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):
I hope that you and your child(ren) enjoyed a smooth start to the school year. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and Board of Education, we thank you for your ongoing sense of community and commitment, as we begin this 2025-2026 school year together. Thank you for taking your time to attend our Back-to-School Nights. These evenings are important, as they give you the opportunity to see how students spend their days with us.
Through this newly formatted District Newsletter, The Core, I look forward to sharing year-round highlights with you, framed by our District's values: Community - We are all whole people, each with challenges and each powerful; Curiosity - The world opens to us if only we sincerely question; Courage - Greatness requires that first we step; Creativity - All challenges are only solutions in waiting; and Commitment - We owe it to ourselves and each other to strive toward excellence and to encourage the same in others.
With mutual respect and reciprocal trust, so much in possible. We trust in you, and we appreciate the trust you place in us!
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District
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Our Let's Partner!: Parent Series begins with two sessions during the month of October. On Wednesday, 10/8, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Dr. Da Giau and Dr. Polizotto will be offering "Setting Clear Expectations" for all interested parents. Participants will learn strategies to use, words to say, and expected reactions when establishing parameters with children. Read more here.
On Wednesday, 10/15, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Dr. Da Giau will be hosting a book club about the text, It's OK to Go Up the Slide: Renegade Rules for Raising Confident and Creative Kids. Whether you read all, some, or none of the book, come join us for the conversation. Social Worker, Brian Greco, from Old Tappan, will be contributing to the conversation. Read more here.
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This month, teachers and students recognized 9/11 in various ways. In the lower grades, students learned about our American flag and the qualities of a hero. In the upper grades, students discussed the events of 9/11 and the long-lasting effects of that horrific day.
Additionally, this month, the elementary students recognized the International Day of Peace, with a full school assembly program. The students discussed what a peaceful school environment looks like, sounds like, and feels like. The children recited the TBD Character Pledge!
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The District received the results for the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), which was administered last spring in English-Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for students in Grades 3-8, and in Science for students in Grades 5 and 8. The students' individual score reports were mailed to homes on 9/24, via postal mail. A District Standardized Testing Report will be presented at the October Board of Education Meeting, and the report will be posted to our website for your review.
This school year, the New Jersey Department of Education is transitioning to an adaptive assessment, NJSLA - Adaptive, which will be administered in the spring of 2026 in ELA and Mathematics. The Science test will remain unchanged. An adaptive test means the test questions will automatically adjust in difficulty based on a student's previous answers. As part of this test transition, our District will be participating in a mandated field test this fall, in addition to administering the adaptive test in the spring.
The purpose of the field test, which is scheduled to take place within the window of 10/27 through 11/14, is not to assess individual student performance but rather to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the new test questions in ELA and Mathematics. As such, all grade-level students will receive field test questions using material from the previous school year. Neither the District nor families will receive results from this fall field test. You will receive more information about field test times and dates from the school principals soon.
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The middle school students are learning about the possibilities with Artificial Intelligence (AI). With every advancement comes wonder! Together, they are learning about AI as a resource tool, not as a means to replace a student thinking. The principal presented scenarios that allowed students opportunities to grapple with AI use, the notion of plagiarism, the benefits and drawbacks of new technologies, and the applications of AI while doing schoolwork at home.
Additionally, this month, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office presented an age-appropriate program on the misuse of technology through the lens of cyberbullying to eighth-grade students. A presentation for all parents is being scheduled.
Complementing our instruction on digital platforms, the middle school is intentionally incorporating digital-free learning activities for students. Both inside the classroom and out, students are building conversational skills through face-to-face interactions with peers and adults.
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Our Blueprint for Growth and Development serves as the District's strategic plan, prioritizing our work and charting our course for all involved in educating the children of Old Tappan. Watch this video to learn about the Blueprint process and the 2025-2028 areas of concentration. To read the full Blueprint, I encourage you to peruse this document. Thank you for your shared commitment in our District's success.
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Calendar
October 2
No School
October 8 and 15
Let's Partner!: Parent Sessions
October 13
12:30 PM Dismissal / Board of Education Mtg.
October 16
Walk/Bike to School Day - Watch Student-Created Video!
October 22
District-Based Planning Team Meeting
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Reminders
On October 22, Dr. Da Giau is hosting a District-Based Planning Team Meeting at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM in the Board Conference Room. Join either session. This is a casual meeting, with an open agenda, and is available to any parent interested in attending.
We are always available to help you and your family!
Working together, students benefit!
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