April 16 - 20

Bacon Bears,
Welcome back from Spring Break. We hope you enjoyed your time off, and are ready to learn!

Over Spring Break, RM Bacon lost a family member. Patty Hoffman, cafeteria manager, known affectionately as "Ms. Patty" to the students and "Mom Mom" to the staff, was dedicated to RM Bacon School. She was a dear friend to so many of us. There were many staff members that either attended her viewing or funeral to pay their respects. We are planning a memorial for Ms. Patty in the upcoming weeks. For more information on Ms. Patty click here.

We have a busy week in store for our learners this week, and we plan to hit the ground running. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday our 3rd through 5th will take part in a "mock" NJASK. Each day from 10AM - 10:30AM the upstairs will be in "testing mode" We will use the results from the testing to help drive our instruction for the weeks leading up to the actual NJASK.

Parents: Report Cards will be mailed on Tuesday!

Teachers: We will be having an I and RS meeting on Thursday. Also, please note that Dr. Cook will be attending Integrated Pest Management Training on Friday April 20. Mrs. Harris will be substituting.

Tech Fridays will begin this week. Every Friday until the end of the year teachers (as well as students) will be working on increasing application and understanding of technology. With so much out there, it can be overwhelming. Why not try something new and learn from each other and students on which technology goes where?

This Friday we will focus on websites that help students. Our sessions our all voluntary, and will take place in room 2 from 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM. A wiki will be developed to assist those who would like more information. Also, Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Nolan will be available for demonstrations and practical applications of the new technologies.

Welcome Back Video:

As promised, here is the Teacher Spotlight Video, Mrs. Lore
(and a surprise guest):



Teachers, want to try something new? Interested in seeing what all these squiggly lines are for throughout the school? Create your own QR Code.

Weekly Overview
Monday - Mock NJASK Assessment (grades 3-5), 10:00AM;
Tuesday - I and RS Meeting, 8:00AM; Report Cards Distributed, Mock NJASK Assessment (grades 3-5, 10:00AM; 4th Grade Tae Kwon Do, 2:18AM
Wednesday - Mock NJASK Assessment (grades 3-5), 10:00AM; NJASK 2011 Awards Ceremony
Thursday -

Friday - Earth Day; Dr. Cook at IPM Training, Mrs. Harris substituting

April 9 -13

Bacon Bears,

Happy Spring Break!

On behalf of the entire RM Bacon Family, please enjoy your time off. We will be back in session on Monday, April 16, 2012.

2012 Spring Dazzle Girl's Softball Champs Karlee, Abby and Chastity

We had an egg-ceptional week at RM Bacon. On Wednesday, our students came dressed to impress for our Spring Photos. On Thursday, we had many egg-tivities throughout the school. Here is a video of some of the egg-tivities:


The PTA donated their time and effort to make sure the kids had a great egg hunt. They stuffed over 3,000 eggs with candy, and even put gift prizes in some of the eggs. Everyone was a winner, but the following students won gift cards to 5 Below:

Grades K and 1 Collected 1,000 eggs in 1 minute and 2 seconds
5 dollar gift card winners - Seth M from Mrs. Lore's class and Mike Q. from Ms. Anton's class
Grand Prize (15 dollar gift card) winner - Nathaniel W. from Mr. Hudson's class.

Grades 2 and 3 collected 1,000 eggs in 1 minute and 30 seconds
5 dollar gift card winners - John W. from Mrs. Pedrick and Emily A. from Mrs. Cheeseman's class
Grand Prize (15 dollar gift card) winner - Kevin H. from Ms. Woodman's class

Grades 4 and 5 collected 1,000 eggs in 1 minute and 29 seconds
5 dollar gift card winners - Julie M. from Mr. D's class and Mykaela F. from Mrs. Taylor
Grand Prize (15 dollar gift card) winner - Chastity S. from Mr. D's class



Grades K, 1, 2 and 3 - Vote for your Fun Day Design

Weekly Overview:
Monday through Friday - SPRING BREAK!!!!

April 2 - 5

Bacon Bears,


Millville Police vs. RM Bacon Students 2012. Bears won 11-10 keeping the 20 year streak alive! Thanks to the Millville Police Department for all they do to keep us safe!








Video of the week:


Last week's news:
On Monday, March 26, grades K - 2 went to see the Lorax! Everybody did a great job. Thanks to all the teachers who helped organize, and to the PTA for their generous donation to make sure it was possible. On Friday, we had our monthly Bear Bucks store. Students and teachers turned in their Bear Bucks for prizes, and celebrated the positive school culture that has been established here at Bacon. We are Safe, Responsible and Respectful, because we are Bacon Bears!


On Thursday night we hosted our Movie Night. The PTA supplied popcorn and juice while we watched the movie Hop.

This week's news:
This week we have Grade Level Meetings, and Tae Kwon Do on Monday. Spring photos will take place on Wednesday. On Thursday, we will be having our Annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 9:45 AM.

Teacher Spotlight:
4th grade teacher, Mrs. Gandy. Here is a video of Mrs. Gandy in action. Narrated by Abby Markee:



Dr. Cook successfully completed the Academy for Education Leadership through the Performance Excellence Group (PEG) on March 30, 2012. Dr. Cook, along with Nora Zielinski, Executive Director of Special Services, Kathy Procopio, Principal, Senior High, and Ryan Cruzan, Director of Facilities began the Academy in October of 2011.






Weekly Overview:
Monday - Grade Level Meetings, Computer Lab; Tae Kwon Do, 4th graders
Tuesday - Dr. Cook Administrative Meeting, 1/2 Day, Mrs. Harris Substituting
Wednesday - Spring Photos
Thursday - Egg Hunt, 9:45 AM
Friday through April 15 - SPRING BREAK

March 26 - 30

Bacon Bears,
Spring has Sprung! We have had birds chirping and the sun shining around RM Bacon. With all of the weather changes, there have also been a lot of changes with our students. I am really disappointed with the choices some of our students have been making. We have seen an increase in problems around the building. We have high expectations for our students and we value being SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, and RESPECTFUL because we are Bacon Bears.

Here is the RM Bacon Weekly Video directed and produced by Mrs. DeVita




Our staff spotlight this week is on Ms. Riley.

PASTA FOR PENNIES FINAL RESULTS
TOP 5 HOMEROOMS
1st Place – Mr. Hudson - $389.42
2nd Place – Mr. Drewnowski - $299.44
3rd Place – Mrs. Woodman - $270.08
4th Place – Mrs. Benson - $264.16
5th Place – Mrs. Muhlbaier - $212.86

Thank you everyone for encouraging our students to make donations for this wonderful cause and for any donations you made yourself. We were very successful in raising $2,530.85 which is OUTSTANDING!!!

Weekly Overview

Monday - Lorax Trip, K-3; 4th Grade Tae Kwon Do; Dr. Cook will be at ASCD, Mrs. Harris substituting

Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday - Dr. Barto visiting; PTA Movie Night, 6:00PM

Friday - PBIS Committee Meeting, 1 PM,; Bear Bucks Store, 3:00 PM; Millville Police vs. Students Floor Hockey Game, 3:45 PM; Dr. Cook will be at PEG Academy, Mrs. Harris substituting

March 19 - 23

Bacon Bears,

Did I just see that Spring is beginning on Tuesday? I feel like we never had a winter.

Take a look at our Video of the Week, Directed and Produced by Mrs. De Vita:

After our Faculty Meeting last week, I asked all of the previous Teachers of the Year to join together for a picture with the current TOY, Mr. Drewnowski. Want to hear what they are saying about him?

"Anyone who has seen Mr. D teach recognizes that he is an outstanding educator who is respected by each and every student; but what I admire most is his relationship with those students. Mr. Drewnowski makes sure that every child knows that he truly believes that they can and will succeed and as a result, produces a class of successful, proud learners who also believe in themselves."

Another teacher added, "If you know Mr. D. you know that he idolizes Michael Jordan, so I thought I would send you this quote by MJ ' Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.' That is what he does here at RM Bacon."

Former Teachers of the Year:
Left to right (Back row: Mrs. Munzenmayer, Mrs. Gandy, Coach Mussarra, Mrs. DiGorgio, Mrs. Markel, Mrs. Muhlbaier. Back row: Mr. Drewnowski and Mrs. Sutton)









Staff Spotlight on Mrs. Mercado (Who Knew?)

Mrs. Mercado is our Spanish teacher. I was recently made aware that she was a professional basketball player. This must explain her ball handling skills. Mrs. Mercado makes learning Spanish fun and the kids enjoy her classes. She has such a positive attitude about life! It is contagious when you are around her!

We had a tremendous week at RM Bacon last week. The teachers loved the treat from Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday. Fourth graders are getting deeper into Tae Kwon Do, and the Kindergartners are swimming it up at the pool.

The Staff vs. Students Floor Hockey games was one for the ages. Unfortunately for the students, the Staff won both games. The Player of the Game honors went to Mr. Mazza, the Dazzla. Thanks to all who helped and especially to Mrs. Bingham for her coordination efforts.

This week we have a few things going on such as Silly Sock Day on Tuesday and 4th grade Tae Kwon Do. Our Kindergarten will be swimming on Thursday.

Pasta For Pennies (1 more Week left)
1st Place – Mr. Hudson - $228.48
2nd Place – Mrs. Benson- $223.20
3rd Place – Mrs. Woodman – $203.88

Weekly Overview:
Monday - 4th Grade Tae Kwon Do; BOE Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday - Silly Sock Day; Dr. Cook out for Professional Development, Mrs. Harris substituting
Wednesday -
Thursday - Kindergarten Swimming
Friday -

March 12 - 16

Bacon Bears,
I hope you remembered to turn your clocks ahead. Spring is here! We have an action packed week planned, but first let's watch the new RM Bacon Weekly:



Our 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year was announced on Friday, and it was Mr. Drewnowski! I think this was the first Teacher of the Year at Bacon to be put on twitter immediately after the announcement. I recommend to follow Mr. Drewnowski on twitter @BobDrewnowski. We will have a special post dedicated to him and all of the previous Bacon Teachers of the Year very soon.

As for our Read Across America week, I would recommend reading my personal blog post for a complete overview: http://drspikecook.com/2012/03/05/oh-the-places-we-went-and-are-going/

This week we are continuing the Pasta for Pennies. Please make sure to bring in any loose change. Winning homeroom will receive a free catered lunch from Olive Garden.

4th grade will be continuing with Tae Kwon Do for the next several "A" days. Students will have the opportunity to work on their self discipline and goal setting.

On Tuesday, the teachers will be treated to lunch by Chick-Fil-A. This gesture was set up by our maternity leave Music teacher, Mr. Mazza.

Teachers will have a staff meeting on Thursday at 8:00 AM. Kindergartners will continue their swimming lessons this week.

On Thursday afternoon the Annual Staff vs. Student Floor Hockey Game will be held in the gym at 2:30 PM. This should be fun!

On Friday, March 16 we are encouraging everyone to wear GREEN in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Have a great week and remember "Your Image is Our Image"

Pasta for Pennies ALL WEEK
Monday - Grade Level Meetings, 4th grade 11:30 AM, 3rd Grade 1:34PM, 5th Grade 2:20PM
Tuesday - Chick-Fil-A during Teacher Lunches
Wednesday -
Thursday - Staff meeting, 8:00 AM; Kindergarten Swimming; Teacher Vs. Students Floor Hockey, 2:30 PM
Friday Dr. Cook at PEG, Mrs. Harris substitute; wear GREEN in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

March 5 - 9

Bacon Bears,

So many great things going on at RM Bacon. Last week the school turned into Seussville. Each grade decorated the hallways with their favorite Seuss-inspired theme. The students in grades 3-5 were the first kids on the East Coast to see the new Lorax Movie. The K-2 students enjoyed readings from Dr. Moore, Mrs Spanbauer, Dr. Cook and other guest readers. They watched Green Eggs and Ham and were treated to snacks and GREEN EGGS. Thanks to the PTA for their generous donations to make these events become a reality. Also, thanks to all of the teachers who worked collaboratively to make this a special week for learning.

Teacher Spotlight

Mrs. Munzenmayer has been teaching for 29 years, 21 years here at R.M.Bacon. Teaching is still fun for her and she loves coming to work everyday!

She enjoys power walking, reading and baking. Her and her husband Ross have fun running their 9month old Lab, Sandy on the beach.

What they are saying about Mrs. Munzenmayer, "Carolyn is an excellent teacher. She is very helpful with with the fruit disbursement in the morning as well as any time I need an idea she helps. I know with students she gave me multiple resources she uses in Kindergarten last year to try and help ease them into first grade." Another teacher said, "Carolyn gives 100% everyday to Bacon School. Not only does she educate her students , but truly cares about each and everyone of them."

Who Is Teaching Physical Education?

Alexia and Marissa became physical education teachers (in training) on February 29. Student Teacher, Kevin DiBiase and Coach Mussarra came up with the idea a few weeks ago after one of the lessons. Students wanted to know more about what it took to be a physical education teacher. They had to submit lesson plans, and talk with Coach and Mr. DiBiaseabout the curriculum in both College and Elementary School.

They both enjoyed the day, but said, "It was exhausting!"

Pasta for Pennies Anyone?

Beginning this Monday, March 5 we are running a fundraiser that benefits the children and families of those affected by blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma.

Students are being encouraged to bring loose change to help those in need.

The winning homeroom will be treated to a luncheon served by Olive Garden.

Video of the Week

Weekly overview:

Monday - Pasta for Pennies; Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday -Pasta for Pennies, Administrative Meeting, Dr. Cook 1/2 Day, Mrs. Harris

Wednesday -Pasta for Pennies

Thursday - Pasta for Pennies; Kindergarten Swimming
Friday -Pasta for Pennies, Mrs. Harris in for Dr. Cook
Saturday - Millville Neighborhood Summit. 9:00AM High School