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Special School Activities
Pep Rally
As the kickoff to testing season, our staff planned a Pep Rally to get the children motivated and excited for the Ask 3 & 4. We started off with an exciting slide show in our multi-purpose room offering the children testing tips and ideas on how to reach their maximum potential for the upcoming tests. Then, while holding signs with related slogans, the students marched to the school yard to the tune of Queen’s "We Are The Champions." After that, our Principal, Mr. Piccillo, was announced and ran out of the building into the school yard while the children roared; he spoke to the students about the importance of trying their best and never giving up. A second grade teacher, Mrs. Smallze, was dressed as a doctor and handed the children goody bags filled with items that she "prescribed" as being necessities to score their best. Mr. Kenny and Mrs. Pilosi did a skit portraying behaviors of students. Mr. Kenny acted the student who was excited and well prepared for the test. Mrs. Pilosi pretended to be a student who didn’t follow rules, was disrespectful, and ill prepared for the test. We then discussed with the students the difference between the two and listed the most important qualities needed to receive the best scores possible. Mrs. Severino’s fourth grade class presented a cheer about the Ask that they taught to all of the children that attended.
The Pep Rally was concluded with every staff member reciting a motivational quote and/or tip to help our children understand the importance of taking the test seriously. There was a dance using songs that promoted success and passion about achievement. It was a fun and memorable event, and the children are motivated and ready to achieve advanced proficiency.
Read Across America
Unfortunately, nature called for snow instead of Dr. Seuss this school year. Our children were at home admiring the flakes falling from the sky from their windows but hopefully, with a book in their hands honoring Dr. Seuss on his birthday. Although we would be behind on our school work due to a snow day, we could not let this important event pass without giving it the attention it deserves. We celebrated his birthday on the following day. We were honored to have many visitors including Police Officers, Central Office Staff, and Friends who read to our students. Our Pre-K children had a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast in our multi-purpose room, which was a huge success. Dr. Seuss has been publishing children’s literature since the early 1950’s. He has motivated many of our children to improve their reading by creating humorous colorful books with a rhyming pattern. His books can be purchased at any bookstore or on line. Please continue to encourage your children to read at home.
P.O. Anthony Lewis
C.O. Gilbert Diaz
P.O. Anthony Lewis, S.O. Angela Venice, C.O. Gilbert Diaz
S.O. Angela Venice
The G.R.E.A.T. Program
After nearly six weeks of intensive training, our fourth grade students graduated from The G.R.E.A.T Program. We had a ceremony in our multi-purpose room. In attendance were The Police Instructors, School Staff, Central Office Staff, family, and friends.
The G.R.E.A.T Program is a school-based, law enforcement, officer-instructed classroom curriculum. With prevention as its primary objective, the program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. G.R.E.A.T. has developed partnerships with nationally recognized organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues. These partnerships encourage positive relationships among the community, parents, schools, and law enforcement officers. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on providing life skills to students to help them avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. The G.R.E.A.T. Program offers a continuum of components for students and their families.
Our enthusiastic children have certainly benefitted from this course. The tools and information that were provided are irreplaceable. The strategies they have learned will help them as they navigate through life and experience temptations and troublesome situations influenced by peer pressure.
New Jersey Fall Art Show
Of the 30 children selected from New Jersey for the Art Educators of New Jersey Fall Art Show, two were students of Dr. Paul Rafalides PS 33. Their work was displayed in the Victoria Theatre located in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. The names of the two students from PS 33 are Jennica Santos, grade 3, and Tristen Byers, grade 4.
A Visit from Our Soldiers
PS #33 Dr. Paul Rafalides School was fortunate enough to have an assembly program where two soldiers who are immediately being deployed to Afghanistan spoke to our entire school. Sergeant Murgas, who has 2 young boys who attend our school, was joined by Private Quintana. They spoke about the importance of their mission and why all Americans should be patriotic. The whole program was bittersweet as the soldiers spoke and the children of the Sergeant Murgas proudly watched as their father shared his time with us. Principal Frank Piccillo offered a plaque honoring their heroism and the children made flags that they waved in the air as we all enjoyed patriotic music as we wished the best for the soldiers on their 3rd tour.
Sergeant Murgas stands proudly with his two children while Private Quintana poses with his mother and grandmother (right).
Anti-Bullying Week
During the 2009 - 2010 culminating activity to our "Anti-Bullying Week", the entire staff and student body assembled outside in the courtyard. All in attendance created a tight circle including the lower grades who sat in the middle. The 3rd and 4th grade students and the staff members stood on the outside of the circle. We all held hands and recited the "Anti-Bullying Pledge". The upper grades and staff members acted as role models for the lower grades. It was a very memorable event and was a wonderful way to end a week of informative lessons and interactive projects.
In celebrating "Anti-Violence Week", our students participated in a "Bully-Free School Zone" poster contest. The winner of the poster contest was Mrs. Larino's second grade class. Pictured are the second grade students working on their poster and followed by their final winning product.
Project Connect Award
Our School Choir
The Dr. Paul Rafalides PS 33 school choir is rehearsing for their Christmas concert under the supervision of their music teacher, Mr. Carlos Parades.
We Use Technology
Our teachers at the Dr. Paul Rafalides PS 33 use the Computer Lab to integrate technology into their Science/Social Studies while addressing Technology standards. Our smartboard is enjoyed by the students to enhance instruction and student learning.
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