The Bradford PTA Newsletter

The Bradford
PTA Newsletter
The University Magnet: Everyone teaches, everyone learns.
March, 2010
Bradford’s Own Dad Band Ready To Raise the Roof
L
ike all elementary schools today, Bradford has its share of aspiring
rock stars, and that’s not even counting what the students want to
Peas I know they’re not talking about food,” he says.
Karlok and drummer Jeff Somerstein, 44, a financial advisor and dad of kinder-
be when they grow up.
gartner Jackson, played together in area
Nope, we’re talking Dad
bands for years. Karlok grew up far re-
Bands, groups of grown-ups (or not)
moved from the south (“Well, southern
who keep their day jobs but get together
Connecticut.”) but at an early age learned to
to make music and try not to embarrass
love its music—rockabilly, Texas swing,
the kids too much.
country and blues—and put together like-
And although they are all Dads, and
minded bands. When Quinn and now-
their kids go to Bradford, The Eugene
fourth grader Judson Potenza started at
Chrysler Band is well ahead of the Dad
Bradford and became friends, the parents
Band pack. For one thing, the band mem-
got to know each other, and Dan and gui-
bers are seasoned musicians, having
tarist Mike Potenza, 41, a lawyer, started
played in various permutations in clubs all
jamming. They put something together with
around New York for years, and alongside
Somerstein for Parents Who Rock fundrais-
musicians like Robert Gordon, Wanda
ing shows. (They contributed a track, “Just
Jackson and Asleep at the Wheel. And
One Heart,” to “Let ‘em Play,” the second
they’ve released two CDs. For another,
PWR CD. ) “The nice thing was that we
the kids kinda dig their fathers’ music.
were giving back to Montclair, helping to
As lead singer/bass player Dan Karlok
get music back in the schools,” Karlok says.
(a.k.a. Eugene) described his two sons,
The Eugene Chrysler Band and their kids: Back row, left to right, Mike Potenza, Dan Karlok, Jeff Somerstein
with daughter Lola. Front row: 1st grader Kelley Karlok, 4th grader Judson Potenza, future Bradford student
fourth grader Quinn and first grader Kel- Jemma Potenza, kindergartner Jackson Somerstein and 4th grader Quinn Karlok. Photo by Suna Chang.
Somerstein has visited class for drum
recitals and Karlok played his bass at last
ley, “They’re at a great age where they’ll
year’s winter concert. In this age of syn-
listen to what I do,” he said, mentioning that his older son knew the words to half
thesizer sounds, he wants kids to get to know what a real stand-up bass feels
the Beatles songs. “And when a song comes on they’re like, ‘Dad, that’s your
and sounds like.
(Story continues on last page of newsletter)
kind of music, that’s
something like you
would play.’ ”
Of course it works
both ways. “When
we’re in the car we all
listen to 95.5, so I can
have a conversation—
if they’re talking
about the Black Eyed
The Eugene Chrysler Band will headline this year’s biggest fundraiser for Bradford, Raise the Roof,
on Saturday, April 10 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Check out their two CDs, Hillbilly Shakespeare and I Saw the Light ...But It
Was Neon, on iTunes. Besides fantastic live music, the event will feature great hors d’oeuvres and drinks (including
the signature Rock-a-tini), and wonderful silent auctions, all to raise money to fulfill teachers’ wish lists at Bradford.
There is still time to submit your donation for the Raise the Roof silent auction! You can find the donation forms on the Bradford PTA website, or simply contact Sheila Phariss ([email protected]) or
Connie Looby ([email protected]). All donations must be received by March 10. And check back in on the PTA website and our
Facebook fan page (just google Raise the Roof Bradford Facebook) for updates and a sample of our fabulous auction items!
Rascal the Rabbit
Goes To The Hospital
School. She arrived in a delivery truck.
Rascal lives in a 3-story condo which Mr.
Smith built. The first floor is where Rascal sleeps.
The second floor is where her water bottle is. The
third floor is where her food bowl is. There is also
by Kaitlin & Ian, from Mrs. Russo’s class
a nightlight/fan! She has to jump to get from
It happened at Kaitlin’s house. Kaitlin was holding
floor to floor.
She likes to eat timothy hay, carrots, greens,
Rascal and Rascal jumped on to the cage, and Rascal’s
VeggieOs
and Yogies. Sometimes Mrs. Russo
left ankle fell through, and she hurt it. Kaitlin took Rastakes Rascal out of her condo and we get to pet
cal to the Animal Hospital. Dr. Freeman checked to
her. She is very cute and very active. We have to
see if there were any broken bones. Luckily there were
take turns patting her and remember to be very
none. Dr. Freeman gave Kaitlin medicine to give to
gentle and quiet.
Rascal, to help it hurt less. They gave Kaitlin a carrying Rascal the rabbit in her home in Mrs. Russo’s 2nd grade class. Photo from Kelly Russo.
Every Friday a child in Mrs. Russo’s class takes
Rascal home. Rascal behaves better there than
case for Rascal. When Kaitlin got home with Rascal
she does at school. She is a bit rascally at school—she often
she gave Rascal the medicine. It was hard. Kaitlin took
hops away when you try to catch her. She also likes to nibble
Rascal out of the case. Rascal ran around the house.
by Amalia & Nicholas, Mrs. Russo’s class on pants and paper and likes to hide where no one can see
Rascal was limping. The next day Kaitlin brought Ras- Rascal is a Dwarf Rabbit who is 4 years old. She has brownishher.
gray fur with long ears and very cute eyes. She lives in Mrs.
cal back to school. Rascal was so happy to be back at
Sometimes she is so funny. We are glad to have Rascal in
Russo’s class. We got Rascal from Mr. Smith at Renaissance
our class and hope that she is glad too.
school. Now Rascal’s leg is all better.
All About How We Got Rascal
Related Arts
Roundup
ART
Mrs. Gutierrez-Hawbaker reports what’s been
happening in art classes.
l African American History Month: I’ve compiled
a list of fun and informative websites for African
American History Month. I encourage you to visit
these sites with your children. Included in the list is
Alma Thomas, who we are studying in
February/March.
1. The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection of African
American art provides a rich introduction to over
100 years of noted achievements in painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Ranging chronologically
from the Civil War era to the Harlem Renaissance
and from the civil-rights struggles following World
War II to the contemporary period, these works constitute a dynamic visual legacy. www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_AfAm/index.html.
2. Alma Thomas (The artist we are studying for
both African American History Month & Women’s
History Month www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_AfAm/
pages/AfAm_9.shtm.
3. The National Gallery’s collection of American art
includes some 150 works by African-American
page 2
artists. This online tour offers commentary on a selection of 22 paintings, works on paper, and sculpture ranging from a colonial portrait
by Joshua Johnson of Baltimore to
modern and contemporary pieces
by Jacob Lawrence, Romare
Bearden, Alma Thomas, Sam
Gilliam, Barkley Hendricks, Willie
Cole, Kara Walker, and Lorna Simpson. www.nga.gov/collection/gallery
/ggafamer/ggafamer-main1.html.
4. For archival information of more than 150 collections pertaining to African American painters, sculptors, and printmakers from the late 19th century to the
present, visit www.aaa.si.edu/guides/siteafricana
merican/index.cfm/fuseaction/help.home.
l “What’s Happening in Art”: Please encourage
your children to visit our new “What’s Happening in
Art” bulletin board outside the art room. I’ve posted
information about contests, exhibitions and art
classes that are being offered in our area.
www.artsonia.com.
MUSIC
Mrs. Chisholm tells us:
l K-1-2 are learning
about New Orleans Jazz
and Louis
Armstrong. We are
experimenting
with Orff instruments, while
singing “When The
Saints Go Marching In.”
l 3rd grade is playing “Saints” on recorder, while
studying New Orleans Jazz and Louis Armstrong.
l 4th grade is hard at work with their Dance Project.
l 5th grade students are “Rocking” with their guitars.
l Mark your calendars! March 31 at 9:30 a.m.: 4th
grade students will present their Dance Project and
5th grade students will present their Guitar Project.
l MSU Wednesday Concerts: March 3—Percussion:
5 K/W; March 10—Woodwinds: 4B; March 24—Voice:
4G.
—Lori Sorkin
l Student Online Gallery: Please continue to visit
the Bradford student online
art gallery through Artsonia! Cézanne paintings
Staff: Liz Uva, Lori Sorkin, Loubna Erraji Benchekroun, Lisa Ryder.
from all of our third
We are always looking for people to help us with this newsletter. If you’re interested, or have
graders and Ms. Mancini’s
any story ideas or suggestions, please e-mail Liz Uva at [email protected]. If you take photos of a Bradford event you’d like to share, please pass them on to us!
2nd grade will be uploaded
by the end of February.
The Bradford PTA Newsletter is published every month by the Bradford PTA, www.brad-
The Bradford PTA Newsletter
fordpta.org. Copyright © 2010.
www.bradfordpta.org
Family Skate Night Scores a Perfect 10
M
ore than 70 Bradford families enjoyed spending quality ice
time together on February 7. Students and even some Brad-
ford alumni enjoyed skating and socializing on and off the ice.
“It was great to see so many parents skating with their families,” said Michelle Ruggiero, event co-chair. “PTA family events
are planned so that busy families have an opportunity to connect with each other, as well as with other families in our school
community. Based on the feedback, the smiles, and the laughter,
our goals were achieved and we are looking forward to doing
this again next year!”
A huge thanks to the staff at Clary Anderson. Their professionalism and friendly attitude really helped us execute this
event and make sure our families had a safe and fun evening!
Family Skate Night in photos: Top row,
from left: Some girls just want to have
fun; 3rd grader Madeline AdamsGurowitz mugs for her dad. 2nd row,
Lauren Zichelli and son, kindergartner
Sam, photo from Charles Sorkin; 5th
graders Molly Povich and Paige Reddington share a laugh; Kids and parents
share the ice. Bottom row, from left, 3rd
grader Emily Sorkin skates like a pro;
3rd grader Alex Goggin knows how to
keep warm and skate in style. All photos
from Keith Adams unless otherwise
noted.
www.bradfordpta.org
page 3
March is a Great Month to Read Some Books
Judy and Josh Weston Award for Excellence in Teach-
Two great book events are coming this month: Bedtime and Books is set for
ing recognizes teaching excellence in the Montclair
March 4 at 7 p.m. in the library. Kindergarten and first grade students can come
Public Schools. A selection committee of Judy Weston
in their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal. Author Dr. Christina Guarneri will
and parent representatives from each of Montclair’s
be reading from two of her books: Purple Ribbons and The Magic Tree.
public schools choose15 teachers to win a $2,000
March 2 to 5 is also Read Across America Week, and this year, in honor of Dr.
Looking
award. To nominate a teacher, pick up a form from
Seuss’ birthday, another author, Ann Tufariello, will be reading from her novel, The
Principal Kirkman’s office, or visit www.bradfordpta.
Breakthrough, to all fourth grades on March 2 and
org to download one. Recipients of the 2010 Weston
all fifth grades on March 5. We will also have spe-
Award will be announced in May. An awards presenta-
cial activities for students each day that week:
tion will be held in their honor at the BOE public meeting June 7.
Ahead
Monday: Green Day (Wear something green in
PTA Volunteers Needed for Next Year
honor of Green Eggs and Ham).
Tuesday: Crazy Sock Day (Wear your craziest
Are you thinking about getting involved with the PTA next year, but don’t
socks in honor of Fox in Socks).
know how? Don’t want to take a lead role but would love to work with a
Wednesday: Whoville Hair Day (Wear a crazy hairstyle in honor of Horton
group/committee? Well here is your chance. The PTA is looking for both
Hears a Who).
leaders as well as committee members for next year to work on the many
Thursday: Pajama Day for grades K and 1 to get ready for Bedtime and Books.
events we do during the school year. No matter what role you choose to take
Friday: Crazy Hat Day (wear a crazy hat) in honor of The Cat in the Hat.
on, please be assured that a seasoned veteran will either work side-by-side
with you or provide you with detailed information about your event. The
Volunteers Needed for Spring Book Fair
choice is up to you. Keep a look out for the volunteer form that will be coming
“March Into Reading,”the spring book fair, will take place March 16 through
home in your child’s backpack. Fill it out and return it to school. The success
18! Scholastic will offer us a great selection of books at reasonable prices. If you
of Bradford’s PTA events relies on the many wonderful volunteers we have.
wish to volunteer your time at the book fair (in two hour increments throughout
—Susan Murnick
the day, please), or to help with set up on March 15 or clean up on March 19,
please contact Stephanie Sullivan with your preferred date and time and we will
work to accommodate your schedule ([email protected] ).
—Stephanie Sullivan
Weston Award Nominations Due
Don’t forget: The deadline for Weston Award nominations is March 17. The
Important Dates
The Eugene Chrysler Band
Gets Ready to Raise the Roof
(Continued from the front page)
The band’s original music is a highly danceable, rootsy blend that packs
a mean wallop. They put on a great show—with Potenza and Somerstein as
the straight men for Karlok’s over-the-top theatrics. He wields the bass
more like it’s a partner on “Dancing With the Stars,” tossing it around,
March 2- 5
Read Across America Week.
playing it like a guitar or raising it high above his head like a rock star,
March 4
Coffee with Dr. Alvarez, 9:30 a.m.
moves he admits he sometimes regrets the next morning.
March 4
Bedtime and Books, for grades K-1, 7 p.m.
March 10
Walk to School Day, Healthy Breakfast—4th grade.
“And I climbed on top of the bar and was playing and spun around—it was a
March 15
Board of Ed meeting, 7:30 p.m.
funny thing to do but wasn’t that funny—I wiped out a whole shelf of liquor.
March 16
School Review and PTA meeting, 9-10:30 a.m.
Luckily, the owner thought it was funny and didn’t make me pay for it.”
March 16-18
School Book Fair.
March 18
Science Fair, 6:30-7:30 p.m. K-2; 7:30-8:30 p.m. 3-5.
March 22-26
No enrichment due to early dismissal days.
March 25
March 26
March 29- April 1
April 1
Early dismissal, evening conferences.
Early dismissal, afternoon conferences.
Health and Wellness Week.
Early dismissal—curriculum meetings.
page 4
“One time we were playing a gig down in North Carolina,” he recalls.
Next up, Karlok says, they’re considering making a record of Frank
Sinatra standards with country pedal steel and fiddle filling in the usual
horn arrangements—“kinda like Hank Sinatra,” he says.
And they’re sure to be playing out and about whenever they can and the
kids’ schedules permit it. “I’ve been playing out forever—it’s my version of
golf,” Karlok says. “It goes with having kids—I dreamed of being a famous
rock ‘n’ roller, but now I’d rather have the balance.”
—Liz Uva
www.bradfordpta.org