2023 Middle School Promotion Dates

• Bayshore - Wednesday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m. - High School South
• Thompson - Wednesday, June 14 at 4 p.m. - High School South
• Thorne - Wednesday, June 14 at 6 p.m. - High School North Field

Note: If there is inclement weather on June 14, the middle school promotion ceremonies will be held indoors in the HS South gymnasium on June 14.

2023 High School Graduation Dates

• High School South - Thursday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. - High School South
• High School North - Thursday, June 15 at 4 p.m. - High School North

Note: The high school graduation rain date is Friday, June 16. 

Before the Middletown Township Pubic School District entered its spring recess, students, faculty and the Board of Education recognized the paraprofessionals supporting our students throughout the school community.

April 5, the first Wednesday in April, marked National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, an annual event dedicated to those educational aides who deliver targeted support to students who may need extra assistance, in addition to helping maintain a safe, fun and effective learning environment.

To celebrate these educational professionals, students composed thank you notes, cards and poems, greeted their paraprofessionals with flower bouquets and gifts, and even threw classroom parties.

During its March 28 meeting, the Middletown Township Board of Education adopted a proclamation in recognition of the event and the support professionals the day aims to celebrate.

"Paraprofessionals provide services in multiple settings within schools, including support for instructions, student activities, as well as numerous other tasks that contribute to students' educational success," the proclamation read. "The support and services provided by paraprofessionals are integral to student achievement. Paraprofessionals work tirelessly each day to support students and teachers."

"We appreciate and thank you for all that you do for our students every day," added Board of Education President Frank Capone.

Beginning in the 1960s, paraprofessionals were hired to work in American schools thanks to a program implemented by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It is believed that the idea of honoring paraprofessionals came in the 1970s, when the State of Missouri began to celebrate the work of paraprofessionals in the education sector. Since then, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day has spread across the country, with many school districts taking the first Wednesday in April as a chance to say “thanks.”

Thank you to all of our paraprofessionals for the crucial support and services they provide for our students.  

Thorne Middle School students and faculty recently collaborated with their community partner, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinksi II Memorial Fund, for a supply drive that supported military service members stationed overseas. The joint effort produced more than 60 care packages, which were stocked with food and other goods. The Zilinksi Fund's annual care package drive is conducted each March. Thorne students were joined on campus by members of the Zilinski Family and several New Jersey State Troopers who helped to package and transport the donations.

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund was founded in honor of its namesake, a Middletown resident who was killed in action while serving in Bayji, Iraq in 2005. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was created in 2006 to honor the life and memory of Zilinski, as well as to provide support to improve the moral and welfare of United State Armed Forces service members, and offer scholarship opportunities for high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit that Zilinksi demonstrated.

Thank you to our Thorne students who helped support this incredible cause, and to the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund for continuing to serve as a valued community partner to our district.

Bayview Elementary School students and faculty recently welcomed to campus Timothy Rohrer, a young adult author, speaker, self-advocate and educator with autism. Rohrer visited with Bayview's grade 3-5 students to discuss disability inclusion and present his published teaching guide "How to be a Good Influence to People with Disabilities." He also read one of his published children's books Timmy's Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship.

Rohrer has presented across the country at schools, workshops, and conferences, as well as the New Jersey Department of Education, where he received a commendation from the New Jersey Legislature.

"We were so thankful that Tim came to tell us about his journey as a young child, as well as the challenges he has faced, and his many helpful tips for inclusion in our community," said Bayview Elementary School Principal Tara Raspanti.

Thank you to Mr. Rohrer for sharing his impactful insights with our students.

On Wednesday, March 12, New Monmouth Elementary School Nurse Eileen Gavin was honored by the National Academy of School Nursing (NASN) as a 2023 Fellow. Gavin is one of just five school nurses across the country to be recognized with NASN's highest honor.

"The honor of fellow is the most prestigious recognition that members can receive from NASN. It is a symbol of superior achievement in school nursing and exceptional contributions to NASN," the organization said in a media release. "The depth and breadth of the Fellow's imprint on the field is extraordinary. Their contributions have had significant and enduring impact to the professional association and more broadly to school health and student well-being. Fellows’ exemplary leadership qualities and achievements are recognized by many, both inside and outside of school nursing and educational spheres of influence."

Since NASN was founded in 1997, the organization has inducted just 114 school nursing fellows.

Congratulations to Nurse Gavin on this well deserved honor.

This space is dedicated to the promotion of mental health resources in our schools and local community. Please refer to the district site for a comprehensive list of resources: Mental Health & Community Resources

Happy Spring Break! Time away from the demands of school can be a time to cultivate relaxation practices. Learning Success shares these techniques to practice with children.