Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Frank Ranelli

December 12, 2024

Volume 11  Issue 4

 

Pway Earns ‘High Performing District’ Status

Board Gains Certification with Hours of Dedication

The NJ Department of Education named Piscataway a High Performing District following a comprehensive review for the NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum, known as QSAC. The review is mandated for all school districts in the state every three years and gauges the district’s performance in five areas. The Piscataway Board of Education also demonstrated a dedication to excellence by obtaining Board Certification through the NJ School Boards Association Member Academy. All of the current Board members volunteered 16 hours of their time to training and professional development in areas including governance and leadership. All members will be recognized Dec. 12 before a meeting of the Middlesex County School Boards Association at PHS.

 

Exploring their future

Trips offer students insight into careers and college

• A group of eighth-graders from all three of our middle schools gained valuable insight on future career possibilities at the Junior Achievement Inspire Career Expo at Middlesex College. The event provided an opportunity for students to meet professionals from various fields and learn about their career paths. The students also learned about the academic programs offered at Middlesex College and ended the day with a tour of the campus.

They were accompanied by Piscataway counselors Mawiyah Husbands of Quibbletown, Uma Patel of Schor, and Kelvin Rogers of Conackamack.

• Girls from Piscataway High School’s Engineering and Health Sciences academies at took a deep dive into career readiness at a Junior Achievement job shadow event for young women at Merck & Co. in Rahway. Spending the day at the pharmaceutical giant’s campus, students explored potential career paths, gained insights into the professional world, and connected with passionate mentors who shared valuable knowledge. Students were accompanied by PHS teachers Ghania Layachi and Elana Yousef.

 

Schor Engineers Show Off Rescue Robot for Board

Eighth-grade engineering students from Schor Middle School demonstrated their innovative Res-Q Claw Bot for our Board of Education at their November meeting. Through remarkable problem-solving strategies and creativity, the students created the robot with the purpose of navigating disaster-stricken landscapes to render assistance to emergency personnel. The students turned their ideas into reality through hands-on building and coding, equipping the Res-Q Claw Bot with the ability to maneuver through challenging environments and perform essential tasks for lending aid. At the Board meeting, the students maneuvered the robot and picked up objects with its powerful claw. The students were supported at the meeting by engineering teacher Victor Cardona and Schor Principal Lisa Parker, and received certificates of thanks and recognition from Board President Shantell Cherry.

 

Phonics Lesson Brings Special Visitor to Knollwood

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Lottmann paid a special visit to first-graders at Knollwood Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 21, to thank them for letters and drawings they sent him as part of a phonics lesson. For a lesson about bonus letters, teachers Elizabeth Collins and Lisa Young used Dr. Lottmann’s name as an example because of its double letters. And with help from Knollwood music teacher Jillian Corn, the class learned about phonetic patterns through original songs, which they performed for Dr. Lottmann during his visit.

 

Families Are Big Winners at Eisenhower Bingo Night

Eisenhower Elementary School students had a great time on Nov. 15 at Family Bingo Night. Principal Vincenzo Stio called the numbers while families competed for prizes, including new books. Thanks to the Eisenhower PTO for organizing a fun-filled evening.

M.L. King Fourth-Grader Reads 100 Books – and Counting

Fayrouz Maaty, a fourth-grader from Melissa Paust’s class at Martin Luther King School, set a big goal for 2024: to read 100 books. This avid reader crushed her goal and is already on book number 105. Congratulations to Fayrouz for working hard to achieve her goal.

 

Grandview Families Drawn In by Virtual ‘Paint With Me’ Night

Grandview Elementary School students and families had a wonderful time at the annual PTO Paint with Me night on Thursday, Nov. 14. This virtual event was hosted by art teacher Chris Lee and allowed students and their families to create beautiful art together. Thanks to the PTO and Mr. Lee for this great event.

 

Coming Up

Dec. 16: Quibbletown Band/Choir Concert, 6 p.m.

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

Dec. 18: Quibbletown Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19: Schor Band Concert, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20: Interim Reports available in Genesis Parent Module

Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter Break, all schools and offices are closed.

Jan. 2: Board of Education Reorganization Meeting, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9: Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m.

 

Non-College-Bound Students Explore ‘What’s Next’

More than 150 Piscataway High School juniors and seniors got a chance to explore options for their futures on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the annual “What’s Next” career fair at PHS. The event in the Patton Cafeteria focused on non-college-bound students, who were invited by teachers and counselors who felt they would benefit. The 22 presenters included representatives from businesses, trade schools, labor unions, the military, and more, including alumni Jeff Donovin, Matthew Fabien, and Alexis Harris, who discussed their experiences after leaving PHS. The event was organized by the PHS Counseling Department and the district Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Staff were excited to see students make connections and share their future plans.

 

Schor Debate Club Takes a Stand on Homework Issue

The Schor Middle School Debate Club recently tackled a hot topic among students: whether schools should assign homework. Two teams of students researched the issue and conducted a vigorous debate. Both teams cited sources and presented strong arguments for and against the proposition. Members of Student Government made for an attentive audience, scored their performance, and provided constructive feedback – enriching the discussion and the entire experience. The Debate Club is led by adviser Michael Simko.

 

Chiefs Football Standout Signs with Bowling Green

Congratulations to PHS senior Jahai Johnson, who signed on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to take his athletic and academic talents to Bowling Green University in Ohio. Jahai’s National Signing Day commitment to play football for the Falcons was celebrated in the PHS Anthony Gym by his coaches, teammates, family, and administrators.

 

PHS Students Get Scoop on Educational Opportunity Fund

Select seniors at Piscataway High School got to hear an engaging presentation from Alexander Floyd of the Educational Opportunity Fund at Raritan Valley Community College. Mr. Floyd, who had dropped out of college due to family circumstances, credits the EOF program with changing his life and helping him to get his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University. Mr. Floyd explained that EOF provides academic advising and one-on-one meetings for students each semester, provides funding for summer courses, and has a family feel to make students feel welcomed and valued. Mr. Floyd’s visit resonated with students, and we are excited to have made this connection for our seniors.

 

FBLA Sets Record for Students Passing Test to Enter Events

The Piscataway High School Future Business Leaders of America had a record-breaking turnout at Regionals Competitive Events testing on Tuesday, Dec. 3, with over 200 Piscataway FBLA members succeeding on their tests. Members participated in business-oriented critical thinking tasks, ranging from topics like economics to agribusiness, and everything in between. FBLA students are excited to see everyone place at the Regionals Awards Session on December 18, and are looking forward to upcoming competitions.

 

PHS ‘Heroes’ Teach Financial Skills to Arbor Classes

Forty-eight Piscataway High School students stepped up as role models and educators on Friday, Dec. 6, as the Future Business Leaders of American club brought financial literacy to life for all classes at Arbor Intermediate School. The engaging lessons and hands-on activities were part of the Junior Achievement High School Heroes program, in which high school students deliver age-appropriate lessons on finance and entrepreneurship to their younger peers. They introduced concepts like loans, funds, and business plans. From sparking creative ideas to building a foundation for smart money management, these high school heroes proved that empowering the next generation starts with sharing knowledge and enthusiasm. By the end of the day, the students were not only smarter about money but also had a great time along the way. The FBLA students will be visiting Martin Luther King Intermediate School for a similar day of lessons in February. FBLA is led by adviser Justin Critelli and our JA partnership is fostered by Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. C. Alex Gray.

PHS Dance Students Make Inspirational Trip to Philly

Members of the PHS Dance Academy recently spent the day at the Philadelphia Art Museum to gain inspiration for their choreography. Students had a great time connecting the artwork to their movement. Thanks to PHS dance teacher Jessica Taylor.

 

Families Make Sweet Treats in Holiday Baking Classes

Twenty families had great fun pouring, mixing, baking – and eating! – at two Holiday Baking sessions presented by our Office of Community Education on Saturday, Dec. 7. Parents and children worked together to create a variety of cookies, including chocolate chunk, raspberry thumbprint, and hot chocolate, which they were able to take home and enjoy. The classes were led by Ann Hunt from our district’s Business Office and Sarah Maas from Children’s Corner-River Preschool in the newly renovated kitchen at Piscataway High School. Another family baking class is planned for around Valentine’s Day. Check our district website for many more Community Education programs for children and adults.

 

King Music Teacher Shares Expertise with Colleagues

Congratulations to Dr. Elisabeth Sato, orchestra teacher at Martin Luther King Intermediate School, for being called on to shared her knowledge with music educators around New Jersey and the Northeast throughout the fall. She presented along with colleagues at workshops and seminars at Rowan University, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, and the New Jersey Education Association convention in Atlantic City. Among the presentations she made were “Skill-Building with Games & Challenges in Band & Orchestra” and “What’s That Wiggly Thing? Tips and Tricks for Teaching Vibrato.”

 

Schor Celebrates Honor Roll

Congratulations to more than 300 students who were celebrated on Friday, Dec. 6, for making the Honor Roll at Schor Middle School. There were 97 First Honor Roll students with all A’s and 222 Second Honor Roll students with all A’s and B’s. The honorees were given certificates and a variety of snacks as recognition for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in academics, and perseverance to stay focused and achieve their goals.

 

Instant Decision Days Put PHS Students on Fast Track

Congratulations to our seniors who received college acceptance on Instant Decision Days at Piscataway High School. All the students who applied to Seton Hall University on Tuesday, Nov. 26, were accepted and given generous scholarship packages – combining for over $100,000 per year. At left are Angie Ramos, G. Marina Rios Coppala, Seton Hall representative Nino Hervias, Tysahn Hill, Olivia Hammerdahl, and Maria Castelblanco Vargas. Also accepted was Olivia Goldsmith. And congratulations to Jackson Bartle and Sumaiya Akhtar, shown on Page 1, who were accepted to Montclair State University. Thanks to Rodney West, Shar-Mekka Pernell, and the entire PHS Counseling Department for arranging the Instant Decision Day visits.

 

Pway Fast Fact

Did you know: Our Office of Community Education offers many classes for adults and students covering a wide range of interests. Offerings are listed under Community Education on our district website. Register through the Community Pass link on our website.

 

Student Heritage on Display at Arbor Cultural Show & Tell

Students in Alyssa Rosado’s fourth-grade class at Arbor Intermediate School got to share unique pieces of their heritage during a recent Cultural Show & Tell. Students brought in items such as clothes, flags, cooking utensils, or sports jerseys, and explained why it was important to their culture and to themselves. Throughout the presentations, students asked questions, examined the items, shared stories, and made connections to their own culture. Each student valued and respected one another as the presentations enriched their classroom experience and built stronger relationships among classmates.

 

Knollwood Reading & Eating at ‘Breakfast Over Books’

Knollwood Elementary School families started off their morning right on Friday, Nov. 15, with Breakfast over Books, where author Brittany Plumeri read her book “Mine Monsters.” The Knollwood PTO hosted the program, made possible through a FAST grant (Families and Schools Together), which provided books for all the classrooms, breakfast, and notebooks for students to take home.

 

Randolphville Families Get a Taste of Varied Cultures

Families at Randolphville Elementary School had a wonderful time sharing information about their heritage at the PTO’s Multicultural Fall Festival on Nov. 15. Families volunteered to create tables representing their family culture, where students could learn fun facts including geography, holidays, dress, and food (taste tests included!) from countries around the world.

 

Piscataway Police Help Schor Students Stay Safe Online

Thanks to Piscataway Township Police Department Detective Elk Peterkin for speaking to students at Schor Middle School during the Week of Respect about social media safety and cyberbullying.

 

Middle School Football Wins First Championship

Congratulations to our middle school football team for winning the Big Central Middle School Football Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Chiefs beat Elizabeth, 32-6, to complete a perfect 8-0 season and capture Piscataway’s first middle school football title. The Chiefs are coached by James Boyd, Justin Enes, and Rob Stoddard.

 

It’s No Mystery: Presentation of ‘Clue’ at PHS is a Hit

The Piscataway High School Drama Club did a tremendous job presenting the comic mystery “Clue” on Dec. 5, 6 and 7. The show was directed by PHS teacher Michael Yoson.

 

Chiefs for Christ Pack 125 Gift Boxes for Needy Kids

The Piscataway High School Chiefs for Christ/FCA Club did a wonderful job hosting a toy drive to benefit children around the world. Students gathered on Nov. 18 to assemble boxes of toys, writing personalized letters or Bible verse to include in each package. In total, the group successfully packed 125 boxes, surpassing their goal of 100. The boxes are being donated to Samaritan’s Promise, a group that helps needy people worldwide. This initiative not only benefited children around the world but also fostered a strong sense of community among PHS students as they collaborated to support others. The ongoing mission of the Chiefs for Christ/FCA Club, led by advisers Mike Awad and Mark Kiang, is to make a positive impact in their community.

 

CSI Team Brings Expertise to PHS Forensics Class

Students in Amina Elmahalawy’s forensic science class at PHS recently got an exciting visit from the crime scene investigation team from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The CSI team shared insights into their role in solving crimes and assisting in building cases for prosecution. The team detailed the investigative process, from collecting evidence at a crime scene to presenting findings in court. They emphasized the importance of precision, critical thinking, and collaboration. The CSI team conducted a hands-on fingerprinting demonstration. Students learned how to dust for fingerprints, and how they are matched against a database to make identifications.

 

Community Service Kicks Off Quibbletown Mentor Program

Quibbletown Middle School kicked off another year of school-based Golden Knights Youth Mentorship with a brunch and community service activity. Students and their volunteer staff mentors enjoyed time together while assembling bags of treats for Piscataway Senior Center Meals on Wheels and making utensil wraps for Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen for Thanksgiving distribution.

 

Youngest Students Dig Into Dinosaurs at PHS Planetarium

Our youngest students had a blast from the distant past at “DinoSOARS” on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Piscataway High School Planetarium. The program was offered by our Office of Community Education and led by PHS science teacher Erin Bontempo. Students PreK and older were treated to a presentation about dinosaurs, followed by a coloring and crafts session.

 

Thanksgiving Extra

Students at Children’s Corner Preschool took to the hallways Tuesday, Nov. 26, to re-create the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After reading the story “Balloons Over Broadway” and watching some videos of the parade, students in the classes of Lauren Enes, Jaklin Hanna, Renee Delemo, and Ashley Cordeiro made their own balloons and had their own Thanksgiving Day Parade through the halls as their classmates cheered.

 

Eisenhower Elementary School first-graders and students in Applied Behavioral Analysis classes were excited to take part in Turkey Palooza on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Students sang songs about giving thanks and participated in a mini-Thanksgiving feast. Turkey Palooza culminated with each classroom placing food items on the cafeteria stage to donate to a local charity.

 

Kindergartners at Knollwood Elementary School had so much fun at their Thanksgiving Feast on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The children designed their own turkey hats and enjoyed a delicious feast with friends, teachers, and parents who made the special day

possible.

 

To help make sure local families have a happy holiday season, the Schor Middle School Student Government collected 1,252 non-perishable food items to distribute to the community in a show of love, care, and generosity. The initiative fostered a spirit of kindness and left students feeling fulfilled and thankful for the opportunity to support their neighbors. The students are under the guidance of teacher Brian Hornlein.

 

Grandview Elementary School kindergartners had a wonderful time celebrating their annual Turkey Day. The students gathered in the cafeteria on Wednesday, Nov. 27, to use their art skills to create paper bag turkey puppets. The students were coloring, cutting, and matching feathers for their creations, then ended the celebration by sharing what they are most thankful for.

 

Third-graders at Eisenhower Elementary School combined their lessons in Digital Literacy and Language arts to create their own Thanksgiving parade. The students learned how to navigate Dash robots with the Go app on their iPads. Meanwhile, they learned about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade through the book “Balloons Over Broadway.” Then students were tasked with creating their own balloon floats, and some students were selected to drive their creations on the Dash robots to create “Balloons Over Eisenhower.”

 

Students in the classes of Nicole Changaris, Melissa Dzioba, and Benjamin Szczepanik at Conackamack Middle School had a delicious time celebrating their annual Friendsgiving/Heritage Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Families of students brought in homemade cultural dishes that were delicious, and some staff members also contributed to the luncheon. Students decorated their own unique placemats, which helped add to the festive atmosphere.

 

Students in the Community Based Instruction classes at Piscataway High School and PATHS program at PHS and Quibbletown Middle School hosted celebratory Thanksgiving feasts in class. The meals included a variety of turkey, chicken, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and hot chocolate. The Community Based Instruction students applied daily living skills in cooking and enjoying a sitdown meal together, and the PATHS students enjoyed coming together to share a meal and talk with each other about this year’s school experiences.