Women's Issues

On March 23, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in Café 13, parents were given an informative workshop on issues of concern to women. MetLife presented a power point presentation on finances.
Dr. Cade the director of Amazing Years Child Development Center, Inc. discussed her theory on the use of whole language and science to work with 2½ - 6 year olds. She also stated that her group works with Program for Parent recipients.
Information on free health insurance and important health test that all women should take were distributed. Then The Salvation Army representatives discussed the kinship program and their summer camp.
To end the program Ms. DeFilipo (Project Talk Coordinator) gave a visual demonstration of how women carry around heavy issues that they have to juggle every day of their lives. She left 4 ideas of thought for women to take home with them (Power, Belonging, Planning and Fun).

School Fair/NJ ASK

Thirteen Avenue Parent Academy presented a School Fair on March 11, 2010 at 5:30 -7:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. The event was well attended by parents, students, teachers and staff. The Principal began the program with an overview of the district's discipline policy. Copies of the policy were distributed to parents.
The fair highlighted student involvement by showcasing the Guitar Group (Mr. Pavliv), Mr. Perry 6th Grade Math Group, Robotics Mahali Brazil Computer Fair Presentation (Mr. Huggins), Boys to Men (Mr. Dock), Ms. Savino’s Art History Group and Ms. Jimerson’s Robotics and Go Cart that students built last year.
The workshop also focused on test taking strategies for the upcoming NJ ASK. Ms. Brantley (Literacy Coach) and Ms. Chislom (Literacy Tutor) were able to answer questions and give parents personal attention. Ms. DeFilipo (Project Talk Coordinator) gave important information about the family dinners and counseling services that her program offers. Ms. Eleanor Giles (Retired Teacher/Literacy Coach)was able to lend her support along with Mr. Sadiq (Teacher) by manning the math station. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

The Thirteenth Avenue School PTA promoted First Lady, Michelle Obama's "Let's Move"Initiative on Friday Night with a Panther Dads vs. Panther Boys Basketball Game. The Panther Dads defeated the Panther Boys in a final score of 99-87. Kudos to leading scorers: Jerry Jackson who had 16 points, Jonathan Ramirez who had 14 points, and Darnell Jackson who had 12 points. Mr. Corneilus Smallwoood had 22 points for the Panther Dads, Mr. Anthony Rivera had 16 points and Mr. Carlos Garrastegui had 14 points. It was a great opportunity for us to bond with the students said, Mr. James Davis, Father of a fourth grader at the school. It was a great way to get fathers to connect with the school said, Father's Club President, Anthony Rivera. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic and there is no better way to combat this problem than as a family and a community, said Keith Sadler, A Panther Dad.We hope to expand this effort and challenge fathers from other schools and other school districts to connect with their kids at school on and off the court, said Lyndon Brown, PTA President.

A Panther Moms vs. Panther Girls Volleyball Game is scheduled for Friday, March 26th and a "Let's Move Family Fitness Night" is scheduled for April 23rd.

K-5 Everyday Math Workshop

On March 16, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. a K-5 Everyday Math Workshop was presented to parents by Ms. Iris Lopez. Parents were engaged in hands on activities. They were so excited to see how the math could be simplified (especially the in and out concept for addition and subtraction).

Wisdom and Understanding March 11, 2010

Hashim Garrett is a motivational speaker whose organization, Wisdom and Understanding, LLC educated teenagers about gangs, drugs, emotional intelligence, arguments, goal setting, bullying and acquaintance violence. Hashim presents this important information in the form of assemblies and/or curriculum based workshops. Since 1995 his program has been presented to over 70,000 students in the Newark Public Schools. Hashim, the president of Wisdom and Understanding, LLC was shot six times at the age of 15. With the visual reminder of the consequences of violence and the collaborative efforts of Harvard University and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation the profound and effective “Violence Prevention Emotional Intelligence” workshop was developed. The curriculum and assembly program is geared for 7-12 graders. To learn more visit www.hashimgarrett.net or contact Hashim at shgarrett7@aol.com

Events at the Pride

READ ACROSS AMERICA
Thirteenth Avenue School celebrated Read Across America on March 2, 2010. Read Across America is a National Literacy Movement that is celebrated in conjunction with the Birthday of the late Children’s book Author Dr. Seuss. Hats were distributed to students in primary grade classes.
NJ Transit Presentation
Students at Thirteenth Avenue School assembled in the School’s Auditorium on March 9th for a Safety Presentation that was presented by Ms. Grace Introna, Community Relations Representative. Students were given tips on pedestrian safety, Safety Rules, Bullying prevention, and penalties for Graffiti, Vandalism, and disorderly contact on public transportation buses & trains. Each student received a Bookmarker, Sticker, Hat to promote pedestrian safety.
SCHOOL FAIR
The Thirteenth Avenue School Parent Academy hosted a NJASK/School Clubs Fair in the School Cafeteria on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Various School Clubs showcased their clubs highlights for the school year including the Debate Club, Robotics Club, Guitar Club, Dance Academy, Computer Fair Club, and the Student Council. Families also had the opportunity to receive test taking strategies from our School Tutors and Coaches. The Fair was coordinated by Ms. Marion Hardy, Parent Liaison.