The Chimera Chronicle
March Edition
Week of March 9, 2026
Celebrating Women in STEM & Beyond
Happy Week 2 of March, Chimera Community! This week is filled with exciting celebrations as we recognize International Women's Day and approach Pi Day. These observances remind us of the incredible contributions women have made to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and every field imaginable.
Don't forget that Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday! As we "spring forward," let's also spring into action with our academic goals. Our students continue to make wonderful progress, and the energy in our schools is truly inspiring.
This week, classrooms across the district are buzzing with Women's History Month activities, STEM explorations, and Pi Day preparations. We encourage families to engage in conversations about the women who inspire them and the role of mathematics in our daily lives.
Keep shining bright, Chimera families!
With Chimera Pride,
Marti Hill-Parker
Acting Superintendent of Schools
Women's History Month Spotlight
Week 2 Theme: "Women in STEM"
This week, we celebrate Mae C. Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. Dr. Jemison broke barriers as an astronaut, physician, and engineer, proving that dreams have no limits when combined with determination and hard work.
Classroom Activities This Week:
- Women in STEM career exploration presentations
- Space science activities honoring Dr. Jemison
- Pi Day math challenges and competitions
- "Design Like a Woman Engineer" STEM projects
Teaching & Learning Focus
Literacy Focus
Students are reading memoirs and informational texts about women scientists and leaders, building research and analytical skills.
- • Research projects on women innovators
- • Persuasive writing: "Why [Woman Leader] Inspires Me"
- • Vocabulary building through STEM texts
STEM Connections
Pi Day preparations are in full swing! Students are exploring the mathematical constant through hands-on activities and real-world applications.
- • Pi Day calculations and contests
- • Geometry explorations with circles
- • Women mathematicians research projects
Assessment & Academic Growth
Assessment preparation continues with practice sessions focusing on key skills. Teachers are providing targeted support based on student needs.
- • Practice assessments in ELA and Mathematics
- • Small group instruction for targeted skill building
- • Test-taking strategy workshops for students
Important Dates & Reminders
International Women's Day
Sunday, March 8
Global celebration of women's achievements and gender equality
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Sunday, March 8
Spring forward! Clocks move ahead one hour
Half Day PD / Early Dismissal
Wednesday, March 11
Professional Development Day – Early dismissal for students
STEM Fair Preparations
Throughout Week
Students finalizing projects for upcoming STEM showcases
Pi Day Celebration
Saturday, March 14
Celebrating mathematics with fun activities and treats!
Week 2 Reminders
- ⏰ Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday — set clocks forward 1 hour!
- 👩🚀 Celebrate International Women's Day with your family
- 🥧 Pi Day activities coming up — have fun with math!
- 📅 Parent-Teacher Conferences next week — watch for scheduling information
School Highlights
🏫 Willingboro High School
Women in STEM Panel
Wednesday, March 11
Local women professionals sharing their STEM career journeys with students.
Pi Day Math Competition
Friday, March 13
Annual math competition with prizes for top performers across grade levels.
🏫 Memorial Middle School
Space Science Week
Throughout Week
Honoring Mae C. Jemison with planetarium visits and space exploration activities.
Pi Day Celebration
Friday, March 13
Math-themed activities, pi digit memorization contest, and pie for participants!
🏫 J.A. Cotten Intermediate School
Women Who Lead Read-Aloud
Daily This Week
Teachers reading biographies of inspiring women during morning meeting.
Circle Art for Pi Day
Thursday, March 12
Creating beautiful circle-based artwork while learning about pi.
🏫 Hawthorne Elementary School
Women Astronaut Showcase
Tuesday, March 10
Student presentations about women who have traveled to space.
Pi Day Parade of Numbers
Friday, March 13
Students dress as pi digits and parade through the school!
Looking Ahead
Coming Up:
- →March 17: Early Dismissal — WHS evening conferences, Memorial afternoon conferences
- →March 19-24: Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (see schedule)
- →April 3: Schools Closed — Good Friday