OBOE-Mail Blast March 13, 2015 Volume 4, Number 23

In This Issue: PARCC Testing

Oakwood Avenue Mini College Fair

Visual and Performing Arts Month

PRIDE Expo

OPA Celebrates Black History

Heywood Avenue Awards and National Junior Honor Society

Celebrity Read at Cleveland Street School

Forest Street’s Board Lobby Art Show

FYI

• Pre-K Registration

• Essex County Summer Camps

• Dress Down Day Fundraiser

Contact Information: Orange Board of Education 451 Lincoln Avenue Orange, NJ 07050 Send Us An Email

School Events

PARCC Testing Continues

The Orange School District is administering the PARCC assessment to 7thand 8th grade students beginning March 16, 2015. The full assessment calendar is shown below. As a reminder, the assessment is digital, therefore, students must bring their headphones for testing during the week.

Children who are being tested are to turn in all cell phones to the testing teacher. All other students must have phones turned off during the testing period. See calendar below for testing schedule.

Oakwood Avenue Community School Hosts 2nd Annual Mini College Fair College & Career Ready Culminating Activity Submitted by Pamela Venable, School Counselor, Oakwood Avenue Community School

All Oakwood Avenue students were given the opportunity to participate in the school’s Second Annual Mini College & University Fair, which culminated on February 26. Grades K through 3 created posters and grades 4 through 7 created displays on presentation boards (pictured left). Principal Robert Pettit reminded the students that the Mini College Fair is an annual activity to help them learn about the college experience and gain additional knowledge about careers. Two

students in grades K-7 were awarded trophies for their presentations, which included an essay/statement, as well as information about the college or university. Certificates of participation were presented to every student who completed the project.

Every student, including the K - 2nd graders, finished an exercise where they completed college applications. The college application was a life skills activity that helped students learn their home address as well as their emergency contact phone numbers.

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The culminating event was a panel discussion with Q & A. The guest speakers included members of the Orange High School and Career and Innovation Academy of Orange staff, support team: Social Worker, Mr. Donald Nicholson, Career Counselor, Mr. Lyle Wallace, Social Worker, Mrs. Dana Jones and the Structured Learning Experience Coordinator, Mrs. Linda Siddiq. They provided the 4th through 7th grade students with valuable information that they will need as they transition from Oakwood to Orange Prep and beyond.

Pictured (left to right): Panelists, Mr. Pettit, Mr. Wallace.

Pictured (left to right): Ms. Jones, Mr. Nicholson, Ms. Saddiq, Ms. Rena Campbell. The keynote speaker for the event was Ms. Rana Campbell. Ms. Campbell attended Cleveland Street School before going on to Prep School in Englewood, New Jersey. She is a 2013 Princeton University graduate who has been featured on Fox 5 Good Day New York for her detailed cultural accounts about the experiences of minorities at Ivy League schools.

Pictured (left to right): Ms. Rena Campbell with students and student displays.

Ms. Campbell shared some of her experiences, having transferred from Orange to different cultural, social and economic environments. “Success comes with preparation and hard work. There will always be some distractions, however, it is up to you, the individual, to stay focused in order to reach your goals.” She encouraged the students to set objectives and strive to reach those aims, which often means making the important decision to separate yourself from those who are not working to be college and career ready and surround yourself with likeminded people.

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Visual and Performing Arts Reign in March

At the March Board of Education meeting, four resolutions were presented to the Board for approval. These resolutions are annual acknowledgement and celebrate the arts in education. The resolutions declared that the Orange Board of Education endorses the observance of:

• Music In Our Schools Month 2015, as an opportunity to support the purposes and practices of music education

• Youth Art Month 2015, as an opportunity to support the purposes and practices of visual arts education

• Dance in Education and Life Month 2015, as an opportunity to support the purposes and practices of dance education

• Theatre in our Schools Month 2015, as an opportunity to support the purposes and practices of theatre education

PRIDE Expo at Livingston Mall

The Essex County Education Association hosted the PRIDE in PUBLIC EDUCATION EXPO at the Livingston Mall from February 27 through March 6. The Expo featured displays of classroom projects, artwork and sculptures, as well as live performances by students from public schools in Essex County.

The Expo showcased performances by Heywood Avenue School’s Vocal (pictured above) and Strings Ensembles on February 27, led by Mrs. Jessica Gabbert and, standing in for Mrs. Erin-Leigh VanOrden, Mr. Peter Crosta, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, respectively.

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On March 4, Park Avenue School instrumental students, led by Mrs. Marianne Mroz, dance students, led by Mrs. Deborah Rembert and vocal students, led by Mr. Scott Clark, entertained family, staff and mall passersby. The school also gave out T-shirts to attending parents, supported by a $1,500 grant from the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Mrs. Mroz applied for the grant, which was given for community support and involvement, and sponsored the group’s attendance at the EXPO. They received supplies for instruments, along with the promotional T-shirt for adults.

Pictured (above and right): Scenes from the PRIDE Expo at Livingston Mall. (Park Avenue performers are shown right).

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Orange Preparatory Academy Celebrates Black History Month

The Journey: An African American Perspective was presented on February 25 in observance of Black History Month. The program was a celebration of the African diaspora, highlighted by the opening “Flag Procession,” and the contributions of African Americans to the world, illustrated through the skit, “If Black People Didn’t Exist,” dance, speeches and song.

The Master of Ceremony was student Shyneson Laurent, under the guidance of Ms. Wanda Reynolds, one of the Black Heritage Committee members who orchestrated the event. He announced the various segments including seventh grader Andrew Coates reciting excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

There was a reading on the impact of the movie Selma and the importance of the historic march. Mr. Glen Gamble, business teacher and committee member sang “What is America to Me.” The Premier Dance Ensemble performed a “Civil Rights Tribute,” recounting important events of the civil rights movement.

Guest speaker, Mr. Lawrence Hamm, People’s Organization for Progress, (pictured left) complemented the students for the show and ignited the group with a thoughtful

discussion of how far we have come and what is still left to be done for equality. He called on his background as the youngest person every appointed to the Newark Board of Education and being a Princeton graduate.

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The choral group, under the direction of music instructor, Mr. Peter Abazia, and the OPA Concert Band, led by Mrs. Dorchas Robinson, played fitting music for the occasion, while the OPA Dance Ensemble, directed by Mrs. Deborah Rembert, performed to “Glory” by Common and John Legend. But it was the students who shone with a multi-media skit of a young man unable to complete routine tasks due to the absence of many modern conveniences invented by African Americans.

Principal Aretha Malloy (pictured left) closed the program reading from Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise.”

Pictured above: Scenes from Orange Preparatory Academy Presents The Journey: An African American Perspective.

Heywood Avenue School Middle School Awards Assembly and National Jr. Honor Society Induction Ceremony On February 26, Heywood Avenue School recognized middle grade students for their accomplishments during the 2nd Marking Cycle. Students who received honor roll, high honor roll and perfect attendance were presented with certificates. Additionally, the event marked the inaugural induction of Heywood Avenue 6th and 7th graders into the National Junior Honor Society.

Students heard remarks from Principal, Ms. Faith Alcantara, a distinguished alumni now attending Orange High School, 6 -7th grade teachers, Ms. Meredith Spratt, Ms. Elizabeth Tague and Mr. Bernard Rawls and Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Ronald C. Lee. All celebrated the accomplishments of the students and encouraged them to continue to strive for success. Other faculty members were also on hand to greet each honoree and congratulate them for their achievement.

A light dinner was served for honorees, their families and invited guests.

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Pictured (left to right): Ms. Spratt, Heywood Alumni, student being congratulated by Principal Alcantara and staff.

The students honored are listed below:

High Honor Roll Recipients Railon Clement Tharaly Joseph Abigail Excellent

Honor Roll Recipients

Lindsley Chery** Amya Scantlebury Sheridan Hart Anselie Day Leslie Gonzalez Enrique Hernandez Harmoney Brown Cassandra Dawson Haleigh Hunter** Shaneria Champagne Isaiah Griffin Marihah Payton Evelin Rivera Ramirez Ashly Hertilen Jade Toussaint Kayla Fisher Jamelah Wallace** Kyla Craddock Samya Hewett Jahiem Azeez Shateria Champagne Dana Lucas Espinal ** Nia Hargrove William Tirado Ebony Nkrumah Angelica Deoleo Valentin Ja maarey Hall-Hawkins Edna Naomi Lucas-Espinal** David Fontanez

**Denotes student is also a “Perfect Attendance” Recipient

Pictured: Students being congratulated by staff.

Perfect Attendance Recipients Anthony Headley Amor Sanders Edna Naomi Lucas-Espinal Dana Lucas Espinal Sarah Orema Jevonnie Voltaire Jeffrey Voltaire Caleb Andrews Ryan Williams Jodan Elysee Lindsley Chery Jessica Jean Charles Gregory Orema Joshua Paulling Iziah Johnson Jamelah Wallace Kyra Brown Haleigh Hunter Jamaal Jordan O’Neil Johnson Justin McDaniel Mitchethela Alexandre

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National Junior Honor Society Students in the 6th and 7th grade, who met the criteria for the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), were inducted into the newly formed Heywood Avenue School Chapter of the organization. The group’s advisors are Ms. Meredith Spratt, 6th & 7th Grade English Language Arts and Mrs. Elizabeth Tague, 6th & 7th Grade Math/SLC Coordinator for Heywood Avenue Elementary. Students were presented with certificates, recited the National Junior Honor Society Pledge and were officially inducted into the society.

The National Junior Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. (njhs.us)

Pictured (left to right): Mrs. Tague, Superintendent Lee, Mr. Rawls and NJHS inductee lighting candle.

Pictured (left to right): NJHS inductee reciting pledge, Mrs. Tague , Ms. Spratt and Ms. Alcantara with Heywood’s NJHS.

National Junior Honor Society Inductees:

6th Graders 7th Graders Neika Brown Jahiem Azeez Cassandra Dawson Shateria Champagne Isaiah Griffin Angelica Deoleo Valentin Edna Lucas Espinal David Fontanez Brevanna Stephen Sheridan Hart Jamelah Wallace Ashly Hertilen Haleigh Hunter Marihah Payton

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Celebrity Read at Cleveland Street School

On February 27, Cleveland Street School hosted a United Way of Essex and West Hudson Celebrity Read event. School Counselor, Mr. Daniel Turk, working with United Way representative Ms. J. Russo, coordinated the school’s event. The theme for this year’s program was “All My Heroes Read.” At Cleveland Street School, there were representatives from City Hall including Police Director Hakim Sims and Councilwoman Tency Eason, Lt. Orlando Soto, OPD, firemen, parents, staff and other members of the community.

“Created in 1990, Celebrity Read is a “local legacy” initiative that recruits volunteers from throughout New Jersey to model their love of reading and the pursuit of education as a pathway to success in local elementary classrooms.” (United Way of Essex and West Hudson)

Pictured (left to right): Celebrity Reader, Councilwoman Eason, Celebrity Reader, Hudson City Bank Branch Manager, and Celebrity Reader, Police Director Sims.

Pictured (left to right): Lt. Soto, Celebrity Reader, HUD representative, Celebrity Reader, Mrs. C.

Forest Street School Board Lobby Art Show

On March 4, Forest Street School hosted the Board of Education opening of the Forest Street Gallery Featuring Hats from the Hat City in the Valley. The gallery prominently displays artistically created hats by students, along with seasonally themed images such as “Birch Trees,” made using acrylic on canvas, “Sandbox Neighborhood,” artwork and more.

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Students were proud to show their work to family members, teachers and others there to view the exhibit. A special visitor

for the evening was Mr. Patrick

Morrissy, Executive Director of HANDS, Inc., a non-profit neighborhood revitalization organization with many efforts in the Valley Arts district, of which Forest Street School is a prominent resident. Also, adding to the Valley Arts and “hats” theme was a generous donation of refreshments by “Hat City” restaurant.

Students were presented with certificates for their work. Principal, Ms. Yancisca Cooke (pictured left) and Ms. Avril Bogle, Forest Street’s art educator, congratulated the students, along with Superintendent of

Schools, Mr. Ronald C. Lee, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, Mr. Peter Crosta, and Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Belinda Scott Smiley. The exhibit will be on display at the Board of Education building through Friday, March 27. Visitors are invited to see the display during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Pictured (above): Forest students with their certificate and Ms. Bogle, Ms. Cooke and Superintendent Lee.

Pictured (above): Scenes from the Forest Street Gallery opening.

Pictured: Mr. Morrissy with Ms. Bogle.

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FYI

2015-2016 Preschool Registration

The Orange Township Public School District began preschool registration for the 2015-2016 school year on March 2. All children who are residents of Orange and will be 3 or 4 years of age by October 1, 2015, are eligible to attend free, full day, pre-school, in the Pre-K 3 or Pre–K 4 class. The registration schedule is as follows:

• March 17,18, 24, 25 and 31, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., with the last sign-in at 1:00 p.m.

Registration will take place at the Orange Early Childhood Center, 397 Park Avenue in Orange. Two proofs of residency are required, as well as child's original birth certificate and immunization record. Also, parent or legal guardian must show a current lease or mortgage statement and a picture ID. For more information, call 973-677-4500 ext. 1904 or 1918.

Essex County Summer Camps

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo invites children of all ages to participate in spring and summer camp opportunities at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County Codey Arena and the Essex County Environmental Center. These affordable programs provide the campers with a fun and enriching experience while school is on recess.

Enroll your child at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo for some wild summer fun! The Zoo has several week-long camp adventures that will introduce children to the extraordinary world of animals, nature and science. For more details and pricing information, visit www.turtlebackzoo.com.

The Essex County Environmental Center is offering its 2015 Summer Camps for children in kindergarten to grade 4 in July and August. Children will explore and discover woodland and river habitats of insects, birds, amphibians, learn about life as a Lenape and much more. Sign up for one or two weeks per grade level. For information, call the Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.

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Essex County Codey Arena has a variety of camps and programs available for all skating levels and interests, from those learning to skate to experienced figure skaters, hockey players looking to improve their skills or speed skaters who want to learn a new sport. For more information, call 973-731-3828, Ext. 0.

Orange Public School District Dress Down Day Fundraiser

The Orange Public School District was deeply saddened by the loss of one of its Oakwood Avenue Community School students and her young brother in a tragic house fire. To aid her family and other school families displaced, as a result of the fire, the district will make a donation to the families through funds from a “dress down day” held February 25. Students and staff made voluntary contributions by wearing casual clothing.

The Orange Public School District offers their deepest sympathies to the family and thanks the school community for their generous donations.

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March 26 & 27 at 7:00 PM

March 28 at 2:00 & 7:00 PM

Orange Prep Auditorium

Call 973-­677-­4000 ext 5665for more information

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