Conti Chatter Dr. Michael Conti School PS 5

PUBLISHED AUTHORS: CONTI STUDENTS & FACULTY

The PS5 library has acquired two new works authored by members of our school community. The first, Effects of Our Daily Choices: A Campaign to Save Our Planet, was created by the family of Conti 3rd-grade students in Ms. Ureta, Ms. Pilla, & Ms. Guzman's homerooms as part of their PBL exploring global warming. It features research, data, interviews with experts, & colorful illustrations, aimed to raise awareness about the climate crisis:

The second title is Artman's Elements of Art, an activity book created by PS5 Art Specialist Michael Markman, with the help of his former students, Daniela Coca and Malia Gray. The book is comprised of activities that Mr. Markman created for his students during the Covid quarantine and is designed to motivate budding artists:

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

WEEK OF RESPECT

During NJ's Week of Respect, Conti students had a choice board of activities to promote team-building and communication skills. As a TISE-certified (Trauma-Informed Skills for Educators) school, the importance of respect for self & others is underscored throughout the year in our classrooms and embedded in the curriculum. School counselor Emma Santiago-Hernandez and CIT Lou DeCarlo, along with TISE clinicians from Project Resilience, visit classrooms regularly to offer SEL lessons and support.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

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

PS 5 CHESS CLUB MEMBERS SHINE IN NYC TOURNAMENT

Conti 2nd-graders Carter Jung & Lincoln Schneider, brought home the 2nd-place Team trophy at the Bryant Park Chess Competition held earlier this fall. While both excelled in the Beginner division last year, they are now competing in the Novice division, a higher playing field. "This was the first rated tournament for both Carter and Lincoln, which puts them against a much harder competition than before," explains PS5 Chess Club instructor Jon Huang. Rated competitions involve an algorithm that measures a player's probable performance against another opponent...In addition to the 2nd-Place Team win, Carter and Lincoln took 8th & 10th place, respectively, in the Individual category. Way to go!

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NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

4th-grade Inclusion Teacher Nicole Arita recently attained a Masters degree in Special Education from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), after receiving her BA in both Elementary Special Education and Spanish from the same institution. Both her parents are from Guatemala, so she grew up speaking Spanish at home, and her cultural heritage is something she proudly embraces. Throughout college, she was on the track & field and cross country teams, and believes the physical & mental discipline of running helps her in the classroom, providing her with the stamina to keep up with her energetic students. In her free time, Ms. Arita loves "to do arts and crafts, such as making jewelry, painting, and drawing."

3rd-grade Math teacher Melanie Guzman is a familiar face at PS5, having successfully subbed for the past two years in multiple Conti grades from Pre-K to 8th. This year, she is officially a full-time faculty member with her very own classroom! A graduate of Rutgers Business School, she served in the United States Army National Guard for six years. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a tax accountant, and during the pandemic decided to leave her job to support her children with virtual learning. "That's when I truly fell in love with education," says Ms. Guzman, who is now enrolled in the alternative route program at Rutgers University...As a parent with children in the Jersey City Public Schools, she appreciates the "warm & close-knit community" at PS5. In her spare time, she enjoys running, crocheting, and treating herself to hot chocolate at Prato Bakery.

Nicole Lusskin, our new Pre-K instructor, began her teaching career as a music educator in New York City. During that time she discovered her passion for working with young learners and began the journey to becoming an early childhood educator. She has been teaching Pre-K for the past three years and is excited to join the PS #5 community. "I very much enjoy the creativity & curiosity my students bring to the classroom, and am delighted to help them learn and grow throughout the year," she says. Outside of teaching, Ms. Lusskin loves to cook, go on walks with her dogs, and hang out with family & friends.

Lenore McDuffie, who joins a Conti 4th-grade self-contained classroom, is an educator from the Tar Hill state of North Carolina, where she taught for the past 6 years. She describes herself as a resourceful advocate committed to helping kids gain emotional awareness & social competence, while developing their cognitive abilities: "My life's mission has been dedicated to helping students overcome various disabilities, challenges, and prepare them for life." In her free time, Ms. McDuffie enjoys sharing art & cooking techniques with her daughter, as well as "attending agricultural/environmental events that showcase the best life has to offer," she says.

Karen Weinberger, our new 2nd grade teacher, joins PS5 after having taught for almost 3 years as a substitute teacher in the public schools, as well as teaching Sunday school and leading summer recreation programs for kids -- all experiences that led her to want to pursue teaching as a full-time career. Originally from Albuquerque, NM, she earned double bachelor degrees, one from Stephens College in Missouri, and another from The University of Missouri. Ms. Weinberger resided in Hudson County for the past 18 years and is a big fan of life on the east coast: "I love the Hudson River with its great views of New York City and cool places like the Liberty Science Center" and exploring museums and learning about the tri-state area's rich history & art is a favorite pastime.

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WALK TO SCHOOL RALLY

A PEEK INTO CLASSROOMS

HAPPY AUTUMN!

And before you know it, HALLOWEEN will be upon us:

To get us further in the seasonal mood, the Conti Harvest Festival is in two weeks:

The PTA's recent Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser raised nearly $2000 that will go towards initiatives benefitting our students: