Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Frank Ranelli
March 13, 2025
Volume 11, Issue 7

Education Foundation Raises Nearly $20,000
Guests had a fabulous time at the Piscataway Education Foundation’s Designer Bag Bingo & Tricky Tray on Friday, Feb. 28 – raising nearly $20,000 to support our students and schools. The Foundation awarded 125 prizes to about 335 players at Our Lady of Fatima Cafe. In addition to 18 designer handbags awarded for bingo games, the Foundation gave away a $2,000 Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Monogram bag to the lucky winner of a separate raffle, as well over 100 tricky tray prizes that included gift certificates, merchandise baskets, luggage, a grill, and a big-screen TV. All proceeds go to support the Piscataway Education Foundation, an independent non-profit organization committed to maintaining a positive relationship between Piscataway Township Schools and the larger community. The Foundation sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors, school-based grants, and other events and functions.

Board Member’s Research Inspires ChemClub 
Students in the Piscataway High School ChemClub got a detailed view into academic research and real-life applications of chemistry during a special presentation from Board of Education member Dr. Tom Connors. He addressed about 50 members of the ChemClub on Wednesday, Feb. 26, about research for his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Connecticut. “It was my pleasure to present to the PHS ChemClub,” Dr. Connors said. “I’ve been a member of the American Chemical Society for the past 43 years, and I’m so happy that our high school has an active ACS Chemistry Club.” Students were excited to hear the technical details of his work titled, “The Electrocatalytic Dehalogenation of Toxic Organohalides.” In addition to detailing his academic research, Dr. Connors told the students personal stories about his long journey to a Ph.D. and about his colleagues and mentors.

Knollwood Peer Mentors Share Successes with Board
Thank you to the Peer Mentors at Knollwood Elementary School for visiting with our Board of Education at their February meeting. The students showed the Board a video about the program, in which select 2nd and 3rd grade students receive leadership training and meet with buddies from Knollwood’s learning and language disabilities programs to play games, practice social interactions, and engage in problem-solving activities together. Students also told the Board why they like being a part of it, then received a certificate of appreciation from Board President Shantell Cherry. They were supported at the meeting by Knollwood Principal Brian Voigt and Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Terri-Lynn Radigan, who oversees the program along with Dr. Sarah Aboudara, Knollwood’s behaviorist and psychologist.

Grandview Donates to Dogs, Then Gets a Visit in Return
In honor of “101 Dalmatians,” Grandview Elementary School first-graders celebrated the 101st day of school with some paw-some fun and a generous act of kindness. First-graders raised $400 to donate to The Seeing Eye organization, which trains dogs to help those with visual impairments. Students then enjoyed a wonderful presentation from Seeing Eye trainers and their dogs. The students gained a deeper understanding about how Seeing Eye dogs are trained to help guide people and keep their handlers safe.

PHS Chinese Club Brings Music & Dance to Eisenhower
Students at Eisenhower Elementary School had fun learning about Chinese culture during a visit from the Piscataway High School Chinese Club on Friday, Feb. 14. The older students performed songs and dance – including the impressive dragon dance – as well as teaching their younger peers special greetings in Chinese to help celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

M.L. King Parent Teaches Class About Bioengineering
Fourth-graders at Martin Luther King Intermediate School welcomed a special guest who led a fascinating discussion about biological engineering. School parent Rachel Sy helped students in the classes of Alea Muhammad and Melissa Paust connect classroom learning to the real world of bioengineering. Mrs. Sy also discussed her passion of working as a color analyst using a selection of color palettes and inviting students to participate.

Coming Up
March 18:  Culture, Climate & Community Relations Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.
March 26: PHS Chamber Music Concert, 7 p.m.
March 27: Quibbletown Pops Concert, 7 p.m.
March 28: PHS Coffee House, 7 p.m.
March 31: Eid-al-Fitr, schools closed for students; in-service day for teachers
April 2: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.
April 7: Curriculum Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
April 8: Marking Period 3 ends
April 10: Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Pway Communication Officer Honored by Elks
Piscataway Township Schools Public Information Officer and Webmaster Gary Miller has been chosen as the 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Piscataway Elks Lodge No. 2414. Miller was honored in a ceremony on Saturday, March 8, at the Woodbridge Elks Lodge along with 10 other winners from Central Jersey lodges. Piscataway Elks Incoming Exalted Ruler Peter Namen said Miller was selected because of his award-winning work in promoting the successes of Piscataway Township Schools and in strengthening the school district’s ties with the township and community groups, including the Elks. “Gary has ingrained himself in our community as he works to engage families, celebrate students and staff, and elevate the profile of Piscataway schools in the eyes of educators and leaders statewide,” Namen said during his introduction of Miller at the awards ceremony.

Pway Fast Fact
Did you know: There are numerous ways to get more involved with our district and schools. Volunteers are always welcome for our school parent groups (PTO, PTG, PTSO), the Piscataway Education Foundation, PHS booster groups, and Board of Education committees. Check our district and school websites or ask at your school for more information.

‘Build an Ike’ Spurs Fun and Learning at Eisenhower
Eisenhower Elementary Schools students had a great time at Build-an-Ike Literacy Night. On Thursday, Feb. 27, families and teachers helped the children create their own stuffed animals of their school mascot, “Ike the Eagle.” Students also participated in a fun slot machine where winners earned a coin to use in the school’s book vending machine. They then got to hear a story from from Eisenhower kindergarten teacher Patricia Conover and third-grade teacher Jessica Kroeckel, who partnered with the PTO to create this special event.

Sweetheart Dance Is All Heart for Knollwood Families
Knollwood Elementary School celebrated Valentine’s Day with a lively Sweetheart Dance on Friday, Feb. 21. Students and families enjoyed a DJ, photographer, dancing, games, and crafts. PTO parents donated sweet treats for a bake sale, and there was a candy bar where students could fill up a bag of Valentine’s candy.

Grandview Celebrates Snow Day Even Without Snow
Kindergarten students at Grandview Elementary School recently celebrated their annual “Snowed-In Day.” The students gathered together in the cafeteria for a story, craft, and dancing. After the celebration, teachers led additional snow day activities in their classrooms.

Conackamack Assembly Feels Beat of Black History
Conackamack Middle School students had a fun and informative assembly to learn about music and drums in African American culture throughout the years. Jerome Jennings, a professional musician, visited on Wednesday, Feb. 19, to lead the assembly for Black History Month. Members of the Conackamack band helped demonstrate different beats and rhythms and the audience added lively participation.

Randolphville Goes on Journey of Imagination
Randolphville Elementary School students took an amazing journey on Wednesday, Feb. 26, during a visit from author Daryl Cobb. Cobb, the author of 18 children’s books and professional singer and musician, performed a dynamic program that had his audience laughing, singing, and opening their imaginations. He shared “A Writer’s Journey” with 2nd and 3rd graders, about how to use personal experiences to write a fictional story. He engaged kindergarten, 1st grade, and autism classes with his guitar and storytelling skills. Cobb’s visit came ahead of Read Across America Week, which runs March 3-7 and is celebrated in all our elementary schools. Thanks to Randolphville support specialists Jessica Ritchie and Regina Vassilatos for arranging the visit, and to the PTO for funding the program.

Sixth-Graders Get Rundown on Court System Careers
Our sixth-grade social studies and civics students recently got an informative look at the working of the legal system when representatives of the New Jersey courts system visited each of our three middle schools. Students were introduced to various facets of New Jersey court operations, while also learning about a range of careers, including legal, probation officer, finance/accounting, information technology, judiciary clerk, case management, court interpreting, and many others. Thanks to Luis Hernandez, ombudsman for Middlesex County Family Courthouse, and Christopher Irovando, our district’s K-8 social studies supervisor, for organizing these presentations.

‘Hidden Figures’ Unveiled for Knollwood Kindergarten
Kindergartners at Knollwood Elementary School got a special visit in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Visitors from the Iota Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha offered a lesson on Katherine Johnson and the other “Hidden Figures” who worked for NASA to help send U.S. astronauts to space. They showed a video, did a rocket craft, and discussed the importance of math and learning. The children were over the moon to have this experience.

Grandview Celebrates Valentine’s Day With Dance
Grandview Elementary School families had a “love”-ly time at their Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 14. Students dressed in their very best and enjoyed dancing, photo booths, snacks, and a craft. Thank you to the Grandview PTO and staff volunteers for organizing this amazing event.

Conackamack Learns About Patents from J&J Visitors
Conackamack Middle School students explored the fields of innovation and intellectual property during a visit on Jan. 27 from the Johnson & Johnson Patent Law Department. Students attended an interactive presentation that included fun activities and an overview of the different types of intellectual property. Our visitors showed how innovation can change our lives and how the law protects innovation through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The visit was organized by Karen Hall Morgan, far right, mother of Conackamack seventh-grader, Samantha Morgan, front right.

Preschoolers Send Love to Children with Heart Defects
Students in Lissette Moran’s class at Children’s Corner Preschool created heart-shaped crafts to support families whose children are affected by congenital heart defects. With the help of other Children’s Corner classrooms, Mrs. Moran was able to send care packages to over 65 families in recognition of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, Feb. 7-14.

Rutgers Professor Delivers Genetics Lessons to King
Thanks to Dr. Karen Schindler, a professor in the Genetics Department at Rutgers, for visiting Martin Luther King Intermediate School to deliver engaging lessons on genetic traits to fifth-graders in Leslie Celebre’s science classes. Dr. Schindler, who is the mother of two students at M.L. King, taught students on Feb. 7 and 13 about dominant and recessive genes and how they affect traits such as eye color, hairline, tongue rolling, and super tasting. The visits built upon previous classroom learning and exposed students to fields of study and careers in science, said District Supervisor of K-8 Science Dr. Jeffrey Celebre.

PHS FBLA Visits M.L. King to Deliver Financial Lessons
Students in the Piscataway High School Future Business Leaders of America club visited Martin Luther King Intermediate School on Friday, Feb. 7, as part of the Junior Achievement High School Heroes program. The older students delivered engaging and age-appropriate lessons in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business to all the fourth- and fifth-grade classes. FBLA is guided by adviser Justin Critelli, and the liaison for the Junior Achievement programs is Dr. C. Alex Gray, the district’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion and student engagement.

Workout Gives Students a Glow at Knollwood Lights
Knollwood Elementary School students had a special glow about them after they attended Knollwood Lights Family Fitness Night on Friday, Jan. 24. Students got to dress up in glow gear and enjoy a fun-filled evening of fitness, dancing, and neon lights sponsored by the Knollwood PTO. Participants danced with a certified Zumba instructor and navigated a neon obstacle course constructed by physical education teacher Jacob Switzer and third-grade teacher Jeffrey Jacome.

Unique Art Projects Brighten Quibbletown Hallways
Quibbletown Middle School arts students recently completed creative and unique projects under the guidance of art teacher Rose Flanagan. Seventh-graders created “face pots,” which are clay sculptures inspired by the eclectic styles of artist Ricky Boscarino, a graduate of Piscataway High School. Eighth-graders created “explosion books,” which are made by glueing sections of their drawings into origami folding books, creating explosions of shape and color.

Arbor’s Family Bingo Night Celebrates Valentine’s Day
Arbor Intermediate School families had a wonderful time at Valentine’s Themed Bingo Night on Friday, Feb. 21. The Arbor PTO welcomed more than 90 guests, who got to enjoy a candy stand and prize raffle.

Stealing the Spotlight
“Willie Wonka” – Conackamack
“Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” – PHS
“Matilda” – Schor
Talented performers at Schor Middle School, Conackamack Middle School, and Piscataway High School did a tremendous job presenting their spring musicals to delighted audiences.

Quibbletown Honors Seven as NAACP Overachievers
Congratulations to the Quibbletown Middle School students who were honored as this year’s Overachievers by the Plainfield-Area Branch of the NAACP. The annual Black History Month Overachievers Award Ceremony in the Quibbletown Media Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, recognized students who are positive role models, have shown resilience through adversity, and are dedicated to their studies. The students received certificates from Plainfield-Area NAACP President Sharon Robinson-Briggs and Quibbletown Principal William Gonzalez. The deserving honorees are 6th-graders Victoria Curry, Alessandra Curry, and Na’im Johnson; 7th-graders Kaiden Francis and Malika Munford; and 8th-graders Lexi Arozamena and Lebanon Martin. PHS history teacher Garin Hilton gave a keynote address about the power of youth activism.

Maschio’s ‘Chef’s Days’ Make Lunchtime Fun and Delicious
Students at Grandview Elementary School and Arbor Intermediate School recently got to sample new foods at lunchtime during Maschio’s Food Services Chef Days. Chef Days are part of an ongoing program where students at a specific school get to try a wide range of themed foods that are delicious and fun. On Feb. 20, Grandview enjoyed a Mac & Cheese Bar where students had a selection of toppings to choose from and a side of cornbread. On Feb. 26, Arbor students enjoyed an Asian Bar, with teriyaki beef & broccoli or teriyaki popcorn chicken, vegetable fried rice and vegetables, and a vegetable egg roll. Special thanks to Chef Jamie Giornalista, Director Nicole Cooper, and special guest chef Business Administrator David Oliveira for arranging the menus and making the days special.

Eisenhower Puts Black History on Display
Second-graders at Eisenhower Elementary School did a great job presenting Black History Month displays in a gallery walk for their fellow students to explore and learn from. Students presented their projects in the cafeteria and walked around learning about historical figures who have greatly impacted our world. The event was organized by teachers Bree Gildea, Caroline Goniea, Kristy Ketterer, Leilani Malig, and Lisa Parrish.

Arbor Fourth-Grader Among Nation’s Best in Badminton
Congratulations to Arbor Intermediate School fourth-grader Arushi Saha, who recently took two second-place medals in the Northeast OLC Badminton Tournament in Boston. Arushi placed in both the under-11 Girls Singles and under-11 Mixed Doubles events. She continues to train for the under-11 USA Badminton Junior Nationals in June.

SADD Hosts Police to Talk to Teens About Traffic Stops
The Piscataway High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) hosted a very successful safe driving assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The event “What To Do When Stopped by the Police” was led by the Piscataway Township Police Department and gave teen drivers and their families valuable information about what happens if they get pulled over. The assembly was part of an ongoing partnership between PHS SADD and the Piscataway Police, and their safe driving initiative, “Pway You Know! Drive Safe, Drive Slow.”

Verdict on PHS Mock Trial: Among Best in the County
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School mock trial team for earning recognition as one of the top two teams in Middlesex County. The team competed against 11 others in January at the Middlesex County Courthouse. The cases involved comprehensive legal elements and proving or disproving charges. Participants presented case facts, navigated trial procedures, and showcased improvisation, all subject to evaluation by judges and attorneys. Thanks to PHS social studies teacher Joy Kelly, who serves as adviser, and Samuel Perez, Esq., the team’s volunteer attorney-coach.

PHS Senior Wins High Honor for Health Equity from Duke
PHS senior Tanvi Narava has received a prestigious honor for her continued work to raise awareness of the opioid crisis and help those afflicted by it. Narava took part in Duke University’s MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium 2025 in early February, where she delivered a presentation on opioid overdose education and prevention. She earned the MaryAnn Black Health Equity Impact Award in the youth category. “Winning this award at Duke University is not just an honor,” Tanvi said, “it’s a call to action for young leaders everywhere to step up and make a difference.”

Freshmen Highlight Diversity of Cultures with Door Tour
Students in the Freshman Seminar classes at PHS celebrated a wide array of heritages in their Culture Tour Door Decorating Competition throughout January and February. Each class, with guidance from their upperclass mentors, researched the foods, traditions, holidays, art, and history of an assigned culture to prepare 26 informative and interactive displays throughout the high school. The cultures selected for the competition were based on the home countries of multilingual learners at PHS. Displays were judged according to variety of cultural facts and information, visual interest, organization, and interactive elements.

Schor Celebrates Honor Roll
Congratulations to the students at Schor Middle School who made Honor Roll and High Honor Roll for second marking period. They got together to celebrate their achievement with snacks in the cafeteria.

Conackamack Posters Honor Black Mathematicians
Students in Danielle McParland’s math classes at Conackamack Middle School created digital posters showcasing the achievements of notable African-American mathematicians. Their research helped highlight the lasting impact of these mathematicians and reinforced the importance of diversity in STEM subjects.

Boys Basketball Ties Record for Wins with Playoff Victory
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School boys basketball team for their win in the first round of the State North 2 Group 4 playoffs. The Chiefs beat Bridgewater-Raritan, 60-56, on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Anthony Gym. And at 24-6, the team tied the all-time PHS record for wins in a season. They are coached by Bob Turco.

Two PHS Students Chosen for All-State Ensembles
Congratulations to two Piscataway High School students who were selected for New Jersey All State Ensembles. Junior Sydney Hain was chosen for the Treble Choir and Priscilla Chang was chosen as 1st chair oboe for the Symphonic Band. Both students represented Piscataway well in their performances in Atlantic City and NJPAC in Newark the weekend of Feb. 22. Thanks to Piscataway vocal music teacher Megan Suozzo and instrumental music teacher Dr. Christopher Sumner for their guidance.

3 PHS Wrestlers Grab Gold, Including Historic Girls Win
Congratulations to three members of the PHS wrestling team who were crowned champions Feb. 22-23. Junior Sean Love, top right, won the District title at 157 pounds and was also named Outstanding Wrestler for District 19 for the second year in a row. Sophomore Vincent Williams won the District title at 285 pounds, beating the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds along the way. Junior Jane Rodrigues made history by becoming Piscataway’s first girls Regional champion. She won the title at 100 pounds, pinning her three opponents. They are coached by Dan Smith.

Boys Track Wins Gold Medals in 55 Meters and 4x400 Relay
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School boys track team’s Niles Thony (left), who won gold in the 55-meter dash at North Jersey Section 2 Group 4 Championship Feb. 16 in Toms River, and to teammate Noah Grant (right), who took silver. The two seniors also teamed up with sophomore Devonte Headd and senior Chiemeka Chukwu to win gold in the 4x400-meter relay. The Chiefs took 3rd overall in the section. They are coached by Pete Buccino.

PHS Musicians Meet Legend During Visit to Lincoln Center
PHS musicians got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Monday, Feb. 24, to visit Jazz at Lincoln Center. Our students got to hear the best jazz musicians in the world rehearse and to meet the legendary Wynton Marsalis and the other band members. Mr. Marsalis was kind and gracious with our students – answering their questions, encouraging them, and showing genuine interest in their lives. The trip was led by PHS instrumental music teacher Ken Zampella.

Girls Basketball Wins Big to Reach Quarterfinals
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School girls basketball team for their dominant win in the first round of the State North 2 Group 4 playoffs. The Lady Chiefs beat Watchung Hills, 74-48, on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Anthony Gym to reach the sectional quarterfinals. They are coached by Brian Tuskan.