October 2026

Superintendent’s Report

Erskine R. Glover

Volume 13 Issue 2

October 8, 2026

 

District Teaming Up to Drive Innovative Vision

Piscataway Township Schools is honored to be selected for the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, a national network of more than 175 school districts across 37 states that connects and supports the most forward-thinking leaders in education. Piscataway is one of just 16 school districts chosen from a competitive national pool of applicants based on our educational leadership, demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovative vision for learning, and collaborative spirit. We look forward to discovering new opportunities for collaboration to find creative solutions to common challenges, and to empowering students.

 

PHS AFJROTC Selected to March in New York’s Veterans Day Parade

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School Air Force Junior ROTC for being selected to march in the New York City Veterans Day Parade. Senior Master Sgt. Chrissie Slifer, a PHS AFJROTC instructor, said the unit was trying to expand their experiences and create goals that might “scare” them a little. So she applied for them to march in the parade. “Years ago, I had marched in this parade while on active duty, and it was an experience that I will never forget!” she said. She received word from the United War Veterans Council on Monday, Sept. 28, that the Piscataway cadets had been selected to march.

 

A Prominent Voice for Inclusion in Arts Education

Congratulations to Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Rebekah Sterlacci for being a leading voice for inclusive education in the arts in New Jersey. Ms. Sterlacci served on the responding team for the Inclusion Guide for Arts Education, a new statewide resource designed to help ensure that students with disabilities are fully included in arts education. The guide was created by Arts Ed NJ, All In for Inclusive Education, and the New Jersey Principals & Supervisors Association. Ms. Sterlacci is proud to have served on this team and will be co-presenting on Inclusive Arts Education at the NJEA conference in Atlantic City in November.

 

Elks Generously Donate Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Great thanks to the Piscataway Elks for generously donating backpacks, school supplies, and lunch boxes to our students.

Members of the Elks dropped off 48 lunchboxes and 100 backpacks filled with school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and pencils, on Thursday, Sept. 17. Grateful district administrators met them at Schor Middle School, and the supplies will be distributed to all of our schools as needed. We are fortunate to have such wonderful community partners as the Piscataway Elks to help support our schools, students, and families.

 

Back to School Nights Give

Families Chance to Connect

Thanks to all our families who attended Back to School Night. Families were welcomed into our schools over two weeks in September to learn about their children’s daily routines, policies and procedures, and how they can support our schools. Our teachers, administrators, and Board of Education members enjoyed getting to meet everyone. Active participation from our families is what makes our schools great, and helps our students to thrive.

 

Exploring Partnership with a

State Leader in Public Health

Our district leaders visited the NJ Sharing Network on Monday, Sept. 28, to explore potential partnerships between the district and their organization, as a resource for our students and staff as well as to spread the word about organ and tissue donation. E. Denise Peoples, manager of strategic partnerships for NJ Sharing Network, led a tour of the organization’s headquarters in New Providence for Superintendent Erskine R. Glover and other top administrators in our district. She offered eye-opening information and statistics about organ and tissue donation, as well as examples of how NJSN can be a resource for school events and organizations. She also commended Piscataway for the dedicated work of the PHS Donate Life club, whose students volunteer at numerous community events to help NJSN spread the word and combat misinformation about organ and tissue donation. Our district looks forward to finding creative ways to work alongside the NJ Sharing Network in a community partnership that will elevate our schools and their public health mission.

 

Join the Choral Collective

Come out and join the Piscataway Choral Collective, an adult choir for members of our community. There are no auditions and the choir is completely free to be a part of. The Collective meets twice per month on Tuesdays at PHS from October through March with a concert in early April.  No experience is necessary. The group’s goal is to build community through a shared love of singing. New members are welcome to email PwayChoralCollective@gmail.com to be added to our email list. The first rehearsal is on October 13 at 7 p.m. in the PHS Choir room.

 

Coming Up

Oct. 9: Interim Reports Available in Genesis Parent Module

Oct 14: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 pm

Oct. 16: PHS Broadway Cabaret, 7pm

Oct. 24: PHS Marching Band Festival

Nov. 3: No School for Students, In-Service Day for Teachers

Nov. 4: Early Dismissal for Students, In-Service Day for Teachers

Nov. 5-6: Schools Closed for Teachers and Students for NJEA Convention

Nov. 12: Board of Education Meeting at PHS Media Center

 

Six Communication Awards

Put Pway Among NJ Leaders

Piscataway is once again among the most celebrated school districts in the state for school communications. Our district won six awards at the New Jersey School Communication Awards – tied for the most of any school district in the state for the 3rd straight year. The awards include:

• Best in Class - Award of Excellence for Specialty Publication: 2025-2026 School Guide & Calendar

• Award of Excellence for Media Coverage: Buddy Ball feature on News 12 NJ (awarded to Eisenhower Elementary School Principal Vincenzo Stio, pictured)

• Award of Merit for Newsletter: Superintendent’s Report

• Award of Merit for Social Media

• 2 Awards of Merit for Photography

Public Information Officer Gary Miller accepted the awards at the Sept. 29 ceremony. See a full description of all the awards on the News page of our district website.

 

PHS Senior’s Summer Work

Produces Stunning Photos

Congratulations to Piscataway High School senior Luke Whitaker, who received college credit from an immersive two-week summer program in photography he attended at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Luke received a scholarship toward the program based on his high school photography portfolio. He lived on campus and had access to The Art Institute of Chicago Museum during his stay, completing various assignments while putting together a portfolio of personal work.

 

SADD Promotes Safe Driving

at Police Community Events

The PHS Students Against Destructive Decisions took to the streets alongside the Piscataway Township Police Department over two weeks in September to promote safe driving at four community roadway safety assessments. SADD members volunteered their time to meet with community members, promote their safe-driving initiative, and work alongside police officers to help make our roads safer. Students had the opportunity to use the speed radar device to track vehicles, distribute safe-driving lawn signs, and hand out Italian ice. Thanks to the Piscataway Police Safe Streets team for partnering with our SADD students in promoting safe driving.

 

AFJROTC Put Through Paces

for 9/11 Remembrance

The PHS Air Force Junior ROTC delivered tributes to 9/11 victims and survivors on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Throughout the day, AFJROTC cadets gathered at the stadium to read the names of all the victims as well as complete a memorial stair climb on the bleachers. The cadets had planned to climb 110 flights of stairs in an effort to replicate the many stairs that first responders had to climb. But the cadets competed the 110 flights in one class period, and decided to keep going. By the end of the day, they had completed an incredible 1,370 flights of stairs. Thank you to PHS Aerospace Science Instructors Lt. Col. Richard Kerr and Senior Master Sgt. Chrissie Slifer for helping our students organize this wonderful tribute.

 

Ice Cream & Information at Schor

Schor Middle School students and families had a great time at the annual Ice Cream Social on Sept. 25, an afternoon focused on building community and helping students get connected to school life. Presentations highlighting the many clubs and after-school activities available at Schor give students the opportunity to get involved and continue to connect with classmates. Following the presentations, students and families enjoyed a variety of Good Humor ice cream bars while spending time together. It was a fun and informative event for everyone.

 

Eisenhower Fun & Frosty Treats

Eisenhower Elementary School families had a great time at the PTO Ice Cream Social on Friday, Sept. 1. Students enjoyed their favorite flavors from Mr. Softee, and got a special visit from the PHS boys soccer team. Everyone enjoyed the evening of friendship and fun.

 

Quibbletown Spreading

the Seeds of Kindness

Quibbletown Middle School students are making it their mission to spread kindness to their classmates. The “Kindness Crew,” which is in its second year, inspires students and staff to practice kindness toward themselves and others. Several bulletin board projects highlight this mission. A “Spreading Kindness Like Confetti” display was a schoolwide initiative that invited students to add their names to the display, emphasizing that everyone plays a role in creating a kind school community. “6th Grade Shows Respect” and “Seeds of Kindness Can Go Far” displays were created through sixth-grade lessons focused on respect, kindness, and community.  Thanks to Kindness Crew advisers Krishna Daria and Lauren Leon for guiding our students.

 

Arbor Honored for Building

Students’ Math Proficiency

Congratulations to Arbor Intermediate School for being recognized as one of the top performing schools in New Jersey by IXL Learning. IXL is a digital learning platform that allows students to practice and become proficient in a wide range of math skills. Arbor showed outstanding overall usage of IXL, as well as a high number of skills in which students have reached proficiency. Congratulations to Arbor Principal Heather O’Donnell, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Montgomery, District Supervisor of Mathematics PreK-5 Rebecca Dayton, the whole team of math teachers at Arbor, and especially to the Arbor students who have worked so hard.

 

Preschoolers Celebrate

Diversity of Hispanic Culture

Children’s Corner Preschool students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Some of the lessons include a journey into Costa Rican heritage, learning about the nation’s incredible wildlife; learning about the flags of several Spanish-speaking countries, then carefully coloring their own flags; exploring the colorful tradition of piñatas then designing their own; learning about “paletas,” which means popsicles in Spanish, and how this sweet treat can be part of everyday life and culture. These celebrations and many others introduced our youngest learners to the beauty and diversity of Hispanic cultures.

 

Band Shines at Competition, with Big Event on the Horizon

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School Superchiefs Marching Band on a great finish at their first competition of the season. The band took 3rd place in Class III at JP Stevens High School on Saturday, Oct. 3. Thank you to band directors Ken Zampella and Jason Lakshmanan, the marching band staff, and our dedicated parent volunteers. Mark your calendar for the annual Superchiefs Marching Band Festival on Oct. 24 at PHS. This year, the band will be hosting the Class Championships of the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association with 38 high schools participating.

 

Conackamack Creates Buzz

with Media Center Redesign

Conackamack Middle School students are excited to explore the possibilities of the school’s media center. Media technology teacher Erin Torres, with help from teacher Maria Elster and building-based sub LeAnna Urenko, redesigned the functionality of the media center, making it a more conducive learning environment. It is now a more welcoming place for students to learn, research, and collaborate. More than 200 books were borrowed in the first few days of availability.

 

ML King Puts Focus on Safety

Students at Martin Luther King Intermediate School learned important lessons about protecting themselves during Safety Week, Sept. 8-11. Students learned about building safety drills, as well as the importance of community, trusted adults, and online safety. They also talked about the importance of emotional safety and the words we use toward one another.  ML King parents were encouraged to talk to their children about trusted adults. Thank you to School Safety Officer Rob Solomon and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Glenn Lottmann for sharing their expertise about community safety.

 

Sunshine & Smiles for Walk Your Child to School Day

Students enjoyed a beautiful morning for Walk Your Child to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, as families from all of our elementary schools learned about pedestrian safety and got some exercise before school. Thanks to the Piscataway Township Police Department and our crossing guards for arranging the walks and ensuring everyone stayed safe. Staff members and families joined in to make the walk a true community event. Some visitors to Eisenhower Elementary School made the morning even more special for our entire district:

• Reporter Lauren Due of News 12 New Jersey stopped by to spotlight our district’s program.

• Keep Moving Middlesex, a non-profit transportation management association, was on hand to honor the township and district for teaching our students to be safe pedestrians.

 

PHS Choir Students Connect

with Nature and One Another

Honors choir students from Piscataway High School had incredible learning experiences filled with collaboration and joy during recent retreats to Camp Bernie in Hunterdon County. Honors Bella Voce and Honors Chorale Choir built relationships, ensemble, and community on Oct. 2 and 5, respectively – all while engaging with the natural world. Students worked together to problem-solve, collaborate, communicate, and get to know one another even better. Thank you to our dedicated choir director, Megan Suozzo, for providing these incredible opportunities for our students.

 

Knollwood Sets a Tone

of Kindness and Respect

Knollwood Elementary School kicked off the Week of Respect with an informative assembly examining what respect looks, sounds, and feels like in the school community. School Counselor Etty Wajsfeld led students through engaging activities and meaningful conversations, where students were reminded of the importance of treating others with kindness, empathy, and understanding. They also learned to recognize that each member of the school community has an important role to play in creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The assembly on Oct. 5 set a wonderful tone and reinforced Knollwood’s commitment to building a school community where everyone feels valued, included, and respected. Thank you to Mrs. Wajsfeld for spreading an important message that students can carry with throughout the school year.

 

Families Unite in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Families, staff, and community members had a wonderful time celebrating culture at our district’s elementary/intermediate school Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The event at Eisenhower Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 3, honored the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans with games, dances, and crafts for Grades K-5. In partnership with PARAKids, families participated in an interactive workshop highlighting the value and importance of bilingualism, while enjoying an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and build community. With 26% of our student body identifying as Hispanic, this celebration was a meaningful reflection of the diversity of our schools.The theme, “Unidos Somos Más / Together We Are More,” reminds us that when we celebrate our cultures, languages, and shared experiences, we strengthen our schools and community. Thank you to Supervisor of World Language/ESL Evelyn Okparaeke for organizing this amazing event.

 

Community Education Staff

is Small But Powerful

Community Education is always “Combat Ready.” Our Office of Community Education is a small but powerful department that is responsible for so many of the programs that our families and the greater community have come to rely on. Community Ed is behind our Summer Camp; Before and After Care; student enrichment programs after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer; SAT prep courses; adult CPR certification training; Parent & Me cooking classes; planetarium shows; and so much more. The Community Education program is a self-supporting, non-profit organization that works hand-in-hand with our district. Pictured are Director of Community Programs & Early Childhood Kimberly Georgeian, 2nd from left, and her team of Lori Tomei, Kristine Pulido, and Samanta Granados.