Bullock students, staff and families came together for the school’s second annual
Eco Action Week, through the leadership of Bullock’s environmental science teacher Jennifer Woschinko who developed engaging, hands-on activities that capture the true spirit of our Environmental Science Magnet. We even had some very special guest volunteers!
Members of the Charles H. Bullock family were thrilled with the opportunity to visit the namesake’s school, going to each Eco station to assist students, chatting with them and even learning how to make paper from recycled materials, the signature activity that highlights sustainable practices.
Students in one second grade classroom had the opportunity to learn about
Dia De los Muertos, (annually, Nov. 1) thanks to a student and her family members who volunteered to share their traditions. Following a brief video, the class got to see what makes up an ofrenda, an altar that honors those who have passed.
CHB participated in the Township’s first ever
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The event honors civil rights icon Ruby Bridges who integrated her all-white school in 1960. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day encourages young people to celebrate while wearing Ruby's favorite color, purple, to show their commitment to taking a stand against racism and bullying and make positive changes. Thanks to a grant from Friends of Howe House, CHB was the
first school in Montclair to be selected for this event.
Magic with a Message! Thanks to the CHB PTA the whole school was treated to
Abracabully, a fun, educational anti-bullying assembly. They learned key points about bullying including the difference between telling and tattling, being a bystander vs. an “upstander” and who to turn to when they have a problem all through storytelling and state-of-the-art magic.
During
Native American Heritage Month CHB celebrated the diverse and rich culture, history, traditions, and contributions of Native people. Students learned about all the contributions that have been and continue to be made by Native Americans and how their words, names, and stories are a part of American history.
Earlier in the month, the PTA held a Food Drive and CHB families came through strong generously donating canned goods and non-perishable items for those impacted by the government shutdown including government employees and SNAP recipients. “To see the outpouring of support for those in need is truly heartwarming,” said Principal Nami Kuwabara.
First Graders kicked up their heels at their very own
Harvest Hoedown, led by music teacher Alan Posadas. The gym was decorated for fall and our students came dressed to do-si-do in their jeans, cowboy hats, flannels, boots and bandanas.
Led by teacher Ridwan Khan, Restorative Justice classes
have been working on gratitude. Classes read
The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu, illustrated by Bella Ansori. "Mina is feeling sorry for herself. She always seemed to notice the good things that others had, but she didn't. One day, her family decided to make a gratitude jar, and things began to change. They soon discover the power or gratitude and appreciation for life's simple things." After reading the book with classes, the RJ Ambassadors, along with help from Counselor Lauren Gutierrez, decided to make and distribute
Gratitude Jars to all the classes. During the last week of November, students filled their jars with slips of paper identifying what they are grateful for. We hope to continue practicing gratitude after Thanksgiving and throughout the year using the Gratitude Jar.
Closing out the month, CHB staff participated in a staff volleyball game that has become a tradition – a faceoff between the first and second floors. Students cheered on their favorite teachers and staff members on the last day before Thanksgiving break.
