Tuesday, December 15, 2015

WHS Staff News - Week of 12/14/15


Final full week of school in 2015 and probably my last Source post for the year. Unbelievable!  Mr. Clancy and I have put together something to say thank you, as well as a reminder to each of you that #YouMatter and WHS is lucky to have you!  Check your mailboxes later today or you might even get a special delivery! 

 WHS Staff News Last week we had our Winter Concert and a big congratulations goes out to Mrs. Montella and Ms. Thoman for putting together a tremendous show.  Your students sounded great!! 
Winter Concert Highlights  (Blog Post)

 Thanks to Ms. Hummel and all of the teachers who participated in the Hour of Code last week.  I encourage everyone to keep creating and trying to find ways to bring coding and other aspects of computer science into your classes.  
Hour Code Summary 2015  

Thank you to Mr. Opderbeck for organizing another great Dessert Wars!  A great event that everyone always enjoys.  It doesn't happen without participation of the staff, so thank you to all of the bakers and dessert creators for some awesome treats.  

 Info on Schedule (Same info as yesterday)
Schedule Presentation (Slides)
Schedule Info (Video)
Tuesday and Wednesday I will be in the Media Center after school to answer any questions.  

 AESOP
Four months into AESOP and things have been going very well.  One item that has caused a little confusion is "Personal Day" requests.  Please submit personal days as early as possible. Because the way things are setup in AESOP, your request does not go out to the substitutes until both Dr. Casarico and I approve it.  If you do have an emergency or something comes up, please use the "Emergency Personal Day" which goes out to the substitutes immediately.  

 PD Opportunity
Level 2 GAFE Boot-Camp (January 20 & 21 4:30 - 7:30pm in Wyckoff )
Did you know Google offers certifications? Do you want to be Google Certified?  
If you ever thought about getting Google Certified, the Level 1 test is very basic.  I believe a large number of teachers have the skills to pass it right now.   Level 2 is a little more advanced but this boot-camp will prepare you for the online exam.  You don't need to have the Level 1 Certification to take this PD session.   Please let me know right away if you would be interested in attending.  I will take care of the paperwork.  Depending upon the interest, we can get a group rate.  

 Important Dates 
12/17 Glen Rock HS Visit (1-1 Learning Environment)
12/21 Club Pictures (Schedule was posted to your calendar) 
12/23 Spirit Rally 11:30 - 12:36
12/23 Holiday Gathering $6 (If interested please see Kerry or Terais) 

 Twitter Highlights

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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

WHS News 12/7/15



The weather isn't acting like it's December 8, but lets enjoy it while we have it!  

 Congratulations to Jaime Ruch on her wedding this past Sunday.  I finally get to officially welcome Aaron to the #WarrorNation family! 

 Welcome Edna Brophy to WHS!  Mrs. Brophy will be taking over the role of bookkeeper as Marci assumes the role of secretary to Mr. Meyers.   Please stop by and say hello and welcome her to #WarriorNation!  

 This week is the official "The Hour of Code".  Erin Hummel has done a great job organizing events and activities for the week.  The Science teachers will be incorporating Coding into one of their lessons this week.   Each day Erin will email a Smore with the plans/resources for the day.   Day 1 of Learning Code @ WHS/WMS 

Emergency Drills
Yesterday's evacuation drill went well.  Thank you for your cooperation.  As a reminder, please keep all learning room doors locked during the school day and use the magnetic strip. This recommendation came directly from the local police as well as NJDOE safety workshops that the administration has attended.  Safety first, convenience second!   If you need a magnetic strip, please see Mr. Clancy.

Recent Blog Posts
Congratulations Anthony Tutsche (County Band) 
November Students of the Month  
Graduation Requirement (Updated)

 Looking Ahead 
Tuesday 12/8 - Winter Concert 
Friday 12/18 - Club Pictures in the Little Theater (Schedule will be posted on your calendar later this week) 
Wednesday 12/23 - Spirit Rally 

 **On Thursday, December 17, a few teachers and administrators from Glen Rock HS will be visiting WHS to see our 1-1 Learning Environment in action.  If you are interested in having a teacher or administrator visit your class, please fill out this form Glen Rock Visit (Form). They will be here at 9am and will be staying until lunch time.  
WEF Chocolate Tasting Party
The Waldwick Education Foundation is hosting a Chocolate Tasting Party on Monday, December 14, at 7:00 PM at the Waldwick High School Cafeteria.  Sample items from Dove Chocolate Discoveries, admission $2.  Items include brownies, chocolate covered almonds & cranberries & pecans, caramels, baking sets, chocolate sauce, bbq sauce, cocoa rub, chai tea, chocolate martinis & more.  Items ordered that night will be delivered by Christmas.  Gifts start at $12.  Please RSVP WaldwickWEF@aol.com (to reserve chocolate).  All funds raised by the Waldwick Education Foundation benefit educational programs at Waldwick Public Schools.  
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

WHS Staff News 11/30/15


As we transition into the month of December, we begin our third month in the 1-1 Learning Environment.  One area I would like everyone to think about this month is their "Positioning in the Learning Room" during class time.  Are you sitting, standing in the same spot and not walking around the room?  Are you interacting with students?  Are you monitoring what students are doing on their Chromebooks when you are giving direct instruction or when you have assigned them group or individual work?  Find time (Wednesday's staff meeting is time on your own) to self-reflect, talk with colleagues and think about your style.  Is it best for student learning in our new 1-1 learning environment?   There is time to sit, walk, interact, jump up and down, stand and listen during all good lessons; but, I ask you, is what you are doing engaging your students in the learning?  

Fashion Club Coat Drive (Twitter Account https://twitter.com/whsfashionclub_)
The WHS Fashion Club is sponsoring a coat drive now through December 9.   In addition to the coat drive, this year the Fashion Club is utilizing Kalyn Rodriguez's blog, What Inspires You to get their message out about style and fashion at WHS.  I am very proud of this group. Special thanks to Ms. Ralston for giving these students guidance when needed.   

GEM Club (Twitter Account https://twitter.com/WHS_GEM )
A new club at WHS is making their voice heard for Gender Equality.  Last week the group brought attention to a movement prompted by Mrs. Obama #62MillionGirls which brings awareness to the issue that girls do not having access to education world wide.  Three key members of this group are Amelia Apgar, Bryan Fotino and  Sedona Hamilton, who are doing great things.  Thank you to Mrs. Orlak for supporting and advising the group!
Last call for Secret Santa 
Remember the drawing for Secret Santa will be held immediately after school today.
Please be aware you don't need to spend anything!  Homemade crafts and goodies are greatly appreciated.  Our goal is simply to spread some holiday cheer!!!

Hope to see you at 3:05 in central office!

 Warrior Gear Sale 
Last day to turn in your order form.  

 Looking Ahead 
On Thursday, December 17, a few teachers and administrators from Glen Rock HS will be visiting WHS to see our 1-1 Learning Environment in action. If you are interested in having a teacher or administrator visit your class, please fill out this form Glen Rock Visit (Form). They will be here at 9am and will be staying untill lunch time.  

Thursday 12/3 Varsity Dinner 6pm
Tuesday 12/8 Winter Concert 7pm
Wednesday 12/23 Minimum Day

 Good Reads
The Relentless Pursuit of What Is Possible via George Couros
8 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER EDUCATOR EVERY DAY via Cool Cat Teaceher

 #WaldwickGAFE Resources 
78 Google Apps Video Tutorials via Richard Byrne (Free Technology for Teachers)
Top 10 Google Classroom Best Practices For eLearning Professionals via Christopher Pappas



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Monday, November 16, 2015

WHS Staff News 11-16-15


The word or hashtag Ownit has become part of Waldwick High School.  Recently a parent brought to my attention that when you search #Ownit on social media you don't always get appropriate results. No one owns hashtags or has exclusive rights to use them but we don't want people thinking Ownit only applies to WHS.  With that said, this weekend I started using #OwnitWHS to represent Waldwick High School and keep our message going.  Sure, anyone can use this new hashtag for something other than WHS related posts, but the goal is to have one specific hashtag that represents what WHS is all about.  We all need to tell our story and share all of the positives and great things going at Waldwick High School.  For those that tweet, please start using #OwnitWHS in your tweets to get the message out and help bring attention to the new hashtag.

If you have not had a chance to give your input on the schedule, please take a few minutes today or tomorrow.
Feedback Form on Schedule

Character Ed - If you see or hear something positive, take a minute and recognize them.  Students or staff.
WHS Positive Referral (#OwnitWHS)

No Homework
The district again will be shutting down homework for the Thanksgiving and Holiday breaks.  A letter will be going out to the parents from Dr. Casarico; however, I wanted to give everyone advanced notice.

Important Dates
11/19 8th Grade Open House
11/20 9th Grade assembly (10:00 - 11:00) Bergen County Prosecutors Substance Abuse Awareness
11/25 Minimum Day

Video Worth Watching 


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Sunday, October 18, 2015

WHS Staff News 10/19/15


Three weeks ago today we handed out Chromebooks.  Can you believe it has only been fifteen days with Chromebooks?  What did we do without them? I could not be more proud of what I have seen us do in such a short amount of time.  Everyone is learning new things, getting ideas from colleagues on different ways the technology can be used to enhance the learning.  I love what I see, could not be more proud and to be honest, I never doubted what this staff could do.  Our staff is amazing! 

 Spirit Week 10/19 - 10/23
Monday - Pajama Day 
Tuesday - Disney Day
Wednesday - America Day
Thursday - Color Day (Staff Navy)
Freshmen (Green), Sophomores (Pink), Juniors (White), Seniors (Black)
Friday - Warrior Day 

**This Thursday we will have a Pep Rally period 9.  Classes will be called down from 8th period.  We will not move to period 9.  

 Google Classroom 
In talking with teachers and students it seems like Google Classroom has been a big hit! Please keep sharing with others how you are using it.  Brian Browne put together a very detailed step by step guide on how to get your Google Classroom Calendar onto your Oncourse website.  Thanks Brian!! 
How to Embed a Google Classroom Calendar to an OnCourse Web Page

 From The GoogleGooru
Everything you Need to Know In Google Classroom (Part 1)
Everything you Need to Know In Google Classroom (Part 2)

Recent Blog Posts for the WHS Principal's Blog 
Character = #Ownit @ WHS
WHS September Students of the Month 

Good Reads
What's better than this!! Welcome Violet Elizabeth to #WarriorNation 
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Monday, October 5, 2015

WHS Staff News -10/5


I am sure glad that's over! 446 Chromebooks distributed in four days. Let the fun begin! 

Week of Respect 
This week WHS will take part in New Jersey's Week of Respect.  We have something going on each day, as well as something special going on behind the scenes for the entire week.  Next week I will share with you what Ms. Hused, Mrs. Fortini and I put together, along with the help of a great group of students.   Week of Respect 10/5 - 10/9

 Upcoming PD (10/7 & 10/14)
This Wednesday we have a scheduled Learning and Collaboration Time and next week we have a minimum day for PD.  Please take advantage of the time on Wednesday to create, play, explore something you are using or plan on using in your learning room.  You can do a lot in 45 minutes when you focus on a task.  Plan what you want to work on.
On Wednesday, 10/14, there will also be a lot of time for you to drive your own learning.  Supervisors will be sharing their department topics/goals later this week.

PSAT schedule
Next Wednesday (10/14) we will be administering the PSAT during the school day.  In the past we have run the PSAT's on Saturday, but this year the CollegeBoard mandated that the test be given on a Wednesday.  Since Wednesday is a minimum day, we will not be running a delayed opening or modified schedule.  Testing will take place in the cafeteria periods 1 through 5-6.  The rest of the building will run on a minimum day schedule.  We have 180 sophomores and juniors signed up to take the test.  Sophomore and junior level courses will be light on the day of testing.  
  • All student will report to Homeroom;
  • All Study Halls will be moved to the Little Theater;
  • No bells for the day;
  • Testing will take place in the cafeteria.  Students with extended time will test in the Greenberg Center;
  • Academic support will still meet in Room 417.  Please use the hallway door to enter;
  • Science labs will not run on Wednesday, October 14; and,
  • All PE classes will meet in the Gym.
Mr. Hagen will be coordinating the testing schedule and the distribution of testing materials. Staff that will help proctor: 
Period 1 Gastman/Fortini/Wizemann
Period 2 Lazzaro/Kish
Period 3 Freeman/Osborn
Period 4 McCann/Dittamo/Cosgrove
Period 5 -6 Gastman/Fortini/Marzullo

Staff News 
Congratulations are in order for Penny Gastman.  On Friday Penny earned her 200th win as the WHS Volleyball coach!  Amazing accomplishment by not only a great coach, but an even better person.  
H.S. girls volleyball: Waldwick's Penny Gastman earns her 200th career win

Recent Blog Posts 

Chromebook are ALL out @ WHS


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Monday, September 14, 2015

WHS Staff News - 9/14/15


Language Arts and Social Studies teachers are working with Heather Rocco today in the Media Center preparing for the 1-1 Learning at WHS.  Science and Math will be working with Philip Vinogradov next week.  We are always learning!

Just as a reminder, here are the guidelines for getting assignments posted in your Gradebook.
Timeline for posting assignments

Over the past week I have been tweeting motivational/thought provoking quotes each morning.  I would love to tweet out staff members favorite quotes.   If you would like to share, please email a quote that keeps you focused, motivates you or one that has special meaning.

Important Dates
9/16 - Learning and Collaborating Time
9/17 - Picture Day
9/23 - No School
9/24 - Back to School Night


Recent Blog Posts


Great start to the Fall Season



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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

WHS Staff News - Week of 9/8/15


Lets make it a great week! Hopefully today and tomorrow will be the last blast of summer heat and we can look forward to some Fall-like weather. Sports teams are kicking off their season this week.  All athletic schedules can be found on the Rschool website.   If you have the time, stop by a game or two and support out student-athletes.

At this point, all students should have access to their GAFE account.  As a reminder, Gmail is disabled for students until we distribute the Chromebooks.  If a student has any issues with their Login or Password, you can send them to me.  

Grade Level Meetings will happen this week.   Please take attendance then walk your class to the Little Theater.  If you have a split class, then just send the students for that grade level after attendance is taken.  Teachers are more than welcome to stay, but feel free to use the time for yourself.  I would encourage new staff to sit in on at least one of the meetings.  

Seniors - Tuesday, Period 2
Freshmen - Tuesday, Period 9
Sophomores - Wednesday, Period 2
Juniors - Wednesday, Period 4

You can expect an emergency drill sometime this week, so please be sure you have reviewed fire drill, lockdown, and evacuation procedures with all of your classes.  Double check that you have a key for all of the rooms you are assigned to.  If you are missing a key, Mrs. Doheny has extra keys to hand out.  For the safety of everyone, please keep all classroom doors locked and use the magnetic strip to allow students to come and go.  

 To be Completed


Everyone needs to find time to review IEP's and 504 plans for their students.  Check your email for the links to the sign-off forms.  

Safe Schools
Please complete all courses by 9/18.  Safe Schools Training
District Policies

In accordance with policy and statute, you are required to read and sign-off on the policies that are contained in the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/policies-regs
Once you have read and reviewed all listed policies, click on the link at the bottom of the page and complete the form to confirm your acknowledgment by Friday,  September 4.  Please get this done today if you have not submitted the form.

Professional Development 
Found a great Slide presentation about Google Classroom by Geri Feiock
Intro to Google Classroom  on Twitter.  The slide show contains a step-by-step guide with screens shots on all things Google Classroom.  

I created a Google Classroom for WHS.  You can join my class by using the Code: y2g6sl


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Friday, August 21, 2015

Welcome Back 2015

image
http://goo.gl/C8K2do
I hope everyone has had a great summer.  As I stated in an email last week, please enjoy your time off and don't stress the upcoming school year.  Instead, spend some time thinking or reflecting on what the 15-16 school will look like in your learning environment and how you want to create a positive experience for your students.   #Ownit

Our focus this year needs to be on the learning environment we provide to every student.  What is the vision.........

WHS 1-1 Learning Environment   

 GOAL: Create opportunities for our students where learning is truly meaningful and powerful for them.
Each student has access to the world through the internet, which will allow teachers to create unique learning opportunities for all students.  The use of Web 2.0 tools will enhance lessons and give students an almost endless array of tools of both creativity and knowledge.

The learning environment does not change because of ………...
Google (GAFE), Chromebooks, textbooks, clickers, smart-boards, etc.,
It changes because the teacher creates an environment that facilitates learning, motivates students and connects with them as individual learners.  
Image Credit: http://goo.gl/AuBfjM
Please take a look at the agenda for the first two days back.  There is time built in for Google PD, subject specific PD and time for personal self-reflection and learning.   Please bring your  (charged) Chromebook on Tuesday.  
Agenda for 9/1 & 9/2

 Chromebook Update (Student Distribution) 
  • Students will not get their Chromebooks until Monday, September 28. 
  • There will be two Parent Information Sessions to answer any questions and explain what the 1-1 Learning Environment is all about (9/16 & 9/24).
  • Students will have their Gmail account for the start of the school year so they will have access to GAFE Apps at home. 
  • I will share more details about the role-out at our meeting on 9/1.
We have six new teachers joining the WHS family this year.  We are very excited to have them join our team and we are confident they will be great additions to our school community.

New Staff
Deana Argo - Business 
Brian Browne - Chemistry 
Taline Royland - Math 
Kirsten Musciano - Physical Education (Leave Replacement)
Elaine Thoman - Music (Leave Replacement) 
Sarah Van Vliet - Art (Leave Replacement)

 Summer Updates 

 The building has never looked better! Could not be more proud of the custodians for what they accomplished this summer.  
  • Painting around the building, hallways cleaned like they have never been before and look great! 
  • Three classrooms received new chairs and tables (138, 139, 501). 
  • The Media Center is transforming into more of a Maker Space environment which Erin is extremely excited about.  The room has been opened up, to allow for some new furniture and space for students and staff to create and learn.  
  • Room 305 has been transformed into a multi-purpose space that has a fully functional kitchen and laundry area which can then be utilized as a career ready educational environment. Mr. Clancy has taken the lead on overseeing the program and will be working closely with Maggie Hart and Frank Clark.
Below are two links you will need to click on and fill out the required information. Each form should take you less than two minutes to fill out.

Registration of Automobile                           Personnel Records

Importation Links/Resources

 Safe Schools  - Reminder: There are 7 courses that need to be completed by 9/18.

WHS Staff Resource Folder
Faculty Manual 
Student Parent Handbook 
*This folder will be used to share school related documents. More documents will be added over the next few days as well as throughout the school year.

 Blog Post from Waldwick High School Principal's Blog
Opening of School Info for Parents/Students 

Important Dates
Back to School Night - September, 24
September Learning and Collaborating Meeting - September 16

 The building is ready so if you want to stop by and do anything in your learning rooms, feel free! 


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Tuesday, August 4, 2015

PD Corner: Google Classroom Resources (#WaldwickGAFE)

This post highlights some of my go to PLN members when it comes to my own learning, with a focus on Google Classroom!

 This is a great podcast via Jeff Bradbury from Teachercast featuring Alice Keeler  on Google Classroom.


Below are 3 links from Alice Keller's Blog related to Google Classroom.  She has over 50 blog posts related to Google Classroom.  Alice is an amazing resource when it comes to all things Google.  She recently co-authored a book 50 Things you can do with Google Classroom.   
I just finished her book and what an easy read, which gave step by steps directions and had great simple ideas to incorporate into your teaching. 

 Collection of posts related to Google Classroom 

 60 Ways Math Teachers can use Google Classroom 

 5 Things You May Not Know About Google Classroom  


Another person that has amazing resources is Brian Seymour, who has a great collection of how to videos on his Youtube Channel. 






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Monday, June 1, 2015

WHS Staff News - 6/1/15


Its all about the news.....current, past and upcoming! 

 The 15-16 SY master schedule is now in the hands of the guidance counselors.  Over the next few weeks they will be finishing the student's schedules so please be patient if students are being called out of class.  
Starting tomorrow, I will ask the supervisors to starting sharing the teaching assignments for next year.  I would say 95 percentage of the schedule is complete, with a few additions/changes that still need to be made.  Rooms have not been finalized yet, so please don't get upset with any of room assignments.  

 I hope you are enjoying and playing around with your new Chromebooks.   On June 16, we will be placing the order for the student Chromebooks.  THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!! Mike Vaccarino recently shared Waldwick's Technology Home Center which has a lot of great resources.  

 Less then three weeks to go and this year is over.  Finish strong, stay positive and fight through the stress that we all are feeling.  Lets finish this year with excitement and energy because the kids deserve it.  #Ownit  
Important Dates

Week of June 1
Wednesday 6/3 1:30 - 3pm Senior Class Assembly in the Little Th.
3:10pm Sharing & Collaborating - We will be meeting briefly.

Thursday 6/4 Prom Night

Week of June 8
Tuesday 6/9 11:20 - 1:30 Spring BBQ / Modified Lunch Schedule (Will post soon)
3 - 4pm Yearbook Signing/Ice Cream Social (Cafeteria)
Wednesday 6/10 11:20 - 1pm Google Classroom (PD Session)
3:10 - 4pm Google Classroom (PD Session)

7pm Senior Awards

Thursday 6/11 7:20am Google Classroom (PD Session)

3:10pm AP Meeting 15-16 SY (Students)
3:30pm Faculty-Student mixed Double Tennis Tournament
6pm PowderPuff

Friday 6/12 *Modified Exam Schedule


*Final Exam Schedule & Modified Schedule for 6/12 - Please start sharing with your students when their exam is for your class


Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs Pepe! A new addition to #WarriorNation   

 Teen Arts Recognition 



AP Art Work 14-15 SY (Blog Posts)

AP Art Work - Melissa Depaola



 Signing Day @ WHS 



Model Congress Event 
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