September 9, 2011
Dear SRD Families,
I hope this letter finds your household settling down from the shift in routines with the first full week of school behind us. The transformation from the leisure of summer to the commotion of early fall is not easily made! However, our children have made an excellent transition acclimating themselves to the school day. It is wonderful to have all of our students back!
It is my honor to welcome you to the 2011-2012 school year. We are off to a very smooth start, for which I thank all of you, our families, office staff, custodial staff, transportation department and of course our teachers for having their classrooms and lessons ready to go on opening day.
I am very pleased to welcome Ms. Jessica Stanin as a permanent member of the SRD third grade teaching team. Mrs. Keri Natoli joins SRD from our middle school, where she brings her rich math background. Ms. Maria Zieja is the final member of our fourth grade teaching team. Ms. Zieja is our leave replacement teacher for Mrs. Giordano. Our new art teacher, Ms. Mary Favetta, brings a broad background of art experience and excitement as she works with our elementary students! I know each of our new staff members enters SRD with a love of learning, enthusiasm and a dedication to bring the best possible education to the students of SRD!
All grade level students engage in the reading and writing workshop model approach. Staff members have been working diligently during the summer months to create a cohesive reading and writing curriculum. Reading workshop teaches specific reading strategies to improve comprehension. Writing workshop follows the Lucy Calkins, Units of Study approach. This approach teaches specific writing strategies while allowing the student author to write about topics that are high interest, thus producing authentic writing pieces that are important to each child.
After a successful departmentalization in third grade we are going to continue the format for the 2011-2012 school year, as well as incorporate this new configuration for our fourth grade students. The Samuel R. Donald School strives to bring a rigorous academic curriculum that challenges and utilizes problem solving strategies.
During the second marking period, second grade students will transition into a math class that best meets their needs. Teachers will follow the same second grade curriculum as they modify pacing, activities and maximize student learning potential.
Our school embraces learners of all kinds and we celebrate growth and individual successes. Our building theme for the 2011-2012 school year is Reach for the Stars! At SRD each student is encouraged to Reach for the Stars! Setting high standards is imperative as we motivate and challenge our thinkers. A balance of academics, and character education is vital as we educate the “whole child.” SRD celebrates social successes and promotes pro-social behavior and problem solving tactics, along with teaching explicit anti-bullying strategies.
To continue to encourage and motivate our young learners, they are participating in earning a “Slice of Good Behavior!” All children have the opportunity to earn a free slice of pizza from Danny’s, a local Bloomingdale pizzeria.
We look to the collaboration of school, family and community to create well rounded, kind and motivated learners. First, need to recognize they are loved, cared for and safe before they can learn. We strive to bring an environment that is productive and seamlessly unites school and home and has the best interest of children as our first priority.
As always, should you have any comments, questions or concerns regarding any aspect of your child’s educational experience at SRD, never hesitate to contact me. On behalf of the faculty and staff, we are pleased to work collaboratively with our families as we strive look forward to another great year of growth and learning.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Sherri Glaab
Princ
January 23, 2013
Dear SRD Families:
There are many joys we are able to experience throughout our lives, and I am pleased to write about one of them today. As many of you know, my husband and I are expecting our first child. With this feeling of joy, also comes the decision of temporarily leaving a job that I love. I will be on maternity leave from February 11, 2013 through December 2013.
In the search for an Acting Principal, the necessity to select a candidate that is committed to continue our academic initiatives and social/ emotional goals are imperative.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jeanne Pelcher, as Acting Principal during my leave. Mrs. Pelcher is currently our Resource Center teacher, who also holds an Administration Degree. She will be taking over my position from February 11, 2013 through June 2013. I will remain in close contact with Mrs. Pelcher to ensure building goals, objectives, and educational procedures run smoothly.
At the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year, I will work in collaboration with Interim Superintendent, Mr. Buglione and the Board of Education regarding future decisions of the Acting Principal for the start of the September 2013 school year.
If you have any questions, please contact me directly at 973-838-5353.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Sherri Glaab
Mrs. Sherri Glaab
Principal
