6th graders joined the 7th and 8th grade classes at the high school on Wednesday, October 2nd for an assembly called "Be the Change".
Tom Thelen’s Middle School Program includes a clear explanation of National Bullying Definition from StopBullying.gov, including the four Types of Bullying, the difference between bullying and teasing, the difference between bullying and peer conflict, and an introduction to cyberbullying and online safety. Tom tells his own life story of overcoming bullying by getting help from a trusted adult. He discovered how to break out of the bullying cycle by making positive choices and building strong character. The challenge is for each student to “Be The Change” by being kind and speaking up against bullying.
5th and 6th graders participated in engaging live assemblies by Camfel Productions. Camfel Productions has been a big part of the K-6 student learning experience for nearly a decade. This year's program, "Trust Me!" explored many themes, motivating students to:
Embrace honesty, reliability, and accountability, fostering intrinsic motivation.
Navigate peer influence, cultivating genuine connections and trust Foster integrity and responsibility through interactive discussions and relatable examples.
Create a positive and supportive environment where students can academically and personally thrive.
Navigate the complexities of trust and integrity amidst challenges.
Recognize the vital role of honesty and trust in personal growth.
Strengthen resilience and authenticity against external pressures.
Cultivate cohesive communities through trust-building practices.
Preschool Instructional Coach and Intervention/Referral Specialist Dawn Rhodes shares more the South Hunterdon preschool experience.
All preschool classrooms have begun the theme of "Family" in their classrooms. Over the next few weeks, teachers and students will be creating props and materials to add to their centers to reflect this unit. Centers are transformed into "rooms" in a house and students are encouraged to plan and role play various family activities such as making dinner, doing laundry and giving a baby a bath.
Prior to entering their play, students create a "play plan" as part of building executive function skills. Students draw their plan and work with a teacher to create a message for their plan. Students are at all different levels of this task. Some returning students are able to do this independently as well.
Why is "Make Believe Play" so important to preschoolers? Dawn Rhodes: In preschool, we use the standard-based curriculum, Tools of the Mind. One crucial component of the curriculum is the ‘Make-Believe Play Block’. This draws heavily on Vygotsky's research, which emphasizes the importance of play for cognitive development, especially in pretend play, to advance children's thinking abilities.
Providing young children with a natural environment to develop and practice self-regulation skills, manage their emotions, follow rules and cooperate with others while playing a role works on so many important skills. Cognitive functions such as planning, problem solving and demonstrating flexibility while engaging with their peers is the foundation for academic success as they grow.
By taking on roles in different play scenarios, children learn to follow rules, wait their turn and interact socially with their peers. Practicing communication, conflict resolution skills and cooperation are skills that also evolve through these play experiences.
What is the purpose of the family unit? How does it help shape young minds?
Dawn Rhodes: The Family theme is the first of several that are incorporated into the classroom. Family theme is meant to provide a connection between home and school. It allows the children to share their home traditions, rituals and experiences with their teachers and peers. Connections are made and mirrored in various areas of the classroom. Children work with classmates and teachers to create props and reenact scerinos in a safe, nurturing environment. Role playing is encouraged to develop their cognitive skills and imagination.
How does the preschool expansion benefit South Hunterdon families?
Dawn Rhodes: There are so many wonderful benefits to the preschool expansion in South Hunterdon. The preschool program provides young children their first educational experience in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. This gives our youngest scholars the opportunity to engage with peers, develop social skills, establish relationships, formulate executive function skills and foster their cognitive development while learning through play. These skills will be necessary for future learning experiences and academic progress.
The Week of Respect
Hosted by our Preschool-6th grade school counselors Mrs. Cortina and Ms. Arcieri, The Week of Respect (October 7th-11th) is dedicated to promote kindness, inclusivity, and understanding within our school community. Together, it's possible to create a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported.
Throughout the week, students participated in various activities and workshops designed to foster respect for one another, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals to stand against bullying.
This week at the middle school on location, students embarked on an engaging journey as they traveled from station to station, each focusing on a unique theme related to respect and kindness. At each station, students participated in interactive activities, discussions, and challenges that encouraged teamwork and empathy. This hands-on approach not only deepened their understanding of respect but also fostered connections among peers, making the experience both educational and fun. By the end of the week, students left with new insights and a commitment to promoting a respectful environment in our school.
Meet the New Guidance Counselor, Brianna Arcieri
Do you have a philosophy or mission statement you would like to share?
Brianna Arcieri: My counseling philosophy centers around creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard. I believe in fostering strong relationships and encouraging open communication, which empowers students to explore their strengths and challenges. I encourage students to recognize that character is built when no one is watching.
My mission is to support students in their personal and academic growth, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond. I aim to equip them with tools for self-reflection, goal-setting, and problem-solving, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
This response highlights my core values and approach, while showing my commitment to student growth.
What is the most valuable thing you hope students learn from you?
Brianna Arcieri: The most valuable thing I hope students learn from me is the importance of self-advocacy and resilience. I want them to understand that they have the power to navigate their own paths, make informed choices, and seek help when needed.
Summer Reading Program
Over the summer, students had a chance to participate in a Summer Reading Program hosted by the Lambertville Public Library. Their challenge goal was to read 10 books OR 5 hours OR 250 pages OR 5 days. As they read, they completed a reading tracker which was then returned to the library for prizes.
The SHRMS had 7 readers complete the challenge: Dahlia Braun-Strumfels, Sean Durborow, Samuel Hofmann, Lorelei O'Halloran, Aubrey Onuskanich, Ben Onuskanich, and Victoria Rodriguez. These students were treated to a PTO-sponsored breakfast in the library on Friday, October 11th.
Important Dates
October 24th Picture Makeup Day October 31st Halloween Parade
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