Harrison Public Schools 

Gifted & Talented 

Fostering the Growth of Gifted Students 

as Learners and Individuals

Harrison G&T Highlights

Karen Cristalli named NJAGC 2024 Administrator of the Year 

Each year, NJAGC recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication and innovation in advocating for gifted children and advancing gifted education in New Jersey. 

https://njagc.org/njagc-contests-and-awards/ 

NJAGC ART CONTEST WINNER- Briana Cueva 

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Washington Middle School! Briana Cueva, a talented 7th-grade student in Mrs. Cristalli's class, has been honored as a winner in a prestigious student contest hosted by the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC).

Briana's exceptional work advocating for joyful growth caught the attention of the judges, earning her recognition in this statewide competition. Her dedication to her craft and innovative thinking truly set her apart.

A virtual ceremony was held on Thursday, March 14th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM via Zoom to celebrate Briana's achievement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Briana for this well-deserved honor!

You can view Briana's award-winning work and other outstanding submissions on the NJAGC website at https://njagc.org/njagc-contests-and-awards/. 

Little Free Library Comes To 

Lincoln School

22-23 Lookbook

Little Free Library Comes To 

Washington Middle School

Greetings students as they approach the main entrance to Washington Middle School Standing outside of the main entrance of Washington Middle School in Harrison is a powerful resource for children’s literacy—the brand new “Little Free Library”, courtesy of a collaborative effort between students and advisors in the school’s Library Club, an exciting after school program run by co-advisors Karen Cristalli and Tara Maziou.

As part of a worldwide network of small book boxes, the WMS Little Free Library has been curated with student-chosen titles designed to get students excited about reading. “Our Little Free Library is designed to motivate students to explore their world through reading.  Specifically, our collection focuses on diverse books, and aligns with statewide curriculum requirements for units on representation in literature and disability education”, said  

Students in the WMS Library Club have collaborated with staff to curate a collection of free titles that will get kids excited about reading.  Their Little Free Library will focus on expanding access to diverse titles that allow all students access to entertaining literature.  Club co-advisor Karen Cristalli, who also serves as the district’s Gifted and Talented coordinator, explains, “Our Little Free Library is designed to motivate students to explore their world through reading.  Specifically, our collection focuses on diverse books, and aligns with statewide curriculum requirements for units on representation in literature and disability education.”  

The district recently held a ribbon-cutting for the Little Free Library, meaning that students now have access to a wide array of novels, memoirs, and historical books at no cost.  They can simply stop by the Little Free Library and choose their next book from the titles inside.  WMS Library Club co-advisor Tara Maziou feels that the Little Free Library will provide an extension of the literacy initiatives at the heart of the club’s mission.  “We know that when kids have access to a wide variety of books, and have the opportunity to choose the topics that interest them most, student literacy soars,” Maziou explained.  

Washington Middle School principal Mike Landy has provided support for the school’s Library Club since its inception three years ago.  Under his leadership, the Library Club has been given space and time to grow and curate a small lending library in the school.  “A Resource such as this is so important to our students.  It only takes one great book to turn a nonreader into a reader and one great book can change a person’s life,” Landy shared. “Our Library Club does such an outstanding job showing students the value of books.  This is just another component of that.”  The middle school students have also been developing literacy outreach events to serve the needs of the district’s younger learners.   Now the Little Free Library in front of the school ensures that the district’s students will have expanded access to quality reading materials.  

The WMS Library Club was formed in 2018 and is open to any student in 6th-8th Grade.  Club members are excited about the opening of the school’s Little Free Library. Eighth grader Kholoud Lahcini stated, “Believe it or not, many students still do enjoy reading books.  The new Free Little Library benefits the students as they can take any book they'd like free of charge and are welcome to return it again and take another."  Visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/ for more information on this or any other Little Free Library. 

I Promise Read Aloud

As part of our celebration of Children's Book Week, we brought a small group of WMS G&T/Library Club students to read to some of the students at Kennedy School.  The picture book, I Promise, written by Lebron James, inspires children to strive for greatness . Full of simple promises kids can make to rise to their best self, this empowering book is perfect for shared reading in and out of the classroom. I Promise by LeBron James illustrated by Nina Mata