June 2016

Pequannock Pant her Press A M essage fr om the Super intendent Dear Members of the Pequannock Community, The 2015-2016 school year certainly provided opportunities for our talented students and staff to showcase all that they learned throughout this school year. From elementary science fairs, high school athletics, district wide co-curricular activities, and musical concerts performed by students across all grade levels Pequannock Township clearly exhibited all that is good in education. Special thanks go out to the teachers and support staff for their efforts this year. To state the least, the educators in Pequannock Township Schools are second to none. In addition, I wish to recognize our parents for supporting our schools and community. The relationship between the community and schools remains strong and is one of the reasons for the success resulting in Pequannock Township being named as one of the top towns to live in New Jersey. Finally, our hardworking students deserve praise for the efforts they demonstrated in classroom activities and lessons on a daily basis. This summer the District will undertake several capital improvement projects including: -

Replacing windows at SJG Replacing the roof at North Boulevard Replacing the majority of the roof at the middle school Installing security cameras at the high school Paving the middle school back lot High School SNAPP classroom renovation Installing new courtyard windows at the high school (September-November installation)

I wish everyone a happy and healthy summer spending time with family and friends. Be sure to rest up and come back to school in September for what promises to be an exciting 2016-2017 school year. Go Panthers!

Sincerely,

Inside This Issue: Page 2 - Pequannock Goes Gr een Page 2 - Hoops for Gavin

Brett Charleston Brett Charleston. Superintendent of Schools

Page 3 - Summer Reading Page 5 - PTHS Gr aduates Page 6 - Spor ts Recap

Download the Pequannock App for Apple iOS and Android devices

Pequannock Going Gr een wit h Our Wat er (Not Lit erally) On January 25, 2016 the Board of Education adopted a resolution to approve the participation in the Sustainable Jersey for schools certification program. The purpose of the program is to support schools that ?want to go green? and ?conserve resources? by ?providing the tools, training, and financial incentives to support and reward schools as they pursue sustainability programs?. As a means of reducing our impact on the environment, the school district installed a water filling station at the high school, middle school, and one of the elementary schools. This convenient hydration station not only filters water but it minimizes the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Over the course of one week, the

Hoops f or Gavin PV/ HV Event The school communities of Hillview and PV united in support of a great family and a great cause for the Hoops for Gavin evening event on March 31st. Three of Hillview?s 5th grade students (John, Dan and Brendan) organized the special event to show our unity as a school community, to increase awareness for leukemia and to raise some funds (and fun) in our basketball event. Teams of 5th grade students from Hillview (and a few ringers) and a faculty team competed in several games, and also participated in long-distance shooting competitions. Mr. Hayzler served as the event emcee while members of our community packed the gym and provided the energy. Through the generosity of those who attended and some area businesses, we were able to raise $2,700 and had a great time while doing so! Students from the other elementary schools have also showed tremendous support through cards, bake sales and other community-based events.

water filling station at the high school has helped to eliminate waste from 895 disposable plastic bottles. The district goal is to have all of the buildings outfitted with water filling stations by December 2016.

SJG Spr ing Highlight s: Music, Ar t , Reading and Mor e The students at Stephen J. Gerace School participated in many wonderful activities this spring. During April first grade students sang songs about our environment for their program ?Happy Earth Day!? Third grade students received free tree seedlings to plant and help the environment as part of the NJ Dept. of Forestry Third Grade Tree Team. Students and staff wore blue to celebrate Autism Awareness Day. On National D.E.A.R. Day, April 12, the entire school community stopped and read for a Drop Everything and Read Day event. Second grade students dressed up as their favorite book characters and

presented a Wax Museum to families and friends on April 20th. On Poem in Your Pocket Day in April students shared poems with their classmates and teachers. Finally, on April 26, children?s author Donna Jo Napoli, thanks to our SJG HSA, visited SJG. Our SJG Fifth Grade Band and Choir presented their concert to families on May 18th. Field Day was held on May 19th, and celebrated an exciting day of physical fitness activities. SJG student artists displayed their creations during the SJG Art Show evening event for families and friends.

In June our fifth grade students visited PV School, spent time with peer mentors, and participated in the 5th Grade Recognition Program. New Kindergarten students visited SJG on June 9th during Kindergarten Orientation. Our current kindergarten students sang songs for their families during their concert on June 10th. The entire school enjoyed a Summer Reading Presentation from the children?s librarians from the Pequannock Public Library. We look forward to a safe and happy summer full of reading fun!

Sum m er 's Her e and t he Tim e I s Right t o Read, Read, Read Each year, Pequannock Township School District encourages its students to read over the summer in order to keep them engaged in the learning process. This summer, we?re continuing with the Panther practice of P.R.inT.S. (Pequannock Reads in the Summer) and recommending that students pick up a book and read! El ement ary School s -- The teachers and media specialists at SGJ, Hillview, and North Boulevard have made a list of books they love. That list is available on each school?s website. In addition, the Pequannock Township Public Library?s On your Mark, Get Set? .Read! program encourages children to read by providing free

books for children, creating activities for children to participate and the children have the opportunity to win prizes while reading. PV School -- Pequannock Valley students requires that students in different grades read a particular book. 6th graders will be reading Tangerine, by Edward Bloor. This book examines the theme of prejudice and will be discussed throughout the school year. 7th grade students will read Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. This book?s theme is the Dystopian society, which is functional societies that restrict their citizens physically, mentally, and/ or their citizens physically, mentally, and/ or

emotionally. 8th graders will read The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D Schmidt, which is a coming of age story for teenagers. Please visit the PV website for more information. High School -- The English department at PTHS is offering students the choice of a book to read and enjoy. Students are required to read a book of their choosing. The teachers have compiled a list of suggestions, which is accessible on the website and you can find details about the assignment on the website too.

If you have any questions about the summer reading, please check the school?s website or call the school.

Pequannock Plans f or t he Fut ur e The Strategic Planning process which began in January and was facilitated by New Jersey School Boards Association has been completed. The plan that was created by the Strategic Planning Committee, which was comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members, was presented to the Board of Education by Charlene Peterson, NJSBA representative, at the June 6th Board of Education Meeting. This long range plan is a vision of the issues that the district will face in the next five years. It touched upon many different aspects of the school district but focused on four main goal areas: student programs/ opportunities, finances and funding, parent and community communication, and facilities. The Board of Education began to discuss the plan at their June 13th Board Retreat. At the June 27th Board of Education Meeting, the Board adopted the revised Mission Statement that was the result of the work of the Strategic Planning Council over the last several months.

Sum m er Of f ice Hour s

Beginning on June 27th, the district will begin summer office hours. These hours apply to offices and schools, and will be in effect through August 26th. Monday-Wednesday

7:00-4:30

Thursday

7:00-3:30

Friday

Closed

The district will also be closed on Monday, July 4th. Please contact the main office at any of the buildings with any questions or concerns. Enjoy your summer!

Pequannock FBLA Advances t o Nat ionals Forty-six members of the Pequannock Township High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in the 2016 FBLA State Leadership Conference in Atlantic City. After two days of intense competition, business workshops, and leadership training, Pequannock FBLA brought home a total of 22 awards. Twenty-four FBLA members are advancing to the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia to compete against the best business education students from across the country. Pequannock FBLA has already received several National Awards including ?Outstanding Chapter Award? and the ?Chapter Challenge Award.? Mr.

Elliott Honig, who will accompany the Pequannock contingent, will be recognized on stage as New Jersey?s Outstanding Adviser. Students will compete in topics including Business Calculations, Business Presentation, Parliamentary Procedure, Sales Presentation, and Help Desk. FBLA members will compete against the best and brightest of FBLA in leadership events, and will also share their successes, and learn new ideas about shaping their career future through workshops and exhibits. This four-day conference is considered the pinnacle of the FBLA-PBL experience, one that has helped to forge partnerships with industry leaders to underwrite competitive events and scholarships for students achieving national ranking.

EAGLE SCOUT PROVI DES FACE LI FT TO PV SCHOOL Nicholas Colicchio, a r ising senior at Pequannock Tow nship High School, r ecently achieved the r ank of Eagle Scout. As par t of the pr ocess, it w as necessar y that he com plete a ser vice pr oject for his com m unity. Nick contacted M r. Hayzler and asked if ther e w as anything that he could do to give back to PV School for all they did for him in m iddle school. The fr ont of PV School w as in desper ate need of attention as the shr ubs and plans w er e over gr ow n and som e w er e dying. The tables w er e dilapidated and in need of r epair. Nick took it upon him self to give the fr ont of PV School a face lift so that cur r ent and futur e students could enjoy the beautiful building and landscaping for year s to com e.

Another aspect of the pr oject w as painting new picnic tables that had been pur chased by the Hom e and School Association and installed by the distr ict's m aintenance staff. The tables w er e painted Pequannock Blue by the boy scouts and par ent volunteer s. The tables ar e used by the students dur ing their lunch per iods, pr oviding them w ith a place to eat, socialize and just "hang out." You can also find students ther e befor e and after school studying and r elaxing. The entir e pr oject is a w onder ful addition to PV School and the com m unity! Thanks Nick! Congr atulations!

Nick helped r ip out the old shr ubs and plants and leveled out the ar ea. Thr ough var ious fundr aising effor ts and w or king w ith a local landscaper , Nick w as able to gather over 60 plants/bushes that w er e planted w ith the help of his Boy Scout Tr oop. M ulch w as then added to finish off the landscaping pr oject. It w as a team effor t as students, par ents and M r. Hayzler assisted in planting and m ulching.

PTHS CLASS OF 2016 HEADI NG OFF TO COLLEGE! Artistic Academy Babson College Bergen Community College Berkeley College Clifton Berkeley College Woodland Park Boston University Caldwell University Central Connecticut State University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston Cornell University County College of Morris Delaware Valley University Drew University Drexel University East Carolina University East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus Fordham University - Lincoln

Center / Rose Hill Campus Georgian Court University James Madison University Johnson & Wales University (Providence) Kean University Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Marist College Marymount Manhattan College Merrimack College Messiah College Monmouth University Montclair State University Muhlenberg College Neumann University New Jersey City University New Jersey Institute of Technology Pace University, New York City Pace University, Westchester Campus

Passaic County Community College Pennsylvania State University - All Campuses Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Purchase College State University of New York Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rider University Rowan University Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-Newark Salve Regina University Seton Hall University State University of New York Plattsburgh Stevens Institute of Technology Stockton University Stonehill College SUNY Delhi

The College of New Jersey The Ohio State University United States Naval Academy University of Colorado at Boulder University of Delaware University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of New Hampshire at Durham University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Rhode Island University of South Carolina Villanova University West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University Wilkes University William Paterson University of New Jersey Word of Life Bible Institute

THE PANTHERS W RAP UP AN EXCI TI NG SPRI NG SEASON The 2016 spring athletic season proved to be one of the most memorable in recent memory in Pequannock Township. The hard work of our outstanding student-athletes translated into a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference championship at PTHS, and a Morris County Championship at PV. Basebal l : The 2016 baseball team concluded yet another outstanding season with a 14-7 overall record, including 9-1 in the conference, which resulted in a second straight Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Independence Division championship. In addition, the team advanced all the way to the semi-finals in the extremely competitive Morris County Tournament. The hard work completed during the regular season allowed the team to earn the 5th seed in the North 1 Group 2 State Playoffs, which allowed them to host Pascack Hills. The season was a fitting end to coach Bill Arata?s illustrious career. Coach Arata finished his career with a 292- 113- 2 overall record. Sof t bal l : The 2016 softball team finished the season with a 20-9-1 overall record. One of the 20 wins on the season happened to be Coach Maryann Goodwin?s 400th of her career! This is a feat that only a few in all of the state of New Jersey can say they have accomplished. The 20 win season allowed the girls to lock up the 5th seed in North 1 Group 2, where they advanced to the sectional semi-finals. Individually, seven Lady Panthers were recognized as All-NJAC players. Boys Lacrosse: The 2016 boys lacrosse season was a great example of how hard work truly pays off when faced with adversity. Despite opening the season with 6 straight losses, the boys continued to fight and finished the season winning nine out of their final 14 games, including impressive victories over Roxbury, Madison, Lakeland, and Morristown-Beard. The strength of the Panthers scheduled payed off in the long run, as the team was still fortunate enough to host and win a North 1 Group 1 playoff game over North Warren. Individually, seniors Dan Duffy, Liam Lilienthal, Austin Geissel, and John Tachon enjoyed breaking individual school records for goals, points, saves, and ground balls respectfully. Girl s Lacrosse: The 2016 girls lacrosse team had one of their most successful seasons in recent memory despite playing in the highly competitive Stars and Stripes Division. Impressive victories over Villa Walsh, Morris Catholic, Morris Knolls, Montville and

Madison highlighted the season. Individually, senior Arden Kassaleh broke the school record for points and goals, while also scoring her 200th career point and goal during the season. In addition, 5 girls were named to the All-Conference team. Boys Tennis: Although the team finished with a 2-9 overall record, a relentless work ethic helped the team and individuals gradually improve throughout the season. The team was able to beat rival Boonton twice, and also had individuals advance in the extremely competitive Morris County Tournament. Senior Tim Gitin was recognized as 1st Team All-NJAC, while seniors Ben Lacher and Devin Ren received 2nd Team honors. Track and Fiel d: Mr. Mullins?thirty seventh season of dedication to the PTHS Track and Field program has led to yet another successful finish. The girls finished second to only County Champion Whippany Park in the NJAC-Independence Division, and performed admirably at the County Championships, NJAC Championships, and Sectional Meet. Over the course of the season, numerous school records were broken, and Taylor Carmichael and Jenn McGrogan both qualified to attend the group championships. Seven athletes were also awarded All-NJAC honors for their efforts throughout the season. PV Basebal l : The Pequannock Valley baseball team, led by Coach Kaye and Coach Lindsay, compiled a 6-6 overall record which was good enough for the 4th seed in the Morris County Tournament. The boys hard work throughout the year allowed for signature victories over Valleyview, Memorial, Lincoln Park, and Central. PV Sof t bal l : The Pequannock Valley softball team finished another tremendous season with a 10-4 final record. This impressive regular season allowed the Lady Panthers to earn the 3rd overall seed in the Morris County Tournament, where they advanced to the semi-finals. Impressive victories over Lincoln Park, Parsippany, and West Essex highlighted another successful season in Coach Sica?s career. PV Track: The Pequannock Valley Track and Field program continued it?s impressive run in the Morris County Tournament, as the girls took home 1st place overall! This is the second consecutive Morris County Championship for the track program, coached Mr. Scazafave, Mr. Gennarelli, and Ms. Sarnelli. The girls finished with an 11-1 overall meet record, while the boys finished with 5 wins on the season.

PEQUANNOCK PRI NCI PALS CARRY THE TORCH On June 10th the Pequannock Township Police Department participated in the Annual Torch Run through the Pequannock community. The purpose of the Torch Run is to raise awareness and funds in support of the Special Olympics. The police officers begin their run at the Wayne Electric Store on Route 23 and then run through town. They run by each elementary school, the middle school and Holy Spirit School. The students and staff from each school come out to cheer the officers on as they run. Detective Cichetti, the School Resource Officer for the district, collaborated with the principals of each building to ensure that run went smoothly. In fact ,

for the first time, some of the principals who were able to do so participated in the run. Mr. Hayzler, Mr. Loeffler and Mr. Portas were joined by students from the PV Track Team and carried the torch by each one of their respective schools. "It was exciting to see the students and staff recognizing the officers for their support of us and the community all year long. Watching people stop their cars, come out of their houses and clap for everyone as we ran was a humbling experience," said Mr. Hayzler. "It is events like this one that make the Pequannock community very special."

PV HOUSE I NI TI ATI VE ENCOURAGES TEAM SPI RI T In an effort to build on the success of the first House Initiative at Pequannock Valley School, this year the students and staff at PV selected colleges and universities as the theme for the initiative. All students and staff members were put into groups or ?houses?. Each house had 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as well as members of the administration, faculty, and staff. At the first house meeting in September, groups voted on the college or university that would represent them during the year. Specially assigned house days allowed for the groups to meet and work together on a multitude of projects. Early in the year, the focus was on designing a house cheer, banner and t-shirt in order to build camaraderie among each house. As the year progressed, the houses competed against one another with each project aimed at helping a specific cause important to the Pequannock Valley community. There was a lollipop sale and hot chocolate sale with profits going toward assisting local families, a food drive to benefit the local food bank, soap collection to assist a women?s shelter, and Grains of Hope whose profits allowed for meals to be purchased to help feed families in third world countries. The tradition of field day as the culminating house event continued this year as well. This event

provided each house with an opportunity to display the teamwork and collaboration that were built throughout the year. Students competed in a number of events including an obstacle course, four court volleyball, and Jeopardy in the cafeteria. Although all houses worked extremely hard and displayed positive teamwork, after all points were totaled from all events throughout the year, the winner of this year?s House Initiative was Ohio State. After this final announcement at field day, Mr. Hayzler commended the entire school for its dedication to making Pequannock Valley and the surrounding community a better place. The students of PV are already looking forward to selecting next year?s house theme!

NORTH BOULEVARD CELEBRATES I NAUGURAL FUN RUN To culminate the end of a great year of student participation and fundraising, North Boulevard Elementary School held its first ever ?Boosterthon Fun Run?. Thanks to the ingenuity of some key parents and teachers, their research, networking, and collaborative efforts led to the development of a historical event. Mrs. Zuccala, Mrs. Liccardo and Mrs. Horgan spent many hours working with the North Boulevard parents, staff and administration to inquire about the possibility of this new kind of fundraiser. Despite some initial fears of being able to have something this big fit and run successfully at the school year, their confidence and determination brought us an event that transformed our fundraising. Partnering with the Boosterthon team, we kicked off our efforts with a powerful pep rally. Students left energized and motivated to begin the journey. We held daily team huddles to inspire our students to learn from other students from different countries and cultures. Each day was an exciting learning experience about character, fitness and overcoming challenges. As each day went by, the energy of our students grew with daily classroom incentives, fundraising goals, principal?s challenges, daily character awards, huddle prizes, schoolwide decorations, and much more. All our efforts came together with an amazing culminating Fun Run. It was a beautiful day and students ran as many laps as they could to support the pledges they received as teachers marked them off. Every student from Pre-k to grade 5 participated and we raised over $16,000 which will now allow us to upgrade our playground equipment for the children.

Downloa d the new Pequa nnock School Distr ict App to stay updated on a ll things Pequa nnock. Ava ila ble at Google Play a nd the Apple App Stor e.

PTHS AND PV LEARN ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST The students at Pequannock Township HIgh School and Pequannock Valley School experienced a life changing event as they had the opportunity to meet survivors of the Holocaust during the last several weeks of school. The Holocaust and Genocide students at PTHS had the opportunity of spending time with Marcia Dimetrosky, a faculty member at PTHS, and her mom and dad. Mrs. Dimetrosky's parents are both survivors of the Holocaust and were willing to share experiences and information from their past with the classes. Mrs. Dimetrosky also explained information about her experiences growing up with her parents. The students commented on how much they enjoyed the opportunity and that they were grateful they got to meet Mrs. Dimetrosky's parents. The 7th Grade students at PV School recently completed a World War II cross curricular project in their Language Arts and Social Studies classes. As part of the project one of the students had reached out to a Holocaust survivor. PV was proud to welcome Mr. Gil Lashow to speak with the students. He was a survivor of two concentration camps in France. Mr. Lashow talked about how when he was seven years old his family was taken to a concentration camp where he was separated from his father. He then detailed how his father was able to rescue his family and secure an opportunity to "escape" to America when Gil was just nine years old. Mr. Lashow and his family were able to get on the last boat that was leaving France prior to being transferred to Auschwitz, a concentration camp in Germany. Mr. Lashow also shared his experiences being a part of "The March of the Living" in which survivors of the Holocaust accompanied young adults as they visited landmarks that were once concentration camps in Germany and France. He shared pictures and stories of what occurred. Mr. Lashow's inspiring message to the students was to not be silent. He encouraged them to not be afraid to stand up for people who may not be as strong as them. PV greatly appreciated Mr. Lashow's visit!

A model made by one of the 7th grade students at PV School as part of their World War II project.

Mr. Gil Lashow meeting with the 7th grade students at PV.

Cal endar PEQUANNOCK HONORS RETI REES

Septem ber 14th Back to School Night at PV - 7:00

This year?s twelve retirees leaving Pequannock Township Public Schools have a collective 246 years of service. We wish the retirees well as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Happy retirement! Retirees (years of service in Pequannock)

PTHS -- Mr. William Arata (39) PTHS -- Dr. Fred Dorando (10) PTHS -- Ms. Joanne Egan (20)

Septem ber 15th Back to School Night at PTHS 7:00

Septem ber 20th Back to School Night at SJG, NB and HV - 7:00

October 10th Schools Closed (Colum bus Day)

PTHS -- Ms. Afaf Maarouf (19) PTHS -- Ms. Barbara McCormack (14) PTHS -- Mr. Leonard Smith (36) PTHS -- Mr. Carl Strong (19) PTHS -- Ms. Susan Witten?Sugarman (22) SJG -- Ms. Susan Soroko (20) HV -- Mrs. Rosemary Impelluso (12) PV -- Ms. Ellen Altis ? (19) PV -- Mr. Robert Cerutti (18) Dist rict -- Mr. Peter Hoitsma ? (16)

Pequannock Township Board of Educat ion

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER! Kim Quigl ey, President Dr. Richard Thumann, Vice-President Sam Ciresi James Farrel l Ann Humphrey Maier Dr. Doug Muzzio Thomas Sal erno Robert Singer Vincent Siracusa

Bret t Charl est on Superint endent Rosal ie Winning, Ed.D Assist ant Superint endent of Curricul um and Inst ruct ion Kat hy Becht el Business Administ rat or/ Board Secret ary

Welcom e New St af f ! The Pequannock Tow nship School Distr ict w ould like to w elcom e the new teacher s for the 2016-17 school year. The teacher s new to the distr ict w ill m eet for a thr ee-day induction pr ogr am August 22nd - 24th at Stephen J. Ger ace School. The goal of the Induction Pr ogr am is to facilitate suppor t for new teacher s thr ough activities designed to build r elationships, intr oduce staff to distr ict r esour ces, policies and pr ocedur es and m odel effective instr uction to im pr ove student per for m ance. The pr ogr am w ill be filled w ith m any outstanding activities to pr ovide best pr actice str ategies to im plem ent the distr ict?s cur r iculum .