Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Johanna S. Ruberto, Interim Superintendnent

Volume 12 Issue 3

November 13, 2025

 

Pway on the Rise Among Best Districts in NJ

Piscataway Township Schools has once again been selected by Niche.com as one of the Best School Districts in New Jersey for 2026, climbing up the rankings from the 2025 list. Piscataway got an overall grade of A and rated an A+ in College Prep and Diversity, and an A in Teachers and Clubs & Activities. The district earned the No. 59 spot for Best Districts in New Jersey in the 2026 poll (up from No. 69 in 2025), placing No. 6 (up from No. 7) among 23 districts in Middlesex County. Piscataway ranks as the No. 7 (up from No. 11) most diverse district in the state. The grade of A+ for College Prep is the result of a wide range of programs dedicated to supporting college-bound Piscataway High School students.

 

Schor Eighth-Grader Back in School After Life-Giving Kidney Transplant

After many months of illness, surgeries, treatment, and recovery, Schor Middle School eighth-grader Omar Danso is back in school – with a new set of kidneys and improving every day. “He’s definitely much better,” said Jasmin Eversley-Danso, Omar’s mother. “He’s taking all his medications and getting used to getting back to normal. It’s a process, but it’s a small price to pay for getting the gift of life.” Omar returned to school on Monday, Oct. 13, after receiving his transplant in late August. Throughout their ordeal, Omar and his family got great support from the Piscataway community. “I really just want to thank everybody,” Eversley-Danso said. “If he were in a different school district, I don’t know how this would have gone.”

 

6 Awards for Outreach Again Tops in State

Piscataway won six awards at the NJ School Communication Awards on Thursday, Oct. 9 – the most of any school district in the state for the 2nd straight year. The district won Awards of Merit for the Superintendent’s Report newsletter; news coverage of a district initiative to give free breakfast to all students and the PHS SADD club’s $10,000 prize for a safe-driving campaign; and three for photos of PHS graduation, PHS boys tennis, and a Schor Middle School science class. The awards were accepted by Public Information Officer Gary Miller.

 

PHS Students Host Reading Night for ‘Pajama Buddies’

Our older and younger students came together recently for an incredible celebration of community, creativity, and the magic of reading. 44 members of the PHS National English Honors Society, under the guidance of adviser Michelle Klastava, hosted students in Grades K-3 for “Pajama Buddies Reading Night” on Wednesday, Oct. 8, to read them stories and guide them in other literacy-related activities. 35 children snuggled up in their coziest pajamas to read their favorite stories alongside NEHS volunteers, sparking laughter, imagination, and a love for books. They got to enjoy milk and cookies and make bookmarks, and visited the popular “Adopt-A-Book” station, which allowed families to continue the joy of reading at home. Families enjoyed the night out and were thrilled to hear that another reading event is coming in February.

 

Voter Drive Teaches Civic Rights and Responsibilities

Piscataway High School students learned about their civic rights and responsibilities at the school’s voter registration drive on Oct. 3. The event was held in partnership with RU Ready, a program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Rutgers and PHS students worked together to register new voters ahead of New Jersey’s gubernatorial election. They also highlighted the many political offices on the ballot and ways young people can stay civically engaged beyond voting. A key focus of the event was helping students apply to serve as poll workers on Election Day. Students received RU Ready voter-themed merchandise and pocket Constitutions as reminders of their rights and responsibilities.

 

It’s all fun and games at PHS Fall Pep Rally

Piscataway High School students had a blast at their Fall Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 24. They cheered all the fall sports teams, marching band, and dance team, and classes faced off in a series of fun games and contests on the football field. Thanks to the staff of the Chieftain student newspaper for some amazing photos.

 

SADD Rallies Students for Teen Driver Safety Week

Piscataway High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions did a tremendous job getting the word out about using caution behind the wheel in celebration of Teen Driver Safety Week. SADD students worked alongside Piscataway Township Police Department officers from Safe Streets program to spread the message on Wednesday, Oct. 22, during lunches in the Anthony Commons. They urged their fellow students to sign a pledge to be a safe driver, and played a Jeopardy game about driving safety and traffic laws for candy prizes. SADD members also made daily morning announcement about teen driving safety, and led a cheer at the Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 24, of their slogan, “Pway You Know – Drive Safe, Drive Slow.” SADD’s adviser is PHS teacher Laura Benjamin.

 

Coming Up

Nov. 13: Marking Period 2 Begins

Nov. 13-15: PHS Fall Play “She Kills Monsters”

Nov. 18: Culture, Climate, and Community Relations Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19-20: Evening Conferences, Early Dismissal

Nov. 21: Daytime Conferences, Early Dismissal

Nov. 26: Early Dismissal for Teachers and Students

Nov. 27-28: Thanksgiving Break, Schools Closed

Dec. 1: Curriculum Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2: Schor Chorus/Orchestra Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 3: Report Cards Available in Genesis Parent Module

Dec. 3: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4: Schor Band Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 8: Conackamack Chorus/Orchestra Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Conackamack Band Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 10: PHS Choir Concert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

 

Workshop Guides Families Through FAFSA Application

The Piscataway High School Counseling Department helped students and families take a big step on their college admissions journey on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a FAFSA workshop in the Patton Cafeteria. PHS staff and financial aid officers from Middlesex College guided families every step of the way through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine a college-bound student’s eligibility for financial aid. Students can be considered for grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans, as well as state and college-based aid. Families were relieved to complete this key piece of the college process.

 

College Fair Offers Seniors Valuable Insight Into Future

Seniors from Piscataway High School gathered valuable information Wednesday, Oct. 15, at a college fair hosted by College Fairs USA at Woodbridge High School. The students met admissions representatives from 45 colleges and universities around the country. The students learned about the admissions process, financial aid, and college life. Thank you to PHS counselors Mawiyah Husbands and Rodney West for providing the students with this important opportunity.

 

87 8th-Graders Help to Make Superchiefs Extra Super

The Piscataway High School Superchiefs Marching Band looked extra super at the football game on Friday, Oct. 10. The high schoolers were joined by 87 eighth-grade musicians from across the district, filling two sections of bleachers. The younger students – and potential future Superchiefs – spent the day rehearsing with the marching band, then joined them to provide a spirited soundtrack for the Chiefs game. Thanks to music educators Ken Zampella, Chris Sumner, Jason Lakshmanan, Shamie Royston, Connor Egan, Fabian Schulz, and the Band Parents for arranging this great collaboration.

 

Board Celebrates Service of Tri-M Music Honor Society

Congratulations to students in the PHS Tri-M Music Honor Society, who spoke to our Board of Education about their community service work at the October meeting. The students volunteer at concerts and performances, coach students with after-school lessons, and invite guest musicians to share their experience. They also held a Musical Petting Zoo to expose 3rd grade families to musical opportunities, and held a singalong in partnership with the PHS Special Education Department. Board President Shantell Cherry presented them with certificates on behalf of the Board. The students are guided by adviser Rebekah Sterlacci, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts.

 

Musicians & Families Honored

Congratulations to the PHS Superchiefs Marching Band, which was celebrated at Band Appreciation Night on Thursday, Oct. 23. The band gave a fantastic performance for families, friends, community members, and Board of Education members, and senior band members were honored on the field with their families by their side.

 

Visiting Choir Professor Offers Tips and Techniques

The PHS choirs welcomed a special guest on Wednesday, Oct. 29, when Dr. Jason Vodicka from Westminster Choir College met with our students. Dr. Vodicka gave them valuable tips regarding repertoire and technique – but even more special was the chance to build community through shared experience and by performing with and for one another. Thanks to vocal music teacher Megan Suozzo for creating this opportunity.

 

Quibbletown Proves That Kindness Is a Superpower

Quibbletown Middle School celebrated the Week of Respect, Oct. 6-10, with daily themes to keep students interested and informed. They included “Respect is a Superpower,” where students were encouraged to dress as superheroes; discussions of self-care on Wellness Wednesday; “Thankful and Kindness Thursday,” when students posted notes of gratitude to peers, teachers, or staff; and a hallway decorating contest in which each grade followed a theme of the school pillars of Empathy, Respect, and Kindness.

 

Former Staff Member Uplifts Conackamack Students

Conackamack Middle School students heard an insightful and entertaining presentation on Friday, Oct. 10, when Dr. Andrew Billups visited for the Week of Respect. Dr. Billups is a former staff member at Conackamack and a licensed psychologist who went on to found Behavioral Health and Performance. He presented students with scenarios and information about how they can maintain respect for their peers, environment, and family, as well as themselves. He offered examples of how to show respect in a range of situations, and called on students to offer their insight on how they would react to different scenarios.

 

Schor Celebrates Respect, Diversity, and Community

Schor Middle School celebrated the Week of Respect, Oct. 6-10, with school-wide activities designed to foster respect, celebrate diversity, and build community. Counselors delivered lessons on bullying prevention and invited students to design their own “Keys to Respect,” writing personal commitments to respectful behavior on paper keys. These keys tied into this year’s school slogan, “Unlock Your Potential,” and were proudly displayed in the hallways and cafeteria. Homerooms participated in a door decorating contest. The homerooms with the winning designs celebrated with an ice cream party.

 

Schor Embraces Pride for Hispanic Heritage Month

Schor Middle School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by embracing the theme “El Orgullo Hispano” – Hispanic Pride. Spanish teachers Jessica Corrales and Maria Elster organized a school-wide initiative highlighting the rich cultural diversity within the Schor student body. Each morning during announcements, students of Hispanic heritage proudly introduced themselves in Spanish and shared interesting facts about their country of origin. Schor students and staff came together to honor and appreciate the vibrant cultures, languages, and histories that make up the Hispanic world.

 

Police Help Arbor Stay Safe Online

Thanks to Piscataway Township Police Department School Resource Officer Elk Peterkin for visiting Arbor Intermediate School to discuss internet safety with the students. He talked to them about cyber bullying, confidential information, and situational awareness when connecting online. He also discussed topics related to gaming and social media, and how law enforcement helps keep kids safe.

 

SADD Warns of Drug Dangers

Thanks to the PHS Students Against Destructive Decisions for spreading the word about the dangers of drug use during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 27-31. SADD set up tables in both buildings during lunch to share information and ask trivia questions about drugs and alcohol. They also got their peers to sign a pledge to avoid dangerous and addictive drugs.

 

Fourth-Graders Experience History on Local Field Trips

Fourth-grade social studies classes at Arbor and King intermediate schools got the opportunity to experience New Jersey history firsthand during recent trips to the Cornelius Low House and the East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. In class trips staggered over a few weeks, students were greeted in the village by live interpreters of Colonial soldiers, craftspeople, and townspeople. At the Cornelius Low House, students were able to enjoy the exhibit, “Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports,” which explores Middlesex County’s deep sports heritage. Thanks to K-8 Social Studies Supervisor Chris Irovando for making use of two invaluable local resources.

 

Jersey Cares Builds Outdoor Classroom for Eisenhower

Eisenhower Elementary School has a new outdoor classroom thanks to the generosity of our community partner, Jersey Cares. About 15 volunteers from PSEG visited on Thursday, Oct. 16, to build 2 tables, 4 benches, and an outdoor chalkboard adjacent to the playground. Soon after arriving, the volunteers grabbed the lumber and tools, and within 2 hours Eisenhower had their new outdoor furniture. Students coming out for recess gave the volunteers a roaring, “Thank you!” Jersey Cares has done projects with several of our schools in the past and we look forward to more collaboration in the future.

 

Preschool Mural Highlighted on Educational Website

The creativity of a Children’s Corner Preschool teacher is being highlighted on the website of Tools of the Mind, a provider of transformational teaching practices and curriculum for early childhood. Teacher Amalia Berrocal led an effort to create a “Main Street” mural in the preschool inspired by Tools of the Mind play themes: Family, Grocery, Restaurant, Medical, Pet/Vet, Community, School, and Camping. Tools of the Mind was so impressed that it decided to highlight this unique intersection of teacher creativity and student learning.

 

Knollwood Students Excited by Lessons from Firefighters

Students at Knollwood Elementary School were so excited to meet some local heroes when the Holmes Marshall Fire Company visited Knollwood as part of Fire Prevention Week. Chief Jeffrey Cooper and Firefighter Michael Saunders spoke with kindergarten and first-grade students to discuss the importance of fire safety, demonstrate how firefighters put on their protective gear, and give each student a tour of a working fire engine. The visit capped off a week of classroom discussions and learning activities that highlighted the importance of fire safety and prevention in our daily lives.

 

Good Morning, Arbor Families

Arbor Intermediate School welcomed parents into the school for two special events to bring home families and school families closer together. At “Coffee with the Counselor” on Wednesday, Oct. 15, parents and guardians had the opportunity to meet with Counselor Amy McLaughlin to discuss important topics such as bullying and internet safety. At “Have Breakfast with Your Child,” families enjoyed a continental breakfast with their children and visited the Scholastic Book Fair. This wonderful event was sponsored by the Piscataway Township Education Association.

 

Detective Stresses Peace in Visit to Conackamack

Conackamack Middle School students learned the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful school environment during a recent School Violence Awareness Week visit from Detective Calvin Laughlin, a retired officer from the Piscataway Police Department. Detective Laughlin discussed ways students can help prevent violence by resolving conflicts peacefully, reporting concerns to trusted adults, and supporting each other through positive actions.

 

PHS Alum Excels in Student Competition at Duke U.

Congratulations to PHS Class of 2024 graduate Raahim Hashmi, right, who was part of the winning team at the 2025 Sanford Cyber Cup at Duke University. In the competition, Duke students had one day to brief the National Security Council in a high-stakes simulation of hackers targeting America’s farms and ports. The interdisciplinary competition asked student teams to weigh technical evidence, assess domestic risks, anticipate global consequences, and deliver actionable policy recommendations to a panel of judges. This is another great example of our graduates exceling in a wide range of fields after they move on from PHS.

 

Science Educators Share Success Stories with Peers

Congratulations to two of our science educators who were selected to present informative sessions to colleagues at the New Jersey Science Convention on Oct. 22. Supervisor of Science K-8 and Engineering Dr. Jeff Celebre presented “Making Science Work for Everyone: Tools and Strategies for an Inclusive Middle School Classroom.” It focused on advances in our middle school science classes in Piscataway, such as purposeful group structures and accessible lab experiences, which are used to make science instruction more equitable and engaging. PHS physics and astronomy teacher Erin Bontempo presented a session called “Using NASA HEAT to Teach Physics,” which shared resources from NASA and the American Association of Physics Teachers for teaching heliophysics in high school physics classes.

 

Social Studies Teachers Inspired by Visit to Kean

Our social studies teachers in Grades 6-12 experienced a powerful day of professional development in a visit to Kean University that focused on Holocaust and genocide education. The Oct. 20 in-service day, hosted at the university’s Holocaust Resource Center and Archives, featured thought-provoking sessions on the Crusades, the Irish Famine, the Holocaust, and the Chinese and Armenian famines, each examined through the lens of genocide studies. This immersive experience deepened teachers’ understanding of how to integrate genocide education into the history curriculum. Thanks to PHS Social Studies Chair James Knox and K-8 Social Studies Supervisor Chris Irovando for arranging this.

 

Arts & Music Teachers Make Connections with Comedy

Our Department of Visual & Performing Arts had an incredible Professional Learning Day on Oct. 20. Art and music teachers reflected and connected through exploration of Aesthetic Education by creating movement based on memories of special locations. They also played improv games and learned about social-emotional learning and community-building through the arts with comedian Chris Gethard and the Laughing Together organization. Instrumental music teachers learned about instrument repair, and the Grades 4-12 choir team collaborated on classroom tools.

 

Connecting Arts and Public Health

Congratulations to Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Rebekah Sterlacci, who was awarded a fully funded scholarship to attend “Creating Healthy Communities: Arts in Public Health Convening” at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Oct. 15 and 16. It was an incredible two days of amplifying art and health – and of connecting with artists, educators, leaders, and advocates in arts and health spheres.

 

Rainbow of Fun at Knollwood

Knollwood Elementary School students and their families took an amazing run through the rainbow on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at their 2nd Annual Color Run. Student had a great time running through colored powder thown by teachers and staff members. The event raised $22,000 for the Knollwood PTO to be used toward field trips, class shirts, and other events this school year.

 

PHS, Preschool Team Up for Tomorrow’s Teachers

Piscataway High School and Children’s Corner Preschool teamed up in October to get a group of enthusiastic students experience they need to become our next generation of teachers. These PHS students are enrolled in Tomorrow’s Teachers, an exciting new dual-enrollment course where students who aspire to become educators get credit at Kean University. On Oct. 14 and 23, 14 students visited Children’s Corner to observe and support teachers as part of the course’s required field work. This collaboration gives the high school students authentic insight into the teaching profession while allowing the district’s youngest learners to benefit from enthusiastic role models.

 

Arbor Celebrates Support for the Visually Impaired

Arbor Intermediate School celebrated White Cane Day on Wednesday, Oct. 15, which honors those who are blind or visually impaired, and the white cane is a symbol of independence. Students are reading “Louis Braille’s Gift to the Blind” by Tanya Anderson, which is part of the 4th grade curriculum. Teachers throughout the building are also teaching supporting activities. Staff wore T-shirts with the saying, “It is a cane, not a stick,” and a quote from Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Money raised from the shirt sale goes directly toward purchasing assistive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired. Fourth-grader Grace Mejia and her family were thrilled with the support and increased awareness.

 

PHS Class Uses Fall Tradition to Sharpen Numbers Skills

Students in Shannon Mengak’s class at Piscataway High School recently dug into a fall tradition to sharpen their math skills. Students began by examining pumpkins of various sizes and used their observation and reasoning skills to estimate how many seeds were inside the pumpkins. They then worked with peers to dig into each pumpkin and count the actual number of seeds. They charted the results as Ms. Mengak filled in the numbers on her Promethean Board display. They graphed the results as a class and discussed the differences between their estimates and actual numbers of seeds. It was an engaging, hands-on experience for the students, integrating math and science concepts – while also being messy fall fun.

 

Math Class Times 2 Equals Opportunity for Sophomores

Several dedicated sophomores at PHS are taking advantage of a new opportunity to challenge themselves by doubling up on their math classes – taking Algebra 2 and Geometry at the same time. Students who completed Algebra 1 as freshman and maintained a 90 percent average were given the opportunity to enroll in two math courses simultaneously. Frank Wrublevski, Supervisor of Mathematics Grades 7-12, noted that this initiative provides motivated students with the chance to accelerate their math studies and reach Calculus before graduation. Sophie Balcarcel, left, is one of the students excelling on this advanced track, with an average above 90 percent in both courses, reflecting dedication, perseverance, and a love for math.

 

PHS Choir Tour Brings Joy to Intermediate Schools

The Piscataway High School Choir did a wonderful job helping spreading the joy of singing to Arbor and Martin Luther King intermediate schools during a joyous workshop on Oct. 22. Both schools had young singers packing their cafeterias for opportunities to learn and grow as musicians. Thank you to music teachers Megan Suozzo, Danielle Kim, and Rachel Bollaro for collaborating to build a sense of community between the high school and intermediate schools.

 

Meals and Lessons Celebrate Hindu Heritage Month

Our community rallied around our schools to help students and staff recognize and celebrate Hindu Heritage Month in October, with delicious lunches of Indian delicacies and opportunities to learn about Hindu culture. Groups of parents, staff, and community sponsors brought food for staff at several schools, including Piscataway High School, Quibbletown Middle School, Conackamack Middle School, Martin Luther King Intermediate School, and Eisenhower Elementary School. The menus included samosas, paneer tikka masala, jeera rice, naan, pastries, and more. Our staff was very grateful for the thoughtful gesture and delicious food. In addition, students at schools including Quibbletown and King gave slide presentation to help their peers learn about Hindu customs and traditions. Thank you to Dr. C. Alex Gray, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Student Engagement, parent Nirav Brahmbhatt, and several other parents, staff members, and community business for creating warm and festive atmospheres for everyone to celebrate and learn about Hindu culture.

 

Pway Fast Fact

Did you know: The Genesis Parent Module is an online system where parents can access their students’ grades, attendance, and other important information. Find it under the Parents tab on our website. Review your settings to customize what email alerts you receive.

 

PHS Football and Volleyball Carry Success into Playoffs

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School football and girls volleyball teams on registering postseason wins to cap off the fall season. The Chiefs football team beat neighboring Plainfield, 29-14, on Nov. 1 in the first round of the North 2 Group 5 playoffs after a successful regular season record of 7-2. Girls volleyball scored a 3-0 win over Sayreville in the Central Jersey Group 4 tournament on Nov. 3.

 

Schor Seventh-Grader Wins County Cross-Country Gold

Congratulations to Schor Middle School seventh-grader Xavier Hairston, who won the Greater Middlesex Conference Middle School Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 24. Xavier went undefeated in his dual meets this season, and set a personal best time of 8:28 in the 1.5-mile championship race in Thompson Park in Monroe. It’s even more impressive to win the championship as a seventh-grader, beating out all the eighth-graders in the county. Xavier is coached by Jeff Conway and Johanna Reid.

 

‘Building for the Future’ Video Shows Food Service Upgrades

The second episode in our “Building for the Future” video series highlights improvements being made each year to our cafeterias and kitchens. These include new serving lines and cooking equipment that make food services more efficient and students meals more appetizing. Check it out at our @PwaySchools YouTube channel, and watch for more videos showing other facility upgrades.

 

Community Rallies to Give to Neighbors Who Need Help

Thank you to everyone who contributed non-perishable food items at our playoff football game on Nov. 1. Members of the PHS Superchiefs Marching Band Band Parents Association showed some of the food they collected to help our neighbors struggling with food insecurity. The food will be donated to local food banks, and the drive is continuing at all of our schools. Please give if you can.

 

Halloween Extra

 

Schor Middle School celebrated its third annual Fall Fest on Thursday, Oct. 30, bringing together students, families, and staff for a fun-filled evening of autumn activities. The event featured pumpkin carving, face painting, arts and crafts, music, hot chocolate, and treats for all to enjoy. One highlight of the night was the pumpkin carving contest, where families competed for prizes. Many students and adults boosted the festive spirit by dressing in Halloween costumes, making this year’s Fall Fest a memorable community celebration.

 

Conackamack Middle School students in the classes of Melissa Dzioba, Nicole Changaris, and Gary Szczepanik had so much fun at their annual pumpkin painting celebration.  Each design was creative and reflected the unique talents and imagination of the students, who were assisted by their teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff – creating a festival fall activity.

 

Randolphville Elementary School gave a group of eager students an amazing fall experience with a fun rotation of activities. They included a coloring station, a pumpkin painting station, sensory bin activities, macaroni art, and sticker art projects. Thanks to teachers Brittany Chang, Brian Clemintone, Maxene Michaels, Carin Weber, and Lindsey Mayne for arranging this special day for their students.