Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S check out our new website: www.ctsdnj.org I N O U R S C H O O L S : Su R Scho In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, the first week of October is classified as the "Week of Respect." While we practice respect throughout the school year, this week focused on what it means to be respectful of yourself, others and the environment at Spruce Run School. Students read stories about respect, and discussed what respect looks like and sounds like in all areas of the school. Students also signed their name on the letters of the word "respect", which is displayed in our school. During our focus on respect, our students also showed their respect for our planet by not using straws on Tuesday, October 18. By participating in the environmental initiative, "One Less Straw" students softened their environmental impact by not using disposable straws. Each day Americans throw away 500 million straws, which has a devastating impact on wildlife. Students at Spruce Run students used this experience to think more about our environment and wildlife. Paick McGah Scho Lenape Native Americans – Third graders at Patrick McGaheran School will be participating in a field trip to Waterloo Village this month. Presentations on the Lenape Native Americans will be made by educators from Winakung Village at Waterloo Village. The presentations will include many hands-on experiences to help students make connections with their knowledge about Lenape. Students will use recreated Lenape tools, such as a mortar and pestle to model grinding corn, and a drill and pump to model starting fires, and more. These activities are designed to promote an understanding of how the Lenape used the world around them to survive, as well as to help students understand the ways in which we are similar to the Lenape. Study Buddy Program Returns to PMG! The Study Buddies program is entering its 7th year at PMG! Study Buddies is a literacy mentoring program designed to build a trusting relationship between an adult and student that uses books to promote reading engagement and motivation. School community members have graciously volunteered one hour of their time each week to join us in our school and read with their student "buddies". Students in the program are excited to see and read with their mentor each week! Clinton Township School District Mission Statement: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment, developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. T h e c l i n T o n T o W n s h i p f o u n d aT i o n f o r e d u c a T i o n a l e x c e l l e n c e Please consider partnering with the Clinton Township Foundation for Educational Excellence by commemorating your child's educational journey with the purchase of a seat! Personalize your inscription in the In Honor of section to make it extra special! To do so, please visit the Foundation's website: www.ctsd.k12.nj.us/foundation-for-educational-excellence and select DONATE NOW. Thank you in advance! We are coming up on that time of year when schedules quickly get filled, many social, family and school events are taking place, and we seem to be constantly running from one activity or family gathering to another. During this busy season, it is important to remember to take time to enjoy our family and friends and especially our children. While it may be more difficult at this time of year, try to carve out a few moments each day to spend with your children. Whether it is reading a book, taking a walk, or having a conversation together, it is important to give to our children our undivided attention every day, if only for a few minutes. As the Superintendent of Schools, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of the district and, admittedly, I sometimes forget why I chose this profession. Last month, I had the opportunity to speak with two students for a project they were doing in a class. While I always enjoy working with and talking to students of all ages and for all reasons, my work with these two students particularly touched me. We had a wonderful conversation and I could tell, even from our short time together, that these two students had talent, personality and a desire to be successful. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Not only were the students a pleasure to speak with, but they reminded me why I chose this profession. It has to be all about our students. While time can be limited and schedules get hectic, remember to take time to spend with those who are most important to you. Whenever I get caught up in the daily activities of running the district, I am going to remember to get out and speak with our students, even if only for a few minutes a day. I encourage you to do the same with your children. In an effort to help with schedules and planning, please note the upcoming early dismissals and school closings: November 7 and 9 Early Dismissal, Parent-Teacher Conferences November 8 Schools Closed for Students, Election Day, Parent-Teacher Conferences November 10-11 Schools Closed, NJEA Convention November 23 Early Dismissal November 24-25 Schools Closed, Thanksgiving Break Thank you, Ga M. Vi Gina M. Villani, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools A L e t t e r f r o m Gina M. Villani, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools Dear Clinton Township Community Members:

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