Becton’s Annual Bring Your Child to Work Day 2024

Elizabeth Zea and Julia Bubendorf • May 7, 2024

On April 25 2024, Becton hosted its annual Bring Your Child to Work Day! This event provides, as Vice Principal Mrs. Colangelo states, “a unique window into a parent’s world for children.”

Sixty students attended this year’s event, hosting students all the way from kindergarten to high school. Becton offered activities, food, games and entertainment all throughout the day which engaged the kids in attendance and left a lasting impression!

The day started in the gymnasium, where the children played games like octopus tag, scooter relay race, tug of war, and listened to music. From there, they visited returning favorite– Christian the NJ Reptile Man, in our Media Center. Students listened to him teach about reptiles, lizards and alligators– and even pet them. Met with Tina the Bird Lady, children learned about exotic birds, held them, and some even put them on their heads! Next, children had their “spotlight moment”, where they were able to tour our TV studio and practice being a news anchor! After a snack break, the kids worked on decorating picture frames and potted plants courtesy of the Becton Greenhouse.

Following this activity, the kids took a lunch break to eat some pizza, salad and create homemade ice cream sundaes with their parents on the Becton patio! Then, the East Rutherford Police and Fire Department visited. The children were able to meet the officers and firefighters, sit in their vehicles, and test out the sirens and equipment! To end the day, the kids spent some time in their parents’ classrooms to hang out, spend time with the BRHS students, and maybe teach a few lessons or two!

The day was busy for the little ones, but their enjoyment was sky-high as many staff members attest! The hits of the evening were Tina the Bird Lady and Christian the NJ Reptile Man. Dr. Daniel Farina shares, “My children really seemed to enjoy the animal show, especially when they got to touch a baby alligator.” Mrs. Kelly Diakos agrees, “My 9-year-old really enjoyed the snakes.”

Teachers are excited about having their children participate again next year, but for some staff, it can be a bittersweet feeling like it is for Mrs. Victoria De Santis. She shares, “I will participate next year because my children enjoy it so much. I know that one day they will be too old to come, which makes me sad.”

Bring Your Child to Work Day is a special day for everyone involved, and is filled with lots of laughter and smiles. Mrs. Catherine Valente puts it perfectly, “It’s an opportunity for my daughters to see what my daily work routine is like in the school building…to see one of their role models doing what they love!” Mr. Vincent Sommese echoes, “My favorite part was watching my children connect with the other kids, interact with my students, and enjoy being at Becton!”

Teachers love that it gives their children the insight into one day in their workplace, even if we do not offer snakes and birds every day!

bring your child to work day

About the Contributors

Elizabeth Zea, Staff Writer

Becton junior, Elizabeth Zea, is embarking on her second year of writing for The Cat’s Eye View. She is passionate about writing, whether that be journalism or fictional works. Her favorite genres to write and read are horror and romance. Some of her other interests involve watching movies, listening to music and photographing landscapes. Zea is involved in many clubs at Becton, such as the PAW Club, the Environmental Club, the Military Appreciation Club and the Latinos Club--- which she in part helped to create. She believes it is very important to be in touch with her own Latino heritage, and she has many fond memories of vacations in Ecuador. She also hopes to visit Puerto Rico someday. Zea would describe herself as independent, quiet, adventurous and curious. As she puts it, “Take the risk or lose the chance,” a bold life motto that embodies the fighting spirit of a knight, such as the mascot of her dream college, Arcadia University. At Arcadia, she plans to major in creative writing and minor in journalism to maintain a foothold in both her passions, as well as take advantage of the gorgeous campus to inspire her photography. Her dream job would be to be a book author or a crime reporter, as she believes that expressing thoughts, events and feelings in a written format can help people better process what happens around them. We look forward to seeing a lot more of Zea's work in her final two years at Becton!

Julia Bubendorf, Co-Editor in Chief

Senior Julia Bubendorf is in her third consecutive year with The Cat’s Eye View and is currently serving as Co-Editor in Chief—what an achievement! In addition to her editorial role, Bubendorf is actively involved in the GSA Club, PAW Club and is interning at the School of Rock in her community. She describes herself as a determined student with a deep passion for her pursuits. Some of her hobbies include playing video games, strumming the guitar, and immersing herself in music. Moreover, she has a strong passion for singing and writing her own songs. In the distant future, Bubendorf aims to major in Journalism and Communication and Media Studies, with a strong desire to attend Montclair State University. The Cat's Eye View holds a special place in her heart, and she would like to go all out for the final edition of her CEV career. “I want to put the most effort I can into the Cat’s Eye View this year than I have in previous years," she declares. The CEV will always cherish Bubendorf’s contributions, expressing sincere thanks for her hard work and dedication over the past few years, as well as her commitment in this upcoming year.