Conti Chatter Dr. Michael Conti School PS 5

Looking ahead, PS5 middle schoolers have in store another perspective-broadening excursion to New York City scheduled for later this month, to the Thurgood Marshall Federal Courthouse to witness live arguments before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. During the visit, our kids will get to also participate in reenactments of historic landmark cases that were brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. Stay tuned for more on that trip in an upcoming edition of the Chatter.

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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

WEEK OF RESPECT

STRONG GIRLS

The Conti STRONG GIRLS CLUB aligns with our belief that social-emotional skills are foundational to life success. Started at PS5 three years ago, and facilitated by our school counselor Emma Santiago-Hernandez and middle school teacher Jillian Quirk, the club has become one of our most popular afterschool offerings, where members learn ways to resist societal & peer pressures, role-play best approaches to conflicts, explore what it means to be a good friend, be empowered, & gain the confidence to pursue their dreams!

This new school year saw club members brainstorming a fresh set of rules, a "code of conduct" that members pledge to adhere by. At the initial meeting, new member shared why they choose to join the club. Some responses: "To make a new friend...to be part of a support system...to develop confidence...to find my voice...to try something new...to overcome my fear of stage fright...to find a place to belong and feel safe to be myself."

CONTI GARDEN CLUB

In other club news, the Conti Garden Club is in full swing this school year. Guided by PS5 parent Amanda Annelli and our school counselor Ms. Santiago-Hernandez, the club has middle school members meet every Wednesday after school during the fall and spring, to help beautify our school gardens - and they receive community service hours for doing so.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Focus TRAIT for SEPTEMBER was COOPERATION: Working together for a common purpose or benefit.

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NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Stephanie Bock - 2nd grade In Class Support teacher: An elementary educator with a degree in English and certification in Special Education, Ms. Bock has experience teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and says she is passionate about fostering a love of reading and learning in her students. She says her aim every day is to “create a classroom environment that is engaging, supportive, & inclusive, using creative activities, hands-on lessons, and technology to help every student succeed.” A self-proclaimed “proud nerd” at heart, she enjoys photography, writing, and diving into “all things geeky” and finding fun ways to inspire curiosity and creativity in children!

Isabella Brandi - 4th grade In Class Support teacher: A recent graduate of the University of Delaware, Ms. Brandi majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education, in which she received her teaching certification. Noting that she’s always loved working with children, she says that “I want to be that support and happy face they're excited to see at the start of every school day!” On her days off, Ms. Brandi enjoys going to the beach, listening to music, and confesses to being very enthusiastic about her coffee!

Cecilia Campos - 1st grade Paraprofessional: Ms. Campos brings a wealth of life experience to PS5, where she first stepped foot in one of our classrooms only 3 years ago, after retiring from a 31-year career as an accountant and manager at Shipco Transport, a Danish shipping company. Through her tenure there, she developed strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills while managing complex accounting functions and supporting global operations...Upon retirement, she began volunteering in our Kindergarten & 1st-grade classrooms, where she discovered a new passion: helping children to learn & grow. Her dedication in the classroom did not go unnoticed, eventually leading to a permanent position at Conti this year. “Every day I walk into the classroom, I feel energized and inspired,” says Ms. Campos. “The children's curiosity and joy make this role one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”…Outside of work, Ms. Campos is an avid reader, tennis player and extensive traveler to destinations in South America, Europe, Australia, and a 5-time-visitor to her beloved grandchildrens’ favorite place, Disney World!

Janet Do-Nuding - 5th grade ELA teacher: Ms. Do (pronounced with a long O sound, like “dough”), who goes professionally by her maiden name, is a native of upstate New York, where she earned a B.A. in Art History from SUNY-Buffalo. After a successful career as a fashion graphic designer in New York City, Ms. Do went on attain a M.S. in Elementary & Special Education from Adelphi University. In the past decade that she has been an educator, she experienced first-hand the gifts that diversity provides in a school setting: “The unique abilities, heritage, & beliefs that each student brings to the classroom are what truly enrich it,” says Ms. Do. “By valuing every voice and perspective, we can build a safe and inclusive community where respect is the foundation to build a love for learning.”…When she’s not working, she enjoys playing tennis and snuggling with her cat, Eevee. She also loves to read and collect a wide variety of books and graphic novels for the classroom library. “I’m so happy to be a part of the Conti community as a teacher, and neighbor!”

Naglaa Ebrahim - PreK Paraprofessional: After earning a bachelors in Education, Ms. Ebrahim has been working in the Jersey City Public Schools since 2019, serving as a teacher’s aide at PS 26 for the last seven years before arriving at PS 5. “I am passionate about education and enjoy supporting students’ learning and growth,” says Ms. Ebrahim. In her free time, she loves to read and cook, be it comfort food or elaborate meals for friends and family.

Angelica Escaño - World Languages Specialist: Soon after graduating with a B.A. in World Languages & Cultures, Ms. Escano began teaching Spanish in the district for the past 3 years. She says that as an educator, her main priorities are the following: to make learning fun by having students engage in fresh, research-based learning activities, and to allow them to respectfully share what’s on their minds (as a Gen-Z-er herself, Ms. Escano knows the importance of giving students a voice.) “I want all my pupils to walk away feeling they were valued, and that their teachers truly cared about their well-being and education.” …Away from the classroom, Ms. Escano enjoys traveling, and notes she began working with children when she herself was only 15 years of age --whether babysitting & tutoring, or later working at a daycare, or volunteering with the children's ministry at her church.

Riham Girges - PreK Paraprofessional: Ms. Girges, who earned a BA in Sociology while still in her native country of Egypt, has worked in the Jersey City Public Schools for the past 6 years, and is currently “very happy and excited” to be assisting in Ms. Del Conte’s class. “I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth with these lovely children!” she says. In her spare time, Ms. Girges enjoys listening to music, doing all kinds of arts and crafts, and sharing memories with friends and family.

Lea Mainor - School Counselor: Ms. Mainor is “thrilled” to be serving as a school counselor this year at PS5 (Mondays thru Wednesdays.) With several degrees under her belt (B.A. in Sociology from NJCU, Masters degree in School Counseling, and a second Masters degree in Education, both from St. Peter’s University), her work focuses on helping students navigate academic challenges, personal growth, and future career planning to foster resilience and success. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, shopping, and watching the History Channel.

Sophia Puleo – PreK teacher: Ms. Puleo earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Stockton University, and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from William Paterson University. With extensive experience teaching young learners in preschool through early elementary grades, she truly feels in her element helping children succeed at an early age. “It’s critical to build strong foundations academically, socially, and emotionally, so that every child feels confident and included,” she says. “I strive to create a positive, welcoming classroom where all students are celebrated for who they are and encouraged to grow at their own pace.”…Outside of work, Ms. Puleo is an adventurer at heart, exploring new places, attending sports games, going on long walks in nature, visiting farmers markets, and trying out varied cuisines.

Marina Roos - 1st Grade teacher: After earning a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware, this is Ms. Roo's 4th year of teaching, centered around the early primary grades. Before that, Ms. Roos developed considerable organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (listening, persuading, etc.) as a recruiter for the healthcare industry. While the classroom is a completely different setting, both careers in their own way require fostering positive relationships, where effort is celebrated and clients or students are made to feel confident. Ms. Roos notes that as an educator, “I help children build independence, take ownership of their learning, and grow into curious, capable learners, through positive reinforcement and encouragement.”...In her free time, Ms. Roos enjoys cooking, travelling, reading, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with her family.

Erin Tirpak – 2nd Grade teacher: A seasoned educator who has been in the classroom for 16 years, Ms. Tirpak earned her undergraduate degree from Marist College, completed a masters in Educational Technology at NJCU, and has several certifications, including teacher of the handicapped. “I use technology in the classroom in order to spark interest and motivation,” she says. “Creating fun and interactive tech-based learning experiences for my students something I really enjoy!”... Outside the classroom, Ms. Tirpak enjoys travelling, reading [we detect some common trends in teacher hobbies lol!], and spending quality time with her two young kids. A recent transplant to downtown Jersey City, she says she “loooves” being part of the local community!

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A PEEK INSIDE SOME CLASSROOMS...

HARVEST FEST!