Cape Christian Academy
On November 12-13, teachers from Cape Christian Academy attended the annual Mid Atlantic Christian School Association Teacher Convention in Lancaster, PA. They joined teachers from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New York where they heard leaders speak about the past, present and future of Christian education. The theme of the convention was “Teaching with Integrity, Intent and Inspiration.”
Teachers chose from over 100 workshops to attend. Two Cape Christian Academy teachers presented a series of 4 workshops on the topic of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Mrs. Ruth Rosenberg presented the Science and Mathematics workshops. Mrs. Rosenberg has taught at CCA for 6 years and graduated from Kutztown University as an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Mathematics. Mr. John Spriggs presented the Technology and Engineering workshops. Mr. Spriggs is the Administrator at CCA and holds degrees from the King’s College in New York in Psychology and Mathematics with a concentration in Computer Science. Before becoming the school’s Administrator he taught High School Mathematics and Computers at Cape Christian.
Teachers who attended the STEM workshops learned how to present STEM subjects in a hands on manner. Teachers studied horseshoe crab sheds, received demonstrations on programming and robotics, filtered oil from water to understand oil spill clean ups, and studied geometric shapes by folding squares into other shapes. Mr. Spriggs instructed the teachers that it is important to stay current with trends in technology and education. Many major Universities have developed STEM programs and are building STEM buildings to train future educators.
Students love the hands on aspect of STEM. Cape Christian Academy has embraced 1 to 1 technology. All students in grades 4 through 12 are assigned their own Chromebook which is theirs to use throughout the school day. Teachers assign projects in Google Classroom where students can submit assignments to teachers electronically and teachers can comment back on assignments for review. Teachers can poll the whole class and students respond to the teacher electronically as a means to check everyone’s comprehension of the subject. Even Kindergarteners get involved learning about Robotics with “Dot and Dash” and “Ozobot” robots and First graders begin to learn how to write programs or “Code”.
Technology is changing education. At CCA all High School students are required to take an online class. Younger students who finish their math assignments go on their Chromebooks to Khan Academy where they answer math questions and are rewarded with electronic trophies and ribbons. Some of the textbooks for students are even on the computer. Students can log in from home and access their textbooks and turn in their homework. Gone are the days when you can claim “The dog ate my homework!”
Cape May City
The Cape May City Elementary School was one of only 59 schools in New Jersey to receive sustainability certification through the newly developed Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. It was the first year for certification, highlighting public schools in New Jersey that take the initiative to create “a brighter future.”
The school received bronze-level certification after submitting detailed documentation showing a multitude of sustainability actions and initiatives. Educator Sandy Sandmeyer-Bryan was the leader in the school’s application process. Among the initiatives she detailed were the Breakfast After the Bell and Healthy Food Choices programs, an energy-efficiency audit and updates, a school garden, a wind turbine, Performing and Visual Arts programs, “Green” Your School Event actions, a hands-on education project for all grades, and much more.
“We are honored and excited to be recognized for our school’s dedication to sustainable practices,” says Sandmeyer-Bryan. “Our successful actions were a result of collaboration and diligence with a focus on what is best for students and the community.”
Cape May City Elementary School and the other 58 certified schools were recognized Oct. 27 at the New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop in Atlantic City. Certification from Sustainable Jersey allows for the school to gain priority access to grant programs, and eligibility in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Small Grants program.
For more information, visit the City’s website at www.capemaycity.com.
Cape May Tech
Recently, Cape Tech’s Pre-Engineering students competed against college and high school students in the Rowan University student branch of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 12th annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ contest. The Cape Tech team operated their own pre-built catapults and launched five pumpkins (each weighing 4-6 pounds) at targets approximately 100 feet away. Tech teams came in first and third place.
Cash prizes, as well as bragging rights, were awarded to the top three finalists. Mr. Micah Wenker is the instructor for the Pre-Engineering program of study. Wenker expressed, “The students received numerous comments from event coordinators and spectators on how well they worked together.
The entire Cape Tech Pre-Engineering class had a great experience while learning about engineering through designing, building, testing, competing, and networking with current engineering students. We look forward to returning to next year’s competition.” For additional information on the Cape May County Technical High School or the Pre-Engineering program of study, visit www.capemaytech.com.
The 20 students in Miss McGarry’s third grade class at Maud Abrams school know what it takes to plan and organize a successful community service project. The first Social Studies unit of the year focuses on the meaning of community.
Through recognition that not all members of our great community in Cape May County have warm places to live and by thinking about the cold winter months that are quickly approaching, Miss McGarry’s class decided they wanted to help. They understand that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a huge difference. The idea, “Socktober” was inspired by Kid President’s goal to have over 3 million people across the United States participate in holding new sock drives throughout the month of October. Afterall, socks are the most needed and least donated items.
The third graders set a school wide goal of collecting 694 pairs of new socks. By reaching out to personal family and friends as well as friends of the Maud Abrams community, those 20 8-year-olds were able to collect 2,184 pairs of new socks to be donated locally to organizations who help those in need, proving that you are never too small to help others in a big way! Kid-sized socks have been donated to the Lower Township Kids’ Christmas Program.
All adult sized socks were donated to: Spread the Love, Branches of Rio Grande, and Family Promise of Cape May County (all organizations whose sole mission is helping the less fortunate right in our own backyard). The students are beyond proud of their accomplishment and have learned to truly love helping those in need. With “Socktober” coming to an end, they have moved on to “Yesvember”- a month dedicated to positive thinking!
Middle Township
Forty-one National Honor Society students from Middle Township High School were inducted at a candlelight ceremony held at The Performing Arts Center of Middle Township. The latest additions bring the total of National Honor Society students at the high school to 89, joining 48 others who were selected last year.
To qualify as a National Honor Society student, one must have a minimum grade point average of 3.3, leadership experience or involvement in school activities, and must complete 20 hours of community service a year. National Honor Society members have assisted in events at The PAC and at Cape May County Disabilities Awareness Day, and with projects including beach grass planting and the Dentistry From The Heart program.
Featured at the induction ceremony was Superintendent of Schools David Salvo, who spoke about the importance of determination in the students’ lives. He was introduced by high school principal, Frank Riggitano.
Mistress of ceremonies was society president, Kaitlin Bailey. Other officers are vice president, Conner Wynn; secretary, Mackenzie Oliver; treasurer, David Salvo; historian, Jennifer Fox; and parliamentarian, Sean McMullen. The program was arranged by the high school library media specialist, Kelly Lasher.
