Nut Swamp Math-A-Thon Raises $34K for St. Jude Children's Hospital
During the first week of January, Nut Swamp Elementary School students and staff embarked on a philanthropic mission to support families in need at St. Jude Children's Hospital.

From Jan. 4-8, students kindergarten to fifth grade took part in a mathematics challenge that raised $34,000 for the Tennessee-based research hospital, which, through donations and fundraising, is able to provide treatment to patients without billing for treatment, travel, housing or food.

"Prior to winter break, Nut Swamp teachers introduced the idea of participating in a Math-a-Thon to raise money for St. Jude children and families. Teachers explained the background of St. Jude to the students and made them aware of the hospital's mission," said Nut Swamp Mathematics Specialist, Abby Friend, who collaborated with third grade Nut Swamp teacher Diane Montesano to organize the fundraiser. "Our Nut Swamp K-5 Tigers wanted in! Excitement grew when students found out that they could be a part of helping St. Jude accomplish their mission."

In December students began registering for the Math-A-Thon fundraiser. Some registered as individuals and others teamed up with siblings. Leading up to the District's winter recess, students worked to develop their persuasive writing muscles by crafting speeches about the cause that could be delivered to friends and family members over the holiday break.

After students collected donations and sponsorships, they returned to class ready to solve math problems and raise funds.

"The students completed one math activity per day, and at the conclusion of the fundraiser, the Nut Swamp community had raised over $34,000," said Friend. "We were very pleased."

NJDOH and CDC Offer New Guidance Related to COVID Quarantines
The District was notified that the New Jersey Department of Health and the CDC have updated their COVID-19 recommendations as of January 19, 2021.

We are no longer required to quarantine individuals who were in close contact with an individual that exhibited COVID-compatible symptoms in school.

Individuals who are currently under quarantine for being in close contact with an individual who exhibited COVID-compatible symptoms in school can return to school upon clearance by a school nurse.

School personnel will notify you if your child is affected by the new quarantine recommendation. Please note, individuals who are being released from quarantine due to this change in recommendation may be required to quarantine if the individual who was exhibiting symptoms receives and reports a positive test result.

Additionally, all household contacts of symptomatic individuals will still need to quarantine for 14 days, or until a negative test result is received. Changes in the guidance from NJDOH have been reflected in the daily Health Screening Forms for students and staff. 

If you have any questions about your child’s need to quarantine, please contact your school nurse or building administrator. For additional information please review the MTPS COVID-19 Dashboard.
Watch the Jan. 20th Board of Education Workshop Meeting
Access the Jan. 26th BOE Voting Meeting
The Board of education is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Jan. 26th for its Voting Meeting.

The meeting agenda is available by visiting the "Board of Education" section of the District website.

Executive session is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

The public portion of the meeting is scheduled to begin at approximately 8 p.m.
 
Please follow the link, or the U.S. dial-in phone option, to attend the meeting.

Watch the MTPS Budget
Background Process Presentation
During the Jan. 20th Board of Education Workshop Meeting, Business Administrator Amy Doherty delivered a presentation regarding the 2021-2022 budget background and budgeting process. You may follow along with the video by reviewing the full Budget Background/Process Presentation.
MTPS Meals Free for All Students Through June 30; No Pre-order Required
As of January 19th the pre-order form for meal pick-ups is no longer required or needed. Meals are still offered at no charge for all Middletown families through June 30, 2021. All families may pick-up meals on Mondays and Thursdays at High School North, High School South or Ocean Ave Elementary School during the hours of 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. - 1:30pm.
Watch the MTPS Budget
Background Process Presentation
During the Jan. 20th Board of Education Workshop Meeting, Edward O'Malley of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. delivered a presentation regarding an update to the District's health insurance renewal strategy. You may follow along with the video by reviewing the full Renewal Strategy Update Presentation.
Watch the Jan. 12th MTPS Parent Information Committee Meeting
On Tuesday, Jan. 12th the MTPS Parent Information Committee met with members of the District Administrative Team to discuss a multitude of topics, including:


Learn more about this organization by visiting the "Parent Information Committee" section of the District website, and watch the Jan. 12 meeting in full by following the video link below.
High School South Students Offer District Peers a Helping Hand
Middletown students in need of help with school work are now able to look within the district for a helping hand.

Helping Hand is a group of High School South honor roll and Advanced Placement-level students motivated to offer free academic aid to fellow district students in need.

Additionally, the group offers services to parents to help better understand the work their students are focused on.

To learn more about Helping Hand and the different aid available, please visit https://helpinghandhomewor.wixsite.com/homework
Watch the 2021 MTPS Kindergarten Orientation
On Wednesday, Jan. 6th members of the district administrative team hosted more than 270 families of incoming kindergarten students during an annual Kindergarten Orientation event.

This was the first time administrators conducted this event virtually, and you may watch the orientation in full by following the video link.

Following a presentation that discussed the registration process, and a day in the life of an MTPS kindergartner, team members took more detailed questions from the audience.

MTPS Kindergarten registration opens on Monday, Jan. 11. For more information regarding the registration process, please visit the Registration section of the District website.
High School North News Team Releases Third Episode of 2020-21
District Launches Course Selection Website for Middle & High School Students
On Thursday, Dec. 17, the District hosted more than 300 eighth grade families for its virtual 8th Grade Open House and Pathways & Academy Night. This informational session for incoming students of High School North and South served as an introduction to the course selection process.

On Friday, Dec. 18 the District launched its new MTPS Course Selection Website, a user-friendly and interactive platform dedicated to providing middle school and high school students with information, resources and supports for their future course selection process.

The MTPS Course Selection Website includes course descriptions, informational videos and slideshow presentations, important documents and applications, and additional content pertinent to student experience.

Please visit the MTPS Course Selection Website today.
Harmony Remains #LucaStrong
with new Planting & Monument
Harmony Principal Erik Paulson, Middletown Police Chief Craig Weber, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry and the parents of Luca Iacono stand outside Harmony Elementary School where a new planting and monument to Luca have been set.
Last year the Harmony Elementary School community lost a beloved member of its family in Luca Iacono.

During a recent private ceremony in front of the school building, Luca's parents were joined by Harmony Principal Erik Paulson, Middletown Township Police Chief Craig Weber and Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry for the planting of a dogwood tree and the placement of a monument in remembrance of Luca.

The planting and the monument were set near bench that was previously placed in loving memory of Luca.

Harmony Elementary School and the entire Middletown Township Public School District extend its gratitude to the Township Committee for the donation of the dogwood tree, and Uras Monuments for the donation of the foot stone.

We will always remain #LucaStrong.
YMCA Academy Space & Child Care Subsidy Available for Expanded Care
The New Jersey School-Age Tuition Assistance Program can help you pay for care for your school-age child in need of child care as a result of COVID-19 remote learning schools schedules. To be eligible for this assistance, you must be:
a NJ resident; your child must be attending school remotely, either part-time or full-time; and
your annual gross household income must be $150,000 or less.

As part of this initiative, the state will pay your licensed or registered child care provider through December 30, 2020 for child care during the school day.

To apply for this visit https://www.childcarenj.gov/covid19 And for more information about YMCA before and aftercare, or to request a registration packet, email a[email protected].
The Middletown Township Public School District requires that a daily health screening form must be completed each day before your student(s) enters the building. Please visit the home page of your school's website to access your school's unique screening form, or follow the links below.