June 12 - 16, 2017

Bears,

This is it!  The last week before summer break is here.  One final Monday-Friday before we all peel off to our respective summer destinations - some to venture out of state, some to hit the beach over and over and over, some to maybe stay home and contemplate life in the quiet summer heat.  I'm sure our little Bears are just as eager to create another season of memories before they dutifully return in September.

Of course, this is our 5th graders final week with us, and we hope they have a memorable and exciting week before heading off into the summer.  We wish them well as they embark on a new adventure - middle school.  Remember, you'll always be Bacon Bears at heart.  Please come back and tell us how you're doing. We love keeping up with our Bears.

This past week, many of our grades enjoyed their class trips - from Ocean City to Cape May to right here in town, the students and staff members had a great time as they celebrated another year come and nearly gone.  Check out the pictures below to see what they were up to.

Also, congrats and a shout out to our band for a successful trip to Lakeside last week. Everyone did a great job performing, and Mrs. Rohaly is proud of the work you've accomplished this year.  5th grade band students -- good luck at Lakeside next year.  It will truly be the "big stage" for you - a bigger band, a bigger stage, a bigger auditorium, a bigger school, bigger concerts...you'll do great, and you'll have fun.

This week, we have a few events lined up.  Second grade is taking their trip to the Phenom Factory in Millville.  If you haven't stopped out there yet, make it a point to do so.  They've got a cool thing going there.

The 5th grade step-up ceremony will be at Bacon on 6/14 beginning at 4 p.m.

The last day of school will be on 6/16.  Student dismissal is at 1:45, so please make arrangements to have your children picked up on time.  There is morning latch key, but there is NO AFTERNOON LATCH KEY!

And so, here is the ever-shortening list of upcoming events:

6/13 -- 2nd grade trip to the Phenom Factory 

6/14 -- 5th grade step-up ceremony at 4 p.m.

6/16 - Last day of school (and graduation at the senior high school).  EARLY DISMISSAL AT 1:45

**Teachers, our final staff meeting of the year will be on Thursday morning.  

Next week's blog will wrap up the year and provide info regarding some upcoming changes for next year.  It will be bittersweet as we say goodbye to some staff members and welcome others to our family.  

Pictures from around the School (and beyond)

Mrs. Gandy modeling some sunglasses at the PBIS store

#Millvillerocks #Baconrocks 

Kindergarten having fun in OC

His face says it all 

Kindergarten at the park in OC

The inseparable Mr. Lokey and Jay - buddies for life

The water was COLD! 

Bacon at the beach 

Sweatshirts in June - it doesn't seem right.  The cool weather didn't stop them from having fun!

Enjoying the day despite the lack of sun and lack of warmth 

Smiles all around

4th grade at Sunset Beach 

The weather was more seasonable for our 4th graders

Mrs. Taylor telling Mrs. Levari, "It's about time the sun came out." 

Shipwreck off the coast

Us watching the teachers watching the kids 

A beautiful day

Bacon at the beach, part two 

They look ready! 

Making great memories

Bacon rocks!

Birthday Selfies!

June 5 - June 9, 2017

Bacon Bears,

Two full weeks left.  Can you believe it?  I can't speak for everyone, but this is the time of year where I become reflective on what's transpired since the beginning of school.  It's a time for thinking about what we've done, what we should do differently, how we can improve, what changes need to be made, and ultimately, how do we provide the best possible experience for our learners?  As a first year principal, this has been a year of growth, progress, mistakes, adjustments, and everything in between.  Great memories have been made, and connections and relationships have been built with our families and community.  Still, there is work to be done.

Sure, there have been a few things that haven't gone according to plan, but to paraphrase John Maxwell, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose learn.  We all should value the rough patches that we inevitably go through, because with each one, there is something of value to be gained - something that makes us better, stronger, smarter, and more prepared to face the challenges of life.  It's not that we look forward to those experiences, but we also don't waste them.  We take what we need, and we move on.  This is something we cover often with our Bears - how to learn from mistakes, how to deal with challenges, how to work with people who don't always agree with us, and how to grow and develop into the best possible you (we are all works in progress as far as that goes).

But enough philosophy for now. Let's quickly recap a few highlights from last week.  Our 1st grade classes enjoyed their time at the Atlantic City Aquarium.  The students were well-behaved, and they had a lot of fun.  Also, our 5th grade classes attended Multicultural Week in downtown Millville where they got their hands dirty on a few art projects.  Our safety patrol just returned from their trip to our nation's capital.  Thanks to all the staff members who helped make these events special and memorable for our Bacon Bears. Finally, our 4th grade classes successfully completed the NJASK Science test.  Thanks to Ms. Spanbauer and Mrs. DeVita for overseeing the testing process and for all the hard work you both do day-in and day-out.  

As they say, "But wait - there's more!" We still have a full plate in front of us.  Here are the upcoming events:

6/6 -- Lakeside Orientation (5th grade)

6/7 -- Ocean City (K)

6/8 -- Band trip to Lakeside

6/9 -- Cape May (4th grade)

6/9 -- Phenom Factory (5th grade) 

6/14 -- 5th grade step-up ceremony at 4 p.m.

6/16 - Last day of school (and graduation at the senior high school)

Pictures from around the School

Not a Bear, but a special guest nonetheless this week

Bacon rocks!

5th graders getting an art lesson

Multicultural Week

Multicultural appreciation

Fun times at the Atlantic City Aquarium

Enjoying the sunshine and water

Not a bad day at all

Birthday Selfies!