Schools

Elementary Schools Welcome New Staff, Programs

Hillsborough's kindergarten through fourth grade schools are preparing for a new school year.

It’s a year for new learning opportunities and new experiences at district elementary schools—though each school takes it own unique spin on the year.

With new technology in the classrooms and common planning time becoming a norm for all district teachers, a universal excitement spans most elementary schools. Already, teachers are finding ways to use the interactive projectors and white boards for their lessons.

At Woods Road School, at least one team of kindergarten teachers is exploring ways to teach the school’s math curriculum using the projectors.

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“We will definitely be working the technology into the classrooms,” Tracy Pluta, a kindergarten teacher at Woods Road Elementary School, said. “It’s a lot different than using an plain white board.”

“We are going from them learning to write their names, tie their shoes, manners,” Pluta added. “Basically, we are building the foundation for the rest of their education.”

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But among the most welcome, if unexpected, changes came in the form of hurricane aftermath. The storm downed a power pole near the school entrance, closing the road in front of the school to traffic. By Sept. 1, the pole appeared to be tilting lower and lower, staff at the school said.

 The danger already cancelled the school’s open house on Sept. 2. If it was not fixed, there was a strong possibility the school would not open on Sept. 6, Principal Jody Howe said.

But PSE&G pulled in crews from Memphis, Tennessee, to fix the pole on Sept. 2, Howe said. She quickly made an announcement of the school’s public address system, notifying staff about the fix.

“We all walked outside, clapped and cheered,” she said. “The crew smiled and waved. .  .  Our students and staff are thrilled to be able to start the new school year on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Perhaps our theme this year should be, "It's Electric!"

At Hillsborough Elementary School, the game is on for the school’s budding chess masters. That’s because it’s something Principal Mike Volpe hopes to expand to the school gradually.

“ Chess requires you to think hard, analyze, plan, and execute,” he said to families in his beginning of the school year message. “Problem-solving and learning are become a game.”

Volpe’s already introduced the game to students and also held a chess tournament for students over the summer. As a result, the school’s store will stock chess boards and chess items for aspiring players.

At Woodfern School, the year begins with a new principal—Jay Majka, who has served as Hillsborough High School Vice Principal, will now lead the kindergarten through fourth grade school.

“As I begin my career at Woodfern, I am extremely fortunate to have a strong, experienced staff that is willing to explore new and innovative learning strategies, in order to provide the best possible learning environment for our children,” he said in his welcome letter to parents.


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