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Van Derveer Elementary School |
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"We are Safe, We are Respectful, We are Responsible" |
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6 Welcome Back from Spring Break!
6-10 Autism Awareness Spirit Week
13-17 Week of the Young Child
16 Helen Doherty Science Fair
23 Take Your Child to Work Day
28-30 ELA Testing
29 School Spirit Day
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Welcome Back Mrs. Streko! VDV is excited to have Mrs. Streko back as of March 27th!
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Thank you to Somerville BOE members, Community members and Staff members for joining us for our Read Across America celebration and reading to VDV students! |
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The Helen Doherty Science Fair
Click Here to Participate
Location & Date:
VDV Gymnasium April 16, 2026
Deadline to register is Thursday, April 9, 2026
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Attention VDV Junior Scientists: Save the date: April 16, 2026
The Helen Doherty Science Fair Location: VDV Gymnasium
Get ready to be creative and start planning your science fair project. Students will be invited to complete a science project at home and bring it in to display during our science fair on April 16, 2026.
**Parent Scientists: If you work in the science or engineering industry and would like to volunteer on April 16th to speak with our junior scientists, please reach out to Amanda or Nancy at aduckworth@somervilleschools.org or nkishbaugh@somervilleschools.org.
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If your child will be absent for Take Your Child to Work Day because they will be joining you at work, please complete the Google Form attached HERE. |
Our 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony will be held Wednesday, June 17th at 9:15AM. |
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Week of the Young Child is a fun-filled week celebrating early learning, young children and their teachers, families and communities. Van Derveer students in grades PS-3 will celebrate WOYC during the week of April 13-17. On Family Friday the students will celebrate the diversity of our school community by presenting flags that represent their heritage.
Please help your child design a flag that represents your family’s heritage using the template provided. (Your child's teacher sent home the template prior to Spring Break.) Many families’ backgrounds include connections to multiple countries so your flag might look more like a collage. Be creative and have fun! Feel free to use images from this document– which includes the flags of 80 countries– as guidance.
Please return the completed flag to school by Thursday, April 16. Thank you for helping us make this a special day for your child.
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Join us for a Spirit Week celebrating Autism Awareness!
Monday, 4/6 Students will decorate puzzle pieces & watch a read aloud on the importance of inclusion.
Tuesday, 4/7 Wear comfy clothes
Wednesday, 4/8 Wear a Superhero shirt
Thursday, 4/9 Wear Red or Blue
Friday, 4/10 Students will participate in sensory focused activities.
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Scan the QR Code above for details on Earth Day initiatives happening in Somerville! |
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The VDV Kindness Club & the Health Office will be doing a clothing drive next month for one of the town's local churches. More details to follow. |
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Want a better understanding of the Standards Based report cards we have at VDV? Click HERE for more information. |
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Upcoming VDV Parent Academy Sessions
VDV K-5: Math Parent Academy
Come join us for our next Parent Academy on April 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM! We’re excited to share how our K-5 students learn math and build strong number sense. We will discuss how children develop a deep understanding of math concepts and show you some fun, easy activities you can do at home to bring math to life outside the classroom. While you don’t have to register to attend, we’d love it if you could fill out our registration form so we can be prepared to answer any questions you may have. Save this Google Meet link to join our session on April 24th. We look forward to seeing you there!
VDV Preschool: Oral Language & Literacy Academy
Come join us for our Preschool Parent Academy on April 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM! We’re excited to explore how talking and storytelling help your preschooler get ready to read. We’ll discuss how children learn to recognize sounds in spoken language and the amazing impact of reading together to build their curiosity and knowledge. You’ll leave with easy, fun activities you can do at home to help your child grow. While you don’t have to register to attend, we’d love it if you could fill out our registration form so we can be prepared to answer any questions you may have. Save this Google Meet link to join our session on April 17th. We look forward to seeing you there!
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As Mr. Lubisco shared in his November newsletter, we are so excited to announce that the preschool playground is now up and running for our students to use during the school day!
Given the continual construction occurring on the grounds, we request that the preschool playground be used exclusively during the school day and only with staff supervision. The playground is currently not open for use outside of these hours.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.
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Please keep in mind when visiting Van Derveer or picking up a student for early dismissal...
A valid form of ID will be REQUIRED EVERY TIME you need to enter the building. Visitors are required to wear a visitor's tag at all time while at VDV. NO exceptions will be made.
A valid form of ID will also be REQUIRED EVERY TIME a parent/guardian needs to pick up a child early for any reason. NO exceptions will be made.
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Visit myschoolbucks.com to set up or add money to a lunch account for your student(s).
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Meet VDV staff members at the pickleball court on Veterans Memorial at 8am every Wednesday (weather permitting) and walk to VDV with other students and staff! |
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VDV & SMS Spirit Wear On Sale!
Grab some fresh gear for spring and show off your school spirit with VDV Spirit Wear or treat your 5th grader to a brand new SMS shirt! Online store is open at bit.ly/villepk8spiritwear. |
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Field Day Volunteers Needed - Friday May 22nd
Join us for a fun-filled outdoor event with games, ice pops, and plenty of smiles. Volunteer and enjoy the day while cheering on your child. We need parent help to make it a success - sign up now at https://forms.gle/oHovy3YV3gVPaJ6A8. Field Day will be held on Friday 5/22 (which is a half day).
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The Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) is a parent-led, district-level advisory group that provides input and recommendations to the Somerville Public Schools regarding systemic issues related to special education programs and services.
The SEPAG is open to all parents and caregivers in the Somerville School District, including parents of students with disabilities, parents who have concerns about their child’s learning or development, and parents who wish to learn more about special education and related services from early intervention through high school.
The SEPAG focuses on district-wide practices and programs. In accordance with New Jersey regulations, the SEPAG does not discuss individual student cases or confidential student matters.
The SEPAG works collaboratively with CST and district administration to identify trends, share parent perspectives, and support continuous improvement in special education services across all Somerville schools, including Van Derveer Elementary School, Somerville Middle School, Somerville High School, and out-of-district placements.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2 is Autism Acceptance Day.
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