The Ram Connection - Howell Township Public Schools

The Ram Connection
An Ardena PTA Publication
2011-2012 Newsletter
Vol. 2 December/January 2012 Issue
Dear Ardena Families,
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the simplicity of the
holiday - a great meal with family and friends and a time to reflect on how fortunate we are and give thanks. When it
comes to feeling thankful, I definitely feel grateful for how well things are going with the PTA this year. The PTA e-board
continues to amaze me with their dedication and commitment to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. I cannot thank
them enough for all that they do. The leadership from the committee and event chairwomen has been equally impressive:
Linda Dugan did a phenomenal job chairing the pumpkin lighting. Bingo and the Mad Science show were big hits
and it was a nice change to see the pumpkins lit outside as the night came to a close. Thank you and great job to
Linda Dugan!
Nayda Mauriello did an impressive job on the first two issues of the newsletter this year! We are lucky to have her
creativity and ingenuity.
Tara Quigley did an outstanding job running the new Fall Fundraiser, Football Mania, this year. It was a huge
success and exceeded our profit expectations, raising nearly $2,500. Thank you to all those who supported this
important fundraiser. And congratulations to the weekly winners!
The Sweetheart Dance in November was a wonderful success thanks to co-chairs, Verna Revere and Marcy
Kouveliotes. Ardena girls enjoyed a wonderful evening of dinner and dancing with their special man. Not only did
the girls look fantastic, the DJ kept them moving all night long!
Jen Cmielewski did a terrific job organizing our first Dining Out this year at Woody’s in November. Rocky the Ram
had his picture taken with many Ardena students and it was a great chance to dine out with our Ardena
community. Thank you to all the families who supported the event and a big thank you to Jen for hosting such a
successful Dining Out!
The Book Drive in October went extremely well. Boxes and boxes of gently used books were donated to expand the
teachers’ classroom libraries. The book drive continued through American Education Week through the use of a drop off
box in Ardena’s lobby that will remain there for continued contributions. Volunteers are now working hard to assist the
teachers in leveling the books so that they are ready for use in the classroom. If you would like to help with leveling books,
please let me know. It is a great way to help out the PTA and can be done at home once you have been trained in the
simple procedure.
In November, the PTA funded Author Day; an annual assembly in
which a well-known author visits Ardena to discuss what inspired
their career choice. This year’s author was Lisa Funari- Willever, who
not only entertained the children with funny stories about the family
members that were the muse for some of her books, but also taught
the students about the publishing process in a fun and interactive
way.
The Holiday Bazaar, co-chaired by Danielle Matthews and Nayda
Mauriello, is scheduled for December 14 th through the 16 th and is a
great opportunity for Ardena students to shop for their loved ones.
We appreciate all the volunteers who help this event run so smoothly.
Attendance at PTA meetings is improving! If you haven’t had a
chance to make the meetings, please try to attend. The meetings
provide a great way to stay informed about what’s happening at our
children’s school.
Thank you for all the support that you have given to the PTA so far
this year. Please feel free to contact me anytime!
Eileen Nardo
PTA President
REFRIGERATOR NOTES
12/14-12/16 Holiday Bazaar
12/15 PTA Meeting, 7pm
12/22 Winter Concert, 7pm
12/23 Shortened Day
12/26-12/30 School Closed - Winter Recess
1/13 Shortened Day
1/16 School Closed – Martin Luther
King Day
1/17-1/18 School Store
1/19 Leader In Me Meeting, 7pm
1/24 PTA Meeting, 7pm
1/28 Leader In Me- Ardena
Beautification Day, 8am-3pm

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The importance of a strong working relationship between a child and the teacher is easy enough to understand.
Keep in mind, however, that this is only half of the equation. Just as important to your child’s school success is
the relationship that you, as a parent, cultivate with the teacher.
You and the teacher each have unique perspectives on your child and a wealth of information to share.
Information that can be used to help your child capitalize on strengths, overcome obstacles, and thrive in the
classroom. In addition, the teacher has access to data about your child that you may not be aware of, such as
insight into your child’s learning styles.
There may be times when your child is struggling in the classroom or is having discipline problems. When
problems such as these arise, it is important to stay calm and give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. Get in
touch with the teacher as soon as possible. Ignoring problems only makes them worse. Get the teacher’s
perspective on the issue at hand, and work together to develop a solution. If you and the teacher cannot come
up with a mutual solution, then you may wish to contact Mrs. Jurlina or myself. However, keep in mind that it
is always best to try to solve the problem with the teacher first.
One of the best ways to build a parent teacher partnership and show interest in your child’s learning is to set
aside time each day to discuss specifically what the child is learning. The easiest way to do this is through your
child’s homework. Homework is a review of what is currently being taught in the classroom. Ensuring that
your child is completing homework to the best of his or her ability is key. Drop a note to the teacher if your
child struggled with a certain concept. Please do not do the homework for your child, but rather leave it
incomplete and include a note stating that your child is having difficulty.
School is challenging. Many parents have commented that many of the things they learned in high school are
now being taught at the elementary level. Today’s elementary school has changed considerably since we went
to school. To meet these challenges, every child must come to school regularly, keep up with the work both in
school and at home, and have the parental support needed to meet with success. Your child needs you to value
school and the education she/he receives here. School and schoolwork should be every child’s top priority.
Yes, today’s school is not the school of the past. The future is in the hands of our children, and together we can
help them develop the skills they will need for their future. Showing your support may be difficult. It may mean
scheduling your vacation so it does not interfere with school time. It may mean sitting down to go over
homework when you’ve had an exhausting day at work. It may mean cutting down on children’s activities after
school so that they can concentrate on their schoolwork. It means putting your child’s education first! The
Ardena faculty and staff realize that this is a tall order and may involve compromises that are difficult to make,
but we are here to work with you.
In closing, I would like to extend my sincere Holiday Wishes for you and your entire family. It is my hope that
2012 is your best year yet!
Wishing you Health and Happiness in 2012.
Respectfully,
Deborah Pennell, Ed.D.

MERIT AWARDS
FIRST MARKING PERIOD
2011-2012
The Merit Award is to recognize students for being the best that
they can be in all areas of life. Students are recognized for
outstanding achievement in citizenship, honesty, helpfulness, as well
as other areas in which achievement has been accomplished. Each
time a child is acknowledged for their achievement in one or more
of the above areas, their name is placed in a drawing to win First
Prize – $50 U.S. Savings Bond or Second Prize – an Ardena
Sweatshirt. After all eligible nominees’ names are placed in a bowl,
two winners are chosen from grades K-2 and two winners from
grades 3-5.
We are pleased to announce that we had an overwhelming amount
of nominees. Listed below are this marking period’s winners:
SAVINGS BOND
Grade 2 Olivia Starace
Grade 5 Nicholas Lines
SWEATSHIRT
Grade 1 Sean Ward
Grade 4 Mandy Pelenski
Congratulations to our winners and all
our nominees!!!

Congratulations
to our GRADE LEVEL RAM LEADERS
(aka students of the month) for the
month of October:
KINDERGARTEN NATHAN LESNIAK in Miss McPolin’s pm class
FIRST GRADE NICHOLAS VOGLIO in Mrs. Farley’s class
SECOND GRADE ELISABETH CLEMENTS in Mrs. Gonzales’ class
THIRD GRADE AALIYAH BLOUNT in Mrs. Hohman’s class
FOURTH GRADE JUAN MUNOZ in Mrs. Roszak’s class
FIFTH GRADE NATE HALE in Mrs. Yorke’s class
Each student’s picture and name are highlighted in the
main hallway on the RAM LEADER WALL OF FAME
bulletin board during the entire month of November.
Great Job!!!

Congratulations
to our GRADE LEVEL RAM LEADERS
(aka students of the month) for the
month of November:
KINDERGARTEN LUKE DIPIRRO Miss Ostrowski’s am class
FIRST GRADE FAITH MARTIN Mrs. Senkeleski’s class
SECOND GRADE JACK MASCALI Mrs. Gonzales’ class
THIRD GRADE JAMES HINTON Miss Giameo’s class
FOURTH GRADE CHRISTOPHER ONESTI Mrs. Roszak’s class
FIFTH GRADE HALSTON WEST Mrs. Yorke’s class
Each student’s picture and name are highlighted in the
main hallway on the RAM LEADER WALL OF FAME
bulletin board during the entire month of December.
Great Job!!!

Congratulations
October and November
Ram Leaders!!
RAM CLASSROOM LEADERS are students who have
demonstrated good choices and are practicing the 7
Habits of Highly Effective People at home and at
school. These students have earned RAM CHOICE
AWARDS from the teachers and staff at Ardena School
and were chosen randomly by their homeroom teacher
to be the RAM CLASSROOM LEADER. As the Ram
Classroom Leader, the student is given extra
responsibilities to further model the habits.

ARDENA SCHOOL
CLASSROOM RAM LEADERS
2011 - 2012
MONTH:
October
KAM-M McPolin Minh Doan
KPM-M McPolin Nathan Lesniak
KAM-O Ostrowski Gianna Canova
KPM-O Ostrowski Paul Buczynski
1B - Bruno David Monroe Boswell
1F - Farley Mariz Masoud
1S - Senkeleski Grace Bannan
1T - Tondi Christian Schrader
2G - Gonzalez Molly Riggi
2I - Intrabartolo Latasha Blount
2K - Kay Kenneth Quinones
2S - Schmetz Olivia Starace
3G - Giameo Ethan Conover
3H - Hohmann Katerina Polukort
3O - O'Gara Tai Tran
4B - Besignano Mandy Pelenski
4M - Milano Kayla Fitzgerald
4Z - Roszak Joseph Conrow
5F - Frantz Ernie Onesti
5S - Sweeney Kaliese Jones
5T - Thompson Michael Rodriguez
5Y - Yorke Nicole Tedder

ARDENA SCHOOL
CLASSROOM RAM LEADERS
2011 - 2012
MONTH:
November
KAM-M McPolin Peyton Cerminaro
KPM-M McPolin Alyssa Pray
KAM-O Ostrowski Luke DiPirro
KPM-O Ostrowski Brandon Reynaga
1B - Bruno Lorenzo Mauriello
1F - Farley Nancy Armstrong
1S - Senkeleski Jorge Colon-Gonzalez
1T - Tondi Christopher Seegobin
2G - Gonzalez Ali Lleshi
2I - Intrabartolo Rudy Braun
2K - Kay Olivia Hill
2S - Schmetz Justin Corbett
3G - Giameo Jayson Decarvalho
3H - Hohmann Joshua Terry
3O - O'Gara Ryan Kulaszeski
4B - Besignano Riley Norkus
4M - Milano Larry Bennett
4Z - Roszak Danny Gulics
5F - Frantz Jeremy Thorn
5S - Sweeney Fedra Gonzalez
5T - Thompson David Pyskaty
5Y - Yorke Abby Griffith

The Leader in Me
What is The Leader In Me?
The Leader In Me is a framework for creating a positive school culture with the twin
pillars of leadership and personal responsibility as its focal points. At its root it is based
on teaching children the timeless principles of success from Steven Covey’s Seven Habits
of Highly Effective People. We know there are common features that unite truly
successful people and that set them apart from people who are not successful. By
teaching children from an early age to be leaders of their own lives and that they are
responsible for determining their effectiveness as students and people, we will be
providing our children with the mindset and skill set needed to be successful in our
dynamic, ever-changing society. Through the use of The Leader In Me at the elementary
level, students will develop common vocabulary and set of expectations that will set them
on the path to success.
Why do children need to learn and practice these habits?
In order for students to be successful in today’s society, we need to do more than focus
on success as measured by standardized test scores. While we know that high
achievement on accountability measures is important, we also know that students need
much more to reach their full potential in school and in life. Far too many of our young
people are leaving school ill prepared to deal with the challenges of post secondary
education or the world of work. Many of our students are even electing to drop out of
school before graduating from high school. Studies cite a number of factors that
contribute to students disengaging from school. By instilling in students at a young age
the power they have as individuals to be leaders of their own lives, they will have the
tools necessary to face the challenges presented in school and in life.
Aren’t kids too young to learn these principles?
Many of our children learn the principles of effectiveness from an early age by watching
parents or other family members. However, many of our young people today either do
not have positive role models or miss the message they receive by observing them. With
The Leader In Me we are no longer leaving these critical life skills to chance. We are

explicitly instructing students through the curriculum what we know they will need to be
effective. Kids are not too young to learn how to think before they act, how to set goals
and have a plan to achieve them, how to prioritize, how to work with others, and how to
maintain balance in life. These are just a few of the important lessons students internalize
as a result of The Leader In Me.
How are my kids going to be different because of this initiative?
All children will benefit from The Leader In Me as they gain confidence in their ability to
effectively lead their own lives through better decision making, mutual respect for others,
being held accountable for achieving goals, problem solving together with peers, and
prioritizing. In addition to improving the effectiveness of individuals, groups, and
classrooms, the school as a whole will be a better learning environment as the
interconnected parts at each level work in a complementary fashion toward common
goals and objectives.
What are the long-term goals?
The long-term goals for The Leader In Me are to have all students develop leadership
capacity and personal responsibility by practicing the seven habits in their lives on a daily
basis. Benefits also include improved school attendance, fewer discipline referrals, and
common vocabulary and expectations for all students. In addition to the improved
behavioral components to the school day, academic benefits will accrue as teachers have
more time to focus on rigorous instruction that is challenging for all learners. Schools
across the nation that have implemented The Leader In Me have seen long-term benefits
in both student attitudes and student achievement.
How can I support The Leader In Me?
Community support is vital to maintaining our great school. This takes on increased
importance when implementing a new initiative such as The Leader In Me. We
encourage you to take the information shared today and communicate it to your friends
and colleagues in Ardena and elsewhere. Continue asking questions and providing
feedback when presented with the opportunity. If you have children, grandchildren, or
know students who attend our school, ask them questions about how The Leader In Me is
going and if they are learning how to be leaders. As always, if you would like to find
ways to get involved directly at the building level, feel free to contact me and share your
ideas.

MARK YOUR
CALENDERS:
The Ardena Gift Auction is February 24, 2012.
Things we need:
BASKETS
The gift auction needs any baskets you would like to give us.
Large or Medium Coffee Cans
We thank you so much for donating all your coffee cans. We have enough
small cans at this point. Please continue to send us any medium or large cans.
Thank you.
UNUSED ITEMS
Have gifts you can’t return, Have some new items that you never used,
gift cards you won’t use, clean out those closets and donate them to this
event. No contribution is too small.
Contact: Tracy Khaleel 732-919-1079 or Kay Warren 732-751-0791

THE LEADER IN ME
ARDENA BEAUTIFICATION DAY
JANUARY 28, 2012 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
PRE-PLANNING DAY - JANUARY 19 TH – 7:00 pm
Through our deep involvement with The Leader in Me, we are
dedicated to consistently examining best practices to enhance
our beautiful school and culture. Implementing a broad
spectrum of proven processes designed to enhance student
achievement, school culture, parent/community involvement,
as well as social expectations, the Leader in Me philosophy is
thriving here at Ardena School.
We are currently striving to achieve Leader in Me Lighthouse
Status. One requirement of Lighthouse Status is to create an
environment that reflects what is important to our school.
Posters and quotes cannot change a culture alone, but the
surroundings of a school can contribute much toward creating
an atmosphere that is conducive to academic achievement and
students’ peace of mind.
The environment sets the stage for students, staff, and visitors.
It creates a feeling that a person can see, hear, and touch.
Therefore, as a school community we are looking to enhance
the physical space of our school with beautiful murals,
inspirational sayings, bright and colorful bathrooms, etc.
In order to achieve what we would like to do, we need your
help and donations of materials. On Thursday, January 19,
2012, we are having a staff/parent meeting at 7pm in our
cafeteria “Rocky’s Restaurant.” During our meeting, we will
walk the building to determine which areas we will paint etc.
on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Please complete the participation slip below. Any amount of time
and or materials is ALWAYS welcome.
Thank you in advance for all of your help.
Parent’s Name____________________________________
Please print
Parent’s Phone number _________________________
Please check all that apply:
I will attend the meeting on January 19 th ____
I am available to paint on January 28 th ______
From _____am/pm to ________am/pm
I am willing to purchase supplies _________
I am attaching my donation to The Leader in Me school enhance
project for $__________
(Please make check out to the Ardena PTA).

From the desk of Mrs. Hardy-Wiessel
Vocal/General Music
Ext. 3124
Jhardy@howell.k12.nj.us
Want to start the NEW YEAR off on the right foot?
Tired of making resolutions that you can’t keep? Make a personal goal to support yours or your child’s
MUSIC EDUCATION! It’s a really easy & fun way to “sharpen your saw”! Here are some ways how:
1. Sing! Whether you join a community or church choir, take singing lessons, go to a karaoke night
at a local restaurant, or sing in the shower, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to sound like a rock
star, you just have to enjoy it!
2. Play an instrument! If you or your child don’t know how to play an instrument, now is a great
time to seek out lessons at a local music store. You’re never too old to learn something new! If
you already know how to play an instrument, now’s a great time to freshen up your skills!
3. Listen to music! Seek out new or old music to listen to in the car, during your workout, or even
while doing chores at home.
4. Attend a live performance! Make your listening experience come alive & support the arts by
going to a live performance.
5. Dance! Sign you or your child up for dance or cheerleading, attend a dance fitness class, go to a
nightclub or push back the family coffee table and get moving! Not only will you be able to express
yourself, but you may get a workout as well!
It doesn’t matter how you do it so…
LET’S MAKE SOME MUSIC!
ARDENA RAMS “GO GREEN”
Join Mrs. Hardy-Wiessel and the Monmouth Wire and Computer Recycling Inc. in a
program to recycle any unwanted CDs, records, DVDs, VHS & cassette tapes in the bin
located in the lobby.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:
Mrs. Hardy-Wiessel via email at jhardy@howell.k12.nj.us

December Newsletter
Ardena School Counselor
Mrs. Jessica Eisenberg
2011-2012 School Year
*******************************************************************
We have had a very successful start to the school year! Now that we have all adjusted to the new
routine, children may be receiving homework in one, two, or more subjects. At times our schedules
can get hectic, but homework needs to remain a priority.
There are reasons why homework is assigned. First of all, it helps teachers and parents measure the
amount of information retained throughout the day. It helps teachers measure each child’s ability to
apply the information taught. If necessary parents should give a little help to their child, and
encourage their child to work more independently.
Homework also helps students develop a sense of responsibility. Each night they have homework,
establish a routine in completing the homework and a secure place to put it back so that it will safely
return to school. This will help them become more responsible in bringing home and return
homework and should be commended for their actions.
On the back are some additional tips to help your child with homework at home. As always, if I can
help in any way, please contact me!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jessica Eisenberg
School Counselor
Ardena School
732-751-2485 ext. 3453
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Leader in Me

Homework Help
1. Provide a quiet, well-lit place to complete homework. Make sure all materials are available
and avoid having the radio or television on to minimize distractions. Keep interruptions by
siblings and friends to a minimum as well.
2. Make studying, not homework alone, a daily habit. Don’t ask your child if he/she has
homework each night. Assume that he/she always has homework or studying to do every
night. Establish a set time for homework and/or studying. It is not a good idea to do homework
before bedtime or to leave long or involved projects for the last minute.
3. Model organizational techniques, work habits, and consider doing “adult homework” while your
child completes his/her homework.
4. Show your child you think homework is important. The attitude you express about school and
homework will be the attitude your child acquires. Set clear expectations.
5. Check homework and be available for assistance. When your child asks for help, provide
guidance, NOT answers.
6. Take an active interest in your child’s schooling. If you notice your child struggling on a daily
basis contact your child’s teacher and be proactive in giving your child the help he or she
needs.
7. Praise your child for good effort, as well as good performance. This helps build self-esteem.
Also, maintain a portfolio of “best pieces” of work from school.
Mrs. Jessica Eisenberg
School Counselor

FROM THE GYM
Spring is on the way! In the gym we continue the Ram
Runs along with the President’s Challenge.
Also we will start some floor hockey skills,
throwing, catching and hitting skills. We’re
doing all this as we prepare for Ardena’s Fun in the Sun Field
Day April 24 (weather permitting).
Media Minute
Ardena Media Center's collection is only a few mouse clicks away any time, any place. With our
Destiny Library Manager, you can browse our catalog from any computer with an internet
connection. From the Howell Township Public Schools or the Ardena Elementary School
homepages, just select 'Media Center Catalog' and begin to explore away.
A special feature of Destiny is WebPath Express. WebPath Express matches educator reviewed
web sites to our library collection. A search on Destiny not only produces a results list of library
materials, it includes relevant web sites that are appropriate to grade level. Like Destiny, this feature
is available 24/7 anywhere internet access is available. This is a great student resource, leading
them to quality web sites for research projects and homework assignments. By transforming the vast
information on the internet into a manageable resource, WebPath Express can provide a safe
environment for students as they develop discriminating research skills.
So take a closer look at all our circulation program has to offer. Destiny and WebPath Express is
here to give students the confidence to conduct self directed research and complete assignments in a
safe environment at anytime and in anyplace.
Happy Reading!
Kim Flugrath, Media Specialist
Cindy Fine, Media Specialist
JoAnn Patton, Media Specialist

First Grade News
The First Graders participated in Trick-or-Treat for Unicef. Trick-or-Treat for
Unicef is an annual Halloween tradition that has helped provide lifesaving aid to
children around the world. By making Halloween both a night of fun and of
“fun”draising, the first grade raised over $400.00. Our First Graders helped make a
critical difference by toting their orange Trick-or-Treat boxes door-to-door and
collecting funds for this worthy organization. Celebrating its 61 st anniversary, Trickor-Treat
for Unicef has helped raise funds that make a critical difference in the lives
of millions of children and families around the world. With the funds raised, Unicef
purchases food, water, medical supplies, and educational supplies for needy
children around the world. Trick-or-Treat for Unicef has shown our First Graders
that they can make a difference in the world by volunteering to help others! Thank
you to all the children and parents who participated in this Kids Helping Kids
Campaign!
SECOND GRADE NEWS
The entire Second Grade enjoyed a special visit from some furry friends in October. The
Furry Angels, therapy dogs, arrived eager to listen to the excellent second grade leaders in
reading. The dogs were keen listeners and really enjoyed their time at Ardena School.
This also gave our students a chance to show off their reading skills in front of a live and
attentive audience. Students made sure they chose books that would peak the interest of
the dogs…books about dogs. The dogs even came dressed in costumes and the students
presented the dogs with their own treat filled Halloween baskets. We are not sure who
enjoyed it more, our students or the dogs!

Thank You!
“Shake It Up Sweetheart Dance”
This year’s Sweetheart Dance was held Friday November 4th at Howell
Middle School North. All those attended had a great time shaking it up to
DJ Jay. We would like to thank the mothers and girls who helped make the
night extra special with baking, cooking and helping at the event:
Tracy Buczynski
Seema Kochhar
Tracy McCarthy
Kim Martin
Laura Anderson
Kristine Garland
Jennifer Cmielewski
Karin Cuilla
Karra Zajac
Arelis Castro
Jessica Pelenski
Krystal Faticoni
Jen Cerminaro
Nicole Torres
Anne Marie Zacharcyk
Janelle Hampton
Sianin Spaur
Kaylee O’Donnell
Thank you for your support!
Marcy Kouveliotes
Verna Revere
AnneMarie Zacharczyk

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help out with the fall book fair.
Your contributions are extremely important to the success of this event and are greatly
appreciated.
Laura Andersen Christine Link Tara Quigly
Mariellen Baldwin Danielle Matthews Christina Riddle
Ann Marie Baron Nayda Mauriello Janet Schindler
Marianne Clements Tracy McArthy Amy Smith
Pat Diamond Monica McBride Theresa Soper
Shannan Earnest Michelle Misyak Michelle Starace
Cindy Gambacorta Angela Morone Nicole Torres
Angela Goldberg Stacy Norkus Tammy Ward
Lissette Jones Gina Onesti Tara Willis
Seema Kochar Kolakowski
Marcy Kouveliotes
Karen Leary
Jessica Pelenski
Meredith Pray
Stacey Prendergast
A special thank you to Eileen Nardo for all of her help in transitioning the book fair to the new
team! She has done an amazing job with this event through the years. We hope to continue to
make the book fair such a rewarding experience for all involved.
Hope to see you in the spring!
Denise Beckerle
Jennifer Cerminaro
Amy DiPirro

THE LEGO CLUB
After-School Enrichment Program
1st-5th Grades
Sponsored by Ardena PTA
Building with Lego increases attention span, problem-solving, imagination and creativity, but our kids would
never know it. They’re just having fun! Join the new after-school Lego Club for sandbox–style creative play.
Weekly building themes will be chosen from student suggestions. (Tell us your ideas below.) Sessions will
rotate display of their creations in the Media Center weekly. Participants will take home the creation they
make in the final class.
Session 1: Grades 1-2: Mondays: Jan 9, 23,30, Feb 6
Session 2: Grades 3-5: Wednesdays: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1
Parents are responsible for picking up their children promptly at 4:15 pm in the gym.
Registration deadline: December 19, 2011. Class size is limited to 20 students each. If registration is oversubscribed,
participants will be determined by lottery. Confirmation of enrollment status will be made by
1/4/12.Uncashed checks will be returned for non-participants.
If you have any questions, please contact Janet Schindler at mom23mn@hotmail.com or (732) 919-2787
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGO CLUB: Time: 3:15 – 4:15 pm Fee: $25 Building Theme Ideas:_________________
Student’s Name:___________________________________
Teacher’s Name:___________________________________
Parent’s Name:____________________________________
Session: ______________________
Grade:________________________
Phone:_________________________
Parent volunteer needed, please check if available ___
Email:______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature:___________________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: Ardena PTA ($25.00) Registration Deadline: December 19, 2011
Return Form with Payment to: Ardena School in envelope marked Ardena PTA/Lego Club
**PLEASE COMPLETE THE EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM ON THE REVERSE SIDE WITH REGISTRATION**

Emergency Contact Form
Student’s Name______________________
Age:______________________________
Activity: LEGO Club
Grade: ____________________________
Physician: _________________________
Parent/Guardian: _____________________
Work Phone: _________________________
Gender: M or F
Date of Birth:_______________
Home Phone: ____________________
School: Ardena School
Physician Phone #: ____________________
Home Phone: ________________________
Cell Phone: ________________________
Additional Emergency Contact: _______________________________________
Home Phone: _________________________
Work Phone: __________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________
Pertinent Medical Information to be shared with the coach or advisor:
I give permission for ____________________________________(child’s name), to participate in the LEGO
Club after-school enrichment program.
_______________________________________ (Parent/Guardian’s Signature)

FREE MONEY FOR ARDENA!
It has never been so easy to help Ardena earn (FREE) money for
our PTA programs! With the following passive (no cost to you)
fundraisers, you shop as you normally would, and with an extra
step or two, the Ardena PTA reaps the rewards!!
Remember to clip your Box Tops and send them in to school with
your child. We earned over $1,400 last year just by clipping and
snipping Box Tops!! Box Tops brands include General Mills
cereals, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Juicy Juice, Brita,
Hefty, Ziploc, Scott, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Hanes, Avery Office
Supplies and Many MORE!
Another great way to earn Box Tops for our school is to register
your Shop Rite "Price Plus" card at
http://www.shoprite.com/Cnt/ShopOnceGiveTwice.html
Stop N Shop A+ Rewards program can earn "free money" for
Ardena School!! Just register your Stop and Shop card at the below
site:
https://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/bonus_bucks/designate_school
and our school will start earning points!
We are also collecting Campbells Labels for their "Labels for
Education" Program. Our school can earn some great supplies
with all the points we collect.
Thanks so much for your participation!!

clip box tops and
earn cash for your school!
cereal
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fresh produce
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l6c{d
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3i;1.
- a4 I
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:
;, gi
.iuice
meals & sides
refrigerated & dairy
baking
Effiffi
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. a ('i
water filtration
systems and filters
- --'J J*g-
7,,!F
g t't'
ik!
storage bags
& containers
*..'$l-.*.,
paper products
apparel
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school & office supplies

heat up your school spirit!
The more Box Tops you add, the hotter your school's earnings will be
1
10
9
4
2
8
7
5
3
6
Name Grade Teacher’s Name
Thank you for helping! Every Box Top you collect is worth 10¢ for your school.
To see more ways to earn cash for your school, go to www.btfe.com
Bonus Box Tops should not be added to this collection
sheet. They should be submitted separately.
FOR COORDINATORS ONLY Total # of Box Tops on this sheet:
©2010 General Mills

DIRECTIONS: Attach a Box Top to each number. Fill in your name and
your teacher’s name and return your form to your teacher by December
21 st . Each completed sheet returned by December 21 st earns a surprise.
Some “BOX TOP” products that you may be using during your holiday baking are:
Betty Crocker ®: Complete Dessert, Boxed Muffins, Brownie Mixes, Complete
Pancake Mix, Cookie Pouches, Frosting, Pizza Crust, Quick Breads; SuperMoist
Cake Mix, Warm Delights Desserts,
Bisquick ®: Baking Mix Boxes
Fiber One : Complete Pancake Mix, Muffin Mix
Gold Medal®: Flour
Reese’s®: Dessert Bar Mix
Chex®: Cereals
• Land O Lakes ®: ALL-Natural Eggs. Butter (Sticks), Chunk Cheese varieties in
the Dairy Case, Fresh Buttery Taste® Spread (Sticks and tubs), Margarine (Sticks
and tubs), Pre-Sliced Deli Cheese (in the deli or dairy case), Spreadable Butter
Products
• Pillsbury®: Big Deluxe® Cookies, Breadsticks, Country Italian Bread, Create 'n
Bake Cookies, Crescent Rolls, Crusty French Bread, Flaky Twists, Grands
Biscuits, Sweet Rolls, Pizza Crust, Ready To Bake Cookies, Simply Bake Bars,
Sweet Moments Bite-Size Brownies
• Ziploc® Brand: Big Bags, Flexible Totes, Freezer Bags, Fresh Produce Bags,
Sandwich Bags; Slider Freezer Bags, Snack Bags, Snap ‘n Seal Containers,
Storage Bags, Twist ‘n Loc Containers
If you have any questions, please contact the Box Top Moms:
jtcerm@aol.com
deebeck1@gmail.com
mtclements@optonline.net

The Ardena P.T.A. proudly sponsors numerous activities for the children throughout the school year.
These activities include an extensive cultural arts program, social events such as the ice cream social and
pumpkin lighting well as teacher appreciation week and grade level activities. The P.T.A. also sponsors
class trips and provides each child with a t-shirt for field day!
Without the support and dedication of our members and volunteers, your children would not be able to
experience all of these wonderful programs. Therefore, the Ardena P.T.A. would like to invite all
moms/dads/guardians and staff to join and become involved in our school community.
Dues for the 2011-12 school year are $ 5.00 per adult. If you have more than one child at Ardena, please
indicate below and send in the completed form along with your dues. Please only send in dues for each
adult who is joining, not children, as members must be over 18 years old.
Thank you in advance for your support. The PTA meetings are held the beginning of each month at 7:00
pm in the Media Center. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, so please join us and find out
about the great things happening at Ardena!!! Thank you!!!
Student's Name __________________________ Class ______ Teacher _________________
Sibling's Name ___________________________ Class ______ Teacher _________________
Sibling's Name ___________________________ Class ______ Teacher ________________
Sibling's Name ___________________________ Class ______ Teacher ________________
Joining Member's Name(s) _____________________________________________________
Phone Number (optional): ___________________
E-mail (optional): ___________________@ ___________
# of Members: ________ X $ 5.00 each adult = Total amount enclosed: ______________
Checks payable to: Ardena PTA
Ardena
Elementary

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR PTA BY
BECOMING A MEMBER---IT'S
NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!
What is your
favorite PTA
sponsored
event?
Carnival!
Multi-
Cultural
Fair!
BOOK
FAIRS!
School
Store!
Holiday
Bazaar!
Pumpkin
Lighting!
Sweetheart
Dance! Mother-
Son Event!
I can’t choose!!!

The Ardena PTA Presents
A MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
Thursday, February 2, 2012
6:30 – 8:30 pm
LET’S CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY OF ARDENA SCHOOL!
International Music and Dance
by Ardena Parents & Students
Country Tables
Ethnic Food
Crafts and Activities
This free event is for the whole family. Our celebration showcases the diversity of the
Ardena community’s cultural heritage and features informational displays, ethnic food,
crafts and activities from around the world.
This year, we will be treated to cultural performances by Ardena parents and students.
The children in Kindergarten thru 3rd grade will be learning an international song or dance
during Music Class to perform at the event, and our 4th and 5th graders will be leading us
in our National Anthem. We are encouraging everyone who attends to bring a dish
representative of their country of origin or ancestry for our international buffet (optional).
Contact: Janet Schindler for details or questions at mom23mmn@hotmail.com or (732) 919-2787
(Return the bottom portion of this flier to school)
EVENT RESERVATION
This event is FREE, however, in order for the PTA to plan for adequate supplies we will need to know
how many participants to expect. Please return your response to school by Friday, January 13, 2012.
Family Name:______________________ Number Attending: _____ (adults)
_____(children)
We will bring an ethnic dish to share ______ (Please attach a note with the name of the dish and the country
it represents when you bring it to the festival.)
************
We are looking for volunteers to host Country Tables: share objects, information and food from your
country of origin or ancestry. Share the keepsakes, food and traditions from your ethnic heritage that
have meaning for you and your family today.
____Yes, I will host a Country Table
Name: ___________________________
Country: ____________________________
Phone & Email:____________________________________

FALL
FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who either bought
tickets or helped sell tickets
for the Fall Fundraiser. It was a huge
success. A special thanks to
Jessica Pelenski who sold 48 tickets and
Maria Conrow who sold 20
tickets!!!
Congratulations to our weekly winners so
far: Barbara Grossi, John
Burke, Sean Wiessel, Dignata Barman and
Colleen Sagan.
Best of luck to all our ticket holders for the
remaining 5 weeks of the
season.
Tara & Peter Quigley

A very special THANK YOU to
Armand Marino!
Armand is the extraordinary muralist who painted the
beautiful scenery in the Nurse’s office. He generously
donated his time and artistic talent to create a lovely
sanctuary for our students.
Thank you, Armand!
For more information about Armand and his work,
please visit the Brushwork Mural Design
facebook page.
Here are a few photos of the Nurse’s office!
AMAZING!!

RAM CONNECTION CLASSIFIEDS
Needed: Anyone willing to
assist with painting a room at
Ardena School. No prior
experience necessary.
Guidance will be provided.
Dress code: old clothes and a
winning attitude!
Contact: Dr. Pennell via email.
dpennell@howell.k12.nj.us
Gift Auction Items Needed!!
* Large/medium coffee cans,
lemonade cans, iced tea
canisters.
* Baskets
* Unused (new) gifts, gift cards.
Contact:
Tracy Khaleel 732-919-1079 or
Kay Warren 732-751-0791
Help Wanted
Someone with a truck who can
help us move landscaping
boulders from a quarry to the
front of Ardena. Would be great to
bring a helper along. Needs to be
completed before the Spring.
Contact: Dr. Pennell via email.
dpennell@howell.k12.nj.us
Recycle
Recycle any unwanted CDs,
records, DVDs, VHS & cassette
tapes in the bin located in the
lobby.
Contact: Mrs. Hardy-Wiessel
jhardy@howell.k12.nj.us
WANTED: BOX TOPS!
Remember to clip your Box
Tops and send them in to
school with your child. We
earned over $1,400 last year
just by clipping and snipping
Box Tops!! Box Tops brands
include General Mills cereals,
Green Giant, Betty Crocker,
Yoplait, Juicy Juice, Brita, Hefty,
Ziploc, Scott, Kleenex, Hanes,
Cottonelle, Avery Office
Supplies and Many MORE!
Call For Members
Support the PTA by becoming
a member today!
See the Membership Form
inside this newsletter!
Attention Shoppers!
Stop N Shop A+ Rewards
program can earn “free money"
for Ardena School!! Just
register your Stop and Shop
card at the below site:
www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/
bonus_bucks/designate_school
Also – you can earn even more
box tops for our school by
registering your Shop Rite Price
Plus card at:
www.shoprite.com/Cnt/ShopOnceGi
veTwice.html
Volunteers Wanted
We need volunteers who are
willing to learn to level books for
our Ardena classrooms. No prior
experience needed. We will teach
you everything you need to know!
Flexible hours, can even work
from home once you are trained!
Contact:
Eileen Nardo 732-938-5758 or
eileennardo@optonline.net
School Sign Help Wanted
Volunteers needed to help change
the sign in front of our school at
the beginning of each month. This
is an easy way to get involved and
help out! THANK YOU!!
Contact:
Nayda Mauriello 347-258-3841 or
via email imnayda@aol.com
We wish all of
Ardena a
wonderful
Holiday Season
and a very
happy and
healthy New
Year!!!