Google has recently introduced a new pioneer program titled Google Expeditions AR. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, providing a 3D image for which the student may examine and study.
The Deane-Porter Elementary School STEM teachers, Liz Waters and Mark Panas, recently formed a partnership with the Google Expeditions AR pilot program to help bring this opportunity to Rumson, New Jersey.
Krisanne Zajac joins the Rumson Bulldog to welcome the preschool class of 2017.
Press release from Rumson Public School District
The Rumson Public School District is pleased to announce year eight of the implementation of its integrated preschool program. The primary goal of the program is to provide developmentally appropriate educational experiences that build a strong foundation for future academic success. All children in this program are encouraged to grow socially, cognitively, emotionally and physically and to have fun doing so.
The program was established with two goals: improve early childhood education practices, and develop the highest quality preschool program. To accomplish these goals, Rumson has partnered with the New Jersey Departments of Children and Families, Education, Health, and Human Services in an effort to enhance their preschool program and offerings.
At their meeting on January 25, the members of the Rumson Board of Education honored Keri Lecorchick and Carol Tagliareni as Teachers of the Year, and Debra Tomaino and Sandy Self as Educational Services Professionals of the Year.
Lecorchick is a second grade teacher at Deane Porter School, and Tagliareni teaches sixth grade ELA at Forrestdale School. Tomaino is a Speech Language Therapist and Self an LDTC/Special Education Teacher. The teachers were nominated by their peers, and a committee representing fellow teachers, administration, BOE members, and parents utilized a New Jersey Department of Education rubric to evaluate each nominee.
On the morning of Wednesday, February 1, 2017, interested parents and their children are invited to attend a Preschool Open House session at Deane-Porter School, the public primary school serving Rumson borough residents.
Scheduled for 9:15 a.m., the hour-long session will allow adult attendees to pick up a registration packet for enrolling their child in the 2017-2018 school year. Children and their parents/guardians will be able to visit classrooms, and kids will be invited to take part in some of the offered activities.
Students at Deane-Porter School greet their new reading buddy, Violet, Rumson-Fair Haven’s therapy dog.
Press release from Rumson School District
Often, children who have difficulty reading, fear the judgment they receive and become self-conscious while practicing the skill aloud. A reading program involving a dog as a listener has the potential to change that.
Recently, students at Rumson’s Deane Porter and Forrestdale schools welcomed a very special regular guest, as Violet, the official therapy dog of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, joined several RFH students in English Language Arts classes at the two borough schools.
On the afternoon of June 9, a new class of Rumson students experienced a fun hometown rite of passage, when they took part in the annual “Movin’ On Up” Ceremony, presented in the cafeteria of Deane-Porter School.
Family members and school staff celebrated the achievements and promise of the third graders who are preparing to transition to fourth grade at nearby Forrestdale School.
“I know that you will accomplish wonderful things at Forrestdale,” said Deane-Porter School Principal Shari Feeney, while Jennifer Gibbons, Principal of Forrestdale School, welcomed her newest students at the ceremony.
Music teacher Valerie Wagner (back to camera) leads students through a performance at the 2016 Deane-Porter Second and Third Grade Spring Concert.
Press release from Rumson School District
Beautiful voices and high energy filled the air as second and third grade students at Deane-Porter School presented their patriotic-themed Spring Concert on the evening of June 2. The delightful performances were directed by Deane-Porter Music Teacher Valerie Wagner.
Song selections for the third graders were “This Is America” (featuring soloists Santina Diaco-Cardillo and Olivia Spiegel), “Rocky Mountain,” “Rock Star” (featuring soloists Britt Lumsden and Mary Helen McCooey), and “Yankee Doodle Boy//Kid from the USA.”
Second graders performed “Hoe Down,” “The Crawdad Songs,” “La Cucaracha,” and “Thankful for the U.S.A.” The final performance was the “Deane-Porter School Song” performed by second and third graders.
The art world’s premier events have real competition in the annual Art Show at Deane Porter School; an event that’s both highly anticipated and well attended by the Rumson community. The 2016 show was no exception, as an appreciative crowd enjoyed original work by talented students in grades K through 3 on a recent May evening.
Art teacher Robin Yaeger described the show as “a fantastic event that showcases the creative, imaginative, and beautiful work of the Deane Porter students,” adding that “having the opportunity to show the community their masterpieces is a very rewarding experience for them and for me.”
The students and faculty of the Rumson School District were excited to be involved in the recent Environmental Springfest at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. The April 23 event was dedicated to sharing information on the environment, mixed in live music, eco-friendly vendors, food, and other fun activities.
Mrs. Robin Yaeger and her Art Enrichment class at Deane-Porter Elementary School painted butterflies, dragonflies and owls on newspaper canvases that they had created. The bright colors and designs were eye catching to an environmentally crafted scene.
The Forrestdale School Art Club, taught by Mrs. Amy Lepping, created a colorful wall hanging of the Serengeti by fusing together recycled plastic bags. Their work was creative and inspiring to all.
In honor of the recent Teacher Appreciation Week, the Rumson Parent-Teacher Organization treated the staff to a week-long celebration. The week included breakfasts, lunches, a cookie swap, and a Wellness Event, all planned for the hard-working teaching staff at Deane-Porter and Forrestdale Schools.
The Wellness Event was certainly the staff favorite, as there was something for everyone to enjoy, including tarot card readers, massage therapists, golf swing analysis, refreshments and a fantastic selection of raffle items.
Students in the Forrestdale Spirit Club surprised all teachers with hand written cards honoring all that they do, while the Administrative Team recognized teachers with a small gift, starter herb seeds and this note: Teachers plant seeds of knowledge in their students. Take some time to plant your own garden and reflect on how many seeds of knowledge you have planted over the years in your students. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Studies show that children who watch less TV are more likely to read well and to be physically fit…and that each week, American children spend more time in front of a screen than they do in school!
During the Week of May 2, students at Forrestdale and Deane-Porter Schools participated in Screen-Free Week, a nationwide event sponsored by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and celebrated by schools, families, and other civic and community groups each year.
During Screen-Free Week, millions of children and adults pledge to be screen-free for at least one full day. Instead of watching TV or playing video games, children are encouraged to read, play, think, create, get physically active, and spend more time with friends and family.
Forrestdale and Deane Porter students participate in the ceremonial planting of a tree as Rumson Borough Shade Tree Commission Chairman Stephen Barrett looks on.
Press release from Rumson School District
Students at two Rumson schools celebrated Arbor Day with a Legacy Project planting and a poem, as well as a ceremony held at Deane Porter School on the morning of April 29.
The celebration was attended by all students in Pre-K and Kindergarten, two student representatives from each first through third grade class, and Student Government Officers as well as Homeroom Representatives from grades four through eight at Forrestdale School. Dignitaries on hand included Rumson Borough Mayor John Ekdahl, Rumson Borough Shade Tree Commission Chairman Stephen Barrett, and Board of Education members.
For the Legacy Project, students in grades Pre-K through eight participated in a “Bucks for Barks” fundraiser organized by the Student Government Association. Donations totaling $6,281.00 were used to purchase trees that were planted on the school grounds by students in each grade level.
In an effort to get kids reading this summer, the ScholasticSummer Reading Road Trip RV will visit Deane-Porter Elementary and Forrestdale Schools on Wednesday, May 4. From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., students and families will have the opportunity to participate in their very own “pop-up” reading festival, meet some of their favorite authors and illustrators, and engage in fun reading activities.
Scheduled to make the trip to Rumson this Wednesday are six authors and illustrators of popular titles and series from Scholastic, the major publisher of books and educational materials for children and young adults. They are Max Brallier (who, under the pen name Jack Chabert, writes the Eerie Elementary series), Gavin Brown, Kristin Earhart (the Misty Inn series), Dan Poblocki (the Mysterious Four series and other spooky novels), Amy Marie Stadelmann (the Olive & Beatrix series), and Judy Blundell (who, as Jude Watson, has authored several popular Star Wars titles for tween and teen readers).
Love was in the air, as the Rumson Parent Teacher Organization presented its annual “Lunch with a Loved One” at Deane Porter School on February 15. The PTO provided bottled water, home-baked treats, fruit and granola bars, gluten-free and peanut-free snacks as students in Kindergarten through third grade enjoyed a luncheon celebration with a special person in their life. The luncheon was held in the Deane Porter gymnasium and cafeteria, both of which were festooned with hearts in keeping with a Valentine’s Day theme. “Families and schools belong together, and Lunch with a Loved One allows us the opportunity to come together for a fun event,” said Deane Porter School Principal Shari Feeney.
Computers are everywhere, touching nearly every aspect of our lives — but surprisingly, fewer schools teach computer science now than were teaching it 10 years ago.
“Teaching kids to code is just as important as teaching them any other language,” stated Apple CEO Tim Cook on December 9th, 2015. “And the younger they start learning it, the better.”
This sentiment is echoed by the Rumson School District. Both Educational Technology teachers, Mark Panas of Deane-Porter (K-3) and Chris Macioch of Forrestdale (4-8) and their students have joined in on the largest education event in history: The Hour of Code.
Rumson Superintendent of Schools Dr. John E. Bormann (at right) discusses a group activity during the October 26th session of the Rumson School District’s “Parent Academy.”
Press release from Rumson School District
The Rumson School District recently sponsored a Parent Academy session, for the purpose of outlining Social and Emotional Learning initiatives taking place in Forrestdale and Deane-Porter Schools. Over 90 parents of borough schoolchildren attended the event, held on the evening of October 26 and hosted by Superintendent Dr. John E. Bormann, Deane-Porter School Counselor Jessica Piernik, and Forrestdale School Counselor Jenn Crow.
“School is one of the few places where children are faced with social situations and conflicts that can be handled by working together with caring adults,” said Bormann. “This makes us an excellent proving ground.”
“We are supplying our students with a much-needed venue to make missteps in the presence of well-informed staff members who will correct them and guide them in the right direction.”
They say that a person’s choice of Halloween costume reflects a lot about who they are on the inside — but while Abby Shaw doesn’t appear at first glance to be sporting an angel’s wings or a superhero’s cape, the 13 year old Rumson resident has figuratively suited up each of the past five Halloween seasons, on a do-good mission of her own devising.
Since the fall of 2011, during her days as a fourth grader at Forrestdale School, Abby has operated her own charitable enterprise, through which she collects donated Halloween costumes and distributes them to area kids in need.
Five years on, Abby’s Costumes for Kids Collection may not rank among the world’s most internationally recognizable nonprofit entities — but the smiles that have resulted from one kid’s hard work and positive energy have cured many cases of the trick-or-treat blues, and shown how a deceptively simple idea can capture a community’s imagination.
Dr. John E. Bormann, Ed. D., has been announced as Superintendent of the Rumson School District. A special Rumson Board of Education Meeting, during which all members voted unanimously in favor of his appointment, was held on June 9 at Forrestdale School.
A two-time recipient of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award, Dr. Bormann (at left in photo) was selected from a field of 32 candidates, and will be responsible for Deane-Porter School (Pre-K through third grade) and Forrestdale School (fourth through eighth grade). His official start date is August 1, and his contract runs through June 30, 2020.
Appreciating the creations at the Deane-Porter School Art Show are second-graders Clementine and Clara Lilley (left to right).
Press release from Rumson School District
Talented students shared their finest creations at the Deane-Porter School Art Show on the evening of May 13, when art lovers young and old were treated to an exhibit featuring brilliant work from all students in Kindergarten as well as first, second, and third grades.
The works of art included Monet-inspired landscapes, cool color penguins, symmetrical butterflies, crazy pumpkins, self-portraits as king or queen, and texture trees (Kindergarten); Chinese New Year dragons, Kandinsky-inspired concentric hearts, painted and printed weaving, and snowman with percolator app (First Grade); coil pots, Kachina masks, Audubon-inspired cardinals, and Faith Ringgold cityscapes (Second Grade); slab pottery, Greek columns, and Matisse-inspired landscapes (Third Grade).
Eighth Grade ELA teacher Lori Zucker of Forrestdale School, and First Grade teacher Holly Nixon of Deane-Porter School were recently named Teachers of the Year by the Rumson Board of Education.
Press release from Rumson School District
At its April 29 meeting held at Forrestdale School, the Rumson Board of Education honored Holly Nixon and Lori Zucker as its “Teachers of the Year” for 2015. The two educators received accolades from the Board and members of the administration, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance.
A First Grade teacher at Deane-Porter School, Nixon has taught at both Deane-Porter (Pre-K to Third grades) and Forrestdale (Fourth through Eighth grades) Schools during her 14 years with the Rumson School District. She received her undergraduate degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and attained her M. Ed. from Kean University in Union, New Jersey. A mother of four children — all of whom attended grade school in the district — she has been a resident of Rumson for the past 22 years.
An eighth grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, Zucker is a 10-year member of the Forrestdale School faculty. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and her M. Ed. from Teachers College/Columbia University in New York City. She began her teaching career at John Adams Elementary School in North Brunswick, New Jersey, and spent 10 years working in educational publishing before returning to the classroom. She lives in Oakhurst with her husband, two children, nephew and dog.
Enjoying Lunch with a Loved one are, from left, Doug Kozinn and his daughter Dylan, Ryan Winters and his son Kellen, and Kate Fithian and her son Jack. Students in Kindergarten through third grade at Deane Porter School in Rumson enjoyed this Valentine’s Day tradition on February 16.
Rumson PTO Book Fair attendees — and Clifford the Big Red Dog — enjoy a conch shell concert by Forrestdale School Music Teacher John Lebitsch, during the recent event.
Press release from Rumson School District PTO
“I like books,” said Clara Winters, a first grader at Deane Porter School, when asked why she was excited to attend this year’s Rumson School District Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Book Fair.
Judging by the number of excited youngsters clutching brand new books in anticipation of taking them home to enjoy, Clara was in good company.
The 2014 Rumson PTO Book Fair, held in the gymnasium of Deane Porter School from October 15 to 22, featured an astounding number of compelling titles to pique the interests of Pre-Kindergarteners through eighth graders at Deane Porter and Forrestdale Schools. Thousands of books and related items were available for immediate purchase, including a selection of titles for adults and young adults.
This year’s attendees were urged to make way for their new purchases by donating gently used titles to the Bridge of Books Foundation. Bridge of Books provides an ongoing source of books to underprivileged and at-risk children throughout New Jersey in order to support literacy skills and foster a love of reading. The generosity of the Rumson school community resulted in the donation of 20 cartons filled with books.
Kindergarten student Aidan Giblin and second grader Cameron (Cami) Hendrickson of Rumson greet the Bulldog mascot at Family Fall Festival 2014.
Press release from Rumson School District
Music and laughter filled the air on September 26, as purple-clad youngsters ran hurriedly about the grounds of Deane Porter School, during the Rumson School District’s third annual Family Fall Festival.
A powerful display of “Purple Pride,” the event (cooked up by hardworking parent and student volunteers) featured bounce houses, carnival games with prizes, drills and games courtesy of CrossFit Triple Threat in Red Bank, basketball fun with “Coach Cal” and “Coach Shempy,” and airbrush tattoos by “Party on with Natalie.”
The large crowd enjoyed refreshments such as flavored ices and cotton candy, a variety of fare from Freshica’s in Fair Haven and Locals Foodery in Rumson, and hot dogs from the cart of Mrs. Reidy. Also featured were a candy and treat tent and a display of Bulldog-themed merchandise for sale.
The musical soundtrack accompanying the frenzy of activity was provided by DJ Tommy Lynch, and even the RFH Bulldog mascot got in on the action, busting some dance moves and receiving hugs from happy youngsters.
