Week of the Young Child

In honor of the “Week of the Young Child” the preschool students and teachers decided to host an art show and showcase all that these young learners have achieved! The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of this week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and to recognize early childhood programs that meet those needs. The students and teachers created various art forms ranging from sculptures and recyclable art to interpretation paintings of “Starry Night” and “The Mona Lisa”! The show was located in the front foyer and throughout the second floor wing. The families who attended the event took part in various mural illustration activities, face painting and balloon making. The families were very proud and excited about the fantastic art pieces that the students were able to create! We would like to thank all the students, faculty and families who supported this event. The art show definitely brought attention to the young learners here at 13^th Avenue School! For those of you who did not get a chance to view the art work, it is still up for display on the second floor.

The 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Celebration

April 2012




Autism (say: aw-tih-zum) causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. Kids with autism often can't make connections that other kids make easily. For example, when someone smiles, you know the smiling person is happy or being friendly. But a kid with autism may have trouble connecting that smile with the person's happy feelings.

Thirteenth Avenue School would like to present The 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Celebration. This month we engaged in many fun-filled activities that included the entire school. Parents, Teachers, Children, and Staff were among those that participated in a wonderful way to expand their knowledge of Autism. The school community has generated many participants for the Chain-Links that continue to grow around the building, spreading the message of Autism as a condition that touches multiple lives. The Buddy Readers Program is a phenomenal approach allowing grade-level peers to pair up once a week with an autistic classroom and engage in a collaborative setting. Family Day saw an amazing turn-out. Parents were invited to partake in a breakfast meet-and-greet, an Autism Workshop, Classroom Visits, and were entertained by their children in 13th Avenue’s Inclusive Chorus. Finally, April 20th was Autism Awareness Day, school-wide. It was a wonderful experience for all involved. Students planted a seed, enjoyed sweet treats, and decorated ribbons. This helped many of the students in the school understand and socialize with one another, including the autistic population. A great time was had by all.  Support-Educate-Advocate



Thank you for all your support,

Jennifer Lo Conti and Mark Cognata

Teachers of Students with Autism~



“Autism knows no racial, social boundaries. No family income, lifestyle, or education levels. It can affect any family or any child.”

Laptop Winners

We are pleased to announce that several of our students in grades 3-8 were nominated and selected to receive laptop computers from the Newark Municipal Council. These laptops were donated via the West Ward Councilman’s Office.

The students were selected based on economic need, academic and social factors. All students were identified by the School Social Worker. These students exemplify the traits of our school motto- P.R.I.D.E.- They are Prepared, they are Respectful, they are Intelligent, they are Determined, and most certainly they are Excellent in every way…. We want to thank you Councilman Ronald Rice for the donation to the Newark Public School children.

Ronal Polhill ( 8th gr.) - Ronald is a nice young man who gets along well with his peers. He participates in his class and does his very best to work hard each day.

Demetrius Bennett (8th gr.) – Demetrius serves as a great role model for our school community. He exhibits leadership and is very helpful with creating a positive school environment. Demetrius is charismatic and well liked by his peers.

Veronica Campoverde ( 4th gr. )- veronica is a wonderful young girl. She is very respectful and honest. She attends school regularly and always has such a vibrant spirit. She actively participates in class and receives good grades.

Sandou Cisse ( 6th gr. ) - Sandou is a courteous and cooperative young man. He is consistently prepared for school and actively involved in his education. It was a privilege to nominate such a wonderful person.

Andy Villa ( 3rd gr.)- Andy is the kind of student any teacher would adore. He is funny and helpful. He enjoys school and is cooperative and courteous. Andy’s English is improving and thus he is showing great improvement with his academics.

Tamar Mitchell, M.S.W.

Social Worker II
Thirteenth Avenue School
359 13th Avenue
973-424-4436 (Office)
973-733-6778 (Fax)



Third Grade Open Mic

During the month of April our school celebrates Poetry. Although we explore poetry throughout the school year, special attention is given to this genre during this time. Third grade chose to usher in Poetry Month with a Pre-April Poetry Slam. Children were given the opportunity to individually and collaboratively choose, write and recite poetry. What a wonderful way to begin Spring Break!

Career Day

The Annual Career Day here at 13th Avenue was held on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012. It was hosted by Guidance Counselor, Ms. Kelly Green and her Career Day Committee; Ms. Chislom, Ms. Aiken-Wright, Ms. Stokes, Ms. Caputo, Ms. Martin, Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Vecchio and Ms. Davis. Forty guests arrived ranging from CEO, Kenneth Gilford to US Assistant District Attorney, Maureen Nakly, Joanna Cetera from BET to Dr. Vecchio, sibling of our Music Teacher Beth Vecchio and Senator Ronald Rice Jr.

Our guests were both impressed and inspired by our students in Grades 4-8. Our students in Grades Pre-K through 3 were treated to a tour on the fire trucks and the ambulance.

It was a magical day, and both students and guests had an educational experience.

We thank you all!

From Slavery to Freedom

5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Graders

Present

From Slavery to Freedom:

A Journey through African- American History

Wednesday March 14, 2012

School Auditorium

9:30 a.m.

Brought to you by the Performing Arts Faculty:

Beth Vecchio, Vocal Music

Shane Zwiebel, General Music

Nikkia Neal, Dance/Theatre

5th Grade Black History Month Presentation

Characters from Langston Hughes Short story, ‘THANK YOU MA’M’ came alive as students displayed their ‘acting skills’ through a Reader’s Theatre Presentation. This short story speaks volumes about the spirit of human kindness and how compassion and a helping hand can make a world of difference in a young person’s life.

Following the Reader’s Theater Presentation, fifth grade scholars took on the persona of outstanding African-American Scientists and Inventors. The lives and contributions to these singular individuals were demonstrated through student created models and biographical sketches. The assembly hall was illuminated with the inventions of Cornelius Henderson, engineer, Louis Latimer, inventor, Dr. Percy L. Julian, scientist and several other extraordinary African-American Historical Figures.

Watch out Broadway, here we come!

Punctuation Takes a Vacation

As a close to Black History Month performances, on March 1, 2012, 4th grade teachers Mrs. Munoz and Ms. Sapara-Grant and students presented an ELA (English Language Arts) interpretation of the book Punctuation Takes a Vacation, written by Robin Pulver. In this insightful story, a group of punctuation marks decide to leave classrooms for a vacation! On vacation, punctuations wait for students to realize how important they are in everyday reading and writing. Students soon realize how impossible reading and writing tasks are without them!

Punctuation Takes a Vacation transformed 4th graders into actors, narrators and costume designers. Watch out Broadway, here we come! We were delighted to present our interpretation to the 13th Avenue School community, hope all had as much fun as we, and are enlightened by this performance experience.

Watch out Broadway, here we come!

Forces of Gravity

Students from 5th to 7th Grades were treated to a “Sportacular Science Presentation” by Nick and Bob from the Liberty Science Center Travelling Education Extention Program.


The presentation dealt with the Three Laws of Motion by Sir Isaac Newton and the effects of the Forces of Gravity and its Effects to Moving Objects.

The science presentations were made more meaningful as students were asked to volunteer in showing the audience how Newton and Galileo came about their discoveries.

Student reaction to the entire presentation was very positive and student participation showed their interest and enthusiasm.

This Science Assembly was made possible by The Office of Science Education of the Newark Public Schools and by Liberty Science Center. It is hoped by everyone that this assembly will be followed with more assemblies in the near future.

THANK YOU.