January 2020

I would like to warmly welcome everyone back to Gavlak School as we move into a new year.  I hope that all of our parents and children enjoyed some special holiday time with family and friends.  I must mention that through the efforts of the Gavlak Student Council, the group collected hundreds of cans of food to be donated to the Rutherford Food Pantry for needy families during this past holiday season.  A special thanks to our staff, students and parents that generously donated items and supported the efforts of the Student Council.

Annually, our 6th Grade students participate in the North Jersey Spelling Bee Competition that is held at the Bergen Community College in March.  The program is coordinated by our Language Arts Grade Level Teacher, Mrs. Zabransky, with our 6th Grade Homerooms working hard to compete with each other to choose a Gavlak School Champion.  Our Champion then goes on to compete at the state level and possibly earning the right to attend the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  We wish all of our 6th Grade Students the best of luck as they work hard to improve their spelling skills.

As a reminder, our students continue to participate in the South Bergen Jointure Commission S.T.E.A.M. Program.  Students in our Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades will go to the S.T.E.A.M. Lab at the Commission during the month of January to participate in hands on, interdisciplinary science programs.

Our 3rd Grade Students are being taught about healthy nutrition through Shoprite's "Future Shoppers Program."  Lessons include; making good food choices, reading food labels, and becoming "informed shoppers."  The program sends a Registered Nutritionist to Gavlak School over a period of 5-6 months during the school year to present lessons to our third graders on the benefits of choosing nutritious foods and maintaining a healthy diet.  Other skills reviewed include; the 5 food groups, planning a meal, navigating through a supermarket and learning how to budget for food shopping.  These of course are all important skills that the students can put to use as they become independent adults.  The program culminates with the "Big Event."  Students visit the Wallington Shoprite and have the chance to practice what they have learned about nutrition and budgeting.

Please note that the 2nd Marking Period will end on January 28th, with Progress Reports available on the on-line Genesis Parent Portal during the week of February 3rd.  Parents will be notified when they're available.  Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the main office.

Finally, I'd like to thank the Wallington P.T.A. for the wonderful programs they have provided for our students during the month of December.  

I would like to close with a "Welcome to 2020" to all of our families as we continue to work together in providing quality programs for all of our students.

 (For additional Gavlak News, please see the "Gavlak Gazette" under News and Events)

Respectfully yours,

Nancy Giambrone

Principal, F.W. Gavlak School