Department of Children and Families New Jersey PTA New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect 900 Berkeley Avenue P.O. Box 711 Trenton, NJ 08618 Trenton, NJ 08625-0711 (609) 292-0888 Your students could meet the Governor, win a savings bond and see their art in our 2009 calendar! October 22, 2007 Dear Educator, Please accept our invitation to your school to participate in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest sponsored by the Department of Children and Families’ New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA. Students will use their creative talents to illustrate this year’s theme: “What Makes A Family Strong…” Children are encouraged to illustrate this theme with anything they think is important for a safe, happy, and secure childhood. Drawings can depict physical, social and emotional needs, such as a safe neighborhood, a good school and a loving family. Thousands of this colorful calendar are distributed throughout New Jersey to help promote positive parenting and raise awareness of the problem of child abuse and neglect. To view the 2007 calendar please visit www.njtaskforcecan.org. By entering this contest, your students have an opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the 2009 calendar. This contest offers your school and your students many exciting benefits. The Grand Prize winners will win a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. In addition to being featured in the calendar, winning entries will be displayed throughout the state during 2009. This is a chance to make your students proud of their artistic abilities, assist the Task Force with an important project, as well as create positive publicity for your school. This entry kit contains everything your school needs to participate in the contest: . A SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE: Personalize this release with your school’s information and it will be ready to send to the local media. . A TAKE HOME FLYER: Copy and send home to let parents know how their children are helping the Task Force. . AWARD CERTIFICATES, ENTRY FORMS, RULES & GUIDELINES: Please give these ready-to-copy items to the person(s) who will coordinate your school’s participation in the contest. We encourage you to put your students’ artwork about “What makes a family strong…” on display in your school. You may wish to appoint a judging committee of parents, teachers and students to select five entries your school may submit to the contest. Please note that entries must be received by April 8, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact Glenna Gundell at 732-463-1431. Thank you for your support of our 2009 Calendar Art Contest. We look forward to receiving your students’ entries. Sincerely, Kevin M. Ryan, Commissioner Martin A. Finkel, D.O., FACOP, FAAP Department of Children and Families Professor of Pediatrics Co-Chair, New Jersey Task Force on Medical Director Child Abuse and Neglect Co-Chair, New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect Harry Capers, Jr. President, New Jersey PTA To receive additional copies of the 2009 Calendar Contest Art Contest rules or entry forms, please contact Glenna Gundell at 732-463-1431. The New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA thank you for your support of this important project. PURPOSE: To promote positive parenting and an awareness of child abuse and neglect through the creative efforts of New Jersey’s students. THEME: “What makes a family strong...” Children are encouraged to illustrate this theme with anything they think is important for a safe, happy and secure childhood. Drawings can depict physical, social and emotional needs, such as a safe neighborhood, a good school and a loving family. ELIGIBILITY: All children, grades K-6, in the State of New Jersey are eligible to enter. ORIGINALITY: All entries must be original work of the student. No group of compositions will be accepted. The entry need not have been produced at school. NUMBER OF ENTRIES: Each child may submit more than one creative work. Each school is allowed to submit no more than five (5) entries per division (K-3 and 4-6). REQUIREMENTS: All entries have the official entry form securely fastened to the back of the artwork. All information, including the full home mailing address of the entrant, with ZIP code must be included. All information must be typed or printed legibly. The student and parent/guardian must sign the affirmation that the entry is an original work. Please note the permission release on the form: the student and parent/guardian must authorize the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect’s use of an entry in a manner deemed appropriate by the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. Only the student’s name and the title of the work may appear on the front. All entries must be a drawing, painting or collage (See the other side of this sheet for specific guidelines to help students prepare their entries.) All entries must be mailed or brought to County Superintendent of Public Schools office on or before April 8, 2008. A list of Superintendents’ offices is enclosed. DO NOT MAIL ENTRIES TO THE TASK FORCE OR PTA OFFICES. ANY ENTRIES RECEIVED AT EITHER LOCATION WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. DEADLINE: All entries must be submitted by April 8, 2008 JUDGING: There will be two (2) divisions: grades K-3 and 4-6. Entries will be judged in each County Superintendent’s office by the PTA and the County Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children. WINNERS: There are 15 Grand Prize Winners. The 15 Grand Prize Winners will each receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and have their artwork featured in the 2008 calendar. 2009 Calendar Art Contest Department of Children and Families New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA PLEASE NOTE: All entries become the property of the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and cannot be returned. 2009 Calendar Art Contest Department of Children and Families New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA Please follow these guidelines to help prepare your poster: 1. Entries must illustrate this year’s contest theme: “What Makes A Family Strong…” You can illustrate this theme with anything you think is important for a safe, happy and secure childhood. Your drawing could show physical, social or emotional needs, such as safe neighborhood, a good school or a loving family. Unless the work clearly expresses or relates to the theme, it will be disqualified. The theme must be used in the title or subtitle. 2. Your entry can be a drawing, painting or collage: Drawing: Use crayon, chalk, charcoal, pencil, magic markers, ink or any other medium used for drawing or sketching. Painting: Use any appropriate paint – tempera, oil, watercolor, etc. Collage: Select lightweight, flat materials that will travel well through the mail. Please note that because of space limitations and shipping problems, only two-dimensional artwork on paper or canvas can be accepted. Sculpture, jewelry, textiles or other three-dimensional arts and crafts are not eligible. 3. Artwork is to be original and should not be copied from any other artwork or published material. Please do not include cartoon characters from television shows, movies or comic strips. Photographs and computer graphics are not eligible. 4. Artwork is to measure no less than 12 inches by 14 inches. Final entries must be suitable for display on an easel. 5. Entries must be unframed. 6. Entries should not be folded or rolled. EDUCATORS: You may wish to photocopy and distribute these guidelines to help students prepare their entries. Sample Press Release On the other side of this sheet is a sample press release for your use concerning your school’s participation in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest sponsored by the Department of Children and Families’ New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA. The press release can be modified for your use and sent to your local daily and weekly newspapers, radio station and cable television office. When issuing the press release, just remember that it should be typed and double spaced on your school’s letterhead. And be sure to include a contact name (such as the principal) and phone number. The press release can be tailored to meet your school’s programs. For example, if you are not displaying the artwork, delete the appropriate paragraph. To seek additional media interest, you can indicate that there are “story and photo opportunities” at the end of the release (as indicated on the sample). Then, follow up with a phone call to your local media. Your School’s Letterhead Press Release For More Information Contact: (name and phone number of contact) Local Students Participate In Statewide 2009 Calendar Art Contest (Your town) – (fill in number) students from (school name) participated in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest sponsored by the Department of Children and Families’ New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA. “We’re proud of our students who participated in this statewide activity and of the quality of the work they presented,” commented (principal’s name). “And the messages that were learned are very important for both our students and their parents.” The students focused on the theme “What makes a family strong…” utilizing crayons, markers and other art mediums, the students drew their interpretations of the theme. Drawings illustrated physical, social and emotional needs that the children think are important for a safe, happy and secure childhood, such as a safe neighborhood, a good school or a loving family. Each student who participated in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest received a Certificate of Participation. Artwork selected on the county level from the entries will be forwarded for final judging. The Grand Prize winners will also receive a $50 Savings Bond and may meet the Governor at a special ceremony. This marks the (first, second, third, etc.) year that students from (school name) participated in the calendar contest. The contest was conducted under the direction of __________________________. Additionally, assistance was provided by the school’s (PTA or PTO). The (name of school) students’ artwork will be on display at (location) from now until (end date). Participating students from (name of school) were: (list names of students)___________________________________ Since the first calendar was developed 17 years ago, the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect’s Annual Calendar has grown to be an important public piece in the fight against child abuse. **** NOTE: There are many story and photo opportunities in this project. Call (name of principal) to arrange additional coverage. (Perhaps provide electronic files of the children’s artwork.) 2009 Calendar Art Contest Entry Form Sponsored by the Department of Children and Families New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA Name of student: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Home address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: _________________________ Home telephone number: ( ) ______________________________________________________________________ Student’s grade: ____________________________ Student’s age: _______________ Gender: M _________ F ________ Title of artwork: ____________________________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY I affirm that this is my own original creative work. I grant the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect permission to use my work in ways deemed appropriate and to retain my work. Signature of Student Signature of Parent/Guardian SCHOOL INFORMATION Name of school student attends: _______________________________________________________________________ Name of county: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Name of principal: __________________________________________________________________________________ Calendar Contest PTA contact person: __________________________________________________________________ Daytime telephone number: ( ) ____________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: ____________________Zip: __________________________ This information is required for all entires. Entries MUST be received by April 8, 2008. Please photocopy this page. Each poster entered in the contest must have this entry form “What Makes A Family Strong...” is the Theme for the 2009 Calendar Contest. Dear Parents, We’re proud to let you know that our school has been invited participate in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest sponsored by the Department of Children and Families’ New Jersey Task Force on Abuse and Neglect and the New Jersey PTA. Students will use creative talents to illustrate this year’s theme: “What Makes A Family Strong…”. Children are encouraged to illustrate this theme anything they think is important for a safe, happy and secure childhood. Drawings depict physical, social and emotional needs, such as a safe neighborhood, a good school and a loving family. Winning entries will be featured in a full-color calendar distributed to thousands of New Jersey parents next year. A page from the 2007 calendar with sample parenting tips is illustrated here. We are very pleased that our students are assisting the New Jersey Task Force with an important project that promotes positive parenting and raises awareness about child abuse and neglect. Grand Prize winners may meet the Governor, schedule permitting, in a special awards ceremony where their achievement will be recognized with a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. In addition to being featured in the calendar, winning entries will be displayed throughout the state during 2009. Please take this opportunity to discuss “What Makes A Family Strong…” with your children and encourage them to illustrate their ideas for the 2009 Calendar Art Contest. Sincerely, Principal Encourage your kids- tell them they are special. 22 Strive for balance in your life - even parents need time for fun and relaxation. Show that you love and 23value each member of your family. 21 EDUCATORS: Please photocopy and send this flyer home with students to let parents know about your school’s participation in the 2009 Calendar Art Contest. County Offices of Education County County Superintendent Office Address County County Superintendent Office Address Atlanitc Dr. Daniel Loggi 609-625-0004 - fax# 625-6539 Lisa Willet, Sec’y Atlantc County Office 6260 Old Harding Highway Mays Landing, NJ 08330 Middlesex Dr. Patrick Piegari 732-249-2900-fax# 296-0683 Debbie Hudson, Sec’y ext. 3425 1460 Livingston Avenue Bldg. 400, 2nd Floor North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Bergen Burlington Dr. Aaron R. Graham 201-336-6875-fax# 336-6880 Kathy Polten, Sec’y Vacant 609-265-5060-fax# 265-5932 Carol Pitko, Sec’y Bergen County Office One Bergen County Plaza 3rd Floor, Room 350 Hackensack, NJ 07601 Burlington County Office 2 Academy Drive PO Box 6000 Mount Holly, NJ 08060 Monmouth Morris Mrs. Eugenia Lawson 732-431-7816-fax# 577-0679 Mary Ann Maples, Sec’y Dr. Kathleen Serafino, Interim 973-285-8332-fax# 285-8341 Shirley Stoll, Sec’y Monmouth County Office 3680 State Hwy. 9, 4th Floor PO Box 1264 Freehold, NJ 07728 Morris County Office Court House, PO Box 900 Morristown, NJ 07963 Office Location: Cultural Center, 30 Schuyler Place Morristown, NJ 07960 Camden Cape May Vacant 856-401-2400-fax# 401-2410 Lisa Smith, Sec’y Vacant 609-465-1283- fax# 465-2094 Kathi Dalton, Sec’y Camden County Office Forrest Hall 509 Lakeland Road Blackwood, NJ 08012 Cape May County Office 4 Moore Road Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Ocean Passaic Dr. Bruce Greenfield 732-929-2078-fax# 506-5336 Kathy Angellella, Sec’y Dr. Robert Gilmartin 973-569-2110-fax# 754-0241 Mary Ellen Riga, Sec’y Ocean County Office 212 Washington Street Toms River, NJ 08753 Passaic County Office 501 River Street Paterson, NJ 07524 Cumberland Essex Dr. Daniel Mastrobuono 856-451-0211-fax# 455-9523 Nancy Cobb, Sec’y Mr. Thomas Dowd 973-395-4677-fax# 395-4696 Enid Pipitone, Sec’y Cumberland County Office 19 Landis Avenue Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Essex County Office 7 Glenwood Ave., Suite 404 East Orange, NJ 07018 Salem Somerset Mr. Michael Elwell 856-339-8611-fax# 935-6290 Pat Counsellor, Sec’y Mr. David Livingston 908-541-5700-fax# 722-6902 Connie Richardson, Sec’y Salem County Office 94 Market Street Salem, NJ 08079 Somerset County Office PO Box 3000 Somerville, NJ 08876 Office Location: 92E. Main St, Somerville Gloucester Dr. H. Mark Stanwood 856-468-6500-fax# 468-9115 Jeanette Griffin, Sec’y Ext. 6004 Gloucester County Office 1492 Tanyard Road Sewell, NJ 08080 Sussex Mr. Barry Worman 973-579-6996-fax# 579-6476 Ria Gurski, Sec’y Sussex County Office 262 White Lake Road Sparta, NJ 07871 Hudson Mr. Robert Osak 201-319-3850-fax# 319-3650 Noreen Rizzola, Sec’y Hudson County Office 595 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306 Office Location: Union Mr. Carmen Centuolo 908-654-9860-fax# 654-9869 Ann Marie Angelo, Sec’y Union County Office 300 No. Avenue East Westfield, NJ 07090 595 County Avenue Bldg. 3 Hunterdon Mr. Frank Dragotta, Interim 908-788-1414-fax# 788-1457 Sue Mirota, Sec’y Secaucus, NJ 07306 Hunterdon County Office PO Box 2900 Flemington, NJ 08822 Office Location: Warren Mr. Thomas Gross, Interim 908-475-6326-fax# 475-6394 Samantha Grape, Sec’y Warren County Office 537 Oxford Street Belvidere, NJ 07823 10 Court St., Flemington, NJ 08822 Mercer Vacant 609-588-5884- fax# 588-5849 Donna Britschge, Sec’y Mercer County Office 1075 Old Trenton Road Trenton, NJ 08690