District News
![Let the Battles Begin!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754319148/shsdorg/jj0xzd0k5rikgbuolbwa/38-LettheB.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754319148/shsdorg/jj0xzd0k5rikgbuolbwa/38-LettheB.png","width":437}])
Let the Battles Begin!
To kick off the March Madness themed 2025 Battle of the Books at Bedwell Elementary School, was guest speaker Juliene Brazinski Simpson. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, the 4-time All-American from little John F. Kennedy College gained national recognition as co-captain of the 1976 U.S. Women’s National team, as they captured the Silver Medal in the first-ever women’s Olympic basketball competition. Overall, Brazinski Simpson was selected to represent the United States in eleven international competitions. She was elected to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000, and the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Hearing such an engaging and inspirational speaker got Bedwell students even more excited about reading! At BES there are currently 16 teams participating, and 12 books on the Battle list! Over the course of two months, students are encouraged to read as many titles as they can, prior to the first battle round set to take place on March 12th. Titles include Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume and more!
This event, designed to elevate reading, is truly a collaborative effort between school staff, parents, and community members. Special thanks to the 4th Grade Team of Patrick Reed, Jess Mariani, Dana Fischer, Kris Hall, and Jordan Sakin; to the Bedwell Band of Mark Noonan, Melissa Leonard, Darcey Brooten, and Allen Thurlow; and to BES parents Michele Gagliardi and Staci Foran, along with the BES Home School Association.