APRIL 2014
Mr. Vouvalides Honored at Roosevelt School

Roosevelt School's
Discovery Lab Dedication
Former Principal Anthony Vouvalides was honored this April for his 40 years of service in education. The Roosevelt Discovery Lab was dedicated to Mr. Vouvalides in recognition of his dedication and love of science. Mr. Vouvalides believed in creating an atmosphere where his scholars could inquire, experiment, and learn.
Left: Mr. Vouvalides poses with his plaque
Below:Video footage of the momentous event
Discovery Lab Dedication
Former Principal Anthony Vouvalides was honored this April for his 40 years of service in education. The Roosevelt Discovery Lab was dedicated to Mr. Vouvalides in recognition of his dedication and love of science. Mr. Vouvalides believed in creating an atmosphere where his scholars could inquire, experiment, and learn.
Left: Mr. Vouvalides poses with his plaque
Below:Video footage of the momentous event
Cherry Hill School Spring Concert
Enjoy pictures and video below of the Band, Chorus, Orff Ensemble, Dance Troupe, Artistically Talented Artwork, and Music Club at the concert in April.
The Harlem Wizards Visit River Edge!
In May, The Harlem Wizards are coming to River Dell High School to play a basketball game against River Edge School Teachers. It is part of a fundraiser put together by R.E.E.F. (River Edge Education Foundation.) Below, Roosevelt teachers Mr. Moody, Mr. Grey, and Principal Kossoy learn some fancy basketball moves when a teammate of the Harlem Wizards visits Roosevelt School.
Below: Students learn to spin a basketball on top of a pen.
Below, Cherry Hill students and teachers participate with Marvin, from the Wizards, as he shares some terrific basketball skills with the group!
BMX Bike Show at Roosevelt School!

Roosevelt's PTO invited Dialed Action Sports Team to speak to the students about following your dreams and learning from failure. Amazing BMX tricks were preformed out on the black top. Students were treated to quite an exciting display of talent! Below is video of Dialed Action Sports' amazing stunts!
Roosevelt School's Second Grade
Presents
E-I-E-I OOPS
On April 30, 2014 the Roosevelt 2nd Grade performed their 2nd Grade Play called , E-i-E-i Oops, directed by Mr. Frank Perrone and the 2nd Grade Teachers. The students worked on this for many months and were really excited to perform it for a live audience. Old Mac Donald was there along with his friends and farm animals. The audience met sheep, pigs, chickens, a mule, rooster and a cow. They encountered a problem because their cow wouldn’t moo. Throughout the play everyone tried to make the cow moo. It wasn’t until the Mule came out with the idea that the cow had low self esteem and everyone should try and say nice things to her. After many animals said kind words to the cow, she finally felt comfortable and decided to moo. Everyone jumped for joy! A big thanks goes out to the 2nd Grade teachers for their time, flexibility and support throughout this production. A huge thank you goes out to the parent volunteers who spent many hours creating beautiful costumes and wonderful scenery.
Below: Pictures and video from the play
Art Show
Below: Some Works of Art from Roosevelt School's Art Show
Below, Cherry Hill students & Dr. Ben Dov participating in the Art Show activities!
2013-2014 Teachers of the Year!

Cherry Hill School:
Anne Marie (Wyks) Spiegel began teaching at the Cherry Hill School in River Edge in 2008. The last time she was an attendee at the school was when she was a student from Kindergarten through third grade. Subsequently, she moved with her family to Oradell and graduated from River Dell High School with many of her River Edge classmates. She went on to graduate from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, completed a Dyslexia Specialist Certificate program and is currently studying for her Masters in Reading. Ms. Spiegel loved spending her childhood in River Edge and enjoys teaching her class about the wonders of living in such a warm, family-oriented community and celebrates her students' interests within it.
Anne Marie (Wyks) Spiegel began teaching at the Cherry Hill School in River Edge in 2008. The last time she was an attendee at the school was when she was a student from Kindergarten through third grade. Subsequently, she moved with her family to Oradell and graduated from River Dell High School with many of her River Edge classmates. She went on to graduate from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, completed a Dyslexia Specialist Certificate program and is currently studying for her Masters in Reading. Ms. Spiegel loved spending her childhood in River Edge and enjoys teaching her class about the wonders of living in such a warm, family-oriented community and celebrates her students' interests within it.

New Bridge Center
Mrs. Wendy Cassidy is the primary autistic teacher in the Building Brides Program. She received a BA in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickenson University as well as her Special Education Certification from William Paterson. She has been teaching children with autism for 12 years. For the past eight years Mrs. Cassidy has been teaching in River Edge. She began her career in River Edge at Roosevelt School, teaching preschool to students with disabilities. In 2007 upon the opening of New Bridge Center, Mrs. Cassidy began teaching students with autism in the Building Bridges Program, grades K-2. Mrs. Cassidy currently serves as a PTO liaison for the Building Bridges and Building Connections Program. She takes great pride in seeing her students succeed in their learning as well as mainstream into the general education classrooms. Mrs. Cassidy is passionate about teaching and making a difference in each of her students and families lives.
Mrs. Wendy Cassidy is the primary autistic teacher in the Building Brides Program. She received a BA in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickenson University as well as her Special Education Certification from William Paterson. She has been teaching children with autism for 12 years. For the past eight years Mrs. Cassidy has been teaching in River Edge. She began her career in River Edge at Roosevelt School, teaching preschool to students with disabilities. In 2007 upon the opening of New Bridge Center, Mrs. Cassidy began teaching students with autism in the Building Bridges Program, grades K-2. Mrs. Cassidy currently serves as a PTO liaison for the Building Bridges and Building Connections Program. She takes great pride in seeing her students succeed in their learning as well as mainstream into the general education classrooms. Mrs. Cassidy is passionate about teaching and making a difference in each of her students and families lives.

Roosevelt School
Ms. Otis came to River Edge in 2006. She was a Third Grade teacher for six years and is currently teaching Fourth Grade. Not only is Ms. Otis known for her love of math, but dance as well. Using her background in ballet and jazz, Ms. Otis has volunteered to help Roosevelt's students show off their best moves during Star Case and the Second Grade plays.
Ms. Otis received her Undergraduate Degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University with a BA Chemistry. She also received her MS in Elementary Education from Mercy College. Ms. Otis has eight years teaching experience in NYC Public Schools teaching, Dance, English Language Development Through the Performing Arts. She was also the English dominant teacher in a Gifted, Dual Language program.
Ms. Otis' passion for teaching and her dedication to her students can be seen in all of her lessons. She has proven to be an important influence in the lives of many Roosevelt Students.
Ms. Otis came to River Edge in 2006. She was a Third Grade teacher for six years and is currently teaching Fourth Grade. Not only is Ms. Otis known for her love of math, but dance as well. Using her background in ballet and jazz, Ms. Otis has volunteered to help Roosevelt's students show off their best moves during Star Case and the Second Grade plays.
Ms. Otis received her Undergraduate Degree from Douglass College, Rutgers University with a BA Chemistry. She also received her MS in Elementary Education from Mercy College. Ms. Otis has eight years teaching experience in NYC Public Schools teaching, Dance, English Language Development Through the Performing Arts. She was also the English dominant teacher in a Gifted, Dual Language program.
Ms. Otis' passion for teaching and her dedication to her students can be seen in all of her lessons. She has proven to be an important influence in the lives of many Roosevelt Students.
Roosevelt School Wax Museum
History comes to life at Roosevelt's Third Grade Wax Museum! Enjoy the slideshow of the students dressed as famous people who have made a difference in the world. Students presented a speech as if they were actually the famous person. Students, teachers and families came to visit and experience all of the wonderful presentations! All of the students worked diligently to prepare the successful Wax Museum.
Cells Alive at Cherry Hill School!
The 6th grade classes at Cherry Hill School created 3-D Models of Animal Cells. This part of the curriculum allowed for a hands on approach to learning about cells. Students worked with a partner and utilized many artistic techniques to bring their cells to life! They will be on display in the upper 6th grade hallway at Cherry Hill school through the Month of May. Stop by to see the cell museum! Some are shown below.
Building Bridges visit the Airport
On Tuesday April 29th the students and families of Building Bridges visited Newark Airport to simulate a flight experience. Dr. Wendy Ross under the auspices of the Open Doors Organization, along with United Airlines, helped make this a positive experience for all.
With the support of Autism Inclusion Resources (AIR), our families experienced all aspects of the flying experience with the exception of leaving the ground. The purpose of the program is to help parents complete the components of taking a flight while assessing their child's ability throughout the process. It also allows for experienced clinicians to assist parents through any difficulties their child may have. Some skills targeted included; checking in, waiting in line for security, finding the gate, tolerating unexpected delays and remaining seated for an extended period of time. The goal of the program is for families to come up with strategies to avoid problems in the future. It also created a learning experience for the TSA and the flight attendants in raising awareness.
Our families were greeted by employees of United Airlines and TSA agents and allowed them to complete the experience of taking a flight. The students of Building Bridges did a wonderful job. They were engaged, attentive and had a positive experience completing the process of taking a flight. Airport Operations Accessible Programs Manager, Rosalie Crabbe reported, “I am always so proud of our United Family when I see how they all work together to provide these types of experiences. For families with children with autism, the practice sessions provide not only a tangible experience, but also the hope and confidence that the world of air travel is possible.” After completing this event, one of the Building Bridges families decided to plan a trip to Greece in the near future.
Below: Pictures from the visit to Newark Airport
On Tuesday April 29th the students and families of Building Bridges visited Newark Airport to simulate a flight experience. Dr. Wendy Ross under the auspices of the Open Doors Organization, along with United Airlines, helped make this a positive experience for all.
With the support of Autism Inclusion Resources (AIR), our families experienced all aspects of the flying experience with the exception of leaving the ground. The purpose of the program is to help parents complete the components of taking a flight while assessing their child's ability throughout the process. It also allows for experienced clinicians to assist parents through any difficulties their child may have. Some skills targeted included; checking in, waiting in line for security, finding the gate, tolerating unexpected delays and remaining seated for an extended period of time. The goal of the program is for families to come up with strategies to avoid problems in the future. It also created a learning experience for the TSA and the flight attendants in raising awareness.
Our families were greeted by employees of United Airlines and TSA agents and allowed them to complete the experience of taking a flight. The students of Building Bridges did a wonderful job. They were engaged, attentive and had a positive experience completing the process of taking a flight. Airport Operations Accessible Programs Manager, Rosalie Crabbe reported, “I am always so proud of our United Family when I see how they all work together to provide these types of experiences. For families with children with autism, the practice sessions provide not only a tangible experience, but also the hope and confidence that the world of air travel is possible.” After completing this event, one of the Building Bridges families decided to plan a trip to Greece in the near future.
Below: Pictures from the visit to Newark Airport
Arbor Day at Cherry HIll School
Cherry Hill School celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 25th. The reason we celebrate this holiday began 1872, when this special day was set aside for planting trees. This tree planting idea caught on and now we celebrate Arbor Day every year.
According to Environmental Education for Kids, "All over the world, people are planting trees in their yards and in their communities, caring for them, and learning about their value. Here in the United States, we call this tree planting festival Arbor Day. In other lands, you may hear it called Arbor Week, Tree Holiday, or Tree Festival. In Japan, it is called Greening Week. In Israel it is called the New Year's Day of the Trees. Korea actually has a Tree-Loving Week. Iceland has a Student's Afforestation Day. (Notice the word "forest" hidden in that complicated word.) This means "to change open land into forest." People in India celebrate a National Festival of Tree Planting. Whatever people call this special time of year, they are sharing the news that trees are important to us all, wherever we live around the world."
Below, is the 3rd grade at Cherry HIll School performing a song in celebration of Arbor Day.
Cherry Hill School celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 25th. The reason we celebrate this holiday began 1872, when this special day was set aside for planting trees. This tree planting idea caught on and now we celebrate Arbor Day every year.
According to Environmental Education for Kids, "All over the world, people are planting trees in their yards and in their communities, caring for them, and learning about their value. Here in the United States, we call this tree planting festival Arbor Day. In other lands, you may hear it called Arbor Week, Tree Holiday, or Tree Festival. In Japan, it is called Greening Week. In Israel it is called the New Year's Day of the Trees. Korea actually has a Tree-Loving Week. Iceland has a Student's Afforestation Day. (Notice the word "forest" hidden in that complicated word.) This means "to change open land into forest." People in India celebrate a National Festival of Tree Planting. Whatever people call this special time of year, they are sharing the news that trees are important to us all, wherever we live around the world."
Below, is the 3rd grade at Cherry HIll School performing a song in celebration of Arbor Day.
River Edge Schools Technology Forum
On April 30, 2014, River Edge Schools held a technology form for parents and community at New Bridge Center. Paul Garafano, Technology Coach, gave an overview of Digital Literacy in River Edge Schools. Ms. Richards, Cherry Hill School 1st grade teacher, explained how she infuses technology into her curriculum. Ms. Krupka, Cherry Hill School 3rd grade teacher, demonstrated how Interdisciplinary Projects are produced using multiple technology components. Integrating an ELA and Social Studies Unit, Ms. Della Torre, Roosevelt 4th grade teacher, uses technology to benefit the students. Mrs. Karpowich, Cherry Hill 6th grade teacher, presented the ABC's of Chromebooks and how the enhance the 6th grade grade curriculum. Both Ms. Kossoy, Roosevelt Principal, and Mrs. Diminich, Literacy Coach/Supervisor, presented the components of PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) and how River Edge Schools will be involved in the 2014-2015 school year. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was presented by Mrs. Kristen Crawford, Mathematics and Science Coach/Supervisor. Finally, Mr. Perrone, Roosevelt School Music teacher, demonstrated how iPads benefit students in the classroom. It was an informative technology for all who attended.
Below: Pictures of the presenters with captions and video clips of presentations by Ms. Richards and Mr. Perrone
On April 30, 2014, River Edge Schools held a technology form for parents and community at New Bridge Center. Paul Garafano, Technology Coach, gave an overview of Digital Literacy in River Edge Schools. Ms. Richards, Cherry Hill School 1st grade teacher, explained how she infuses technology into her curriculum. Ms. Krupka, Cherry Hill School 3rd grade teacher, demonstrated how Interdisciplinary Projects are produced using multiple technology components. Integrating an ELA and Social Studies Unit, Ms. Della Torre, Roosevelt 4th grade teacher, uses technology to benefit the students. Mrs. Karpowich, Cherry Hill 6th grade teacher, presented the ABC's of Chromebooks and how the enhance the 6th grade grade curriculum. Both Ms. Kossoy, Roosevelt Principal, and Mrs. Diminich, Literacy Coach/Supervisor, presented the components of PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) and how River Edge Schools will be involved in the 2014-2015 school year. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was presented by Mrs. Kristen Crawford, Mathematics and Science Coach/Supervisor. Finally, Mr. Perrone, Roosevelt School Music teacher, demonstrated how iPads benefit students in the classroom. It was an informative technology for all who attended.
Below: Pictures of the presenters with captions and video clips of presentations by Ms. Richards and Mr. Perrone