Good evening Pilla parents. This upcoming week, students will be iReady testing. Please make sure that your student's chromebook is fully charged and brought to school tomorrow. Thank you very much for your help!
Pilla Safety Patrol and NJHS partnered with Inspira to host the annual Preemie PJ & Onesie Drive.
Pilla Middle School, in its entirety, helped donate two full boxes (over 30+ pairs) to help premature babies this winter. Seen pictured are the members of the Pilla Safety Patrol and PICU Inspira nurse, Caroline Tolotti, who so graciously volunteered her guidance on the overall initiative, as well as picking up the donation boxes here at Pilla Middle School. We are SO #PillaProud to continue to serve the community!
Pilla Middle School, in its entirety, helped donate two full boxes (over 30+ pairs) to help premature babies this winter. Seen pictured are the members of the Pilla Safety Patrol and PICU Inspira nurse, Caroline Tolotti, who so graciously volunteered her guidance on the overall initiative, as well as picking up the donation boxes here at Pilla Middle School. We are SO #PillaProud to continue to serve the community!
Students in Mrs. Purich’s science class became atmospheric scientists as they explored how light changes as it travels through Earth’s atmosphere. Using flashlights and rectangular bins of milky water to model the atmosphere, students revisited their ideas about why light can change in color and brightness.
After making predictions, students investigated what happens when light passes through more or less of their simulated atmosphere. They carefully observed and recorded changes in brightness and color, then shared their findings with classmates. Together, the class co-constructed a model to explain how light scatters and transmits through the atmosphere.
This engaging investigation helped students connect real-world phenomena—like colorful sunsets and dimming light—to scientific models through collaboration, curiosity, and hands-on learning!
After making predictions, students investigated what happens when light passes through more or less of their simulated atmosphere. They carefully observed and recorded changes in brightness and color, then shared their findings with classmates. Together, the class co-constructed a model to explain how light scatters and transmits through the atmosphere.
This engaging investigation helped students connect real-world phenomena—like colorful sunsets and dimming light—to scientific models through collaboration, curiosity, and hands-on learning!
Congratulations to Ms. Savannah Kissling, our January Staff Member of the Month! Her dedication, teamwork, and positive spirit make a difference every day in our school community.
REMINDER - NO PAJAMAS!!!
✨🏰 Disney Day for Safety Patrol! 🏰✨
Join us tomorrow, Friday, January 16th, to support our Safety Patrol Fundraiser by dressing up for Disney Day! 🎉
Students may wear Disney ears, character-themed clothing, capes, hats, and more for just $2, given to your HR teacher.
🚫 Please remember: no pajamas, ripped jeans, masks, or hand-held props.
Let’s bring the magic while supporting a great cause! ✨💙
✨🏰 Disney Day for Safety Patrol! 🏰✨
Join us tomorrow, Friday, January 16th, to support our Safety Patrol Fundraiser by dressing up for Disney Day! 🎉
Students may wear Disney ears, character-themed clothing, capes, hats, and more for just $2, given to your HR teacher.
🚫 Please remember: no pajamas, ripped jeans, masks, or hand-held props.
Let’s bring the magic while supporting a great cause! ✨💙
🌟 Gold Badge Winner – January 🌟
Safety Patrol is so excited to announce our newest Gold Badge Winner for the month of January: DJ Panichelli! 🎉
DJ is one of the sweetest and kindest students you’ll ever meet. He comes from a wonderful, supportive family and consistently shows responsibility and dedication. DJ is always on post on time, takes his role seriously, and leads by example. His positive attitude and caring nature truly make him a standout member of our patrol team. We are incredibly proud to have DJ on our Safety Patrol and grateful for all that he does.
👏 Congratulations, DJ! 👏
Safety Patrol is so excited to announce our newest Gold Badge Winner for the month of January: DJ Panichelli! 🎉
DJ is one of the sweetest and kindest students you’ll ever meet. He comes from a wonderful, supportive family and consistently shows responsibility and dedication. DJ is always on post on time, takes his role seriously, and leads by example. His positive attitude and caring nature truly make him a standout member of our patrol team. We are incredibly proud to have DJ on our Safety Patrol and grateful for all that he does.
👏 Congratulations, DJ! 👏
Get your game face on! 🎲✨
The Pilla Family Game Night is almost here! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, laughs, and school spirit. Whether you’re a board game pro, a card shark, or a Skee-Ball legend, there’s something for everyone!
📍 When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🍕 Dinner: A lite dinner will be provided!
👕 Bonus: Attendees get a FREE Dress Down Day!
Note: Parents must be in attendance. Spread the word and invite your favorite Pilla friends and families!
🔗 RSVP by 1/21: Scan the QR code in the flyer or use this link: https://bit.ly/3Z6pP5k
The Pilla Family Game Night is almost here! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, laughs, and school spirit. Whether you’re a board game pro, a card shark, or a Skee-Ball legend, there’s something for everyone!
📍 When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🍕 Dinner: A lite dinner will be provided!
👕 Bonus: Attendees get a FREE Dress Down Day!
Note: Parents must be in attendance. Spread the word and invite your favorite Pilla friends and families!
🔗 RSVP by 1/21: Scan the QR code in the flyer or use this link: https://bit.ly/3Z6pP5k
✨🏰 Disney Day for Safety Patrol! 🏰✨
Join us on Friday, January 16th, to support our Safety Patrol Fundraiser by dressing up for Disney Day! 🎉
Students may wear Disney ears, character-themed clothing, capes, hats, and more for just $2, given to your HR teacher.
🚫 Please remember: no ripped jeans, masks, or hand-held props.
Let’s bring the magic while supporting a great cause! ✨💙
Join us on Friday, January 16th, to support our Safety Patrol Fundraiser by dressing up for Disney Day! 🎉
Students may wear Disney ears, character-themed clothing, capes, hats, and more for just $2, given to your HR teacher.
🚫 Please remember: no ripped jeans, masks, or hand-held props.
Let’s bring the magic while supporting a great cause! ✨💙
🌟 Logic vs. Emotion: Big Decisions at Dominick Pilla Middle School 🌟
Mrs. Amato’s class has been hard at work exploring the science of decision-making! 🧠❤️ With the beginning of our Unit 3, students had to evaluate the essential question, “To what extent should our emotions impact our decisions?” This question will be further explored throughout the unit of Romeo and Juliet. Our students were tasked with a unique challenge: analyzing different real-life scenarios to predict the consequences of making choices based on pure logic versus raw emotion.
Using a creative "Choice Board," students took over the role of experts and media creators to share their findings. We are so proud of the formal language and digital skills they displayed! Check out the different ways they brought their projects to life:
Expert Interviews & Puppet Shows: Some students stepped into character, conducting formal interviews and even using creative puppet shows to simulate high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Canva Flow Charts & Infographics: Using professional design tools like Canva, several groups mapped out "Consequence Flow Charts," visually breaking down exactly what happens when logic or emotion takes the driver's seat.
Video Briefings & Podcasts: We have some future influencers and broadcasters in the making! Students produced 5-minute podcast episodes to debate the pros and cons of different choices.
Google & Canva Slide Masterpieces: Others developed comprehensive presentations featuring voice-overs, data visuals, and professional graphics.
It was amazing to see our students use digital media to tackle such an important life skill. Great job to all of Mrs. Amato’s students for their hard work and professional presentations!
Link to Podcast: https://bit.ly/4pCppyB
Link to Puppet Show: https://bit.ly/4jyyiI8
Canva Video: https://bit.ly/4qLlNeH
Mrs. Amato’s class has been hard at work exploring the science of decision-making! 🧠❤️ With the beginning of our Unit 3, students had to evaluate the essential question, “To what extent should our emotions impact our decisions?” This question will be further explored throughout the unit of Romeo and Juliet. Our students were tasked with a unique challenge: analyzing different real-life scenarios to predict the consequences of making choices based on pure logic versus raw emotion.
Using a creative "Choice Board," students took over the role of experts and media creators to share their findings. We are so proud of the formal language and digital skills they displayed! Check out the different ways they brought their projects to life:
Expert Interviews & Puppet Shows: Some students stepped into character, conducting formal interviews and even using creative puppet shows to simulate high-stakes decision-making scenarios.
Canva Flow Charts & Infographics: Using professional design tools like Canva, several groups mapped out "Consequence Flow Charts," visually breaking down exactly what happens when logic or emotion takes the driver's seat.
Video Briefings & Podcasts: We have some future influencers and broadcasters in the making! Students produced 5-minute podcast episodes to debate the pros and cons of different choices.
Google & Canva Slide Masterpieces: Others developed comprehensive presentations featuring voice-overs, data visuals, and professional graphics.
It was amazing to see our students use digital media to tackle such an important life skill. Great job to all of Mrs. Amato’s students for their hard work and professional presentations!
Link to Podcast: https://bit.ly/4pCppyB
Link to Puppet Show: https://bit.ly/4jyyiI8
Canva Video: https://bit.ly/4qLlNeH
Good evening Pilla parents. Please read the below Winter Dress Code memo from Principal Oshenic. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/4jAYL84
Happy Holidays from our family to yours! 🎄🎁💚❤️
Pilla's Climate and Culture Committee put together a successful pop-up holiday of festivities. Students were able to play various board games, cards and holiday bingo to celebrate their hard work and academic achievements, specifically straight A’s for marking period 1!
Students in Ms. Super’s 6th grade ELA class put together a mock trial during their study of factually based information on the topic of the dangers of energy drinks. Students analyzed and discussed 3 nonfiction articles and then chose roles and used evidence based arguments to determine who should be held at fault when health complications arise from energy drinks without health warnings.
👕 We Need Your Help: School Clothing Drive!
The School Nurse and Guidance Department are looking for specific clothing donations to support our students. If you have extra items at home that meet school dress code requirements, please consider donating!
Items Needed:
Leggings
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts
How to Donate:
📍 Where: Drop off items at the Main Office. 👤 Attention To: Please mark your donations for Nurse Saige or the Guidance Department.
Thank you for helping us keep our students comfortable and ready to learn!
The School Nurse and Guidance Department are looking for specific clothing donations to support our students. If you have extra items at home that meet school dress code requirements, please consider donating!
Items Needed:
Leggings
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts
How to Donate:
📍 Where: Drop off items at the Main Office. 👤 Attention To: Please mark your donations for Nurse Saige or the Guidance Department.
Thank you for helping us keep our students comfortable and ready to learn!
Students in Miss Welden and Ms. Franco’s 7th grade ELA classes had the distinct pleasure of learning about the restaurant business from local entrepreneur Rob Johnson. Mr. Johnson, the owner/operator of the Got Pizza Mobile Unit and former owner of Pizza Queen, visited the students to discuss serving the community as future business leaders. Johnson shared his story along with his book and merchandise with the students. Mr. Rob helped the students complete an activity where they planned, promoted and opened a pizzeria for a day. The students were excited for the visit because it prepared them for their Restaurant Challenge PBL in the Wellness Unit.
Please enjoy this video from Mrs. Baruffi and our Tech Team! "What Pilla Wants For Christmas"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waz2W7uhHGaIqubnPr3ZsKRvnZne6OyB/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1waz2W7uhHGaIqubnPr3ZsKRvnZne6OyB/view?usp=sharing
Please join us for our December PTO meeting tonight at 5:30pm via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kdg-bduw-bzv
Ho Ho Hold on to Your Hats! Holiday Spirit Week is Next Week! 🗓️
Mark your calendars for a week of festive fun from Wednesday, December 17th, through Tuesday, December 23rd. We can't wait to see everyone participate!
Here is the daily lineup:
Wed, 12/17: Winter Hat Day - Wear your warmest winter hat or festive headgear. (Uniforms Required)
Thu, 12/18: Tinsel Toe Tuesday - Show off your most festive and cozy socks! (Uniforms Required)
Fri, 12/19: Flannel Friday - Rock your favorite flannel or plaid top. (Uniform Pants Required)
Mon, 12/22: Merry Monday - Time to debut those holiday sweaters and festive shirts! (Uniform Pants Required)
Tue, 12/23: Pajama Day! - Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. ($3 per student to participate)
Remember to check the uniform requirements for each day. Let's finish the year strong with tons of spirit! 🌟
Mark your calendars for a week of festive fun from Wednesday, December 17th, through Tuesday, December 23rd. We can't wait to see everyone participate!
Here is the daily lineup:
Wed, 12/17: Winter Hat Day - Wear your warmest winter hat or festive headgear. (Uniforms Required)
Thu, 12/18: Tinsel Toe Tuesday - Show off your most festive and cozy socks! (Uniforms Required)
Fri, 12/19: Flannel Friday - Rock your favorite flannel or plaid top. (Uniform Pants Required)
Mon, 12/22: Merry Monday - Time to debut those holiday sweaters and festive shirts! (Uniform Pants Required)
Tue, 12/23: Pajama Day! - Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. ($3 per student to participate)
Remember to check the uniform requirements for each day. Let's finish the year strong with tons of spirit! 🌟
Last call for the Double Good Popcorn Sale! The sale ends tomorrow at 4:30pm!
Pleases see the flyer for more details.
