Student news: Readington school focuses on how everyone fits together in autism program
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, students at Three Bridges School in Readington joined together during April to learn about autism. Preschoolers and Kindergartners colored autism awareness ribbons, while first-graders decorated puzzle pieces to show how “we all fit together."
The school’s second-graders colored paper sneakers to demonstrate that “it’s okay to be different”, and third-graders made hand prints to symbolize how they join hands together for autism. The students learned about famous people who have autism and the amazing achievements they have accomplished.
At a schoolwide celebration on April 4, students and staff dressed in different colors by grade level and assembled outside the building to blow bubbles. The event was aerially photographed from a bucket truck provided by the Raritan Township Fire Department in conjunction with the Three Bridges Fire Department.
Why bubbles?
“Autism can be compared to living inside a bubble,” explained Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Heather Gibbons. “The idea behind blowing bubbles is to burst those bubbles and bring awareness and acceptance to the disorder. By educating others, we can help to develop an environment in our schools and community that promotes tolerance, understanding, acceptance and friendship.”
Albright College
South Plainfield resident Roemello Monroe, a student at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, presented research at the Higher Education Council of Berks County's 18 annual Undergraduate Research & Creativity Conference, held at Penn State Berks on April 22. Monroe presented "Waste Management on Albright's Campus: An analysis using the lens of sustainability."
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Alvernia University
Milford resident Antonina Calcavecchio, a student at Alvernia University in Readington, Pennsylvania, earned the outstanding internship award from the College of Arts and Sciences' and Math department.
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
The Bright Beginnings Learning Center’s (BBLC) “Coding and Robotics Club” is one of seven programs statewide selected to receive an “Innovations in Special Education Award” for “successful, creative efforts” enabling special needs students to achieve their potential.
The Piscataway-based school's “Coding and Robotics Club” entry was one of 57 submissions to the contest, sponsored by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), and the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH).
One of six schools within the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), representatives was recognized at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Westin Forrestal Village in Princeton. Among the dignitaries invited to attend the awards ceremony are Governor Chris Christie, members of the New Jersey State Legislature, the Commissioner of Education, and other state officials, according to NJSBA Executive Director Lawrence S. Feinsod,and ASAH Executive Director Gerard M. Thiers.
“We are pleased with the recognition, and it underscores the support of our Board of Directors regarding our efforts to build the technology capacity of our special needs students,” ESCNJ Superintendent Mark J. Finkelstein said in a news release.
“The Coding and Robotics Club, as well as our robotics curriculum have been particularly engaging to our higher functioning special needs students. The skills they are learning will greatly benefit them in securing future employment,” he added.
The ESCNJ’s special needs coding and robotics curriculum was featured in presentations at the 2016 NJSBA Convention, and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators “Techspo ‘17” conference earlier this year.
Coastal Carolina University
Zachary Zahn of Glen Gardner was inducted into Eta Sigma Delta at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.
Dartmouth College
Basking Ridge resident Nicole Castillo, a senior at Dartmonth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar. Castillo a government and Asian and Middle Eastern studies double major, will spend the next year in Morocco, teaching English.
Delaware Valley Regional High School
Delaware Valley High School had something of a K-12 ambiance on Thursday, April 27, as it observed Bring Your Child to Work Day. Thirty-three children of school employees turned out for a mix of special programs and shadowing Mom or Dad.
“This was our largest turnout ever,” said school social worker Melanie Kiely, who has been organizing Bring Your Child to Work Day for a decade.
The day is beneficial in two ways, she said. “It enhances the parent-child relationship; kids say, ‘Now I get to see what Dad or Mom does when they leave the house.” It also shows students a very human side of their teachers and improves that relationship, too.
And this year it gave 13-year-old Logan del los Santos a chance to hold a cow’s eyeball in his hand – rubber-gloved, of course. Logan was in a dissecting class in Cynthia Ezzard’s room. He was working with Rachael Scarinci, one of many Del Val students who were paired with the visitors that day. Logan is the son of Del Val counselor Susan de los Santos.
Other activities included photography, sculpture, kickball, yoga, and a showing of the movie “Meet the Robinsons” with popcorn and cookies.
After the other kids had gone home, 10-year-old Gavin Sylvester stayed on, helping his dad, custodian Steven Sylvester, get the school squared away for the next day.
Kieley said that the children remember each other from previous years and look forward to the big day. In advance of this year’s Bring Your Child to Work Day, she said three different parents told her that this is their children’s “favorite day of the year.”
Helping coordinate the day was math teacher Britney De Vincentz, who is being groomed to eventually take it over.
Dunellen: Faber School
On April 28, Faber School Celebrated Arbor Day. The day began with The Dunellen Shade Tree Committee educating the students and staff about Arbor Day. The Assemblies were led by Sue Butterworth, Robert Rios and Robert Berg, with special help from Trina Rios.
Arbor day was created in 1872 in Nebraska by, J. Sterling Morton. The first grade did the simple act of planting a Knazan Cherry Tree in honor of Arbor Day. But by planting trees on Arbor day, the students showed a concern for future generations. The planting of the tree shows that someday it will provide wood products, wildlife habitats, erosion control, shelter, and beauty, according to a school news release. This tree is also an inspiration for the children, which they will see every time they go to play outside.
According to Principal Gary Lubisco, Jr. “It is important that our students understand why we need trees and learn how to plant and care for trees. The Dunellen Shade Tree Committee does a great job teaching our students and the entire community about the importance of trees and Arbor Day.”
Elmira College
Somerville resident Campbell Grade, a student at Elmira College in Elmira, New York, was recognized as a Cowles Honor Scholar at the Elmira College academic honors and student recognition celebration this spring.
Emerson College
Andrew Skeels of Bridgewater was chosen for induction into the College's Purple Key leadership society at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts .
Hunterdon County Polytech
Hunterdon County Polytech partnered with the Hunterdon Medical Center Senior Health Coalition to host Caregiver Appreciation Day onApril 22. The goal is to offer caregivers — individuals who often put their own needs second — an opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves.
“Caregiver Day is one of our favorite community service events,” said Elaine DiBenedetto, a Polytech cosmetology teacher, in a news release. “The students are excited to interact with and use their skills on a group of deserving individuals.”
DiBenedetto’s students offered the caregivers and those they care for manicures and paraffin treatments. Gina-Marie Winkler, instructor for the adult aesthetics program, provided tired legs and feet treatments with her students. Additional services administered by Polytech students at no charge included car washes, blood pressure readings and samplings of tasty treats.
In addition to the students from the cosmetology program and adult students from the aesthetics program, students from the nursing, culinary, baking and pastry, adult cosmetology and auto service programs volunteered at the event. Teachers and staff on site included Lauren Genco, Donna Lebelt and Chuck Toye.
Graphic design student Maisa Kimble designed the flyer, invitation, banner and program for the event.
Ithaca College
Ithaca College's student-run newspaper, The Ithacan, has been named the Best College Newspaper in New York State for 2016 by the New York Press Association. The award, the NYPA's top collegiate honor, was announced April 8 at the organization's annual convention at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The paper also won First Place for General Excellence, First Place for Editorials, First Place for Sports Coverage, Second Place for Design, and Third Place for Website.
Mary Ford of Hillsborough is the managing editor for the paper, and she was also awarded Third Place for Feature Story by the association under the individual awards. Rebecca Mehorter of Scotch Plains is the chief copy editor for the paper and Clement Obropta of Hillsborough is a proofreader for the paper.
ALSO: Ryan Ciecwisz of Branchburg was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society at the college.
The following students at the college presented research at the 2017 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR): Matthew Nanna of Califon, Michele Hau of Flemington and Caitlyn Patullo of Frenchtown.
Lycoming College
Conor Chopey, a photography major from Westfield at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, exhibited artwork at the college's art gallery from April 7 to May 13.
Misericordia University
The Department of Social Work at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania, conducted a pinning ceremony for seniors and inducted students into the university’s chapter of the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society during a recent program.
The pinning ceremony honored seniors who will earn their bachelor’s degrees at the university’s 91st commencement ceremony on May 20. Honorees include Amanda Clark of Nanuet, New York; William Faust of Hunlock Creek; Alexandra Goetz of Deptford; Meghan Horbey of Endicott, New York; Tim Kelly of Cedar Knolls; Jillian Krupsha of West Pittston; April Lennon of Dallas; Alicia Lomascolo of Tunkhannock; Emily Ousouljoglou of Bridgewater; Caroline Peters of New Hope, and Katie Smith of Dalton.
Clark, Lennon, Lomascolo and Goetz also were inducted into the Alpha Delta Mu Honor Society, along with junior Olivia Mayorowski, Old Forge.
For more information about the Department of Social Work at Misericordia University, call 570-674-6270 or visit www.misericordia.edu/socialwork.
Mother Seton Regional High School
Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, finished in First Place of all the Catholic high schools in Union County and placed fifth among all Union County high schools in the New Jersey Mathematics League competition.
Mother Seton’s team also captured fifth place among all the Catholic High Schools in the state! Mother Seton’s top participants were seniors Barbara Fiedorowicz and Boran Zhang, both of Edison, Ashley Ann Thomas of Orange and junior Jillian Frost of Rahway.
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
Thirteen Oak Knoll juniors and seniors were recognized for their willingness to pursue academics at the highest level by being inducted into the school’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society Wednesday, April 26.
The students were inducted into the society, which recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence, justice and honor. The students, representing the top 10 percent of their respective classes, were inducted in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts in front of parents, classmates, faculty and staff.
Inducted seniors include Caroline D'Aliso of Morristown; Janelle Drake of Basking Ridge, Margo Ganton of Verona; Grace Johnson of Summit; Carly Pompei of Roselle Park; and Christine Tomasi of Mendham, class of 2017.
Juniors who were inducted include Kaela G. Basmajian of Summit; Elizabeth Denehy of Essex Fells; Madison Dyer of Short Hills; Christina Nguyen of Watchung; Juli Porto of Berkeley Heights; Isabel Sangimino of Chatham; and Antonia Sylva of Summit, class of 2018
Addressing students was Madeleine Colavita class of 2008, associate editor at Hachette Book Group, who said the group of professional women authors and editors she’s been welcomed into remind her of the community of support at Oak Knoll.
“Both communities believe that the future is female and that, by empowering women with choices and opportunity, they can change the world,” Colavita said, encouraging the seniors in particular to seek out independent women like themselves after they depart from Oak Knoll.
Before the students were inducted, Michele Proia, academic dean and Upper School foreign language teacher, reflected on the historic origins of the Cum Laude society and its Latin meaning of “with praise” or “with honors.”
“This unbroken line of academic and linguistic tradition that stretches back over two millennia leads us to today when Oak Knoll acknowledges those students who pursue academics at the highest level not for a grade, not for the glory, not for renown or fame, but out of a genuine love learning,” Proia said.
She praised the students for their commitment to keep alive a tradition of learning and knowledge that extends to the very origins of recorded time.
“Much like the ancient scholars, the students being lauded today have a relentless need to understand, the curiosity to extend themselves, the endless joy of scholarship and they never stop asking the right questions,” she said.
For more information about Oak Knoll, visit www.oakknoll.org or call 908-522-8109.
Quinnipiac University
The following Central Jersey residents at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, were inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International: Janelle Herbert of Hillsborough, Nicole Savas of Ringoes.
State University of New York: Oneonta
Emily McBain of Westfield was featured in SUNY Oneonta's 2017 annual juried student art exhibition. Featured artworks were chosen from an open jury process and works entered by the art faculty.
Susquehanna University
Anthony Santulli of Bridgewater had work published in RiverCraft, an on-campus literary magazine at Susquenhanna University in Selingsgrove, Pennsylvania.
The Pingry School
The Pingry School inducted 14 members of the Class of 2017 into The Cum Laude Society on April 26. Established in 1906 as the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, the country’s oldest collegiate honor society, The Cum Laude Society honors academic excellence and superior scholarship among its 382 member schools. Membership in this prestigious academic organization is limited to 20 percent of the Senior class.
Inductees:Joshua Baum of Short Hills; Henry Biedron of Oldwick; Siyu Cao of Parsippany; Julia Dannenbaum of Summit; William DiGrande of Warren; Zachary Keller of Summit; Ellen Li of Short Hills; Caroline Marone of Summit; Jake Mayer of Scotch Plains; Sarah Moseson of Morristown; Claire O’Mara of Gillette; Parth Patel of Warren; Matthew Peacock of Morristown; Sean Wang of Warren
According to The Cum Laude Society, each chapter may elect students who are enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum and “who have had an honor record up to the time of election and stand in the first fifth of their class. Each Chapter shall determine the method in which an honor record and class standing shall be ascertained…Chapters shall be free to elect members who have demonstrated academic excellence in accordance with the philosophy and policies governing their individual schools.”
However, The Cum Laude Society emphasizes more than academic grades. Instead, it recognizes individuals who — in all areas of their lives — love to learn, share their knowledge with others, and demonstrate scholarship, honor, integrity, and good character. The Society also hopes that all of its members will continue their cooperative and selfless pursuit of knowledge while serving as lifelong examples of The Cum Laude Society motto: Aréte (Excellence), Diké (Justice), Timé (Honor).
Pingry students must meet each of the following criteria to be considered for election: maintain at least an A- grade point average, achieve honor roll status throughout their years in the Upper School, be in good academic standing, and carry a full college preparatory course load. Upper School teachers nominate eligible students. Faculty and student members of the Pingry chapter of The Cum Laude Society review those nominations and vote for new members. To be elected, nominees must receive at least 50 percent of the votes.
The University of Vermont
McKenna Todd of Flemington has been inducted into the University of Vermont chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Warren Township Schools
First-graders gazing at the stars inside a giant inflatable planetarium. Sixth-graders using recycled plastic bottles to conduct experiments on evaporation and condensation. Elementary science fairs with facts, physics and fun.
Across Warren Township Schools, scientific exploration and wonder is alive and well.
“This is a planetarium, a place you go to learn about things in the nighttime sky,” said Mariel O’Brien, an astronomer at Raritan Valley Community College as she prepared to take first-graders at Angelo L. Tomaso School (ALT) into the inflatable dome Starlab on April 26. “Today we’re going to talk about the stars.”
“Science Day” at Woodland School on April 21 found students embracing a Burmese python named Popcorn, feeling the hexagonal prismatic wax cells of a honey bee’s honeycomb, enjoying the physics of skateboarding at an energetic assembly and much more. Like the Starlab at ALT, Woodland’s Science Day was organized by school PTO members.
A month earlier, on March 10, 60 young scientists clad in bright orange shirts donated by the Mt. Horeb PTO stood before their science “learning booths,” explaining detailed experiments they undertook for the Mt. Horeb Science Fair.
“The annual science fair is an excellent enrichment prospect to direct optional scientific study in a community-based setting,” said Mt. Horeb enrichment teacher Wendy Piller, who created the program and receives help each year from dedicated PTO members. “Students are given the opportunity to take their work to a level commiserate with their interest and ability.”
Sixth-graders in Simone Miller’s science class participated in a simple experiment on March 24 to study atmospheric pressure, evaporation, condensation and cloud formation, using recycled plastic bottles.
Additionally, for a seventh consecutive year, ALT fifth-graders released trout into a nearby brook on April 28 as part of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s “Trout in the Classroom” program which provides trout eggs for the students to raise and release. Central’s popular “Invention Convention” and a Liberty Science outreach educator visit to ALT are among the many events and projects on the horizon to inspire the school district’s young scientists.
Watchung: Bayberry School
Student and School news appears Fridays. Email:cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com