Excitement filled the air as students and parents gathered around as Michelle Wolleon read “The Gingerbread Baby” by Jan Brett. Not only were the children treated to a story, they also participated in an activity in which they created their own gingerbread masterpiece. Two generations worked side by side, as the participants built sturdy peaked roofs and cozy dormer windows from delectable, edible siding. Gumdrops and candy canes embellished their creations.

Mrs. Butto, mother of Ronald said, “My son and I enjoyed the fantastic one-on –one time together. This was such a wonderful program for the children.

According to Dr. Patricia McGeehan, Superintendent of Schools, parent involvement is rewarding for children and parents. It can have far reaching effects on a child’s future educational success. Students and parents were engaged in hands-on activities that taught math and language arts skills.

At the end of the workshop, students took home their gingerbread houses and a wonderful candy-covered holiday tradition was born.

Currently, we are helping our children prepare for the New Jersey statewide assessments. These assessments are one way to measure a child’s academic achievement. Even though a single test score does not tell you everything, it can reveal important information regarding your child’s strengths and weaknesses. It is important for you to understand your child’s score on these tests. They measure academic performance in the content areas of language arts literacy, mathematics, and science. The results of these assessments are analyzed and used to assist us in planning for our students’ success.

Your involvement plays an important role in planning for our children. You are VIP’s (Very Important Partners) in developing a “Spirit of Excellence” for our students to reach academic success. Thank you for your cooperation in the past and I look forward to your continued support.

The students in Mrs. Jarros’ 5th grade math class are learning about multiplying with decimals. Learning a new skill can be difficult especially when the rules are changed. You must always line up your decimals correctly when adding and subtracting. However, in multiplication you need to count the spaces in order to decide decimal placement. Our Title I students are always up to the challenge, making sure they demonstrate the process used to solve math problems. Keep up the good work!

Bob went to the store. He purchased bananas for $1.30, a bottle of water for $0.75 and a sandwich for $2.25. How much change should he get back from the cashier if he pays with a $5.00 bill?

The fourth grade students at St. Vincent DePaul School engage in math competitions to strengthen their multiplication facts. A class leader holds up a flashcard. The students write the problem and answer it in their math notepads. Title I teacher, Neil Granowitz, assumes the role of Master of Ceremonies. Students scoring over 90% receive a sticker on the scoreboard. Two stickers are awarded for 100% mastery. Ten stickers equal a grand prize.

Where are the Dinosaurs?

That’s easy. They are in Mrs. Bergalowski’s and Mrs. Meyers’ first grade class at John M. Bailey School. The students have been discussing dinosaurs all week focusing on Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. The class created a comparative diagram to show how the two dinosaurs are alike and different. Each student finished his chart by drawing the dinosaurs. In addition, the class was treated to a special book written by world-renowned pop-up artists Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart titled Prehistoric Dinosaurs. The class loved how the dinosaurs jumped off the pages and came to life. Phonics Friday

Students in Mrs. Irizarry’s and Mrs. Bouton’s third grade class look forward to Fridays. Friday is “Fun with Phonics Day” at PG Vroom School. Title I students learn and strengthen phonics skills by playing board games specifically designed for this purpose. Pictured are several Title I students having fun with a game called, “Start, Stop, Step!”

Students are always learning something new at Horace Mann School. The kindergarten children are recognizing letters, sounds of the alphabet, and are learning to write their letters and numbers. First and second graders are strengthening their reading skills, while third grade students are expanding their writing through individual narratives and responding to literature.

Fifth grade students, in a review of measurement and symmetry, will be creating two-dimensional still-life pictures reflecting an understanding of the concept and their creativity.

The object of the game is to identify and spell words with “ST”. Students roll the big, fuzzy dice and make their move up and down the path stopping on a word. If they can read and pronounce the word correctly, they advance further. Watch out! If you make an error, you are sent down the ramp again. The first player to advance to the Stop Sign is the winner.

Phonics is an integral component of the language arts program in third grade. Games such as, “Start, Stop, and Step!” further develop reading and writing fluency.

Each Title I school houses a Parent Resource Center available to parents of Title I students. Resources and supplies can be borrowed for parents to work with their children at home.

The Resource Center is generally located in the library of each school. Parents can contact the Title I teacher in each school to make arrangements to use the materials. The materials are best suited for prekindergarten to grade 4 students.

Helping children work toward success begins with parents becoming a part of their education. Family involvement has a positive impact on a child’s academic performance.

The students in Bailey School’s kindergarten classes focused on sequencing while reading the story The Napping House by Don and Audrey Wood. The classes laughed as each member was tossed from bed. They colored and cut out each character and pasted them in order on the bed inside a picture of the Napping House.

Third grade students at St. Vincent de Paul School practiced their list writing skills this holiday season. Each student contributed one thing for the class Holiday Wish List. Items on the list included I-Pods, cell phones, and dolls. One of the most unique items was a ticket for a cruise that leaves from Bayonne. The most important item on the list was peace.

Title I Times
Editor: Rosalie Moran, Director of Title I
Staff: Judy Czachur, Title I Teacher, M. J. Donohoe and Kristy Martin, Grade 7 Teacher, J. M. Bailey.