Van Derveer Elementary School
Grades 3 - 5
2016 - 2017
Parent Manual
Robert Reavey, Principal
Somerville Public Schools
Board of Education
Mr. Norman Chin, President
Mrs. Melissa Sadin, Vice President
Mr. Kenneth Cornell
Mrs. Dianne Durland
Mr. James Jones
Mrs. Linda Olson
Mr. John Prudente
Mr. Daniel Puntillo, Jr.
Mr. Lucien (Luc) Sergile, Jr.
Ms. Carmela Noto*
*Branchburg Board of Education
-2
Van Derveer Elementary School
51 Union Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
Telephone: (908) 218-4105; option #3
Welcome to Van Derveer Elementary School, Grades 3-5!
Van Derveer School is known for its community spirit and tradition of excellence. We take pride in our remarkable students and dedicated staff. As a parent, you are an essential part of the team striving to provide the best educational experience for our children. The support and cooperation from each part of the team is crucial as we work together for every child to learn, to discover, to grow and to develop.
This parent manual is designed to supplement the district activity calendar and to give specific information related to Van Derveer Elementary School. Please keep this manual for your reference throughout the school year.
If you have any questions as you and your children progress through Van Derveer Elementary School, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of our school team. We will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Robert Reavey
Principal
Grades 3-5
Van Derveer School:
A Community of Learners, A Community with Character,
A Community within A Community
VAN DERVEER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HISTORY
Van Derveer Elementary School’s site was purchased on January 12, 1955 for $34,500 from Miss May Van Derveer for the purpose of building a school. Miss Van Derveer and her ancestors once owned many acres of land throughout Somerset County. The school is named in honor of Miss Van Derveer.
The ground-breaking ceremony for Van Derveer Elementary School took place on October 19, 1955. The students occupied the school April 24, 1957 and the dedication ceremony was held on June 9, 1957. The original school building had two wings and began as a K-6 school and then became a K-5 school. In 1987, Van Derveer became a primary school housing preschool through grade 2 students. In September 2001, Van Derveer Elementary School once again became a K-5 school.
In 1987, to celebrate the 30th birthday of Van Derveer Elementary School, gold and black were selected as the school colors and a bear called Van Der Bear was named as the school mascot. A school flag was designed by a fourth grade student, Laura Colodner, and made by Mrs. Frances Dombrowski, a parent. Also, a school song was written by Mrs. Terri Schurter, an art teacher, to commemorate Van Derveer’s 30th birthday. The flag is on display in the All-Purpose Room and the song is still sung by the school community. In addition, a time capsule was created.
On May 10, 1994, the library was named the Ruth B. Mayers Media Center in honor of the first principal of Van Derveer School (1955-1966), Mrs. Mayers. She was an educator for 46 years.
A referendum for $17.9 million dollars was approved by voters on December 8, 1998 to build three additions to the original Van Derveer Elementary School. A gymnasium, a media center, a computer lab, a science center, eighteen classrooms, and small group instructional classes were added.
In the year 2000, a grant from the State of New Jersey secured through the efforts of Senator Walter Kavanaugh provided funding for a roadway and parking lot in front of the school.
In December 2004, the citizens of Somerville once again approved a referendum to benefit Van Derveer Elementary School. New windows and exterior doors were installed, the Nurse’s Office was expanded, and an instrumental music room and more classrooms were added.
On April 24, 2007, the Van Derveer community celebrated the 50th birthday of this special school. Guest speakers included Mrs. Betty Cleary, the first school nurse. A PowerPoint presentation, music, and the opening of the 1987 time capsule were a few of the highlights of the celebration. The entire school paraded around the perimeter of the school grounds and later “Danced Through the Decades.” At the conclusion of the school year, a new time capsule was created.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Grades 3-5 Principal
Robert Reavey (908) 218-4105
Secretary to the Principal
Stacy Williams (908) 218-4105
Nurse
Vanessa Sciorra (908) 243-1514
Assistant to the Nurse (908) 243-1506
Dorothy Garfi
(Please report absences before 9:00 a.m.)
Social Worker/Anti-Bullying Specialist
Karen Tovi-Jones (908) 243-1507
School Psychologist
Steven Orozco (908) 243-1517
Cafeteria
Cafeteria Manager (908) 218-4136
PTO President
Kristen Ciezak (917) 392-8795
Preferred contact method: email
VAN DERVEER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR
Preschool - Grade 5
2016 – 2017
September
6 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
6 All Staff Report
7 Classroom Visits PS-5, 2:00 p.m.
8 First Day of School, Full Day (PS - 5)
Grades K - 5, 3:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 10:45 a.m. & 2:15 p.m. dismissal
15 Grades 3-5 Open House; 6:30 p.m.
16 Summer Reading Friday
20 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
21 School Spirit Day – School Colors (black and gold)
22 PS-2 Open House; 6:30 p.m.
October
3 Schools Closed - Rosh Hashanah
3 - 7 Week of Respect
10 - 14 Fire Prevention Week
11 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
12 Schools Closed - Yom Kippur
17 - 21 School Violence Awareness Week
19 School Spirit Day – School Colors (black & gold)
24 - 28 Red Ribbon Week
26 PS-2 Fun with Pumpkins Night, 6:30 p.m.
27 Grades K - 5 Picture Day
31 PS (AM class - grade 2) Halloween Parade, 9:15 a.m.
PS (PM class) Halloween Parade, 1:45 p.m.
November
8 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
9 One-Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
10 - 11 Schools Closed – NJEA Convention
16 School Spirit Day – School Colors (black & gold)
22 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
23 One-Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
24 - 25 Schools Closed – Thanksgiving Recess
29 Grades K - 5 Picture Make-up Day
December
2 End of Marking Period 1
8 Preschool Winter Concert, 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
8 Grades 4 & 5 Winter Concert (held at SHS), 7:00 p.m.
9 Kindergarten Holiday Concert, 9:15 a.m.
9 Grades 4 & 5 Winter Concert - SNOW DATE, 7:00 p.m.
13 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
12 - 16 PS - 5 One-Session Days, 1:00 p.m. Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
* Report Cards Distributed at Parent/Teacher Conferences
15 Grades PS - 5 Evening Conferences, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
21 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black & gold)
23 One-Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
26 - Jan. 2 Schools Closed - Winter Recess
January
3 Schools Reopen
3 Board of Ed. Meeting, District Office, 7:00 p.m.
16 Schools Closed - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
18 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black and gold)
23 Preschool Registration (2017 - 2018)
25 Preschool Registration (2017 - 2018)
26 PS - 2 Winter Wonderland, 6:30 p.m.
February
7 Kindergarten Registration (2017 - 2018)
9 Kindergarten Registration (2017 - 2018)
15 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black & gold)
17 Schools Closed – Staff Development
20 Schools Closed – Presidents’ Day
March
2 Read Across America Celebration, 9:00 a.m.
10 End of Marking Period 2
13 - 17 Music in Our Schools Celebration
15 PS - 2 Music & Movement Night, 6:30 p.m.
15 School Spirit Day – School Colors (black and gold)
17 Kindergarten USA Day, 9:15 a.m.
24 Report Cards Distributed, Grades K - 5
30 Variety Show, 6:30 p.m.
April
6 Helen Doherty Science Fair, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
10 - 17 Schools Closed - Spring Recess
18 Schools Reopen
19 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black & gold)
27 Take Your Child to Work Day
May
1 - 5 Teacher Appreciation Week
9 - 13 One-Session Day - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Preschool Only
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
17 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black & gold)
24 PS - 5 Family Literacy Night, 5:30 p.m.
26 - 29 Schools Closed – Memorial Day
31 NJ ASK Science - 4th grade ONLY
June
2 Kindergarten VIP Tea, 9:15 a.m.
2 Kindergarten Orientation, 2:00 p.m.
2 One-Session Day, Preschool & Kindergarten ONLY,
Kindergarten, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
8 Preschool End-of-Year Performance, 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
8 Grades 4 & 5 Spring Concert (held at SHS), 7 p.m.
9 2nd Grade Fairy Tale Ball, 9:00 a.m.
12 5th Grade - SMS Parent Orientation
14 End of Marking Period 3
15 Strawberry Festival, 5:30 p.m.
16 1st Grade Dinosaur Day, 9:15 a.m.
16 One Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
20 5th Grade Dance Party, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
21 School Spirit Day - School Colors (black & gold)
21 5th Grade Moving Up Assembly, 9:15 a.m.
21 One Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
22 Last Day of School, PS - 5 Report Cards Distributed/One Session Day
Grades K - 5, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
Preschool, 9:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. dismissal
PARENT’S PLEDGE
1. I will participate in my child’s education, realizing that a strong home/school partnership is essential.
2. I will provide a home environment that will encourage my child to learn.
3. I will read to my child daily.
4. I will help my child build a meaningful home library. I will visit the Somerville Public Library with my child and I will include stimulating books among the presents I give my child.
5. I will ensure that all homework assignments are completed each night. I will give my child a specific location in our home to complete homework.
6. I will discuss what my child has learned at school each day.
7. I will review newspaper stories and television newscasts with my child and discuss how the news may affect our lives.
8. I will meet regularly with my child’s teacher and will communicate with the school staff.
9. I will remind my child of the necessity of respect at Van Derveer Elementary School and the importance of self-discipline.
10. I will help my child appreciate and enjoy the excitement of learning.
11. I will limit television watching time and select the programs my child views.
12. I will foster healthy eating habits by providing my child with nutritious snacks/lunches.
YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD HAVE A GREAT DAY AT SCHOOL BY...
1. Setting an early and regular bedtime so that your child feels rested and alert in the morning.
2. Ensuring your child arrives at school by 8:45 a.m. to start the day.
3. Sending your child to school with the reassurance that your child is loved and providing a relaxed, cheerful, happy “send off” from home.
4. Preparing a healthy breakfast of wholesome food that is low in sugar and high in fiber and protein, including fresh fruits and milk.
5. Providing a backpack or bag to carry books and folders to and from school.
6. Ensuring homework is completed nightly, and put away in folders and backpacks, and providing crayons, scissors, glue, and pencils at home for your child to be able to complete homework.
7. Preparing a nutritious lunch and/or providing the exact change for lunch in a sealed, labeled envelope with your child’s name on it.
8. Setting out clothes and school books the night before in a set place to encourage organization.
9. Encouraging a “you are at school to learn” attitude.
10. Discussing your child’s school day: asking questions, emptying the backpack nightly, looking at your child’s work and school notices, and showing an interest in school activities and events.
11. Having your child take a bath or shower daily.
12. Providing your child with clean clothing daily. (Clothing and shoes should be appropriate for school, fit properly, and be appropriate for the weather.)
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Parents/Guardians may purchase accident insurance for their child. Accident insurance provides coverage while going to and from school, during school hours, and while participating in school-sponsored and supervised activities. Information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Students should be arriving at school between 8:20 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Students should not be on the school grounds before 8:15 a.m. unless they will be eating breakfast in school, they are enrolled in the instrumental music program, or they are enrolled in a before school program. Monitors to supervise children are on duty beginning at 8:15 a.m.
Entering the Building:
Grade 3
All students are to enter the building through the Main Lobby entrance. Third grade students will line up in the B-wing corridor until 8:45 a.m. At that time students will dismiss to their homerooms.
Grades 4 & 5
Students are to enter the building through the Main Lobby entrance and line up in the D-wing corridor until 8:45 a.m. At that time students will dismiss to their homerooms.
Arrival Times:
**STUDENTS MAY NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 8:15 a.m.
· 8:15 a.m. – Students may arrive to eat breakfast.
· 8:20 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. – Students may arrive and walk to grade-level designated areas.
· 8:45 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. – Students will walk to their classrooms.
· 8:55 a.m. - Students arriving after this time are considered tardy.
Exiting the Building:
Third grade students will exit the building at the end of the day through the Media Center Lobby doors toward Schoolhouse Lane.