UPDATE: New Programs and a New Stadium for Bloomfield Back-to-School Wednesday

For Bloomfield students, tomorrow is the first day of school – and Superintendent Jason Bing said the district is planning big things this year.

“We look forward to a year of changes and challenges,” Bing told Patch via email Tuesday morning, ahead of Wednesday's school opening. 

“A partnership with Renaissance Learning Inc., will bring a comprehensive assessment and screening tool for reading and mathematics,” he said. “Additionally, the partnership will add Accelerated Reader and Math to the district curriculum.” This, he explained, is a two-part nationally recognized web-based computer program, proven to increase student achievement.

Bing went on to say that Berkeley and Watsessing Schools have been designated as “Lighthouse Schools”, part of a national computer initiative for second-to-sixth graders.

And that’s not all. 

With an eye toward increasing Language Arts Literacy, there will be a new reading intervention series for grades K-2. “We have also worked diligently to increase our technology district-wide, with the 2-year goal of updating all classrooms with interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and video projectors,” stated Bing.

Finally, the Superintendent announced the opening of a new stadium at Foley Field.

“The new Foley Field stadium is completely turfed, enlarged to handle soccer games, and now has an eight lane running track,” he said.  “Opening day for football is Friday, September 9^th against Bellville.”

The Foley field ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Thursday night, September 8, at 7 p.m.  Check back soon with Bloomfield Patch for more details.

Additionally, the school district has announced several administrative changes for the 2011-2012 school year:

• John Pierce is a new assistant principal at Bloomfield High School.

• Juan Leonardo is the new district supervisor of arts.

• Elizabeth Petrigelli is the new district supervisor of social studies and science. 

• Kerry DiGicento is the new principal at Bridges Academy, the alternative high school.  
• Alla Vayda is the new assistant principal and dean of discipline at Bloomfield Middle School.

• John Baltz is the new Carterret Elementary School principal. 

• Carmen Whalen is the new district supervisor of special education. 

• Gina Rosamilia is the new principal at Watsessing Elementary School.

• Heather Carr is the new principal at Berkeley Elementary School.   
• Mary DiTrani is the new principal at Oak View Elementary School.  
• Patricia Pelikan is the new district coordinator of No Child Left Behind and professional development programs. 

Early dismissal schedule

All elementary school students will have class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Bloomfield Middle School students will have class from 8:30 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.; the eighth-graders will start at 9:30 a.m.

Bloomfield High School students will have class from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The Bridges Academy students will have class from 8:55 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.

For more information and updates, visit the Bloomfield school district website at www.bloomfield.k12.nj.us