November 2026
Superintendent's Report - November 2026
Superintendent’s Report
Erskine R. Glover
November 12, 2026
Volume 13 Issue 3
Piscataway Rises Among Best Districts in NJ
Piscataway has once again risen among the Best School Districts in New Jersey in an annual ranking by Niche.com. Piscataway earned the No. 45 ranking for Best Districts in New Jersey in the 2027 poll (up from No. 59 in 2026), placing No. 4 (up from No. 6) among 23 districts in Middlesex County. This is the fourth straight year that Piscataway’s ranking has improved. “It is incredibly rewarding to see Piscataway Township School get straight A’s across 7 vital measurements of success,” said Superintendent Erskine R. Glover. “This ranking goes beyond a single data point and reflects the overall culture of success throughout our district. We take pride in our excellence in academics, strength through diversity, and a climate where every child can succeed and know that they belong.”
World Turned Upside Down
on PHS Trip to Broadway
A chance meeting turned what was already an amazing trip to Broadway for our Piscataway High School theater students into a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. On their way to see “School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play,” our students and chaperones ran into Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of “Hamilton.” The whole group was shocked and excited, and his kindness made the experience even better. Mr. Miranda took a selfie with the students and spent a little time with them in the Drama Book Shop. The production of “School Girls” was comedic, moving, and thought-provoking. Our students loved it and it inspired great dialogue about all aspects of theatre. Following the play, students talked with an actress in the production, Nia Otchere-Sarfo, as they boarded the bus. She signed programs and even took a selfie with a school iPad. Thank you to PHS theatre teacher Mike Yoson for giving our students a magical Broadway day.
Board Achieves Prestigious
Master Certification
Congratulations to our Board of Education on earning the prestigious Master Board Certification from the NJ School Boards Association, a recognition reserved for high‑performing boards committed to elevating student achievement. To earn the Master Board Certification, a currently Certified board within the first two years of earning its certification, must complete at least 10 additional hours of training. Our Board is one of only 64 boards of education in the state to ever attain Master Certification. The Board had achieved Board Certification in 2024 through 16 hours of training in areas including general boardsmanship, governance, school law, labor relations, policy, and leadership.
PHS Senior a Semifinalist for National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to Piscataway High School senior Dhivyasree Manimaran for being selected as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Dhivyasree is one of just 394 semifinalists in all of New Jersey and 16,000 nationwide. She is among high-scoring entrants who represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors in the state. She now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,700 National Merit Scholarships to be offered in the spring. PHS also has 11 students who are National Merit Commended Students. These 11 students are among just 34,000 students nationwide who have shown exceptional academic promise. The Commended Students are: Haniya Arif, Nanalie Delacruz, Howard Dickson, Sanjana J. Ezhuthassan, Priya Goswami, Matthew Han, Sehra Mittra, Rishan Rajesh, Navin Sakthivel, Katrina Shankar, and Vasu Soni.
Knollwood Color Run Raises Funds and the Fun Factor
Knollwood Elementary School celebrated another successful Color Run on Friday, Oct. 9, raising an incredible $23,753 for the Knollwood PTO. Now in its third year, this fun-filled event brought together students, families, teachers, and staff for an evening of school spirit, colorful fun, and community support. The event’s success was made possible through the generosity of Knollwood families, dedicated volunteers, and local business sponsors.
PHS Alumnus Awards 100th Cullen Family Scholarship
We are happy to see recognition on the website of the Rutgers Foundation for Jim Cullen, who was part of Piscataway High School first graduating class in 1960 and is one of the school’s greatest benefactors. Mr. Cullen graduated from Rutgers in 1964 and served as president and CEO of Bell Atlantic, which became part of Verizon. In 2002, he created the Cullen Family Scholarship for Piscataway graduates who will attend Rutgers. This year marks the 100th $10,000 scholarship awarded to deserving Piscataway graduates. An endowment ensures that the scholarship will continue for years to come.
Coming Up
Nov. 12-14: PHS Fall Play, 7 pm
Nov. 17: Culture, Climate & Community Relations Committee, 7 pm
Nov. 18: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 pm
Nov. 18-19: Early Dismissal –
Evening Conferences
Nov. 20: Early Dismissal –
Daytime Conferences
Nov. 25: Early Dismissal
for Teachers & Students
Nov. 26-27: Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30: Curriculum Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm
Dec. 2: Report Cards Available in Genesis Parent Module
Dec. 3: Policy / Legislative Committee, 6:30 pm
Dec. 3: Schor Chorus/Orchestra Concert, 6 pm/7 pm
Dec. 7: Conackamack Chorus/
Orchestra Concert, 6 pm/7 pm
Dec. 8: Conackamack Band
Concert, 6 pm
Dec. 8: Quibbletown Band Concert, 6 pm
Dec. 8: Schor Band Concert, 6 pm
Dec. 9: Quibbletown Orchestra/Choir Concert, 6/7:30 pm
Dec. 10: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 pm
Dorm Fire Survivors Deliver
Vital Safety Message to PHS
Piscataway High School seniors heard a powerful message about fire safety and prevention on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from two survivors of the fatal fire at a Seton Hall University dormitory in 2000. Thank you to Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons for talking to our students about their tragic experience, in which three students died. The Seton Hall fire led to new laws about safety upgrades to New Jersey college residence halls. Their impactful “After the Fire” presentation included a video and question-and-answer period. From left are Assistant Superintendent Dr. Glenn Lottmann, Superintendent Erskine R. Glover, Mr. Llanos, Mr. Simons, Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler, Piscataway Fire Marshall Matt Jandernal, and PHS Assistant Principal Antonio Berdecia.
Welcome to Pway!
Greetings to the newest members of our staff
Three new staff members were approved at the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 8 and welcomed by our administration. From left are Director of Human Resources Colleen Pongratz, substitute safety officer Marcus Blakeney, Superintendent Erskine R. Glover, Board President Nancy Salgado-Cowan, Preschool Intervention Response Specialist Jamie Ponticello, and substitute safety officer Clothy Ortiz. New staff members are publicly recognized at Board meetings to let them see right away that they are joining a welcoming school district and are a valued member of the team.
Celebrations and Lessons
for Hindu Heritage Month
Thank you to members of our community who provided lunches to staff at several of our schools in honor of Hindu Heritage Month. The feasts included such foods as naan, paneer masala, samosas, and jasmine rice and fostered a wonderful sense of community for the staff members and the generous families who donated their time and effort. Above, staff at Conackamack Middle School were treated to a delicious lunch on Friday, Oct. 23. Thank you to the Junuthula family.
• Students in Nicole Kragh’s sixth-grade social studies class at Conackamack had the opportunity to celebrate and share their cultural heritage through engaging presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Students proudly shared aspects of their backgrounds, introducing classmates to meaningful traditions, delicious cuisine, and traditional clothing. The presentations provided a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from one another, ask questions, and appreciate the diverse cultures in their classroom.
Sophomores Get Key Lessons
in Organ and Tissue Donation
Piscataway High School sophomores heard valuable information in their physical education periods recently about being a tissue or organ donor. Keli Hayes from the NJ Sharing Network spoke to the students about the importance of registering to be a potential donor. Her stories and statistics shed light on the life-saving power of organ donation, which is a required topic in the high school driver education curriculum. She was introduced by students in the PHS Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Donate Life clubs. Thanks to PHS physical education and health teacher Laura Benjamin for arranging for Ms. Hayes to speak to our students.
Learning to Be Respectful Raccoons
Randolphville Elementary School students learned what it means to be a Respectful Randolphville Raccoon as the school celebrated the Week of Respect with an exciting schoolwide assembly. The gathering on Friday, Oct. 2, featured engaging discussions, videos, and hands-on activities. Students learned the importance of showing kindness and respect toward their peers, teachers, and families. The assembly set a positive intention for a week dedicated to celebrating respect and fostering a welcoming and caring school community where everyone feels valued, included, and appreciated.
Workshop Offers Growth
Opportunities for Board
Thank you to our Board of Education members, who attended Workshop 2026 hosted by the NJ School Boards Association to discover new opportunities to serve the Piscataway community. The event in Atlantic City Oct. 19-22 featured over 200 professional development and training sessions; keynote speakers; and collaborative opportunities. While at the workshop, our Board members and administrators were able to view artwork from Piscataway students as part of an Arts Ed NJ exhibit: Raymel Garcia Del Rosario, Kayla Johnson, Sanaiah Bowen, Luke Whitaker, and Jay Farrell of PHS (art teacher Lisa Lentini-Pombrio) and Joey Salles of Quibbletown Middle School (art teacher Rose Flanagan).
Counselors Assist Seniors
in Search for Aid for College
Our PHS Counseling Department has been supporting the families of our seniors with the process of applying for financial aid for college. On Saturday, Oct. 10, counselors assisted about 40 families in the completion of the FAFSA form at a workshop in the Patton Cafeteria, along with representatives of Middlesex College. The FAFSA allows families to receive a financial aid offer from any college where a student is accepted. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, a representative from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority led a virtual presentation for families to learn about important topics such as the FAFSA and financial aid. Thanks to all the school counselors for helping our seniors and their families plan for the future.
FBLA Collects 20+ Bags
of Trash from Johnson Park
About 50 dedicated members of the Piscataway High School Future Business Leaders of America scoured Johnson Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, collecting 20 bags of trash and other debris to protect wildlife and preserve the park’s natural beauty. FBLA’s initiative demonstrated the importance of having a strong commitment to environment and giving back to the community.
SADD Gets the Word Out
for Teen Driver Safety Week
The PHS Students Against Destructive Decisions were very busy for National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 18-24. SADD students set up during lunch in the Anthony Commons on Monday, Oct. 19, along with the Piscataway Police Department; held their annual Chalk the Walk outside PHS with the National Art Honor Society; and volunteered at the Piscataway Bike Tour on Saturday, Oct. 17, helping to sign in registrants, and passing out snacks and shirts. Thanks to SADD adviser Laura Benjamin.
Fire Safety Visit to Randolphville
Students at Randolphville Elementary School had some special visitors on Thursday, Oct. 9, to teach them about fire safety. Volunteer firefighters from North Stelton Fire Company arrived in their fire engine to give students hands-on lessons. The children saw the protective gear worn by these community heroes, as well as a variety of specialized rescue equipment and tools. They also learned how firefighters look in their full gear, so they wouldn’t be scared if a firefighter were to approach them during an emergency. Students also learned about fire safety in their classrooms for Fire Safety Week.
Preschoolers Display Teamwork
Our preschoolers learned the importance of kindness, teamwork, and celebrating our differences during Children’s Corner’s celebration of the Week of Respect, Oct. 5-9.
Through stories like “Spreading My Wings” and “Respectful Bot,” children learned how to be kind and respectful to friends and family. Children also worked together on creative projects, including the Cookie Monster candy donation box, the “Our Patch of Respect” pumpkin mural, and the “Blooming with Respect” garden mural. These activities celebrated each child’s unique talents, while showing how to come together to create something beautiful.
Superchiefs Marching Band
Crowned State Champions
Congratulations to the PHS Superchiefs Marching Band for winning the State Championship for Class 3A at The College of New Jersey on Nov. 1. The band also captured all the special awards at the show: Best Music, Best Visuals, and Best Overall Effect. They brought the championship banner and trophies back to a PHS parking lot full of families cheering and honking horns. Thank you and congratulations to Directors Jason Lakshmanan and Ken Zapella, their staff, and the all-volunteer Superchiefs Band Parents Association.
47th Annual Superchiefs Band Festival
A week before being crowned State Champions, the Superchiefs Marching Band did an amazing job as hosts and performers at the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association Class Championships on Saturday, Oct. 24. The first wave of volunteers arrived before 6 a.m. to start setting up, and the final awards of the night wrapped at 11 p.m. Throughout the day, 37 New Jersey high school marching bands performed in our stadium – the most in the 47-year history of the Superchiefs Band Festival. It was basically two full festivals in one day! The festival ran on the power of more than 100 community volunteers handling tickets, concessions, parking, equipment, buses, candy grams, raffle, merchandise, and more. The musicians in the PHS band worked as volunteers and handed out awards to competing marching bands before competing themselves. Thanks to everyone who helped to add another incredible entry to the Superchief Marching Band history book.
Board Puts Spotlight on
Quibbletown Kindness Crew
Thank you to students from Quibbletown Middle School students for sharing your mission to spread kindness with our Board of Education. The Quibbletown “Kindness Crew” spoke at the Oct. 8 Board meeting about the projects they are undertaking to inspire students and staff to practice kindness toward themselves and others. They discussed school-wide bulletin board projects, words of respect, and kindness prompts. Kindness Crew advisers Krishna Daria and Lauren Leon and students Chloe Stanton and Amari Gayle were recognized by Superintendent Erskine R. Glover, Board President Nancy Salgado-Cowan, and Board Member Loretta Rivers, liaison to Quibbletown. They were introduced and supported at the meeting by Principal William Gonzalez.
Ex-Conackamack Staffer
Rallies Students for Respect
Conackamack Middle School students heard an insightful and entertaining presentation on Friday, Oct. 9, when Dr. Andrew Billups visited for the Week of Respect. Dr. Billups is a former staff member at Conackamack who is now a senior sports psychologist at Rutgers. 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.
Arbor & King Students Excited to Learn Indian Song & Dance
Students at Arbor and Martin Luther King intermediate school had a wonderful time learning the basics of Indian music and dance. Gitanjali Music and Dance visited to perform and lead students through interactive exercises. Teachers related Indian songs and dances to western types of music and gave the students a chance to try something new. The assemblies part of our district’s celebration of Hindu Heritage Month throughout October. Thanks to Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Rebekah Sterlacci for arranging the visits.
AP Statistics Students Take
a Deep Look at Home Values
PHS students in Justin Cere’s AP Statistics classes at Piscataway High School recently completed an interdisciplinary research project connected to financial literacy: analyzing the predictive relationship between a home’s square footage and its selling price. Working in groups assigned to look at different municipalities, students evaluated linear regression models, investigated additional real estate variables, and presented their findings through written reports and summary infographics. “It was awesome,” said senior Jason Mann, “to be able to apply the statistics we learn in class towards something that I will need in the near future, like buying a house.”
Pink Spirit Week Offers Hope for Breast Cancer Awareness
Thank you to all the students, staff, and administrators who joined in our celebration of Pink Spirit Week for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Together, we honored survivors, remembered loved ones, and raised hope for all affected.
Schor Programs Reinforce
an Atmosphere of Kindness
Students at Schor Middle School celebrated the Week of Respect with upbeat music and encouraging messages, as well as classroom lessons focused on strengthening the school’s culture of kindness. Students acted as greeters on Oct. 5 to welcome their classmates into school. Throughout the week, school counselors Uma Patel and Nancy Arvizzigno visited classrooms to conduct lessons focused on harassment and bullying. Students worked in small groups to brainstorm ways to strengthen the culture of kindness.
Randolphville Families
Run Through the Rainbow
Randolphville Elementary School families had a wonderful time at their inaugural Color Run, bringing together families, students, and staff for a day of school spirit, community, and fun. The event raised an amazing $17,000 for the Randolphville PTO.
The unforgettable day, where students ran through a course in the school yard while they were sprayed with colorful powder, was made possible through months of planning by the PTO board and volunteers and through numerous community sponsorships.
Board and SADD Celebrate
at Multicultural Festival
Our Board of Education and Piscataway High School Students Against Destructive Decisions were proud to attend the Piscataway Multicultural Festival to spread positive messages. The Board members and Superintendent Erskine R. Glover were at the festival at Riverside Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 to celebrate the many cultures that make up our Piscataway community. The SADD students once again partnered with the Piscataway Township Police Department to talk to with community members about the dangers of speeding and give out lawn signs with their “Pway You Know: Drive Safe, Drive Slow” slogan.
Schor Spotlights Remarkable
Hispanic Americans
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Schor Middle School celebrated the contributions of notable Hispanic Americans and their lasting contributions to society. Throughout the month, students representing Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean delivered morning announcements, introducing themselves in Spanish and sharing inspiring facts. They highlighted figures such as NASA astronaut Franklin Chang-Díaz, fashion designer Carolina Herrera, and tech entrepreneur Luis von Ahn. Thanks to Spanish teacher Jessica Corrales for organizing this initiative.
Arbor Honors Achievements
of the Visually Impaired
Arbor Intermediate School celebrated White Cane Day on Thursday, Oct. 15, with fun and educational activities to raise awareness about the achievements of visually impaired people who use canes. Students explored the history and significance of the white cane through a comic strip created by fifth-grader Grace Mejia with the assistance of an orientation and mobility specialist. Miriam Gantz, teacher of the visually impaired, created Braille cards featuring the first names of fourth-grade students, who just finished reading a story about Louis Braille. Students also completed a white cane word search and brought home special candy white canes, and staff showed their support by wearing White Cane Day T-shirts.
Detective Gives Conackamack
Real-Life Facts on Online Safety
Thanks to Piscataway Police Detective Elk Peterkin for discussing online safety with students at Conackamack Middle School. During his visit on Friday, Oct. 23, Detective Peterkin demonstrated to students how behavior on social media or gaming platforms may seem harmless but can actually be hurtful or even illegal. He used real-life examples of swatting and doxxing; the potential dangers of AI; cyber-harassment and school Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying policies; and what to do if they are targeted. Detective Peterkin is the school resource officer for PHS and an invaluable resource for our district.
Arts Students Enter Honor Societies
Congratulations to our Piscataway High School students who were inducted into the National Art Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Superintendent Erskine R. Glover and Principal Chris Baldassano congratulated our students for their artistry, academic achievement, leadership, and service, and the arts honor society officers helped lead the ceremony. The audience was treated to music from the PHS Jazz Combo under the leadership of Tri-M President Josh Laureano. Thank you to NAHS advisor Samantha Knierim and Tri-M advisor Rebekah Sterlacci for organizing the ceremony and guiding our talented students.
Guest from Rutgers Offers Insight to Choir Students
Piscataway High School choir students combined learning with the joy of performing at an informance workshop on Oct. 28, with special guest Dr. Saleel Menon of Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. An “informance” is a blend of information and performance that focuses on the learning process rather than a polished final product. Dr. Menon shared ideas and techniques with students and gave insight into choral singing beyond high school and the many ways that can take shape. The students were deeply supportive of one another and took pride in their own performances. Thank you to vocal music teacher Megan Suozzo for providing this valuable experience.
Election Day and Halloween
Paired Up at Randolphville
Randolphville Elementary School combined the civic engagement of Election Day and the fun of Halloween into one celebration. Students got to experience the election process firsthand when they voted on what costumes Principal Stacy Mingo and Assistant Principal Kyle Gurkovich would wear for Halloween. Students stepped into a voting booth during library time to cast their ballots. After the votes were counted, the winning costumes were Mario and Luigi. But the fun didn’t stop there. Our creative kindergarten students teamed up with physical education teacher Amanda Miller to create a Mario Kart track for “Mario” and “Luigi” to race on, bringing the students’ winning vote to life. Thanks to all the staff members who helped set up the election.
Pway Fast Fact
Did you know: Every one of our schools has its own school counselor. If a student needs someone to talk to about school, grades, friendships, or home life, they can turn to their school counselor as a first step toward getting the help they need and deserve.
Professional Development
a Refresher for Staff Members
While our students had the day off on Tuesday, Nov. 3, our amazing teachers and other staff members were still hard at work learning new skills, honing their tools, and collaborating with colleagues from across the district during a wide variety of engaging professional development sessions. Facilitators from inside and outside of our district worked with staff on curricular standards, analyzing data, supporting and elevating students, integrating technology, managing behavior, and many other specific skills related to the wide range of professionals who make our district strong. These sessions use teamwork and collaboration to reenergize our teachers and staff and to make sure they have the tools they need to make the rest of the school year productive and gratifying.
PHS Artwork on Display for
NJ Teachers
Congratulations to four Piscataway High School artists whose beautiful artwork was featured in the NJEA Art Exhibition. The exhibition was on display during the New Jersey Education Association Convention on Nov. 5-6 in Atlantic City. This is a wonderful accomplishment and a great opportunity for our students to have their creativity and artistic talents recognized on a statewide level. The students are, from top, Raymel Garcia Del Rosario, Sanaiah Bowen, Messiah Farrell, and Luke Whitaker.
Chiefs Football Advances
to Sectional Championship
Congratulations to the PHS football for their success in the State Playoffs. The Chiefs upset West Orange on a last-second field goal to advance to the North 1 Group 5 State Sectional Championship, after beating Bayonne in the first round. Piscataway hosts Irvington for the title on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m.
Girls Tennis Wins Division
& Sets Record for Victories
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School girls tennis team for winning the Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division Championship. This is Piscataway’s first division championship since 2009. The team had a regular season record of 18-3, setting the record for the most wins in school history. Congratulations to juniors Laura Zeng, Maaya Pandya, and Radha Patel for being named First Team All-Blue Division, and to Coach Chris Puder for being named GMC Coach of the Year.
Junior Volleyballer Shatters
School Record for Digs
Congratulations to Piscataway High School junior Olivia Disarro for surpassing 1,000 career digs for the girls volleyball team and setting a new school record. “What makes Olivia’s accomplishment so remarkable is that she has completely rewritten our record book while still only a junior,” said Head Coach Brian Tuskan. “However, what impresses me most is the person she is off the court. Olivia is an outstanding student-athlete who demonstrates tremendous character, humility, dedication, and leadership. She represents everything we want our Piscataway athletes to be.” Playing the position of libero, a backline defensive specialist, Olivia has become the backbone of the Chiefs’ defense. Her relentless pursuit of every ball, consistency, and leadership have made her one of the most valuable players in the program’s history.
Cross-Country Runner Wins
GMC Freshman Gold Medal
Congratulations to Piscataway High School’s Josie Williams, far right, who won the gold medal in the Greater Middlesex Conference Cross-Country Championship freshman race with a time of 23:33. Kruthi Gadesula, second from right, finished 5th with a time of 24:08. In the junior varsity race, Mahi Patel, second from left, placed 16th with a time of 25:38, and Aria Pullum, left, finished 18th with a time of 25:45. Along with the four medal winners, 13 girls among the varsity, JV, and freshmen ran their season’s personal best.
Girls Volleyball and NHS Raise Funds & Awareness at Pink Out
Congratulations to the Piscataway High School girls volleyball team and National Honor Society for a successful Pink Out fundraiser. The team wore pink jerseys for the match against East Brunswick on Thursday, Oct. 8, and the NHS accepted donations for admission to the match and sold baked goods. Together the students raised $627 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. NHS President Katelyn Morris, also a member of the volleyball team, spoke to the crowd about the importance of their donation going toward public awareness, early detection, research, and treatment.
Middle School Football Ends
Perfect Season with 3rd Title
Congratulations to our middle school football team for winning its third straight Big Central Conference Championship. Piscataway beat Linden in the title game, 30-0, on Nov. 11 to finish a perfect defensive season. The Chiefs outscored their opponents by an amazing tally of 336-0 over the season. Linden had given up only two TDs all season before Piscataway scored four in the title game.