Becton’s Annual Bring Your Child to Work Day 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!

About the Contributors

Elizabeth Zea, Staff Writer

Becton Regional High School sophomore, Elizabeth Zea, is one of Becton’s Cat’s Eye View’s newest journalists. Living in Carlstadt, Zea found her passion for writing during the summer before her freshman year, where she began writing about her experiences during a difficult time in her life. To take her hobby to the next level, Zea decided to enroll in Becton’s journalism course. Zea believes “the most important thing you can do in high school is be yourself,” and takes this advice with her as she writes her very own book. As an aspiring creative writing major hoping to someday attend Northwestern University, Zea aims to become a successful author. Zea looks forward to writing reviews for newly released movies for the CEV, as well as cover topics on real life situations pertaining to social media and other related topics. Along with writing, Zea also participates in three of Becton Regional’s clubs– the Latinos Club, Military Appreciation Club, and the Environmental Club. While most would describe Zea as a quiet, more introverted individual, the Cat's Eye View certainly looks forward to having her talent.

Julia Bubendorf, Co-Editor in Chief

Julia Bubendorf is a junior at Becton Regional High School and this is her second year in the Cat’s Eye View. Bubendorf is also part of the GSA (gay-straight alliance) club and the Student Council as a general member. In her free time, Bubendorf likes to write poetry, especially free-form, play the guitar, bake, and play video games. Her favorite dessert to bake are blondies, as her family really enjoys when she does so, and the current video game that Bubendorf enjoys is the popular franchise “The Last of Us.” One of Bubendorf’s inspirations is her sister. She attests, “My sister inspires me because she always goes above everyone's expectations. My favorite part of the week is when she comes home from college.” Bubendorf also adds, “I want to be a lot like my sister.” As a career, Bubendorf wants to become a music journalist, but is also really passionate about music in general. Some of her favorite artists are Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Paramore, and The 1975. Another one of Bubendorf’s inspirations is Taylor Swift, as, “she is a great businesswoman, and is reforming the pop scene for women.” Her future plans are to go to Bergen Community College to acquire a general education, then go to Montclair State University for journalism. Bubendorf likes writing about her interests and enjoys being credited as a writer. This is why she is a valued member of the CEV–writing for her second year, but with the new title of Co-Editor in Chief.

The Cat's Eye View

The Cat's Eye View

The Cat's Eye View

Becton’s Annual Bring Your Child to Work Day 2024

The Cat's Eye View