Parents & Guardians Play
Pivotal Role in Virtual Learning
|
|
In his
March 26 letter
to the community, Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed. D., praised the remarkable virtual learning effort put forth by the school community during this unprecedented time.
In addition to students, teachers and staff, Dr. George applauded the work of district parents and guardians, who have been thrust into a large educational support role.
Damien Font, a third grade teacher at Middletown Village Elementary School, explained that the working relationship between teachers and parents is stronger than ever.
“I’ll be doing a small group lesson in a Google Meet, and when I see parents in the background I’ll ask them to lean in and join us. I need them to understand my goals so that if they need to work one-on-one with their student later on, they can. Our parents are helping to reinforce our lessons. They’re our co-teachers right now, and they’re doing an incredible job,” said Font.
One of those parents is Pamela Brett, who has elementary and middle-school aged children in the district.
Brett, an educational consultant both in and outside of New Jersey, said she is “completely blown away by how well prepared and organized” the roll out of the district’s virtual learning plan has been. She credited the technology experience her children have gained in their respective classrooms for the successful transition to Virtual Home Instruction, as well as the technical knowledge of the district’s teaching staff, which has enhanced the support she is able to provide her children.
|
|
Virtual Library Launched with Reading Challenge
|
|
Schools may be closed by the district's library staff is still working to support our school community, providing avid readers of all grade levels the most up to date information and resources about how to get your reading fix during Virtual Home Instruction days.
While perusing the database of entertainment and educational materials, please consider participating in the MTPS Reading Challenge.
The district library staff is asking students, parents and teachers to post a photo, drawing, or video to your Twitter account, and be sure to tag your school librarian and the Middletown Township Public School district account
(
@MTPSpride
).
|
|
District Announces Revisions to Daily Educational Schedules During Virtual Home Instruction
|
|
Over the past week the District has announced a series of practical revisions to daily educational schedules of our K-12 students.
These revisions were informed by feedback provided by various community stakeholders, and data collected since the March 16th launch of the MTPS Virtual Learning Plan.
Please visit the links below for more information regarding these revisions.
Please note that the schedule revisions are only suggested schedules. The district's leniency protocols will remain in place, allowing students the flexibility to work through assignments at their own pace and at a time that is most convenient. Assignments will still have an 11:59 p.m. deadline on the day they are assigned, and teachers will continue to post all assignment at the beginning of each day, regardless of the scheduled block time.
|
|
MTPS Nurses Step Up to Serve the Greater Community
|
|
Middletown school nurses care a great deal about their community, which is why their nursing hearts have called them to duty to serve as public health nurses for the greater community.
In cooperation with the Middletown Township Board of Health, the district's 19 school nurses are stepping up to participate in a collaborative approach to communicable disease management and investigations during this pandemic. The group is trained to work with the local health department on communicable disease investigations of individuals reported to be COVID-19 positive. School nurses are providing COVID-19 mitigation education and counseling on isolation/quarantine strategies, as well as offering case management resources for issues that many people face, such as food insecurities, financial challenges and mental health referrals.
This public health partnership is an essential component of school nursing practice, targeting surveillance, health education and risk reduction. It is our hope that these efforts will help to contain the spread of COVID-19 between household members and close contacts in our community, while also decreasing admissions to our already overburdened hospital systems.
This is primary prevention at its best, demonstrating an aspect of school nurses’ public health practice that can be easily implemented. However, a partnership with the local health department is imperative to achieve optimal outcomes, so we appreciate the partnership we have developed with Rich DeBenedetto, Middletown Township Board of Health Director. School nurses are hopeful that this public health project and training program will serve as a model for other communities to replicate, allowing school nurses to relieve overburdened health departments and provide education to those positive or at risk for COVID-19 in a timely manner. With these strategies in place, school nurses can dampen the curve of the spread of this virus at the household and community level with the hope of keeping as many people out of the hospital as possible.
For additional resources and information from our nursing staff, please visit the new Virtual Health Office by
following the link
.
|
|
High School Principals
Address Quarterly Exams
|
|
On Friday, April 3rd, High School North Principal, Patricia Cartier, and High School South Principal, Matthew Kirkpatrick, issued letters to their school communities regarding third marking period quarterly exams.
For more information regarding upcoming quarterly exams, please follow the links below to locate the letter from your student's high school principal.
|
|
MTPS Film & Television Students Continue to Shine Online
|
|
Though access to their respective production studios is restricted during Virtual Home Instruction, students enrolled in our High School Television and Film Production classes are flourishing online.
Earlier this week it was announced that High School South students have had the following the films selected to appear in the Count Basie Center for the Arts Online Teen & College Film Festival. Follow the links to review their work.
|
|
|
t High School North, students saw their regularly scheduled film festival postponed, but moved the event online. You can view the films and hear from the artists in the video below, and can vote for your favorite films by
following the link
.
NOTE:
These student film productions coincide with the launch of the MTPS Arts Academy's Social Media Challenge, in which Director of Arts and Business, Steven Graziano, invites students from across the district to tap into their creativity during Virtual Home Instruction and develop works in whatever media they are most passionate about. Learn more about the challenge by
following the link
.
|
|
April BOE Meeting Date Changed
|
|
The Board of Education meeting scheduled for April 22nd has been postponed until Wednesday, April 29th.
On March 18th, the Board of Education and District Administrative Team met at High School North for the regularly scheduled Board of Education Workshop/Voting Meeting.
Follow the link to the right to review the meeting.
|
|
|
MTPS Maintaining the Routine
During Virtual Home Instruction
|
|
Since the March 16th launch of Virtual Home Instruction, district educators and administrators have focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy for students operating in an abnormal educational environment.
Embracing digital tools and tapping into their own creativity has allowed educators to preserve daily staples like morning announcements, morning meetings, reading circles and meetings between extracurricular groups have remained a regular part of our students’ days.
“Before we set out, I sent a letter to our parents letting them know how important it is during this time to stick to the routine,” said Harmony Elementary School Principal Erik Paulson. “Every morning, everyone walks through the entrance at Harmony. Students and parents are able to see me. They’re used to that. No one is walking in right now. This is something none of us have experienced before. But we can still engage with our students. They can still see me in the morning. That’s part of the routine.”
To help place students in the proper state of mind for a new day of Virtual Home Instruction, Paulson and his colleagues have made it part of their own routine to create
videos
or
live streams
on
YouTube
,
Facebook
and
Twitter
as a way to generate that face time with their respective school communities.
To learn more about our school community's journey, and the actions that led to the March 16th launch of Virtual Home Instruction,
please follow the link
.
|
|
Mayor Tony Perry Thanks School Community for Efforts During
Virtual Home Instruction
|
|
Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry delivered a video address to the school community, commending the efforts of students, parents and teachers during Virtual Home Instruction.
For more information and resources from Middletown Township, please
follow the link
.
|
|
MTPS Will Continue Virtual
Home Instruction Through April 17
|
|
In accordance with Governor Murphy’s March 26 statement, Middletown Township Public Schools will continue Virtual Home Instruction through
April 17.
For more information please
follow the link
to review a community letter from Superintendent of School, William O. George III, Ed.
|
|
MTPS Educator Offers Soundtrack
for Virtual Home Instruction
|
|
Thompson Middle School social studies teacher Michael Carlo has tapped into his creativity to soundtrack the Virtual Home Instruction experience. Click the link to see his Week 2 video.
|
|
Has your Student Taken the Pledge? Follow the Link for More Information
|
|
The MTPS Journey to Virtual Home Instruction: A Success Years in the Making
|
|
On Monday, March 16th, the Middletown Township Public School District logged on instead of coming to school.
Through the first week of Virtual Home Instruction the district vision has come to fruition: Middletown Township Public Schools are not closed in the wake of COVID-19 Coronavirus, but thriving, as educators continue to implement a digital learning plan that aligns with New Jersey Student Learning Standards and advances instruction.
Though the plan was only instituted earlier this week, it’s one that was years in the making, beginning in 2011 when Middletown Township Public Schools became a Google for Education District, followed by the adoption of one-to-one initiative that provided all students grades 3-12 with an internet-capable device by 2014. Beginning in 2016 the District became a leader in the national Future Ready framework, and earlier this year was one of four district's in the state to earn the highest level of Future Ready distinction.
To learn more about our school community's journey, and the actions that led to the March 16th launch of Virtual Home Instruction,
please follow the link
.
|
|
Virtual Home Instruction Internet Technology Support
|
|
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 during school days in the lobby of High School North from 8-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. For more information
please follow the link
.
|
|
Dr. George Delivers Congratulatory
Address to School Community Following Conversation with Congressional Leadership
|
|
On Tuesday afternoon, the Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed. D, was asked to participate in a small group meeting led by Tom Murray, the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools and the Alliance for Excellent Education in Washington D.C.
Future Ready
and the
Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed)
advocate on Capitol Hill for high-quality education opportunities for all students. With so many school closures across the country, federal policy makers have asked for recommendations on what the federal government can do to assist
public school districts during this challenging moment in time.
The group selected to participate was composed of six superintendents from across the country, and staff from the offices of United States Congressman Bobby Scott, and United States Senator Patty Murray. Representative Scott is the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, and Senator Murray is the lead Democrat in the U.S. Senate Education Committee.
Topics discussed included funding for internet-capable devices, WiFi connectivity, professional learning opportunities for staff, software applications to assist remote learning and special education services. Other important subjects covered were providing meals for families in need and counseling services for social-emotional support for students.
The Superintendents selected to participate included:
Kristine Orr, South Glens Falls School District, NY
Jill Siler, Gunter ISD, Texas
Jerry Almendarez, Santa Ana Unified School District, California
William O. George III, Ed.D., Middletown Twp. Public Schools, New Jersey
Matt Miller, Lakota Local Schools, Ohio
Joe Sanfelippo, Fall Creek, Wisconsin
|
|
Middletown Township is urging residents to to opt into Nixle to receive emergency communications and real-time alerts. For more information and additional township news alerts please visit
www.middletownnj.org
|
|
District Celebrates Student Creativity with MTPS Pride Doodles & Art Show
|
|
In March, the district celebrates "Art in our Schools Month," a way to recognize the creativity displayed by our K-12 students, and the educators who help mold these young artists.
In February, the district accepted submissions for its MTPS Doodle contest, a platform for students to explore their creativity around the theme of "MTPS Pride." The contest yielded some inspiring results, and each day this month, a new artist submission will be featured on the district website, Facebook page, and Twitter and Instagram feeds.
Additionally, the the district's annual art show launched on Monday, March 2nd at the Middletown Art Center. K-12 students from across the worked with their respective art teachers to develop pieces for display in the Middletown Arts Center gallery. The works are currently on display for the community to view. You can visit the Middletown Arts Center at 36 Church St.
To see a slideshow of the MTPS Pride Doodles of the Day through March 6th, please
follow the link.
|
|
District Administrative Team Addresses Novel Coronavirus
|
|
During the March 3rd meeting of the Parent Information Committee, the district administrative team addressed the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) by discussing measures that have been taken, and preventative actions for students and families.
Please review the address by watching the video below, and check the official CDC tip sheet to the right to see how you help prevent the spread of germs. Click the image to see a larger version.
|
|
River Plaza Honors Beloved Teacher
Margaret Morin with Reading Bench and Library
|
|
On Thursday, March 5th, the River Plaza Elementary School community came together for the dedication of a new reading bench and little free library in honor of its former first grade teacher, Mrs. Margaret Morin.
Morin passed away on Oct. 2, 2019 after teaching for 40 years at River Plaza.
Morin had a passion for launching special projects, such as the school's annual Dr. Seuss Day celebration.
In honor of that passion, the bench was designed to rest on two pillars of books, and the library was decorated with some of Dr. Seuss' most beloved characters.
|
|
New Parent Information Committee
Meeting Video Now Available
|
|
On Wednesday, Tuesday, March 3rd, Dr. George, members of the district administrative team, and Board of Education President Pamela Rogers met with attendees of the monthly Parent Information Committee meeting.
Please review the meeting by following the link to the right, and find more information by visiting
www.middletownk12.org/PIC
|
|
|
Educators of the Year Honored by
Dr. George and Board of Education
|
|
On Wednesday, Feb. 26th the the Middletown Township Public Schools Teachers and Educational Support Specialists of the Year for 2019-2020 were recognized by Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed. D., and presented with certificates and awards by Board of Education President, Pamela Rogers, and Board of Education member, John Little, during the evening's Board of Education meeting.
While being honored with special video presentations, educators were joined by their school administrators and students for photos in the High School North auditorium. To review all of the honorees, photographs, and videos
please follow the link.
|
|
To learn more about Brenna and her opportunity to represent her troop, school, and community, please watch the video to the right.
|
|
On Wednesday, Feb. 19th the Middletown Township Public Schools Unified Sports Basketball Program met Neptune in the Shore Conference Unified Sports Basketball Championship.
In December, District Director of Athletics, Rich Carroll announced the launch of the MTPS Unified Sports Program. The program brings together high school-age athletes with and without disabilities, placing them on the same team, and in equal and meaningful roles on that team.
Beginning in the spring, the MTPS Unified Sports Program will introduce a track and field offering. To participate in any Unified Sports activities, students must have a
permission slip
signed by a parent or guardian, as well as an updated physical exam. Any questions about the MTPS Unified Sports Program can be directed to Rich Carroll at
carrollr@middletownk12.org
.
|
|
YMCA Offers Services to all District Students
|
|
The Community YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
is currently providing a multitude of services for district students.
Enrollment in the YMCA Y-Kids before and after school program is serving more than 1,000 students daily at each
of the District's 12 elementary schools.
The YMCA also offers various school-based counseling programs and social services, and is currently serving more than 100 district students. As of January 2020, these
services are being offered district-wide.
For additional information about YMCA services, please follow the links below.
|
|
NJ State Elks Association College
Scholarship For Students with Disabilities
|
|
Each year the New Jersey State Elks Association's Special Children's Committee awards two scholarships, $10,000 in total, to graduating high school seniors (one male and one female), and two more $4,000 scholarships for the purpose of assisting students with disabilities in obtaining a college education.
The scholarship is awarded in the form of tuition payments in an annual amount not to exceed $2,500. For more information on the scholarship, and to review the application,
please follow the link.
|
|
Fairview 4th Grader Uses MTPS SPARK Project to Tackle Big Issues
|
|
|
|
Jeff is a fourth grader at Fairview Elementary School, and earlier this week he launched the first episode of his
Small Big Call
YouTube channel.
This video blog allows Jeff to pursue his passion for public speaking, and an interest in address global concerns by educating members of his own community.
|
|
Jeff's
Small Big Call
channel is a product of the MTPS SPARK (
S
tudent
P
athways to
A
utonomy
R
elevance and
K
nowledge) initiative, an effort to increase personalized learning opportunities for students.
SPARK was launched to generate greater student engagement in their studies by placing one's passions at the center of the learning process. To learn more about MTPS SPARK,
please follow the link
.
Check out the first episode of Jeff's
Small Big Call
video blog by following the link to the left.
|
|
River Plaza Celebrates Passion Projects
at SPARK Tank Education Fair
|
|
On Jan. 28, River Plaza Elementary School celebrated student passion projects with an education fair known as SPARK Tank.
The student showcase serves as an opportunity for fifth graders to display their SPARK initiatives.
The MTPS SPARK program is one that encourages students to research a topic of interest to them, document their learning journey, and design a product or plan of action to share with, and better, their surrounding community.
"It allows kids to be excited about what they learn, but most importantly, it gives the kids a chance to understand that, even though they are only 10 or 11 years old, they can be the change," said River Plaza Elementary Educator, Amanda Agresti.
SPARK is an acronym that stands for Student Pathways to Autonomy, Relevance, and Knowledge, and is an extension of the District's focus on expanding Global Citizenship Education. Learn more about the District's Global Citizenship Education efforts by
following the link
.
|
|
This is a reminder that school parking is not permitted at locations like Normandy Park and Tindall Park, and violators are subject to ticketing.
This problem has existed for some time, but the Township agreed students would not be ticketed, allowing the District time to create additional parking spaces at High School South. Earlier this year, High School South collaborated with the Board of Education and District Administrative Teams to create more than 100 new parking spaces on campus.
After February 1, 2020, students who park at either Normandy or Tindall will be ticketed.
In past weeks, our High School administrative teams have made morning announcements, coordinated community email and phone call campaigns, and placed notices on their respective electronic marquees to notify students and community members that school parking at these sites is not permissible.
This parking regulation is a statewide mandate delivered by the New Jersey Green Acres program. Though these parks are Township recreation facilities, state parking regulations apply because of state funding that assists the municipality in the purchase land for parks, as well as for park enhancements and alterations. Therefore, use of park lands must be limited to recreational uses and users. Failing to observe this mandate could negatively impact future state aid for our park system.
|
|
The News Stand
Student Journalists at Work
|
|
Follow the links below to review the latest reports from District school newspapers, newsletters, and video news teams.
|
|
Interested In Employment
Opportunities with the District?
|
|
Throughout the year new employment opportunities arise for educators, paraprofessionals, and more.
|
|
|
District Honored at 2019 NJSBA Workshop
|
|
|
|
Educators across the District are engaging students in personalized learning opportunities that build the skills necessary to one day flourish during college studies, a trade school education or in a rapidly evolving global work environment.
The District was recognized for this forward-thinking approach on Sept. 16th during a ceremony at the 2019 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop in Atlantic City. Read more
at the District website.
|
|
Learn More About Substitute Teaching
|
If you are interested in a flexible employment option that fits your lifestyle, a substitute teaching position may fit well with your lifestyle.
If you would like to learn please connect with Middletown Township Public Schools District Manager Deanna Scanlon at
dscanlon@ess.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
