Thorne Students Honor the Fallen During Memorial Day Ceremony

On Friday, May 28th Thorne Middle School conducted its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, an event to honor the school community's namesake, Corporal Horace M. "Buddy" Thorne, and all United States Armed Forces service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. The ceremony included a wreath laying, performances by The B Naturals student vocal group, the playing of "Taps" by Thorne music educator and band director Jeffrey Canter (a Vietnam War Veteran), and student readings about Corporal Thorne's heroic actions during World War II, for which he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Watch the Thorne Middle School Memorial Day Ceremony in full below.

High School South Artists Standout in Virtual Showcase

High School South's annual art show looks a little different this year, as students from all grade levels have gathered their year's worth of incredible work for a virtual showcase that is now available to the public. "This is a different show for us in many ways. However, it still represents the culmination of creativity, learning new skills, and perseverance that occurred this year," said High School South Teacher of Fine Arts, Christen Tummillo. With more than 600 students enrolled in High School South art classes, this showcase represents a true cross section of the artists' diverse styles, techniques and points of view. "We could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our students in our classes, and are incredibly proud to share this show with you," added Tummillo.

Superintendent of Schools, Mary Ellen Walker, extends her sincere thanks to our district art educators for teaching their students how to express themselves through art, and empowering them with the skills and techniques to do so. "This was more important than ever during this difficult school year," said Superintendent Walker. "This virtual art show is so well done, but we are looking forward to the return of our in-person school events in the future." Visit the 2021 High School South Virtual Art Show.

Thompson Podcaster Earns 1st Place in International Competition

Thompson Middle School eighth grade student, Daniela Forte, was recently awarded first place in the International Student Podcast Competition. Forte took top prize in the "You HAVE to Read this Book" category, which prompted student submissions discussing reading suggestions for their peers. The competition received submissions from 26 countries, but it was Forte's production for her podcast series, "Into the Library," which garnered the most praise. Forte submitted an intriguing synopses of the book Alex Approximately by Jenn Bennett. Listen to Forte's award winning submission. Forte learned of the competition through her student advisory class at Thompson, and developed her submission during advisory period and during Thompson Tech Club meetings. Congratulations to Daniela on her award-winning effort. Learn more about the International Student Podcast Competition.

Thorne Students Gain Artistic Inspiration from Jackson Pollock

Thorne Middle School students in Mrs. Kristyn Corace's class channelled their inspiration from a recent art history lesson on Jackson Pollock to develop eye-catching works of their own. Pollock was a primary figure in the abstract expressionist movement, and gained wide notoriety for pouring and/or splashing paint on to a horizontal surface, rather than a traditional vertical canvas. This "drip-technique" allowed Pollock to view and paint a canvas from all angles, and his style was often referred to as "action painting" or "all-over painting." Congratulations to Mrs. Corace's class on the exceptional work!

High School South's Stillitano a Double Champ at Conference Meet

High School South senior Aaron Stillitano shined bright at the Shore Conference Championship Meet, securing two individual sprint titles in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash events. Stillitano edged Donovan Catholic sprinter James Bivins in both events, posting a winning time of 10.92 in the 100, followed by a 21.97 in the 200. Stillitano, who is committed to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Pennsylvania, will follow up on this performance on June 4 and 5 at the NJSIAA Central, Group III sectional championship meet at Jackson Liberty High School.

MTPS Seniors Can Use Google Takeout to Secure Work Before Graduation

NJSIAA Recognizes Scholar-Athlete Award Winners

Alexander Bogues of Middletown High School North Lia Simoniello of Middletown High School South

The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletics Association (NJSIAA) recently awarded $187,000 in scholarship funds to 375 student-athletes across the state, including representatives from High School North and High School South. Alexander Bogues (soccer, basketball, track) of High School North and Lia Simoniello (field hockey, softball) of High School South were honored as part of the NJSIAA's 28th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards initiative, which offers each of New Jersey's member schools to select one graduating senior as its scholar-athlete of the year. “These students are always an impressive group, and that’s even more the case in 2021, given the challenges they’ve all navigated since the spring of their junior years,” said NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire. “To be recognized, they’ve had to put in quite a bit of hard work, while learning to be resilient under circumstances no one has dealt with before.” See the full list of 2021 NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete Award Winners.

MTPS Summer Reading Materials Now Available

In preparation for the summer recess, earlier this week the district administrative team released its summer reading menus for K-12 students. You can review the reading menus below. K-5 Summer Reading Menus Grade K into 1 Grade 1 into 2 Grade 2 into 3 Grade 3 into 4 Grade 4 into 5 Middle School Summer Reading Menus Grade 5 into 6 Grade 6 into 7 Grade 7 into 8 High School Summer Reading Menus Grade 8 into 9 Grade 9 into 10 Grade 10 into 11 Grade 11 into 12

High School North Creatives Featured in Digital Arts Show

High School North students studying in the Applied Arts and Design program with Mrs. Carin Kuzmin recently had their work featured in a virtual visual arts showcase, displaying their creations from the 2020-21 academic year. "The student artwork is amazing! And our wonderful teaching staff did an incredible job inspiring and helping their students to demonstrate their talents," said Superintendent of Schools, Mary Ellen Walker. Mrs. Kuzmin said this virtual showcase is a testament to the skill and perseverance of her students to create during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 health crisis. "Our students demonstrated strength, creativity and growth. While the rules and standards within the art room limited our general use of multi-media, next year, in what will hopefully be a normalized learning environment, we look forward to working again with a variety of mediums, including clay and plaster." Kuzmin said she also hopes this art showcase can return to the High School North Media Center, where it was traditionally held 17 years prior. Follow the link to review the 2020-21 Applied Arts and Design Visual Arts Showcase.

North News Sits Down with Legendary NJ Rocker Bobby Bandiera

Middletown North's award winning news anchor, Sophia Haber Brock, continued her regular interview series with a legend of the New Jersey music scene, Bobby Bandiera. Bandiera performed as a touring musician with Bon Jovi from 2005-2015, and for two decades has served as the lead guitarist for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bandiera's own band has also been called upon over the years by Bruce Springsteen to back the boss at various fundraising performances. Watch Haber Brock's full interview with Bandiera below.

High School South Earns Recognition from Anti Defamation League

Middletown High School South was recognized by the Anti Defamation League by earning designation as "No Place for Hate." No Place for Hate is a self-directed program that empowers students, educators and community members to cultivate a learning environment that promotes inclusivity, respect and equity. With this recognition, High School South joins more than 1600 schools across the nation to be designated as "No Place for Hate." For more information about the No Place for Hate program, please visit the Anti Defamation League website.

Students Honored During Board of Education Recognition Ceremony

Prior to the May 25 Board of Education Voting Meeting, the Board of Education and District Administrative Team honored various students for recent academic, creative, philanthropic and athletic achievements. The following student-athletes (pictured above) were recognized for competing in New Jersey's Special Olympics. Brooke Charles, High School South Rochelle Donaldson, Thorne Middle School Brianna Emmerson, Thorne Middle School Michael Frunzi, High School South Andrew Heer, High School South Carly Hoffman, Harmony Elementary School Sean Liberatore, Bayshore Middle School Marek Moylan, High School South Lochlan Pullen, Middletown Village Elementary School

The following students (pictured above) were recognized for their accomplishments in the 2021 Law Day Contest, hosted by the Superior Court of New Jersey. Abhigna Chittiboina, Fairview, Law Day Poetry Contest, 1st Place Olivia Lopusznick, New Monmouth, Law Day Poetry Contest, 2nd Place Emily Helwig, New Monmouth, Law Day Poetry Contest, 3rd Place Jeff Jiju, Fairview, Law Day Art Contest, 1st Place Lindsey Winters, New Monmouth, Law Essay Contest, 1st Place

The following students (pictured above) were recognized for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Kevin Carmody, High School North James DeRugerlis, High School South Jack Zrebiec, High School North

The students pictured above were recognized for their inclusion in the 700 and 800 clubs, respectively. Students earn their place in this club by registering a 700 or higher on a subject area test(s) for the College Board SAT's. Follow the link to the review the 2020-21 High School North and South SAT 700-800 Club Members.

High School North senior Luke Kratz (pictured above) was recognized for receiving the High School Guidance Caring Award. Luke was chosen to represent his school community for demonstrating exceptional caring and compassion to a cause, group, or program during his high school career.

The following students (pictured above) were recognized as New Jersey Technology Student Association State Competition Recipients. Shachi Benara, High School South - Honorable Mention (National Center for Women & Technology - Awards for Aspiration in Computing) Shachi Benara, High School South - 1st Place - Promotion and Design (NJ Technology Student Association State Competition) Melissa Rich, High School South - 2nd Place - Optical Engineering (NJ Technology Student Association State Competition) Morgan Scasny, High School South - 2nd Place - Optical Engineering (NJ Technology Student Association State Competition)

Watch the May 25 Board of Education Voting Meeting

High School North Captures Monmouth County Championship

The High School North girls track and field program captured the Monmouth County Championship for the second time in program history. The team's title chase was led by senior Rett Schnoor and junior Hailey Guerrieri, who each secured two individual championships. The dynamic duo's efforts helped the Lions register 84 total team points to edge second place Colts Neck (68 points) and third place Holmdel (67.5 points). Schnoor, who will continue her academic and athletic career at Monmouth University, won the 100-meter dash event with a time of 12.55, before leaping to a first place finish in the long jump with a mark of 17-10. Schnoor added a second place finish in the 200-meter race with a time of 25.58, just .36 seconds off the championship pace of Holmdel's Sydney Goldson. Guerrieri was victorious in the triple jump event with a 33-08 as well as the 100-meter hurdle event, where she placed first with a time of 15.53 ahead of teammates Olivia Kielty (16.2) and Kathleen Mayhew (16.73), who finished second and third, respectively.

Middle School Artists Display Work During Outdoor Expos

Visual and performing artists from Thorne and Thompson Middle Schools put their work on display this week during outdoor expos that featured table and window displays established around the campus. Peers, families and community members were invited to walk around the respective campuses to observe the work of these talented artists, before being treated to socially distanced band performances.

MTPS Middle School Promotion and High School Graduation Schedules

On Friday, May 14 Middletown Township Public Schools released the dates of its upcoming middle school promotion and high school graduation ceremonies. All events will be held on the football fields of High School North and High School South, respectively. For additional information please visit the district website, or your middle or high school website. Middle School Promotion Ceremony Schedule High School Graduation Ceremony Schedule

Middletown Village Students Celebrate Movers and Shakers

For the final leg of their reading workshop character unit, third grade students at Middletown Village Elementary School participated in a project focused on significant individuals who changed the world. Students choose a biography of interest from the "Who Is/Was" series and applied their character study skills and strategies to develop a greater understanding about the life and contributions of their subjects. During their reading workshops, student researchers in Mr. Font, Mrs. Markiewicz and Mrs. Woods’ classes experienced the Holocaust with Anne Frank, planned a theme park with Walt Disney, discussed conservation with Steve Irwin, sang classic soul music with Aretha Franklin and fought for equality with Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Through mini-lessons, conferences, post-its and notebook entries, students worked at home with recycled plastic bottles to create a physical representation of the individual they studied. The models were displayed in a school museum for peers, faculty and staff to visit during Middletown Village's Museum Day. Next to the models, student researchers placed a Chromebook for visitors to watch a recorded video that provides additional information about their subject, and to answer two important essay questions: Why is there a book about your subject? How would the world be different without your subject? During Museum Day, fifth grade students were invited to view the bottles, watch the videos and discuss the work these student researchers completed. School parents were also invited to view a digital recording of the Museum Day exhibits via Google Slides. While the method by which this unit was shared was different than in previous school years, these researchers were not only able to celebrate their world changing subjects, but also the BIG work they did as readers.