OCTOBER 2015
Week of Respect
The students of River Edge celebrated the Week of Respect from October 5th-9th. We began the week with a PTO sponsored assembly with David Jack on standing up for others. A writing contest was held where students chose a character education trait that means the most to them. We closed the week with school rallies singing “Give Peace a Chance” and the reading of contest selections about respect, courage, and kindness.
This year our Character Education program focuses on multicultural awareness. Students are participating in a variety of activities across all subject areas celebrating River Edge’s diverse community. All students in Art created “Passports To Peace”. They designed them by drawing a self-portrait and filling out the information about themselves such as their name, birthdate, ethnic background, and country of birth. Students will receive stamps in their passport by showing acts of kindness and good character traits throughout the year.
The River Edge Education Foundation purchased grade level multicultural books for each school. These stories helped everyone understand and value commonalities and differences within and across various cultures. The students and staff thoroughly enjoyed these literary pieces and were energized by the stories of children from around the world. Some student responses were:
“I learned that it is hard to move to a different country and go to a new school with no friends. I will help new kids and be their friend.”
“This book was a reminder to treat others with kindness all the time – not when it might be too late.”
“There are times we may not feel good about ourselves, but when a friend reaches out, it can make a difference – sort of like the ripple effect of the stone in the water that Maya’s teacher modeled for the class.”
“From this book I learned that being different is okay.”
“I also learned that if you believe in yourself your wishes will come true”
“Reading about a girl my age with these problems is very interesting because it teaches you that different kids have different ways of living too.”
“My favorite part was when Salva met his dad after 19 years. I cried so much – the most I haven’t seen my parents is two days!
“A moving story that will inspire me to help people with disadvantages”
“I feel deep within my soul a longing to help them and I didn’t realize just how blessed we were until I read this book.”
We look forward to a great year learning more about kids
and cultures around the world!
Enjoy pictures and video below:
left: Cherry Hill sings "Give Peace a Chance" ~ right: Roosevelt Speech "Acceptance"
middle: The children at Roosevelt Elementary School participated in a Stand Up, Step In & Stop Bullying assembly to kick off our Week of Respect (October 5th - 9th). Presenter, David Jack, had the children at Roosevelt Elementary School dancing and singing to his Stand Up tune. A BIG thank you to the Roosevelt PTO and The River Edge Alliance Against Drugs for bringing this wonderful program to our school!
bottom: Gallery of events and activities throughout River Edge Schools
Student Council Gives Back
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River Edge Schools recently participated in a collection for Table to Table on Wednesday, October 14th. The student Council at both Roosevelt School and Cherry Hill held this fundraiser as a way to show that our schools care about our community. For every ten cents collected, a meal was donated to someone in need. Students were encouraged to get involved in the collection. Whether they helped one person, or 50 people, every donation made a difference! The Table to Table collection was a great way to expose students to the simple ways that they can give to others. The bags were collected by Student Council, and all the lunch money raised went directly to help feed those who need it most: hungry friends and neighbors right here in Northern New Jersey. Below, the student council members are organizing the event. For more information on Table to Table, you can visit: https://www.tabletotable.org/index.php/
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World Language
The "Week of Respect" was celebrated in World Language classes with instructor Mrs. Maria Garcia. In the upper grades, students were challenged to write five words that gave personal meaning to respecting others in their daily lives. The words were translated into Spanish, and the students practiced the pronunciations. A cultural discussion then took place to reinforce their brainstormed ideas. The teachers revealed that in Spanish speaking countries when instructors enter classrooms students are obligated to stand and greet those in authority with the utmost respect and admiration. Students then wait until the teacher asks the them to sit. This cultural ritual is a vital demonstration of the high regard and esteem teachers hold as respected professionals in Spanish heritage.
In the lower grades, students practiced basic greetings in a social and school setting. Focusing on respect, students practiced handshakes, greeting customs and demonstrations of friendliness. They shared their own experiences of greetings in their own families such as: bowing, kiss on the cheek, handshake, etc... Students were encouraged to share their knowledge of greetings with their families and to continue the conversation of how different cultures greet each other.
Below, Ms. Otis' 4th grade class and Ms. Castellvi's 2nd grade class demonstrate the aspects of respect described above.
In the lower grades, students practiced basic greetings in a social and school setting. Focusing on respect, students practiced handshakes, greeting customs and demonstrations of friendliness. They shared their own experiences of greetings in their own families such as: bowing, kiss on the cheek, handshake, etc... Students were encouraged to share their knowledge of greetings with their families and to continue the conversation of how different cultures greet each other.
Below, Ms. Otis' 4th grade class and Ms. Castellvi's 2nd grade class demonstrate the aspects of respect described above.
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