1. education
2. school

Palisades Park
District
April 21, 2015
News
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Vol. I, Issue 1I
Palisades Park School District Garners 97% Participation in PARCC
Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Cirillo,
would like to congratulate the staff and
students and express how proud he is
of how Palisades Park School District
successfully participated in the first
official round of PARCC testing in
March, 2015. Dr. Cirillo stated, “I’m
extremely proud of the maturity and
patience of our students who did an
exceptional job. Also, the technology
team is to be commended for the outstanding work they did assisting students and staff at Lindbergh and the Jr/
Sr high school.
The Palisades Park School District
exceeded the Department of Education's federally-mandated 95 percent
compliance rate on the new PARCC
standardized tests. Palisades Park’s
exceptional participation rate was over
97%. This is extremely significant as
there have been warnings that districts
who did not reach the mandated participation rate could face penalties in
the form of reduced funding.
Dr. Cirillo stated, “Our teachers,
support staff, parents, and students
pulled together to face this new challenge and to overcome any glitches to
meet our goal.”
Unlike the NJASK and other standardized tests that required students to
be prepared with their #2 pencils, the
PARCC requires students in grades 311 to complete math and English Language Arts tests on computers. Stu-
dents are required to “click” to select
the correct answer and to demonstrate
keyboarding skills as well as they type
other answers.
Therefore, to prepare for PARCC,
our district had to make a significant
investment to upgrade our network
and computers.
Dr. Cirillo explained, “Our technology team has been working to ensure
that we were ready for the PARCC and
I am proud of how they conducted
themselves to ensure our success.”
Thank you, all, for your cooperation.
Congratulations to the 2015 Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to the Palisades Park 2015 Teachers
of the Year. They include Mr. Jason Hom-Palisades
Park High School; Mr. Kevin Engstrom-Lindbergh Elementary School; and Mrs. Allison Ginolfi-Charles R.
Smith Early Childhood Center.
According to the New Jersey Department of Education, “The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes our
state’s best teachers and educational services professionals.”
The honored teachers were nominated by their peers
and then selected by a committee that consists of at least
four people who represent a cross-section of administrators, teachers, staff, parents and local education association representatives using the following criteria:
- Demonstrate strong ability to foster excellence in education as evidenced by ongoing contributions to the improvement of student learning and the learning environment
- Demonstrate leadership in educational activities at the
school, district, and/or state and national level that take
place both within or outside the school setting
- Have the respect and admiration of students, parents,
and colleagues
-Demonstrate poise, eloquence, and the ability to maintain a demanding schedule
The selected Palisades Park teachers can now vie for
the chance to compete for county, state and national recognition.
-Be a licensed classroom teacher (pre-K through grade
Please join Dr. Cirillo and the entire Palisades Park
12) or educational services professional (see below for
community in congratulating these exceptional teachers
list of eligible certification areas) in a public or charter
and the many others who strive for excellence on a daily
school
-Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn basis. Congratulations!
Portraits in Service to Education ….
Mr. John Mattesich: President of the Board of Education
universities and many have returned as successes in their careers, the military, or technical fields.”
Mr. Mattesich sees the biggest challenge in the immediate
future as determining, at a national, state and local level, the role
of testing in education. He was very proud that so many students opted to participate in PARCC testing as did his own
nieces and nephews. Yet, he is concerned. “While testing has a
place in education, and I have always seen value in the SAT and
ACT, it cannot be our top priority. There have to be other measures of a students’ success because not all students demonstrate
what they know best on a standardized test. Many freeze and
become too anxious and cannot demonstrate what they learned
using this format. I am keeping an open mind and will follow
the discussion closely in the media, but I know that the magic
that happens between teachers and students in the classroom
cannot be fully captured by standardized tests.”
When one clearly hears his unbridled joy, enthusiasm, and ambition for students, you would never think it was from the voice
of a man who has already served as a member of the Palisades
As a board member for 32 years, Mr. Mattesich has witPark Board of Education for 32 years. Yet, Mr. John Mattesich,
the current President of the Board of Education, has not lost one nessed a great deal of change. He noted that the biggest challenge for any board is adapting. For example, the makeup of the
ounce of passion for the crucial role he plays in shaping our
Palisades Park community has transformed significantly over
community’s future even after 3 decades.
the years and the board has worked to adapt to ensure the needs
As the Board of Education President, Mr. Mattesich sees his
of all residents, of many different cultures, are fully met. He
role as a facilitator, working in the center of administrators,
stated, “We are wholly dedicated to bringing together all segteachers, parents, and students, navigating to ensure that all
ments of the population under one umbrella focused on what is
stakeholders gets something of what they want and need in
best for our children. No matter where our families started, we
terms of securing an outstanding education.
all share the common goal of seeking a better future for our chilMr. Mattesich stated, “Our role as a Board of Education is to dren.”
provide an environment that helps all students develop a sense
Mr. Mattesich has lived this dream. He was born in Croatia
of what they can accomplish and to show them how they can
and lived in Italy for five years. He moved to the United States
accomplish it. We are here to give them what they need most to
in 1954 and lived for 18 years in Hoboken, where he graduated
reach their goals. We do this by providing outstanding teachers,
from Hoboken High. He graduated from Pace University with a
updated curriculum, safe facilities, innovative technology, and
degree in business and then worked for 30 years on Wall Street
the best supplies.”
for various firms. He was then hired by Palisades Park for his
Mr. Mattesich adds, “We have to be sure our community
finance skills to do pay roll and accounts payable. He lists
advances and provides opportunities for every child. To do so,
among his greatest blessings that his job in Palisades Park has
the most important role for a board member is to guarantee our allowed him the time and proximity to dedicate his talents to the
schools prepare students for what society is all about. This inPalisades Park School District.
cludes teaching students what is expected of them and what is
Looking ahead, Mr. Mattesich hopes the district can continue
required for each next step from elementary school to high
to adapt by identifying and pursuing additional grant funds and
school to college and beyond. We have to instill an inner
donations for technology, facilities upgrades, equipment for
strength in students to be prepared to combat peer pressure and
teachers, and to new curriculum to motivate students. He states,
bullying so that each child knows his value and has a strategy
“We have to ignite their passions, promote their projects, and
and a plan to move forward. It is our job to instill this strength
keep them enthusiastic about learning.” Mr. Mattesich has cerof character so that every child develops individual talents while
tainly not lost one ounce of enthusiasm for education after his
realizing what is expected as a citizen of our great nation.”
remarkable 32 years of service to the Palisades Park School
The most rewarding part of the job of a board member, acDistrict. Please join us as a community in thanking Mr. John
cording to Mr. Mattesich, is every high school graduation. He
Mattesich for his outstanding service to the district.
explains, “It’s such a joy and thrill for all of our board members
to see each group of graduates improve, with such a high percentage heading off to college and being successful in their careers. We’ve had students go to Harvard and other prestigious
Giving Their Time and Talents….
Standing from Left to Right Maria Alvarez, Howie Donovan, Dr. Joseph Cirillo, Jeffrey Woo,
Paul Kim Seated Left to Right John Mattesich, Angela Burns, George Beck
Mrs. Mary Terranova: President of the PTA/PTSA
Mrs. Mary Terranova has been the President of the Lindbergh
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Jr./Sr. High School
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) for five years. During
her years of service, she has been brought to tears more than once
by the gratitude expressed by students for the dedicated work of
the PTA.
have become close friends and are always looking to help each
other.
She said, “PTA members love the children and go out of their
way to make sure every student has a chance to enjoy each event.
From Harlem Basketball fundraisers to hiring a private yacht for
Project Graduation, the PTA is all about providing experiences for
Although Mrs. Terranova counts successful fundraising efforts every child that will help them develop outstanding memories of
among her many accomplishments, these are not the activities that their days in school.”
are nearest and dearest to her heart. Instead, she considers her
The biggest challenge for the PTA is that many parents want to
greatest accomplishments leading her team to offer the Holiday
get involved, but most have to work. She said that this sometimes
Bazaar and the upcoming Annual Book Fair. What Mrs. Termakes it difficult to coordinate schedules for volunteers. Still, she
ranova loves about the bazaar is that she and her team of 6 dediadds, “So many want to help, but may only be able to pitch in on a
cated members search high and low to avail inexpensive items
Friday, for example, and then we really don’t have activities on
(most for $1.00) so that all students, regardless of income, are able
that specific day.”
to come to the bazaar and buy presents for their parents and sibWhen asked what she would like parents to know about the
lings. Mrs. Terranova states, “During the bazaar, it becomes so
clear that the idea of being able to give and to bring a smile to the PTA, Mrs. Terranova said, “ People often comment that I am inface of another is far more important to children than receiving.
volved so much in the schools and that I give a lot of my time --as
“It’s so heartwarming,” she adds. “There are many times that my do my team members. However, what observer’s may not realize
team and I are left crying.”
is how much I receive in return. “I always do my best for all the
children in ECC, Lindbergh, and the high school because it
Mrs. Terranova also enjoys the upcoming book fair because
touches my heart to see the children with big smiles appreciating
year after year children are so excited to shop and select a book
that they often love for a lifetime. While Mrs. Terranova is Presi- all the different functions that the PTA supports. Their joy and
dent of the PTA, she says that it is definitely a team effort, running energy makes every second well worthwhile.”
each event, including Project Graduation, because PTA members
Project Based Learning Enhances Classroom Activities
Students participating in the 21st Century Community
Learning Centers After School Program have been benefitting from Project Based Learning. Project based learning is
an interactive approach to teaching in which students
explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously
developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small
collaborative groups.
Since this type of learning is active and engages students
by placing them in the center of activities, it is thought to
enable students to attain a deeper knowledge of the subjects
they're studying. It is also anticipated that students are more
likely to retain what they learn through the project based
learning experience more than through a traditional textbook
approach to teaching and learning. This is because the students are in the center of the learning rather than a teacher
standing in front of the room imparting information.
According to the 21st Century Community Learning Center’s Grant Project Director, Jillian Vivanco, Project Based
Learning has also allowed teachers, from different disciplines
to work together on cross content area projects.
Ms. Vivanco stated, “This allows the program to focus on
big ideas and overarching themes to enable students to see
the connection between various subject areas. For example,
we are currently working on putting on a talent show and
teachers and students from all after school classrooms are
involved in some aspect of the project —whether building
sets or writing dialogue.”
In addition to content knowledge, working with peers to
manage projects enables students to enhance their organizational skills and technology skills, while improving their
communication skills.
Palisades Park High School to Reopen the Athletic Hall of Fame
Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Cirillo, asks you to join the
Palisades Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
in recognizing the following 2015 Inductees in to the
Palisades Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr.
Cirillo states, “They will remind us of our unique traditions
and history while encouraging all to always wear our school
colors with pride.”
2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
William Maresca
John Wendelken
Jim Landy, posthumous
Mark Cieslak
Frank Donohue
John Wroblewski
George Cloutier
Tom Martucci
Check the Website: 21st Century Grant to Fund Summer Program
Please check the 21st Century Community Learning CenThe 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
Program will be offering a four-week summer program dur- ters Grant page on the district’s web site located at
www.palpkschools.org for the exact dates and times for reging the summer of 2015 for students in grades 4-7.
istration and for forms and further information.
The summer program will provide a balance of remedial,
Through this grant, PPSD is dedicated to extending the
enrichment, recreation, character education, and family literschool day and the school year to enhance learning opportuacy activities.
nities for our students to prepare for the future by attaining
The program will most likely be offered during the month
short term and long term academic goals.
of July and classes will meet for four hours per day for five
days a week.
Update on NJ Academic Achievement Coaches Grant
Palisades Park School District has selected staff members and using evidence to shape instruction and guide profesto serve as coaches to implement the New Jersey Department sional learning. The training includes:
of Education Academic Achievement Coaches Grant.
April 30, 2015: Initial training session
These staff members will now participate in intensive
June 8, 2015: Second training session
training offered through the New Jersey Department of EduJuly 6-10 2015: 5-day intensive Achievement Coach Incation and will be expected to begin offering coaching and
stitute
mentoring to peers in our own school district beginning late
Summer-October 2015: Local peer training sessions
summer 2015.
The goal of the New Jersey Achievement Coaches proAchievement Coach cohorts will attend state-led coaching
gram is to empower several of New Jersey’s outstanding
sessions to receive materials and training on how to deliver
educators to provide direct support to their peers through
those sessions to other educators.
high quality training and resources.
The content of the coaching sessions will focus on comPalisades Park School District is proud to have been seponents of evaluation identified by educators as most imporlected
to pilot this exciting project.
tant for additional training, such as improving practice,
aligning instruction to new curricula and content standards,
Child Study Team Offers Solutions
Does your child need assistance? The Child Study
Team is committed to providing the support needed to
helps students with disabilities attain their learning goals
and to contribute to our community as productive citizens while preparing for life in the 21st Century.
The District works to provide special services to students with the following identified educational disabilities within the least restrictive learning environment:
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Specific Learning Disability
Communication Impairment
Speech and Language Delay
Emotional/Behavioral Disability
Other Health Impairment
Preschool Child with a Disability or
Developmental Delay
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Autism
Multiply Disabled
Cognitive Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Hearing Impairment
Visual Impairment
Social Maladjustment
The Child Study Team members strive to partner with
parents to help students attain their personal and
academic goals. If you have any questions or concerns,
please do not hesitate to call the Supervisor of Special
Services, Dr. Vazquez, at svazques@palpkschools.org.