Wallace School held a fundraiser for students to have the chance to be Principal for the Day. Students paid $1 a ticket to be chosen, and all proceeds went towards purchasing a new mascot costume. The three winners made a rule for the day, declaring it Yellow Day because it is a cheery color. Students made announcements, walked the halls during class changes, visited classrooms with administrators, and were treated to a special lunch.
Students of Mrs. Sledge's class at D'Ippolito Elementary School made a video asking their peers to help our Community Service project by making Get Well Cards for children who need care and are in the Pediatric Care Unit of Inspira Hospital in Vineland. They also asked staff to donate books and journals. With all the participation, it became a school-wide community project! Nurses Ashley and Mercedes were excited to receive the donations. They wish to thank D'Ippolito School for helping the children they care for every day.
On Friday, June 14th, Dane Barse School held their Annual Staff vs. 5th-grade Students Kickball Game, run by Mrs. Nicole Robbins, Physical Education Teacher. Students from Mrs. Beltran's, Mrs. Trasferini's, and Mr. Clark's classes played kickball against 21 Barse Staff members, while students from Kindergarten through 4th grade came out to spectate and support the players. Vineland Public School's Athletic Director, Sylvester Cifaloglio, officiated the game that ended in a score of Staff - 29 to Students 15. Following the game, all staff and 5th-grade students voted on a Most Valuable Player from each team. Ms. Tessa Messore was named the Staff MVP, and 5th-grade student Jozeah Rodriguez was named the Student MVP.
On Tuesday, June 12th, Mrs. Myerson and Mrs. Hadley's first graders at Mennies Elementary School had Visitor Day! They welcomed Mrs. Makema Douglas Edwards, an author and illustrator, into their classroom to read her book, Nyla’s Weather Hair!
They also welcomed a few special 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to share their experiences as they’ve moved up grade levels at Mennies.
Finally, they visited Mrs. Bertonazzi’s and Ms. Caterina's classrooms to learn more about what’s to come next year in 2nd grade. They had a chance to ask any questions - so they could ease any nerves and build excitement! Finally, the firsties teamed up with a 2nd grader to play a game! It was a great day!
The Vineland High School Girls Softball team was honored at the June 17 Board of Education meeting in celebration of their outstanding season. VHS was 26-3 on the season, including an undefeated 12-0 Cape Atlantic League record, and made it to the NJ Group IV championship game. Congratulations! 🐔
On Saturday, June 1st, the Wallace Wildcat band performed at Music in the Parks at Hershey Park. The band is led by director Julia Galdi, who is so proud of all of her students. Good luck to all of the 8th graders entering the marching band!
In honor of Mr. Camardo's retirement after 38 years of service to Vineland Public Schools, students from Mr. Clark's class planted a Crape Myrtle tree donated by Newcomb's Nursery at Dane Barse Elementary School. A plaque reading "Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example." was placed next to the tree, along with rocks painted with Mr. Camardo's interests, by Barse Art Teacher, Ms. Nicole Schmittinger.
On Thursday, June 13th, Dane Barse School celebrated its Annual Field Day run by Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Nicole Robbins. Wallace Middle School Safety Patrol and National Junior Honor Society Members acted as station leaders, accompanied by Mrs. Jamie Ecret and Mrs. Michele Shapely. Students rotated through 16 stations, including 14 game stations, a popsicle station, and an art station, while listening to music from their DJ station. Popsicles and Field Day T-shirts for all Barse Staff and Students were provided by the Dane Barse School PTO.
The Vineland Transportation Department bid a heartfelt farewell this morning to three dedicated retirees: Anita Bickerdyke (25 years), Linda Ulrich (27 years), and Ernest Derosa (17 years). Thank you for your years of service!
Vineland High School Art III student Megan Harrell Alvarez participated in a coloring contest to colorize the new mascot of the Riverfront Renaissance Center in Millville. Her artwork was selected as the winner for her age group, and the center awarded her art supplies for her age group as her prize! The VHS art department is very proud of her accomplishment!
Alani Hannah and Reese Barraclough, two Vineland High School art students, have recently had their work compete in the Congressional Art Competition for the 2nd District. For their participation in the competition, they each received a proclamation from Congressman Van Drew and a Congressional Challenge Coin. Reese was also awarded Honorable Mention in the competition for her oil pastel drawing.
"I am very proud of these students for the hard work they have exhibited all year long in Studio Art II and their eagerness to participate in this prestigious competition," said Jane Medio, art teacher.
Sally Reiser Simon, a VHS Alumnus, recently published a young adult novel titled Before We Move On. She traveled from New York to share her story with our VHS students in the South Media Center. Ms. Simon read excerpts from her novel and shared tidbits of her writing and publishing experiences. She was well received by our students, and we are looking forward to reading and discussing her novel.
Mennies Elementary School administration and office staff celebrated their amazing aides! Throughout the year our aides assist with so many different areas of our schools. We are so lucky to have the very best!
Attention students! Are you interested in rowing? The Vineland High School Crew program is hosting a summer Learn to Row program! No experience is needed, so come out and learn a new sport and meet some new friends. More information is available on the attached flyer.
On May 20th, a group of Vineland residents were selected to be this year's Rowan Legacy Family, all of who currently work or work for the Vineland District. A legacy family is chosen when one or multiple generations have graduated from Rowan University/College. After graduating, each family member joined education in Vineland, where they grew up. From substituting to elementary education to different subjects like Special Education, Art, and Theater, this family has contributed to the Vineland schools and community in many ways. Recipients awarded: Katina Kanakis, Angela Calakos, Cynthia Doulis, Mary Kaskabas, Steven Calakos, Kristina Rowe, Katina Lampropoulos and Angela Doulis.
The Vineland Education Association sponsored D'Ippolito Elementary School's yearly Bravo Beach Blast event. D'Ippolito came together to celebrate all the students awarded the Bravo Award throughout the school year. D’Ippolito Elementary School’s Character Education Program is entitled Bravo!
BRAVO translates to: Be Respectful And Value Others
Students are given this award for various character traits throughout the year.
These traits are: Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Encouragement, Optimism, Perseverance, Honesty, Cooperation, Acceptance, Personal Pride
300 students were invited to join us in lots of summer fun activities. Students and their families were treated to soft-serve ice cream from Frostbite. They lined up to receive summer-themed temporary tattoos. Many students enjoyed doing artwork with sidewalk chalk in front of the school. Some games offered were frisbee catch, beach balls, checkers and chess, parachute play, badminton, and volleyball. We had summer tunes playing and students rocking out with blow-up guitars. Our event also had many bubble wands and bubbles for kids to use. Families were able to commemorate this event at our Photo Booth.
Families really enjoyed this event and we look forward to having it again next year.
During Art at Durand Elementary School, fourth graders and staff have been making clay butterflies as part of an international program called the Butterfly Project. This project aims to educate students on the Holocaust and use art to spark conversations about kindness and respect for others. There were 1.5 million children lost to the Holocaust, and each butterfly represents one of those souls. Durand’s Art Teacher, Katina Lampropoulos, has been coordinating this project and, along with students, installing butterflies as part of an ongoing mural. She hopes this installation will remind others that, just like how the butterflies are flying together in the mural, we stand for tolerance and love for each other. See https://thebutterflyprojectnow.org/ for more information.
It's not too early to sign up for next school year! The YMCA offers before and after-school care during the school year. See the attached flyers for more information.
The Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society will celebrate its new gardens with a Rain Garden Party on Sunday, June 23 at 11:00 AM, at the museum. The public is invited to attend.
“The rain garden is now in full bloom and we want the community to see it and learn more about its workings,” said Jen Hainley, trustee. The rain garden uses land contours and the museum rain gutter system to irrigate the variety of plants. The museum has also unveiled a bog garden and a community garden, which are growing a variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs.
A garden discussion will be presented by Meredith Koenig, a native gardener, and Deborah Ein, author of a Mary Treat Biography. The gardens are dedicated to the memory of Mary Treat, a former Vineland Resident and naturalist, who wrote many articles about plants and insects, and communicated with Charles Darwin.
Refreshments will be provided by LIDL. Children’s games and activities will also be part of the celebration. The museum will be open for self-guided tours.
The museum is located at 108 South Seventh St. in Vineland. Additional information is available by visiting discovervinelandhisotry.org or by calling 856-691-1111.
Petway Elementary School hosted a schoolwide K9 demonstration to conclude the Second Grade’s "Pennies for Pup" service learning project. This project aims to engage the community, particularly students, in raising funds and awareness for the police department's K9 unit.
The demonstration showcased the skills and capabilities of the police K9s, highlighting their importance in obedience, agility, search and rescue, and apprehension techniques. It allowed the students to see firsthand how these highly trained dogs assist officers in their duties.
The Service Learning project encourages students to collect pennies (and coins) to raise funds for the Vineland Police K9 Unit. The initiative helps cover costs related to the care, training, and vests for the police dogs. The project teaches students about civic responsibility and the role of police K9 units. By participating in this project, students and community members develop a sense of involvement and investment in the safety and well-being of their community.
