Superintendent’s Report

Volume 12 Issue 4

December 11, 2025

Erskine R. Glover

 

Senior Earns Perfect Score on Math SAT

Piscataway High School senior Saanvi Patel achieved a perfect score of 800 on the Math portion of the SAT. Saanvi’s level of excellence is achieved by fewer than 1% of test takers nationwide. She also scored a 760 on her Verbal portion, giving her an amazing 1560 overall score. “Saanvi’s perfect 800 on the Math SAT is an extraordinary achievement,” said PHS Principal Chris Baldassano. “It reflects her talent and dedication, as well as the outstanding work of our teachers and the supportive environment of our school priorities. We are incredibly proud of her and of the educators who helped her reach this milestone.” Saanvi has applied to Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Yale. She plans to major in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a neuropsychiatrist.

 

PHS ‘What’s Next’ Offers Support in Career Search

About 200 Piscataway High School juniors and seniors got in-person exposure to potential career paths at the “What’s Next” Career Fair on Thursday, Dec. 4. These students, who are interested in options other than four-year colleges, got a chance to meet with representatives from law enforcement, trade groups, labor unions, the military, trade and technical schools, and other fields to get insight on potential pursuits after graduation. About 20 representatives from different fields and organizations were set up in the PHS Patton Cafeteria and met with students in two sessions to discuss training, salary, certification, and other aspects of professions that do not require a college degree.

 

Superintendent Discusses Safety Net for Mental Health

Our new superintendent, Erskine R. Glover, had a busy first day on the job in Piscataway. In addition to getting to know his new workplace and leadership team on Monday, Nov. 17, he also took part in a previously scheduled panel discussion called “Connecting the Dots: Everyone’s Role in Addressing Student Substance Use.” Mr. Glover was among speakers that included attorneys, student assistance counselors, and other mental health and substance abuse professionals who work with students and families around New Jersey. The session focused on how student assistance counselors can help school districts strengthen the safety net for their students as needs surrounding substance abuse, mental health, and trauma evolve.

 

District Custodian Hailed as SAIL Program Success Story

Congratulations to Ahammad Islam, a custodian at our Administration Building, who was honored by Interim Superintendent Dr. Johanna S. Ruberto at our Board of Education meeting on Nov. 13. Mr. Islam was recognized as a standout success story of our SAIL Program, a life-skills program for autistic, developmentally, and cognitively impaired students from ages 18-21. The SAIL Program is designed to introduce students with disabilities to workplace skills while beginning the process of transitioning to adult life. Mr. Islam graduated from SAIL in 2013 and now works as a full-time district employee, and is a valued worker and colleague. Dr. Ruberto was joined by Director of Pupil Services Theresa Edmondson in celebrating Mr. Islam’s contributions to the Piscataway community.

 

Community Resource Fair Offers Families Support, Info

Piscataway High School partnered with the Piscataway Education Association to host a successful community resource fair, where families were connected with vital services. Families, educators, public officials, and community organizations came together in the PHS Anthony Commons on Nov. 19 and 20 for two evenings of support, service, and connection. The fair featured a wide range of community resource partners who provided families with information, support services, and access to programs addressing food insecurity, disability supports, crisis intervention, and more, as featured in the fair’s community resource book. The PTEA also donated $2,500 each to three local food banks. Pictured are Assemblyman Joe Danielson, Board of Education President Shantell Cherry, PHS Principal Chris Baldassano, PTEA President Joe Toma, and Superintendent Erskine R. Glover.

 

Cyber Monday Raffle Raises $1,200+ for Ed Foundation

Congratulations to district Data Systems Analyst Amy Ferguson, who won the Piscataway Education Foundation Cyber Monday Raffle of a Nintendo Switch 2 System Console and Mario Kart World Bundle. The winning ticket for the jackpot worth $500 was chosen live on YouTube on Monday, Dec. 1. The raffle raised more than $1,200 toward the Piscataway Education Foundation’s mission of supporting our schools and students and strengthening our district’s ties to the greater community. Ms. Ferguson is being presented with her prize by Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Lottmann.

 

Assemblyman Commends District for Communications

Thank you to Assemblyman Joe Danielsen for visiting our Administration Building on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to present a Citation Award to our district for “incredible efforts at transparent communication.” The commendation from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly came in response to six awards that Piscataway Township Schools won at the New Jersey School Communication Awards in October, the most of any school district in the state. From left are Business Administrator/Board Secretary David Oliveira, Interim Superintendent Dr. Johanna S. Ruberto, Public Information Officer/Webmaster Gary Miller, Assemblyman Danielsen, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Lottmann.

 

Coming Up

Dec. 15: Quibbletown Band Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 17: PHS Instrumental Music Concert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 18: Quibbletown Orchestra/Choir Concert, 6/7:30 p.m.

Dec. 22: Interim Reports Available in Genesis Parent Module

Dec. 23: Early Dismissal for Winter Break

Dec. 24-Jan. 2: Winter Break, all schools closed for teachers and students

Jan. 8: Board of Education Reorganization & Business Meeting, 6:30 pm

 

Board Honors AFJROTC’s Knollwood Mentorship Program

Students at Knollwood Elementary School shared stories with our Board of Education at November’s meeting about how they benefit from mentorship by the PHS Air Force Junior ROTC. Students in Grades 1-3 are paired with PHS cadets and get together twice a month to play educational games, read, work on school assignments, create art, and more. They explore themes of friendship, peace, and resilience. The program was started in 2014 by Knollwood teacher Kendra Bryant-Morrow, whose sons were AFJROTC cadets, and is supported by Lt. Col. Richard Kerr, senior aerospace science instructor at PHS, and Knollwood paraprofessional Angela Tripodi-Seaboldt. Knollwood Principal Brian Voigt introduced the students at the meeting. Board President Shantell Cherry thanked the Knollwood students and AFJROTC cadets, and gave each a certificate for their participation.

 

Pway Fast Fact

Did you know: The PHS Air Force Junior ROTC program teaches leadership skills alongside aerospace science and physical training. Student cadets incur no military obligation whatsoever. Instructors emphasize high standards in citizenship, leadership, and scholarship. 

 

Quibbletown Vision Boards Inspire Students & Mentors

Students and staff volunteers in the Quibbletown Middle School mentorship program had some great conversations at their first event of the year. On Nov. 20, mentors and mentees created vision boards discussing what inspires them, their goals, how they plan to stay healthy in the upcoming year, how to make the world a better place, ways they can be their best self, struggles they want to overcome, and more. They enjoyed refreshments while completing the activity, including cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

 

Conackamack Students Use Algebra to Track Daily Life

Conackamack Middle School students in Danielle McParland’s Honors Algebra 1 class recently completed an engaging project applying their math skills to real-world scenarios. Working individually or with a partner, students modeled situations using functions, analyzed key features such as domain, range, and rate of change, and created visually engaging presentations that demonstrated how mathematics connects to everyday life. One standout project, “Pumpkin Harvest” by Lyla Lewandowski and Fatimah Kashif, modeled the local increase in pumpkin acreage from 2015 to 2025.

 

Rocketry Presentation Propels Arbor Imaginations

Imaginations were soaring for fourth-graders at Arbor Intermediate School when visitors shared engaging lessons about rocket science, including planets, lightspeed, thrust, and gravity. Mach Lightspeed, a rocketry team formed in 2023 by a group of students at the Edison Academy Magnet School, visited for an assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The event was organized by fourth-grade teacher Aleda Gerum.

 

Schor 8th-Graders Explore the Finances of College

Eighth-graders in Michael Simko’s social studies classes at Schor Middle School started planning for their future by digging into the finances of attending college as part of a financial literacy lesson on savings. They researched college majors and tuition fees for various in-state and out-of-state colleges, then created a pennant with their college choice, intended major, and tuition cost.

 

THANKSGIVING EXTRA

The Student Government at Schor Middle School worked to ensure that members of our community had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Over three weeks, the students collected and counted Thanksgiving food items donated by students throughout the school. The drive enabled Schor to help 14 local families to celebrate a plentiful Thanksgiving. The homeroom that donated the most was rewarded with a Munchkin breakfast. The Schor Student Government is under the guidance of teacher Brian Hornlein.

 

Holiday spirit marched through the halls of Grandview Elementary School as students hosted a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Students from the classes of Carissa Stoddard, Amanda Beleski, and Terry Malloy-Rogus worked hard to construct a unique balloon or character that reflected their imagination and teamwork. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the hallways buzzed with energy as staff and students gathered along the parade route. Students were celebrated with applause and smiles from peers across grade levels.

 

Children’s Corner-River Preschool recently transformed into a festive pumpkin patch, with each class picking a pumpkin and enjoying a full day of pumpkin-themed learning and fun. On Nov. 5, students explored math, science, art, and literacy through activities like number-line hopscotch, measuring pumpkins with cubes, observing pumpkin seeds and stems, decorating pumpkins, and reading “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.” They also practiced counting, creating, and using their senses to investigate pumpkins.

 

Arbor Intermediate School fourth-graders showed off their creativity and reading fluency when they presented a Readers Theater play for Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, Nov. 26, students in the classes of teachers Neal Bennington and Marisa Campione put on a production of “Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’,” the story of a family whose holiday dinner goes hilariously wrong. Students learned their lines and supported one another in building confidence. On performance day, students showcased their teamwork and growing love for literacy.

 

Kindergarten classes at Randolphville Elementary School had a wonderful time hosting Friendsgiving feasts before Thanksgiving break. The celebration featured traditional Thanksgiving treats, making for a joyous day.

 

PHS Future Educators Gain Insight in Eisenhower Visit

Our Piscataway High School Future Educators Club spent two exciting days at Eisenhower Elementary School on Nov. 11 and 13. Students had the opportunity to observe teachers across multiple grade levels and subjects, gaining real insight into classroom strategies and what it takes to be an effective educator. We’re so proud of these PHS students as they take advantage of the Piscataway support system to take their first steps toward becoming the next generation of teachers.

 

PHS Artist Earns Position in NJPAC Fall Exhibit

Congratulations to Piscataway High School junior Messiah Farrell, whose artwork has been selected for the Art Educators of New Jersey NJPAC Fall Exhibit. A reception for families was held on Dec. 7 at NJPAC in Newark. Thanks to PHS art teacher Lisa Lentini-Pombrio for helping to facilitate this great honor.

 

12 Seniors Get Instant Offers from Montclair State

Congratulations to 12 Piscataway High School seniors who were accepted to Montclair State University on Instant Decision Day! Students had to have a minimum GPA of 3.2 to participate in the event on Monday, Nov. 24, when MSU admissions rep Anisha Saini visited PHS. Instant Decision Days are a non-binding way to receive an on-the-spot college acceptance from an admissions counselor who reviews a student’s submitted application. Students often walk away with an offer of admission and sometimes even a scholarship. The offers are not binding and students are free to continue exploring other colleges. The students who accepted are Ahsan Ahmed, Faryal Fatima, Keroles Girgis, Abiyah Gordon, Malika Khan, Emma Lopez, Rida Rehman, David Smith, Shanjith Sribavan, Kamaura Thompson, Juliana Tirado, and Bria Weems.

 

‘She Kills Monsters’ a Huge Success for PHS Drama Club

Congratulations to the PHS Drama Club for their successful production of “She Kills Monsters”! Thanks to director Erik Hall and his team of Matt Nickles, Christie Hall, Mike Yoson, and Jessica Taylor, and to the Drama Mammas (& Dads) who helped make the show on Nov. 14-15 a huge hit. Thanks the PHS teacher Adrian Lojko for taking amazing photos.

 

Knollwood’s Breakfast Over Books Highlighted by Author’s Visit

Knollwood Elementary School hosted its first Breakfast Over Books event of the school year on Friday, Nov. 14 - and it was a wonderful success! Author and veteran Chris Bridges joined families for the morning, sharing stories about his work and reading one of his books to students and parents. His visit made the event especially memorable. The event was hosted by the Knollwood PTO with support from the Piscataway Township Education Association’s FAST (Families and Schools Together) Committee.

 

Modern Band Students Debut

Students in the Piscataway High School Modern Band program put on an incredible show in their recent debut performance. The band, known as The Mondays, met for the past six weeks to create a set from their musical influences and to arrange performances for their instrumentation. Launching this program was an opportunity to reach students inside and outside the traditional PHS music ensembles, and helped to increase and amplify student voice and leadership. The students gained confidence and independence as performers as they shared their influences, built a set list, collaborated on instrumentation, and learned from their coaches’ feedback. Thank you to their faculty coaches, Megan Suozzo, Shamie Royston, Steve Plesnarski, and Rebekah Sterlacci, and to Justin Lee for printing their band T-shirts.

 

Conackamack Staff Engages Students with Games, Talent

Conackamack Middle School celebrated the last day before Thanksgiving Break with a schoolwide Rock, Paper, Scissors competition, followed by a staff variety show for all to enjoy! Each student started out with one necklace, and challenged one another to Rock, Paper, Scissors during the passing of classes, with each winner taking all of the loser’s necklaces. These students with the most necklaces then faced off against staff members in the final rounds. After that tournament, staff showcased hidden talents, including a comedy skit from the Math Department, a hula hoop contest, match game, musical performances, and a dance. These performances gave students a chance to see their educators in a whole new light. Great thanks to music teachers Amanda Jago and Shamie Royston for arranging all the fun.

 

Middle School Football Wins 2nd Straight Championship

Congratulations to our middle school football team for winning the Central Jersey Championship for the second straight year! The Chiefs defeated Kreps Middle School of East Windsor, 14-12, for the title on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Last year, the team defeated Elizabeth at Piscataway High School to win the championship. The team is coached by James Boyd, Rob Stoddard, and Justin Enes.

 

Holiday Shoppe Warms Up the Winter at M.L. King

Holiday spirit is in full swing at Martin Luther King Intermediate School. Last week, students, staff, and our amazing parent volunteers came together for the PTO Holiday Shoppe. Students had a blast getting a head start on gift-giving for family and friends, while volunteers helped them make thoughtful choices. Events like this not only spark joy, but also support our school community: A portion of the proceeds will fuel PTO initiatives throughout the year.

 

Schor Mentors and Students Show Thanks with Creativity

Schor Middle School kicked off its first Mentoring Program event of the year with a warm and wonderful Friendsgiving celebration! Staff mentors and mentees spent the afternoon creating festive “Be Thankful” wreaths, sharing what they’re grateful for, and enjoying cozy cups of hot cocoa together. It was the perfect blend of creativity, connection, and kindness – a great start to a year of mentorship and meaningful support.

 

SAIL Educators Wear Pride on Their Sleeves

The dedicated educators in our SAIL Program got new sweatshirts to show their great pride in the program that teaches life-skills to autistic, developmentally, and cognitively impaired students ages 18-21. From left to right are paraprofessional Althea Ferguson, teacher Lisa Russo, paraprofessional Debbie Terebecki, teacher Lisa Jarusiewicz, paraprofessional Renee Boslet, teacher Dana Mutek, paraprofessional Suganya Laksh-Minarayanan, and paraprofessional Steve Lapchuk.

 

Pway Fast Fact

Did you know: The Haven is an outpatient mental health clinic at PHS, serving Piscataway students and families of all grade levels. Call (732) 981-0700 x2250 or email Haven@pway.org if you need support.