Old Tappan Public Schools
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The Core is the monthly newsletter for families of the
Old Tappan Public School District.
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Community | Curiosity | Courage | Creativity | Commitmentt
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Message from the Superintendent
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
This time of year always reminds us of one priceless year-round gift – the gift of modeling conversations for our children. At this festive time, the faculty and staff take the opportunity to remind ourselves that, although role-modeling is a year-round responsibility, the holidays can be rich learning opportunities for students of all ages. Whether at home or in school, children are always learning from us.
Children listen to adults celebrate through cheerful times and work through conflicts, both of which will always exist. Families and school faculty have opportunities to remind children of approaches to conversations and problem-solving that are age appropriate and that could be applied at both home and school. Our principals, faculty, staff, and I are always available to support your at-home conversations and extend our work from school to home.
As children are excited about their holiday gifts, please help us by ensuring that toys stay at home. Although common sense for adults, children will need reminders that items such as trading cards, toy weapons, and the popular technology devices should not be brought to school. We know that children will want to share certain toys; however, please consult with the teacher(s) before sending anything into school. Thank you for your continued partnership. Our students need us all!
Wishing you and your family a joyous December break! We look forward to seeing our students back in school on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District
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LET'S PARTNER!: PARENT SESSIONS
Our next Let's Partner!: Parent Session will be held on Wednesday, 1/14, at 1:00 and 7:00 PM. Dr. Da Giau will be hosting a book club about the text And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School. Whether you read all, some, or none of the book, come join us for the conversation. Read more here.
On Wednesday, 1/28, at 7:00 PM only, Dr. Da Giau will be hosting a film screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition for all interested parents. The 56-minute film addresses issues that children, parents, and educators face today, including video gaming, social media, and inappropriate content exposure. If you are interested in staying for a follow-up film discussion, it will be hosted by Mr. Brian Greco, a Clinical Social Worker in Old Tappan. Read more here.
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CELEBRATING THE SOUNDS OF LEARNING
School interactions have the power to leave lasting impressions on the minds that children develop toward lifelong learning. Joy and learning should not be considered mutually exclusive. As educators, we have found that children are interested in two things: doing and doing now. Because of this, we work towards every day being a “now day” for our students. All students find joy in the excitement, noise, and laughter of learning in school. Knowing this, educators hold the responsibility to educate and to inspire the whole child — mind, heart, and soul.
Through play, competitive yet supportive activities, encouragement of self-expression, and active student engagement, students of all ages shape their knowledge and develop building blocks for academic success. The sounds of learning in school can be an outburst of inquiry and laughter or even silent moments of mystery when new ideas are being explored. Regardless of its form, the sounds of learning are celebrated in our schools.
Students in first grade worked together with excitement to build rafts for their penguins that they then tested in water! Students in eighth grade collaborated to make agreed-upon decisions for their homeroom door-decorating contest!
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DEBATE TEAM: ARTFUL CONVERSATION
There is no more powerful sound of learning than listening to middle school students delve into a sophisticated topic, make sense of an overarching premise, form cohesive lines of argument, listen actively to others, and articulate related details to support their thinking — all while being respectful of peers’ perspectives and courteous of conversational etiquette. This is debate!
Our middle school Debate Team was formed six years ago and competes in the Bergen County Debate League. Competing with 30 of our middle schoolers in Grades 6-8, the Team is debating the nationally assigned topic: Should the United States federal government significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic? To prepare for competition, our Team works regularly with two Varsity Debaters, who return to CDW to provide training on presenting arguments in their debate rounds.
To date, our Team debated negative and affirmative sides of arguments, earning points and winning rounds. Our Debate Team has several more competitions and is perfecting its art of conversation to serve its competitions well!
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SEASONAL SOUNDS IN SCHOOL
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and
on which it is impossible to be silent.”
Victor Hugo
Our music education program is an invaluable component of our middle school. We believe that music education enhances students' memory and focus, builds their confidence and sense of teamwork, and develops their individual and collective sense of creativity and expression. As is true with arts education, our music program contributes to the development of well-rounded youngsters.
Our fifth- and sixth-grade bands performed at their Winter Concert this month, showcasing the instrumental music program. The audience was treated to performances of "Reign" and "Northridge Overture," among other selections. The following evening, our middle school Chorus sang their hearts out, and one of their four selections, "Simple Gifts," can be heard here. Then, the seventh- and eighth-grade band performed renditions of "Ghost Lights" and "Santa's Adventure," respectively. A sampling of the eighth-grade band's performance can be enjoyed here. Our instrumental music program thrives under the direction of Mr. Rosolanko and our chorus program has grown under the direction of Ms. Osbahr. Students who performed at the evening concerts proudly shared their developing musical talents and their love of the performing arts!
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YOU HAVE A GIFT, USE IT WISELY:
MODEL THE GIFT OF CONVERSATION
It is our hope that these holiday times will be filled with family visits and friendly conversations. It is important to recognize that these communicative experiences, although common and seemingly simplistic, are rich learning experiences for students of all ages. Young people’s communication skills are influenced by the examples that they see and hear around them.
The art of listening is the foundation of effective communication. Although it is not a concrete school subject, like mathematics or science, it does permeate all academics as well as interpersonal relations. According to qualitative literature, listening is a very large part of school learning and is one of our primary means of interacting with other people. Educators who listen to their students with interest, attention, and patience set good examples.
Just as in school, parents can model good listening behavior at home. Ways of modeling effective listening skills include picking out highlights of a conversation, asking relevant questions, relating personal experiences to that being discussed, and encouraging talking and listening to nonverbal messages.
As we participate in lively conversations during these festive times, we must remain cognizant that adults hold the privileged power of modeling the types of communicative practices in which we hope our children will engage. Whether at home or at school, children are always learning!
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Calendar
December 24 - January 2
No School
January 5
Return to School
Board of Ed. Mtg.
January 14
Let's Partner!: Parent Session
January 19
No School for Students
January 28
Let's Partner!: Parent Session
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Reminders & Notes
Change in your emergency contact information?
Our emergency notification system, SchoolMessenger, is only efficient if your information is accurate in the Genesis Parent Portal. If any of your contact information has changed, please log into the Genesis Parent Portal to make the necessary changes to your account. We want you to receive all notifications from the Old Tappan Public Schools.
From Our Family to Yours...
The Old Tappan faculty and staff
and the Board of Education wish
you and your family a relaxing
December break and a peaceful
and joyous start to the new year!
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