4th grade students are researching colleges and universities
Bacon Bears,
We had a very exciting week last week at RM Bacon! On Wednesday, We had our annual Jump Rope for Heart event. This year we did it after school and had 70 kids participate. As soon as we have our final figures on the fundraising, we will share them with everyone. On Thursday we celebrated 100th day of school, Valentines Day parties and had our Dance. Even though we had so many activities, everyone did a great job. It was a perfect way to end the week. This week will be shortened due to Presidents Day on Monday. Our monthly HSA meeting is on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. This is your last chance to get FREE Bingo cards for Pizza Bingo (which is going to be held on Wednesday, February 24.
Coaches Corner by Mr. Hudson This week I was able to observe an awesome writing lesson in Mrs. Gandy’s class. The students were writing to their future college they wish to attend. It was exciting to see their enthusiasm as they were requesting information and letting each college know their future enrollment date. Some of the popular choices were; Rowan, Harvard, Temple, Ohio State, and Cumberland County College. I was able to sit with a few students and share my college experience with them. You could definitely tell the students enjoyed this project and were making connections to something that is still 8 years away. How is that for setting goals? The students and Mrs. Gandy are mailing these letters out this week and hope to receive some information back from their college choice. Stay tuned for the results to this awesome project.
On Wednesday, I was able to experience first grade. Mrs. Bingham’s class was doing a Morning Meeting and going over goals for the day. The students were engaged and you could tell that they were eager to start their day. Mrs. Pedrick’s class was doing a math lesson on comparing two digit numbers. Once the students were taught the alligator trick, it seemed that they were able to grasp the concept. Mrs. Lunemenn’s class was completing a graphing activity using different colored candy hearts. Each student received a box of mixed hearts. After organizing them into color coded piles, the students built a bar graph showing how many of each color they had. How cool is that, first graders are analyzing and building data.
My final activity this week was in third grade. On Thursday, it was our 100th day of school. The 3rd grade teachers built S.T.E.M. centers that all revolved around the number 100. My favorite was the cup stacking pyramid. For this, we had to build a pyramid that used 100 cups. The challenge was which team could build a pyramid the highest. My team came in second but as a whole, every student was engaged and pushing the limits with their stacking ability. Pictures from around the school
Mrs. Fryling's students are enjoying their new reading center with stability balls
Mrs. Fryling's students are enjoying their new reading center with stability balls
Collaborative, problem solving learning in 3rd grade
Collaborative, problem solving learning in 3rd grade
Collaborative, problem solving learning in 3rd grade
Collaborative, problem solving learning in 3rd grade
Collaborative, problem solving learning in 3rd grade
Happy 100th Day
Everyone enjoyed the Valentines Day Dance
Everyone enjoyed the Valentines Day Dance
Everyone enjoyed the Valentines Day Dance
Everyone enjoyed the Valentines Day Dance
What time is it?
What time is it?
Jump Rope for Heart
Jump Rope for Heart
Birthday Selfie
Birthday Selfie
Birthday Selfie
Kindergarten Swimming
Kindergarten Swimming
4th graders during smoothie time
Weekly Overview Monday - No School - Presidents Day Tuesday - A Day - HSA Meeting, Library, 7:00 PM Wednesday - B Day - Wellness Wednesday; Axe Equitable in Teacher Lunches Thursday - C Day - Staff Meeting, Gym, 8:00 AM; Kindergarten Swim Friday -D Day - Wear Bacon Gear
We had another amazing week. Actually, it was SUPER. This week we showed our school spirit through crazy hair, mix matched clothes, and by wearing our favorite sport's jerseys.
We also had a great staff meeting this week. We tried something new and a little different. We had our first "Edcamp" inspired meeting. Teachers were able to choose their learning and the focus was on conversations between grade levels.
This week is shortened due to the Staff In-Service on Friday. Students will have a 4 day weekend because we do not have school on Monday, February 15th.
Since we had such a Super Week, we decided to take all of the pictures and make an Animoto video. Take a few minutes to check out the video:
Storify Have you missed anything from Social Media? We know everyone is busy, but we are committed to having a robust Social Media presence. We are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here is the Storify from the RM Bacon Hashtag
Coaches Corner by Mr. Hudson
This week was one of my favorite weeks as a coach so far. I had a chance to do a little bit of everything as we continue to move Bacon School forward. On Monday, our monthly school report was due to the New Jersey Department of Education. As a school, we are able to celebrate that our student chronic absenteeism is lower than 10%. We are currently at 9.6%! This is a testament to the dedication by the staff, students, and parents on just how hard we are all working together. Great Job!!!
Here is the yearly data for Chronic Absenteeism Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan.
In technology news, I was able to work with Mrs. Cheeseman’s class to complete their first ever online assessment using the EasyBridge website. Students were so excited to begin taking their assignments digitally. Once the test was over, Mrs. Cheeseman began instantly wanting to analyze the data and look for ways to highlight her class as well as areas to improve. Grading these assessments previously took Mrs. Cheeseman hours to grade and now it is done in 1 minute. Just think of the possibilities of things to come for the second grade.
Another milestone was hit this week as well. Dr. Cook and I redesigned the staff meetings at Bacon School. On Thursday, the teachers worked as a collective whole to look for ways to improve in an EdCamp format. These areas include, Math SGO’s, Writing infusion, PBIS process, and Chronic Absenteeism. The teachers were in groups and listened to music as they brainstormed ideas on ways to improve these topics. More will come at our next meeting on February 18th. Stay Tuned!!!
Weekly Overview
Monday - B Day - Keeping it Real, 4th grade, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM; BOE Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday - C Day - Administration Meeting, 2:00 PM
Wednesday - D Day - Wellness Wednesday (Workout); Jump Rope for Heart, 4:00 PM
Thursday - E Day - Wear Red or Pink; ScIP Leadership Team Meeting, 8:00 AM; Kindergarten Swimming; Valentines Day Parties; Valentines Dance, 4:00 - 5:30 PM (grades 3-5)
Friday - No School - Teacher Professional Development
Happy February! Last week we ended on such a positive note (once we were able to shovel all of that snow out of the way). We had our first "Respect the 29th" Assembly. The Respect the 29th Assembly is a monthly Assembly that focuses on our four School Improvement Goals. In short, our goals are to increase our math and language arts literacy assessment scores, decrease Major Office Discipline Referrals, and decrease Chronic Absenteeism.
Each month on the 29th (since we opened in 1929) we will take time to recognize those students who are exemplifying those school goals. Students received their Honor Roll and Principal's list certificates for the first marking period, perfect attendance, and the K-2 Awesome Student Awards were distributed!
In addition, the Special Area Challenge winner was announced. In one month, Mrs. Lore's class earned more positive points than the entire school! They earned free time in the gym! We also recognized staff at the assembly. Mrs. Polof and Mrs. Digorgio won 29 minutes of free time! They can come in late, leave early or in the middle of the day and we will cover their class! Our next Respect the 29th Assembly will be on February 29 @ 2:00 PM.
Coach's Corner by Mr. Hudson
District Professional Development Day was a success!
This week although shortened, provided the chance for all of the teachers in Millville Public Schools to collaborate and grow within their profession together. On Wednesday, Dr. Cook and I were able to work with all of the Kindergarten teachers across the district as we move towards growing within our Reading Street Curriculum. It was awesome to see all of the teachers from the elementary schools working together for the betterment of our students. The teachers shared best practices and suggestions on ways to move students forward with their learning. The one thing I will say, when you put teachers in a room together, awesome things happen!! Mrs. Muhlbaier and Mrs. Gandy were also able to lead the district 4th grade teachers in their discussion. Way to make Bacon proud!
Bacon Tech Friday was awesome!
To finish the week off, we held a Tech Friday. This was a great chance for the teachers on Bacon School to come early and share instructional technology resources with one another. This is totally optional and starts before school. As a group, we discussed Smart Notebook 15 and some of the new tricks and tools you can use. Big Shout out to Mrs. Gandy, Mrs. Muhlbaier, Ms. Anton, Mrs. Banker, Mrs. Rohaly, Mrs. Fryling, Mrs. Devita, Mrs. Lunemann, Mrs. Bingham and her student teacher Ms. Losey. We will be having another optional Tech Friday on February 19th. Stay Tuned!! Pictures from around the school
On Tuesday, we had our first Families to Communities Event
Parents and students engaged in discussion at Families to Communities Event
Parents and students engaged in discussion at Families to Communities Event
Students were reward with positive cafeteria behavior by Ms. Candy
Students were reward with positive cafeteria behavior by Ms. Candy
Students were reward with positive cafeteria behavior by Ms. Candy
Students were reward with positive cafeteria behavior by Ms. Candy
Students were reward with positive cafeteria behavior by Ms. Candy
Dr. Cook spoke to Mrs. Bingham's class about his job
3rd graders are making their own snowflakes
Mr. Jacobs was given star treatment by these nice 4th graders at Smoothie Time
Since it is the week leading up to the Super Bowl, we have a bunch of fun things planned. Here is the overview of the week:
Monday - Silly Hair or Hat Day
Tuesday - Super Hero Day
Wednesday - Wellness Wednesday (Wear your workout gear)
Thursday - Mix Match or Silly Sock Day
Friday - Wear your favorite team's shirt
Video of the Week - Students keeping a gratitude journal - This is powerful!
February 1 starts Black History Month - Be sure to celebrate and honor the legacy of African Americans in this country. Weekly Overview Monday - B Day - I and RS Meeting, Library, 9:30 - 12:00; Jump Rope for Heart Assembly, Gym, 10:00 AM; Pencil Sale in Lunch Tuesday - C Day - Groundhog Day; RTI begins; Pencil Sale in Lunch Wednesday - D Day - Wellness Wednesday; Pencil Sale in Lunch Thursday - E Day - Staff Meeting, Library, 8:00 AM; 2nd Marking Period Report Cards sent home; Pencil Sale in Lunch Friday - A Day - RTI Meeting, 1:00 PM; Pencil Sale in Lunch
90 MinuteDelay -January 26, 2016 - Doors open at 10:25 and Homeroom begins at 10:45 AM
Last week the teachers and students were able to get through their Winter Benchmark assessments. This is a good time of the year to see how students have progressed and more importantly, where they need extra help.
Our 4th graders are enjoying their healthy smoothies everyday at 2:30 PM in the cafeteria. They are trying new concoctions based on the recommendations of Mrs. Muhlbaier and Mrs. Gandy.
This week we will be having our first "Respect the 29th" Assembly. The premise of the Respect the 29th Assembly is to award and acknowledge all of the hard work and positive behavior in our school. The first student to guess the reason why we are calling it "Respect the 29th" will get a FREE T-Shirt. Be sure to get your answers to Dr. Cook ASAP.
Coaches Corner - Mr. Hudson, Instructional Coach
This week provided me with a huge overview of just how awesome the teachers in our school are. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I worked along with the RTI staff and completed the Universal Screenings for grades 1-5. This was a great chance for teachers and the RTI staff to see some of the gains students have made in their academics mid-way through the school year. Also this week, I was able to work with Mrs. Lore's class and complete several guided reading groups. The students read, "A Winter Home." When the story was over, the students wrote about an animal of their choosing and where that animal lives. It was an awesome experience to see the Kindergartners tapping out words and beginning to read/write their own stories. By week's end, I was able to work with Mrs. Pedrick's class and complete a few Fountas and Pinnell scoring. The students not only made great gains in reading but their comprehension was superb. My favorite line came from a student who read a story about trucks and told me, "When I get older, I am going to drive the UPS truck because they get to leave the door open while driving." Now there is a student with a vision!!
Pictures from around the school
Mr. Hudson working with Kindergartners
Selfie with the Principal
Birthday Selfie
Yoga in the gym with Ms. Bieri
2016 Floor Hockey Captains!
4th graders and their smoothie mustaches
Mrs. Sinone inspired us to start the Blue Marble Project
Our crew preparing for school after the blizzard
Our crew preparing the school after the blizzard
Video of the Week - Mrs. Sinone has inspired us to start the Blue Marble Project at RM Bacon - Who will you show gratitude and thanks?
Weekly Overview
Monday - No School (Snow Day)
Tuesday - D Day - K-1 Benchmark Writing due; Parents as Leaders, 6:00 PM
Wednesday - No School (Teacher In Service)
Thursday - E Day - End of Second Marking Period; PBIS Bear Bucks Store
Friday - A Day - Respect the 29th Assembly, 10:00 AM; Reading Street Unit 3 Due
This week began with our observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. What does MLK mean to you? How are we following his legacy? Please feel free to share your experiences!
This week we will be assessing students in the Tri-Annual Response To Intervention (RTI)Sweeps. The results of these "sweeps" help us determine those students who need interventions and assistance. We also use the data collected to see how we are progressing as a school for our School Improvement Plan.
This week the news media outlets visited RM Bacon to see the Nutribullet Kickoff Assembly. All 4th grade students received a Nutribullet, and tasted some yummy (and healthy) smoothies. See what the press had to say:
Daily Journal article - Shakin at Bacon
South Jersey News - Millville School Gets Help Being Healthy
We have a new section of the RM Bacon Weekly! Mr. Hudson, our Instructional Coach, will be highlighting his experiences with the teachers and students each week.
Coaches Corner - by Mr. Hudson
Ms. Votta presenting to Mrs. Pedrick's class
This week the staff at RM Bacon made some amazing breakthroughs with their students. In first grade, Mrs. Pedrick was able to get rescued turtles into her room compliments of Ms. Votta from Lakeside. The students really enjoyed learning about the rescuing project that Ms. Votta's class is working on. When the turtles arrive at Ms. Votta's class in September, they are the size of a nickel, and by June, they are about the size of a silver dollar. This was a great way to end the first grades study of turtles as part of Mrs. Pedrick's genius project. You could see the excitement in the students faces as the turtles were passed around. In second grade, Mrs. Digiorgio class took their very first online assessment in Reading using the Pearson Realize platform. The students were really excited to switch to this platform and Mrs. Digiorgio was able to see her students results instantly. This week they are going to try taking a math assessment along with Mrs. Cheeseman and Mrs. Taylor's class. Awesome Stuff!!!! RTI screened Kindergarten in Diebels and began analyzing the results. I was able to take part in this process and it was awesome to hear/see the hard work of the Kindergarten teachers paying off with their students. The students worked very hard and thanks to the RTI staff, results were given back for the teachers to see their classes progress. This week, I am looking forward to working again with the RTI staff on Tuesday and Wednesday as we screen the rest of the school. Once we are finished, we will show the teachers the results, so they can see how their hard work in paying dividends in the classroom. Great Week by ALL!!!!
3rd Grader Lexi Grubb submitted a story she wrote for a Gifted and Talented assignment. Millville History
Lexi saw the picture of Mrs. Bacon
Did you know the building
where Millville’s Historical Society is located was once Millville’s first
bank? The property at Second and Main streets was purchased for $1,4000 and the
bank was built modeled after a bank in Burlington. Construction cost $3,300. It
was originally built with Italianate features and was then remodeled in a
Colonial Revival style when the library took over the building. The bank opened
on October 14, 1857. On May 13, 1865 the comptroller of the currency of the
United States issued the Millville bank a federal charter and it then became
known as the Millville National bank. There were three banks in the 1930’s in
Millville with Millville National Bank being the only one to survive the Great
Depression. Millville National bank
was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on November 20, 1980. In
1908 the Millville National bank moved into new and larger quarters at High and
Main streets and the old building was sold to the Millville Library and Reading
Room Association, to later become known as the Millville Public Library for the
price of $500. The library occupied the building until 1963. Other city offices
were housed in the building until 1975. Millville’s first bank is now the
headquarters for Millville’s historical society which took over it in 1977. The walls were separating
so they put bars so it would make it better and the people who made the bars
and put it were the bars had to be they were awarded $136,000 dollars. Do you
know what that house next to it is? That is the Dunn Stratton house. It was
owned by the bank’s first president, Nathaniel Stratton. He never actually
lived in the house, but rented it. Pictures from around the school
Nutribullet Kickoff
Dr. Gentile at the Nutribullet Kickoff
Ms. Candy taking a selfie at the Nutribullet Kickoff
Nutribullet Kickoff
Students working on their Art
Second graders reading
Birthday selfies
Birthday selfies
Birthday selfies
Birthday selfies
Birthday selfies
Weekly Overview
Monday - No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday - E Day - RTI Sweeps; Math Benchmarks; HSA Meeting, 7:00 PM
Wednesday - A Day - Workout Wednesday; RTI Sweeps; Math Benchmarks; Prudential Disability in Teacher's Lunches
Thursday - B Day - RTI Sweeps; Math Benchmarks; Staff Meeting, Library, 8:00 AM
Friday - C Day - Bacon Pride; RTI Sweeps; Math Benchmarks;
