Somerville Public Schools

🌟 Autism Acceptance Month at the Ville Highlight!🌈 In celebration of the diverse ways our students experience the world, we’re spotlighting a special feature of Van Derveer’s ABA classrooms: our Sensory Room. 🌟 A Sensory Room is more than just a space; it’s a stepping stone towards inclusive education. It is designed to offer a safe haven for students with autism to explore, learn, and just be themselves, away from the overwhelming sensory inputs of the everyday environment. 🌈 Now, why is a Sensory Room necessary? For many of our students on the spectrum, the world can be a cacophony of sounds, sights, and sensations that prove difficult to navigate. Our Sensory Room provides an environment that allows them to: • Calm and focus themselves with sensory-friendly activities. 🍃 • Develop coping strategies in a controlled setting. 🧩 • Enhance their sensory processing and social skills through play and interaction. 🤝 Stay tuned for more features this month highlighting the wonderful aspects of our ABA classrooms and all the other ways The Ville supports our learners on the spectrum! . . #AutismAcceptanceMonth #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools

🌞🌑 It’s time, Somerville! Get ready for a celestial spectacle like no other! The eclipse is set to start for us at 2:09 pm today. 🕑✨ While the event is a rare and thrilling sight, remember that safety comes first! 👓 All students will be provided safety glasses to be well-equipped for safe viewing. 🌒👀 Remember: Solar eclipse glasses are meant for your eyes only! 🕶️➡️👀 Do not use them on cameras, telescopes, or binoculars. ❌🔭 Have fun! 🌍💫 #allin4theville #somervillenjschools

🧩Today is World Autism Day! Our learners district-wide are involved in inclusive classrooms, unified PE programs, ABA, Life Skills and transition classes, and more! Learn some facts about autism and help us continue to spread acceptance, awareness, and inclusion!💙 . . #worldautismday #AutismAcceptanceMonth #allin4theville

🌎 April is Autism Acceptance Month, and The Ville is proud to embrace this opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the diversity of our students, especially those on the autism spectrum. Throughout the month, we will highlight the many initiatives and support systems we have to foster an inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment for our learners. One of the cornerstones of our approach is our ABA classrooms at Van Derveer. These elementary classrooms provide tailored behavioral interventions designed to meet the specific needs of our students while enhancing their educational and social experiences within Somerville. 🧩 On April 18th, Somerville will also hear from Dr. Kerry Magro, professional speaker, best-selling author, and Disability Advocate (@autisticprofessionalspeaker), as he talks about his journey from nonspeaking to professional speaker! 🔈 From AAC devices to transition classrooms and more, The Ville is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and engaging educational journey for all of our learners on the spectrum, and we look forward to highlighting it all this month! 💙 . . #AutismAcceptanceMonth #allin4theville #somervillenjschools

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature our staff members at The Ville who contribute to students' academic success and help shape their path here at Somerville! This week, it's Somerville High School's Mrs. Rebecca Rath! Rebecca Rath has been teaching at SHS for 19 years. While working here, she has taught Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Chemistry. She was an advisor to the Key Club and yearbook. She has mentored numerous teachers. She was recognized as an A+ teacher at a Somerset Patriots game. She takes pride in showing her Somerville school spirit! Thank you for all that you do for The Ville! . . #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools #SomervilleStaffFeature

MARCH & APRIL 1/2 DAYS AND SPRING RECESS 📆 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 🗓️ 🔵 Monday 3/25: 1/2 day for students, full day for staff! 📚 Dismissal at 1:00 pm (12 pm for SHS) ⏰ 🌸 Friday 3/29 - 4/4: Spring Recess! 🌷 School closed 🚫 🔴 School Reopens Friday 4/5: 1/2 day for students and staff 🎒 Dismissal at 1:00pm (12pm for SHS) ⌛️ Enjoy the break, and see you back refreshed on April 5th! 🌟 . . #allin4theville #SchoolUpdates #SpringBreak

🌎The Ville rocked our best 🧦 for World Down Syndrome Day today! The ‘Lots Of Socks’ campaign celebrates everything that makes us different and yet the same. Did you know that World Down Syndrome Day is always 3/21 to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Down Syndrome? We always enjoy, appreciate, and honor a day that spreads awareness, inclusion, and love! ❤️ 🌈 ☀️ Thank you to all our students and staff who participated! . . . #LotsofSocks #WorldDownSyndromeDay #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature our staff members at The Ville who contribute to students' academic success and help shape their path here at Somerville! This week, it's Mrs. Wendy Hunt from Somerville Middle School! Mrs. Hunt has been teaching math at Somerville Middle School for 15 years. She currently teaches seventh grade but has also taught sixth-grade math and algebra. In addition to teaching math, Mrs. Hunt has served various roles throughout her years at SMS, such as seventh-grade team leader, new teacher mentor, Sunshine Club Committee member, Student Council co-advisor, intervention teacher, and National Junior Honor Society Faculty Council member. Mrs. Hunt loves teaching the wonderful students of Somerville and enjoys all that this beautiful town has to offer. She is so proud to teach in the school that her parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents attended many decades ago! Thank you for all that you do for the Ville! , , #allin4theville #somervillenjschools #SomervilleStaffFeature

💌 Our phenomenal students at Van Derveer School & Somerville Middle School have shown immense gratitude to Mayor Gallagher & the Somerville Borough Council by sending them "Thank You” notes 🏛️. These notes - part of a community service project by the Somerville NJ PreK-8 PTO for MLK Jr. National Day of Service - showed gratitude to local officials for their dedication to the community. 👏🏻 From movie nights 🎥 to parks 🌳 - and even ideas for new developments 🛍️ - our students appreciate all the efforts that make Somerville a fantastic place to live and learn! A big shout out to everyone involved for making our community stronger 💪 and kinder 💖 . . #allin4theville #somervillenj #SomervilleStrong

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature one of our staff members at The Ville that contributes to students' academic success and helps shape their path here at Somerville! This week is Van Derveer School's Mrs. Anderson! Mrs. Anderson is an Instructional Assistant at VDV. This is her seventh year. She has supported students in PreK, Preschool ABA self-contained, and 3rd-grade classrooms. For many years, she has participated in the VDV Food Drive and Science Fair committees. This school year, she was excited to bring in some of her fossil collection and share her love of science and fossil exploration with her 3rd-grade students! She enjoys fostering a love of learning attitude in her classrooms. Thank you for all that you do for The Ville! . . #allin4theville #somervillenjschools #SomervilleStaffFeature

❇️ March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!🌟 The Ville supports the resilience and diversity of individuals with CP and is committed to inclusivity and support for every student. 🙏🏻 #CerebralPalsyAwarenessMonth #allin4theville

💫 Excited for our very own Mr. Nick Petronko & Mr. Freddie Shaker to 🪨 it at NJAMLE's annual conference! Their STEM-inspired workshop will discuss the relevance of crosscutting concepts in math and science instruction! Go get em guys and thanks for representing The Ville! 👏🏻 . . #NJAMLE2024 #allin4theville #somervilleschoolsnj

🌟 March is Women’s History Month, and The Ville couldn't be more proud to honor and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Outside our SHS's media center is a doorway to inspire our students with stories of courage, determination, and innovation. A moment of recognition for our own Mrs. Aida Wahba, who is a 2024 NJEA Celebration of Women honoree 👏🏻 She is an incredible advocate for Spanish-speaking parents and students, whom travels overseas to facilitate human trafficking education to educators and students. We couldn't be more proud of her and all of the women who empower Somerville - to be the forward-looking district it is today. We aim to continue to empower our learners to make history by learning from it. 💫 #WomensHistoryMonth #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools #Education

🎉 We've had a spectacular week celebrating Read Aloud Week at VDV! 📚✨ Teachers and students outdid themselves, transforming our halls into a vibrant showcase of everything that makes Somerville shine. Each hallway was a discovery, reflecting our community's spirit and pride. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thursday night was a hit with our Family Literacy Night, where families immersed themselves in a world of creativity and learning. There was something for everyone, from art to music, games to mindfulness. And let's remember the excitement buzzing around the PTO book fair! 📖 Friday brought a wave of support from our community heroes and leaders. It was heartwarming to see board members, the mayor and former mayor, our brave firefighters, the dedicated Somerville police department, the county sheriff, the prosecutor's office, and so many more come together to share stories with our classes. 💙 A huge thank you to everyone who made this week so memorable. Your participation and enthusiasm have truly made a difference in fostering a love for reading and community in the hearts of our students. Here's to many more moments like this! 🌟 @somervillepdnj @somersetctyprosecutorsoffice @sheriffrusso @somervillefd57 . . #allin4theville #somervillenj #somervilleschoolsnj

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature our staff members at The Ville who contribute to students' academic success and help shape their path here at Somerville! This week, it's Ms. Astrella from Somerville High School! Ms. Astrella has been teaching at Somerville High School in the history department for the past six years. During these six years, she has taught many different classes, all of which she brings great excitement to. She has taught World Studies, USI, USII, Freshman Seminar, and World Studies Topics And Skills. Ms. Astrella is also very involved in the Somerville community. She has been a coach for softball, field hockey, and soccer on the JV and freshman levels. In addition, this will be her third year as the head varsity softball coach which she enjoys thoroughly, and can’t wait to get back on the field with the team for the season. Also, you can see Ms. Astrella at many athletic events as she is the head ticket seller for football, basketball, and wrestling. Outside of the athletic world, Ms. Astrella is the advisor of the Academic League, which placed second in the county last year. In addition, she has been involved with the Faculty Council, Equity Team, Character Education Committee, and the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team over her six years. Ms. Astrella is working diligently to earn her master’s degree! She has received the Governor’s Teacher Of The Year award this year and owes her success to her great colleagues in her department, who made her first six years of teaching a team-like and fun journey. Ms. Astrella loves coming to work every day to support her students and be a part of the Ville community! Thank you for all that you do for The Ville! . . #allin4theville #somervillenj #somervilleschoolsnj #somervillestafffeature

💫We were ALL IN for #SELDay today. Let's do it again tomorrow! 👏🏻 .. #allin4theville #SELDay2024 #somervillenj

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature our staff members at The Ville who contribute to students' academic success and help shape their path here at Somerville! This week is Somerville Middle School's Physical Education & Health teacher, Mr. Thomas George! Meet Tom George, a dedicated educator with 14 years of experience at SMS! Warmly known as Senor Jorge by his students, he wears multiple hats as a health and physical education teacher. Tom coached the middle school basketball and baseball teams. Beyond the classroom, Tom has been actively involved in various fundraisers and events for the school, such as Field Day, Relay for Life, ALS Volleyball Tournament, and Hoops for Heart. Tom goes above and beyond by mentoring fellow staff members and contributing to the district's Professional Development. This year, he introduced "Wellness Tips," a collection of 60 essential insights for his students, which he reviews daily to promote a healthy lifestyle. One of Tom's guiding mottos is, "We can't change the past, we can only change the future." Join us in celebrating Tom's passion for education and well-being! Thank you for all that you do for The Ville! . . #allin4theville #somervillenjschools #SomervilleStaffFeature

💡Staff Feature of the Week! 💡Each week, we'll feature one of our staff members at The Ville that contributes to students' academic success and helps shape their path here at Somerville! This week is Van Derveer School's Mrs. Joelle Kessler! Joelle Kessler has been teaching at Van Derveer School for 11 years. She currently teaches 5th-grade ELA classes. She is a co-chair of the SunFISH and Retirement committees. She also volunteers for the school's Strawberry Festival, Angel Tree, and Literacy Committees. She is a part of the Ville Teachers Polar Plunge Team. Mrs. Kessler is a mentor and buddy for new teachers as well. Mrs. Kessler can be seen cheering on past and present students at various sporting events all year. As a resident of Somerville, she loves being able to see the students throughout the town outside of school! Thank you for all that you do for The Ville! . . #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools #Somervillestrong #Somervillestafffeature

Dear Somerville School District Families and Staff, We had three days built into this year’s calendar for emergency closings. However, we have had to close for five days due to bad weather. The State requires 180 days of student attendance; therefore, Friday, April 5th and Friday, May 24th will no longer be vacation days. Instead, our schools will be open on each date for a half day. Sincerely, Dr. Richard J. Brockel Interim Superintendent of Schools

🌟 Random Acts of Kindness Week at The Ville was a success! From superheroes to surprise treats to heartfelt notes, all drove home the point that sometimes, it’s the little things that matter ❤️ Let’s carry this spirit forward and continue spreading kindness daily! 💖 . . #allin4theville #SomervilleNJSchools #KindnessStartsWithUs