Students and staff members across the Middletown Township Public School District recognized New Jersey's annual Week of Respect during the first week of October. The annual Week of Respect and its accompanying themed days and activities aim to remind our statewide school community about the significance of promoting and maintaining respectful, safe, and inclusive learning environments.

Our students and educators spent the week participating in learning activities that stressed the importance of preventing instances of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) on their campuses and in their greater Middletown community.

Throughout the week, students were provided with opportunities to demonstrate their appreciation for peers and staff members by writing heartfelt notes, creating thank you cards, and presenting certificates of gratitude. Elementary school educators designed grade-level appropriate lessons to help the District's youngest learners gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of respect, how to

show and earn respect, and how the concept of respect can create a culture of empathy, understanding, and altruism within their classrooms. Additionally, administrators commemorated random acts of kindness performed by their students, and joined their student bodies by dressing up in themed attire, which included:

• Sports jerseys, as a reminder to be a cheerleader for others
• Crazy socks, so we can "sock it to bullying"
• Kindness-themed clothing
• Tie-dyed outfits, to "give peace a chance"

"Participating in New Jersey's Week of Respect is part of our District's comprehensive approach to educating students, minimizing instances of HIB, and celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of our student body," said District Anti-Bullying Coordinator James Rasmussen. "The week-long initiative is just one of the many steps we take to help create a safe and inclusive learning environment for our students."

New Jersey's Week of Respect stems from the 2011 adoption of the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. This law is one of the most comprehensive anti-bullying statutes in the United States, and places a strong emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive school environment. The Week of Respect is just one component of New Jersey's broader efforts to combat bullying and promote a positive school climate. The specific activities and ways in which the Week of Respect is celebrated may vary from school to school, but the overarching goal remains the same: to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in which our students can learn and grow.

On Oct. 4, the River Plaza Elementary School community celebrated its annual Walk/Ride to School Day. The event, which was attended by hundreds of students, community members, educators, and administrators, raises awareness about pedestrian safety in high-traffic school zones, and the additional benefits associated with alternative travel to and from our community campuses.

"There are so many reasons why, as a community, we choose to safely and walk and bike to school each day," said River Plaza Elementary School Principal David Whitman. "Aside from being great exercise for our students, safely walking and biking to and from school creates less traffic on our roadways, which supports pedestrian safety, as well as ongoing environmental efforts to keep our community healthy and clean."

Thank you to River Plaza Elementary School for promoting the safety of our students, and helping to create a cleaner and healthier community.

Earlier this week, members of the Middletown Township Fire Department's Belford Engine Company visited with New Monmouth Elementary School students to share a variety of safety tips and other critical information to promote the prevention of fire-related incidences in the home.

Middletown's bravest arrived at the New Monmouth campus with their mobile fire safety training unit, a portable trailer that resembles what students may encounter in their home setting before and during a fire emergency. The mobile safety unit allows students to have a hands-on experience during the safety demonstration and provides opportunities for them to apply the knowledge they have developed in an authentic environment.

The Middletown Township Public School District extends its gratitude to our fire department, which is the world's largest all-volunteer fire department. Thank you for your continued service to our students, and our greater Middletown community.

The Governor’s Educator of the Year program is a way to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to our students. Students, staff members, parents, and community members are encouraged to nominate an educator in the district they feel meets the description above and the criteria below to be recognized this year. While we know that we have many educators who go above and beyond every day, we are only able to recognize one teacher from each of our schools, as well as an educational service provider (ESP) from each level (elementary, middle, and high school). All award recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony in the Spring.

To nominate an educator or ESP, complete the linked Nomination Form and return it to the building principal by Friday, November 3. Or complete the appropriate Google form below by Friday, November 3.

MTPS Teacher/ESP of the Year Nomination Forms

• High School North Nomination Form
• High School South Nomination Form
• Bayshore Nomination Form
• Thompson Nomination Form
• Thorne Nomination Form
• Bayview Nomination Form
• Fairview Nomination Form
• Harmony Nomination Form
• Leonardo Nomination Form
• Lincroft Nomination Form
• Middletown Village Nomination Form
• Navesink Nomination Form
• New Monmouth Nomination Form
• Nut Swamp Nomination Form
• Ocean Avenue Nomination Form
• River Plaza Nomination Form

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

Raising children and adolescents is challenging. The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County has created a guide for parents and caregivers to help you navigate obstacles and connect with resources. For more information please review Better Together: Answers for Parents and Guardians.