CNBNews

By Lois Staas

NEWS Correspondent

  Superintendent Annette Castiglione said June was a busy and exciting month with lots of activity during last week's Bellmawr Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

  "The eighth grade dance was an unbelievable success, and the retirement dinner was fun but very touching," she said.

  "Annunciation Regional School Principal Kathleen Fields joined our classrooms for a demonstration of the Smart Board. Bellmawr Librarian Peg Feld visited our schools with a series of activities.

  "Our Fourth Grade Student and Parent Orientation was a great success. Study Island has been extended to grades 2, 3, and 4 as well as age appropriate agenda books," she said.

  "We would like them to become familiar with them at an early age, and we are planning on using the agendas to implement our new nutrition program in the fall," she said.

  "We are waiting for the report from our Needs Assessment that was conducted by ERIC. Our state test scores are back, and I believe we may meet AYP. In September we will present an analysis of the data.

  "Our Summer Camp and Enrichment Program has begun. The Language Arts section is very active."

  Mrs. Castilione reminded everyone that school business hours during the summer are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  Parents are invited during these hours while "We are working on housekeeping and new ideas," she said.

  BOE Member Frank Filipek Jr. thanked the superintendent and Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli for all of their help during his first year as a board member.

  "It was touching and moving at the eighth grade graduation. I was proud to be a part of all the action."

  Speaking as chair, Member Betty Shepard said, "The negotiations committee continues to meet."

  Member Jamie Casey said the next meeting of Emergency Management was to be July 3.

  BOE Member Jody Mangus was pleased that the librarian's school visit was extended four days.

  She encouraged all students to become involved with Study Island and summer reading, and added that the next school policy review is scheduled for July 10.

  Congratulations and best wishes were extended to Bruce B. Finkle, who will be leaving the Bellmawr School District to become business administrator at Gateway. Mangus noted Finkle's service and dedication.

  During the public portion of the meeting, one parent was present to ask about the four additional days during spring break.

  Castiglione said, "The ac-ademic success of the students was a primary concern. The full week vacation would follow state testing, and give the students a much needed break and a solid fourth marking period. This places Bellmawr in line with the receiving high school, the surrounding public elementary schools, and Annunciation Regional School."

  In regular business the board approved the repair of the Park School boiler.

  Monarch Boiler Construction Company was approved to fix the crack for $4,900.

  Due to a crumbling concrete walkway and curbing and leaning wall at Bell Oaks, the board selected Think Pavers to do the work for $23,784.75.

  The board approved the following voluntary transfers: Katrina Krapf from Grade 7 to Grade 8 Social Studies; Michael Mazzuca from Special Education to Grade 7, Social Studies, Susan Fisher from MD program to Kindergarten Aide4 at the E. M. Burke School.

  Jan Degenais was given a warm welcome as the new Living Skills teacher. Degenais had previously filled in for another teacher who was on leave.