Thorne Middle School Accepts Rachel's Challenge
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On Tuesday, Oct. 15 Thorne Middle School Students were introduced to Rachel’s Challenge, the emotional tale of Rachel Joy Scott, whose life was taken in the tragic events of Columbine High School in 1999.
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Though she lost her life that fateful day, it’s the point in time where Rachel’s legacy was cemented, and from which a story emerged that has touched the lives of millions of students around the world.
In alignment with the District's implementation of social and emotional learning methods, students received a grade-appropriate presentation about Rachel’s profound effect, not only on a small Colorado community, but the world. Her impact was accentuated through interviews and letters from those whose lives were changed forever by this young woman.
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Shape our Future by Completing a Strategic Planning Survey
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The District's 2020-2025 Strategic Planning process is underway.
Please join us at an upcoming Strategic Planning Public Forum. The Schedule is listed below.
Public Forum Schedule
Oct. 24th - Senior Center (1-2 p.m.)
Nov. 13 - Forum #2 - Bayshore (7 p.m.)
Dec. 11 - Forum #3 - Bayshore (7 p.m.)
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"Athletes & Opioids" Presentation Delivered to District Teams
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Beginning in fall 2020, the NJSIAA will require all student-athletes, as well as the parents of student-athletes under the age of 18, to watch a video intended to raise awareness about the susceptibility of young athletes to dependency on prescription pain medication and opioids. Before the school year, teams were invited to a presentation on the subject. Watch that presentation and read more about the new NJSIAA mandate on the
District website
.
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A
University Model in
Active Learning Classrooms
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The District has adapted the university "Active Learning Classroom" model from Rutgers University, and designed and implemented five new rooms in our middle schools and high schools. Research shows that active learning, when compared to individualistic learning, improves academic achievement, the quality of interpersonal interactions between peers, and a student's self-esteem. Learn more on the
District website
.
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On Oct. 24th at the Middletown Senior Center at Croydon Hall, Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed. D., Board of Education President Pamela Rogers, and Mayor Tony Perry will host an informational forum for the senior members of our community from 1-2 p.m.
More information here
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To view a full list of your school's events please visit the calendar on your school's website.
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"Principal for a Day" - A Guest Blog by Dr. Stephany Hesslein
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“Experience is the teacher of all things”
-Albert Einstein
The ability and drive to engage in the act of learning is something that transcends age, the classroom, content areas and careers and is one of the most powerful tools we have as human beings. Learning is how we grow, and how we evolve to be better versions of ourselves; and it is the experiences we engage in that help us do just that.
I have always believed that each opportunity to experience something new or to put yourself in a situation to learn should be valued and appreciated. But experiences are only as good as what we make them, and more importantly, how we reflect on them. This year, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a substitute elementary principal within the district, which to me is considered an invaluable experience that will continue to help me grow and improve in my abilities.
Filling in as principal for the day comes with the opportunity to gain a new perspective. It affords me first hand experience as a building level administrator in a way that some aspiring educational leaders may not have. I am able to experience aspects of being a principal that is extremely beneficial to my own professional development and growth like building operations, adapting and navigating unexpected situations, going into classrooms and seeing amazing teaching and learning happening, and most importantly, engaging in conversation with students about who they are as learners, and as people.
As educators, we are always looking for ways to empower our students; to give them a voice, to give them the best opportunities possible, and to support them in accomplishing their individual goals. But we also need to remember that teachers are learners as well. Creating opportunities for our teachers (like the opportunity to engage in meaningful professional development or to be substitute principal for the day) that empower them and give them a voice is equally as important to the growth and capacity of the organization. I am grateful that I work in a district like Middletown that values teacher leadership and takes every opportunity to support and empower teachers in accomplishing
their
individual goals. #MTPSpride
Dr. Stephany Hesslein is an Education Technology Specialist in the Middletown Township Public School District.
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The Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) is an outstanding community partner dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing the history of one of the oldest European settlements in the state.
For more information about MTHS, including upcoming educational event, please visit the
organization's website
.
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Leonardo Makes History with
New Book Vending Machine
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On Sept. 27, Leonardo Elementary School made history when Principal Peter Smith, PTA President Sandy Lambe, and Reading Development Teacher Tara Garzone presented students with a Book-Dispensing Vending Machine, the first of its kind in New Jersey.
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The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is a wonderful community partner with which students and adults can increase educational opportunities through a vast catalog of resources and engaging programming.
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District Developing
Global Citizenship Education
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District Supervisor of Social Studies and Technology, Wendy Morales, is emphasizing the concept of global citizenship education during the 2019-20 school year. As technology continues to transform higher education and workplace environments the importance of global competency for our students is rapidly increasing. To learn more about the District's global citizenship education efforts
please continue reading.
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Renowned Chef David Burke Visits High School South
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World renowned chef David Burke recently visited High School South where the Monmouth County resident worked with Eagles culinary students in the kitchen to prepare his famous breadless chicken parma dish to be served for lunch. Burke was hosted at High School South by District food vendor Whitsons School Nutrition. For more on his visit
please continue reading
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The District is now publishing monthly food menus on our website. Breakfast and lunch menus can be viewed online or downloaded on the
Food Services page
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Additional information concerning meal pricing, free and reduced meal applications and details about the My School Bucks Online Payment System can also be located on the
Food Services page
.
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River Plaza Celebrates
$1 Million Safe Routes Grant
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On Oct. 3 River Plaza students and staff were joined by elected officials and community leaders at the elementary school’s annual "Walk to School" event to celebrate the award of a $1 million grant by
New Jersey Safe Routes to School
.
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Congratulations to the the Port Monmouth Homeroom class of Mrs. Samantha Fox, who shouted out her students for earning an award for recording the most Dreambox minutes in school. Great work!
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Mrs. Kristyn Corace shouted out this group of Thorne Middle Schoolers for coming in early to help a very special young lady celebrate her birthday by beautifully decorating her locker.
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Mrs. Kara Teehan, Mrs. Stephanie DiBarii, Dr. Patricia Cartier and Dr. John Kerrigan are shouting out this group of 20 High School North seniors for their induction into the Mathematics Honor Society. High School North now has 39 seniors in the Mathematics honor Society.
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Dr. George's Corner - Leading and Learning
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As an educator, district leader, and lifelong learner, I am fortunate enough to work in a school district where I learn something new every day. My daily interactions with students, teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and many others have allowed me to consider unique perspectives and challenge my own beliefs.
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For two decades I have had the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor. This opportunity has allowed me to learn alongside educators with different expertise who serve in a variety of district roles. Instead of seeing myself as their professor, I choose to see myself as a “lead learner” inspiring other educators to embrace the infinitely unfinished process of learning.
Each day, we as educators have the ability to motivate all learners by inspiring them to maximize their potential through learning experiences that cultivate their strengths and passions.
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