Latest in NJEA Parents and Community

BlueClaws host College Fair Night

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:51:39 -0500

On May 24, the Lakewood BlueClaws will take on the Hagerstown Suns at 6:35 p.m. Come to the ballpark early for an opportunity to meet college recruiters during College Fair Night. Students enjoy the game for free and family members can purchase tickets for $7. For more information, contact Andy Granozio at 732-901-7000, ext. 175 or send an e-mail to agranozio@blueclaws.com.

Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Essay Contest

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:32:47 -0500

Who belongs in the New Jersey Hall of Fame? The New Jersey Hall of Fame wants your students to participate in the decision making process. New Jersey public school students are invited to participate in fifth annual Hall of Fame Essay Contest. Students are asked to nominate potential inductees – living or dead – to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Nominations can include famous people as well as ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things. Students should research or interview, if possible, the person they wish to nominate and write an essay no longer than 500 words.

Essays must be typed and double-spaced. The student must include his/her name, age, grade level as of April 29, 2012, address, phone number, parent/guardian’s name, school name, and school district. If the essay is a school project, the student should also include the name of the teacher who assigned the activity. Nominations must be postmarked by April 290, 2012 to be eligible.

Send entries to:

NJ Hall of Fame Contest, NJEA
180 West State Street
PO Box 1211
Trenton, NJ 08607-1211
Attn: Dawn Hiltner.

Entries will be divided into two age categories:

Intermediate (grades 4 through 8)
High School (grades 9-12)

Judging

Entries will be judged by a panel comprised of NJEA and New Jersey Hall of Fame representatives. Winners will be notified in mid-May. The winning students and three guests plus their teachers and a guest will be invited as VIP guests to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in early June at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. They will walk the red carpet with the stars, enjoy premium seating and attend a private party after the show. In addition, the winners will receive a check in the amount of $500.

The winning students’ nominations will be forwarded to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Academy for consideration. The Academy, comprised of 100 of New Jersey’s most prominent organizations, ethnic groups and media outlets, will review nominees and ultimately select Hall of Fame nominees to be put forth for the public vote in the fall. NJEA serves on the Voting Academy.

Creation of New Jersey Hall of Fame

Legislation to create The New Jersey Hall of Fame passed unanimously in the Legislature and was signed into law by the governor in 2005. The New Jersey Hall of Fame has been created to honor our sons and daughters who have made invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond. The Hall of Fame seeks to send a message to children that they can and should strive for excellence in any endeavor of their choosing. By presenting significant and powerful role models, the Hall of Fame when built will be a source of learning, inspiration and hope for all New Jersey children.

Mobile Museum

The Hall of Fame recently closed their exhibit on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, but is working on the creation of Mobile Museum to be on the road visiting schools and communities in the fall. Billed as a “field trip on wheels,” the Mobile Museum will be available for schools around the state and will feature interesting artifacts, videos, and other celebrations of Jersey’s best.

For more information about the New Jersey Hall of Fame, visit www.njhalloffame.org.

Building a nation of readers, one community at a time

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:56:48 -0500

It’s that time of year again! That’s right, NJEA members, it’s time to don your red and white stovepipe hats and join the nationwide celebration of reading. Friday, March 2, is Read Across America Day, and for the 14^th year running, NJEA is working to promote reading and literacy through Read Across America-NJ.

Read Across America is an annual celebration of reading that culminates this year on March 2, which would have been the 108^th birthday of prolific children’s book author Theodor Seuss Geisel, known and loved worldwide as Dr. Seuss.

Nationwide, educators and communities are urged to take part in “Building a Nation of Readers.” Schools around the country will celebrate the day with reading fairs, assemblies, and other literacy-related events.

Take part in the celebration

NJEA encourages all schools as well as members of their community to take part in the celebration. All participants are invited to pay tribute to Dr. Seuss by proudly wearing an iconic red-and-white stovepipe hat, the symbol of his signature character, the Cat in the Hat.

“Read Across America is one of our most popular programs of the year,” said NJEA President Barbara Keshishian. “As educators, we enjoy having the opportunity to celebrate reading in exciting and creative ways.”

NJEA has made a major investment in Read Across America, and each year that commitment grows. This year, NJEA’s thematic approach is rooted in the beloved Seuss character, the Lorax, who demonstrates the need for protecting our environment. Through Dr. Seuss’s lyrical prose, children of all ages learn how to do their part in making the world a better place—a life-long lesson sure to resonate in our communities.

In addition, thanks to NJEA’s ongoing passion to support childhood literacy in exciting ways, retired educators will again travel across the state in February and March dressed in seven-foot-tall professional Cat in the Hat costumes. They will visit over 250 schools, bringing the literacy message to thousands of students. Once again, the Cat will gift the library of each school he visits with another one of his favorite books; this year’s selection is The Lorax.

Along the way, the Cat will encounter the many creative ways that schools celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, including everything from green eggs and ham breakfasts and pajama parties to reading extravaganzas featuring politicians, pundits, sports celebrities, and stars of television and movies.

“When we think about Read Across America, we often think of red and white stovepipe hats, visits from the Cat-in-the-Hat, and green eggs and ham, but this program is more than just fun and amusing celebration,” Keshishian stated. “Read Across America is about encouraging literacy and inspiring children to develop a genuine love of reading. When children see their parents and community leaders taking the time to read to them, it reinforces the importance of reading.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Gift for an Autistic Child

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:06:31 -0500

By Linda Mealia, President of the Morris Union Jointure Commission Education Association

As educators of children with autism, we believe every child is a gift. Although most people in New Jersey have a friend or family member who is parenting a child with autism, it can be difficult for them to choose an appropriate gift for the holidays, a birthday, or a religious celebration.

The good news is that children with autism are just like any other children in that they need – and love – to play. So long as the gift is age-appropriate and safe, it is very difficult to make a wrong choice. However, there are some games that are fun and help children with autism practice their skills.

Board Games

Social interaction skills such as sharing, taking turns, communication, and imitation can be reinforced for children from preschool through their teens with a board game. You don’t have to buy them at a specialty store – anything from Chutes and Ladders to Apples to Apples to Pictionary can work. If it’s a favorite in your house, it will probably be a favorite in theirs.

Musical Toys

Sensory issues are common among children with autism and playtime can be a great opportunity to address them in a fun way. Combining the stimulation of music and lights through a toy can be a low-stress way of getting an autistic child accustomed to different stimuli. For younger children, this can be a toy that plays music, like a light-up piano, guitar, or drum. Older children with autism may enjoy singing along with a karaoke machine.

Puzzles

Children with autism often enjoy organizing items into different categories. Age-appropriate puzzles can provide hours of enjoyment as well as help them hone fine motor skills. When the puzzle is completed, you can either pull it apart and put it away or frame it as a fun keepsake.

Art Kits and Supplies

Art kits are a great gift for autistic children because not only does art help children develop fine motor skills, but it also gives children a creative, stress-free outlet. Depending on the age of the child you can choose from finger paints to crayons to clay. The added bonus is that you might walk away from the gift exchange with some really cool art for your refrigerator door!

Although the gift you choose to give is meaningful, the best present anyone can give children with autism and their parents is time together. After you have carefully considered and purchased a gift, take time to play with the child. Not only will spending time together allow you to see the child enjoying the present, but it will also give you greater insight into the kinds of things they enjoy. In addition, it will show their parent how much their child means to you.

The Morris Union Jointure Commission Education Association represents 140 teachers, therapists, and nurses for 360 autistic students ranging in age from three to 21 years old. Students come from 29 sending districts across five New Jersey counties, Morris, Essex, Union, Somerset, and Hunterdon.

Reading: A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:05:22 -0500

By NJEA President Barbara Keshishian and NJ Association of School Librarians President Pat Massey

The holiday season is a wonderful time to share gifts with children that not only come from the heart, but also from a shared interest. Books have the power to connect people and inspire a lifelong love of literature. There are so many titles to choose from, it can be difficult to offer a short list but here are some suggested titles and authors to help you share a love of reading with the children in your life. Although we have provided an age range, it is just a suggestion.

Books for all ages:

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
My Weird School series by Dan Gutman
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Seven Spools of Thread: a Kwanzaa Story by Angela Medearis
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Some other authors who are popular with children in this age group are: Sharon Draper, Wendy Mass, Jon Scieszka, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Mo Willems.

Children (Ages 5-12):

The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series by Debby Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Amber Brown by Paula Danziger
Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist by Jim Benton
Freight Train by Donald Crews
Horrible Harry by Suzy Kline
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen
Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
Piggie Pie by Margie Palatini
Reindeer Crunch and Other Christmas Recipes by Kristi Johnson
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Ziggy series by Sharon Draper
Sports series by Mark Stewart

Young Adults (12-18):

Bluford High series (various authors)
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Gift of the Magi by O.Henry
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Identical by Ellen Hopkins
Twilight series by Stefenie Meyer

One way to make your gift even more meaningful – and treasured for years to come – is to give your own beloved copy of a favorite book such as Little Women, Treasure Island, or Curious George to a child.

To really make the most out of the gift of reading, take time to read together every day. Not only will you be able to share well-known classics, but you also might discover a new favorite to add to your personal library.

Finally, get to know the reading experts in your child’s life. Teachers, school library media specialists, and public librarians are happy to work with you to instill in your child a love of reading – and that’s a gift that lasts lifetime.

Barbara Keshishian is the president of the New Jersey Education Association, which represents more than 195,000 public school library media specialists, teachers, and educational support professionals in New Jersey’s public schools.

Pat Massey is the president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians, which advocates high standards for librarianship and library media programs in the public, private and parochial schools in New Jersey to ensure that students and staff become effective users of information.

Parents encouraged to apply for NJ’s kid-friendly programs

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:22:06 -0500

Parents with low and moderate incomes can sign-up their children in several kid-focused programs offered through three state departments. The programs, administered by the Departments of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Agriculture (NJDA) and Human Services (DHS) include, NJ FamilyCare, NJ SNAP, WIC, Vaccines for Children and Free or Reduced School Lunch. All of the programs are partially or fully federally funded and have comparable qualifying criteria.

Women, Infants and Children Program

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides supplemental nutritious foods to infants and children up to the age of five. For children older than age five in eligible families, there is the N.J. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP), which provides monthly electronic benefits on an ATM-like card for unprepared foods and grocery purchases.

School Lunch Program

The School Lunch Program provides a nutritious, well-balanced lunch at no cost for children in families earning less than $29,055 annually for a family of four or at a reduced cost for children in families with incomes below $41,348 annually for a family of four. Eligible families need to fill out the application for free or reduced price meals so their children are included in the program and students whose families already qualify for NJ SNAP of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will receive free meals.

Children qualified for WIC and the Free or Reduced Lunch program likely meet the criteria for NJ SNAP.

Vaccines for Children

If families are uninsured or underinsured, the Vaccines for Children program is available to them.

NJ FamilyCare Insurance

If your child is uninsured, apply today for NJ FamilyCare. Children in families with incomes under $78,225 per year for a family of four are eligible. The plan includes primary care, specialists, hospitalization, prescription and dental benefits. Even if your income is higher, your child may still qualify for low-cost health insurance through NJ FamilyCare Advantage.

Find out more about these programs

NJEA to legislators: “Take the Teacher for a Day Challenge”

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:07:36 -0500

Are your legislators up for the challenge?

All 120 members of the Legislature were invited to walk a mile in our educators’ shoes and become teachers for a day. Those who accept the challenge will write lesson plans, teach classes, and perform all general duties, just as teachers do every day.

The Teacher for a Day Challenge event aims to offer legislators a first-hand look at what it is like to be a public school educator before casting any votes on the educational reform issues. By allowing legislators to share in our experiences, NJEA and its members can engage them in positive and productive conversations about a variety of topics, including tenure, seniority and merit pay.

Check back for a complete list of legislators who have accepted the challenge and the schools at which they will work. You will soon be able to follow the action on NJEA’s Twitter account and view photos from several Teacher for a Day challenge events on the “NJEATeacher4aDay” Facebook page.

Be a champion for safe teen driving

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:45:56 -0500

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey (BIANJ) is once again hosting its “U Got Brains Champion Schools Program” – a contest to challenge New Jersey high school students and faculty to create unique projects aimed at educating teens about the importance of safe driving.

Here's how it works:

Develop an idea in your school for a project related to teen driving safety.
Submit your project name, a 500 word summary of the proposed project, and a list of strategies and events to be implemented along with it.
If your school’s project is selected, you will receive a $1,000 stipend to implement it.
Selected schools will have several months to implement their projects and compete against other schools to win the ultimate prize: a driving simulator for your school!

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of teen injuries and death.
This is a great opportunity to engage your students in an educational, fun and interactive competition, while addressing an important safety issue.

Remember, creativity is a must! BIANJ is looking for unique campaign ideas that will draw attention and make an impact on new drivers.

To learn more, apply or view last year’s winners, visit www.ugotbrains.com. Application deadline is Nov. 30.

Score your tickets for the NY Liberty's 7th annual Education Day game

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:14:48 -0500

Join the NY Liberty professional women's basketball team for its 7th annual Education Day game on May 14 at 10:30 a.m.

In addition to great lower-level seats at a discount, ticket holders will enjoy an educational speaker, unique on-court experiences, free thunderstix for your whole group, and more!

For more information or to book your seats today email matt.cohen@msg.com or call 212-631-5738.

Download flier

Tricks and Tips for Halloween Safety

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:30:32 -0400

By Barbara Keshishian and Dominick Marino

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for a child. Everything that is forbidden—staying up late, parading around the neighborhood in scary costumes, begging for candy from neighbors, and gorging on treats—is expected on Halloween.

But Halloween is also one of the most frightening nights for parents who do all they can to protect their children from things that go bump in the night. Following these tricks and tips can help parents and kids have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Gallery

Use flashlights or battery-powered “candles” to light your Jack-o-lanterns. Make every effort possible to avoid using candles. If you do use candles to decorate your home, never leave them unattended.

Keep even haunted houses safe. Decorate your house and yard using battery-operated lights, not candles. Remind children to locate the exits in residential, community or commercial haunted houses. In case of an emergency, remind children to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” so that if they come in contact with fire, they stop, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish the flame.

Choose costumes that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your child’s Halloween costume, purchase fabrics that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

Take a flashlight along for dark streets. Kids may tell you that it’s part of the spooky charm of Halloween to walk dark streets and prove you’re not afraid, but a flashlight is essential.

Make sure children can’t be tripped by loose costumes and that mask holes are large enough to see through. You’ve toiled for hours to make sure your child’s mummy costume is horrifying. But take a few extra moments to make sure he or she can walk—and see—easily.

Don’t let kids eat candy or fruit until a parent has inspected it. This isn’t just smart from a safety point of view—it also helps ensure parent access to the treats! What child can argue with mom or dad’s tax on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

Stay on the sidewalk and away from traffic as much as possible. One of the greatest dangers on Halloween is the potential for a car accident. With children darting across streets and between houses and harried parents trying to round children into the minivan to make the next stop, it’s too easy for an accident to occur. Remind your children to stay on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing streets.

Wear bright reflective colors so that cars can see you when it is dark. Your child may argue that Superman never wore bright orange reflectors on his back, but as long as your child can’t fly, then neither can that argument.

Mind your manners. Children also should be reminded to say “Trick or Treat” when they knock – once – on their neighbors’ doors. It is equally important to say thank you and to be appreciative of the treat they are given, even if it is not what the child was hoping to receive.

Halloween can be a fun and frightful night for kids, but working together, parents, teachers, and firefighters can ensure that when Halloween ends, the ghosts and goblins transform safely back into children—until next year.

Download poster (11 x 17 in)

Download poster (8 x 10 in)

Barbara Keshishian, a mathematics teacher in New Milford, is the elected President of 200,000 teaching staff, support staff, and retired members of the New Jersey Education Association.

Dominick Marino is the president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.

Thunder honor essay winners and their heroes

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:37:24 -0400

Hurricane Irene knew better than to stand in the way of some talented New Jersey public school students and their heroes. The torrential rains and flooding waited until the winners of the NJEA Trenton Thunder essay contest and their teachers could be recognized in a special pre-game ceremony Aug. 27 on the field of Mercer County Waterfront Park.

The winners were among several hundred students across the state who submitted essays on the topic, “My Hero Works at School.” Members of the NJEA Public Relations Committee judged the essays.

Gillian Dauer from Lawrence Intermediate School in Lawrenceville wrote about first-grade teacher Dawn Santello.

“My admirations of Mrs. Santello are varied,” Dauer wrote. “Her passion to teach every student and her ability to create memories are just a few. She has inspired me to help people as much as I can. She has helped me become a better person. Every time I see her she gives me a hug. I feel all the memories come back in that simple squeeze.”

Christin Pfaff of Cherry Hill High School West School wrote about her English teacher Carolyn Messias.

“Every time I come to her class it brightens my day to see her, because I know she’s the only one who witnesses past my inabilities and looks more at who I am and not who she thinks I am,” Pfaff wrote.

Lysa Legros of Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School in Englewood wrote about her guidance counselor Jerome Land. They were unable to attend the event.

“All teachers want the school to be a better place, right?” Lysa wrote. “I say Mr. Land wants the school to be a better place because once I was having a problem with a bully, and now it’s gone since he fixed the problem. As you can see he is a great problem solver.”

The students, their families, and their heroes were the invited guests of the NJEA and Thunder at the Thunder’s game against the New Britain Rock Cats.

Invite the Cat in the Hat to your school

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:16:04 -0400

How would you like a visit from the Cat in the Hat to help your school celebrate NEA's Read Across America? Well, NJEA members can now request a visit from the Cat himself right online. Visits begin in early February and continue through the end of March. You will be notified in January whether your school will receive a visit. The deadline for inviting the Cat is November 18.