September 2026

Old Tappan Public Schools

The Core is the monthly newsletter for families of the

Old Tappan Public School District.

Community  |  Curiosity  |  Courage |  Creativity  |  Commitmentt

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, thank you for your ongoing sense of community and commitment as we begin the 2026-2027 school year together. Thank you for taking the time to attend our Back-to-School Nights. These evenings matter because they give you the opportunity to see how students spend their days with us. 

 

Through this 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 is 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

COMMUNITY

Let's Partner!: Parent Series

 

Our Let's Partner!: Parent Series begins with two sessions during the month of October. On Wednesday, 10/7, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Dr. Da Giau and Dr. Polizotto will be offering "Fifteen Ways to Help Children Do Well in School" for all interested parents. Participants will learn strategies to help children do well as students. Read more here. 

 

On Wednesday, 10/21, at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Dr. Da Giau will be hosting a book club about the text, "Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success." 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.

 

To see all of this year's Let's Partner! sessions, click here.

CURIOSITY

Honoring Heroes and Remembering History

 

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, 25 years ago.

 

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!

COURAGE

New Jersey's Standardized Testing

 

The District received the results for the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment-Adaptive (NJSLA-A), which was administered last spring in English-Language Arts and Mathematics for students in Grades 3-8, and the New Jersey Learning Assessment (NJSLA) in Science for students in Grades 5 and 8.

 

These State tests measure more complex, real-world skills, such as critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving, and match the content outlined in the State’s New Jersey Student Learning Standards that guide instruction. 

 

The students' individual score reports will be mailed to homes on 10/21 via regular postal mail. Click here to see sample score reports. A District Standardized Testing Report will be presented at the November Board of Education Meeting, and the report will be posted to our website for your review. 

CREATIVITY

Grand-Friends: 

Building Bonds Between Seniors and Students

 

This year, TBD has introduced a wonderful new initiative with Sunrise Senior Living in Old Tappan, which brings generations together through a shared love of reading, writing, and crafting. 

 

Each month, residents from Sunrise Senior Living will visit with TBD's first graders -- either in our classrooms or in their community room -- to build intergenerational relationships between some of our youngest and oldest community members. 

 

This Grand-Friends partnership not only supports early literacy development but also creates meaningful connections with seniors who are able to share their passion for learning, as well as find new opportunities to laugh and smile.

COMMITMENT

Addition Project at TBD

 

As a means of providing you with regular communication about the TBD Addition Project, this section of The Core will include a monthly update. 

 

TBD Addition Project Details

Due to the increase in enrollment over the years, there is a need to add additional instructional space at TBD.

The TBD Addition Project will add four (4) full-size classrooms and two (2) small-group classrooms. Weaving together the existing interior and exterior aesthetic and architectural elements, this Addition Project will run parallel to the current first-grade wing; however, it will not run the full length of the existing wing. 

 

Click to see the renderings and the aerial view of the Addition Project.

 

In addition to this Addition Project, two sets of student restrooms were renovated this past summer, and the school boilers are in their final stages of being replaced inside TBD.

 

Click here to see boiler room renovation photos.

 

TBD Addition Project Timeline 

The TBD Addition Project was shared with the Old Tappan Planning Board in February 2026 and was approved by the Department of Education in March 2026. The bid was awarded to the lowest, responsible bidder, Vanas Construction Co., Inc., in May 2026. The Board approved a construction management company, Epic Management, to work with us for the duration of this project, which began in late June 2026. 

 

Vanas Construction successfully renovated two sets of student bathrooms this past summer. They are in the final stage of completing the boiler room renovation. 

 

A construction fence is erected around the Addition Project's construction site. Click to see the aerial view of the fence outline.

 

Construction continues on the TBD Addition Project. Vanas Construction and the District’s design and engineering team continue to coordinate with Orange & Rockland regarding the electrical service for the addition. While that coordination continues, Vanas is proceeding with other areas of construction to keep the project moving forward. The District and its construction management team continue to closely monitor the project’s progress and schedule. 

 

Construction within the fenced-in area will continue throughout the 2026-2027 school year and through the summer of 2027. Completion is anticipated for Back-to-School in September of 2027.

 

Project Impact 

For the 2026-2027 school year, certain classrooms have been assigned different dismissal doors other than their classroom exterior doors due to the construction area. Additionally, passage along the west side of the building is restricted. 

 

On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty, staff, and students, thank you to our supportive community for your commitment to our schools!

INFORMATION & REMINDERS

Quick Links

 

• Parent Portal

• Contact Us

• Board of Ed

• Calendar

• TBD

• CDW

• PTO

 

We are always available to help you and your family! 

 

Dr. Da Giau

Superintendent

   

Ms. Boyce

TBD Principal    

       

Ms. Santa

CDW Principal 

 

Mr. Lee

Assistant Principal 

 

Calendar

 

October 7 & 21

Let's Partner!: Parent Sessions

 

October 12

12:30 PM Dismissal / Board of Education Mtg.

 

October 13

School Photos

 

October 7, 14, 21, & 28

Walk or Bike to School Wednesdays

Important  Reminder

 

Morning Supervision: Beginning at 8:00 AM daily, there is supervision for students provided by a combination of the principals and assigned staff. There is no supervision before 8:00 AM. For safety reasons, please do not send students to school before 8:00 AM.

 

Helpful Hint!: If you would like to avoid the morning congestion, take advantage of this early morning drop-off time!

 

Click here for Our 5 Drop-Off Tips!