Executive Director's
Welcome and Message

Welcome to our Cedar Hill CDC home on the web. 2011's After School Program has been our biggest and best ever, and thanks to the support of our many loyal donors, funding from Morris County and Child and Family Resources, we have been able to send all of our students to another 6 weeks of our Summer Camp Program.

Most Recent Fundraiser

We held the last of the 2010/2011 school year fundraising events in May with our Annual Golf Tournament, which once again was a big success because of the generosity of our golfers and local merchants. Unlike last year, there weren't any holes in one, but we invite all of you to try again next year.

Instead of speeches there was live entertainment as Bridget brought some of our third graders to sing a few songs. The proceeds from the tournament are directed to our summer camp. This is the most expensive time of the year for the CDC, and the money raised at this function is a godsend.

Our Volunteers

I want to thank our superb group of volunteers, including many of our former students, for their support of our small, paid staff and in particular for their one-on-one support and guidance of the largest group of K-3rd grade students in our history.

Because of these volunteers, many of them still in their teens, we have been able to work with smaller groups allowing for better learning and more diverse activities. For instance, we now have a small group doing desk top publishing with three donated Apple computers.

Our Program Director

Finally I want to thank Bridget Burke-Weiss for all that she has done in her dual roles as Program Director and Head of the Summer Camp. Our students thrive under her direction and guidance. Mrs. "B" as she is affectionally known by students and staff, has put together an after school program that is certainly among the finest in the state. Thanks Mrs. "B."

Open Invitation

I extend an open invitation to any and all of those who have supported us to visit us any afternoon that the Boonton Schools are open, between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, to see our programs in operation and have an opportunity for our grateful kids to personally thank you.

Program Director's
News and Views

We invite 1st time visitors to read about our History and Mission and Core Programs. For a summary and direct link to each page on this site, use the Site Map or simply browse our site and enjoy the many photos and videos.

Starting My 8th Year

It's hard to believe, but on September 8th I began my 8th year leading another class of high spirited, eager, young after schoolers. With the exception of our 6th graders who graduated last June, and are now enrolled in Boonton's Middle School, we welcome back most of our students from our last school year and summer camp. We're also pleased to welcome our new students for the 2011/2012 school year.

Scrolling Slideshow Scenes

In the scrolling slide show above are 32 photos from our recent Ginger Bread party hosted by almost 40 Big Brothers/Big Sisters from Mt. Lakes High School. Our students love visits from their Big Brothers/Big Sisters and their recent visit was the largest group we've ever had at Cedar Hill. Our students were shown how to build ginger bread houses, and were treated to snacks and Christmas presents. It was a fun day for all of our grateful kids.

There are also 10 photos from our recent Angel Tree Christmas Concert and 4 photos of Santa, with our children, from our Xmas Party.

Our 1st Published Art Book

In another first, in a year of new activities and events, we are delighted to announce the publication of our first art book: Emerging Artists Showcase containing 98 works of our student's original art in full color from last February's Art Show. The book is available now for order, and showcases how far our students have advanced thanks to all of our donor's support.

New Computer Graphics Programs

In January we began our computer graphics classes with Mark Morehouse, co-owner of One Flight Up Design in Boonton. Mark donated another large computer monitor in addition to his two previously donated Mac Pro desktop computer systems. His initial class introduced our students to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Mark will assist his students in designing our 1st web yearbook.

Also in January, Norman Sindlinger held his first class in computer animation using Anime Studio Debut 7 with each of our initial 4 students successfully animating simple shapes.

We now have 12 computers, including 1 Apple desktop in our lab and 3 on the 2nd floor of the office. Although we can't physically fit any more computers in our limited space, we always appreciate newer, more powerful ones.

3rd Annual Best of the Chefs Event

Look for an update by mid February of this flyer for a listing of the ten to twelve participating local restaurants in our 6:00pm March 12th dinner at the Mountain Lakes Club.