August 25, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Waldwick New superintendent planning for new academic year Dr. Patricia Raupers, Waldwick’s new superintendent of schools, has not yet completed two months in the district, but has already dug into her new responsibilities with obvious enthusiasm. “Something new is always exciting,” Dr. Raupers told Villadom TIMES last week. She added that everyone she has met has been friendly and accommodating. “I feel very welcome.” Since coming to Waldwick in July, the superintendent has been meeting with administrators, trustees, and staff members, and planning for the new school year. “We’re doing complete revisions of the language arts, mathematics, and science curricula,” the superintendent reported. Dr. Raupers also noted that she is researching some recognized “best practices” and working to ensure that the district is aligned with core curriculum standards. “We’re going to be working on maximizing technology,” she added, noting that the districts in-house experts will be encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues. The superintendent is also planning grade-level meetings with students, and meetings with district parents to help foster thinking skills and focus on learning styles. The meetings with parents, she said, will highlight the creation of a home environment that will be beneficial to learning. Her sessions with the middle school and high school students will cover students’ wide variety of learning style preferences. The goal is to create a favorable environment for studying and homework. “There is greater global competition than ever before,” she noted, adding that modern students must be encouraged to work to their fullest potential. Commenting on learning styles, Dr. Raupers explained, “There are over 21 factors that influence how people learn, but for most people, four or five are most important.” She added that individuals might prefer bright light as opposed to low light, or may wish to use a desk and chair or less formal seating. Some people prefer to learn by listening, while others prefer visual or tactile cues. The educator also pointed out that study groups can help reinforce classroom learning. Dr. Raupers added that the district’s employees have been hard at work on the physical plant this summer, and recently installed additional SMARTBoards and corrected a drainage issue at the Traphagen School. The superintendent also reported that Waldwick High School has been working with Holy Name Hospital on a program that addresses concussions in athletes. Dr. Raupers was hired this spring to replace Dr. Robert Penna, who retired in June. The new leader assumed responsibility for the 1,600-student district July 1. The superintendent received B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from Seton Hall University and earned a doctorate in instructional leadership at Saint John’s University. Before joining Waldwick’s school district, she had been employed by the Northern Valley School System for 35 years. Her career in that district included work as a history teacher, coordinator of staff development, and director of the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. She is an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, and has authored articles on professional development and co-authored a staff development textbook. Paul Banach Construction, LLC Home Remodeling Waldwick • 201-689-0765 • Windows • Doors • Garage Doors • • Finish Carpentry • Crown Moldings, Cabinetry, Walk-In-Closets, etc... • Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations • Take advantage of the Energy Tax Credit in 2010 www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits Speak to your tax advisor to ascertain if you qualify, as these credits will make a project more economical for you! Over 20 yrs. exp. • Senior Citizen Discount • Ref available upon request All work performed by owner • Free Estimates Paulbanachconstruction.com Bai’s Tae Kwon Do 1-20-10....Mike....from Janine 31 W. Allendale Ave. (Next to Village Pizza) Since 1975 PaulBanachConstruction2x2(1-20-10) Confidence 2x2” Discipline PARENTS: Your children can develop the qualities needed to overcome peer pressures, get better grades at school, achieve goals and become a leader.    Better School Grades $ 99 4 offer expires: 9/10/10 Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. At participating haircut Back To School Introductory Special 8 Week Course $ 17500 with uniform Ramsey • 201-327-7080 8-25-10 mike/janine GreatClips4x9Color(8-25-10)