Superintendent’s Report May 18, 2022

This report is posted monthly on our district website -
“District: Superintendent’s Updates/Monthly Reports to BOE”: BOE Monthly Reports .

Student and Staff Recognition
This evening, we will be recognizing our middle school students who recently completed the Girls Exploring Engineering program at Fairleigh Dickinson University and our 2021-2022 Governor Educators of the Year. I want to offer my congratulations to all of these students and staff members, and thank them for going above and beyond - whether in their studies or when working with our students.

Family Engagement Workshops
The final in our series of “Family Engagement Workshops “Understanding and Responding Affirmatively to My Child’s Behavior” will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 pm. The Zoom link information will be posted on the district website. Planning for next year’s workshops is already underway.

COVID-19 Update
I want to assure our families that while the number of COVID cases in New Jersey is up over the past two weeks, and the transmission level in Bergen County moved to “High” (Orange) last week, we are not seeing a significant increase in cases in our schools. In fact, over the past two weeks, we have averaged 1 - 3 new cases per school. I also spoke to the acting Teaneck Health Officer and she indicated that mask optional currently remains the practice in Hackensack and all other Bergen County school districts.

Please remember that you can see our latest data by school on our COVID Weekly Trend Report -https://www.teaneckschools.org/COVID-19Resources.aspx     Also, per our established protocols, unless we close a classroom or a school - which has not happened in months - you will not receive a notification from the school or district. We only close a classroom if we have three or more students in one classroom who test positive within the five days of the first positive test.

Student Representatives
I once again welcome our Teaneck High School Student Liaisons to the Board to say a few words to the Board:
Angela Fletcher -Senior Kasai Sanchez - Junior Ronaldo Martin -Sophomore
Reem Abouganba - Freshman

Superintendent’s Report	Page 2

Curriculum & Instruction
●	 On May 21, our fourth grade students will celebrate the end of the Saturday Instrumental Program with a special performance. We hope that you will join us for this musical celebration. CLICK HERE for more information.
●	 The Bergen County Chapter of the Links, Inc. came to Hawthorne Elementary School Friday, May 13, to give recognition to the 35 students who participated in this year’s Social Justice Poster Competition. Our top recipients are:
○	Third place: Haelle Bredy
○	Second place: Amy E. Batista ○	First place: Julia Zhang
●	Social Studies
○	In collaboration with the Teaneck League of Women Voters, the THS Social Studies Department is hosting a Community Case Discussion on Monday, May 23rd from 3:30-5:30 pm in the THS Media Center. The case focuses in on Martin Luther King and the Struggle for Black Voting Rights (1965) and will be lead by THS Social Studies teachers Ms. Nicole Cooper, Ms. Christine Mayers, and Mr. Moldovan using the effective Harvard Case Method Civics Project method of teaching to engage students in history and democracy. The event is open to all students and members of the Teaneck Community. For more information and to register for the event, please CLICK HERE.
○	Between May 9-20, students in Grades 2-11 are taking the Spring 2022 Social Studies Benchmark Assessments in their respective Social Studies classes. The 10-15 minute assessment targets a student’s skill in reading informational text by evaluating sources, developing claims and using evidence.
●	Teaneck Academically Gifted
○	The window for parents / guardians to refer students for the Teaneck Academically Gifted program for the 2022-2023 school year is currently open. The deadline to submit referrals is Friday, June 10, 2022. Parent / Guardian Referral information can be found on the Teaneck Academically Gifted Program page on the district website.
○	There will be a Teaneck Academically Gifted Program Information Night for Elementary and Middle School Communities on Thursday, June 2nd from 7-8pm. The event will be a Zoom Webinar.

Special Services
● Extended School Year Program - Application for the 2022 Extended School Year program (ESY) has been sent to families of students who qualify per their IEP. The ESY program will be in session from Monday, June 27 through Friday, August, 5, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
● Challenger Camp Program - Students attending ESY (grades 1-6) can apply to attend the Teaneck Recreation Department 2022 Challenger Camp free of charge. Challenger Camp is only for students attending ESY. Camp will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Phelps Park (across from Fairleigh Dickinson University) beginning Tuesday, July 5 thru Friday, July 29. During inclement weather or extreme heat, the program will take place indoors at Teaneck High School.

Superintendent’s Report	Page 3

School Counseling Department
●	 May is Mental Health Awareness- Month Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. LET'S WEAR GREEN ON MAY 17. Green symbolizes the continual awareness of mental health to help fight the stigma that is often associated with it. On May 17, let's wear green to show colleagues, students, loved ones, or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health. For a list of helpful mental health resources, click HERE to view the information on the district webpage.
●	High School
○	 Seniors - Scholarship opportunities can be found in the “Senior Guidance Info” Google Classroom and on the Scholarship tab. For more information please see Ms. Dockery in the School Counseling office.
●	Communication -
○	“THS Connections” Newsletter - THS Counseling Department will publish a monthly newsletter to share information with students and families.
○	YouTube Channel- All webinars will be posted for viewing. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDw7prx6aDcxJmeyAo5sgQw)
○	Follow @TeaneckSchoolCounseling on Instagram and Facebook

Communications & Community Relations Family Engagement Workshops
Our last virtual workshop of this school year - “Understanding and Responding Affirmatively to My Child’s Behavior”- will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 pm. During this workshop for elementary and middle school parents, attendees will learn that all behavior is a form of communication. These behaviors can be expressions of frustration, fear, physical pain, and even detachment from a situation where comfort or emotional security is lost. Strategies will be taught so that parents and family members can understand and respond to these behaviors using positive behavior support techniques. For more information, including Zoom login information, go to: Understanding. We hope you will join us!

Camp K Registration Open
Summer camp registration is open but slots are filling up so register soon! This year's camp will run from Monday, June 27 through Friday, August 5. Two, four and six week sessions are available. To register, visit: Summer Camp K Registration.

Special Events
Per the Board Resolution approved on May 12, 2021, Hawthorne School hosted a special ceremony on May 17 to rename its media center in memory of Lois Jean Bono, a teacher who served the Hawthorne community and was beloved by so many. Ms. Bono’s family and colleagues were in attendance.

District Communication Tools
Get Connected with Teaneck Public Schools: Download our Free Mobile App on Apple & Google Stores: Teaneck Public Schools and be sure to "Like Us" on Facebook: Teaneck Public School District
You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Teaneck Public Schools
NEW: Teaneck Public Schools is now on LinkedIn! Follow us there for all of the latest information on employment opportunities and district happenings. And please share our posts with your contacts.

Superintendent’s Report	Page 4

Become a part of The Teaneck Advantage! Go to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teaneck-public-schools

Bryant School
●	On Friday, April 29, Bryant School/TELC closed out Autism Awareness Month by holding an Autism Awareness Walk. Families were encouraged to join our students and staff for a fun and inclusive walk to raise awareness for autism. More details on the event may be found HERE. WE LIT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM AWARENESS!
●	The Bryant School Spring Festival, sponsored by the PTO, took place on Thursday, May 5th. Thank you to Ms. Stephanie Davis, Bryant School PTO President and classroom teacher for coordinating the event. We would also like to thank the parents and Bryant School staff who came out to volunteer their time to ensure the successful event! A fun afternoon was had by all students and families who attended! Click HERE for photos from the Spring Festival.
●	Bryant School/TELC students and staff kicked off the month of May with the first Fun Themed Friday on May 6th by celebrating National Physical Education Week. Students and staff came to school dressed in their workout outfits for a day of fitness fun. For a complete list of our May Fun Themed Fridays, please click HERE.
●	 May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is just as important as physical health and is essential for a person’s overall wellness. Join us by wearing GREEN on Tuesday, May 17 to show our support for Mental Health Awareness Month. Please click HERE for more information and resources.
●	Our students have transitioned to either the Camping Theme or a classroom theme of their choice. They continue to learn, create props and engage in make-believe play within the theme of choice.
●	The full May calendar for Bryant School may be found HERE
●	The May Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found HERE. Please note that menu items may

change during the month. Please check the website link for daily information

●	Teaneck Public Schools is pleased to showcase our Registration and Program Information video. Please take a moment to watch the PRESCHOOL VIDEO providing information on Teaneck Public School’s Preschool Program.
●     SAVE THE DATE! The moving up ceremonies for our PREK 4 classes will take place on June 9. Individual class celebrations will occur for all Pre-k 4 classrooms. Please stay tuned for more
information.
●	The PTO School Store Fundraiser will remain in effect until the end of the school year. Fundraising packets were distributed to your children. Please review the packet for detailed information on participation and how our school may earn up to 50% of the profits from the purchases. Thank you in advance for your support.
●	The Bryant School PTO is NOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Click HERE to join us. LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Instagram. Stay connected with all things Bryant School and all things PTO!

Theodora Smiley Lacey School
●	Lacey School PTA celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week by providing breakfast and/or lunch each day for our staff. They also gifted teachers Amazon gift cards. The PTA raised over $950 in donations from parents in honor of this celebratory week.
●	Lacey School had an emergency early dismissal on Friday, May 6 due to a water issue. Parents were notified and understood the urgency by picking up their students in a timely manner. The

Superintendent’s Report	Page 5

water issue was resolved early Saturday morning and school reopened on Monday, May 9th without further issues.
●	Lacey School received 3 boxes of donated snack packs from the Center For Food Action which were distributed to our students.
●	Lacey School is collaborating with the Teaneck High School Community Service Project to receive a donation of over 200 books for our students.
●	Lacey School students have been practicing their moving up ceremony production of The Very Brilliant Kindergartners, based on the books by Eric Carle. Please see the flyer HERE.
●	The Township PTA Council is hosting their Tricky Tray event on May 19th at Temple Emeth.

Hawthorne Elementary School
● Math night with Mathnasium, at Hawthorne School, was a remarkable success. Over 100 participants attended a night filled with fun, math games, and prizes. The Hawthorne PTA did a wonderful job securing the grant for that event and brokering this partnership with Mathnasium. The students continued to discuss the event at school the next day.
● Hawthorne teachers were celebrated and honored during Teacher Appreciation Week for the hard work that they do throughout the year. The PTA made great contributions every day of that celebratory week (the week of May 3rd).
● The week of May 3rd was also National Physical Education Week. Our Physical Education teachers are to be commended for their celebration of the whole child and promotion of health/wellness.
● May 11th was School Nurse Appreciation Day! The Hawthorne School community showed their love and appreciation for Nurse Rita Urevitch. To know Nurse Urevitch is to recognize how much she goes above and beyond to keep our students, staff, and families healthy.
● On May 17th, Hawthorne School hosted a media dedication ceremony, by invitation only. Our media center has been renamed after Lois J Bono, a teacher who served the Hawthorne community and was beloved by so many.
● The NJSLA will be on May 19 through May 25 for our 3rd and 4th graders. Our teachers have been busy preparing our students, spiraling previously taught content based on data analysis and ensuring that our students are exposed to the content which will be on the assessment. A group of our students prepared a Public Service Announcement video, highlighting specific test taking strategies, which was shared with our students. Student voice is so important!
● The PTA Council is hosting their Tricky Tray event on May 19 at Temple Emeth. ● The PTA is wrapping up a book swap on May 20.
● The PTA Healthy Snacks sale will be on May 27.

Lowell Elementary School
●	The Scholastic Book Fair that was held at the end of April, with the help of Lowell’s PTO, Librarian Mrs. Sandvig, and parent volunteers, was a great success. Lowell thanks the staff and families.
●	The week of May 3rd was National Physical Education Week. It was a celebration of the importance of physical education and health education. PE teachers have worked to keep students healthy and active while also helping them cope with stress and anxiety. Each day of the week had a different attire objective

Superintendent’s Report	Page 6

○	Tuesday, May 3 was about emotional health so students wore their comfiest outfit -pajamas!
○	Wednesday, May 4 was about social health. The Lowell family wore some school spirit! ○	Thursday, May 5 was about mental health. Students wore their yoga practice outfits.
○	Friday, May 6 was “dress like a PE teacher” day!
●	The winner of April’s Golden Sneaker Award was the 2nd Grade homeroom of Mr. Bushoven. ●	Thursday, May 5 was the day of the Greg Tang Spring Party as well as the Reading Buddies
Celebration.
●	There were STAR Assessments on May 4th and 5th.
●	There was NJSLA: ELA testing for 3rd and 4th graders on May 17 and May 18. The Math testing will be on May 24 - May 26. Makeup testing for ELA will be on the 19 and 20. Makeup testing for Math will be on May 31 through June 2.
●	The Math and Literature Enrichment (MET/LET) Coaches held a virtual Parent Curriculum Night on Tuesday, May 10. Reading and math foundational skills was the topic of the Meet. The next and final Parent’s Night will be on June 7th at 7 PM. Any parents that missed previous virtual nights can find the presentations HERE
●	Lowell held the National Elementary Honor Society Induction Ceremony this past Monday, May 16. The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) students were selected based on scholarship, responsibility, service and leadership. The NEHS was established to recognize outstanding students in the elementary grades. It is designed to provide age appropriate experiences and relevant lessons for its members. Members engage in activities that introduce leadership skills and values. As well as, activities that include service to their school and community.
●	The 1st graders who completed Foundations I in Fast Forward, and are on or above Foundations II, celebrated their accomplishments with an afternoon outdoors to enjoy structured games on Thursday, May 12.
●	Lowell’s PTO made some announcements in regards to the free 4th Grade yearbooks. Ads were made available to purchase until May 11. The customization of yearbooks was open until the 17.
●	The next and final PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 PM. Nominations for the 2022-2023 Board will be held. If you are interested in joining the PTO Board next year, please attend the meeting. More information on the meeting HERE.
●	Lowell will hold its Field Day on Friday, May 27 with a theme of superheroes.
●	The parent orientation at Thomas Jefferson Middle School will occur on the evening of Wednesday, May 25th at 5 PM.
●	The parent orientation at Benjamin Franklin Middle School will occur on Tuesday, May 31 at 6:30 PM.
●	Lowell celebrated Teacher Appreciation week with a breakfast sponsored by the Lowell PTO and provided by A Bite of Heaven catering, as well as gifts assembled by the main office secretary, Ms. S. Ahearn.
●	 School Nurse Appreciation Day was on May 11. Lowell School thanks Mrs. Ellington for all of her hard work and help. Lowell School and family appreciates all that she does.
●	The second graders have started planting in their garden. There will be a Garden Party celebrating their fruitions in June.

Whittier Elementary School
●
	New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) testing will take place for Grades 3 and 4 from
		
	May 17 through May 23, 2022.

Superintendent’s Report	Page 7

	●	Whittier School’s National Honor Society and TAG Students took a field trip to Ben Franklin
			
		Middle School where BFMS students taught them about biodiversity and how to help our
			
		environ
	ment. The trip was a wonderful experience for all involved.
			
	●	Whittie
	r School’s National Honor Society students took a trip on the RiverKeeper which
			
		consiste
	d of an Eco-Cruise and environmental education activities. The purpose of the trip was
			
		for stud the envi
	ents to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans’ actions and
			
			ronment and how we can protect and preserve the environment.
			
	●	The PTO
	will hold a “Family Game Night” on Wednesday, May 18. Families are invited to join in
	
		a night The PTO Thomas host a f
	of fun with the Whittier School community.
		
	●
		will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 PM.
		
	●
		Jefferson will host a “Walk & Talk” on May 25 at 5:00 PM and Benjamin Franklin will
		
			amily visit on May 31 at 6:30 PM for all current fourth grade students and their families
		
		to learn
	about what to expect in middle school.
		
	●	Field Da
	y for Kindergarten-Grade 2 will be held on Friday, May 27 (Rain Date May 31). Students
		
		will part
	icipate in a variety of outdoor activities
	.
		
	●	The Wh
	ittier School Community celebrated teacher appreciation week May 2 through May 6
			
		with bre
	akfast on May 3, an ice cream truck on May 4 and a food truck on May 5. Thank you t
	o
		
		all our e
	xtraordinary teachers who work so hard to provide our students with an exceptional
				
		learning
	experience.

			
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
		
●
	Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) launched a “Pre-Teacher Appreciation” Activity on April
	
	28 by offering massages to the staff members during the morning in the Teacher’s Dining
		
	Lounge.
		
●	 BFMS officially celebrated “Teacher Appreciation Week” on May 3, 2022. Staff were treated to breakfast in the Teacher’s Dining Lounge. This was sponsored by the Benjamin Franklin Middle School PTO.
●	We honored its School Nurses on May 6, 2022 for Nurse Appreciation Day with a breakfast.
●	 BFMS hosted a Drama/Dance Assembly on Thursday, May 5, 2022 during the day for students and staff. A similar version was performed in the evening of May 5, 2022 at 6pm.
●	 On May 6, students from Mrs. Gorant’s Biodiversity class hosted 4th graders from Whittier Elementary School to introduce the learners to botany, recycling, and also to share info about the importance of butterflies.
●	 On May 6, a NJSLA Prep Rally was held in the school’s auditorium to provide strategies for success on NJSLA. Teachers and students performed skits to encourage learners who were tested. Apart from information about readiness, students were taught breathing techniques, and scenarios that would assist with getting prepared in the morning prior to testing each day.
●	 We began administering the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) on Monday, May 9, 2022 -students will test until May 17 and the school will hold Make-ups on May 18 - May 20.
●	 On May 12, BFMS held its monthly Student of the Month ceremony -honoring learners who exhibited the characteristics of leadership during the month of April. The meeting was held over Google Meet. The Links Incorporated (Bergen County Chapter) presented 10 students with awards for their participation in the 2022 Poster Art Competition.
●	 Teaneck Public Schools will recognize the 2021-2022 Govern Educator of the Year Award recipients from Benjamin Franklin Middle School. This year’s honorees are Teacher of the Year: Jean McVerry and Child Study Team member (Support Service Educator of the Year) -Vanessa Lospalutto.

Superintendent’s Report	Page 8 ●	The school will host its 8th Grade Dance on May 26 at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe.

Thomas Jefferson Middle School
●	 On May 3-May 6, TJMS Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week. The TJ PTA and Administration has planned daily celebrations like Healthy Snack Bar, Blue Moon Lunch, Coffee & Donuts and Ice cream Truck.
●	 On May 5, TJMS hosts 3rd Marking Period Honor Roll Ceremony during each grade level recess.
●	On May 6, Principal's Honors Breakfast was held for 3rd Marking Period scholars.
●	 PTA sponsored Clothing and Shoe Drive from 9am-1pm in the Fycke Lane parking lot on May 7.
●	The PTA meeting was held on May 10 via Zoom. ●	May 12: TJ Spring Concert Day
●	 May 12: TREP$ Marketplace was held in the gymnasium from 4-6pm. This event was open to the public and our 6th grade entrepreneurs greeted guests to sell the products that they created. This amazing event was shared “Live” on the district’s Facebook page and is still there for viewing along with other photos of the students’ outstanding work.
●	May 17: TJ’s Dance & Drama Showcase
●	 May 18: Teaneck Public Schools Board of Education Meeting will recognize our Educators of the Year, Ms. Zoran & Nurse Chan.
●	May 19: PTA Council's Tricky Tray fundraiser at 7pm.
●	 May 19: Progress Reports will be posted on Skyward. TJ Families are encouraged to monitor student’s academic progress.
●	May 20: High Note Festival field trip. All music students will represent TJMS at the event. ●	The week of May 23-May 27 - NJSLA testing week.
●	 May 25: The 4th grade Walk & Talk will be held at 5pm. This is a great opportunity to welcome our families and incoming students.
●	The week of May 31-June 3 - 8th grade finals

Teaneck High School
●	On May 6, faculty and staff clapped out the seniors for their final day in the building before the start of Senior Service on May 9, 2022.
●	We celebrated Teacher Appreciation week with desserts on Tuesday, May 6. Prizes were given out to the staff throughout the week and we ended the week with a PTSO sponsored breakfast.
●	Studio 2B hosted the Annual Mother Daughter Brunch on Saturday, May 7. Studio 2B honored Alexandra Cavallo, Breanne Millett, and Manny Viray.
●	THS Band Concert will be held Thursday, May 19 at 7:00pm in the Helen B. Hill Auditorium. ●	Spring Choral Concert will be held Sunday, May 22 from 4:00 - 5:30 in the Helen B. Hill
Auditorium
●	THS Film Festival will be held Tuesday, May 24 from 5:00 - 9:00 in the Helen B. Hill Auditorium

Human Resource Management

NEW: Teaneck Public Schools is now on LinkedIn! Follow us there for all of the latest information on employment opportunities and district happenings. And please share our posts with your contacts. Become a part of The Teaneck Advantage! Go to: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teaneck-public-schools

Superintendent’s Report	Page 9

We are hiring! Staff Vacancy Updates – see attached document

TEANECK BOARD OF EDUCATION Human Resource Management

Christopher C. Irving, Ed. D. Superintendent

Simone Clark
Executive Assistant, Human Resources & Compliance sclark@teaneckschools.org

VACANCIES as of 05.16.2022

DISTRICT

Certificated: Superintendent of Schools
Elementary English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Middle School English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Instructional Aide/Braillist (Special Services)
Elementary Physical Education Teacher (2) Speech Therapist (Special Services) (3) School Nurse (Special Services)
CST School Psychologist (Special Services) Athletic Director/Supervisor of Physical Education Supervisor of Mathematics

Non-Certificated:
Manager, Human Resources & Compliance Director of Technology
General Mechanic III / Grounds Foreman (O&M) Secretary B, HRM
Executive Assistant, HRM

TEANECK HIGH

Certificated:
Special Education (Mathematics) Teacher (2) Special Education (Science) Teacher (2) Computer Science Teacher
Mathematics Teacher Library Media Specialist Business Teacher
Special Education Teacher, 18-21 Program

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Certificated:
Special Education Teacher Mathematics Teacher/Coach School Counselor

Positions listed in BOLD have been advertised.

Interim positions filled until recommendations are confirmed for permanent appointment: School Business Administrator/Board Secretary.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Certificated: Assistant Principal Grade 6 Teacher
Special Education Language Arts Teacher

LOWELL

Certificated: Grade 1 Teacher
Grade 4 Teacher (2 vacancies) Special Education Teacher

WHITTIER

Certificated:
Special Education Teacher School Nurse