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At Mountain View School, the 5th-grade students have been immersing themselves in the study of the American Revolution through their Social Studies lessons and the Schoolwide Language Arts program. To demonstrate their understanding of this pivotal period in history, the students embarked on a variety of creative projects that showcased their newfound knowledge.

 

The students delved into significant events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, Washington crossing the Delaware, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Declaration of Independence. Each student had the opportunity to choose a topic of interest and then select a project format that best suited their learning style.

 

Some students opted to create informational posters, using eye-catching visuals and concise text to convey their research findings. These posters were displayed throughout the school, allowing other students and faculty members to learn from their peers' work. Others chose to design brochures, providing a more interactive experience for readers to engage with the information.

 

In addition to posters and brochures, the students also created timelines that visually depicted the sequence of events during the American Revolution. These timelines served as a valuable resource for students to understand the chronology of the war and its key milestones.

 

One particularly creative project involved the students writing break-up letters to King George III. This exercise allowed the students to express their grievances and frustrations with the British monarchy in a unique and engaging way. These letters showcased the students' ability to empathize with the colonists' perspective and provided a glimpse into their understanding of the causes of the American Revolution.

Furthermore, some students took their project to the next level by putting on a short play. The students enthusiastically portrayed historical figures and reenacted key moments from the American Revolution. This live performance not only demonstrated their knowledge but also showcased their public speaking and acting skills.

Overall, the 5th-grade students at Mountain View School have truly embraced their study of the American Revolution. Through their creative projects, they have not only deepened their understanding of this important period in history but also honed their research, communication, and presentation skills. These projects serve as a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication to learning

 

Multicultural Day is an eagerly anticipated event at Mountain View School, where the vibrant and diverse community comes together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented by its students. This year, the third graders took center stage, showcasing their family's country of origin through a variety of creative projects.

The students were given the freedom to choose from a range of projects that allowed them to express their cultural heritage in unique ways. Some opted for a visually engaging Google Slides presentation, where they shared fascinating facts, traditions, and landmarks from their family's homeland. Others crafted intricate maps, highlighting the regions of origin and the journey their ancestors took to arrive in the United States.

 

To add an interactive element, some students designed captivating games that tested their classmates' knowledge about different countries. These games not only entertained but also educated their peers about the diverse customs and traditions around the world.

 

Food, an integral part of any culture, played a prominent role in the projects as well. Students prepared and shared dishes from their family's country of origin, tantalizing taste buds and fostering a sense of culinary exploration. The aroma of spices and flavors filled the air, creating a truly immersive experience for all.

 

In addition to visual presentations and culinary delights, students also brought in artifacts that held sentimental value. Money, tools, and traditional clothing were among the items displayed, providing a tangible connection to their heritage. These artifacts sparked curiosity and encouraged meaningful conversations about the students' cultural backgrounds.

 

Over two days, the third graders proudly presented their projects to their Class Buddies and parents. The Class Buddies, younger students from different grades, were enthusiastic listeners and engaged in thoughtful discussions with their older peers. Parents, too, marveled at the depth of knowledge and pride their children displayed in sharing their family's heritage.

Multicultural Day at Mountain View School not only celebrates diversity but also fosters understanding, empathy, and respect among students. It serves as a reminder that our differences are what make us unique and should be cherished. Through projects like these, young minds are nurtured to become global citizens, appreciating and embracing the beauty of multiculturalism.

 

On March 14th, the 5th graders at Mountain View School celebrated Pi Day with great enthusiasm. Pi Day is a special day dedicated to the mathematical constant pi (π), which represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The date, March 14th, was chosen because the first three digits of pi are 3.14.

A T-shirt design contest was held to showcase the creativity and enthusiasm of the students.  The T-shirt design contest was open to all 5th-grade students at Mountain View School. Participants were encouraged to create a unique and eye-catching design that incorporated the theme of Pi Day and the mathematical constant Pi. The designs could include symbols, equations, or any other creative elements related to pi.  Hannah Friedrich emerged as the winner of the T-shirt design contest as well. Her design stood out for its as it combined the Mount Olive marauder with pi.  How creative!

One of the highlights of the Pi Day celebration was a contest in which students competed to recite the digits of pi. The competition was fierce, with students showcasing their mathematical prowess. Lily Salyerds emerged as the champion, reciting an impressive 251 digits of pi. Her dedication and hard work paid off, earning her the first-place position.

Hannah Friedrich secured the second-place position by reciting an impressive 215 digits of pi. Her determination and focus were evident as she flawlessly recited the digits one after another. Ameera Malik claimed the third-place position by reciting 210 digits of pi. Her attention to detail and mathematical precision were commendable.

Each of the winners won a gift certificate to Franks Pizza for a free pizza “pi”.  The Pi Day celebration at Mountain View School was a fun and engaging mathematics event that inspired students to reach new heights in their mathematical journey.

Our recent Annual Family STEAM Night was an evening filled with laughter, learning, and lots of hands-on activities that brought families together to explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).  This year, we hosted over 15 engaging activities that catered to all ages and interests.  From constructing towering structures to unleashing creativity through art and problem-solving challenges, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

One of our most popular activities was the ‘Marshmallow Challenge’, where families worked together to build the tallest freestanding structure using only spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and a marshmallow.  It was inspiring to see parents and children brainstorming, experimenting, and problem-solving as a team.  

For those with a passion for technology, the Sphero Art station provided a unique opportunity to combine coding with creativity.  Families used Sphero robots to create a mural by programming them to move and paint on a large canvas.  The final artwork was truly remarkable, showcasing the endless possibilities of STEAM integration.  

A new activity this year was ‘Puzzle Face’, which immediately sparked curiosity and critical thinking as families used an image key to assemble the puzzle code-side by placing each color-coded and numbered piece in the correct place and orientation.  Once all the pieces were assembled they flipped the puzzle over to reveal a face!  Families were excited to see whose faces would be shown when the puzzle was complete.

Beyond these highlights, there were plenty of other activities, including interactive science experiments, engineering challenges, and art projects, all designed to ignite curiosity and inspire a love of learning.  HNTB, an engineering company, taught our families how civil engineers design roadways by participating in a hands-on activity, in addition to demonstrating how drones are used for bridge inspections and documentation while referencing images and videos from the Pulaski Skyway Rehabilitation Project.  

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we are reminded of the importance of fostering a love of STEAM education from an early age.  By providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and family involvement, we can empower our students to become confident, innovative thinkers ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.  

At Mountain View Elementary School, the kindergarten classrooms recently transformed into bustling literary cafes as students embarked on an exciting adventure through the world of books.   Our little readers recently participated in a unique event known as a "Book Tasting," where they had the joyous opportunity to explore stories from four beloved authors: Kevin Henkes, Tomie dePaola, Dr. Seuss, and Mo Willems.

Picture this: tables adorned with colorful tablecloths, adorned with whimsical decorations, and laden with an array of books, each carefully selected to introduce our kindergarten students to the captivating worlds created by various authors.  As the young readers entered the transformed classrooms, they were greeted with an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and excitement.  They truly enjoyed rotating to the kindergarten classrooms, listening and discussing new authors, and completing a craft/activity to go along with their stories.  Students were given reading tools such as book marks and pointers to take home and assist them in their independent reading. This was a fun and engaging way to expose students to new text while building vocabulary and fostering skill development.

In the end, the Book Tasting event wasn't just about reading—it was about fostering a lifelong love of literature, nurturing creativity, and building connections with beloved characters and authors.  Through these shared experiences, our kindergarten students are not only becoming proficient readers but also compassionate, imaginative individuals who will carry the magic of storytelling with them for years to come.  Here's too many more literary adventures ahead as we continue to inspire a love for reading in the hearts and minds of our young learners.  Happy reading!

School Resource Officer Keith Boryeskne of Mountain View School has found a unique way to engage students and raise funds for a special event. By organizing a coin drive, Officer Keith has managed to generate excitement among the students while supporting the school's Family Steam Night. 

 

The coin drive involved students collecting spare change and donating it towards the event. However, what made this coin drive particularly interesting was the twist Officer Keith added to it. He offered to shave his beard to match the style that raised the most money, once the students raised over $250.

The news of Officer Keith's beard challenge quickly spread throughout the school, and students eagerly participated in the coin drive. They were not only motivated to contribute to the event but also excited to have a say in Officer Keith's new beard style.

 

On Wednesday, February 21st, the much-anticipated grooming event took place. Families of the school were able to watch the live-stream as students gathered to witness the transformation. Barber Kory, from The Fade Den 2, skillfully shaved off half of Officer Keith's beard, leaving everyone in awe.

The event not only raised funds for the Family Steam Night but also created a sense of community and excitement within the school. Students felt empowered knowing that their contributions made a difference, and they eagerly awaited the final result of Officer Keith's beard transformation.

 

Officer Keith Boryeskne's initiative to involve students in fundraising for the school's event not only showcased his dedication to the community but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and creativity. It served as a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact when everyone comes together for a common cause.

 

Overall, the coin drive organized by Officer Keith Boryeskne was a tremendous success. It not only raised funds for the Mountain View School Family Steam Night but also fostered a sense of unity and excitement among the students. Officer Keith's willingness to go the extra mile and involve the students in his beard transformation made the event even more memorable.

 

The preschool and multiply disabled classes at Mountain View School gathered together as Farmer Tom from 'Quiver Farms' arrived with an incubator full of fresh eggs and Max and Ruby, a very loud rooster and chicken! The students patiently sat in awe as Farmer Tom shared information about the chickens and what will happen to the eggs. The opportunity to observe chicks hatch is an invaluable and enriching experience for our preschool students. It provides them with a hands-on and sensory experience, fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature, and can help our students learn how to care for and interact with animals! This experience incorporates science, nature, and social-emotional learning in a meaningful and memorable way!  Once the eggs hatched, the students and staff were able to enjoy the 11 baby chicks!

 

At Mt. View School, the 2nd and 3rd graders have been enjoying a special school-wide program called Class Buddies. This program allows students to connect with their fellow students and engage in fun activities throughout the year. Recently, the students had an exciting opportunity to participate in a digital breakout room experience using Breakout EDU, thanks to a generous grant from the Flanders PTA.

 

A digital breakout room is a virtual escape room experience that involves solving puzzles and challenges to "break out" of a virtual room. Breakout EDU provides pre-made digital breakout room experiences designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.

 

The Class Buddies at Mt. View School were thrilled to participate in a digital breakout room activity. The students were divided into small groups and assigned a breakout room scenario. Each scenario had a unique theme and storyline, adding an element of excitement and adventure to the activity.

 

Working together, the students used their problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity to unlock clues and progress through the room. The digital format of the breakout room allowed for immediate feedback and hints, keeping the students engaged and motivated.

 

Throughout the activity, the students demonstrated excellent teamwork and collaboration. They communicated effectively, listened to each other's ideas, and supported one another in their quest to break out of the room. This collaborative environment not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students.

 

The Class Buddies' digital breakout room adventure was a memorable experience for the 2nd and 3rd graders at Mt. View School. Thanks to the support of the Flanders PTA, the students had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on and interactive activity that promoted critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The digital format of the breakout room added an element of excitement and engagement to the learning experience. The Class Buddies program continues to provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and develop valuable skills that will benefit them in their academic journey.

The 3rd graders at Mt. View School recently had an exciting and educational visit from Officer Dave Marshall and his two K9 partners, Hunter and Spendo, from the Morris County Sheriff's Office. This visit was part of their unit on nonfiction texts, with a focus on the book titled "Aero and Officer Mike."

 

Officer Spendo, a highly trained K9 officer, specializes in criminal apprehension and has a unique ability to locate narcotics. The students were amazed to learn about Spendo's skills and how he helps law enforcement officers in their fight against crime. Officer Hunter, on the other hand, is an Explosive Detection Dog and certified in Search and Rescue. The students were fascinated by Hunter's ability to sniff out explosives and assist in emergency situations.

During the visit, Officer Marshall and his K9 partners demonstrated various skills and techniques used in their line of work. Officer Marshall also explained the importance of teamwork between him and his K9 partners, emphasizing the strong bond they have developed through training and working together.

The visit not only provided the students with a firsthand experience of working dogs in action but also reinforced the concepts they had been learning in their nonfiction texts unit. It allowed them to see the practical applications of the skills and knowledge they had acquired through reading.

The 3rd graders at Mt. View School were grateful for the opportunity to meet Officer Marshall, Hunter, and Spendo. The visit left a lasting impression on them, inspiring some to consider careers in law enforcement or working with animals. It was a memorable and educational experience that will undoubtedly stay with the students for years to come.

 

Mountain View's Winter Choir and Band Concert, held on Tuesday, December 12th, was a delightful evening filled with festive music and joyful performances. The concert showcased the incredible talent of the students and the dedication of their teachers, Mrs. Catherine Cardillo and Mrs. Laura Rutan.

The concert began with the band, directed by Mrs. Cardillo, who kicked off the evening with their energetic performance of "Bring on Da Band." The audience was immediately captivated by the lively beats and harmonious melodies. The band continued to spread holiday cheer with their renditions of classic tunes such as "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland."

Next, it was the Show Choir, directed by Mrs. Rutan. Their vibrant and energetic rendition of "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" brought the holiday spirit to life. The audience couldn't help but tap their feet and clap along. The Show Choir continued to impress with their lively performance of "Everybody Dance, It's Hanukkah!" Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the entire auditorium was filled with joy and laughter.

 

The highlight of the evening was the performance by the 4th-Grade Chorus under the guidance of Mrs. Rutan. Their sweet voices filled the auditorium as they sang "Winter Sleigh Ride," transporting the audience to a winter wonderland. The chorus then showcased their diversity by performing "Hanukkah Hanukkah," a beautiful tribute to the Festival of Lights. They concluded their set with the heartwarming "A Christmas Melody," leaving the audience in awe of their talent.

The Winter Choir and Band Concert was a resounding success, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the students and their teachers. The audience left the concert feeling uplifted and filled with holiday spirit. It was a night to remember, and the students should be proud of their outstanding performances. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this concert a memorable event!