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Gloucester City School District Remembers Nicole Ann Christison, Teacher and Friend | GCN

6a00d8341bf7d953ef016303297858970d-500wiBy Anne Forline

Gloucester City News


The Gloucester City Board of Education (BOE) remembered Nicole Ann Christison with a moment of silence during its meeting March 13.

Nicole was a preschool teacher at Cold Springs School who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 25.

Cold Springs School Principal Ken Wagstaff said that Nicole’s mother, Elise, appreciated the kindness the district has shown to her. She also said that her daughter loved coming to work everyday.

Dee Driscoll, who is a literacy coach at Cold Springs, spoke of Nicole by saying she put her best foot forward each day and was a great example to the children.

Ms. Driscoll asked if it would be possible for the district to fly its flags at half-staff in memory of Nicole.

The School Board unanimously approved a motion for the district’s flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Nicole on Monday, March 19.

  In other business, various motions were made and approved.

  Regarding student action items, new hires, trips and fundraisers as listed, these motions passed.

  Concerning curriculum, a motion was made and approved to purchase the books, The Indian in the Cupboard and Where the Red Fern Grows.

  These will be distributed to the after-school program at Mary Ethel Costello and will be part of the upcoming Parent Literacy Night at the school on March 29.

  Motions to adopt policies as indicated as well as financial action items #1-10 were passed.

  The Board passed a motion to apply for various grant items, including:  #1 Race to the Top grant for $68,264, #2 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables grant for Cold Springs School and Mary Ethel Costello for the upcoming fiscal year, #3 the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant for $404,133 and #4 to accept No Child Left Behind Funds for the 2011-12 school year.

  A motion was made to allow the president of the Gloucester High Alumni Association, Wayne Smith, to use the Global Connect for the purpose announcing an upcoming social for the scholarship fund.

  Student representatives from all of the district’s schools addressed the BOE and gave reports.

  Sarah Gilliard from Gloucester City High School is involved in many school clubs, including track and varsity cheerleading. She volunteers with the community choir and takes part in Gloucester City clean-up days. Sarah aspires to be famous on Broadway.

  Sarah commented on the recent accomplishments of the bowling team, the varsity wrestling team and the girls’ varsity basketball team, who won the Tri-County Classic for the fourth straight year.

  Sarah noted that the juniors recently took the HESPA's and that the Student Council recently visited the senior residents at Gorman Manor to play Bingo. Council also met with Principal Dr. Jack Don to review the handbook policy concerning the dress code and lockers.

  Sarah said that the “Friends of Rachel” club recently reached out to Chardon High School in Ohio. Chardon High School was the site of another deadly school shooting in late February.

  Finally, Sarah reminded everyone that “Beauty and the Beast” will be performed on March 29, 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. in the GCHS auditorium.

  Representing the Highland Park Program for Success was Zach Wunder. He said he has attended all of Gloucester City’s schools, but noted that he enjoys Highland Park because he feels welcome there and is encouraged to be himself.

  Zach said that art class is his favorite, not because it is the easiest, but he feels he can be open-minded and productive there. He credited Mr. Pomeroy for being his role model who will not stop believing in him.

  From Mary Ethel Costello was sixth grader, Laney Ryan. Laney enjoys music and participates in hand-chimes.

  She was a Character Club member in January for responsibility. Laney is a competitive swimmer for the Gloucester City Stingrays, and she hopes to be a movie director one day.

Laney said there are many opportunities for Mary Ethel students to participate in different programs.

  She said in the after-school program, students complete homework and study, especially for the NJASK.

  Shannon Johnson is a third grader at Cold Springs School who likes to color and be creative and plays soccer, softball and field hockey. She said that the school recently participated in “Pennies for Patients” and raised $4,000.20.

  Shannon said of the money raised, “It is a wonderful thing to do for sick kids in the hospital.”

  Shannon noted that the students recently celebrated “Read Across America” on March 2, which is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. She said that the third grade students will be getting ready for the NJASK by taking part in test preparation Mondays through Thursdays.

  The BOE adjourned to executive session and returned to make a motion to hire Bill Dilks as special counsel to the school board. The motion was passed.

  The School Board will have a Public Budget Meeting on Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m., and it will be followed by the April Caucus. Both will be held at the Media Center at GCHS.

 

 

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