Nut Swamp Students Pursue Passion to Support SPCA and St. Jude's
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The holiday season is a time of giving, and earlier this month five Nut Swamp Elementary School students donated the fruits of a passion project to the local branch of the SPCA and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
In December Nut Swamp student Marlowe Schorr enlisted the help of her friends, Mia Collins, Emma Merces, and Lilah Nicosia, as well as her younger brother Max, to open a holiday pop-up shop in the Schorr household.
The group sold handcrafted jewelry, key chains, candles, and wind chimes, the type of items Marlowe has been crafting for several years. There was also a table for baked goods. Friends and family attended the craft sale, but soon word began to spread on social media, and eventually neighbors near and far came to support the effort.
In total the students earned $1,948, resulting in a donation of $1,248 to the SPCA, and a $700 donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
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Enrollment is now open for the 2020-2021 MTPS Preschool year.
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Anti-Vaping Efforts Yielding Results
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Growing concerns over the loss of life and health risks related to vaping has prompted state legislators to work on passing a bill that would ban the sale of flavored vaping products in New Jersey.
Flavored vape cartridges, like strawberry watermelon, blue raspberry, and pink lemonade, are popular among consumers, and cater to a younger audience.
While legislators have been busy with the topic in Trenton, the District has been working to combat the epidemic for the last few years. Increased surveillance by staff and security has made an impact recently. District Student Assistance Counselors said one of the most impactful modifications was the transition to an open door policy for restroom entrances, in addition to regular facilities checks by staff members and security personnel to increase incident detection.
Following a severe year-over-year increase in 2016-17 to 2017-18 (14 to 77 incidences), District efforts resulted in a 32.5% decrease in vaping incidences (77 to 52), and a 38.3% decrease in suspension days handed down (162 to 100) from 2017-18 to 2018-19. This year, the number of incidences continued to decline through December. When comparing September through December of 2018 to 2019, the number of vaping incidences declined by 55% (22 to 10).
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NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities Resources & Programs
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The state Department of Human Services - Division of Developmental Disabilities provides public funding for services that assist New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 21 and older, to live as independently as possible. Services are available in the community and in five state-run developmental centers.
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STEM Pathway Students Find Inspiration at Rutgers Makerspace
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Students in the Middletown High School North and South STEM Pathway had the opportunity to visit the Rutgers University Makerspace and iTV Studio as part of the program. The students enjoyed the day tinkering and working with sophisticated technology in small groups led by the staff of Rutgers University. Many students commented that their eyes have been opened to new possibilities in STEM and further career and post-secondary opportunities.
For more information about the District's Pathways, Academies, and Advanced Placement courses
please follow the link
.
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An Important Message From District Security
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Please join the High School North girls basketball and softball programs on Saturday, Jan. 25th, 2020 for their Slam Dunk Autism event, a day of games that will raise funds in support of special education programs.
To view a full list of your school's events please visit the calendar on your school's website.
Important Dates
- Jan. 21 - Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting
- Jan. 22 - Board of Education Meeting (Initial Budget Presentation)
- Jan. 29 - Public Budget Meeting
- Feb. 5 - Public Budget Meeting
- Feb. 12 - Strategic Planning Public Forum #3B
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Alumni Return for Panel Discussion with STEM Pathway Students
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A panel of High School North alumni came back to campus Jan. 6 to speak to current students enrolled in the STEM Pathway program, a focused educational course load that over four years will prepare students to pursue a STEM-focused career or college major. Part of the pathway experience is the opportunity to interact special guest speakers and panels who are either professionals in various STEM-related fields, or in this case alumni at the next level of education.
The panel included the following alumni:
- Payleigh Behan ’16, Virginia Tech mechanical engineering major hired at Honeywell Aerospace for May 2020
- Spencer Bennet ’18, Environmental Science Major and intern at Boston Environmental Lab.
- Stephen Scala 18, engineering major.
- Gabi Cerbo ’18, pharmaceutical chemistry major at RPI and university researcher with internship.
- Jacy Lieberum '19, University of the Sciences, biological and pharmaceutical chemistry major with internship.
- Brian Dorobis '19, computer software engineer major, Rutgers University.
- Tyler Gunther '19,Rensselaer University chemical engineering and computer science double major.
- Mary McMullan ’19, TCNJ, Physics major.
- Dalia Habiby '19, Political Science American University and Washington D.C intern.
- Elyse Spinelli ’16, Villanova, Computer Engineering and mathematics major, intern for Lockhead Martin.
- Nicole Hannon ’19, Occupational Therapist doctoral program at Misericordia University.
- Katelyn Brink ’19, Stockton University, math major.
NOTE:
For more information about District Pathways, Academies, and Advance Placement courses
please follow the link
.
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The Middletown Township Public School District is in the early early planning stages of developing a camp for students grades 5-8 interested in pursuing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming in the summer of 2020.
Families of such students are invited to take part in a survey that indicates your child's availability for a potential STEAM Camp, and possible areas of study.
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Applications are now being accepted for the Middletown Township Public Schools Arts Academy, a focused course study designed for students with identified skills, talents, and passions in one of six tracks:
- Fine Arts
- Theater/Drama
- Instrumental Music
- Choral Music
- Digital Media Arts and Design
- Dance
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District Launches Unified Sports Program For All High School Athletes
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In December the District Director of Athletics, Rich Carroll, announced the launch of the Middletown Township Public Schools Unified Sports program.
The initiative will bring together high school-aged athletes with and without disabilities, placing them on the same team, and in equal and meaningful roles on that team. The 2019-2020 Unified Sports program will include basketball and track and field offerings.
The Unified Basketball season will begin with a series of skills clinics from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- January 8th (High School North)
- January 14th (High School South)
- January 22nd (High School North)
- January 28th (High School South)
Details about Unified Track and Field events will be provided at a later date.
To participate in upcoming Shore Conference basketball and track and field events athletes must have
a permission slip
signed by a parent or guardian, as well as an updated physical examination. Completed permission slips may be returned to our program coordinators:
Questions about the Middletown Township Public Schools Unified Sports program can be directed to Rich Carroll at
carrollr@middletownk12.org
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Date & Location for Strategic Planning Forum 3B
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The overwhelming participation from District stakeholders in the development of our Strategic Plan created a need to extend the process by dividing the third public forum into two sessions.
Strategic Planning Public Forum 3A was held Dec. 11 at High School North and can be viewed in its entirety by watching the video to the right.
During its Jan. 2 reorganization meeting the Board of Education adopted Wednesday, Feb. 12 as the date of Public Forum 3B. The forum will be held in the High School South Cafeteria beginning beginning at 7 p.m.
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If you were unable to attend Forum 3A please review the materials below:
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The District has many outstanding educational support staff professionals, and we are asking for the community to help identify those individuals whose skills, dedication, and understanding have made a positive impact.
Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 7th and can be returned to your nominee's building principal.
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NEW Parent Information Committee Video
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The District's Parent Information Committee met on Tuesday Jan. 7 and a full video of that meeting is now available for review by following the link to the right.
For more information about the Parent Information Committee, including upcoming meeting dates, minutes, and agendas please visit
www.middletownk12.org/PIC
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2020-21 Kindergarten Enrollment Open Until Feb. 28
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Kindergarten enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year will open Jan. 6th and close Feb. 28th.
Eligible students must be five (5) years of age on or before Oct. 1st, 2020.
Upon completion of the online enrollment process, parents will be prompted to schedule an appointment to meet with the District registrar.
For more information please follow the link below.
NOTE:
A Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 at 7 p.m. at High School North (Snow Date - Jan. 28, 2020).
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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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District Donates More Than $12K
to Kortney Rose Foundation
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During the Dec. 18 Board of Education meeting, Kortney Rose Foundation Founder and Executive Director, Kristen Gilette, was presented with a check for $12,891, a combined total that was collected during a month-long district-wide fundraiser that launched in October and ended in November.
The District surpassed its mark of $10,312 from the previous year by approximately 25 percent in 2019. The fundraising efforts will directly benefit the pediatric brain tumor research conducted by the Children's Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
This District fundraising effort followed donations made earlier this year by the student government associations of High School North and South, which presented the Kortney Rose Foundation with donations that combined to total more than $3,000.
In 2006, Gillette lost her daughter Kortney to a brain tumor. In the ensuing months, she created the
Kortney Rose Foundation
, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research. To date the group has raised more than $2.3 million, a total that includes fundraising contributions from Middletown Township Public Schools.
To learn more about the Kortney Rose Foundation, or to donate, please visit the
organization website
.
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Date Announced for Upcoming MCGDA Trade and Jobs Fair in Freehold
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The Monmouth County Guidance Directors Association is a professional non-profit organization composed of guidance directors from public and private schools across the county.
The organization invites students to its Trade and Jobs Fair on Feb. 27th from 6-8 p.m. at the Freehold Career Center to meet more than 50 representatives from trade schools, unions, employers, and the United States Military.
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Girls Teams Honored For Fall Championships
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The Dec. 18 Board of Education meeting also served as a setting to recognize three championship winning girls athletics programs from High School South.
The girls Cross County, Field Hockey, and Soccer programs each secured top finishes during post-season competition, but it was the long-distance running team that was among the class of the Northeast Region.
After winning county, conference, sectional, and group championships, the Cross Country program earned an invitation to the Nike Northeast Regional meet in New York State, where the Eagles earned a top five finish and narrowly missed an invitation to Oregon for the Nike Cross National Championship meet. However, freshman star Reese Fahys did land an individual invite national meet and placed 64th among the nation's top high school runners.
The girls field hockey and soccer programs each capped successful 2019 campaigns with a North 2, Group III sectional state championships.
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BOE Reorganization
Video Available
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The Board of Education met on Jan. 2 at High School North for its annual reorganization meeting, and video of the meeting is now available by following the link to the right. During the meeting the
2020 Board of Education meeting dates
were adopted. To view previous Board of Education meeting videos please
visit the District website
.
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Community Members Honored at BOE Meeting
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During the Dec. 18th Board of Education meeting, the administrative team and Board of Education took time to recognize and thank three community members for their contributions to the District.
Marguerite Stocker was presented with a certificate recognizing her efforts that helped River Plaza Elementary School secure a $1 million Safe Routes New Jersey grant for impact barrier fencing, sidewalk, and roadway improvements along Hubbard Avenue, a main artery many students and families traverse to reach the school.
Raymond Veth and High School North teacher Mr. Jon Scala were also honored for their contributions to Middletown's 100 Years of Football celebration in October, an event that looked back at the teams and players of High School North, South, Mater Dei Prep, and more.
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2020-20201 High School Course Selection Guide
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Looking to get a jump on planning for next year's high school classes?
The administrative team has released the High School Course Selection Guide for the 2020-2021 school year.
To download and print the guide book, or to review a digital copy, please visit the High School & Middle School Course Offerings page on the
District website
.
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District Partners With Rutgers On Innovative Paraprofessional Coaching Project
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The District has partnered with the Rutgers University Department of Psychology on a new program designed to enhance the methods by which paraprofessional classroom aides approach behavioral interventions for students with challenging behavioral disorders.
Over the course of a year, the Rutgers Paraprofessional Coaching Project will provide approximately eight collaborative coaching sessions that focus on training and empowering our paraprofessionals to implement evidence based behavioral interventions for students.
The project focuses on behavior support coaching to elementary school paraprofessionals (grades K-5) that work with 3 or more students in a classroom. The classroom teacher is also included in the coaching process and share back with districts all of the academic, social, and behavioral data that is collected for the participating students.
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Learn More About Substitute Teaching
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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
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Mental Health Staff Trains In Sand Play Therapy
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District mental health professionals were introduced to the basic tenets of Sand Play Therapy through a training facilitated by Toni Zachos Kaplan, LCSW of Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center.
Sand Play is an evidence-based and highly researched area of intervention for social skills, expressive techniques, and more.
Participants noted the specific potential of integrating sand play in their work, including: fostering connection between peers in social skills groups, engaging students who do not typically respond to highly verbal interventions and providing an effective method of expression to help students problem solve social situations.
This training was offered to members of the district’s Mental Health Board. The Mental Health Board, a newly introduced initiative composed of mental health professionals within the district, aims to provide professional development opportunities as well as district-wide education to further support social & emotional well-being of students.
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District Honored at 2019 NJSBA Workshop
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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.
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High School North Student Government
Announces Salute to Service Veterans Project
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The High School North Student Government has launched its Salute to Service Veterans Project, an effort to honor all community members that have served our country's military.
After the information gathering process is completed, the next stage of the project is to create a display honoring our soldiers that have been killed in action. The goal is to develop a design that can be replicated and showcased in each of our 17 District schools.
The group is seeking help to compile names and information about our active service members and veterans. Those wishing to share information can email Mr. Jonathan Scala at
scalaj@middletownk12.org
.
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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
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District Working to Develop
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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