Montvale Public Schools

Dear Montvale Families:

WELCOME BACK! I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer and is excited for the school year. In my commencement address to the 8th graders in June, I shared with them an African word “ubuntu”. Ubuntu is "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” In Montvale, I believe we excel at forming a bond with our students and sharing ways to help them grow. We embrace “ubuntu”!

Over the summer, I read Dr. Tasha Eurich’s bestselling book, Insight. Dr. Eurich writes about the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. She shares that we must be able to truly know thyself, while also being able to take on the perspective of others. Through her research, Dr. Eurich shares that self-awareness results in better work performance, smarter life choices, deeper, more meaningful relationships, and a more fulfilling career. In reflecting upon her book, I am self-aware that I am surrounded by ALL-STARS on the administrative team, teaching staff, support staff, technology team and custodial staff. I am self-aware that we are all working together to provide students with authentic opportunities to learn and grow in a safe environment. I am self-aware that Montvale is a special community and our students are blessed by your efforts to ensure your child’s upbringing is rooted in wonder, love, dedication, joy, and hope for a better future. I am grateful and inspired by your support!

2019-20 is going to be an AMAZING school year. The first day of school will be Tuesday,

September 3, 2019 (single session day - 12:55 p.m. dismissal). Enjoy Labor Day Weekend! I look forward to seeing you next week.

Respectfully,

Darren

As we start the 2019-20 school year, I am excited to begin the process of working with you to develop a new strategic plan for the future of our schools. We will be working with Dr. Timothy Purnell on our strategic plan. Dr. Purnell is an innovative leader, strategic planner, and inspiring educator who serves as the chief executive officer of the American Montessori Society. In the past, Dr. Purnell served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in New Jersey. Dr. Purnell was named National Superintendent of the Year, Superintendent of the Year for New Jersey and Highest Rated Professor in the nation.

Please mark your calendar for September 23, 2019. We will be meeting at 7 p.m. in the library at Fieldstone Middle School. This meeting takes part during our monthly Board public business session. Please come out and share your thoughts on strategic planning for our schools to continue to grow in preparing our children for the future. In Montvale, we value relationships. Strategic planning provides an opportunity for all of us to strengthen our relationships. We want you involved!

Summer was busy in the Montvale Schools. Please see below for just a few happenings...

• Several teachers participated in curriculum writing and professional development

• Several teachers attended week-long training with trainers from Innovative Designs in Education

• Students participated in the Montvale Summer Institute (MSI)

• Many improvements to the facilities including…

• New roof, painted ceiling & a new stage floor in the multipurpose room at Memorial

• Air-conditioning in all classrooms (YEAH!) - Thank you PTO!

• Painted kindergarten classrooms and new lighting

• Painted ceiling in the multipurpose room at Memorial

• Painted hallways at Fieldstone and a few classrooms

• New classroom furniture

• Installation of speed bumps

• Completed security vestibule at Memorial

• Working on Long Range Facility Plan

• New networking switches for Fieldstone

• Installed security cameras and several new flat screen TVs

• New chromebooks & phased out old computers; ran security updates on all machines

• Fiber runs at both schools and new electrical panels

If you are not currently involved, please consider actively participating in the PTO and/or MEF. Both organizations offer wonderful opportunities for you to work collaboratively to support children. Your involvement will make a difference and is a wonderful way to model for your children the importance of giving back.

The first PTO meeting will be on September 13, 2019 at 9 a.m. at Memorial School.

The first MEF meeting will be on October 3, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Fieldstone Middle School.

Thank you to the PTO for funding several new air conditioners for our school district. We appreciate all of the resources that will provide opportunities for students to "learn by reading” & “by doing" in climate controlled environments. The PTO runs events throughout the year to support our schools. Thank you PTO!

Thank you to the MEF for funding the grant “Creating the Bridge: Implementing a Balanced Literacy Program at the Middle School Level.” For the past 4 years, through the generous support of the MEF, the balanced literacy initiative has thrived at Memorial. Students in grades K-4 are now experiencing differentiated reading, writing, and word study learning opportunities in a workshop atmosphere, in all classes. Students have access to thousands more books than were previously available, and this increased access has provided for rich literary experiences across all genres and levels of complexity. By working with the consultant, Shelly Klein, the focus will be in immersion in balanced literacy pedagogy for grades 5 and 6 teachers. Thank you MEF!

It is never too early to start planning for next summer! The Montvale Summer Institute (MSI) will run from June 29 to July 24, 2020. MSI plans to offer enrichment courses, boot camp courses for middle school students, Kindergarten Camp for incoming kindergarten students, and much more.

Sept. 3: First Day of School (12:55 p.m. dismissal)

Sept. 11: 9/11 Service at Montvale Firehouse at 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: Back to School Night for Fieldstone

Sept. 13: PTO Meeting at Memorial at 9 a.m.

Sept. 16: Work Session Meeting for Board of Education at 8 p.m.

Sept. 19: Back to School Night for Memorial

Sept. 20: PTO Ice Cream Social at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 23: Public Business Meeting for Board of Education at 7 p.m.

(Note: Strategic Planning Kickoff at Board Meeting)

Sept. 30: No School - Religious Holiday

Oct. 1: No School - Religious Holiday

Oct. 3: MEF Meeting at Fieldstone Library at 7 p.m.

• Mrs. Debra McGauley-Eichhorn, President
• Mrs. Anita Bagdat, Vice President
• Mr. Scott Rossig, Board Member
• Mr. John Carvelli, Board Member
• Mrs. Rachel Baskin, Board Member
• Mr. Ernie DiFiore, Board Member
• Mrs. Alisha Foley, Board Member

Website: www.montvalek8.org
Location: 47 Spring Valley Road, Montvale, NJ 07645
Phone: 201-391-1662