Middletown Township Public School District educators and administrators welcomed students back to their respective campuses on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Students were guided through a variety of ice-breaking and educational activities to open the 2023-2024 academic year, establishing a culture of safety, respect, and fun within their learning environments.

"I want to take a moment to welcome everybody back and wish everyone a successful 2023-2024 school year," said Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Jessica L. Alfone, in her welcome back message to the school community . "We are so excited to welcome our students back into our school buildings. They bring the energy; they bring the enthusiasm; and they certainly are the main focus as to why we all are here and are doing what we're doing each day."

Mrs. Alfone went on to thank our District's staff members, administration, and Board of Education for creating such a welcoming environment for our students to enjoy. In addition, Mrs. Alfone expressed her gratitude to our MTPS parents and guardians for their participation and support in this learning journey.

"I want to thank you for all that you do to get your child or children ready for school...But I also want to thank you for being a partner to us. You are the singular, most important person in your child's life. We recognize that. We respect that. And we certainly want to continue our collaboration to ensure that your child has the best experience every day in Middletown. They say 'It takes a village,' and you are an instrumental part of that village," said Alfone.

Follow the link above to watch Mrs. Alfone's full address, and check out some of the best photos from the first week of school below.

As we welcome our students back to campus, our educators are also preparing to host parents and guardians throughout the month of September at our annual back to school night events. Find your school's date and time in the schedule below.

• Thorne Middle School - September 12, 6 p.m.
• Leonardo Elementry - September 13, 6:30 p.m.
• Harmony Elementary - September 13, 6:30 p.m.
• Middletown Village Elementary - September 13, 6:30 p.m.
• Fairview Elementary - September 14, 6 p.m.
• Thompson Middle School - September 14, 6 p.m.
• New Monmouth Elementary - September 18, 6 p.m.
• Navesink September - September 19, 6 p.m.
• High School South - September 20, 6:30 p.m.
• High School North - September 21, 6:30 p.m.
• River Plaza Elementary - September 27, 6 p.m.
• Lincroft Elementary - September 27, 6:30 p.m.
• Bayview Elementary - September 27, 6:30 p.m.
• Bayshore Middle School - September 28, 6 p.m.
• Ocean Avenue Elementary - September 28, 6:30 p.m.
• Nut Swamp Elementary - September 28, 6:30 p.m.

The latest data issued by U.S. News and World Report positioned High School South among the top 40 percent of high schools throughout the United States. By earning an overall score of 74.97 out of a possible 100 points, the Eagles have achieved the status of U.S. News Best High School, a designation that allows Middletown South to display the U.S. News 2023-2024 Best High Schools Award logo among its recognitions.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of the Middletown High School South students and staff for being recognized for their outstanding dedication and hard work. Great things are happening in Middletown," said Board of Education President Frank Capone.

Congratulations to the High School South community on this coveted recognition. Learn more about U.S News & World Report's data by visiting the 2023-2024 Best High Schools portal.



Elementary school students across the Middletown Township Public School District began the new school year with a collaborative STEM challenge, which asked small groups of students to construct the tallest free-standing structure using a limited number materials - such as tape and toothpicks - that could support a marshmallow.

Though it may seem like nothing more than a simple, fun, ice-breaker activity, the challenge promotes critical thinking, strategic planning, and teamwork between peers to complete an engineering task.

STEM education is an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on four specific disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It aims to foster such valuable skills as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. It encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and prepares them for a wide range of careers, including those in science, engineering, technology, medicine, and mathematics-related fields.

We can't wait to see what else our STEM-focused students will create this year. Keep up the wonderful work!

The Middletown SOAR program ran again this summer for students in grades K-8 at New Monmouth Elementary School and Thorne Middle School. This fun learning opportunity allows students to deepen their understanding of grade-level content and standards while engaging in meaningful tasks.

Teachers developed a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that promoted the hands-on application of skills.

"This educational approach helps students make their learning come alive," said District Director of Curriculum and Instruction, John Kerrigan, Ed.D.

Students were able to participate in activities over the course of two-week intervals for both mathematics and language arts. Staff, parent and guardian, and student feedback have reflected positively on the SOAR experience, and the District looks forward to offering this program again next summer!

This space is dedicated to the promotion of mental health resources in our schools and local community. Please refer to the district site for a comprehensive list of resources: Mental Health & Community Resources