03/08/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
I had the opportunity to attend the PBS sponsored conference, “Celebration of Teaching and Learning 2010″ this past Saturday, courtesy of William Paterson University. As many of you know, I have two children. Jake, is 16 years old, and Jordyn is 13 (and quickly approaching 14). Jordyn joined me in the “celebration.”
We spent a very meaningful ”Mother/Daughter” day together. The conference provided a very special moment for me as a mother and as an educator. Having my daughter with me, listening to Writing Workshop “guru” Nancie Atwell (author of “In the Middle”) was a moment I will always remember. Jordyn’s excitement for what Ms. Atwell shared was amazing to observe. I watched her nod her head, agreeing with Ms. Atwell’s description of strategies she uses to engage even the most reluctant student writers. Many of these strategies are those already commonplace in our Stonybrook classrooms.
Jordyn’s reactions to Nancie Atwell’s presentation reminded me that we must “stay the course.” We must continue to celebrate student writing, lift the learning through targeted instruction, and remind students that “real writers write for real purposes.” The rigor of the Writing Workshop leads children towards the goal where students become life long writers (and readers).
Sunday provided yet another connection in terms of writing. I attended a book signing and lecture by author Jodi Picoult. Joining me were Ms. Hrbek, Ms. Weniger, and Mrs. Minett. Ms. Picoult (author of “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Nineteen Minutes,” etc.) shared stories and advice for student writers. She told them, “Write every day for at least 20 minutes.” “You won’t always have a great story, and you may not even do anything with each piece of writing.” She shared her displeasure with “canned” writing and asked the audience, “When have you ever written a five-paragraph essay?” It was all very interesting and certainly food for thought.
Flashback to 2005, when I led a Parent Academy on the Writing Workshop right here in Kinnelon. I asked the parents in the room to write. I didn’t give them a topic, or provide them with specific guidelines. I asked them to write about something that they knew about or something that was important in their lives. The silence was daunting. The result, however, was remarkable. The honest, raw emotion in the room weighed heavy on our hearts. People shared, reading their own words, sometimes amazed at what poured out, sometimes wiping away tears. This is writing.
Thanks for reading. I hope you write…
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02/23/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that Nicole Ramsden, a 7th grade student at PRM, passed away yesterday, February 22, 2010, due to complications from a long illness. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
The Ramsden Family moved to Kinnelon from Wayne, in 2007. Nicole and her family quickly won the hearts of those in their new home town, as well as continuing their close relationships with their Wayne friends. Together, these two communities worked to help the Ramsdens as they carried the burden of having two family members, Nicole and her dad John, fight their battles with cancer. Personally, I have learned much about faith, love, strength, and the will to maintain normalcy in the most difficult situation of all… I know that our extended school community will continue to provide a strong support system for Mary, John, and Samantha.
For arrangements, please click on the following link to be redirected to Nicole’s obituary on the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home website.
http://www.vandermay.com/obituaries/obituary/oid/3322/
It is a comfort to know that children seem to recover from ordeals more quickly than adults because of their ability to focus on the immediate present rather than on the past or future. This is especially true if they were not personally touched by the event. Anything we can do as adults, to provide an environment where kids can continue to be kids is helpful. Your children may also want to discuss this at home. The National Association of School Psychologists has resources that can support you in talking about grief and loss with your child. You can access that here:
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/griefwar.pdf
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me or Mrs. McClain, our school guidance counselor. Mrs. McClain is an excellent resource and will be available to speak with you to answer any questions you may have.
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02/17/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
I’m not sure of the details, but I know that Mrs. Reardon once again spearheaded a successful fundraiser to support the Ramsden Family. The Matthews’ generously donated 100% of the proceeds from diner patrons on Tuesday evening. I’ve been told that the proceeds totaled over $6,500!
The diner lobby was packed with Stonybrook students past, present, and future! The outpouring of support on an otherwise bleak, snowy day was brightened with the smiles of hope. Hope and positive thoughts for the entire Ramsden family.
I was proud to be part of our caring community.
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02/10/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
I hope our students spent the day having fun in the snow!!! Snowball fights, adult-supervised, of course 
, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and perhaps even spending some down time wearing a pink Snuggie™ and watching TV.
Snow Days, for me, are all about doing things I can’t seem to find time to do during a regular week. Snow Days are about reading curriculum materials and professional books. Snow Days are about savoring large chunks of time that seem to pass too quickly. Snow Days are about missing my Stonybrook kids, while understanding the immense joy they must have felt to have heard the words, “SNOW DAY!”
What did you do on this first Snow Day?
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01/23/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
As you know, one of our district initiatives is to “go green.” One way that we’ve accomplished this is through the use of technology and the creation of the Friday Folder. We at Stonybrook School have been using the Friday Folder since October. We are not only saving paper, but saving you time, a precious commodity. If you haven’t seen a Friday Folder, they are posted on our website under the “School Notices” tab on the left side of the Stonybrook Home page. There’s a link on the right side of this blog which will redirect you to the School Notices page.
Thank you for your support!
How do you feel about the shift away from paper to our Friday Folders?
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01/21/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
I have received many phone calls and email messages expressing condolences, sadness, and support for fourth grade teacher Lori Hrbek as she mourns the loss of her younger brother, Marine Sargeant Christopher Hrbek. Lori expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received from our Stonybrook family.
Christopher returned to his home town of Westwood this afternoon, January 21, 2010. American flags lined the streets as Christopher returned to a hero’s welcome before he is laid to rest.
The family will receive their friends and relatives at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Second Avenue and Elm Street, Westwood, NJ on Friday from 2-8PM.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 9:00 am at church followed by services at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or Sgt. Christopher R. Hrbek, USMC Scholarship Fund, c/o Pascack Community Bank, 21 Jefferson Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675 would be appreciated. Arrangements by Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, NJ, 201-664-0292.
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01/12/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
How many elementary schools do you know of that encourage their students to run for the office of President and Vice President of the student body? I can only name a few. Each year, around this time, I get nervous as I wonder: “Are these students really mature enough to be able to write and deliver a speech in front of the entire Stonybrook School student body (faculty too)?” The answer, over and over, has been a resounding “YES!”
Each year, I am surprised at the confidence and poise the children display. This year I was astounded by how well written their speeches were. I think this may have something to do with the way the faculty values students as “real” readers and writers. The students’ passion and commitment to our school rang through as loud as a bowling ball hitting all ten pins! STRIKE!
One of the students running for President shared the notion of wanting to be remembered for making our school a better place. I don’t think Isaac or any of the other students will need to worry. They will be remembered for stepping forward, being brave, and making a difference.
Congratulations to President Olivia and Vice President Ryan. YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!
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01/07/2010
by Mrs. Mulholland
Welcome, Stonybrook School Family and Friends,
This blog is yet another way to incorporate “Web 2.0″ technology. Web 2.0 is a term that reflects the second generation of the World Wide Web and the level of connectivity the web allows us to embrace.
I will share information, feedback, and other thoughts here on my blog, “Principally Speaking.” I encourage you to add comments by clicking on the “Add Comment” box.
When posting, please respect the following guidelines:
• Respect people’s right to privacy. When posting, do not use people’s names, or descriptions that would indicate specific people.
• Use appropriate language.
• Please note that all responses enter a queue before they “go live” for everyone to read. Once the comments are approved, they will be publicly available on the blog for everyone to see.
I’m excited about this additional opportunity for fostering the home and school connection!
Happy New Year!
As always, my door remains open,
Jodi Mulholland
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