Oresko Spring Newsletter 2011 - Bayonne Board of Education

NicholasOresko
School
ANational
BlueRibbonSchool
NJStarSchool
Volume7,Issue3
Spring2011
PRINCIPAL’SMESSAGE
Spring has arrived and our teachers and Jaguars are busy preparing for state
assessments.
Our assessment schedule is as follows:
NJ ASK 6, 7 & 8 – May 3 – 6
NJ ASK 3, 4 & 5 – May 9 – 13
You can assist your child by encouraging adequate sleep the night before and a good
breakfast prior to school. It is important that your child arrive to school on time and ready to
give the test their best effort.
The Academic Challenge Competition took place on March 8 th . Oresko School
placed second in the competition. This remarkable achievement recognizes our studentsʼ
and teachersʼ commitment to excellence. Our students also placed first in the Individual
Subject competition in English and Science. Nicole Smallze placed first in the Individual
Alternate competition and Nicholas Kaniewski placed second. Congratulations to Coach
DiBlasi for her dedication and commitment to our team!
The Hudson County Science Fair took place on March 21 st . Congratulations to
Dmitry Shlyapnikov and Hubert Kalinowski who both earned bronze medals. Job well done!
Our Jaguar cheerleaders are to be commended for placing second in the Cup of
Cheer competition on April 3 rd . Kudos to Coach Cook! Go Jaguars!
The Bayonne School Districtʼs Math Olympiad Competition was held on April 6 th .
Oresko School teams captured First and Second place in the competition. Individual
Winners included Miso Demko and Nicholas Kaniewski in First Place and Tom Salama,
Kapil Kanakaraj and Michael McKittrick received Honorable Mention. What a great day for
our Jaguars and Coach Kim!
On May 16 th our “Teacher of the Year” Mrs. Kim and our “Caring & Sharing Award”
recipient Mrs. Schork will be honored at the Board of Education School Recognition
Program. Congratulations!
Our Jaguars are looking forward to our Water Festival on May 23 rd . Our G & T fifth
graders are gearing up for their annual New England Maritime Tour on May 24 th , 25 th & 26 th .
Once again, many wonderful things are happening at Nicholas Oresko School.
ENJOY SPRING BREAK!!!
Mrs. Maria V. Kazimir
1

StudentCouncilNews
The student council is looking
forward to “springing” into action in the
months ahead with more activities for our
Oresko School students. April is designated
as “Autism Awareness Month.” If you have
not already done so, there is still time to
purchase a “Helping Handsʼ sponsor card to
raise money for this worthy cause. Your
“Helping Hands” donation will help the
Simpson-Baber Foundationʼs Busy Bee
Program that assists children right here in our
Bayonne schools. Students who purchase a
“Helping Hands” card for $1.00 will also have
their names entered into a raffle to thank
them for their support.
Student council members are
definitely looking forward to sponsoring our
second annual “Reading Carnival” in
celebration of the “Week of the Young
Child.” Fun-filled activities and prize tables
will reflect the curriculum theme “CLIMB
ABOARD THE READING EXPRESS!” and
are designed to encourage a bond of
friendship between the younger and older
students in our school and instill a lifelong
love of books, stories, and reading enjoyment
for all! As part of our “Week of the Young
Child” festivities, the student council is also
asking that you consider donating a jar/box of
baby food, juice, or cereal to help replenish
local food pantries for the youngest members
of our community who are in need.
As we “spring ahead,” we know we
can count on your continued support in our
various student council endeavors, since by
“Building a Caring Learning Community,
Everyone Counts In Our Success” as we
“Create a Spirit of Excellence for All!”
VocalMusic
Mrs. Joanne Squitieri
Spring has sprung and there are so
many songs to be sung. First of all, we have
an opportunity to whistle a happy tune about
this news:
Two of our 2007 graduates from our school
are receiving Music Scholarship awards at
BHS. Tara OʼDonnell and David Ortiz are
being honored with a scholarship and
performance at the annual Music Department
Scholarship Recital on April 8 th at 7 PM. Our
school family must all be so proud of our
graduates who dedicate themselves to being
great students and great performing artists.
BRAVO! BRAVA!
Our Spring Concert is something else
to sing about. On April 13 th we will enjoy
popular American standards including Blue
Moon and Moon River, when our choir
performs at the concert. The students were
introduced to these American standards,
enjoyed singing, and came to appreciate the
beauty of a great melody. Now thatʼs
something else to sing about!
Finally, I am singing one last happy
tune with this: the fourth, fifth and sixth grade
classes all participated and performed in their
mini-musicals and were truly great. Everyone
did their utmost best and brought the stories
of NJ, The Constitution and the Civil War to
life through song on our stage. What a
wonderful accomplishment!
Last, but not least, I must
congratulate the GAP music students for
performing in their annual recital and doing a
fantastic job.
Ms. Marianne Greiman
InstrumentalMusic
Spring Concert
The Spring Concert was a great success,
and I appreciate the time and effort that all
the students put forth in preparation for the
concert, especially the before-school
rehearsals. And a special thanks to the
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parents for your continued support of the
instrumental music program at Nicholas
Oresko School.
Upcoming Concerts
I am in the process of planning a few
other concerts that some of our ensembles
will be asked to participate in, so you will be
notified as soon as the details are completed.
But as usual, the concert band and select
string players will need to participate in the
graduation ceremony that is scheduled for
Friday, June 17 th .
Renting/Purchasing Instruments
If you choose to purchase the rental
instrument (Music Shop rentals) before your
rental contract expires, most of your rental
cost is counted towards the cost of the
instrument (or a better quality instrument if
you choose).
For those students who chose the trial
rental program (5 months) from the Music
Shop, your contract has now expired and you
will need to rent the instrument on a monthly
basis for the rest of the school year. Another
option would be to purchase it. Contact the
Music Shop for details. Students who elected
the nine-month rental agreement should think
about purchasing at the end of May to qualify
for a discount. If you have any questions you
can email Mr. Davies at: gdavies@bboed.org.
The Music Shop phone number is: 800-553-
0633.
Most importantly, if you are going to
purchase a new instrument, stay away from
inexpensive, cheap instruments. They do not
play well and are often difficult to repair. Itʼs
best to go to a reputable music store or ask
for recommendations. And it is not wise to
utilize the Internet for your purchase unless
you are knowledgeable about the musical
instrument that you intend to buy, which is
usually not the case.
Mr. Davies and Mr. Rosciszewski
Art
It is April 1st and itʼs snowing. Oh
well; fits right into the school year we have
been having: the perpetual winter of 2011. I
am sure, or at least hoping that, by the time
this newsletter is available for us to read, the
children will be wearing warm weather
uniforms and can put their UGGS away to
rest for the summer.
We have a lot of art enthusiasts this
year in school. Not only do we have an art
club after school for grades 7 and 8, but we
also have an impromptu club every day
during lunch, which grows by the day. We
have about six girls who have started sewing
pillows, and 7 th and 8 th graders who work on
scenery for our spring concert and will work
on graduation artwork for our new canvases.
We have one particular male student who
has made a collection of decorated
eyeglasses. Needless to say we have a
multitude of talent in Oresko School.
The fourth marking period is an
“open” GAP for our G&T Program. Any
student can choose a Special Area for their
GAP. This means music, art, and physical
education (psychomotor). This gives other
students the opportunity to participate in one
of the special subject programs.
For the 8 th grade, they will be working
on graduation decorations in this GAP. The
numbers of students are predetermined as it
includes grades 5-8.
Art History is moving along in our
G&T program as we study the art covered in
the social studies curriculum. By the end of
school, your children will be well versed in
American Art, grades 5 and 6. The 7 th grade
will have made it through ancient civilizations
and the 8 th grade will have traveled through
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time from the Middle Ages through the
Renaissance, to China, Japan, and end the
year with studying Northern Africa and sub-
Sahara Africa. The Art History program is a
wonderful, information filled program that
opens young minds to making connections
between art and history. We always find
connections to other disciplines like science,
math, literature, and music, through our art
history classes.
Have a wonderful spring (if it ever
comes) and a fabulous summer. We will
probably just skip spring and go right into
summer. My best to everyone.
Mrs. Marcia Singer
PhysicalEducation
Spring has finally arrived, and with it
the excitement of another baseball season.
Whether you are a player, coach, or fan,
there is nothing like getting out there and
enjoying Americaʼs Pastime! Here in Jaguar
Country the change of weather means it is
almost time to start our second round of
fitness testing as we all try to improve on our
scores from the fall. All of the fall fitness
records are posted in the gymnasium and I
know many students are striving to get their
names on those lists!
Another exciting thing coming here to
Oresko is a two-week bike safety course,
which will take place during physical
education classes for grades 4-8. This pilot
program, sponsored by the Hudson County
Transportation Management Association, is
being introduced in hopes of teaching
students how to ride their bikes safely so that
they are able to use their bicycles as a
means of transportation throughout the city.
Until next time, stay safe, healthy, and active.
Mr. George Becker
Technology
How is it possible that the third
marking period is over already? The school
year is moving very quickly.
The students in grades kindergarten
through grade two are becoming more and
more comfortable using the computers. They
can all input information on their own, and
can navigate the icons and virtual
environments with ease.
The older students have completed
their unit on Microsoft Office. This marking
period we focused on Microsoft PowerPoint
and Microsoft Excel. Students created slide
show presentations and were able to practice
their presentation skills by presenting them in
front of the class.
Students in grades three through six
were introduced to Microsoft Excel. They
created spreadsheets, databases, and
inputted data in order to create graphs. The
seventh and eight grade students used all of
the programs in Microsoft Office to complete
a unit on healthy-eating. They wrote a report,
used Excel to organize their research and
data, and used PowerPoint to present their
final projects.
Students in grades four and eight
completed an online district-wide technology
mid-term. Students in grades five through
seven also used the Internet to complete a
mid-term for technology class.
Coming up, we will be working on
programming software called Scratch, where
the students will be able to control the
movements of various avatars and become
game programmers. During the final marking
period, we will focus our attention on creating
Podcasts. Students will select a Podcast
topic, use Garageband to create original
music, and learn to narrate their podcasts.
Itʼs going to be a very busy end of the year.
Ms. Trisha OʼConnor
4

Pre­Kindergarten
Dear Parents:
I found this article and websites that
contain valuable and helpful information on
the topic of manners and social skills. This is
a set of skills that your child should learn,
understand and apply with ease.
Do Manners Matter?
• Express gratitude: Teach your child
the importance of thanking people for
gifts and other acts of kindness.
Encourage him to express his
appreciation by saying, “Thank you
for the birthday gift,” or writing a
personal and prompt note on special
stationery or note cards. A
preschooler can dictate his words to
you and draw a picture or sign his
name. School-age children can even
send an e-mail to thank someone.
• Make your empathy visible: Help
your child understand that teasing a
friend or saying unkind things will
make others feel bad. Ask questions
such as, "How would you feel if
someone pointed at you and started
to laugh?"
• Praise good behavior: Let your
children know how proud you are
when you "catch" them being polite.
Before long, good manners will
become second nature to them.
• Show your disapproval and
explain why: If our expectations are
appropriate and understood by
children and the children donʼt meet
them, disapproval is not only okay, it
is important. When children behave
badly, they need us to tell them that
we expect more from them and
explain what “more” is.
having trouble, and show her how to
respond calmly and firmly with words
instead of actions.
• Take turns: Children must
understand that they have to wait for
their turn, just like everyone else.
Establish zero tolerance for
playground behavior, such as
pushing, crashing a line, or bullying.
The same goes for interrupting.
• Share: Help your children
understand the importance of sharing
with others in school and in life.
Compliment them when you see
them sharing with others. But also let
them know that it's the kind of
behavior you expect.
• Provide rest and good nutrition:
Children tend to behave badly when
they are tired or hungry. Make sure
they get enough sleep and nutritious
food.
• Be honest: While "fessing up" to
misbehavior is sometimes difficult
and painful for children, they must
understand that honesty is the best
policy. When they admit doing
something wrong, tell them that you
would have been more angry or
disappointed if they hadn't admitted
their mistake.
Web sites for additional resources:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr232.shtml
http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/raisi
ngkids/social.htm
Best regards,
Mrs. Cary Fussa
The National Association of Elementary
School Principals offers parents these ideas
to help raise children with good manners:
• Help your child use words, not
actions: Many times, young children
behave badly because they don't
know how else to express
themselves. Play out some of the
situations with which your child is
5

Kindergarten
The kindergarten jaguars are looking
forward to spring. We will be having a lot of
fun discussing and participating in various
spring activities.
We are looking forward to the Week
of the Young Child on April 11 th through the
15 th . During this week, we will be engaged in
activities such as Pajama Day, Hat Day,
Outdoor Play Day, Movie and Popcorn Day,
Reading Carnival and many more fun
activities.
In math, we will be starting our
themes on addition and subtraction. In
Language Arts, we will be starting our theme,
“Letʼs Explore.” In science, we will be learning
about plants and observing the butterfly life
cycle. Our caterpillars will arrive after our
spring recess and we will see first hand how
they turn into butterflies. We will be learning
about different types of plants, their parts,
and we will grow our very own plants.
The kindergartners are also
preparing for their celebration that will take
place on June 2 nd . This program celebrates
all the hard work they put into this year.
Happy Spring.
Mrs. Lorena Quinonez
Grade1
By now, you may have noticed that
your child is reading with more skill and
confidence. It is still so important that they
continue to read everyday and practice
reading at home with someone else watching
your child pronouncing words in a given text.
This will help your child read more fluently
and keep up skills, as the reading text will
become more challenging. The students are
reading a unit on “Changes.” Students are
learning about how we change by growing,
learning new ideas, and how the world
around us is always changing. They are also
learning about things that do not change. In
writing, we have been making up our own
stories and sentences using the spelling and
challenge words. Please practice writing
stories and sentences using the spelling
words at home, it is significant that students
are creative when they write sentences or
stories.
The first graders recently learned
new skills in math such as counting money.
The students learned the value of a penny,
nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. It
is important that you practice counting money
with your child. Lay out a group of coins.
Then help him or her count the coins,
beginning with the coin or coins of greatest
value. Challenge your child to make small
purchases at the store for you. The students
will learn to estimate and measure length,
capacity, weight, and temperature.
On March 2, 2011 we celebrated Dr.
Seussʼ Birthday. Our guest reader was Dr.
Patricia McGeehan, Superintendent of the
Bayonne Public School District who read “I
Can Read With My Eyes Shut!” by Dr. Seuss.
After the students listened to the story, they
created their own books of rhyming words.
Homework- As you might have
already noticed, your child will be receiving
homework on a daily basis. Please be aware
that you should check your childʼs book to
make sure that all assignments are
completed. Keep in mind, this is their
homework not yours. Help when necessary
and review and sign finished work.
Reminder to Students- Read
everyday for 20 minutes. Practice your
handwriting. Practice those Spelling Words
and Study Pad every night. Children need to
come prepared everyday with all supplies.
They must have sharpened pencils, erasers,
etc.
Reminder to Parents- Check your
childʼs folder every night. Make sure that all
test are signed and returned. Sit with your
children and have them read to you the story
of the week and ask comprehension
questions. When students complete their
homework, make sure you review it with
them.
Ms. Maria Barberi
6

Grade2
After a cold and snowy winter and
beginning of spring, the second graders are
looking forward to the warm weather!
We have a lot of exciting events in
the coming months. In Language Arts, we will
be completing Unit 5. Focusing on
responsibility, this unit addresses the
question, “What does it mean to be
responsible?” The students will develop an
understanding of the question by exploring
ways to make a difference through their own
behavior by taking care of themselves, family
members, friends and even animals. They
also will talk about what it means to face the
consequences of doing something wrong.
The second graders would like to
take the time to say “Thank You” to the
Bayonne Fire Department. While reading the
story “Firefighters” from their Reading Street,
the students were given the opportunity to
take a tour of the 27 th Street firehouse. The
students were able to make hands-on
connections to the career of a firefighter.
Special thanks to Acting Chief Weaver for
setting up our special day!
We also look forward to celebrating
“The Week of the Young Child.” This
celebration involves students in Pre-K
through 3 rd grade. We have many fun
activities planned for the entire week. On May
26, 2011 the second graders will also be
taking a trip to the Bayonne Public Library.
While on June 3, 2011 the second and third
graders will be going to the Paper Mill
Playhouse. There they will see three
Berenstain Bears stories come to life. Please
be sure to check your childʼs folder each
night, for information about the trips will be
sent home over the next few weeks.
It is important that students keep up
with their reading logs at home. As the nice
weather approaches, take the time to read
outside with a good book. Changing the
environment you read in can change the
entire experience!
I hope everyone enjoys his or her
well deserved Spring Break!
Ms. Janine Pacyna
Grade3
Spring has sprung and Miss Cookʼs
third grade class has had an exciting marking
period! In honor of “Read Across America”
and Dr. Seussʼ birthday, Mayor Mark Smith
visited our school and read Yertle the Turtle
to Miss Cookʼs class. Later in the month,
American Legion veterans Stanley
Bondarowicz and Joe Matechak surprised the
students with a visit to their classroom, and
presented them with certificates and flags as
a thank you for letters the children had sent
on Veteranʼs Day. In the meantime, third
graders have been working diligently in
preparation for the NJ ASK 3.
In math class, students have been
practicing their problem-solving skills across
all third grade math themes. Also, third
graders recently concluded their “Geometry
and Measurement” unit in which they studied
shapes, lines, and angles. They particularly
enjoyed building shapes and differentiating
types of movement using manipulative
tangram pieces. Students are now learning
about fractions, decimals, and probability.
In language arts/literacy, third
graders concluded Unit 4 in the reading
series, “One of a Kind.” In reading stories
such as Wings, Rocks in His Head, Americaʼs
Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, and
Fly, Eagle, Fly students learned and
practiced how to comprehend by identifying
cause and effect, generalizing, differentiating
fact and opinion, comparing/contrasting, and
analyzing plot and theme. Furthermore,
these stories tied in with our science and
social studies curricula by teaching students
about geology and geography. For example,
in the story Hottest, Coldest, Highest,
Deepest, third graders learned about the
fascinating places on Earth that hold records
for being so unique.
The NJ ASK 3 will be administered
from May 9 th through May 12 th . On these
days, parents, please be sure that your
children get a good nightʼs sleep, a healthy
breakfast, and that they arrive to school on
time everyday. Prior to that week, we will be
working very hard in class to ensure that the
students are fully prepared. At home, please
urge your children to complete all of their
homework with care and to read for pleasure
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in their spare time. Most of all encourage
them to stay relaxed and remain confident
during the testing process. Your support is
always greatly appreciated!
Grades4&5
Ms. Erin Cook
Hello parents! The fourth and fifth
graders are really coming along this year.
They have been very busy in the classroom
and with practicing for the NJASK test.
The fourth grade math class has just
finished working on geometry and
measurement. As we begin fractions, we are
learning how to write fractions in simplest
form and also how to identify improper
fractions. Once we are finished with that, we
will move on to customary units of
measurement. In our last couple of months
as fourth graders, we will be looking at
decimals, graphing, and probability.
The fifth grade math class has just
finished fraction concepts. We will continue
to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
for the remainder of the month. In our last
couple of months as fifth graders, we will be
measuring solid figures, working with ratio,
proportion, and percent, as well as
understanding integers.
The fourth grade social studies class
has been studying the important sites of the
Southwest. Soon, we will be studying the
Colorado River and the Western part of the
United States.
The fifth grade social studies class
has just finished learning about slavery.
They also identified important sites in colonial
Williamsburg. For the remainder of the year,
we will learn about the Loyalists and Patriots,
and discuss the Constitution.
I hope both classes learned a lot this
year. Continue to do your absolute best!
Ms. Rachel Foglia
Believe it or not, it is already fourth
marking period! Fourth and fifth graders
continue to be extremely productive!
In language arts, we are working on
our writing skills. Students in both classes
show more and more growth with each piece
they write, and I look forward to reading even
more of their stories and essays. Each week
we practice the types of writing that will
appear on the NJASK. We focus on ways to
make our writing both interesting and
appealing by using sensory details and
figurative language. Our focus on grammar
also helps the studentsʼ writing. We recently
started our unit on adjectives and adverbs,
and I am very impressed with the attentiongrabbing
descriptions the fourth and fifth
graders use in their work!
In reading, fourth graders will be
moving on to stories involving “Puzzles and
Mysteries”—the title of our next unit. They
will read nonfiction selections, including a
story about the mysterious pink dolphins that
live in the Amazon River, along with old
fiction favorites, such as Encyclopedia
Brown. This is always a fun unit for students,
as they become detectives while reading.
They will finish up the year by looking at a
few selections from the final unit, “Reaching
for Goals.”
The fifth graders will begin their unit
about “Adventurers.” Some highlights include
a narrative nonfiction story about the Titanic,
and a selection from the science fiction
classic Journey to the Center of the Earth by
Jules Verne. To end the year, students in the
fifth grade will read their third and final
novel—Report to the Principalʼs Office by
Jerry Spinelli. This story is about a group of
students entering the sixth grade, who end up
getting involved in some sticky situations. I
look forward to sharing this entertaining novel
with my students.
We have been moving along nicely in
science as well. The fourth graders are
making their way through the curriculum with
enthusiasm and energy. Many took a strong
8

liking to our unit on outer space, but it is time
to move on. Our final chapters are all about
forces and motion and simple machines.
Science is part of the fourth grade NJASK.
This past month, we have reviewed all of the
previous chapters in preparation for the test.
Students have also practiced with multiple
choice and open-ended science questions.
Before the test, we will go back and review a
few concepts from previous years, and I am
confident that these children will do their best
in May.
The fifth graders just started their unit
on living things. We are looking at plant and
animal cells, bacteria and protists. Students
learn how cells work together to form tissues
and how tissues work together to form organ
systems. Although some of the fifth graders
may call this chapter “gross,” they are
expanding their knowledge on how the
human body works. The end of the year will
focus on the interactions between humans
and nature, and fifth graders walk away with
a new appreciation for their surrounding
environments and ecosystems.
Since the fourth marking period
includes the NJASK, Iʼd like to end with a few
suggestions for parents. Everyone is working
very hard everyday. All students are already
well prepared, and we are continuing to
practice important skills each week. There is
no reason for anyone to be stressed out.
Please be sure you remind your children to
relax! Have confidence in them, and they will
have confidence in themselves. Be sure your
children go to bed early and have a good
nightʼs sleep before the test. This will help
them concentrate and reduce stress. Also,
be sure they eat a healthy breakfast to keep
their minds alert. Finally, please make sure
your sons and daughters are in school
everyday and on time.
Until then, have a safe and relaxing
spring break! Happy Holidays!
Ms. Stacy Casais
Grade5
Welcome spring! We had been so
looking forward to this beautiful season. Yes,
the weather is now more enjoyable.
Additionally, April is poetry month. Every day
we begin language arts classes with two
students reciting a poem of their choice.
Weʼre learning various types of poetry,
enjoying many famous poetsʼ works, and
becoming better poets ourselves.
In our current reading theme,
“Adventure,” we are having fun learning about
different explorers/adventurers. We are
investigating the big question, “Who goes
seeking adventure and why?” Our stories
have led us to many career possibilities,
especially for those of us who are the
adventurous types. We are also focused on
writing and responding to speculative and
expository prompts. This not only sharpens
many essential writing skills, but also
prepares us for the NJ ASK.
We have moved to our new book in
social studies, “We the People-The Citizen
and the Constitution.” This course of study
focuses on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
and amendments. Our objective is to gain an
understanding of the background and
creation of our system of government. We
are studying our laws and how they apply to
our lives today.
Looking back - February was a very
busy month. We celebrated Black History
month by learning about black inventors,
musicians, and politicians. We also came to
know the story of Ruby Bridges and her
brave struggles as the first African American
to integrate an elementary school.
Connecting with Ruby allowed the students to
see and feel the ugliness of racism.
9

Fifth grade G & T students
participated in a hands-on Astronomy
Convocation at the Meadowlands
Environment Center in Secaucus. Here they
learned about sundials, telescopes, solar
energy, and features of the sun. Through
collaboration, they transformed their new
knowledge into presentations using art,
music, dance, and skits including game
shows. Fellow fifth graders of Hudson County
enjoyed their creativity and performances.
Also in February, The Hudson
County Coordinators of Gifted and Talented
Programs sponsored “Creativefest.” Several
of our students joined fifth graders from our
county to celebrate the state of New Jersey
through the arts. Students learned about our
state through various programs such as
“Animal Shadow Boxes,” “Earth as Art,” “Latin
Rhythms, Dance and Culture,” “Cake Art,”
and “Dream Catchers.”
Spring promises to be just as exciting
with our much-anticipated Whale Watching
trip fast approaching.
Mrs. Mary Dwyer
In science, we will continue with the
theme, “Processes of Living Things” as we
explore plant processes. The fifth graders
will be able to describe how plants make
food, reproduce, and grow. As this unit
comes to an end we will begin a new unit
entitled “Systems and Interactions in Nature.”
In the first chapter of the new unit, we will
discuss how nature reuses materials and why
the water cycle is important!
In math, measurement is the word!
The students will explore linear
measurement, perimeter, area, time and
temperature.
NJ ASK 5 will take place May 9-12.
Please be sure your children get plenty of
rest the night before and eat a nutritious
breakfast each morning. With your help, your
children can do their best on the test!
Fifth graders are also very busily
preparing background information for our
long awaited “New England Maritime Tour.”
A parent information meeting will be held on
April 27th from 6:00 to 7:00pm. With that in
mind, we would like to commend our students
for the beautiful artwork submitted for the
whale watching t-shirts. It was a hard
decision, but our t-shirt design winners are
Phoebe Durak, Loubna Maachi, and Destiny
Valle. Congratulations! Canʼt wait to see how
they look!
Get Ready Whales…..Here We
Come!!!
Mrs. Kim Weimmer
Grade6&7
With spring comes the chirping of the
birds, blossoming of flowers, and that warm
lingering breeze that was so desperately
missed. Itʼs so spectacular to say that
SPRING HAS SPRUNG! With spring comes
May and with May comes the NJASK. The
students have been working tediously all year
and will continue to do so in order to do their
absolute best on the test.
The two reading units remaining for
the sixth grade include stories revolving
around resources and exploring cultures and
what ways one culture affects another. They
will continue with responding to persuasive,
speculative and explanatory, in order to do
their best on the test. With finishing up the
novel, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, we
began the new novel entitled, Walk Two
Moons. Five chapters are assigned every
week and a short quiz is to be expected
every week on the assigned reading. I know
the weather is getting warmer and the days
are getting longer, and it may be a little
harder to pick up a book and read, but who
says you canʼt do it outside!
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Manifest Destiny, life in the west, an
era of change and the worlds of the north and
south was the history that the sixth graders
have been busy exploring. The Civil War
show was a great way for them to preview
what they will be learning in the months to
come. Through song, it gave them an insight
of the development of the Civil War. They will
be learning about the division of the north
and south, as well as the Civil War and
immigration. I also incorporated current
events projects within the Social Studies
class because it is important for them to
acknowledge whatʼs going on in the world
around them. They will be expected to
complete two during the fourth marking
period.
The Elements of Literature have
allowed the seventh grade to read great short
stories. For the past few months, they have
been practicing their writing skills responding
to speculative, persuasive and/or explanatory
prompts. The Diary of Anne Frank is the
novel that the students have been
continuously reading. They are assigned
twenty pages per week and are asked an
open-ended question in regards to assigned
reading. Grammar has also been a focus for
them as well. Please encourage your child to
read. The more they read, the smarter they
will be. That canʼt be stressed enough.
World History had the students travel
back in time to ancient Greece. It was a very
exciting chapter that the students seemed to
really enjoy due to the fighting involving the
Spartans. They have currently been exploring
Ancient Rome and will end the year
journeying through the empires of India and
China. The notes taken in class must be
reviewed every single night, even if it is just
for ten minutes. During the last marking
period, the students are required to complete
two current event projects It is necessary for
them to know whatʼs going on in the world
around them and these projects will
encourage that knowledge.
The NJASK is an extremely
important test that will be occurring during the
week of May 2. The testing will begin with
Language Arts on May 3 and 4 and Math on
May 5 and 6. Please use those packets that
were sent home in February as a practice at
home for your child. In order to help your
child do their best on the test, make sure they
come to school on time, eat a healthy
breakfast, and get a good nightʼs rest. They
need their full concentration during the test in
order to fully succeed. I hope that everyone
has a fun filled spring break!
Ms. Dana Pajak
Science: During the 3 rd marking
period the 6 th grade has discovered how
living things, and many nonliving things,
affect each other and the world at large. They
created wonderful ecosystem dioramas
showing the various relationships that exist
and discussed the impact any change can
have on the entire ecosystem. They also
studied various natural systems and
occurrences that impact our world and the
effects, both positive and negative, humans
have on it.
For the 7 th grade, the 3 rd marking
period was a journey into genetics and
heredity. Students tapped into their creative
sides and created 3D models, poems, or
songs to explain mitosis and meiosis. They
were awesome! They also shared their
research reports on various genetic topics
such as genetic engineering, multiple births,
cloning, etc. Some very interesting
information was shared, and some very
interesting questions were presented. I think
we have some great scientific minds-in-themaking
here.
Math: Since math is a subject that
builds upon previous knowledge, mastering
and retaining each step is extremely
important. During the 3 rd marking period,
students have continued to practice and
improve upon their math skills, vocabulary,
and understanding of various concepts. To
help keep the fundamental concepts fresh in
their mind, students regularly complete a
“Basic 5” quiz in which they answer or solve 5
math questions based on skills or terms we
have previously completed. Please continue
to encourage them to review their vocabulary
and key concepts daily.
During the 3 rd marking period
students focused mainly on various
operations and applications of fractions and
mixed numbers, as well as how they relate to
whole numbers and decimals. The 7 th grade
also extended fractions to proportions as well
as percents. Of course algebra, word
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problems, and open-ended questions were
practiced in each lesson as well.
As we enter the 4 th marking period,
we will continue to build upon their math
foundation in areas such as Geometry, Data
and Probability, and Graphing equations. As
always, and especially now as the NJ Ask
approaches in May, we will continue to strive
to improve our problem solving skills.
General: Please encourage your
child to read and follow directions carefully
and answer all parts of a question. Please
reinforce how important it is to read a
problem carefully, and show, or explain their
work or reasoning. These skills, although
important in everything we do, are essential
in any type of open-ended or constructed
response question, such as those presented
on the upcoming NJ Ask.
Also, please emphasize to your child
that studying IS homework and should be
done every night. Please check my website
regularly, and encourage your child to do the
same.
http://www.oncoursesystems.com/school/web
page.aspx?id=374858 You will find
important information and links such as
homework, project dates, general
announcements, and helpful Internet sites,
including links to textbooks. I also try to
upload or post any related class information
whenever I can.
Happy Spring,
Mrs. Danielle Nese
Grade6
And the winner is…
… Slytherin!
Slytherin walked away with the third
marking period House Party. The members
of Slytherin enjoyed a fabulous pizza party as
their reward for outstanding work all marking
period. Good Luck to all the houses for the
Fourth and final marking period. I look
forward to all the hard work the sixth graders
will be doing in their efforts to win the last
house party.
In March, sixth graders attended the
CSI Convocation at the Meadowlands
Environment Center where they tried their
hands at forensic science to solve a crime.
They ran chromatography tests, examined
fingerprints, used microscopes to run a hair,
fur, & fiber analysis, made plaster cast molds
of the culpritʼs footprint, and examined a
variety of clues to conclude who was the
most likely suspect who committed the
vandalism in the Meadowlands Environment
Center classrooms.
Itʼs so very hard to believe that we
are already in the last marking period of the
2010-2011 school year. The sixth graders
have learned so much so far, and thereʼs so
much more to go!
Ratios, proportions, and
percentages, the current skills being covered
in 6 th Grade Math Classes. All 6 th graders
should be working diligently on STUDY
ISLAND, an Internet-based program,
designed to help students practice and
master math skills. They are encouraged to
retake any of the tests assigned as often as
necessary to achieve a 100 score.
In science, the sixth graders recently
wrapped up their energy unit. They learned
so much about the different kinds of energy
and the PHYSICS behind it all. Next weʼll be
moving onto our Light and Sound Unit.
Spring is back and itʼs time to go out
and do some more Mussel Gardening! Two
more trips to Rutkowski Park are in the works
and the students will be visiting the garden to
continue collecting data on the growth
progress of our Nicholas Oresko Mussels.
They will also observe and record data on the
water and weather conditions the mussels
are exposed to, for example: air
12

temperature, water temperature, pH, Salinity,
Phosphate levels, Turbidity, nitrate levels,
and dissolved oxygen. Finally, the students
will be cleaning off the nets the mussels are
temporarily kept, in an attempt to keep
conditions as optimal as possible for the
success of our mussel garden.
Mrs. Monica Burnett
Preparing our “Best for the Test” and
experiencing the “Best of the West” are the
major themes that impact the focus of
instruction at this time of year. In their social
studies classes, sixth grade students are
learning about the lives of pioneers, ranchers,
and miners who experienced the challenges
and lure of the Western trails. The plight of
the Native Americans, who fought to maintain
their way of life as settlers poured onto their
lands, is also examined. In art history,
students are ”touring” the West through the
works of such artists as Frederick Remington
and George Catlin. One can truly understand
how the beauty of the landscape inspired
Americans to “Go West!”
Sixth graders are facing challenges
of their own as they continue preparation for
standardized testing. The integration of
social studies and language arts will help to
reinforce the reading comprehension, writing,
and critical thinking skills that will be
assessed. Interdisciplinary assignments
implementing the Collins Writing Program will
give students the opportunity to improve their
composition skills. The NJ ASK will be
given to all sixth graders during the week
of MAY 2-6.
The sixth graders will later be
“springing ahead” with integrated social
studies and language arts projects and
lessons that will revolve around their study of
the Civil War. In social studies, students will
outline the growing tensions between the
North and the South, identify the major
events and personalities of the Civil War, and
study the Reconstruction Period.
Appropriately enough, students will begin to
read the novel Across Five Aprils, the
unforgettable and moving story about a
young boy who comes of age during the five
years of the Civil War. The sixth gradersʼ
performance, “Songs of the Civil War,” under
the direction of vocal music instructor Mrs.
Greiman, provided a firm foundation for the
lessons to come. Through an in-depth study
of this fascinating time period, students will
examine the legacy of this major turning point
in our nationʼs history – a war which not only
pitted army against army, but sadly, brother
against brother – a war which divided our
nation; then reunited it, making it stronger
than ever!
Grades7&8
Science
Mrs. Joanne Squitieri
Congratulations to Hubert
Kalinowski, grade seven, and Dmitry
Shylapnikov, grade five. Both of them won
gold medals at our own Nicholas Oresko
Science Fair in December. Both went on to
represent our school in the Hudson County
Science Fair held at the Liberty Science
Center in March. Both Hubert and Dmitry
won Bronze medals at the Hudson County
Science Fair. They received their medals at
an award ceremony held at St. Peterʼs
College on March 30. Hubert and Dmitry also
had the opportunity to present their projects,
alongside all the other county medal winners
(elementary and high school), at a special
showcase held at New Jersey City University.
This event was held on April 6, and was open
to the public.
Seventh and eighth grade students
are preparing for our Water Festival. I have
received a grant from NJ Project WET once
again, for the purpose of conducting a school
13

water festival. Please save the date, and
plan on joining us! We will be asking for
snack and door prize donations, and we will
need parents to come help out as well.
Please look for letters and flyers that will be
sent home soon.
Mrs. Barbara DeBenedictis
Please Come to our
Nicholas Oresko P.S. #14
Water Festival
May 23, 2011
9:30 am to 2:45 pm
For students, families, and guests
P.S. # 14 Schoolyard
33 East 24th ST.
(in the Cafetorium, if it rains)
Games-----food------fun
Mathematics
Welcome Spring! First, I would like
to congratulate all members of the Math
Olympiad team. You all did so well! Special
congratulations to Kapil Kanakaraj, Sara
Bendaoud, Michael McKittrick, Rangoli Mittal,
and Nicole Smallze, whose team placed first
in the district! Also, congratulations to Amina
Bendaoud, Tom Salama, Sarah Gill, Tyler
Law, and Nicholas Kaniewski whose team
came in second place! Additionally,
congratulations to the students who placed in
the individual competition. Nicholas
Kaniewski and Miso Demko tied for first place
in the district! We also had several students
receive honorable mention. Go Jaguars!!
The girlsʼ basketball team also had a
great season this year! We came in second
place in the district. Special congratulations
to Madison McGlone and Nyla Mulcahy. The
girls were named two of the leagueʼs five
MVPs! Mr. Goodhart and I want to thank the
entire team for a great season. We will miss
our 8 th graders, but cannot wait for next year!
I have created a new website that is
updated daily with video reviews of our
lessons. The site is:
http://mrskimsmath.blogspot.com. In 7 th
grade, we have been working through our
units on coordinate geometry, ratios,
proportions, and percents. Up next for 7A
and 7R is our unit on functions. Students in
8A have been working with all forms of linear
equations. They recently completed a
Stained Glass Window project. We are
currently learning polynomials and factoring.
In 8R, we recently completed units on both
proportions and percents. Now, we are
focusing on geometry, both two-dimensional
and three-dimensional. Students will be
completing a Cereal Box project about
surface area and volume soon.
Students in all classes are busy
getting ready for the NJ ASK tests! The NJ
ASK 7 Math sections are scheduled for May
5 th and May 6 th . The NJ ASK 8 Math portion
is on May 5 th . Please make sure everyone
gets a good nightʼs rest the night before and
eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the
test!
Mrs. Kathryn Kim
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SocialStudies
There are many areas of World
History to explore during the spring. Eighth
grade social studies classes will study the
continents of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Mayan, Incan, Aztec, Anasazi, and Iriquois
history and culture will be studied. The
geography, history, and traditions of East
Africa, North Africa, and the Western African
trading kingdoms are the focus of multimedia
presentations by the eighth grade students.
We will also learn about China, Korea, and
Japan as part of our unit on Asia. The art and
architecture of these civilizations will also be
a component of our art history classes, which
includes lectures, discussions, and visual
presentations.
A wonderful time was had by all as
the lords and ladies of 81 and 82, including
Lady Di Blasi and Lady Gonzalez, ventured
off to Medieval Times for the 8 th grade trip on
March 10, 2011.
Seventh grade social studies classes
will study the art, architecture, and traditions
of the Indian subcontinent. Our classes will
cover rulers, dynasties, and the Golden Age
of Ancient India. We will learn about village
life, the Hindu caste system, and other
aspects of Indian culture. Seventh graders
will also study Chinese history during ancient
times. Chinese geography, dynasties,
mythology, and contributions are the basis for
future projects.
I would also like to congratulate our
2011 Academic Challenge team for placing
second in the District competition.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Boyle, Sarah
Gill, Sally Elias, Alexis OʼCallahan, Tyler Law,
and Thomas Lyga. Our team also won
English and Science awards in the subject
area category. Nicole Smallze and Nicholas
Kaniewski won first and second place in the
individual competition, respectively. They
worked so hard and spent countless hours at
practice and at home in preparation. It has
been my pleasure to participate with the
members and I am so very proud of all of
you. Go Jaguars!
LanguageArts
This month we continue our preparation
for the NJASK7 and the NJASK8. Students
have worked diligently, and I commend them
for their focus and dedication.
As we welcome spring, we celebrate
the rebirth of the world around us with a
number of creative writing projects. GAP
language arts students will create a series of
projects that will combine writing, music, and
art. Seventh grade students will complete
their self portrait poems and experiment with
“formula poems” while eighth graders will
write metaphor poems. Novels classes will be
discussing works by Agatha Christie, Arthur
Conan Doyle, and William Shakespeare.
As the weather gets warmer, it is
inevitable that our thoughts turn to the end of
our school year. During these months, our
eighth graders will begin preparations for a
number of memorable activities that will bring
their years in the Gifted and Talented
Program to a close. Eighth graders will be
writing graduation speeches, and
preparations will soon be underway for their
graduation ceremony.
This past month we completed work
on the Class of 2011 yearbook. Our students
devoted many hours and put great effort into
creating a beautiful yearbook. We would like
to thank Mrs. Squitieri and Mrs. Kim for
helping us in this endeavor. We would also
like to offer our sincere thanks to the eighth
grade parents who so generously contributed
to this wonderful project.
Ms. Zoe Gonzalez
Ms. Stephanie Di Blasi
15

For more information, log onto the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
website at www.aafa.org. If you have any
questions or concerns, call the Health Office
at 201-858-6283.
Mrs. Forker, R.N.
Guidance
SchoolNurse
“April showers bring May flowers,” is
a familiar phrase this time of year. But if you
have allergies or asthma, it is probably not
your favorite phrase. The trees and flowers
are blooming. The wind is blowing all the
pollen around. The pollen gets in your eyes,
goes up your nose, and even lands on your
hair, clothes, and shoes, which you bring into
your home. It will stick on your car and makes
your car glow. But if you have allergies or
asthma, pollen can trigger an allergy or
asthma attack.
Allergies can affect the nose, skin,
lungs, and other parts of your body while
asthma is only a lung condition. Allergy
symptoms may include itchy watery eyes,
runny nose, sneezing, and an itchy throat.
Asthma may present itself by coughing,
difficulty breathing, chest tightness, shortness
of breath, or wheezing. Please see a doctor
for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as
soon as possible. If any medication is needed
in school, please call the Health Office for
medication authorization forms. Asthma is
one of the leading causes of school
absenteeism in children.
Here are a few things you can do to
lessen your symptoms and prevent an attack.
Wash your hands and do not touch your face.
Drink water. Stay indoors when the pollen
count is high. Change your clothes and
shower as soon as you get home for the day,
especially if you play outdoors after school.
Wear a hat and sunglasses. Keep the
windows in your house and car closed and
AC on if possible. After seeing your doctor,
take medication as prescribed and treat
symptoms to prevent attacks from worsening.
NJASK testing dates are fast
approaching. There are many ways that
parents can help their child to be successful
the day of the test. Listed below are some
tips provided by the American School
Counselor Association to help prepare your
son or daughter for testing.
The best way to get ready for any
type of examination is to know what material
will be on the test and study. If your child is
nervous, ask his/her teacher for ways to calm
down any test anxiety. Make sure your child
is present during testing; please do not
schedule any doctor appointments or
vacations during the time. Encourage your
child to study over a period of time rather
than try to “cram” all the material in the night
before. Tell your child to listen carefully to all
test-taking directions given by the teacher
and to ask questions about any directions
that are unclear. See that your child gets
his/her regular amount of sleep before the
tests and is well rested. Make sure that your
child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day
of the test. Hunger can detract from a good
test performance. Finally, encourage your
child to do his/her best.
Good luck to all students. Have a
pleasant and enjoyable spring break!!
Ms. Amanda Argento
Guidance Counselor
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