It also allows teachers

to simplify creating, distributing and grading assignments in a paperless way.

In addition, our school will be piloting two math/science programs over the next few weeks. For students in second, third, and fifth grade, they will be using Reflex Math to improve their fact fluency and automaticity. Students in fourth and sixth grade will be using Gizmos Math and Science, which are web-based interactive math and science simulations for students to

explore and manipulate. We are hoping to add an interactive math module for our kindergarten and first grade students. Stay Tuned!

Lastly, Mrs. Henderson has been working with the six graders to produce our "GJM

Morning News". Each afternoon, a group of six graders utilize our production studio, or Mr. Acampora's office, to film the morning news on a green screen. In the morning, teachers

are sent out a link to view the videos. In the weeks to come, we plan to relocate our studio to its rightful home in our newly-added STEAM Innovation Lab.

Yours in Learning,

John P. Acampora, M.Ed Elementary Supervisor

George J. Mitchell Elementary School

George J. Mitchell Elementary School

950 Route 539, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Main Office 609-296-7131—Extension 3044—Fax Number 609-296-0849

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Come Check Out Our New Parent Center! Our parent center is designed as an informational center for all parents. Whether you want more information about a curricular area or to explore the new happenings within the district, this space is just the place to do that! The center has literature for you to peruse and also a computer for

you to access the internet for more information and resources. If you

would like assistance while visiting the center, the Elementary Supervisors or the Principal would be more than happy meet

with you. We look forward to your visit!

A Note From Your PTO Board of Directors The Little Egg Harbor PTO has been hard at work creating memorable events and unique fundraisers to help support these events. The children of this district are our main focus. We strive to provide as many fun events and activities as our budget allows. We welcome new members all year long and could use your help in executing our planned events as well as your input at our meetings. We welcome any new ideas you many have! Please attend one of our meetings and get involved! Our upcoming list of events, fundraisers and meeting dates are: *Candy Bar Bingo-Friday November 4th @ 6pm in the Frog Pond MPR *PTO Public Meeting-November 16th @ 7pm in the Frog Pond MPR *Mother/Son Dance-Friday November 18th @ 6pm in the Frog Pond MPR *GJM Holiday Shop-12/5-12/9 (during school hours) *Milk and Cookies with Santa-December 16th @ 6pm in the Frog Pond MPR *FP Holiday Shop-12/12-12/16 (during school hours) *PTO Public Meeting-January 18, 2017 @ 7pm in the Frog Pond MPR *Family Science Night-January 20, 2017 @ 6pm in the Frog Pond MPR *Father/Daughter Dance-February 24, 2017 @ 6pm in the Frog Pond MPR Please look for other fundraisers that will be coming home throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you!

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Dec 1-Polar Express-6pm-Ages 2-8

Dec 13 Lego Fun-4pm-Ages 6 & Up

Dec 14-American Girl Ornaments-4pm-Ages 4 & Up

Jan 11—Tween Minecraft-4pm-Ages 9-14

Jan 16-Martin Luther King Jr Birthday-2pm-Ages 4-8

Jan 17-Snowy Day Book-4pm-Ages 5 & Up

Jan 18-Tween Pokemon-4pm-Ages 9-14

Jan 31-Year of the Rooster Celebration-4pm-Ages 4 & Up

EMERGENCY/WEATHER CLOSINGS SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

It is important to note that considerations for early dismissal procedures must take into account not only dangerous winter road conditions, but

also flooding, forest fire possibilities, and other emergencies over which we have no control. Our primary concern in such situations is that chil-

dren are able to go to a safe environment.

Because of the difficulties involved in dismissing school early, this option will be utilized only when we are convinced that the transportation of

children and their environment out of school will be safer than if they remain in school the entire day. Please keep in mind that these decisions are

made after discussion with other schools in the region and must be coordinated with the transportation schedules and bus availability. The involve-

ment of parents/guardians is the most important part of the development of safe procedures for early dismissals:

► The Board of Education is asking parents/guardians to make arrangements for a safe location for their children in the event of an early dismissal.

You need to make suitable arrangements with a relative, friend, and/or neighbor to take care of your child (or children) in case no one is at home in

the event of an emergency early dismissal. These arrangements must be clearly understood by the children.

► In the event that it becomes necessary to send students home early, it is important that your child or children know exactly what to do if an

emergency situation occurs.

► On days when weather forecasts indicate the case of deteriorating weather, parents/guardians (and those involved in emergency arrange-

ments) should listen to the radio for announcements.

► Please remember to update the school with any new phone number changes and to include cell phone numbers on emergency forms and

registration forms.

► A telephone call, text message and Facebook post via our District Communication System will be made to the parents.

► Information will also be posted on the district website www.lehsd.k12.nj.us

► It is a good idea to periodically review your emergency arrangements with both the designated person and your child or children.

STUDENT SCHOOL HOURS

The times below are subject to change to facilitate the transportation of pupils. Notice will be given should changes occur.

Student School Hours—Regular Day

Full Day RCW Early Childhood Center 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Frog Pond Elementary School 7:50 AM - 2:35 PM

George J. Mitchell Elementary School 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

Student Early Closing/Dismissal Times

Full Day LEH Preschool 1:15 PM

Frog Pond Elementary School 12:20 PM

George J. Mitchell Elementary School 1:15 PM

Student Delayed Opening Times

Full Day LEH Preschool 11:30 AM

Frog Pond Elementary School 9:50 AM

George J. Mitchell Elementary School 10:45 AM

*LUNCHES WILL BE SERVED ON EARLY DISMISSAL AND DELAYED OPENING DAYS.

In addition to the district communication systems, announcements will be made on the following radio and TV stations as soon as the information

becomes available.

WJRZ 100.1 FM NEWJERSEY101.5 FM SOFT ROCK 92.7

1160 WOBM AM WFPG 96.9 FM LITE ROCK 106.3 FM

WADB 1310 AM WPUR 107.3 THE POINT 94.3 FM

NBC 10 “School Closing Alert 10 System” starting at 5:00 AM and during the Today Show.

News 12 New Jersey beginning at 5:30 AM during the Morning Edition newscast

Pinelands Cable Channel 21 – Cat Channel

INTERNET SITES: AccuWeather Inc. – www.cancellations.com ; www.weatherclosings.com ; www.NBC.com ; www.lehsd.k12.nj.us

LITTLE EGG HARBOR

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mission Statement

“In order to prepare our

children to be productive and

responsible citizens, the

Mission of the Little Egg

Harbor Township School

District is to develop and

maintain a collaborative and

nurturing learning

environment fostering

individual abilities and

encouraging all children to

achieve their highest potential.

We expect all children to meet

or exceed the grade level

benchmarks set forth in the

New Jersey Core Curriculum

Content Standards (NJCCCS).”

DRESS REGULATIONS

It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to send children to school

properly dressed. This board policy is in place to ensure the safety of the

students and prevent disruption of the education program. The following

minimum standards are considered appropriate guidelines for student attire:

Skirts must be at least of finger-tip length. No spandex shorts are allowed unless under a

skirt of appropriate length.

See-through shirts, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, and low-cut tops that expose cleavage

are not permitted. Pants must be worn at waist level.

Footwear must be firmly secured to feet. For safety reasons, no flip-flops or any type of

beach footwear are permitted.

Hats or caps are not permitted inside the school building except for approved programs

or events.

Jewelry, especially earrings, must be safe and conducive to both academic and physical

activities or should be removed for those occasions.

Students may wear shorts that are at least finger-tip length at any time except during

special occasions when other dress is specifically required or weather condition make

wearing shorts inappropriate for health reasons.

Clothing should be neat and clean. No ripped or tattered clothing is permitted.

Little Egg Harbor Board of Education

Office of the Superintendent

307 Frog Pond Road

Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

Phone: 609-296-1719 ext. 1010

Fax: 609-296-3225

Board of Education Members

August Daleo — President

John Bellone —Vice President

A.J. Barchetto—Member

James Becker - Member

Gina M. Frasca —Member

Matthew G. Maleski —Member

George J. Mitchell Elementary School

Soaring to Excellence

District Office Administrators

Melissa Mc Cooley

Superintendent of Schools

Vicki Tomasco

Interim Business Administrator

Erin Lichtenwalner

Director of Special Services

Jacqueline Truzzolino

Director of Curriculum/

Instructional Services

George J. Mitchell Elementary School

950 Route 539

Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087

609-296-7131—Main Office Extension 3044

Fax Number: 609-296-0849

Employment Opportunities

Looking to work part time, flexible hours, be home when your children are home?

The Little Egg Harbor School District is looking for Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals,

Cafeteria Playground Aides, Custodians, and for our Before and After Care Programs.

Simply log on to our website at www.lehsd.k12.nj.us and click on the “Human Resources”

on the left, then click “Employment Opportunities” and there you will find the

information on becoming a substitute or please call the Superintendent’s

Office at 609-296-1719 ext. 1018 for further information.

You will find working as a substitute is a fun and rewarding experience

in the Little Egg Harbor School District.