Dear Sicomac Families,
What an extraordinary week at Sicomac! The Week of Respect featured special assemblies, vibrant theme days, and community traditions bringing the energy and connection to a high water mark for the year. Remember, Monday 10/12 is a Minimum Day for students, and today is our annual Harvest Fest! Below are a few highlights from the week:
Week of Respect
This week, Mrs. McLean visited every single classroom to lead meaningful conversations about respect and kindness. We also welcomed Mike Magic who used captivating tricks to share a powerful story about his own student experience.
We are thrilled to introduce our new Buddy Benches which will be a beautiful symbol of our commitment to inclusion. When a student sits on the Buddy Bench, it's a signal for fellow Eagles to invite them to play or join them for a chat.
I also want to congratulate all of our families for making it through our first fun-filled week of daily themed dress up days. I know that is no easy task. Well done! In addition, you transformed our main hallway into a festive display of incredibly decorated pumpkins that will make our Harvest Fest extra special.
Checking In on Balanced Technology
I want to take a moment to celebrate the inspiring work our students, teachers, and staff have put into fostering a balanced and intentional learning environment this year. Aligning directly with our district technology goals, Sicomac has embraced the human-centered, paper-first approach. In our K-2 classrooms, learning remains overwhelmingly hands-on and tactile. In our upper grades, when laptops are used, our students engage with them thoughtfully as creators and designers. At the same time, our staff is deeply committed to teaching the New Jersey Learning Standards for Technology. Our classroom teachers, tech teacher, and Media specialists ensure our students become truly computer literate, learning to navigate digital tools in a responsible, age-appropriate way.
To support this mission, we have eliminated minimum weekly-minute-requirements for iReady MyPath usage, and prioritized traditional pen and paper instruction. We removed passive screen time from our MPR, indoor recess choices, and the bench outside of our nurse's office. Mr. Potosnak has written a wonderful proposal to bring hands-on instruments to our music room, which our PTO is generously fulfilling. Our staff's commitment to protecting the heart of classroom learning is inspiring. Further, our district leadership is providing GoGuardian training to teachers in every school to ensure essential internet safety protections are utilized for every child. These safeguards empower our teachers to maintain total oversight, keep web access secure, and ensure that our computer use remains strictly responsible and educational.
I am so proud of our team's dedication and grateful for our continued partnership with families as we prepare our students for the future with balance, safety, intention, and joy.
Fire Prevention Week
Our youngest Eagles in Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade had a special visit from the Wyckoff Fire Department today. Students got an up-close look at a real fire truck, learned essential fire safety tips, and asked our local heroes some wonderful questions. We are deeply grateful to the Wyckoff Fire Department for their generous investment of time and energy with our students.
Bike and Walk to School Day
It was inspiring to see so many Sicomac Eagles walking and wheeling their way to school on Wednesday! We had perfect morning weather for families to walk together and arrive on time full of energy. Morning movement is so beneficial for brain development and focus, making Wednesday one of our most productive school days of the year! Kudos to everyone who participated. Looking forward to seeing another great turn out during our Spring Walk/Bike to School Day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Sicomac such a vibrant place to learn.
Mark Your Calendars
October 12: Minimum Day for Students
October 14: PTO Meeting (In Person 9:15)
October 22: Military Bridge
October 30: Halloween Parade 2:00pm
November 2: BOE Meeting 6:30 PM
November 5 & 6: School Closed (NJEA Convention)
November 9: School Closed (Parent Teacher Conferences)
November 13th: 5th Grade Bingo @ EMS
November 16: Minimum Day (Parent Teacher Conferences)
November 17: Delayed Opening
November 25: Minimum Day
November 26 & 27: School Closed (Thanksgiving)