Bellmawr School Board Hires Three Teachers
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
By Chris Concannon
Gloucester City News
Three new teachers were introduced to the School District during last week’s meeting of the Bellmawr Board of Education (BOE).
Anthony Di Bartolo (Music), Lauren Di Bello (Basic Skills) and Susan Di Prinzio (Basic Skills), were unanimously approved for employment by the Board.
In comments following his introduction, Mr. Di Bartolo said he had been substituting at Bell Oaks since mid-January.
He is looking to build a music program at the middle school, and is looking to recruit more students to play instruments.
Following the other teacher introductions, he returned to the front of the Media Center, accompanied by two fifth grade students.
They performed a saxophone duet, having learned to play under his tutelage.
Burke Principal Frank Jankowski then remarked on the upcoming “Run For Education” Saturday, June 2. It will include a 5K run, Kids Run, and Family Walk.
Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 5K stepping off at 8 a.m., followed by the Kids Run and Family Walk at 8:45 a.m.
For information visit: bellmawrschools.org.
Jankowski said that every student who pre-registers for the event, will receive a free homework pass.
The monthly school reports were then read, in their own words, by: Bellmawr Park, Austin Mc Guckin, fourth grade; Ethel M. Burke, Urvi Patel, fourth grade; and Bell Oaks, Courtney Morrone, fifth grade.
Superintendent Annette Castiglione delivered the May Staff Award to Burke School teacher Mike Mazzuca, who formerly taught physical education coached at Bell Oaks.
Mazzuca was showered with several letters from students, nominating him for the honor.
Castiglione then gave her Superintendent’s Report, commenting on a “Race To the Top” grant of $27,000 which the District is currently pursuing, and, if secured, would help teachers and administrators with professional development.
Castiglione also said that today’s children are using different sides of their brains than their parents, due to their extensive exposure to technology.
She also touched on the Board’s efforts to acquire a portion of an anti-bullying grant, which is currently moving through Trenton, backed by Governor Chris Christie.
Castiglione mentioned the Water Safety class on Monday, June 4, at Bellmawr Park School at 6 p.m. (Josh the Otter is scheduled to appear); half day on Tuesday June 5th (Primary Election); and a recent teacher’s visit to the Elizabeth School System in North Jersey.
In public comments, Regina Andrews-Collette (Bellmawr BEA Vice President) asked about the anti-bullying costs and inquired about a community partnership.
The PTO’s were next, as Mrs. Calabria said Bellmawr Park’s PTO raised more than $3,000 on their recent basket auction, along with remarks on their Chik-Fil-A Night.
The Bell Oaks rep then commented on their ongoing preparations for the 8th Grade Dance Saturday, June 9.
Mr. Jankowski stated Burke School will hold their Spring Fling Dance Friday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Joanne Burns commented on the Wounded Warriors project, along with remarks on the upcoming Summer Book Fair.
All business on the evening’s agenda was unanimously approved, with the following of note:
Change in date for Bell Oaks Basket Auction from Friday, May 11, to Friday, June 1; Field trip for Mr. Rizzo’s Tech class to Citizen’s Bank Park on Monday, June 4; Mrs. Girman and three eighth Grade students to Triton High School on Tuesday, May 29, to meet with Triton’s ELL teacher and to get a glimpse of the classroom environment they will attend next year.
Also, the BOE accepted the resignation of Julie Ionescu, elementary ESL teacher, effective Saturday, June 30. New teacher Mrs. Di Prinzio is transferring from fourth Grade teacher at Bellmawr Park to the school’s Basic Skills department.
Maureen Mc Donnell is transferring from Bell Oaks sixth grade to the middle school’s Resource department.
Finally, the BOE approved its 2012-13 meeting schedule.
For information contact the District office at (856) 931-6298, or at: bellmawrschools.org.