News from the Superintendent's Desk - February 2013 (pdf)

News from the Superintendent’s Desk
February, 2013
According to the groundhog we should expect an early spring. This will be a welcome relief from the
storms and frigid days of 2012. We have been fortunate that since Hurricane Sandy we have not had to
miss a school day. This still places us on track for the last day of school to be June 20. I will keep you
informed as we move through the remainder of winter.
This year I have had to use our Global Connect communication system more than ever. In that regard we
are reviewing how best to get the message to you in a timely manner. In preparing for future events we
will be communicating in the following ways.
• Global Connect voice message – landline
• New - Global Connect message to cell phone numbers of Guardian 1 and Guardian 2
• Global Connect to send an email
• Message will be posted on the website
• Twitter – If you subscribe to our twitter feed you automatically receive announcements from the
district homepage
• New - News12 school closing system
School Preparedness Update
We are continuing to develop protocols, procedures, and trainings that increase our schools ability to
respond and recover from crises as effectively and quickly as possible. As per the drill law that was
passed in 2010, we continue to rehearse in how to respond during an emergency. Each year we practice
the following drills – bomb threat, active shooter, non-fire evacuation, and lock down. For example, on
Friday, February 15 when scribbling on a wall in a bathroom at the CMS/CHS was discovered we were
able to execute our evacuation plan. If the weather was inclement or the students were dismissed much
earlier they would have been taken to a designated building in the town. Parents would have been notified
of that location. It has been recommended that we do not disclose that information until necessary so as
not to compromise that facility. In late spring we will, in cooperation with the police, EMS, and fire
department, practice an evacuation drill for each building to another location. This will allow the police to
plan traffic flow and pick up. Parents will be notified when that will occur. I appreciate everyone’s
cooperation on short notice and will continue to evaluate how we can improve our procedures for the
safety and security of our students and staff. If you have a specific suggestions please feel free to email
me at lbellina@cboek12.org
Survey for Cresskill Middle/high school
I believe that the Cresskill Middle School/High School provides excellent educational opportunities for
all of its students to prepare them for 21st century skills. It is equally important to create a learning
environment that is respectful, supportive, and safe. In that regard, I am asking you take a few minutes to
complete a survey on school climate and drug and alcohol use. The results of the survey will allow us to
review our existing practices, procedures, and programs. The feedback also gives us insight if there are
areas of need. Your input is valuable as we plan for the 2013-2014 school year. I am asking for
approximately 15 minutes of your time to complete the surveys. You may respond from February 20,
2013 - March 6, 2013.
All responses are anonymous and confidential. Please click on the links below to access the survey.
Thank you in advance for your efforts on this project.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/schoolculturesurvey1701
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/drugandalcoholsurvey
Cresskill Education Foundation Paver Fundraiser
The paver project is an ongoing fundraiser that supports various projects and initiatives in the Cresskill
school district. A limited number of pavers located near the front entrance of the Middle/High school are
available for engraving. Support the Paver Project and give a gift that is a permanent reminder of your
family’s commitment to the education of our children. Pavers may be purchased online at
www.cresskillcef.org or mail form to: CEF, PO BOX 445, Cresskill, NJ 07626, or put in the Paver Box in
the main office of each school. Please submit the paver form by March 15, 2013 in order to be engraved
by the late spring. Please contact Joni Choi with any questions at jonichoi@yahoo.com
Students in the News
• The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is pleased to announce the winners of the Northern NJ
Regional Scholastics Art Awards. A jury of professional artists, curators, and arts educators spent
30+ hours reviewing 3400 works of art submitted by over 900 individual student artists from
across northern New Jersey. Our student's artwork was selected as part of the top 10-30% in our
region. Congratulations and thank you for the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Gelchinsky’s
students: Boyeon Kim won two awards, a gold and silver key, Ji Hye Kim also won two
awards, a gold and silver key. Ruby Chung won a silver key, and Jessica Glynn received an
Honorable Mention.
• Another new project in music tech class is the inaugural broadcast of WCHS, Cresskill Radio. I
hope that you can open the link to listen to our own radio personalities. Thanks to Mr. Von Glahn
for his guidance. Click on the link below to listen.
http://www.cresskillmusic.org/mcseo%20stuff/Music%20Technology/WCHS%20Rough%20Edit%
20020813.mp3
• The elementary schools hosted the first annual Spelling Bee Competition. Following the
guidelines of Scripps National Spelling Bee, students were challenged to test their spelling skills
at the homeroom level, the grade level and finally a challenge at the school level. The finalists
from each grade level participated at the school bee in January. The finalist from each school will
head to Bergen Community College for the North Jersey Spelling Bee Final Competition. That
event will be on March 27, 2013. The winners for MMS are David Chu and Annette Kim. The
winner for EHB is Ryan You.
• The Cougar Code continues to be a success in the middle school. The system promotes positive
behavior and recognizes student achievement. One student a week from each grade is recognized
publicly with a certificate and from the pool of recipients a Student of the Month is selected.
These students are honored by having their pictures placed on the bulletin board outside of the
middle school office and on the marquee in front of the school. The students of the week
through February are: Grade 6: Sean Manning, Sea Yoon, Jenine Chu, Luigi Quinones, Sophie
Green, Michael Pianghi Sam Gellman, Jake Weiss, Ryan Distell, Katherine Klein, Max Wilson,
Gwenyth Gorfin, Jacob Hamburger, Leo Chamalian, Dylan Distell, Michael Lavin, Ruka
Masano, Kyoko Kodoma, Omer Sarfati and Khunpob Sereesuchart. Grade 7: Evan Gundling,
Carley Wells, Kiaralisse Hiciano, Steven Villani, Tal Cohen, Michael Chambers, Victoria
Pontius, Mark Batistich, Joseph Mioli, Talar Arslanian, Madeline Bergier, Soobin Serena Lee,
Alexander Whang, Lindsey Costantino, Sofia Skinner, Alexandra King, Ian Grayson, Ella
Hamberger and Chan Park. Grade 8: Grace Rabinowitz, George Farah, Riddhi Patel, Sam Chu,
Terrence Mc Cabe Victoria Park, Marty Lucibello, Kevin Kelly, Kayleigh Young, Jacob Gorman,
Seung Mook (Daniel) Lee, Jagger Kushner, Christina McConney, Christopher Kim, Giana Imani,
Seung Mook (Daniel) Lee, Kayla Vestergaard, Victoria Paspalas, and James Allen.

• We are proud of our kindergarten students for their efforts in participating in National
Handwriting Day by sending letters to President Obama.
Change of schedule for Middle School Students
In order to provide a more suitable and quiet environment for our middle school students, the testing days
in April and May have been amended. Please check the middle school website for details.
http://www.cboek12.org/cresskill/Schools/Cresskill%20Middle%20School/Announcements/
NJ%20ASK%20Schedule.pdf
The Academies at Cresskill
Opening in September 2013 to all ninth grade students, the Academies at Cresskill represent an
innovative response to the national and global demand for highly skilled, highly creative and highly
competitive graduates who are capable of succeeding in a rapidly changing, global marketplace. The
Academies provide education opportunities beyond the traditional high school experience. This is a new
direction comprised of rigorous area studies linked to modern careers and university programs; each
academy has its own unique theme and mission, with a well-defined unified learning experience. The
Academies at Cresskill enrich career-driven students who display the ability, moral character, and
ambition necessary for success in the 21 st century. The Academies are: The Arts, STEM, and Global
Perspective. For more information on the Academies please visit the homepage of our website or the high
school website.
Cresskill Kindergarten Registration for September 2013
Parents may register their child for kindergarten if they will be five years old on or before October 1,
2013. At the discretion of the superintendent, determination of school of attendance will be based on
enrollment and needs of the child. It is important that you register early in order to help us with final
placement. Parents should make every effort to fill out the forms prior to registration and bring them with
you. Forms are available on the district website under student registration. You may contact Mrs. Debra
Brody at dbrody@cboek12.org to make an appointment to register.

Upcoming Event
The Cresskill Middle/High School Principal Players are proudly presenting this year’s Spring production,
“Once Upon A Mattress” on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 3 at
2:00 pm in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors in
advance. At the door, ticket prices go up $2.00. Tickets are available at lunch time or at
www.cresskillmusic.org under the “box office” link. Please support the arts by attending one of the
wonderful performances by our students who invested so much time and effort to that showcases their
talents.
On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we look forward to a successful remainder of the school year
and continue to appreciate the support of our Cresskill community, including the Parent Organizations
and the Cresskill Education Foundation as well as our dedicated staff.
Please visit our website for more information on what is happening in the Cresskill Schools, along with
following us on Twitter. You can sign on with a click on our district home page. Our address is
www.cboek12.org. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me at
lbellina@cboek12.org
Hope to see you at one of the many spring athletic events. For a schedule please go to
http://www.northjerseyic.org
As always, on behalf of the entire Board, we look forward to working together to provide a school system
of which we can all be proud.
Dr. Loretta Bellina
Superintendent of Schools