Waldwick September 30, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Traphagen receives 2009 Blue Ribbon Award Waldwick’s Julia A. Traphagen School has received the 2009 National Blue Ribbon Award. Traphagen is one of only nine in the State of New Jersey and the only school in Bergen County to have earned this honor. “We’re thrilled!” Waldwick Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Penna said. He added that he is very proud that Traphagen has been recognized as an academically superior school. “We are delighted that we received this honor,” Traphagen School Principal Robert Sileo told Villadom TIMES last week. “National honors don’t come that often, and this is a top honor.” Sileo explained that, in December of 2008, the district received notification that the New Jersey Department of Education had nominated Traphagen for Blue Ribbon designation. “Then we started the application process, which included information about curriculum and instruction, indicators of success, leadership, and programs covering a five-year period,” he added. The application was submitted in February 2009, and the district was notified of the national honor this month. According to the official announcement, “Blue Ribbon status gives national attention and recognition to schools that have achieved and attained higher levels of performance. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools in which students attain and maintain high academic goals. Using standards of excellence, as evidenced by student achievement measures, the department celebrates the hard work of students, staff members, families, and the community. The Blue Ribbon Program honors America’s most successful public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either in the top 10 percent or that have shown dramatic improvement in student performance to high levels on state or national assessments. “Congratulations to Principal Robert Sileo, current and former staff, students and parents of Traphagen School on their outstanding accomplishment!” Sileo advised that he and School Nurse Judy Larkin will be traveling to Washington D.C. Nov. 1 and 2 to receive a plaque and a flag in honor of achieving Blue Ribbon status. “We are planning a (local) celebration in mid-November,” he added. The principal said he is very proud of the teachers, former teachers, and the students. “It’s a community effort that includes students, parents, and staff,” Sileo concluded. Other members of the community are also pleased with the news of the national honor. “We expect a huge surge of interest in Waldwick now that our Traphagen Elementary School has achieved the Blue Ribbon Award,” said Tom Johnson of Liberty 100 Realty. Learn strategies to fund education The basic yearly costs of attending college, including tuition, room and board, fees, and books, have increased dramatically over the past two decades. During this period, average annual increases in college costs have exceeded annual inflation rates as measured by the Consumer Price Index. On Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m., the Waldwick Library will host Nicholas P. Luisi, who will offer timely suggestions for helping families prepare for the costs ahead. Luisi graduated cum laude from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He currently specializes in asset transition strategies. The program is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and pre-registration is recommended. The library is located at 19 East Prospect Street in Waldwick. Call (201) 652-5104. Improve Your Driveway’s Appearance And Protect It At The Same Time Driveway Asphalt Filler/Sealer • Fills surface cracks up to 1/8” • Dries to touch in 4 hours. Can be driven on in 24-48 hours under normal conditions • 3 year warranty Mon-Wed 7:30-6 Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5 Put On A Winter Coat Today! ����������������������������� ������������������������ ����������� OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 Propane Filled 7 Days A Week ������������ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER 27 Franklin Tpke. • Waldwick • 201-652-5666 www.homehardwaresupply.com WE’RE BACK Halloween Store 15% OFF www.MerryHalloween.com Dogs - Infants - Kids - Teens - Adults Funny to Scary - Conservative to Sexy We Have It All all purchases through OCTOBER 7, 2009 We Accept All Competitors Coupons • Only one coupon per customer 9-30-09... Ester from Janine AVO HIGHWID HomeHardSealer(2x5) Choose from AYS col. x 5” thousands2 of costumes & accessories 201-891-9666 693 Wyckoff Avenue (Entrance by Wyckoff YMCA) 201-644-0285 350 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Rt.202) Oakland, NJ (Coppertree Mall) Wyckoff, NJ