August 10 - 14

Bacon Bears,

Source: zengerfolkman.com

Last week the district administrators had a series of summer workshops to prepare for the upcoming year. On Monday, we had an excellent workshop on Equity and Diversity by Paul Gorski of the Edchange organization. Personally, I found the workshop very fulfilling. We explored many relevant topics that can improve the climate and culture at RM Bacon. We also spent time reviewing the evaluation process for staff. This workshop, facilitated by representatives from NJPSA, was very helpful. We worked on areas that need improving and celebrated areas of current success.

On Thursday, we had our annual meeting with Dr. Gentile. In this meeting, we spent a considerable amount of time discussing Teaching and Learning (the hallmark of our district). It was refreshing to hear all of the the excellent success stories throughout the district, and to begin planning for more awesomeness this year!

Our building is getting closer and closer to completion. Currently, we have two levels that are about 75% completed. The maintenance crew will be busy preparing the cafeteria level hallway floor this week.

This week I will be presenting to the Regional Achievement Center (RAC) annual Summer Institute. The topic of the presentation is "Connected Leadership." In addition, Mr. Hudson will be presenting at the Summer Institute on innovative technology tools for the classroom.

Blog posts worth a read

• Here is a post from Todd Nesloney about assessment results - Head Held High 
• Here is a post from Glenn Robbins about transforming hallways - Welcome to Idea Street 

Video of the Week - Life is meant to be EPIC 

Pictures from Summer

Dominguez girls at Busch Gardens! 

Weekly Overview (Office Hours)
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed

August 3 - 7

Bacon Bears,

Happy August! We are about a month away from the beginning of the 2015-16 school year. This is an exciting time as we continue to enjoy the summer and prepare for the year.

Our building is coming along quite nicely. The Office Level floor was completed last week, and the maintenance crew is now working on the Lower Level.

On Saturday, thanks to Ms. Candy, we took our kids to see Shrek The Musical at the Levoy Theater. The show was tremendous, and I highly recommend seeing it.

We took Henry and Catherine to see Shrek The Musical 

Weekly Office Schedule
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed

July 27 - 31

Bacon Bears,

Can you believe that we have been out of school for a month and have a little over a month until the next school year? We are truly at the half way point of the summer! Be sure to make the best of your summer!!!!


The summer custodial crew is making great progress on our building. They have completed the classrooms on the Office Level floor. On Wednesday, they will be cleaning, and waxing the hallway floor which is why we are closing the office for the remainder of the week. Beginning next week they will be working on the lower level.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Phenom Factory located just a few blocks from RM Bacon. We are so proud of our Bacon Bears (Christine Baker, Alex Soto, Otley, Abby, Cameron) who opened the facility this summer. Please be sure to stop by and see all that they offer. I am looking forward to the Monday Yoga classes.

You can work on your hitting in a virtual game 

Otley is putting his math skills to practice as he works the front desk. Mom, Christine Baker, is supervising

We are very excited about the new interactive white board in the Library!

This device will be available to students and teachers. Multiple users will be able to use it at the same time. 

We received some vacation pictures from some of the teachers. Keep them coming (would love to get Bacon Bear pictures as well - just email spike.cook@millvillenj.gov)

Mrs. Markel working on her decorating skills :) 

Ms. Anton at Disney (Being "photobombed" by Sven from Frozen) 

Weekly Office Hours 
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - Office Closed
Thursday - Office Closed
Friday - Office Closed

July 20 - 25

Bacon Bears,

The summer is a great time for resting, relaxing and reflection! We hope that you are all taking time to re-charge the batteries!

We are very busy here planning for the upcoming school year. There are a lot of great things that are on the horizon for our school.

The maintenance crew has been busy preparing the school. They are focused on the Office Level floor this week. The paint crew are making their final touches to the hallways and classrooms.


Please make sure to email Dr. Cook any summer pictures to include in future blog posts.


Pictures from around the school

Making sure all the lights are replaced! 

Mrs. Gandy donated this class picture on behalf of her father

Mrs. Gandy donated this class picture on behalf of her father

Weekly Office Hours
Monday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed

July 13 - 17

Bacon Bears,

Summer is in full swing. We are very busy here getting the school prepared for the new year. Dr. Cook is planning the school year and working on the schedule. The 3rd floor classrooms are finished, and the hallway is freshly painted.


This week the summer crew is working on the office level floor. Classrooms on this floor will be unavailable.

Pictures from around the school 

Dr. Cook is planning for the new school year

Paint Crew is on the Office Level floor

3rd floor looks awesome! 

Classrooms on Office Level Floor are beginning to be cleaned

A lot of teachers and students are taking vacations. Here are some vacation pictures sent to me (we would love more submissions).

Mr. and Mrs. Devita swimming with the dolphins 

Mrs. Devita on vacation 

Dr. Cook and family on their way to Disney 

Dr. Cook's son in Disney with Lion King stuffed animals 

The Cook family also visited Universal Studios 

Weekly Overview (Office Hours)
Monday - Office Closed
Tuesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Office Closed

June 29 - July 7

Bacon Bears,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break. It goes fast, so be sure to make the most of the time. We have been busy here at RM Bacon finishing up the school year and tying up all loose ends. The maintenance crew is making excellent progress on the 3rd floor (Thank you teachers for having the rooms ready to be cleaned).

Don't forget to check out the Summer Learning Section of the RM Bacon Weekly. There are activities for each grade. Here is the link

Please share any vacation or activities with us. We will feature you in the RM Bacon Weekly. Email Dr. Cook spike.cook@millvillenj.gov



Here are some pictures from the last few days of school

Students enjoying Kona Water Ice 

Students choosing their favorite water ice 

Yummy Yummy

Sitting in the shade and enjoying water ice

Making memories on the last day of school 

K-2 Awards Ceremony 

K-2 Awards Ceremony 

K-2 Awards Ceremony 

K-2 Awards Ceremony 

Dr. Cook signing copies of his book at the Tomorrows Classrooms Today 2015 Conference 

Weekly Overview (Summer Office Hours) 
Monday (6/29)- 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday (6/30) - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday (7/1) - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday (7/2) - Office Closed
Friday (7/3) - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Monday (7/6) - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday (7/7) - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday (7/8) - 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

June 22 - June 26

Bacon Bears,

Focusing on Today, Tomorrow, and the Future!


Since June 22 is our last day of school, the staff at RM Bacon would like to thank the students and parents for another wonderful year. We accomplished so much this year. Each student was able to improve as a result of their hard work and effort. The RM Bacon staff will miss the 5th graders, and we wish them luck as they move on to Lakeside Middle School.

The summer is a great time to spend with friends and family. Yet, we want students to continue to spend time learning which is why we created the Summer Learning Suggestions. You can access this page on the side of our blog or by clicking this link.


The RM Bacon Weekly will be updated over the summer. Be sure to check back here for the latest information on our school and for other important announcements.


Pictures from around the school:

5th grade luncheon 

5th grade students having fun 

Each student received their own picture at the Moving Up

The tassels 

5th graders ready to receive their awards 

Mrs. Benson talking to their parents 

5th graders 

Mr. Drewnowski talking to the parents 

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year 

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

Teachers reflecting on this year and planning for next year

We gave Ms. Maddie a thank you! 

We gave Ms. Maddie a thank you! 

We gave Ms. Maddie a thank you! 

Angelina was the first recipient of the Anthony Daniel DeNofio Italian-American Cultural Award 

Weekly Overview
Monday - E Day - Last day of school - 1:40 PM Dismissal
Tuesday - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM