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Principal’s Blog
Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
Principal’s Blog
December 2020
Blog
December 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am hopeful all of you and your families had a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoyed well deserved time off with loved ones.
December is now upon us, as we are well into the second marking period of the school year at this time.
Please join me in recognizing and congratulating the 2020 winners of The New Jersey Herald’s, “What’s Your Anti-Drug?” contest representing Lounsberry Hollow School:
Lilian Appleby- Grade 4
Mia Bressler- Grade 4
Nick Devery- Grade 5
Adrienn Kovacs- Grade 4
Alicia Kovacs- Grade 4
The above students, who we are so proud of, were chosen, along with others from around Sussex County, for their awesome posters! The NJ Herald featured a supplement on November 9 showcasing all the winning entries.
As we being to move through the opening weeks of the winter on December 21, on behalf of Lounsberry Hollow’s faculty and staff, I would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a healthy, safe and Happy New Year!
Sincerely Yours,
Dennis J. Mudrick
Principal
Lounsberry Hollow School
December Message from the VTHS Admin Team
News from the Superintendent
GMMS Teachers of the Year Announced and a Reminder about our 9-2 Schedule
Dear Glen Meadow Parents and Guardians:
As you are aware, our district will begin full virtual instruction starting on Monday, November 30, 2020, and will continue through Monday, January 18, 2021. We will follow the district-wide 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Virtual Learning Schedule that is listed below.
GMMS Virtual Learning Schedule:
9:00 am- 2:00 pm
| Student Log In | 9:00 |
| Period 1 | 9:00 – 9:31 |
| Period 2 | 9:33-10:04 |
| Period 3 | 10:06-10:37 |
| Period 4 | 10:39-11:10 |
| Period 5 | 11:12-11:43 |
| Period 6 | 11:45-12:16 |
| Period 7 | 12:18-12:49 |
| Period 8 | 12:51-1:22 |
| Period 9 | 1:24-2:00 |
Please be cognizant of your child’s schedule as each of your child’s teachers will be posting their synchronous (live) lessons with the link to connect to the live instruction. Below is a review of what synchronous instruction is and what is expected of your child.
On the days where lessons are synchronous, ALL students will be learning LIVE together with their teacher. Therefore, all students are expected to be on their Chromebook and attending the live class at the designated times learning with their peers. When your child is attending synchronous (live) lessons, you can expect the teacher to be (but not limited to):
- Teaching a 10 to 15-minute mini-lesson
- Reviewing a concept,
- Conducting a class conversation on a topic,
- Having a student explain an answer, etc.
- Providing a demonstration (science experiment, for example)
- Allowing time for the student to work on a skill and then calling the students back into the class to assist one-on-one or by whole group
- There will be no official “office hours” during our district-wide virtual weeks, as students are attending school virtually five days a week and have access to their teacher every day.
For our students, here are some requests and reminders from your teachers:
- Student attendance is mandatory for all synchronous lessons at the designated times for each period as listed on the Virtual Schedule,
- Check Schoology for correspondence and daily expectations,
- Come to class on time while participating in a live Zoom or Schoology Conference and remain in one location; clock times vary, please login a few minutes prior to the class starting time,
- Please dress as you would for school,
- Participate from a quiet place in your home,
- Please keep your camera on unless instructed otherwise by your teacher,
- Be respectful,
- Anything visible in the background of your video must be school appropriate.
For our parents and guardians, here are some requests from Glen Meadow, please:
- Set clear expectations and routines for your child’s remote learning days.
- Partner with your child’s teacher and reach out should any challenges arise.
- Refrain from joining your child’s live classes or be visible on your child’s screens during classes.
- Encourage your child to communicate with teachers when your child has questions or concerns
Congratulations to Glen Meadow Middle School’s
2020-2021 NJ Governor’s Educator of the Year
and
Educational Services Professional of the Year
Governor’s Educator of the Year: Ms. Nancy Grimaldi
As a colleague, Ms. Grimaldi is always upbeat and ready to engage with her whole heart. Ms. Grimaldi is an avid listener who exudes positivity, patience, and kindness to all. Always willing to lend a helping hand to others in need. Ms. Grimaldi is a compassionate and dedicated person who puts her students first. Ms. Grimaldi is an exemplary educator that provides lessons that are innovative as she engages students in exciting and challenging learning opportunities that are relevant and enriching to our curriculum.
Governor’s Educational Services Professional: Mrs. Kate Panfile
Ms. Panfile, our building’s Child Study Team Learning Disability Teacher-Consultant, works along with fellow counselors and teachers making sure all students’ needs are met. Ms. Panfile only began this role last school year. True to form, Ms. Panfile goes above and beyond getting to know her caseload and continues her passion from her prior years of being a special education teacher for meetings the needs of all students. Ms. Panfile is in constant communication with teachers and Ms. Reagan, her grade level counselor, always was willing to provide teachers with strategies for students with special needs. Ms. Panfile is the true definition of a team player.
Congratulations to 6th Grade Matthew Celentano!
Matthew Celentano won this year’s VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest writing on the theme, “What Patriotism Means to Me”. His proud teachers are Ms. Krauss and Ms. Sisco. In Matt’s essay in writes about how proud he is of his grandfather who helped with the creation of The Northern NJ Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, NJ. Matthew will be reading his essay at the December 17, 2020, BoE Public Meeting that is held at Walnut Ridge School. Congratulations, Matthew, we are all very proud of you, your patriotism shines through in your writing.
Choice Board in 8th Grade Science:
You may have noticed that teachers are giving students choice when completing assignments. This allows students to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways using different online tools. Below is an example of a science choice board that Mrs. Amato and Mrs. Unick created on the unit of changes of matter- solids-liquids-gases. Click on the link…
Phase Changes Project Choice Board
Physical Education and Health Information:
Our physical education teachers are getting creative in teaching their subject. Students are participating in an assignment based on the “Shoe Challenge” video! This activity is a very fun way to get away from the usual workouts and allow students to try something new. Below is a video of Mr. Healy explaining the challenge that consists of three levels
- Level 1: Balancing your shoe on your foot for 10 seconds
- Level 2: Completing a half-turn with your body while keeping your shoe balanced on your foot
- Level 3: Completing a full-turn with your body while keeping your shoe balanced on your foot (BY FAR the most difficult level!)
For health class (held only for one marking period), some topics that each grade level will learn about include…
6th Grade:
- Health Triangle (Physical, Mental/Emotional, and Social Health)
- Nutrition
- Character Traits
- Alcohol and Tobacco
- Digital Wellness and Safety (Description from Everfi: Students can learn modern digital health concepts such as digital emotional intelligence, digital dependency, online privacy, and evaluating content for accuracy & perspective.)
7th Grade:
- Social and Mental/Emotional Health
- Personal Growth and Development
- Healthy relationships, character education, and social-emotional learning (Character Playbook course on Everfi)
- Diseases and conditions
- Drugs and medicines
8th Grade:
- Decision making and Goal Setting
- Medicines
- Dependency, Addiction and Treatment
- Sexuality
- Pregnancy and Parenting
- Honor Code (Anti-Bullying) through Everfi
All grade levels will be utilizing Everfi, which is an excellent online learning resource tool with up to date information relating to a variety of topics in Health class.
8th Grade Social Studies:
Part of the 8th grade curriculum looks at Athens and students must support or defend the question, “Was Athens really a democracy?”. Here is a link to Jake’s and Amanda’s writing with their supporting thoughts on this concept. Below are some travel brochures made by students in the class.
Practicing for the Orchestra Winter Concert:
Below you will see Hana O. playing part of this year’s winter concert song. Each week, the students practice a small section and record themselves playing it, and share it with Mrs. Berls. You will also see the class in their Zoom meeting playing together. Mrs. Berls plays a recording of the song the students are working on and the students play along with Mrs. Berls. Mrs. Berls has been very creative in helping students learn their music. As a reminder, here are the dates for our Virtual Winter Concert this year; more information on how these will be streamed will be forthcoming.
Virtual Band Concert: December 8, 2020
Virtual Chorus and Orchestra: December 15, 2020
Outdoor Classroom:
When driving by Glen Meadow, you may have noticed some work being done in our front yard…Through a grant that art teacher, Mrs. Lisa Hirkaler, received from The NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education, Glen Meadow Middle School is creating an outdoor classroom and sensory garden. This is a multi-class project involving Mrs. Hirkaler’s art students, Mrs. Stigler’s and Mr. DeYoung’s technology classes, Mrs. Bailey’s class, and the ICR classes of Mr. Galante. In addition, VTHS Junior, James Dorsey, from Boy Scout Troop 912, will be completing his Eagle Scout project in our outdoor classroom creating a walkway.
Complimentary Breakfast and Lunch is still available: If you would like to continue having your child(ren) receive a complimentary break and lunch, you will need to complete this form from Sodexo. This program is available for all students regardless of income. Take advantage of this program!
In closing, as we settle into the winter months, we would like to remind you to update your personal information in our Genesis database. It is important for you to be informed of all school matters. As was stated in the November Public Board of Education meeting, if we have inclement weather, many of these days, school will still be held online and designated as a day of school. If we have a storm that disrupts power and internet connection to the homes in Vernon, these days will be designated as an actual snow day. Three snow days have been added to our calendar. If all three snow days are used, our last day of school will be on Friday, June 18, 2021.
As always, let’s keep working together to make sure your child…our students… stay focused, achieve their very best, and stay on the path of excellence!
It is an honor to work with your children…
Rosemary Gebhardt Eric Kosek, Ed. D.
Principal Assistant Principal
VTHS Virtual Learning Plan
Please click the following link for a message from our VTHS admin team
Announcing the Glen Meadow Virtual Variety Show!
Dear Glen Meadow Students and Families:
Please click the link below to view the Glen Meadow Middle School Variety Show; we hope you enjoy the performance!
Glen Meadow Variety Show
GMMS Grading and Schedule Information and Student Project Highlights
Dear Glen Meadow Families:
Marking period 2 has just begun. Parents and guardians can view grades for marking period 1 on November 18th. Students in marking period long specials will transition into new courses on Monday, November 16th. If you are in need of assistance accessing your child’s grades, please contact the Glen Meadow main office. Many students have asked about our Honor Roll program, and YES, we will be issuing Honor Roll certificates. If your child is a fully remote learner, his or her certificate will be mailed home.
Below is our schedule for the next few weeks. Please keep in mind that we have three different schedules that we are using depending on the day, two different virtual schedules, and the early dismissal schedule. Please reference the Glen Meadow Schedules tab on the VTSD website to see all schedules. Information on schedules can be found below as well. Many of our classes will be taught synchronously (live). The information below explains what to expect during live online instruction. Please note our Superintendent of Schools, Ms. D’Avino has only provided a schedule up until Friday, December 4th. It is very important that you look for our Friday School Messenger emails with district and building up-to-date information. We are aware that you receive many school emails, but this is one not to miss! Click on the colorized calendar below, it will enlarge and will be easier to read.
Here is our schedule for Wednesday, November 18, 2020:
|
Wednesday 11-18-20 |
|
| Period 1: | 9:00 – 9:20 |
| Period 2: | 9:25 – 9:45 |
| Period 3: | 9:50 – 10:10 |
| Period 4: | 10:15 – 10:35 |
| Period 5: | 10:40 – 11:00 |
| Period 6: | 11:05 – 11:25 |
| Period 7: | 11:30 – 11:50 |
| Period 8: | 11:55 – 12:15 |
| Period 9: | 12:20 – 12:40 |
| Office Time: | 12:40 – 1:00 |
Here is our schedule for the week of November 30-December 4, 2020:
| Student Log In | 9:00 |
| Period 1 | 9:00 – 9:31 |
| Period 2 | 9:33-10:04 |
| Period 3 | 10:06-10:37 |
| Period 4 | 10:39-11:10 |
| Period 5 | 11:12-11:43 |
| Period 6 | 11:45-12:16 |
| Period 7 | 12:18-12:49 |
| Period 8 | 12:51-1:22 |
| Period 9 | 1:24-2:00 |
What to Expect During Live Zoom Meetings on Synchronous Days:
When your child is in synchronous (live) lessons, you can expect the teacher to be (but not limited to):
- Teaching a 10 to 15-minute mini-lesson,
- Reviewing a concept,
- Conducting a class conversation on a topic,
- Having a student explain an answer, etc.,
- Providing a demonstration (science experiment, for example),
- Allowing time for the student to work on a skill and then calling the students back into the class to assist one-on-one or by whole group,
For our students, here are some requests and reminders from your teachers:
- Attendance is required,
- Check Schoology for correspondence and daily expectations,
- Come to class on time while participating in a live Zoom or Schoology Conference and remain in one location; clocks times vary, please login a few minutes prior to the class starting time.
- Please dress as you would for school,
- Participate from a quiet place in your home,
- Please keep your camera on unless instructed otherwise by your teacher,
- Be respectful,
- Anything visible in the background of your video must be school appropriate.
For our parents and guardians, here are some requests from Glen Meadow, please:
- Set clear expectations and routines for your child’s remote learning days.
- Partner with your child’s teacher and reach out should any challenges arise.
- Refrain from joining your child’s live classes or be visible on your child’s screens during classes.
- Encourage your child to communicate with teachers when your child has questions or concerns
The Glen Meadow Variety Show will be shown online this year on Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 pm. The link will be on the main page of the VTSD website. Mr. Manis and Mr. Petonak have been working with very talented students that are performing and helping to produce this year’s show using WeVideo a new online movie-making tool that all GMMS students have account access to create all kinds of projects. This is a MUST SEE show! Below are our hosts Gavin Neukum and Kaitlyn Bohmer, alongside comedian Cody Jacobs who have been looking VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE for the 2020-2021 Variety Show. Stay Virtually Tuned…
Glen Meadow Spirit Wear is available for sale online thanks to our SCA parent volunteers. Check out this link to purchase a variety of long and short sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, face coverings, and more. There are special shirts specifically created for our 8th graders that have every student’s name listed on the shirt. What a great keepsake that would make a wonderful Hanukkah or Christmas gift! Here is the link to view the choices of apparel.
Here are some activities taking place in our classrooms at Glen Meadow…
7th Grade Science News…
Mr. Sorensen’s 7th Grade Biology classes have been working through the Ecology Units and focusing on energy flow with food chains and food webs. Recently, students dissected owl pellets in class to see what they could find in the owl’s diet, identify predator/ prey relationships, and draw conclusions about how the owl’s digestive system works. Below is a picture of students dissecting the owl pellets.
7th and 8th Grade Social Studies News…
Mrs. Czifra, Ms. Sisco, and Mr. Mickens’ (Mrs. Czifra’s student teacher) 8th-grade students have been hard at work this first marking period learning about the Geography, Politics/Government, Religion, and Achievements of Ancient Greece. The students had the choice to create a Newsletter, an Advertisement, or an Interview about their favorite God/Goddess of Ancient Greece. Below are some fantastic projects that you will enjoy. Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them and see the details of each student’s work.
Mrs. Czifra, Mrs. Frawley, and Mr. Mickens’ 7th-grade students have been hard at work this first marking period learning about Ancient Civilizations: Archaeology, Early Humans, and how the Old Stone Age, Nomadic Hunter-Gatherers transitioned to Farming & created permanent settlements during the New Stone Age. The students created some fantastic projects that you will enjoy…Comic Strips, Advertisements, and Fictional Stories.
Comic Strips by Kaitlyn Berberich, True DiGuiseppe, Juliana Lapine and Brooklyn Gargano
The Annual VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest: Students have recently submitted their essays to the annual VFW essay contest. This year’s theme is “What is Patriotism to Me? Below are some sample essays by our 6th-grade students in Ms. Cleary’s class. Enjoy reading what patriotism looks like through the eyes of 11 and 12-year-old students.
Wishing you a great Thanksgiving with your family!
Rosemary Gebhardt Eric Kosek
Principal Assistant Principal
November Message from the VTHS Admin Team
Principal’s Blog
It’s hard to believe that we are moving into November and the close of the first marking period. As daylight savings time ends, we are quickly reminded of the changes coming our way. With our first snow of the season and most trees losing their leaves, we are beginning to realize that the winter season will soon be upon us. That being said I would like to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining up to date contact information in our emergency contact system. This system will again be the main source of information regarding early dismissals, delayed openings, and school closings during the school year.
Due to Election Day, the weekly district virtual day will be moved to Tuesday November 3rd. The Blue Cohort will attend school on Monday, November 2nd and the Gold Cohort on Wednesday, November 4th. Please keep in mind that school will be closed for both virtual and hybrid students on Thursday and Friday; November 5th and 6th for the NJEA Convention.
This year our Book Fair has gone virtual and will be held from November 5th through the 18th.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday. (district closed November 26rd and 27th).
Dr. Stumper
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, November 11th – 1st marking period ends
Friday, November 13th – RHPS SCA fundraiser at Tomato Garden, dine-in or takeout
Monday, November 16th – START BLUE & GOLD combined/early dismissal
Wednesday, November 18th – ALL STUDENTS VIRTUAL
Principal’s Blog
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Below is a poem written by Albert Rios,
I thought might be of interest to you this Thanksgiving season.
The poem “When Giving Is All We Have” is a poem of thanks to those who live lives of service, which, according to Rios, includes all of us – from the large measure to the smallest gesture, from care-giving to volunteerism to being an audience member or reader. As Rios explains, “we all give for so many reasons, and are bettered by it.”
On behalf of the faculty and staff at Lounsberry Hollow School, my best wishes to you and your families for a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoyable and rewarding month of November!
Sincerely,
Dennis J. Mudrick
Principal
