District Students Celebrate
1ooth Day of School
Students and staff had Friday, Feb. 19th circled on their calendars to mark the annual 100th day of school milestone.

While some school community members recognized the day with themed mathematics lessons and creative thinking prompts, Ms. Jamie Clemente's second grade New Monmouth Elementary School Students dressed up for the occasion like 100-year old grandparents.
Have you Completed the District Calendar Survey?
The district is currently developing the 2021-2022 school calendar.

To assist us, we are asking for community input. Please log onto the Parent Portal and complete the very short survey by Sunday night at midnight. Your input is greatly appreciated.
NJ Cybersecurity & Communications Internship Available for High Schoolers
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) is invested in promoting internship opportunities for high school and college students.

The organization's internship program offers enthusiastic, high-performing, innovative students with an introduction to a career in cybersecurity, while offering practical work experience, real-world projects, and challenging opportunities to make a difference in the cybersecurity and resilience posture of the State of New Jersey.

The NJCCIC is currently accepting summer internship program applications, which are are due by March 5. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://www.cyber.nj.gov/internships/
Students Celebrate Black History Month with Reformer Sticker Designs
In recognition of February as Black History Month, district educators have presented students with unique and creative opportunities to learn more about iconic African American figures whose actions continue to shape and improve our society.

This week, eighth grade Thompson Middle School Students in Ms. Heather Engelkin's class presented their Reformer Stickers, developed images and logos related to historical figures such as Dorothea Dix, Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman that were affixed to digital canteens.
New Monmouth Elementary Staff Presents: "Good Morning Zoom"
Access the Feb. 23 BOE Voting Meeting & Educators of the Year Ceremony
The Board of Education is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd for a Voting Meeting.

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

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with our annual Educators of the Year ceremony scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
 
Please follow the link, or the U.S. dial-in phone option, to attend.


To review the Board of Education's Feb. 17 Workshop Meeting, please follow the video link below.
Ocean Avenue Accepts the Great Kindness Challenge
Ocean Avenue Elementary School encourages all Middletown community members and businesses to come together and participate alongside students and staff in The Great Kindness Challenge from February 1st to February 28th.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 health crisis, being kind is something that we can control, and put into practice. Through the The Great Kindness Challenge, Ocean Avenue has adopted a positive and proactive initiative that continues to impact millions of students and families around the world each year.
 
As part of the challenge, each student at Ocean Avenue is participating in a powerful and preventative anti-bullying effort that will lead to positive change within and outside of their school community by promoting unity and respect for all.

Fifth grade students are setting the example for their younger peers by serving as Kindness Ambassadors, who will promote and encourage the notion of paying kindness forward.
To create a consistent approach to spreading positivity, Ocean Avenue students and staff are performing as many acts of kindness as possible during this challenge. Students have accepted a challenge to complete a checklist of 50 acts of kindness to prove bullying is weakness and kindness is strength. The initiative also includes kindness bulletin boards and pay it forward kindness cards. The goal is for the cards to get passed along throughout the school and community and placed in as many hands as possible. 
 
“Kindness matters here at Ocean Avenue. So far the students are really enjoying this challenge and showing some really awesome acts of kindness. In addition to random acts of kindness, students and staff are actively seeking out purposeful acts of kindness,” said Kristie Tapolow, Ocean Avenue's Social Behavior Support Specialist. “We hope their efforts have an enduring effect because all kids deserve to learn and live in a safe, supportive and caring environment."

For their efforts, Ocean Avenue Elementary School was recently honored with a mayoral proclamation by Middletown Township Mayor, Tony Perry. Mayor Perry also addressed the school community with a video message you can watch below.
Google Update to Aid Meets
Middletown Township Public School District staff and students rely heavily on Google Meet to facilitate daily instruction. Google has released a new Google Meet update, which will keep Chromebooks running smoothly during video chats.


For additional tips and best practices for your District Chromebook use, please visit the Technology page on the MTPS Reopening of Schools website.
District Students Celebrate Black History Month
In February, the nation celebrates Black History Month, and in recognition of the event, District students are participating in lessons and activities that honor the groundbreaking achievements and African American leaders whose actions continue to shape our global society.

At Thompson Middle School, 8th grade social studies students are designing digital posters to illustrate the impact of such icons as Shirley Chisholm, Vice President Kamala Harris, Hiram Rhodes Revels, Thurgood Marshall and many more.
Fairview Students Earn Golden Pen Awards
During an unprecedented time education with so much focus on digital lessons and virtual learning, Fairview Elementary School's Danielle Gubitosa got back to the basics this week by recognizing a pair of her fourth grade students for their excellent penmanship. Congratulations to Kendyl and Miranda on earning their Golden Pen Awards!
District Update on Implementation of Phase 6
In a February 9 community update from Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Mary Ellen Walker, information regarding the implementation of Phase 6 of the MTPS Restart and Recovery Plan, the following information was delivered to our school community:

After careful review of the responses to the 5 day selection form and consultation with our public health and medical professionals, we have determined that we will be able to increase the number of in person learning opportunities for students at each level.

For additional information regarding the elementary, middle and high school levels, please review this Feb. 9 community update.
YMCA Y-Kids Program Accepting Students at District Schools
Need before or after care services for your student? 

The YMCA Y-Kids Program is accepting students at District schools and providing virtual support and enrichment activities, while following all CDC health and safety guidelines.

For additional information and to request a registration packet, please send an email to [email protected] 
YMCA Offers COVID-19 Response Resources for Parents, Guardians and Teachers
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.