From the Principal’s Desk
February
PARTNERSHIP
Interim reports were distributed on Friday, January 27, 2012. This document is designed to provide insight into your child’s performance levels at this point in the school year. Communication between home and school is a critical element in each child’s education. With that said, we are here to answer questions as well as discuss any concern you may have about your child’s school experience. Thank you once again for entrusting your child to us. Progress reports are scheduled for distribution in early March at our spring conferences. If you have not scheduled an appointment with your child’s teacher, please contact him or her. Also, if you desire to speak with a specialist, please feel free to contact him or her.
Lunch and recess time is the linchpin in our students’ day at school. With that in mind, the goal is to allow our students as much time outside as possible for free play activities. Therefore, we are asking for students to come dressed appropriately for a 25-minute period of outdoor activity when the temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. (This includes the wind chill.) Proper footwear is also essential, as students desire to jump in puddles or walk in the snow.
When the weather prohibits outside recess, we provide inside recess for students prior to their dining period. Thank you to the numerous PTA lunch volunteers who help our students enjoy dining in our cafetorium alongside our lunch monitors. Also, thank you to the PTA for your various donations to our lunch and recess program for our students.
There are many activities planned by our specialists from February to June. Please keep a keen eye on the calendar as we begin with Jump Rope for Heart in February.
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
appreciation
In this season of giving, I desire to present the gift of appreciation to all who give of themselves to enrich others in our school community. We are grateful for your kind words, incredible deeds, and unbelievable surprises. In addition, I would like to thank our awesome PTA for their outstanding work and commitment to supporting our educational endeavors. It is through the efforts of numerous volunteers that Marshall School continues to thrive as a unique educational center.
The faculty and staff at Marshall School continue to do an excellent job of tapping into the imagination and wonder in each student’s mind. The opportunities for exploration are visible in every discipline and students are challenged to reach beyond their previous heights of success. In January you will receive your second interim report. Please review this document carefully and discuss it with your child. Also, we sincerely hope that the opportunity to observe your child in his or her learning environment during American Education Week was insightful. This is a great building block for a conversation with your child about his or her learning experiences in school that I hope you weave into your interim report dialogue.
Students at Marshall School not only met but also exceeded my reading challenge during the week of the Book Fair. As a result, I appeared in a friendly alien costume, the number one choice of the students. This event coincided with the scheduled arrival of the Reading Train in the halls of the school. Every one boarded the Reading Train with a book in tow for five minutes. The Reading Train only visits a few times throughout the year and students love taking a ride in the name of reading.
Numerous studies have shown that students who spend little or no time watching television perform best in school. The time you spend reading with your child will make a great difference in her or his literacy development. With that in mind, please ask your child to read a story to your family during the Winter Break or to write about their activities before returning to school as all of our students continue to work very hard on developing as readers, writers, and thinkers. Enjoy your holidays and a Happy New Year to you all. We look forward to seeing everyone in January 2012.
Character Education Assembly
We held our first school-wide assembly in September. Students were introduced to all eight of our character traits. They also listened intently as Mrs. Joyce, our Anti-Bullying Specialist, discussed harassment, intimidation, and bullying at an age-appropriate level. Then, several students modeled how to board and exit the school bus. We concluded our assembly by completing our first security drill. As a reminder, we are mandated to conduct one fire drill and one security drill each month. Security drills will vary from month to month and several will repeat over the course of the year. Teachers have shared with students that the purpose of each drill is to keep us safe in case of an emergency.
Field Trip Chaperones
Regarding chaperones for fieldtrips, it is important to note that the classroom teacher(s) decide how many chaperones are needed. Each excursion is treated independently and the number of chaperones will often vary. With that said, parents of students who have specific medical needs may be asked to chaperone multiple times. As we cannot disclose the details of any student’s medical condition, I ask that you remain understanding in the event that you are not selected from the pool of available parent volunteers to chaperone an event of your choosing. It is my understanding that the class captains met as a group and are committed to involving parents throughout the course of the school year in a variety of activities.
Sibling Policy
Many inquires have reached my desk regarding our “official” policy on this topic. Parents are invited into the school to support their child’s educational experience. To that end, we desire that our students have the undivided attention of their parent(s) while they are in their school environment. So, the rule of thumb is to not bring siblings to school when you are volunteering as they can often be a distraction in the learning environment. However, there may be opportunities to include siblings in events that do not require the parent’s sole focus on their volunteer task or Marshall student, e.g. the Halloween Parade. If you have any questions, please direct them to your child’s teacher(s). Thank you for partnering with us to make this school year most memorable for your child who attends Marshall School.
Intern Report & Conferences
You will receive the first interim progress report via mail next week. Parental support is a great benefit to each child. With that said, we have an established parent-teacher conference period that will take place in November. If you have not confirmed a scheduled conference time, please contact your child’s teacher(s). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet individually with your child’s teacher(s) and discuss his or her progress to date.
Halloween Parade
The Halloween Parade is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 31th. All participating students are to bring their costumes to school. Your child’s teacher(s) via class captains will notify you about the guidelines for the day that include: learning activities, the classroom celebration, and costume changing guidelines. Costumes may not include weapons of any kind or obscure the vision of any child. We look forward to parading around the perimeter of Marshall School, weather permitting. Please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible if your child will not be participating in the parade or classroom celebration. We will provide an alternate activity for your child during this time period.
Dr. Angelica Allen
Each new school year brings transformation to Marshall School. Changes include many new families and several new staff members. Please help me welcome the following faculty members to Marshall School:
- Ms. Doreen Carone – Kindergarten Teacher,
- Ms. Caitlyn Jackson – Kindergarten Teacher,
- Mrs. Julie White – Kindergarten Teacher,
- Ms. Rebecca Hoffman – First Grade Teacher,
- Mrs. Heather Mittiga – First Grade Teacher,
- Mrs. Janine Guida Poutre – Media Specialist.
Our faculty members have spent many hours preparing to meet and greet both new and returning students. I wish that every school in America were as fortunate as Marshall to have such a high caliber of professionals serving our student population. You will be introduced to all our faculty members at Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
The school year begins on September 6, 2011, at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Just as a healthy breakfast improves a child’s ability to learn, so does arrival to school on time each and every day. The designated drop-off area for students not riding a school bus is Turrell Avenue (school side) and University Court (school side). The school driveway is closed to automobile traffic, except for staff members and school buses. The parking lots in the front and rear of the school are reserved for staff members.
Students will enter daily through the rear doors of the school located on University Court. This area is also referred to as our “blacktop.” Please do not allow your children to remain unsupervised on the “blacktop” before school, as staff is not available for student supervision during this time. Each teacher will greet his or her students at the line up location specified in the welcome letter that you will receive via mail, which includes your child’s teacher assignment.
The primary grades are a magical time in every child’s life, when children make great strides as readers and as thinkers. With your support throughout the year, we will blend our collective efforts to form a strong support system that cultivates success for each and every student at Marshall School.
Angelica Allen, Ed.D.
Principal
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June 2011
A Year of Gratitude
As we near the conclusion of Marshall School’s 88th year, I reflect on the spirit of gratitude that I believe is a cornerstone in our foundation. Appreciating what we have is very important and I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts on this topic. Our community is fortunate to have dynamic teachers passionate about educating students to reach their full potential, children eager to learn, and a strong PTA.
The evolution of our ideas into well orchestrated events at Marshall School yield a unique experience for each student. To that end, every student will participate in The Drum Circle on June 13th and this year there are many exciting surprises. Also, our second grade students will experience a “Clap Out” at their last Marshall School assembly in June and the remaining students will be tapped, becoming stewards for those new learners entering Marshall School during the upcoming school year. With gratitude for the work of our many volunteers who helped to make every school event this year a wonderful experience, I say thank you on behalf of our entire faculty and staff.
Enjoy your summer days while crafting your letter to your child’s new teacher(s) that detail his or her strengths as well as areas needing support. Equally important, please share your expectations for your child’s educational experience so that we may travel together on the same road. For returning families, when you receive my letter in late August identifying the teacher assignment, please add his or her name to your letter and deliver or send it on the first day of school. Please mark the following dates on your calendar:
9/6/11 Open House – Parent Classroom Visitation: 8:45am – 9:00am
9/6/11 First Day Coffee 9:00am – 9:30am
9/15/11 Back-to-School Night (Doors Open @ 6:30pm) 6:45pm – 8:15pm
As I near the completion of my 10th year as the principal of Marshall School I reflect on my purpose for becoming an educator, which is to enrich the lives of children in my charge who I am very humbled to serve. Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
Angelica Allen, Ed.D.
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May 2011
The following is an inspirational message forwarded to me by a parent and I am honored to share such warm thoughts with you each May!
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING
(Written by a former child)
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you discussing a book with a friend, and that’s when I knew I wanted to become a good reader so I could enjoy great books like you did.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,
“Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
Thank you for trusting us with your children on a daily basis. I celebrate your efforts this month as well as acknowledge the efforts of our teaching staff at Marshall School. So, together let us say thank you to our teachers because when they thought we were not looking we saw them touch a heart and change a life. Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week every week!
Angelica Allen
April 2011
Spring has arrived and many school-wide activities are on the horizon at Marshall School. In April, we have the Poetry Festival. In May,we have the Art Show and Field Day combined with All Children Exercise Simultaneously (A.C.E.S.) activities. June will arrive with the beats resounding at our Drum Circle experience. More information will be provided on each event closer to its actual date. We are truly fortunate to have exceptional Specialists –Art, Media, Physical Education, and Music teachers – who are innovative in their respective fields.
Proper conduct during recess and lunch times as well as in the bathrooms ensures the safest environment for all of our students. It is great to have our students outside at recess time on a regular basis enjoying the warmer weather. This midday outlet for our students is very important as they have a chance to strengthen their social skills and demonstrate their understanding of our character traits. However, proper attire is critical as we are witnessing a rise in the number of injuries and accidents due to inappropriate footwear. Sneakers are the recommended footwear as it not only provides support but protects the foot during physical activities in ways that sandals and clogs do not. Thank you for partnering with us to keep your child engaged in safe play during his other recess period.
As a reminder, play dates are not scheduled during school hours. In addition, students attending playdates are expected to follow their normal routes home before attending their scheduled outing. Students are also prohibited from riding an unassigned school bus. This includes students changing from one school bus to another at dismissal time. Please continue to send in notes to your child’s teacher if you prearrange a change in his or herroute home. This keeps the lines of communication open and ensures your child’s departure to your desired site.
Finally, thank you for ensuring that your child arrives to school on time each and every day. Your effort demonstrates to your child the value you place on education. Also, he or she reaps the benefits of socializing with classmates on the black top prior to the start of school, which is another very important part of his or her day. Last, you may expect to hear about Professor Who, our mascot, reappearing on the blacktop before 8:45am to encourage ourstudents to “put on their thinking caps” before they enter school.
Dr. Angelica Allen
March 2011
You will receive your child’s Progress Report on April 1st. Please review this document in great detail and feel free to contact your child’s teacher(s) if you have questions or concerns.
Once again, we are celebrating diversity at Marshall School during the month of March. We will “Mix It Up” during lunch by encouraging all students to swap seats in the cafetorium for the purpose of making new acquaintances. This activity will enhance the social climate of our school and take place approximately three times this month. Furthermore, I encourage you to “Mix It Up” for your child(ren) at play dates. Inviting new people into your child’s life is an opportunity to create new experiences for him or her.
The safety of our students, their families, and our staff remain a constant concern at Marshall School. To this end, please know that the driveways on Marshall Court are not drop-off or pick-up zones for our students. There have been many “near misses” and with your help and adherence to this request, our students may enter and exit through these parking lots without incident. Therefore, advise the person dropping-off as well as picking-up your child to park curbside and not enter either parking lot.
Finally, I encourage you to assist your child in writing a letter to someone at Marshall School using our “Wee Deliver” mail program. He or she may write about a book he or she has read during “Read Across America Week” or about another experience or exciting event.
Dr. Angelica Allen
February 2011
PARTNERSHIP
Safety of our children and consideration of our neighbors is a priority for us all at Marshall School. When visiting Marshall School please adhere to the posted parking signs so we do not block our neighbors driveways. Parking rules around Marshall School are being enforced by the South Orange Police Department, as emergency vehicles must be able to traverse all nearby streets. Therefore, parking on the school side of Marshall Court, where both parking lot entrances are located, is now strictly prohibited.
Furthermore, please avoid using our parking lots throughout the day as school buses receive priority to enter our front parking lot and to ensure emergency vehicles access if needed. If your child is late to school you are asked to park your vehicle and walk your child into the main office to retrieve a late pass to class. Otherwise, please ensure that students who are walkers arrive on time daily. It is imperative for all students to begin their school day on time, which is 8:45am, to ensure optimal success.
Lunch and recess time is the linchpin in our students’ day at school. With that in mind, the goal is to allow our students as much time outside as possible for free play activities. Therefore, we are asking for students to come dressed appropriately for a 25-minute period of outdoor activity when the temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. (This includes the wind chill.) While the number of snowstorms this winter has challenged us in many ways our students enjoy their periodic nature walks in the snow during recess period.
When the weather prohibits outside recess, we provide inside recess for our students prior to their dining period. Thank you to the numerous PTA lunch volunteers who help our students enjoy their lunch in our cafetorium. Also, thank you to the PTA for your various donations to our lunch and recess program for our students.
There are many activities planned by our specialists from February to June. Please keep a keen eye on the calendar as we begin with Jump Rope for Hearts in February.
Stay well,
Dr. Angelica Allen
December 2010 – January 2011
APPRECIATION
In this season of giving, I desire to present to all who give of themselves to enrich the lives of others in our school community the gift of appreciation. We are grateful for your kind words, incredible deeds, and unbelievable surprises. In addition, I would like to thank our awesome PTA for their outstanding work and commitment to establishing and maintaining strong partnerships. It is through the efforts of numerous volunteers that Marshall School continues to thrive as a unique educational center.
The faculty and staff at Marshall School continue to do an excellent job of tapping into the imagination and wonder in each student’s mind. The opportunities for exploration are visible in every discipline and students are challenged to reach beyond their previous heights of success. In January you will receive the first of three progress reports that details your child’s instructional levels as well as work habits. Please review this document carefully and discuss it with your child. Also, we sincerely hope that the opportunity to observe your child in his or her learning environment during American Education Week was insightful. This is a great building block for a conversation with you child about his or her learning experiences in school that I hope you weave into your progress report dialogue.
With many classes reaching the 100% participation mark in TV Turn-Off and the overall student participation number at 87%, it is my belief that we are well on our way to instilling a greater love of reading this year in each student. To that end, the students at Marshall School exceeded my reading challenge during the week of the Book Fair. As a result, I donned a very modest Wonder Woman superhero costume, as it was the number one vote getter out of the three choices. This event was marked with the scheduled arrival of the Reading Train at Marshall School. Every one boarded the reading train that connected its cars in the halls of the school for five minutes with a favorite book in tow. The Reading Train only visits a few times throughout the year and students love taking a ride in the name of reading.
Enjoy your holidays and a Happy New Year to you all. We look forward to seeing everyone in January 2011.
November 2010
Establishing a partnership between home and school is a great benefit to each child. 96% of Marshall School parents attended Parent-Teacher Conferences during the month of October. This is a phenomenal number; however, we are striving for 100% and I look forward to being able to share that benchmark when it is reached in November. The Marshall School PTA continues to do a wonderful job supporting our school district’s goals in a variety of ways with their investment in various school-wide endeavors. For example, the PTA and I have partnered to coordinate the arrival of our school mascot. We were very eager to welcome our school mascot, now named “The Owl,” when she visited last Friday. Students will have an opportunity to meet our mascot at different times throughout the school year.
During the month of October many parent volunteers spent countless hours preparing for family events, including the multiple International Pot Luck Dinners. Thank you for all that you do for Marshall School. Also in October, South Orange’s Bravest visited Marshall School during Fire Prevention Week and showed students many facets of their red fire truck. Scores of our students learned about and some became reacquainted with smoke detectors and their important role in alerting us about possible danger in our midst. Finally, teachers participated in a variety of district professional development experiences on October 25th, as well as during the months of September and October.
We continue to strive for 100% student participation in “TV Turn-Off” this year. To date we have reached the 80% mark and have five classes that have reached our 100% goal with many more classes one student away. If your child has not signed up for “TV Turn-Off,” our Media Specialist, Mrs. Evans, has additional sign-up sheets in the library. If you desire additional information or materials to support your efforts, please visit our school library. Numerous studies have shown that students who spend little or no time watching television perform best in school. The time you spend reading with your child will make a great difference in her or his literacy development. With that in mind, please ask your child to read a story to your family during the Thanksgiving Break or write about their break before returning to school as all of our students continue to work very hard on developing as readers, writers, and thinkers.
A Happy Thanksgiving to all who will celebrate it on Thursday, November 25.
Dr. Angelica Allen
