Developing a Culture of
Anti-Racism in Our Schools
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Earlier this week Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed. D., continued the conversation about anti-racism, by reflecting on the district's action to date in an effort to create positive future change.
"During these challenging, uncertain times in our country, we are presented with great opportunity for meaningful change and growth to strengthen a culture of anti-racism in our schools and community," said Dr. George. "As part of the new 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, the Middletown Public School District developed a
Mission Statement.
The District is committed to utilizing available resources effectively to enable students to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and citizens. We will ensure equitable treatment and
opportunities for all students in an inclusive environment. We will continue to promote a positive climate and culture of acceptance and appreciation for diversity and inclusion within our school community."
RELATED COMMUNITY LETTERS
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Opinion: Racial Insensitivity Exists Everywhere, We Are Not Immune
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By Luke Ferrell, High School North Senior
NOTE: This article was previously published in another publication
Middletown, it’s time that we have a conversation about race. Merriam-Webster defines a conversation as “an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas”. Let’s “exchange” ways to make our community a better place without “exchanging” hate or negativity. I’d like to explain why even the “fifth safest city in America to raise a child” (SafeWise, 2016) cannot be excluded from hearing stories of overcoming racial adversity.
As a proud Middletown High School North senior and a Middletown resident, I would have never in a million years imagined that the community I love and cherish would ever be subjected to any sort of racial prejudice. Up until the past few days, I have confused what I now consider hurtful and insensitive comments and slurs with humor. We’ve always been taught to treat everyone equally, but have also often been taught that it’s better to “stay out of it” or “not get involved” when it doesn’t concern us. Standing up for what is right and speaking out, even when it is unpopular, has been demonized for too long. A statement made by my classmate and good friend will change the way I see the world for the rest of my life.
On Monday, June 1, Middletown High School North’s 2020 valedictorian, Jada Tulloch posted a video on Instagram, now with over 28,000 views, 7,754 likes, and 1,453 comments. Her video is in response to students organizing a protest outside of the Middletown Township Board of Education office to push for an in-person graduation. While we all desperately want a way to celebrate our accomplishments as a class, I think our greatest accomplishment can be uniting against an issue we’ve let persist for too long. Jada states, “For me graduation represents the fact that I’ve survived years of racial discrimination, oppression, and disgusting comments from the close-minded people that I surround myself with in this god-forsaken town”. This powerful statement has opened my eyes to realize that I have been quiet for too long. Whether I was walking down the sidewalk or the hallways of my high school, I have heard racially insensitive comments and made excuses for it– usually I brushed it off as humor. Meanwhile, a person of color could’ve overheard the same comment and felt threatened and worthless. Today, I realize that not only is it ignorant to allow these comments to reach my ears without hesitation or action but that my beloved hometown isn’t in a bubble secluded from the issues of the rest of the world. Every community displays instances of racial insensitivity, and worse; however not recognizing that this is a problem in a particular area just because of its location or socioeconomic class often normalizes racially inconsiderate sentiments. This ultimately allows a snowball effect of acceptance of more and more “jokes” and slurs that target minorities.
Jada has shared an important and disheartening message in an attempt to make our town a better place. It is simply impossible to dismiss her message without understanding her experience. Few of us have walked in the shoes of a person of color.
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Our school community will celebrate the high school class of 2020 on Thursday, June 18th with virtual graduation ceremonies for High School North and South.
Both high school virtual graduations will be released on June 18th at 4 p.m. on the district's YouTube channel. Additionally, there will be a video montage of memories, individual student messages and interviews with the valedictorian and salutatorian of each high school that will be released on the district YouTube channel at 3 p.m. that day. Once the graduation ceremonies for both high schools and the montage collection are aired, they will remain available on the district YouTube channel for future viewing.
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Top Students of 2020 High School Classes Speak to School Community in Graduation Interviews
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Follow the video link above to learn more about the educational journey of High School South Valedictorian Emily Granito.
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Follow the video link above to learn more about the educational journey of High School North Valedictorian Jada Tulloch and Salutatorian Jonathan Rasnitsyn.
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Follow the video link above to learn more about the educational journey of High School South Salutatorian Sophia Libecci.
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District Honors High School Seniors with Virtual Scholarship Award Ceremonies
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Follow the link above to watch High School North's Virtual Scholarship Award Ceremony.
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Follow the link above to watch High School South's Virtual Scholarship Award Ceremony.
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Monday, June 15th is Final Distribution
Day for Free & Reduced Meals
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Please be advised that Monday, June 15th, will be the final distribution day for our families participating in the Free & Reduced Meal Program.
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An In-Depth Look at our Revised 2020-21 Elementary Schedule
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Based upon productive feedback and dialogue with the school community, we have updated our elementary schedule for the 2020-21 school year to expand upon inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students, as well as to ensure that our curricula and programs align with recent revisions to NJ Student Learning Standards and the draft 2020-2025 district strategic plan.
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5 High School Students Nominated
for Count Basie Awards
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Every year, the Count Basie Center for the Arts' Education department forms an evaluation committee who then attend and score upwards to 50 local school productions. Several weeks later, a capacity crowd typically packs the historic Count Basie Theater in Red Bank to watch selections from school performances and cheer on the nominees and winners. This year, due to the pandemic, the Basie Awards were hosted virtually on Tues. June 9th.
Middletown High School South came out with two nominations for their fall production of "U- A Play", directed by Alexis Kozak. The nominations included Danny Decrescenzo for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Camille Pugliese for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. We also congratulate Seniors
Camille Pugliese and Gianna Dinardo who both won Arts Impact Scholarships!
Middletown High School North came out with three nominations for their fall production of "Our Town", directed by Amanda Faria. The nominations included
Mackenzie Kanach for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Drama, Joshua Yantin, (Sophomore Middletown School's Arts Academy student) for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, and New drama teacher to High School North this year, Amanda Faria for Outstanding Direction in a Drama. Ms. Faria added "It is a very prestigious honor to be nominated against so many competitive theater arts programs, actors, and directors. Ms. Faria also added "we look forward to future productions!"
Although our nominees did not win, it is a nod to the expertise and talent that our students and arts staff possess in the Middletown School District. I am so proud of all the nominees and can't wait to see what our students will bring forth in the future!
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District Poetry Contest Winners Unveiled
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Hosted by the district's Library team members, there were an incredible 630 poems entered into our MTPS Poetry Contest!
Of those entered, four winning poets were selected and are listed above. Please note, at the middle school level there was a first place tie.
Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners!
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Bayshore Students Earn
Recognition In NPR Podcast Contest
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For the second year in a row, Mrs. Strongarone’s 7th grade social studies classes participated in the national NPR Student Podcast Challenge.
The challenge asks students in elementary, middle, and high school to record a 3 to 12 minute podcast on a topic of their choosing. Over 2,000 entries were submitted to the contest and the podcast “Brain Breaks for Students” by Olivia Badrick, Sara Burdzy, and Ayva Cappadona received honorable mention recognition.
Their podcast included interviews with Mr. Gannon and Mrs. Berg. They discussed the benefits of short breaks for students to socialize with friends, have time to themselves, or participate in another activity to help their brain relax during the day. Olivia, Sara, and Ayva’s podcast has been announced publicly as an honorable mention by NPR and the girls will receive certificates for their achievement. Listen for their podcast on your local NPR station or by
following this link.
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Speech Department Connects with
Students During Virtual Home Instruction
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Though social distancing mandates have kept us apart, our educators have used their ingenuity and creativity to advance instruction and development. Follow the link to see how our Speech Department has continued to connect with students during virtual home instruction.
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Please Participate in the Imagine Learning Parent Input Survey for K-5 Students
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Please participate in the Middletown Township Public Schools parent survey on Imagine Learning for K-5 students. Your feedback is valued and appreciated. To participate in the survey please
follow the link.
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Interested in Learning More About the Virtual Advanced Placement Experience?
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Middletown Township Public Schools advanced placement students and teachers recently engaged in a round table discussion regarding their virtual experience with Advanced Placement course work and assessments. The group came together to help prepare future advanced placement students.
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District Presents Strategic Plan Goals & Objectives Draft; BOE Seeks Community Input
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During the May 27th Board of Education Workshop/Voting Meeting, a presentation was delivered to inform our school community about the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Goals & Objectives, which were developed with public input expressed in a district survey and during seven public forums.
Watch the presentation by following the link to the right, and review the slideshow by
following this link.
The Strategic Planning Committee is seeking community input on the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives Draft through Wednesday, June 10. Community members should email their comments to
strategicplanning@middletownk12.org.
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The May 27th BOE Meeting
Video is Now Available
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The Board of Education held a virtual workshop/voting meeting on Wednesday, May 27th via the district's Zoom platform.
The full meeting is now available for review by click the video icon to the right.
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Board of Education Seeks Community Input on Superintendent Search Survey
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Middletown Township Public Schools' current superintendent, William O. George III, Ed. D., has announced his retirement effective September 1, 2020.
The Board of Education has begun its search for his successor. Selecting a leader for our district is one of the most important decisions the Board of Education can make.
In addition to this survey, you are welcome to submit your input in an email to
SuperintendentSearch@middletownk12.org
, or to share your thoughts with us at any Board of Education meeting. Thank you for your valuable input.
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Virtual Home Instruction Internet Technology Support
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During Virtual Home Instruction days the district internet technology team is available to answer your technical support questions. Please email
technology@middletownk12.org
with any questions or concerns.
For device repairs, technology team members are available on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
in the lobby of High School North from 8 a.m. to Noon
. For more information
please follow the link
.
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MTPS Recognized for Developing Equitable Virtual Learning Plan
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The District was recently recognized by the Alliance for Excellent Education for the development and implementation of its virtual learning plan.
An excerpt from the article reads...
"Like many districts across the nation, Middletown Township transitioned its nearly 9,500 students to full-time remote learning in mid-March when it closed schools to slow the spread of the
novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
. In many ways, the suburban school district already had most of the necessary elements in place to support a successful transition, thanks in part to the
five-step planning process
district leaders undertook in working through the
seven gears
of the
Future Ready Framework
. The district had an existing one-to-one initiative that provides each student in third through twelfth grade with a personal device. Additionally, to implement that program successfully, the district enhanced its
infrastructure
, particularly the bandwidth available at its schools, and provided teachers and other school staff members with
personalized professional learning
to support student-centered instruction."
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Interested In Employment
Opportunities with the District?
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Throughout the year new employment opportunities arise for educators, paraprofessionals, and more.
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