The MTPS Inspiring Lifelong Education and Success Program (MILES) is a district initiative that specifically serves our population of 18-21 year old student with special needs, and offers educational, training, and skill-development opportunities to help them better transition to life after public school.

"What we saw with our students who entered the program at 14 years old is that they were still taking academic courses at 19, 20, and 21," said MTPS Transition Specialist Victoria Grothues. "We wanted to offer a program to our 18 to 21 population that would help them better adapt into adult life after they leave the District. We're steering away from the academic component and more toward life skills and functional skills."

Grothues said that over the years, she has witnessed instances where students with special needs immediately exit the program after completing their four years of high school academic requirements. "This leaves them without access to adult support services, including Social Security and Medicaid, from the Department of Developmental Disabilities until they are 21. Providing opportunities for them to develop skills in a professional environment is educational and serves as a way to continue support services," added Grothues.

Students in the MILES Program participate in Work Based Learning. This allows them to experience off-campus training in professional environments like Brookdale Community College's kitchen, Burlington Coat Factory, DSW and other locations of our community partners.

"Work Based Learning Learning is certainly focused on training, but it also helps students to develop soft skills such as communication with an employer and coworkers, as well as conflict resolution, and how to handle stressful situations in these real life work environments," said Grothues

Every Wednesday, students in the MILES Program go off campus for community-based instruction in environments like grocery stores, banks, department stores, and restaurants. Students will also visit locations throughout our local park system to participate in physical leisure activities, like trail hikes and beach walks. Students prepare for their trips by developing lists of needed groceries and goods, preparing spending budgets, creating meal plans, and packing supplies. They also use class time to practice for the real-world scenarios they will enter, for example, placing meal orders, working with cashiers and wait staff, and sensory stimulation that can occur when in natural environments.

According to Brian Dorgan, Director of Special Education for High Schools, the program is expected to expand to two sections next year. Track 1 and Track 2 will differ in the combinations of Work Based Learning and Community Based Instruction students will experience. Based upon performance students will have the opportunity to move in and out of these different schedules to best meet their needs and abilities.

"We certainly want to place students in environments where they have expressed an interest, but we also want to offer them as many different employment experiences as possible so they can develop the widest array of life skills and functional skills," said Dorgan.

Questions about the MILES Program can be directed to dorganb@middletownk12.org and grothuesv@middletownk12.org.

High School South senior Abigail Stocker was recently recognized as the recipient of two coveted awards for her contributions to the field of High School Social Studies in New Jersey. Most recently, Stocker was recognized by the New Jersey Council for Social Studies as the first place winner of its Student Recognition Award for the Central Jersey Region. The senior was also awarded the Cynthia Marks Student Legacy Award for Exceptional Leadership by the New York/New Jersey Anti-Defamation League. Stocker earned these awards for her contributions to social studies education in the areas of motivation, leadership, scholarship and her commitment to High School South's No Place for Hate initiative. Stocker will be recognized further by the Middletown Township Board of Education and Administration ahead of the May 23 Workshop/Voting Meeting. Congratulations to Abby on her well-deserved recognitions.

On May 1, High School North celebrated National Senior Decision Day, an annual benchmark on which most colleges and universities ask that applicants notify the institute about their enrollment plans for the fall semester. The Lions recognized the day with a celebration, in which students to wore clothing that represented the school they will attend in September. The celebration was highlighted by a gathering in the campus courtyard where refreshments were served, and a group photo of the students was taken.

"Senior Decision Day was a celebratory and eventful occasion throughout our school community, recognizing the noteworthy achievements and prestigious accolades of this remarkable graduation class. They are truly outstanding, and we are so proud," said High School North Principal Kevin Cullen.

Congratulations to all of the students who have finalized their college decisions.

Earlier this week, the Middletown Township Public School District celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Day, which is recognized annually on the first Tuesday of the first full week of May. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt spearheaded the inaugural Teacher Appreciation Day in 1953 as a way to recognize our nation's educators for the crucial service they provide to our students, families and community at large.

Students and families across the nation celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day, and the forthcoming Teacher Appreciation Week (which will be recognized May 8-12) by helping our educators replenish classroom supplies and providing them with tokens of appreciation, such as thank you cards and personal letters from students discussing the positive impact these educators have had on their lives.

"Middletown Township Public School Teachers have been great mentors to our students. Understanding our students' needs and working to better each of them is the biggest blessing in our children's lives. Thank you all that you do each day for the students of Middletown," said Board of Education President Frank Capone.

Thank you to our teaches for the incredible commitment and innovation they bring to our school community every day.

On Saturday, April 22, the MTPS Curriculum Department and select teaching staff hosted an SAT and Advanced Placement Prep Session at High School North. Our staff members offered 19 different test prep sessions in all subject areas. Students had the opportunity to review important concepts from their advanced placement curricula, while learning a variety of test-taking strategies. Students were also offered practice constructing responses to open-ended questions and much more.

Students engaged in hands-on, authentic activities including “AP Daily” videos with practice prompts, "speed-dating" review of key concepts, and scoring other students’ work against the College Board’s released rubrics.

"The sessions were very well-attended with over 100 students between North and South coming out on a Saturday morning. We commend their dedication to learning," said District Director of Evaluation and Assessment Practices, John Kerrigan Ed.D.

Thank you to our staff members to their continued commitment to our students, and for our students' engagement in skill development.

Earlier this week Bayshore Middle School was alive with creativity, as the school community came together for its annual art show and band concert. Hallways were lined with galleries of paintings, drawings, sculptures and murals, before the attendees were invited to the Dolphins' all purpose room for a full-band performance of orchestral classics with a modern flair.

"The success of this event is another example of the hard work and dedication our teachers exhibit to make sure the needs of our students are met, and the incredible talent and commitment our students demonstrate each day," said Bayshore Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Gannon.

Congratulations to all of our Bayshore students and staff members on a wonderful event. Check out some of the best photos from the evening below.

Earlier this week, Thorne Middle School students in Mrs. Kristyn Corace's class were visited by Officer Iliana Santos and volunteers from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department. Officer Santos delivered an interactive lesson on how to respond to emergency situations in the home, appropriate procedures for dialing 9-1-1, and how to communicate and provide information to emergency dispatchers. Thank you to Officer Santos and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department for instructing our students on such critical topics and continuing to serve our schools as an important community partner.

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

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Visit the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County website to learn more about what you can do to support your own mental health and the mental health of those around you.

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.