News

Students in the Mt. View Trep$ program recently had the exciting opportunity to meet with entrepreneur Amy Dolan, cofounder of Swag Queens, on March 11 to gain real-world insight into what it takes to run a successful business.

During her visit, Amy shared the story behind Swag Queens, explaining how she helped turn an idea into a thriving company. Students were especially interested in learning about the “behind-the-scenes” aspects of entrepreneurship, including startup costs, pricing strategies, and the importance of budgeting. Amy broke down how expenses such as materials, marketing, and equipment all play a role in determining profit, helping students better understand the financial side of running a business.

In addition to discussing costs, Amy emphasized the importance of creativity, perseverance, and customer satisfaction. She encouraged students to think about what makes their own business ideas unique and how they can stand out in a competitive market. Students had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and receive practical advice on branding, product development, and managing challenges.

The session was both engaging and inspiring, giving Trep$ students a clearer picture of what it means to be an entrepreneur. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, this visit helped students take an important step forward in developing their own business ideas. The Mt. View Trep$ group looks forward to applying what they learned as they continue their entrepreneurial journey.

Excitement filled the gymnasium at Mt. View School as the Harlem Wizards visited for an unforgettable assembly packed with energy, laughter, and incredible basketball skills. Students and staff gathered together to watch the talented players showcase their amazing ball-handling abilities, creative tricks, and entertaining routines.

Throughout the event, the Wizards kept the audience engaged by inviting several participants from the crowd to join them on the court. Students and teachers alike had the chance to take part in fun challenges and activities that highlighted the Wizards’ impressive talents while bringing plenty of laughs to the crowd. From spinning basketballs to dazzling dribbling demonstrations, the performance kept everyone cheering from beginning to end.

One of the most exciting moments of the assembly came when a lucky student from Miss Lori’s preschool class was selected to participate in a special game. The young student stepped up to the challenge and thrilled the audience by winning the game! As a reward, the student received a free ticket to attend the upcoming Harlem Wizards game as well as an official Wizards jersey.

The fun does not stop at the school assembly. The Harlem Wizards will return to the community for a full game on Friday, March 13, at Mount Olive High School. The event promises to be another evening of high-energy entertainment, impressive basketball tricks, and family-friendly fun.

Mt. View School is grateful to the Harlem Wizards for bringing such a memorable and engaging experience to our students. The visit left everyone smiling and excited for the big game later this week.

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The Police Pipe and Drums of Morris County brought festive cheer to Mt. View School with a lively and engaging visit for students and staff. The group kicked off their performance by making a special appearance at the UNIFIED Basketball Game, energizing the crowd and helping to start the event on a high note. Their powerful music and presence created an exciting and memorable atmosphere for all in attendance.

Following the game, the performers visited the Kindergarten and Preschool classes, where they continued to spread joy through music. Students were delighted by the unique sounds of the pipes and drums, and many had the opportunity to see the instruments up close. The visit provided a wonderful cultural experience and added a special touch of celebration to the school day.

This special visit was made possible thanks to Sean Pruden, father of students Jace and Nora Pruden, who is a member of the group and generously offered to bring the Police Pipe and Drums of Morris County to the school.

 

The UNIFIED Basketball Game took place today at Mt. View School, bringing students together for an exciting and meaningful event centered on teamwork, inclusion, and school spirit. Students from our MD program took to the court with enthusiasm, supported every step of the way by their 4th and 5th-grade Buddies.

Both on and off the court, the Buddies played an important role—encouraging their teammates, celebrating successes, and ensuring everyone felt included and confident. The game was filled with smiles, cheers, and moments of true sportsmanship, highlighting the strong sense of community within our school.

Students across the building were able to be part of the experience. Our PreK–2 classes watched the game through a live televised link, while students in grades 3–5 attended in person, alongside parents and staff, creating an energetic and supportive crowd.

Events like the UNIFIED Basketball Game provide valuable opportunities for students to build friendships, develop empathy, and learn the importance of supporting one another. It was a wonderful display of collaboration and kindness, and a great reminder that everyone plays an important role on the team.

 

Mt. View Elementary School recently hosted its 9th Annual Family STEAM Night, welcoming students and their families for an evening full of creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning. STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—was highlighted through a wide variety of interactive stations where families could explore concepts together while having fun.

A special part of the evening was the support of student volunteers from Mount Olive Township High School (MOHS). These high school students assisted at each activity station, helping guide younger students through challenges, explaining concepts, and encouraging creative thinking. Their enthusiasm and leadership helped make the event run smoothly while providing younger students with positive role models.

Families had the opportunity to rotate through many engaging stations. At the Binary Code Necklace station, students learned how computers communicate using binary code, made up of 1s and 0s. By assigning different colors of beads to represent numbers, students created necklaces that secretly spelled out their names in code.

The Marshmallow Challenge invited families to work together to build the tallest possible structure using spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow placed at the top. This activity emphasized teamwork, trial and error, and engineering design.

At the Boat Design Challenge, students used simple materials to design boats that could float and carry weight. Families tested their designs in water, making adjustments to improve stability and buoyancy.

Technology stations were especially popular throughout the evening. At the Ozobots station, students programmed small robots to follow color-coded paths and complete challenges. The Spheros station allowed students to control robotic balls through coding and app-based commands, demonstrating how programming can control movement and direction.

Students also explored digital learning tools at the Osmos and Quiver station. Osmos combined physical pieces with interactive tablet games to strengthen problem-solving skills, while Quiver allowed students to color pictures that came to life in augmented reality through a mobile device.

Creativity was on full display at the Neon Art station, where students created glowing artwork using bright fluorescent materials. At Magnetic Painting, magnets were used to guide paint across paper, showing how magnetic force can influence movement in creative ways.

The Dominoes Chain Reaction station challenged families to carefully line up dominoes and design patterns that would create satisfying chain reactions once the first piece was tipped. The Puzzle Face activity encouraged careful observation as students matched facial features to complete funny and unique faces.

Students could also take part in Olympic Activities, which combined movement with problem-solving challenges inspired by athletic events. The Pipe Cleaner Challenge and other self-guided engineering activities encouraged students to build creative structures using simple materials.

Finally, the World’s Greatest Search & Discover station tested students’ observation skills as they searched for hidden items and details within busy illustrated scenes.

Family STEAM Night continues to be a highlight of the year at Mt. View Elementary. The event provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore, experiment, and collaborate with their families. With the help of the MOHS student volunteers, the evening successfully celebrated curiosity, creativity, and the excitement of learning through hands-on experiences.

 

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of Mt. View’s third graders, the Wounded Warrior Project recently visited our school for a special presentation. After leading a successful fundraising campaign, the third grade class proudly presented a donation of $1,406 to support wounded service members and their families. The funds were raised with the incredible support of Mt. View students and staff, whose enthusiasm and kindness made a meaningful impact.

As a result of these efforts, guest speaker Jennifer Jenkins visited Mt. View to share her personal connection to the organization. She spoke about her brother, who was injured in the line of duty while serving our country. Through her family’s experience, students learned how Wounded Warrior Project provides critical programs and services to service members who have sustained life-changing injuries. These services include mental health support, physical rehabilitation programs, career counseling, and assistance for caregivers who support wounded veterans every day.

Jennifer’s heartfelt story helped students understand the sacrifices made by members of the military and the importance of giving back. She emphasized that even small acts of kindness—like a school fundraiser—can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

The third graders’ dedication to helping others reflects the compassionate spirit of the Mt. View community. Their fundraising success not only provided financial support to an important cause but also created a powerful learning experience about service, gratitude, and community responsibility. Mt. View is proud of its students for turning generosity into action.

Students at Mt. View Elementary School recently welcomed an exciting visit from the Liberty Science Center, which brought a hands-on science presentation to kindergarten through fifth-grade classes

. The interactive assembly introduced young learners to big ideas in physical science in a fun, age-appropriate way.

During the program, students explored the three states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—and learned how matter can change from one state to another. Presenters explained that everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. They described how atoms are built from even smaller parts: protons, electrons, and neutrons. Through engaging demonstrations and simple language, the scientists helped students understand that these invisible particles make up the world around them.

The presentation also included exciting experiments with static electricity. Students watched as objects stuck together and hair stood on end, discovering how static charges can attract and repel. Magnets were another highlight, as volunteers helped demonstrate how magnetic forces can push and pull without touching. Children were eager to predict what would happen next and cheered as each experiment worked.

The Liberty Science Center’s visit sparked curiosity and excitement about science throughout the school. By combining demonstrations, student participation, and clear explanations, the presenters made complex concepts accessible and memorable for young learners. Mt. View Elementary is grateful for the opportunity to inspire its K–2 students and looks forward to future science experiences. Teachers noted students continued discussing matter, atoms, and magnetism in class, asking thoughtful questions and making connections to their everyday experiences.

 

Mrs. Eppinger and Mrs. Sueskind’s class recently enjoyed a magical celebration as they brought The Polar Express to life with a special Polar Express Day at Mountain View School. The classroom was filled with excitement as students arrived dressed in cozy pajamas, just like the characters in Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved holiday story.

A highlight of the day was the generous donation of a steam engine by the family of Greyson Barbera. The steam engine added an extra touch of authenticity and wonder to the celebration, helping students feel as though they were truly boarding the Polar Express for a memorable journey.

Students also enjoyed a warm treat of “hot chocolate”—chocolate milk generously donated to the class—which added to the cozy, festive atmosphere. To make the day even more special, Officer Tom delivered a surprise package straight from the North Pole. Inside were bells from Santa himself, much like the treasured bell from The Polar Express, delighting students and sparking their imaginations.

Throughout the day, students embarked on an imaginative and educational adventure inspired by the book. They participated in a variety of hands-on crafts and activities that connected the story to their current curriculum. From creative art projects to literacy-based lessons, each activity encouraged students to think, explore, and learn while embracing the magic of the season.

Polar Express Day was not only a fun and festive experience, but also an opportunity for students to strengthen important academic skills in a joyful and engaging way. The celebration captured the spirit of wonder, kindness, and imagination that The Polar Express represents, making it a perfect way for Mrs. Eppinger and Mrs. Sueskind’s class to celebrate learning together just in time for the holiday season.

 

Mt. View Elementary School proudly announces its 2025–2026 Educational Professional of the Year, Speech Therapist Lauren Rodriguez, and its Teacher of the Year, second-grade educator Catie Viegas. Both honorees were selected from nominations submitted by families and colleagues, each letter reflecting deep appreciation for their commitment, professionalism, and lasting impact on students.

As a Speech Therapist who works exclusively with Preschool students, Lauren Rodriguez plays a vital role in supporting some of the school’s youngest learners. At this foundational stage, Lauren focuses on building essential communication skills, helping students express themselves, develop language understanding, and gain confidence in their abilities. Her colleagues describe her as incredibly patient, nurturing, and knowledgeable—someone who celebrates every small step forward and ensures that speech sessions are warm, engaging, and developmentally supportive. Parents often highlight how she makes their children feel comfortable and excited to learn, noting the significant progress they see at home and in the classroom. Lauren’s dedication to early childhood development has made her an invaluable member of the Mt. View community, and the school is proud to recognize her outstanding contributions.

This year’s Teacher of the Year, second-grade teacher Catie Viegas, is equally celebrated for her ability to foster a dynamic, welcoming, and academically rich classroom environment. Known for her energetic teaching style, thoughtful planning, and strong relationships with her students, Catie ensures that every child feels seen, supported, and capable. Colleagues consistently remark on her collaborative spirit, genuine kindness, and commitment to continuous growth as an educator. Families praise her for maintaining clear communication, setting high yet achievable expectations, and inspiring confidence in her students. Under her guidance, second graders flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

The nomination letters received this year spoke volumes about both honorees. Parents shared heartfelt stories of the meaningful impact Lauren and Catie have had on their children, while fellow staff members highlighted their professionalism, positivity, and dedication to the entire school community.

Mt. View Elementary is proud to honor Lauren Rodriguez and Catie Viegas for the 2025–2026 school year. Their passion for education, commitment to students, and unwavering excellence embody the very best of what Mt. View strives to offer. The school extends its warmest congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition.

 

Mountain View Elementary School is proud to introduce the 2025–2026 5th Grade Safety Patrol team! This group of responsible student leaders plays an important role in keeping our school community safe and organized each day.

Each morning, Safety Patrol members greet students as they arrive on the school buses, offering a friendly welcome to start the day. They help our youngest learners—especially our kindergarten and first-grade friends—safely exit their buses and guide them to their classrooms. This extra support helps ensure that our youngest students feel secure and confident as they begin their school day.

In the afternoon, Safety Patrol is just as busy. They assist with dismissal for grades K–2 by guiding students from their classrooms to their correct dismissal routes—whether they are bus riders, walkers, or even carline students. Their presence helps the process run smoothly and keeps everyone safe as students head home.

Serving on Safety Patrol is an honor and a responsibility for these fifth graders. It gives them the opportunity to be positive role models, practice leadership skills, and contribute to the caring culture of Mountain View Elementary.

The staff and administration are proud of this year’s team for their dedication and commitment to keeping everyone safe. We are excited to watch them grow as leaders throughout the school year and thank them for their service to the entire Mountain View community!