Clinton Township Newsletter

11 M a r c h 2 0 1 5 Read Across America: At Spruce Run School, we focus upon learning to read and developing a love for reading. The month of March brings a special view on reading in our school as we celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday and our students engage in special reading activities during "Read Across America" week. Classroom doors will be decorated with a Dr. Seuss reading theme, we will have a read-a-thon in school and we will even track our progress reading "across" our student-created America mural in our school. Special Spirit Days during the week of March 2 will celebrate a different Dr. Seuss book each day. LET'S READ! Full Day Kindergarten at Spruce Run School: We are grateful to the Board of Education for approving a full day kindergarten program at Spruce Run School. The Kindergarten Ad Hoc committee, comprised of teachers, parents, board members and administrators, worked diligently over the past year to research and make recommendations regarding a full day kindergarten program. Our kindergarten teachers and principal have worked closely with the New Jersey Department of Education to develop, promote and implement a high quality kindergarten program, and we are very excited to expand our program next year to provide even more opportunities for our kindergarten students! SuR Scho Rd V Scho The fifth annual Relay for Life, held at CTMS in February, was a huge success! The community came together to cele- brate, remember and fight back against cancer! Over $130,000 has been raised so far for the American Cancer Society's search for a cure. Way to go, CTSD! •t To•hip Midd• Scho CTMS Drama Club presents: Into the Woods Junior! Thursday, March 12, 7:00 pm Friday March 13 7:00 pm Saturday March 14, 4:00 pm Into the Woods Junior is a cock-eyed view of everyone's favorite fairy tale characters. When a Baker and his Wife learn they have been cursed with childlessness from the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell. This family-friendly and humorous musical can be seen on Thursday, March 12, 7:00pm, Friday March 13 7:00 pm, and Saturday March 14, 4:00 pm at the Clinton Township Middle School Auditorium. I N O U R S C H O O L S : Read Across America: Happy Day, Give a Cheer, Dr. Seuss is Celebrated Here! Round Valley School decorated their classroom doors with classes focusing on their favorite book or a particular theme. A trivia contest was held throughout the day and the lucky winners received recognition from Dr. Clark. Field Trip: Liberty Science Center: Are you looking for one of the most interactive field trips in our fine State? 4th graders had the opportunity to experience a day packed with science fun! Students were able to enjoy large scale exhibit areas filled hands on activities. Current and favorite exhibits include the 'Touch Tunnel', Skyscraper!, Beyond Rubik's Cube and Eat and Be Eaten. Science Night: Join us for Science Night at Round Valley School on March 25! This is a time spent exploring the application of STEM activities, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as they relate to everyday life! Who knew there was so much science in the art of pitching a baseball or the perfect tennis serve? This will be demonstrated and practiced with gusto! Reptiles and numerous other presentations offer students a look into the exciting world of science! School-Wide Adventure at PMG! PMG has introduced a School-Wide Adventure, Folktales & FairyTales this year! During 2013-14 a group of teachers met to develop a year-long series of exciting activities to help build community and literacy skills. In September the all- school morn- ing meeting showcased teachers performing a readers' theater rendition of "Goldilocks and the Three Bullfrogs" & "Spiderella." Students and teachers dressed up in fairy tale themed outfits for Spirit Day. In continuing with the fairy and folk tale theme, each classroom received a copy of Cin- derella (The Oryx Multicultural Folktale Series). Family Stages, an outside theater group, pro- vided students with an enjoyable performance of "The Book of Bullies", highlighting ways to encourage friendships and stop bullying behav- iors through familiar stories such as Cinderella, The Jungle Book and The Emperor's New Clothes. The School-Wide Adventure team has planned many more exciting activities for the remainder of the school year. The next activity will feature fairy tales from around the world, with the first focus to be on China. PMG is grateful to have the support of the Clinton Township Foundation for Educa- tional Excellence, who awarded the school a grant to support these activities. Walking Smart at PMG! Dawn Napoli and Jennifer Collett received a grant from the Clinton Township Foundation for Educational Excellence for "WalkSmart". WalkSmart is an innovative, web-based walking program that gives students a fun way to increase daily physical activity, both inside and outside the classroom. Students will each receive a pedom- eter, and will log steps toward an activity goal that is established at the start of the program. As stu- dents log their steps, they will learn about math, geography, history, science, health and social studies through the online portion of the grant. Students will receive a walking card and after each step milestone, their card will be punched, providing immediate reinforcement that they are getting close to their goal. This will keep students motivated and create a friendly competition among peers. Along with the students, staff will also receive a pedometer and during the month of February will engage in a step competition. (students vs. teachers) We are very excited to implement this program at Patrick McGa- heran School! Walk Smart! Pa•ick McGah-€ Scho

• Cover