Bolden Journal: "Special" Edition
Learn About Our Special Area Courses and Teachers
Art: Ms. McNally
I am so excited to be your child’s art teacher! I’m Eva McNally, but everyone calls me “Ms. Mac”. Our art program is once a week for every class and students will accomplish a great deal in that time throughout the year. We are constantly reviewing the elements of art and principles of design as we create original works of art.
We study master artists and analyze works of art to see where the elements of art are used, why the artist chose to use them in that way, and how they impact the artwork. When discussing artwork, new art vocabulary is introduced
regularly. Throughout the school year students have access to many different art materials and learn proper techniques to manipulate them effectively. Most importantly, we strive to practice artistic behaviors.
Although not every student is going to grow up to be a professional artist, creative thinking is a skill that can be learned and taught and can benefit anyone. Art is quite a unique subject; we ask students to solve problems creatively when there are no clear right or wrong answers. Most importantly, I want your child to have fun and be invested in their art! With that in mind, I tailor the curriculum so each child can reflect on themselves and the world they live in to expressive their story in their art.
What is happening in the art room, right now? We read: I Am Courage and used it as inspiration for a collaborative piece. We all have struggles in our lives, but we are flexible and creative problem solvers that can find a way forward even in tough times! We drew flowing lines to represent a time in our lives when were able to flow forward and be RESILENT despite an obstacle that we came across. Then we used colors and patterns that went with our story.
Please don’t hesitate to email or call me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Eva McNally
Email: emcnally@somsd.k12.nj.us
Phone: (973) 378-7696 ext. 5612
*REMEMBER—that art gets messy! And your child is a KID! Keep in mind which day your child has art and have them wear an outfit that may not be their favorite or one that already has paint on it.
Library: Ms. Quick
I am thrilled to serve as your child ’s librarian! I look forward to helping him/her become a critical thinker, enthusiastic reader, skillful researcher and ethical user of information. Students may visit the library during Open Library (Mon-Friday from 8:00-8:20am ) for book exchanges.
Students will also attend weekly library classes at which they will learn the process for conducting research , finding resources and using those resources wisely.
We want the students to enjoy reading and gain a true appreciation for literature. We hope that you enjoy reading books from the Library with your children too! Please encourage your child to take care of and return their library materials on time.
This year's library will have exciting programs, which include, Battle of the Books, Week of Code, Create Con, and Makerspace. More information to come!!
Happy Reading !!!
Ms. Quick
Music: Ms. Peterson
Welcome to Jefferson School's music program! Students meet for general music class once a week, and I hope to encourage a safe environment that encourages respect, responsibility, kindness, and creativity. Music is both a universal and deeply personal subject. I hope that each student can find something that they are able to connect with. Through music and other arts, students can build their confidence and skills in working as a team, bringing individual strengths to create a cohesive whole. I hope to give students the tools they need to both think critically and imaginatively, to work hard to achieve their goals, to face new experiences with an open mind, and to always do their best!
This year, our 3rd-5th grade music class will study and explore several different genres of music, learn songs incorporating different languages, and read and perform rhythmic patterns in several different ways. Students will sing, incorporate movements, work with instruments, play musical games, and work on becoming musically literate, including reading music and creating their own compositions. We will explore the works of musicians from many different countries and time periods, and work towards connecting history to modern life, including connecting the material we learn to music that students listen to outside of class. My goal is to reach out to all students by teaching to several different learning styles, and encouraging everyone to share their own experiences and opinions in a respectful, uplifting way.
Grades 3 and 4 will be receiving a recorder later in the year. This is an exciting time for students, as well as a rather noisy one! Initial squeaks are natural, and with practice we will get better and better! We will also follow safety guidelines, which will be shared with everyone along with further details as we approach the time when recorders will be handed out.
I am also happy to announce that Chorus will be returning for grades 4 and 5! More information will be sent out as details are finalized.
It has been wonderful to see all of our students in person! I am looking forward to a wonderful, musical year.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
-Miss Emma Peterson, Voice/General Music teacher.
Physical Education: Ms. Barrierro, Ms. Durkin, & Mr. Picillo
Welcome Back to Physical Education!!
Hi and welcome back! We are Maribel Barreiro, Allyson Durkin and Nick Picillo, the Physical Educators of Jefferson School. We hope this is not the first time you are hearing our names and all the awesome things we are learning and doing in P.E. class!
Ms. B
Hi! I’m Ms. Barreiro (Buh-Rare-Oh), but everyone calls me Ms. B. I am a proud mom of 4 year old twin boys who just started preschool this year and love it. I come from an enormous Spanish family and I am the first generation of my family to be born in the USA. Mostly all of my family lives in Galicia, Spain so I only get to see them in the summer if I go to Spain.
Prior to coming to Jefferson Elementary, I taught at a residential treatment center, at an alternative high school, and I also worked for the YMCA in town. During my years of teaching, I have earned a NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certificate and a Master of Education. This is my 14th year at Jefferson Elementary School and I am looking forward to finally being back in school.
Mrs. Durkin
I have been teaching Physical Education for 18 years and hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I have taught PE and Health to all levels K-12. Prior to coming to the South Orange Maplewood School District, I taught at an international school in St. Maarten for two years. I am looking forward to getting back into a normal routine with our students and teaching in person.
Mr. Picillo
Hi all, Most students call me Mr. P but you can also call me Mr. Picillo. This is my 4th year Teaching Physical Education in South Orange/Maplewood and at Jefferson Elementary School. I have been a traveling teacher all 3 years and now my 4th year. I am a PE teacher at 4 other elementary schools and even the high school (CHS). I am familiar with teaching PE and Health to grades K-12. I am currently getting my Masters in Special Education so that I can continue to learn and reach the needs of all my students in PE. I am a fitness fanatic and love the gym and promoting physical fitness is my passion. I am so excited to get back to normal and finally have a full year of seeing my favorite students in person, moving, learning and having fun!!!!
What students will do this year!!!
In P.E. classes students not only strengthen their bodies but their relationships as well. Students develop social-emotional skills and learn conflict resolution techniques. These concepts are continuously developed and refined throughout the year to encourage individuals to become cooperative members of a cohesive group. This year, Physical Education will take place outdoors as often as possible. During inclement weather, classes will take place in the homeroom. It is very important that the students come prepared for all sorts of weather, wear sneakers, and bring a water bottle.
We look forward to a wonderful school year!
Spanish: Senora Gallart
In both 4th and 5th grade – we start off the year involved in a project for Hispanic Heritage Month. This is just the first of several projects students will be involved with over the school year. I incorporate a variety of cultural topics into my program so that our students can become familiar with the history, traditions and culture of the many Spanish speaking countries.
With my 5th grade students, I constantly spiral and expand on previously learned material, and also introduce new topics to start discussing things like: our house – the rooms, the objects and what we do in it; our likes and dislikes regarding foods; our town – the places, the people and what we do in it, etc.
With my 4th grade students, I start with some basic greetings and introductory vocabulary – which I hope they’ve been practicing at home! Throughout the year we’ll be discussing things that are important and relevant to them, such as their families, their birthdays, their school life, etc.
My focus with all my students is COMMUNICATION. They know that memorizing vocabulary is not going to get them far, but that learning what’s needed to actually carry out simple conversations is the goal. I do my best to keep my classroom activities varied and fun. I need my students to come to class happy, prepared and excited to learn.
Gracias! I very much appreciate the opportunity to get to know and work with your student.
I can be reached at: abekkeda@somsd.k12.nj.us
A Message from the Jefferson PTA President, Erika Malgieri
Have you visited the Jefferson PTA Website (www.jefferson-pta.org)? There is SO MUCH helpful information there! Click on the drop-down tabs for LOADS of great stuff! Get the facts; start and end times, staff directory and contact information, calling in absent, pick up/drop off locations, lunch and more! Current and future events, fundraisers and information are also updated frequently on our website and PTA calendar. There are also opportunities to join and volunteer for the PTA.
It is important to keep your information current and updated. There are a few (easy) steps you can take to make sure this is accomplished:
REGISTER for FREE at jefferson-pta.org for access to information about Jefferson Elementary School; the school calendar & directory and important links to the South Orange Maplewood District website. *Please note* that registering is different from becoming a PTA member, you do NOT have to be a PTA member to register...though we hope you will!
Become a Member while visiting our site. Your support of the PTA is vital so that we may continue to provide our students, teachers and staff with events, programs and opportunities. Do PTA members have to volunteer? No, joining is enough for us! Remember you must renew your membership every year!
Consider volunteering by reviewing our Volunteer Opportunities Form to see the many ways you can get involved. Want to be a Class Captain? Chair an event or committee? Volunteer once a week/month/year? We are currently brainstorming ideas for how to make this year great. There are always volunteer opportunities!