Wallace Quarterly Newsletter MP1

Welcome families! It’s been an exciting start to the school year at Wallace Elementary. Our classrooms are buzzing with energy as students settled into routines, build new friendships, and grow more confident each day. We’ve already explored meaningful learning across subjects, shared plenty of smiles during special activities, and celebrated the small moments that make our community feel so warm and connected. As we move into the winter months, we’re looking forward to upcoming events, new projects, and opportunities for families to stay involved. Thank you for being part of our wonderful start—here’s a peek into what we’ve been up to!

ELA

During Marking Period 1, we have introduced kindergarten students to key literacy routines, foundational reading skills, and early writing behaviors through a blend of literary, informational, and poetry texts. We have been focusing on establishing classroom procedures, building print concepts, developing phonological awareness, learning early letter-sound relationships (/m/, /a/, /s/), recognizing high-frequency words, and engaging in stories that highlight friendship, exploration, and curiosity. Students have begun writer’s workshop, practicing handwriting, and using drawings to convey meaning, and have been learning to participate in collaborative conversations. We have been recently expanding these skills through nonfiction and poetry centered on tools, shapes, and insects, while strengthening students’ ability to identify rhyme, key details, syllables, and additional letter-sound patterns (/p/, /t/). Students have been reading, writing, and using developmentally appropriate strategies, digital tools, and interdisciplinary connections. Our instruction incorporates DEI themes, 21st-century skills, civics, financial literacy, and extensive supports and modifications for diverse learners, ensuring that all students grow as readers, writers, thinkers, and community members.

Math

Students have been building foundational math skills through hands-on exploration, discussion, and real-world connections. They have learned to count, compare, sort, and classify objects; connect numbers to quantities; describe shapes and positions; and collect simple data about themselves and their classroom. Students also began comparing and ordering quantities and practice measuring objects by directly comparing their lengths. Throughout our units, children used a variety of materials—such as pattern blocks, cubes, buttons, and everyday classroom items—to develop mathematical language, one-to-one correspondence, and an understanding of “how many,” “more,” “less,” and “the same.” Lessons have integrated opportunities for problem-solving, partner talk, and vocabulary development, as well as cross-curricular connections to social studies, art, science, and DEI themes. All learners are supported through accommodations, enrichment opportunities, and multiple forms of assessment to ensure every student can grow, participate, and succeed.

ELA

First grade has been laying the foundation for the school year by establishing strong literacy routines and fostering a classroom community where each child is recognized as unique. Over the past few months, students explored realistic fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction texts to learn how key details deepen understanding, while also building foundational reading skills such as phonological awareness, phonics (short vowels and blends), fluency, and reading stamina. They practiced identifying story elements, using text features in informational texts, and comparing texts on the same topic. Writing instruction focused on handwriting, personal narratives, and simple explanatory pieces, supported by grammar, spelling, and conventions. Students developed speaking and listening skills through collaborative conversations and presentations, and integrate digital tools to produce and share their work. The unit incorporates interdisciplinary connections, DEI themes, civics, financial literacy, and career awareness, and uses a variety of assessments to monitor progress.

Math

Units 1 and 2 have built the foundation of first-grade mathematics by helping students develop number sense, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of addition, subtraction, and geometry through hands-on exploration, discussion, and real-world connections. In Unit 1, students learn to count, compare, and compose quantities, use place value, and apply strategies such as number bonds, counting on, and making ten to solve addition and subtraction problems within 20, while also interpreting and creating story problems using drawings, objects, and equations. In Unit 2, students investigate 2-D shapes by identifying defining attributes, classifying, composing, and decomposing shapes, and connecting them to familiar objects and artwork. Across both units, instruction emphasizes vocabulary development, mathematical communication, diverse learning accommodations, and cross-curricular links to ELA, civics, DEI, art, and career readiness, with progress monitored through a range of formative and summative assessments.

What an exciting start to the school year! Our second graders have worked hard and grown so much during the first quarter. In reading, we completed the first two Reading Wonders units, exploring a variety of different genres while focusing on reading fluency skills and comprehension strategies. In math, the students have developed their understandings of number sense and place value and have applied this learning to new contexts- even solving multi-digit addition equations involving regrouping. It’s been exciting to see them build upon their foundational skills and really take off in their progress of mastering the second grade curriculum!

A major highlight of the quarter was our PTO sponsored field trip to the Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife Center! The students had so much fun learning about fascinating sea creatures and enjoyed hands-on, interactive exhibits. It has been wonderful to see students’ curiosity and confidence grow each week. We’re proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see what the next quarter brings!

ELA
Students have been building foundational reading, writing, and language skills through close reading of literary and informational texts, including The Littles and selections from Reading Wonders. Students have been learning to identify author’s purpose, text structures, central ideas, and key details while practicing strategies such as asking questions, visualizing, and comparing texts. They have been developing narrative and opinion writing through structured mini lessons, independent practice, and conferences, producing well-sequenced personal narratives and simple opinion essays, while also refining cursive fluency. The units have integrated vocabulary, phonics, spelling, grammar, speaking and listening skills, and grade-level fluency expectations. Interdisciplinary connections include cultural awareness, community studies, DEI themes, civics, financial literacy, and early career awareness, with students exploring how diverse cultures, traditions, and historical events shape communities.

Math

Students have been developing their foundational number sense and operational understanding by strengthening place-value knowledge to 1,000, building efficiency with addition and subtraction, and introducing multiplication and division through equal groups, arrays, and real-world problem solving. Students have been learning to read, write, round, add, and subtract multi-digit numbers, represent subtraction on number lines, and use estimation strategies, while later exploring how multiplication relates to repeated addition, skip counting, area, and division as sharing or grouping. Learning has been reinforced through a range of formative and summative assessments, and interdisciplinary links to ELA and Social Studies through vocabulary development, partner talk, mathematical writing, and community-based problem contexts.

The 4th graders in Ms. Cocucci, Mrs.DeCastro, Mr. Fagan,, and Ms.Lucignano’s classes have had an exciting start to the school year! In ELA, our readers and writers have explored different genres, learned about nonfiction text features, examined various text structures, and so much more. Students recently read the novel Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? and are now diving into Ancestors Approved.

Over the past few months, they have shown incredible progress in both their reading and writing skills. Through collaboration in ELA centers, students have been working hard, supporting each other, and growing as learners. We are excited to continue this momentum and look forward to an amazing and successful school year ahead!

Our 4th-grade mathematicians have been hard at work mastering multiplication and division facts! They’ve also been learning long division with the help of the Does McDonald’s Sell CheeseBurgers? acronym to remember each step. In addition, students have tackled multiplying two-digit numbers by two-digit numbers and are making fantastic progress.

The fourth graders had a wonderful time on their field trip to Fort Montgomery this October. They explored the historic site, learned about the fort’s role in the American Revolution, and enjoyed hands-on activities that brought their social studies lessons to life. The visit was both educational and memorable, giving students a deeper understanding of local history and a fun day of discovery.

We are so proud of our 4th graders as they continue to thrive and grow in their math skills. Keep up the great work!

The fifth-grade team — Miss Pavlovic, Miss Stubbe, Miss Tarpinian, and Mrs. Taglieri — has had an exciting start to the school year! Students have been diving into creative and engaging learning experiences, with one of the highlights being the Theatre Showcase, where they’ve enjoyed performing and expressing themselves on stage. From exploring new friendships to seeing so many new faces around the grade, the energy and enthusiasm for learning have been incredible.

In the classroom, students are applying their creativity and critical thinking through hands-on projects such as “Shark Tank” inventions tied to their social studies lessons on the Industrial Revolution. They have also been busy designing and building their own cities, using math skills to calculate the volume of buildings. Fall festivities like the Halloween parade and classroom parties were a huge success, and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming seasonal events. The recent field trip to Ellis Island was both educational and fun, sparking curiosity and connection as students learned about the immigrant experience in America’s history.

Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Rodgers and I teach one of the preschool disabilities classes. This is my second year at Wallace, and I am so lucky to work alongside many inspiring, talented and loving educators. We have had a fabulous start to the school year!

As we’ve settled into this year, we have formed beautiful connections with each other. There are four students in our classroom- each with their own interests, needs, and ways of acquiring knowledge. We have practiced our routines, including various transitions and powerful learning experiences. As the seasons are changing, we have extended our calendar conversations to important life skills such as dressing properly for the weather. The highlight of the school year so far was our Fall Festival. On this day, we decorated pumpkins, picked apples, and played in the crisp autumn air.

I am so excited for the rest of the school year, and to see the progress that each student makes! Lastly, I will close with one of my favorite quotes, “just because it is taking time, does not mean it is not happening.” Have a wonderful school year!

Our Wallace Wildcats have been ROARing and succeeding this quarter so far. We had exciting trips to the Zoo and Pumpkin Patch where students were able to identify different animals and the sounds they make, as well as counting pumpkins and differentiating between big and small!

Our Kindergarten ABA class has been learning all about identifying letters and numbers and letter sound recognition. Our class has been working on following routines and schedules and transitioning from one activity to another. The students have shown amazing improvement in attending and participating during Morning Meeting and are doing well being able to identify the days of the week and months.

We had an amazing time on our first trip to the Zoo! We loved looking for animals and making their sounds as we walked around! We also had a great time celebrating Halloween and did a great job walking in the parade! Our first-second grade ABA class has done a great job following routines and meeting classroom expectations. We are focusing on developing our social and emotional skills and how to take care of ourselves independently. Our students are doing an excellent job identifying letters and their sounds. We have been practicing writing our first and last name along with our address. They have accomplished so much in just the first couple months of school!

The Science team at Wallace has both new and familiar faces this year. Ms Shehadeh is new to Hoboken and Wallace School. She teaches Kindergarten, 1st grade and PSD. This is Ms Tomlinsonś third year of teaching science at Wallace and this year is teaching Kindergarten, Second grade and PSD. We both had a fun - filled first quarter teaching the students about Structure and Function, the Engineer Design Process and Properties of Matter.

Kindergarten classes loved creating tools to help them get stuck items out from under a couch, building bean stalk towers, discovering how to make a sturdy house for the three little pigs and finally designing their own painting tool.

First grade classes enjoyed creating the project to protect the leg, observing and testing to see how light travels and designing a device that communicates with light and sound.

Second grade students had a blast designing and creating spaghetti towers that could hold a marshmallow, exploring properties of matter, observing reversible and irreversible changes in matter, and designing an item to keep popsicles cold.

It has been a fun and action packed first marking period in Wallace PE! Students started the year getting reacquainted with the gym, our rules and procedures and general flow of class. Starting off the year students tackled the Pacer Test! Always a fan favorite, the pacer test is an aerobic capacity test that progressively gets fast throughout the course of the test. Students listen to a recording that guides them from one side of the gym to the other and then back again. We use this test to talk about the importance of cardiovascular fitness and goal setting.

As we settled into September, K-2 students explored moving through space and different pathways while playing a variety of tag and movement games! Students in grades 3-5 begin their football unit! Following along with the ongoing NFL season, students learned and practiced a variety of football skills such as; throwing, catching, and route running. As we rounded out the first marking period we finished up with some of our favorite Halloween games like Ghostbusters Tag and Steal the Candy. We are so proud of how hard everyone has been working and are looking forward to having another fantastic year in Wallace PE!

• Ms. Lisa, Mr. L and Butler

This quarter, our K–2 students began their Spanish journey by learning colors, numbers, and the days of the week through songs, movement, and engaging routines. I hope they’ve shared some of our songs with you at home!

In grades 3–5, students strengthened their comprehension and speaking skills by practicing high-frequency words, learning with movement-based activities, participating in our MovieTalk of “El Almuerzo de Dante,” and exploring the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos. They described characters, made predictions, and discussed traditions with curiosity and respect.

Their growth this quarter has been remarkable, and I look forward to helping them deepen their Spanish skills in the months ahead.

We are so excited to begin a brand-new school year in the Wallace art room! It brings me great joy to continue serving as the facilitator of creativity, color, and imagination for your children. Together, we’ll be making meaningful memories and inspiring projects all year long.

We’re kicking things off with a family favorite—Square One Art! This special project gives every child the chance to create a piece of art that can be transformed into keepsakes for the whole family.

To spark inspiration, our young artists explored the bold and colorful works of Piet Mondrian, a pioneer of abstract art. Using stencils, students are designing their very own abstract compositions filled with lines, shapes, and vibrant colors. As a final touch, they’ll add details and stencils to personalize their artwork, making it truly unique before it is submitted for the Square 1 Art program.

The second segment of the grading period offered our students new opportunities to work with clay and yarn. For Kindergarten and First grade each student was able to play with clay, while exploring techniques such as coiling, tapping, pinching and molding to build their motor skills and to prepare them for their last and final clay project; build a clay snail.

Meanwhile Second to Fifth Grade learned how to braid yarn, which became a focal point for our on campus exhibition. They also learned how braiding/weaving has been used for centuries by many communities to weave baskets and storage bins to hold food over cold winters. Additionally, they had a chance to learn how weaving has even extended across fashion culture as a symbol of expression with hairstyles.

Students began the year by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. In this project, students explored cultural symbolism and design — learning how visual art can communicate heritage, identity, and meaning. The project aligned with standards focused on using line, shape, and pattern to represent ideas and celebrate diverse cultures.Students created unique versions of Mexican Mirrors, using alternative materials like aluminum foil for the mirror.

Artwork was also made for Square 1 Art, a wonderful school-wide fundraiser! This Artwork is also part of our curriculum, integrating key visual art standards such as composition, craftsmanship, and use of elements of art.

We are currently excitedly working on artwork inspired by artist Piet Mondrian. Abstract, Minimalist and Modernist.

As the first quarter of the school year comes to an end, the Wallace music department looks back in awe as we see how far all Wildcats have come in their music studies. From Kindergarteners exploring music notation, movement, and rhythmic patterns, to our 4th and 5th grade violins and band preparing for their winter concert performance, students have demonstrated passion and rigor when it comes to their appreciation for the fine and performing arts. Boomwhackers, scarves, shakers, and rhythm sticks are just a handful of our first tools used in our general music classes to explore the complexities of music in a fun, engaging, and accessible way. Students have reflected on song lyrics and how they tell stories, painting pictures in our minds of what the composer wants the listener to envision as they experience the song for the first time. While to some people music is a casual and fun leisure activity, our Wildcats have grown an understanding of the emotional, cultural, and academic relevance and importance of music in our community. We are so excited to have a strong start to the year and look toward the future for continuous growth and appreciation of this craft.

This marking period our wildcats had an amazing opportunity to work with guest teaching artists to create a performance piece for our showcase. This opportunity was made possible by a grant from the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/ Tourism Development, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. Additional funds for this program come from the National Endowment for the Arts. Each week the 5th grade students collaborated with our teaching artist, Carolann Solebello, to write an original song. Students learned about prose, poetry, rhyming, and rhythm! Mr. Fagan and Ms. Lucignano’s classes explored different themes for songs and created a bracket to choose from for their performance. Mr. Fagan’s class voted on Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan while Ms. Lucignano’s class voted for There’s a Hole in the Bucket by Harry Belafonte and Odetta. All of the first marking period classes did an amazing job at their showcase on November 20th!

It is my absolute pleasure to recognize Caiya Wright, a standout 5th grade student at Wallace Elementary School, as our Wallace Student of the Month for September.

Mrs. Taglieri: Caiya consistently demonstrates an exceptional blend of academic dedication, social leadership, and personal ambition. Caiya is a student who is "always on point"—not just in her classwork, but in every classroom discussion. Whether the topic is a challenging math problem or a thought-provoking reading passage, Caiya is quick to contribute ideas that show deep thinking and genuine engagement.

Caiya's academic strengths are matched by her positive attitude and inclusive spirit. She encourages her peers, listens respectfully, and leads by example—making her a true asset to the classroom. She’s the kind of student who not only strives for personal excellence, but helps raise the bar for those around her.

Outside of the classroom, Caiya is a well-rounded and driven young person. She is passionate about sports and actively participates in soccer, softball, basketball, and flag football—bringing the same determination and team spirit to the field as she does to the classroom. Her favorite subject is Math, and she brings a confident, problem-solving mindset to every challenge she tackles.

When she’s not studying or playing sports, you might catch her singing along to her favorite artist, Olivia Rodrigo. But even with all these interests, Caiya already has a clear eye on the future. She dreams of becoming a professional athlete, and if that doesn’t pan out, she has a strong “backup plan”—a future in engineering, a field she’s already planning to pursue.

Caiya embodies everything we strive to cultivate in our students at Wallace: curiosity, resilience, kindness, and ambition. She makes our school community stronger every day by being a leader, a role model, and a friend.

A quote that perfectly captures Caiya’s inspiring mindset and limitless drive:
"Sky is the limit, so go beyond and out to space."

Congratulations, Caiya! Wallace Elementary is proud of you.

Cameron is a great friend, always offering his help to his classmates and teachers. He upholds our classroom promises; raising his hand to participate often, respecting his classroom materials, and following directions carefully. He completes his assigned work, asking for help when he needs it, and always looking to improve.

Socially, Cameron spreads kindness throughout the building; taking turns, showing patience, says “please,” and “thank you,” includes others, and encourages his peers. Cameron has had perfect attendance so far this school year!

Cameron is an asset to both the classroom and to Wallace Elementary School because he demonstrates what it means to ROAR each and everyday. Cameron shows respect to his classmates and teachers by being an active listener and learner. He is open-minded; appreciative and welcoming of the ideas and opinions of others. Cameron embraces his mistakes and uses them as opportunities for growth. He demonstrates responsibility by completing his work, taking care of his materials, and being honest. Everyday, Cameron comes to school ready to learn, bringing a positive attitude and being a great friend to all.

Cameron loves scary movies and his favorite show is Bluey!

Freya Butler is a 4th grade student in Ms. Cocucci’s class at Wallace Elementary School. Freya is an exceptional 4th grade student whose positivity, work ethic, and character make her a shining example within our school community. She truly lives by her favorite quote, “Go with the flow,” approaching each day with calm confidence and a positive mindset.

Freya is consistently sweet, caring, and helpful—the kind of student who goes out of her way to support her classmates and brighten the day for everyone around her. Her teachers and peers alike often describe her as a ray of sunshine, and that description couldn’t be more fitting. Freya brings warmth, kindness, and an uplifting spirit into every space she enters.

Academically, Freya’s dedication is outstanding. She is well on her way to achieving first honors, demonstrating not only strong academic ability but also a genuine love of learning. As a member of CTY math and ELA, Freya continuously challenges herself, embracing advanced coursework with curiosity, maturity, and enthusiasm. Her commitment to her studies sets a wonderful example for her peers.

Outside the classroom, Freya continues to excel. She is an active member of a competitive swim team, where she displays discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. She also shares her talents in the arts as a violinist, clarinetist, and member of the school chorus. Freya’s ability to balance her athletic, musical, and academic commitments is truly impressive and speaks to her strong sense of responsibility, determination, and joy in learning.

Freya’s passions extend to the arts as well. Her favorite hobbies are reading and drawing, and she dreams of becoming an artist when she grows up. Drawing and sketching make her feel “free and alive,” inspiring her to continue developing her creative skills. With her determination and talent, she hopes to one day attend Cornell University to pursue her artistic aspirations.

Freya is a model student and an exceptional young person. Her kindness, positivity, and hard work enrich our school every single day. It is an honor to recognize Freya Butler as our Student of the Month—a truly deserving recipient. I, Ms. Cocucci, am beyond grateful and lucky to have Freya in my class this year! Keep Thriving and Stay Golden!

Dear Wallace Families,

I’m excited to share that our Wildcats have been shining brightly with our weekly “Wildcat of the Week” recognitions. Each week we celebrate students who demonstrate our ROAR values (Respectful, Open-mindedness, Achievement and Responsibility) by showcasing kind choices, helpful behaviors, and positive problem-solving. In classrooms, students have been engaging in social-emotional lessons focused on kindness and gratitude. These lessons have guided students in noticing their feelings, expressing appreciation, and practicing small acts of kindness that build a caring school community.

Your school counselors are here to support students’ social and emotional growth in many ways. They provide classroom lessons, small-group activities, and individual check-ins when students need extra support. This quarter, we've introduced the Zones of Regulation framework to help students identify their emotions, learn self-regulation strategies, and choose tools that help them shift from one zone to another.

If you have any questions about these lessons, want resources to reinforce skills at home, or think your child could benefit from additional support, please reach out. We are happy to collaborate with families and help every Wildcat thrive!

Best regards,

Ms. Brianna Drew (Grades PreK-2) & Ms. Parker Butler (Grades 3-5)

School Counselors

Email: bdrew@hoboken.k12.nj.us (201)356-3797

and pbutler@hoboken.k12.nj.us (201) 356-3736

Office Phone:

As we wrap up Marking Period #1, we are thrilled to share the incredible progress our gifted and talented students have made in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth verbal courses. Throughout this marking period, they engaged deeply with a variety of writing styles and techniques, honing their abilities and experimenting with their voices. From crafting compelling narratives to developing persuasive arguments, students embraced every challenge that came their way, allowing their creativity to shine.

Their dedication to mastering new skills has not only elevated their writing but has also ignited a passion for creative expression and effective communication. As they continue to build their confidence and expertise, we are excited to see how these newfound skills will shape their future endeavors in writing and beyond. Keep up the great work, students! We are tremendously proud of you!

Welcome and Welcome Back to our new and returning English Language Learners here at Wallace! Our ELL students are growing so much this quarter. Beginning and emerging learners are spending lots of time speaking and reading about school, and learning how to talk about their life here at Wallace. Developing and expanding learners are learning about life in our community here in Hoboken and focusing on growing our vocabulary, making connections, and building writing skills. Everyone is doing a great job!

A HUGE thank you to the PTO for all of the incredible field trips this past Fall, along with the monthly staff surprises in the main office! :) Your dedication and support truly means so much to the staff at Wallace Elementary. We know we can always count on you for making any day, a better one!

Here are a highlight of some of the recent PTO events at Wallace! Don't forget to order those Krispy Kreme Doughnuts by December 16th!

How do I order?

• Online Orders: Complete this Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjRXSleYCI69JoWGdckvR1H-gTPbt27p9ZcCpqsZ2VFpRlVA/viewform
• Venmo @WallacePTO or Zelle wallaceschoolpto@gmail.com

We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones! You will have access to your child's Marking Period 1 Report Card starting on Wednesday, November 26th. Enjoy the long weekend!