The Messenger Monroe Township Public Schools Williamstown, New Jersey GreeƟngs from the Superintendent… Monroe Township Public Schools experienced an excellent opening to the 2016‐2017 school year. Our faculty, staff, and students have been engaged in many curricular and co‐curricular acƟviƟes throughout the district. Our technology programs and equipment provided to our staff and students is second to none among Gloucester County Schools. As parents and ciƟzens of Monroe Township, you can be proud of the outstanding achievements our students and staff have aƩained this month. Some of these accomplishments are displayed on pages of this publicaƟon. Our central office administrators, building principals, assistant principals, supervisors, teachers, paraprofessionals, directors, counselors, and secretaries all have skills to provide a posiƟve influence on our students. They display excellent problem solving techniques. All are diligent in dealing with the unique differences in our students and their parents and provide a posiƟve aƫtude in moƟvaƟng our students to perform at a high level in their academic and social developments. As I travel throughout our district schools, I have the pleasure of observing our teachers passionately performing their jobs and doing their best to ensure the learning process is meaningful and fun. Our teachers have their own vision to keep the students focused on learning. If you speak to your children, you will see in their eyes and their smiles how much they enjoy coming to school. All of our naƟonal problems, from internaƟonal compeƟƟveness to improving our standard of living, to the future of our children, ulƟmately rests on one important word: EDUCATION! Throughout the history of civilizaƟon, the concept of educaƟon has remained stable. Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but educaƟon endures. SocieƟes that succeed respect their teachers, and the teachers respect themselves. Remember...we must begin with ourselves! I know all of our teachers are commiƩed to the students of Monroe Township and will help our kids soar to new heights in areas of achievements. As educators of today’s youth, they serve as role models and leaders. September / October Visit our web site: www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us 2016 The Monroe Township Public School District, an education team, is dedicated to the development of the potential and uniqueness of the individual student to become effective participants in an evolving global society, while providing a safe educational environment for students to attain the skills and knowledge specified in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Transcript
The Messenger Monroe Township Public Schools
Williamstown, New Jersey
Gree ngs from the Superintendent… Monroe Township Public Schools experienced an excellent opening to the 2016‐2017 school year. Our faculty, staff, and students have been engaged in many curricular and co‐curricular ac vi es throughout the district. Our technology programs and equipment provided to our staff and students is second to none among Gloucester County Schools. As parents and ci zens of Monroe Township, you can be proud of the outstanding achievements our students and staff have a ained this month. Some of these accomplishments are displayed on pages of this publica on.
Our central office administrators, building principals, assistant principals, supervisors, teachers, paraprofessionals, directors, counselors, and secretaries all have skills to provide a posi ve influence on our students. They display excellent problem solving techniques. All are diligent in dealing with the unique differences in our students and their parents and provide a posi ve a tude in mo va ng our students to perform at a high level in their academic and social developments.
As I travel throughout our district schools, I have the pleasure of observing our teachers passionately performing their jobs and doing their best to ensure the learning process is meaningful and fun. Our teachers have their own vision to keep the students focused on learning. If you speak to your children, you will see in their eyes and their smiles how much they enjoy coming to school.
All of our na onal problems, from interna onal compe veness to improving our standard of living, to the future of our children, ul mately rests on one important word:
EDUCATION! Throughout the history of civiliza on, the concept of educa on has remained stable. Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but educa on endures. Socie es that succeed respect their teachers, and the teachers respect themselves. Remember...we must begin with ourselves! I know all of our teachers are commi ed to the students of Monroe Township and will help our kids soar to new heights in areas of achievements. As educators of today’s youth, they serve as role models and leaders.
September / October Visit our web site: www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us 2016 The Monroe Township Public School District, an education team, is dedicated to the development of the potential and uniqueness of the individual student to become effective participants in an evolving global
society, while providing a safe educational environment for students to attain the skills and knowledge specified in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Remember the words of the late great Vince Lombardi regarding leadership:
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. They are made just like anything else; through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
...and as far as service goes for any of us as educa onal leaders in the classroom. Please read carefully these words form Winston Churchill:
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
As a former Teacher for thirteen years, a Coach, an Athle c Director/Ac vi es Coordinator, an Assistant Principal, a High School Principal, an Assistant Superintendent, and a Superintendent of Schools, I will never forget my “roots” as a teacher. To me, there is no be er occupa on than being a teacher and working with students in an academic and co‐curricular se ng every day. I have always believed that teaching is not a job, but it’s a way of life. Monroe Township Public Schools are most fortunate to have such excellent, caring, capable, and commi ed teaching professionals. They con nue to demonstrate dedica on by giving every student an outstanding educa on. Our teachers are commi ed to their careers and to our students. I would like to share with you some important facts regarding our outstanding faculty employed by the Monroe Township Board of Educa on:
♦ More than thirty‐nine percent of our teachers hold Master’s Degrees.
♦ All of our teachers are highly qualified with an average of 14 years of experience in their fields.
♦ Our teacher turnover rate is low. Many of our educators plan to re re from our school district.
♦ We have many teachers that have voluntarily pursued advanced training in areas ranging from sensi vity, an ‐bullying, CPR, and instruc onal strategies related to their content area and more.
♦ Our teachers believe in making a difference everyday. They volunteer as mentors, tutors, coaches and with other organiza ons in Monroe Township.
♦ Many teachers donate their me before and a er regular school hours to offer extra help to their students. This supports our students in maximizing academic achievement.
♦ Of the 535 teachers employed in our district, one in every three lives in Monroe Township. Many of our teachers have lived here more than twelve years and graduated from Williamstown High School.
As Superintendent of Schools, I am proud that our teachers do the right thing in suppor ng our students in their academic and co‐curricular endeavors every day. We can all be thankful that Monroe Township teachers place their students first and con nue to support them in all ac vi es. One of my favorite bumper s ckers I have seen on cars throughout America states:
I will con nue to communicate with all stakeholders in our community through our district website, le ers sent home from our schools that are hand‐carried by your children, media press releases and from our Blackboard Connect Phone System. If we can be of any service to you at any me, please feel free to contact us at our Central Administra ve Offices in the Maple Grove Administra on Building.
Monroe Township Public Schools welcomed 29 new teachers to the school district at the annual opening day in‐service mee ng, held on September 6, 2016 in the Williamstown High School Theatre.
These new staff members are:
Andrews, Chris ne—Radix Elementary School—Third Grade
Avery, Mark T.—Williamstown High School—Health/ P.E.
Baner, Haley R.—Williamstown Middle School—Language Arts Literacy
Bartz, Chloe E.—Child Study Team—Speech Language Specialist
Cameron, Robert G.—Williamstown Middle School— Special Needs
Carnevale, Michelle R.—Child Study Team—Speech Language Specialist
Disharoon, Jus n N.—Williamstown Middle School—Health/ P.E.
Fallon, Sean P.—Whitehall Elementary School—Media Specialist
Fau, Michael A.—Williamstown High School—School Counselor
Gonzalez, Carlo A.—Whitehall Elementary School—School Counselor
Kennedy, Patricia M.—Williamstown Middle School—World Languages ‐ French
For Immediate Release Date: September 16, 2016 District Mourns Passing of Board of Education Vice-President, Richard “R.J.” Amandeo Monroe Township Board of Education, administration, staff, students and families of the Monroe Township Public School District mourn the passing of School Board Vice-President, Richard “R.J.” Amandeo on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Amandeo, 39 passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife Kristy, a son Ricky, and a daughter, Karly. A three year Board of Education member, Amandeo was a vocal proponent for all student curricular and co-curricular programs in Monroe Township Public Schools. He always put the best interest and the wellness of the children before any decision or any vote that he cast while on the Board. School board President, George N. Caruso, stated “R.J.’s performance as a public servant was of the highest ideals and principles of what an elected official should be. His death is a major loss to his family, school district, and community of Monroe Township.” “The Monroe Township Public School District family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of R.J,” Superintendent of Schools, Charles Earling said. “He served our community in many capacities and did so formally as a member of our Board of Education. R.J. was a kind and compassionate leader who led by example. He was always present as a volunteer and supporter of numerous school district activities and projects. He was beloved by students, staff and parents. He was always down to earth and spoke his mind. His impact was deep and will continue to be felt for many years to come. R.J. will be greatly missed.” R.J. was employed by JMI in West Deptford, NJ and was Union President. He was a member of the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department rising to the Rank of Lieutenant. He was co-founder of the Monroe Township Youth Lacrosse programs for boys and girls. He also served as the Vice-President and Boys’ Director of Monroe Township Youth Lacrosse. In addition, he served as a coach and referee in Monroe Township Youth Street Hockey.
In Loving Memory -June 7, 1977 – September 14, 2016
1
.
.
.
Memorandum
To: Ms. Lisa Schulz, Business Administrator, Monroe Township Board of Education
From: Sherry Tracey, Phoenix Advisors, LLC
Subject: Refinancing Results – Series 2014 Refunding School Bonds and Series 2010 Refunding School Bonds
Date: August 30, 2016
As you are aware, the School District has been very proactive in refinancing outstanding debt, completing two very successful refunding bond sales in the last several years, reducing debt service over $3,491,000 through 2032. As a result of these transactions, average annual debt service savings to taxpayers is approximately $225,000 per year.
On April 14, 2010, the Board of Education entered the bond market to refinance the callable maturities of its 2002 School Bond Issue. The bond sale was very successful, saving taxpayers over $560,000, or 3.84% on a net present value of the bonds that were refunded. This equated to a reduction in debt service of approximately $50,000 annually from 2011 through 2022.
On May 29, 2014, the Board of Education entered the bond market to refinance the callable maturities of its 2007 School Bond Issue. The bond sale was, again, very successful, saving taxpayers $2,931,424, or 5.483% on a net present value of the bonds that were refunded. Taxpayers of the School District realized approximately $100,000 in savings in fiscal year 2015-16 and will realize approximately $175,000 annually over the next 16 years in debt service savings.
I have attached a summary for each transaction showing the debt service savings realized by the School District based on the sales. Importantly, the savings shown are net of all costs of issuing the Refunding Bonds.
On the sale in 2014, savings exceeded expectations as a result of an improved municipal market in the months leading up to the sale and the rating upgrade received by the School District. As you know, the School District was previously rated “A+”, a very good rating; however when Standard & Poor’s reviewed the School District again in May of 2014 to issue a rating on the Refunding Bonds, they were very impressed with the financial condition of the School District and issued a bond rating upgrade to “AA-“. Credit rating is one of the biggest factors in determining pricing and final interest rates in the municipal bond market and had a tremendous impact on the result of the sale.
The School District has done a fantastic job of moving quickly to market each time an opportunity to refinance debt and save taxpayers money has arisen. A reduction in debt service of approximately $225,000 through 2022 has reduced the taxes on the average home in the Township assessed at $200,566 by approximately $17 per year. From 2023 through 2032, the reduction of debt service by about $175,000 per year will reduce taxes on the average home assessment by approximately $13.
Monroe Township Board of Education Gloucester County, New Jersey School Refunding Bonds, Series 2010 REFUNDING OF SERIES 2002 - FINAL NUMBERS 4/14/10
Total $15,611,365.28 $901,762.50 $16,512,656.43 $17,073,200.50 $560,544.07
PV Analysis Summary (Net to Net) Gross PV Debt Service Savings 464,646.62 Net PV Cashflow Savings @ 3.202%(Bond Yield) 464,646.62 Contingency or Rounding Amount 471.35Net Present Value Benefit $465,117.97 Net PV Benefit / $12,127,000 Refunded Principal 3.835%Net PV Benefit / $11,995,000 Refunding Principal 3.878% Refunding Bond Information Refunding Dated Date 5/12/2010Refunding Delivery Date 5/12/2010
File | 2010 Refunding Bonds.sf | FINAL NUMBERS 4/14/10 | SINGLE PURPOSE | 4/14/2010 | 2:09 PM
Phoenix Advisors, LLCPublic Finance Page 9
Sherry
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Monroe Township Board of Education Gloucester County, New Jersey School Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 FINAL NUMBERS 5-29-14
Total $60,306,784.94 $1,107,650.00 $61,414,434.94 $64,345,677.50 $2,931,242.56
PV Analysis Summary (Net to Net) Gross PV Debt Service Savings 2,254,883.11 Net PV Cashflow Savings @ 2.844%(Bond Yield) 2,254,883.11 Contingency or Rounding Amount 367.64Net Present Value Benefit $2,255,250.75 Net PV Benefit / $41,129,000 Refunded Principal 5.483% Refunding Bond Information Refunding Dated Date 6/27/2014Refunding Delivery Date 6/27/2014
Refunding All Callables 5 | SINGLE PURPOSE | 6/ 2/2014 | 3:22 PM
Phoenix Advisors, LLCPublic Finance Page 3
Danielle Marino
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From the Desk of Anne Marie Miller:
Williamstown High School Counseling Department
Tomato, Tom-ah-to
Potato, Pot-ah-to
These days though, it’s all in the name and the name “guidance counselor” is a thing of the past.
School counselors are certified/licensed educators with a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling, making them qualified to address the developmental needs of students through a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academic, career and personal/social development of all students.
The mission of the Williamstown High School Counseling Program is to provide all students with a comprehensive school counseling curriculum which encourages the highest level of student achievement. Through a caring and engaging environment, school counselors foster academic, career and personal/social growth to reach the students within our diverse population. Collaborating with teachers, administrators, parents and the Williamstown community, the school counselors help all students to be successful lifelong learners.
Williamstown High School continues to expand its academic offers with the recent development and articulation of
the Teacher Academy. This recent addition marks the sixth academic academy and course sequence available to
students. While participation in an academy is not a requirement of high school students, it provides excellent
advantages for those interested in a particular career path. Students are exposed to course work throughout their four
year, provided the additional guidance of the academy’s advisor, enriched with summer seminars and internships, and
eligible for articulation into participating colleges and universities.
The Allied Health, Business and Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, and Law and Justice Academies have
already been successfully running at the high school for several years – however this newly formed Teacher Academy
will see its first class of students this coming fall. Fifteen students are registered to participate, all of whom have future
aspirations of teaching in a K-12 district one day.
Dr. Jill DelConte, Principal at Williamstown High School, has worked with members of the counseling department
and Rowan University in the development of this program. She recognized the desire of many students to enter the
teaching profession, and sought to create this opportunity.
Entrance into the academies is based on an application process (contact your
guidance counselor). If interested in any academy, additional information can be found
in the Williamstown High School’s Course of Studies: http://www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us/
Mr. Carlo Gonzalez, the guidance counselor, at Whitehall explained how he can help the students in a fun and interesting way. He used props to explain why the students may want to come talk to him. He explained if they were feeling sad, mad, and angry they may want to talk. One of the students favorite props was Buzz Light Year. Mr. Gonzalez explained he can help the students reach their goals and BEYOND! Just like Buzz!
Holly Glen’s new third graders in Mrs. Parisi’s and Mrs. Cochran’s class had a great beginning to the new school year! Students wrote acrostic name apple poems. They wrote the poems as a way to get to know their new classmates. The students worked in groups as they brainstormed ideas for phrases and words that began with each letter of their first name. They used dictionaries as a reference tool. The students enjoyed writing and presenting their poems. It was a great way to begin
the new school year!
GETTING TO KNOW OUR CLASSMATES
Warm apples filled the first grade hallway at Holly Glen this month as the students made homemade applesauce. After learning about Johnny Appleseed and how apples grow, students taste tested different colors of apples and graphed their favorite kind. Next, they followed the writing process to write “how to” directions for the applesauce. The best part was tasting their yummy work! What a great start to first
grade and fall.
REACHING FOR OUR GOALS
The Class of 2017 held the first-ever senior movie night in the Williamstown High School courtyard. Seniors were invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the 80s classic The Breakfast Club. Upon entering, each student
was provided a complimentary bag of popcorn to enhance their viewing experience.
ENJOYING
POPCORN AND
MOVIE NITE
@WHS
The Business and Finance Academy at Williamstown High School had an outstanding summer of seminars! Not only did students travel to traditional companies to learn the inner-workings, but they even had one outing to Morey’s Pier in Wildwood to learn the business side of the recreation and entertainment industry. The BFA is one of the fastest
growing academies at WHS, yet still maintains a close-knit vibe under the direction of advisor, Jennifer Orzechowski.
TRAVELING, OBSERVING & LEARNING ALL AT THE SAME TIME
Mrs. Mason and Mrs. O'Neill's 3rd grade class at Radix Elementary learned all about the importance of having a GROWTH mindset! Students were able to reflect on moments in their lives when they have had both success and failure and how they have learned from both experiences. Students participated in doing some role playing in order to realize that they can always improve, and that mistakes teach us valuable lessons. They also practiced changing their negative thoughts into positive thoughts, to change their "FIXED" mindsets to GROWTH" mindsets. For example, instead of thinking, "This is too hard!" they would say something positive, such as, "I'll use some of the strategies I've learned!" Changing your
MINDset is as easy as changing your words!!
CHANGING NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE
At Radix School, Miss Barbara and Miss Nicole's preschool classes enjoyed a Fall clean up! The preschoolers picked up the leaves and raked the leaves all while singing their Autumn song:)
AUTUMN LEAVES ARE FALLING DOWN
The second grade students at Holly Glen School in Mrs. Wristbridge’s class are off to a flying start this year. They have already worked up to a reading stamina of nine minutes during Read to Self. During this time, teachers will be conducting guided reading groups so it is beneficial that the students can read silently and respond to texts independently. Can’t wait to see
these readers soar more!
Shhhh—I’m Reading!
The fourth grade students in Mrs. Foti's class at Holly Glen School did an activity on bullying. After a class meeting, the students were put into groups and given a card with a problem they had to solve. The students first discussed the problem and what they would do to fix it and then had to act it out for the class. It was interesting to see the many solutions to the problems the students came up with. The students in the audi-ence also offered some of their suggestions as well. It was a great way for the students to show off their
problem-solving skills in a fun way!
Holly Glen continues their partnership as a Professional Development School with Rowan University. The 2016-2017 school year will serve as Holly Glen’s fifteenth year as a Professional Development School with Rowan University. Holly Glen welcomed fourteen 2016 Rowan practicum students into their classrooms to participate in a Mix and Mingle with staff. During their visit Rowan students were given the opportunity to observe teaching settings in grades one thru four. Observations were immediately followed by lunch and an opportunity for students to interview Holly Glen
teachers about practices, educational beliefs, and teaching strategies observed in the classroom.
Throughout the remainder of the semester Rowan students will report to Holly Glen weekly for class, classroom observations, and one on one student tutoring. Holly Glen staff will help cultivate a learning culture that engages Rowan students in the everyday practices of today’s elementary school setting. Rowan students will learn the skills of the teaching profession; while our staff will learn new techniques, technology, and resources to assist Holly Glen students. Adding Rowan students to Holly Glen’s classroom settings helps to lower the student teacher ratio so more
differentiated instruction can take place.
WORKING TOGETHER
Miss Barbara's preschool class at Radix School celebrated the first day of school "Rockin in Their School Shoes" with Pete the Cat! Only fun was had while singing, painting and reading along with Pete the Cat.
AND LOOK
WHO IS
STARTING
FIRST GRADE
ON THE
RIGHT FOOT
The students in Ms. Dolores' first Grade at Whitehall School are eager to learn! They are starting the year off on the right foot. The first graders used connecting cubes to practice patterns. The students completed various patterns: AB, ABC, AAB, ABB. They were excited to use their hands to learn!
STARTING PRESCHOOL
ROCKIN’ IN THEIR
SHOES
Mrs. Jill Davis, a basic skills teachers, is working with first graders at Whitehall School. In her teaching she is incorporating SCIENCE. In Ms. Dolores' class, she is teaching the students about the life cycle of a butterfly. Students are learning the stages a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. Students are able to observe the caterpillars with the real live ones they have in their classroom. Thanks Mrs. Davis for bringing Science to Room 7!
THE CYCLE
OF THE
BUTTERFLY
Mr. Carlo Gonzalez, the guidance counselor, at Whitehall Elementary had a neat way of introducing himself to the kids. He wanted the students to get to know him, as well as, him getting to know them. He used props to tell the students a little about himself. The students met his children, learned his favorite book, and learned he enjoys playing the guitar. After Mr. Gonzalez introduced himself, he then had the students fill out an ALL ABOUT ME paper. He was then able to learn about the students. Welcome to Whitehall, Mr. Gonzalez!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
WHS ALLIED HEALTH ACADEMY SEMINAR OUTING
Members of the Williamstown High School Collegiate Academies took advantage of their summer vacations by spending time in seminars to further their career interests. The Allied Health Academy visited the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine's Mini Med Day on one of their outings. This adventure granted students the opportunity to experience a lesson from a college professor and further exposure to health education.
Miss Yip and Mrs. Zimmerman’s fourth grade students at Whitehall School honored the 15th anniversary of the September 11th tragedies. The children participated in a lesson on the topic. The students were both compassionate and interested in this important day of memorial. Students brainstormed about characteristics of our Williamstown community heroes. The children then wrote letters to local police officers and to members of the Cecil Fire Department.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11
On September 22, the Class of 2018 took to the Williamstown High School Courtyard for their Junior Kick-Off Event! Approximately 100 students attended a casual night of yard games, apparel giveaways, and dancing to a DJ. One observer of the evening stated, “It was so nice to see so many teenagers having so much fun without staring at
their cell phones.” This is just one of many fun-filled events planned for the juniors this year.
HISTORY
COMES ALIVE
AT WMS
At the annual Sixth Grade Wax Museum in June, sixth grade TAG students dress up as historical figures and shared a piece of history with fellow students, teachers, and parents. As the audience walked through the halls, they dropped coins (and dollar bills, too) into jars to hear tales of Greek gods, goddesses and other mythological and religious creatures. Students bring history to life with props and back drops in order to raise money for various causes in the community. This year, the Wax Museum raised $1,531.53! All proceeds were donated to Rileigh’s Rainbows, which will
