School District Curriculum Fair Offers Snapshot of Student Life

A steady stream of parents – many with their children in tow – came out Wednesday night to Teaneck Public Schools’ 2011 Curriculum Fair.

Superintendent of Teaneck Schools Barbara Pinsak said this was the first year the curriculum fair was held at .

“We’ve been doing this fair for many years because it’s a celebration of our kids,” said Pinsak. “Parents can see what their kids are learning at school, and the students can show off their projects, which they take great pride in.”

Pinsak said that while teachers from all of Teaneck’s schools gather throughout the year for various meetings, the curriculum fair is still a great event for them to share ideas for the classroom.

Throughout the two-hour event, parents took the opportunity to speak with Pinsak as she walked around the various tables set up with schoolwork and artwork. Many also congratulated Pinsak on her to superintendent.

“I’m really thrilled and love what I do,” Pinsak said about her new role. “People have been so wonderful. I hope I never disappoint the parents or the kids.”

Artwork by students from and the elementary schools hung on display throughout the main hallway of Eugene Field School. At the end of the hallway, a mini-computer lab was set up to show parents some of the programs students use in the classroom.

Teaneck High School junior Andrew House was explaining to parents about a software project he created that involved cataloging Beatles’ songs.

“It’s now easy to access any song at your fingertips,” he said to parents and students crowded around his laptop.

Parent Louann Harbaugh, who has a daughter at and a son at , was walking up and down the aisles trying to locate both her children’s schoolwork. 

“It’s so cool,” she said upon finding the drawings. “I was free tonight and wanted to come out and see what all the students were doing. I also got to speak with other parents and approach school officials to answer my questions.”

Parent Travia Charmont, who has two daughters at , said she came out to support her children and the school district.

“I wanted to find out more about the lessons that they’re educating and empowering our youth with,” she said.