District Transitioning to Phase 4 of Reopening of Schools Plan |
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On Friday, Superintendent of Schools, Mary Ellen Walker, delivered a community update regarding the district's transition to Phase 4 of its reopening of schools plan.
The district administrative team has worked closely with the Department of Health to monitor district, local, county and state data related to COVID-19, and as of the evening of Oct. 8th, the district's ability to transition to Phase 4 o Monday, Oct. 12th was confirmed.
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District Schools Participate in
New Jersey's Annual Week of Respect
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School districts across the state observe this event by providing age-appropriate learning opportunities focusing on the prevention and remediation of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying on campuses, as well as in digital classrooms and on social media platforms.
As part of the weeklong event, students took part in classroom projects, like the creation of kindness chains, word association webs, class share outs and so much more. Students were also prompted to wear blue clothing, hats and school-related attire in support of anti-bullying practices.
In our high schools, students and staff adopted the Social-Emotional Charter, which supports a commitment to helping those in and outside their respective school communities feel safe by maintaining awareness and displaying respect at all times.
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Nominate your Teacher/Education Support Specialist of the Year |
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Help celebrate our incredible educators by submitting your nomination form for Teacher/Education Support Specialist of the year by October 22nd.
Locate your school's unique digital nomination form below.
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WATCH: Oct. 6th Parent Information Committee Meeting Video |
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On Tuesday, Oct. 6th the District's Parent Information Committee met with members of the administrative team and Board of Education President Pamela Rogers to discuss various topics, including procedures and practices regarding positive cases of COVID-19 in our schools.
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Tech Tips: Best Practices for
Improved WiFi Connectivity
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- Reboot Your Chromebook nightly to clear the memory by pressing and holding Refresh, while tapping the Power key one time. Finally, release both keys
- Close any unnecessary tabs to free up resources.
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Check your router location. Walls, appliances, additional connected electronics, ductwork and distance of your student's Chrombebook from the device will all reduce signal strength.
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Run a bandwidth speed test. If upon completing your bandwidth test you find your download speed is less (<) than 100Mbs, or that your upload speed is less (<) than 10Mbs, please call your Internet provider for assistance.
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Update your Chromebook operating system (OS) to the latest version.
- Remove unnecessary Chrome extensions
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Reset your Chromebook to fix a number of issues
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State of New Jersey Launches
COVID Alert Phone App
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COVID Alert NJ is New Jersey's free and secure mobile app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The app also provides users with up-to-date information on New Jersey reopening news, key COVID-19 metrics, and a user-friendly symptom tracking tool. COVID Alert NJ uses Bluetooth proximity technology. The app will never record any identifying data. All users will remain anonymous. |
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How it Works:
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Download COVID Alert NJ on the App Store or Google Play Store. Opt-in to receive "Exposure Notifications"
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As you go about your day, the app will use Bluetooth to sense any "close contacts"—other app users who are within 6 feet of you for more than 10 minutes
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When your app senses a close contact, your phone will exchange a secure random code with the close contact's phone. It's important to note that your location and name are never disclosed
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If you test positive for COVID-19, a public health representative will call you and ask if you're willing to anonymously notify your "close contacts" by uploading your app's close contact codes
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Each day, the app will compare your list of close contact codes to the list of codes associated with positive COVID-19 app users. If there's a match you will get an Exposure Alert, along with appropriate next steps
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High School South Trio Recognized
as National Merit Scholars
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Earlier this week a trio of High School South students were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars.
Seniors David Bedetti, James Burns and Andrea Lopez were presented with their National Merit Commended Scholar certificates for their outstanding performances on their preliminary SAT exams.
Only the top 3-4 percent of PSAT scorers in the country are named National Commended Merit Scholars.
Congratulations to David, James and Andrea on their wonderful achievement.
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MTPS Accepting Applications for Substitute & Leave Replacement Teachers |
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The Middletown Township Public School District is now accepting applications for Substitute and Anticipated Leave Replacement Teachers for all Pre-K to 12 positions. To apply, please visit middletownk12.org/employment and follow the prompts for Contracted and Substitute openings.
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District Athletics Begin; General Admission Tickets Not Available |
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Earlier this week, athletics programs across the district opened their regular season schedules.
Please be advised that a cap of 500 spectators is in effect at our football stadiums and playing fields. Due to this state-mandated capacity level, there will be no general admission tickets available to athletics events that require tickets.
Participants in these ticketed events, such as team, cheer and band members, will be provided two tickets each for distribution to family. Opposing team members will be provided 100 tickets for distribution to family. Any remaining tickets will be raffled off to our respective student bodies.
Athletic Event Advisories
Please note that no one in attendance at an athletic event is permitted to enter school buildings or facilities. Portable bathrooms will be made available.
Additionally, no spectators are permitted to watch events from outside football stadiums or along the fence lines of football stadiums.
Snack bars will not be operations during our home events.
Finally, the District is still exercising a 'No Bag' policy for all district events. This extends to bags, purses and backpacks. Small clutches, diaper bags and camera bags are acceptable, but will be searched by security staff.
For those unable to attend fall athletic events, home games and some away games can be viewed on NFHSNetwork.com. Search for Middletown North or Middletown South and you will be able to select the event you would like to watch. A subscription fee does apply.
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District Personnel Contribute to Concussion Management Series |
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Last week, as part of Brain Injury Awareness Day, High School North athletic trainer, Danielle Mitterando-Kanski, and district head nurse, Eileen Gavin, contributed to the creation of an educational video series presented by the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BAONJ).
The BAONJ is an organization dedicated to guiding athletes and their families through the process of concussion, and post concussion recovery.
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Mitterando-Kanski and Gavin serve as members of the BAONJ's Concussion in Youth Sports Steering Committee, and the associated video series features them in segments regarding concussion management.
This Concussion Management Team video series is an introduction to the different roles and members of each individual's concussion management team, which may include an athletic trainer, clinical neuropsychologist, school nurse, doctor of physical therapy, and pediatric sports neurologist.
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COVID-19: Nursing Staff Guide for Families to Protect Themselves & Others |
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As the district continues to implement its phased reopening plan, the Middletown Township Public Schools Nursing Staff is urging families to review its Return to School During COVID-19 presentation regarding tips and best practices for students, parents and guardians.
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District Committee Promotes Equitable & Inclusive Educational Experience |
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In alignment with the District’s commitment to fostering inclusion and equity, a committee composed of administrators, teachers and students met virtually on September 30, 2020 to discuss ideas related to maintaining and enhancing classroom environments that promote engagement, safety and positivity for all students.
Teachers and students shared their perspectives and experiences with district and building administrators, and the group determined the first initiative of the committee is to develop a classroom mission statement that builds upon our district mission to empower students by upholding the values of inclusivity, engagement and safety in our educational environments. Members of the high schools’ respective diversity clubs will spearhead this effort, which includes seeking feedback from their student bodies via a survey.
Dr. Morales, Supervisor of Social Studies and Technology, shared the progress the district has made so far in the areas of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Some of these initiatives include introducing new curriculum that focuses on global and/or cultural competencies, updating curriculum to incorporate more diverse perspectives, and planning professional development for educators. In addition, the district is creating new Equity/Inclusion Specialist positions that will help facilitate future initiatives.
Our school community’s commitment to developing an equitable, diverse and inclusive educational experience is evident in our mission statement, strategic plan, and continued efforts to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to “promote a positive climate and culture of acceptance and appreciation for diversity and inclusion within our schools and community.” (2020-2025 Strategic Plan Goal 2, Objective 3).
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High School North Principal Honored by Alpha Delta Kappa New Jersey |
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On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire school community, the district administrative team would like to congratulate High School North Principal, Patricia Vari-Cartier, Ed.D., for being honored by Alpha Delta Kappa New Jersey as the recipient of the organization's Excellence in Education award.
Dr. Cartier was identified by Alpha Delta Kappa after receiving a nomination from her colleagues and peers for her professional achievements, dedication to her school community and district, and numerous other contributions to the field of education, in addition to her unwavering commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa.
"Receiving this honor gave me pause for reflection on my career in public education, the challenges we face as educators, and how we are able to rise and meet those challenges," said Dr. Cartier.
"This is an absolutely humbling experience for me. As someone who has taught at all levels of K-12 education, served on different committees, and contributed to writing various curricula, it humbles me to be recognized in this fashion. I'm proud of what I do, and what we have accomplished over the years at High School North, and in our district. I am not alone in this honor. It takes a full team to accomplish any professional or personal goal, and I can't thank enough those who have supported me throughout my career," she added.
Middletown Township Public Schools had previously established an Alpha Lota chapter comprised of members of our district, as well as neighboring school districts in the Borough of Atlantic Highland and Holmdel Township.
More than 29,000 women educators around the world have discovered the many opportunities provided by membership in Alpha Delta Kappa for recognition of their commitment to educational excellence, for personal and professional growth and for collectively channeling their energies toward the good of their schools, communities, the teaching profession and the world. Alpha Delta Kappa has more than 1,200 chapters located in towns and cities in every state in the U.S. and around the world in Australia, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Membership, which is honorary and based on peer recognition, provides a wealth of opportunities for leadership development and networking through workshops, training sessions, conferences and conventions. Around the world, Alpha Delta Kappa members combine their energies and talents to enrich their lives and the lives of others through thousands of heartwarming, community-based altruistic projects.
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Facilitating Positive & Inclusive Student Discussions in Social Studies |
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In June 2020, the New Jersey Department of Education released the revised New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Social Studies. The mission included in this document reads, “Social studies education provides learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and perspectives needed to become active, informed, and contributing members of local, state, national, and global communities.” The MTPS social studies department will use these standards to drive all curricular revisions and new curriculum this year. In addition to these standards, social studies educators are also required to address the following New Jersey laws when appropriate: Amistad Law (N.J.S.A. 18A 52:16A-88), Holocaust Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-28) and LGBT and Disabilities Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.35).
In addition to the content-focused standards in each grade level’s curriculum, NJSLS 6.3 “Active Citizenship in the 21st Century” is woven into all district social studies courses, just as we incorporate literacy and technology standards into our curricula. An important component of active citizenship is developing knowledge of current events (local, national and global), and creating connections to historical people, places and events. All teachers, including teachers of social studies, are tasked with supporting students in the development of skills to be contributing members of our society. Some of these skills include: identifying bias in online/print sources, formulating a position and/or argument supported by evidence, communicating ideas effectively and respectfully, and considering multiple perspectives. The College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework of the National Council for the Social Studies provides teachers with specific practices to teach these skills.
As educators, we understand that discussing certain historical topics and current events may make some students uncomfortable. Particular lessons may challenge students’ own points of view or those of their friends and family members. When teachers facilitate positive student discussion of age-appropriate topics in a structured environment, however, students are able to learn how to “agree to disagree” and engage in healthy conversations about sensitive topics. Avoiding these types of discussions does a disservice to our students who will need these skills to be successful in their future lives and careers. As District Policy 2240 states, “The Board of Education believes that the consideration of controversial issues has a legitimate place in the instructional program of the schools. Properly introduced and conducted, the consideration of such issues can help pupils learn to identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue, weigh carefully the values and factors involved, and develop techniques for formulating and evaluating positions.”
Our social studies educators are committed to maintaining a bias-free classroom environment where all students feel welcome and are encouraged to voice their opinions in a respectful manner. As stated in District Policy 2240, “Teachers must encourage fair presentation and open-mindedness and the free exchange of ideas in a spirit of scholarly inquiry, drawing upon information and insights from the widest feasible range of resources.” Teachers will continue to draw connections between the past and present, dedicate time to skill development as well as content, and use age-appropriate resources to expose students to multiple perspectives on both historical and modern-day people and events.
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YMCA Counseling Services & School-Age Tuition Assistance Program |
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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 Dec. 30, 2020 for child care during the school day.
For more information about YMCA before and aftercare, or to request a registration packet, please email afterschool@ymcanj.org.
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Mayor Tony Perry Pays Virtual Visit
to River Plaza Third Graders
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On Sept. 29th, Middletown Township Mayor, Tony Perry, paid a virtual visit to River Plaza Elementary School third grade class of Ms. Jaimie Middleton. Mayor Perry took questions from students regarding the importance of community service and involvement, as well as various aspects of mayoral role. |
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High School North Earns
Sustainable Jersey Certification
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School North was recognized by Sustainable Jersey, a non-profit organization supporting community efforts across the state to reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental equity.
The Lions were awarded Bronze Certification as part of a group of 147 schools to be certified in 2020.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a voluntary certification program for pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 public schools in New Jersey. Each school that is certified at the bronze level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of sustainability actions.
This is the second time High School North has attained Bronze Certification, a journey the school’s Principal, Patricia Vari-Cartier, Ed. D., said began in 2015 with the formation of a community Green Team dedicated to organizing and implementing sustainable initiatives on and around campus.
The installation of water bottle refilling stations in high traffic areas throughout the building, as well a community gardening partnership with the nearby Westminster Presbyterian Church were initial actions toward certification. Additional steps included initiatives established through participation in the Future Ready program, as well as participation in the School Culture Transformation Project, in partnership with Rutgers University.
However, High School North’s flagship enterprise was the launch of its on-campus Horticulture Center, a site managed mainly by students enrolled in the school’s visions program and dedicated staff.
Located at the heart of the High School North community, this cultivation center features a greenhouse and gardening beds, and will soon be accented by chicken coops that will serve as an educational tool for students interested in animal care, as well as a means to supply culinary students with farm fresh eggs.
“This is an opportunity to take things to the next level and positively impact students with different interests,” Dr. Cartier said of the horticulture center. “Everyone hopes they leave behind a legacy, and I hope this will be the legacy of our school community. The students and staff have shown incredible dedication, and I believe these efforts will benefit future generations of High School North students.”
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Update on School Enrollment
and Demographic Study
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During the Sept. 23rd Board of Education Workshop/Voting meeting, the district received a presentation from Millone and MacBroom regarding an update on school enrollment and a demographic study.
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Two New Appointments to
District Administrative Team
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Marc Seigal was appointed Director of of Science, Health and Physical Education
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Patrick Rinella was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Student Activities |
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During the Sept. 23 Board of Education Workshop/Voting Meeting, district administrator Patrick Rinella was appointed to serve as Assistant Superintendent for Student Activities and Services.
The role was previously held by current Superintendent of Schools, Mary Ellen Walker.
"Mr. Rinella has a wealth of administrative experience as a former Middletown High School South Principal and District Director. He is highly respected by teachers, administrators and parents for his character, knowledge, and commitment to our students. We look forward to his leadership in the role of Assistant Superintendent," said Mrs. Walker.
Rinella steps into the position at a critical and unprecedented time for public education in the age of COVID-19.
“There is always a little anxiety when taking on a new role, and introducing COVID-19 to that scenario certainly heightens things a little bit. But the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built over the last 20 years in the district will certainly help navigate us through successfully. We have a great team in place, and I look forward to continuing to work with district leadership to move our district in a positive direction,” said Rinella.
Rinella joined the district in 2002 as a mathematics teacher at Thompson Middle School, and served as a wrestling coach at nearby High School South. He would later serve as High School South principal for six years, ahead of a three-plus year stint as the District Director of Student Support Services.
High School South science teacher and education technology specialist, Marc Seigal, was also appointed Wednesday evening to serve as the Director of Science, Health and Physical Education.
Seigal has served as a chemistry teacher at High School South, as well as a curricular coach for the science department. He was also instrumental in assisting staff with the integration of technology into classrooms during the district’s one-to-one initiative, in which Middletown students and teachers were supplied with and trained to use internet capable devices. This initiative and Seigal's contributions have proved pivotal during the district's transition to virtual home instruction in March, as well as its adaptation to a hybrid model of education during the 2020-21 academic year. Seigal also performs in a leadership role for the Middletown chapter of Relay for Life.
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District Receives $375K
Allocation in State COVID-19 Relief
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During the Sept. 23 Board of Education Workshop/Voting Meeting, Business Administrator Amy Doherty announced that the district has been allocated more than $375,000 by the state of New Jersey in Coronavirus relief funding. On Aug. 26, Governor Murphy announced an allocation of $100 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. |
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The allocation was to assist public schools, charter schools and renaissance school projects with defraying costs associated with reopening for the 2020-21 year.
These funds must be used to address health and safety measures necessary to support reopening for in-person instruction and to support students during periods of remote learning.
Examples of eligible expenses are cleaning and sanitizing supplies, personal protective equipment (such as masks, hand soap, sanitizer and gloves), HVAC filters, and technology for staff to continue instruction during remote learning or to help schools reopen.
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Work Out Wednesday at Hit at Harmony Elementary School |
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Workout Wednesday has become a virtual staple for students at Harmony Elementary School, thanks to the innovation and creativity displayed by physical education teachers Justin McGhee and Kristen DeSavino.
The seeds of this initiative were planted in the spring, following the district’s March 15 transition to virtual home instruction. Over the months that followed, these digital workouts have been honed to impact students and families in a bigger way.
“This isn’t just an activity we do with students once a week during class. We design it so these families can bring these fun workouts into their homes and do them anywhere where there’s enough space,” said McGhee.
This educational partnership between McGhee and DeSavino has developed in the opening weeks of the 2020-21 academic year, as the pair has displayed complimentary skill sets that have enhanced the engagement and experience of their students.
“I’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” said Harmony Principal Erik Paulson. “[McGhee and DeSavino] are improving upon the tradition we’ve established [at Harmony] over the years of keeping our kids moving through our Fit Club and physical education classes. The District has placed a premium on physical education with an influx of new teachers, and I’d say at just about every one of our buildings, we’re seeing incredible collaborative work that is capturing the attention of our students.”
According to DeSavino, the pair’s themed workouts have been the most effective and fun for students, including those featuring superheroes and animals, and a new routine coming this winter centered around the beloved Disney film franchise Frozen.
“It’s all about being creative, and developing fun ways to get kids excited about working out. And our goal is to have that excitement extend beyond school,” said DeSavino. “That’s why our workouts come with visuals and powerpoint presentations, all of which we share with our students and families. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.”
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Watch the Sept. 23rd BOE Meeting |
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On Sept. 23rd the Board of Education conducted it virtual workshop/voting meeting via the district's Zoom platform. You may review the meeting in full by following the associated video link. |
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On Friday, August 13th the district launched its MTPS Reopening of Schools Website, an information hub complete with Frequently Asked Questions and additional resources regarding the district’s reopening of schools plan.
As a follow up measure, the District recently developed a page on its Reopening of Schools Website dedicated to documenting a timeline of new updates and resources for our phased reopening plan.
As the Reopening of School's website is updated, the "Latest Updates" page will offer parents, guardians, staff and students easier access to this information.
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You can review the Board of Education's Sept. 9th Special Meeting by following the link to the right. |
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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.
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Follow Along for District News and Announcements |
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