Montclair Public Schools
The Charles H. Bullock School
55 Washington Street ~ Montclair, New Jersey 07042
www.montclair.k12.nj.us
Nami Kuwabara
Principal
Weekly Update
Week ending Dec. 20, 2013
Dear Families,
The Bullock Community of parents, staff and students never ceases to amaze me, and this was especially true this week. As I watched bag after bag being dropped off for our annual holiday gift drive, my heart overflowed with pride. It’s not just parents and staff who are so generous at CHB. Our kids are creating opportunities to be altruistic and embody the spirit of giving. Read on to learn more…
2nd Grade: The Grain Study is an interdisciplinary unit that culminates with each class creating a bakery. The students apply skills such as measuring to bake, speaking and listening to talk to customers (parents and other CHB students) and learning the value of giving back. Proceeds from each bakery are designated to a charity of choice. Recipients of their hard work are the World Wildlife Fund for Pandas, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Red Cross Philippines. Way to go 2nd graders!
Ms. LaVail’s 4th Grade: During their holiday party, they created Rainbow Loom bracelets, which they wrapped them up to give to children who will be spending their holiday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.
PTA’s Annual Cookie Banquet: This is the kind of giving that truly sticks to a person ;) Great big thanks go to Jill Raleigh and Molly Brennan for coordinating the much anticipated event for staff. Thank you also to all the families who showered us with baked goods of all kind. Angela Borns outdid herself by sending in an assortment of graham cracker houses all decorated in a wintery theme. Thank you all!
Shout Out: Several students have taken service learning outside of the school walls and deserve a shout out. Julia and Sophie (5th graders) recently had a bake sale at “Java Love” to support the World Wildlife Fund. Lanka and Ondraya (4th graders) are creating Rainbow Loom items to sell. They tell me they want to “donate the money to a good cause”. Jaiden and Sydney (4th graders) have started The Caring Club to raise awareness about rescue dogs and raise money to send to shelters that save abused dogs. The true measure of learning is when skills taught are transferred to new situations or are used independently. It’s safe to say our kids are learning the value of giving back.
After school World Language Update:In October, the PTA sent home a flyer surveying your interest in an after school world language program. First a “Thank you” must go to Alessandra (a CHB mom) for bringing this concept to us. The PTA, Alessandra and I have spent countless hours working through many details to get this program off the ground. This has the potential to be a wonderful addition to the PTA’s after school offerings, but at this time, it is not ready to be launched. As a dual language speaker myself, I assure you that having a world language program is very important. Also, please know that as we enter the budget season, I will be requesting a K-5 world language teacher be reinstated so that all children have access to instruction within their school day.
Looking ahead:
Monday, Dec. 23rd – 1:40 pm Early Dismissal–Winter Recess begins
Thursday, Jan. 2nd – School Reopens
I wish you and your loved ones a warm and wonderful holiday break. It is a time to rejoice and celebrate what is good in this world. See you in 2014!!!!
Warm Regards,
Nami Kuwabara
Principal
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Telephone: 973.509.4255 ~ Fax: 973.509.4247 ~ Email: