District Welcomes Wreaths Across America To Thorne Middle School With $4,859 Donation
On a snowy Dec. 11 morning, Thorne Middle School welcomed the tractor trailers, motorcycles, and star spangled vehicles of the Wreaths Across America caravan, which made a pit stop at the Port Monmouth school on its way to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The caravan carried with it 70,000 ornamental wreaths. Later this month, volunteers will place those wreaths at the headstones of military service members who have fought in died in American conflicts dating back to the Civil War.
Prior to caravan’s arrival, the Thorne Middle School community launched a district-wide fundraiser for Wreaths Across America, which yielded a donation of $4,859.

Watch the full ceremony at Thorne Middle School in the video to the right, and read more about the event on the District website .
District Announces Strategic Planning Forum 3A and B
The overwhelming participation from District stakeholders in the development of our Strategic Plan has created a need to extend the process by dividing the third public forum into two sessions.

Strategic Planning Public Forum 3A was held Dec. 11 at High School North and can be viewed in its entirety by watching the video to the right.

To allow the public ample time to digest, analyze, and discuss the information presented that night, Public Forum 3B will be scheduled in late January or February on a date still to be determined.
Please Take Part in the 2020-2021 School Calendar Survey
Each year the District considers several factors before developing the new school calendar.

This year the administrative team and Board of Education invites the community to contribute to the process.

Please follow the link below to complete a short five-question survey that will provide valued input during the development process.
District Partners With Rutgers On Innovative Paraprofessional Coaching Project
The District has partnered with the Rutgers University Department of Psychology on a new program designed to enhance the methods by which paraprofessional classroom aides approach behavioral interventions for students with challenging behavioral disorders.

Over the course of a year, the Rutgers Paraprofessional Coaching Project will provide approximately eight collaborative coaching sessions that focus on training and empowering our paraprofessionals to implement evidence based behavioral interventions for students.

The project focuses on behavior support coaching to elementary school paraprofessionals (grades K-5) that work with 3 or more students in a classroom. The classroom teacher is also included in the coaching process and share back with districts all of the academic, social, and behavioral data that is collected for the participating students.

For more information on the Rutgers Paraprofessional Coaching Project, please visit the university's website .
High School North Recognizes
Freshman Making A Positive Impact
High School North Principal Patricia Vari-Cartier, Ed. D., her administrative team, and faculty members recognize that continuing to develop the positive culture at the school will only further enhance the learning environment and the overall student-experience.

With that goal in mind, earlier this month High School North recognized a group of freshmen that demonstrated positive social and emotional behavioral traits during the first marking period.

Dr. Cartier extends her most sincere congratulations to this group, and expresses great pride in their ability to make a positive impact on the High School North community.
2020-20201 High School Course Selection Guide
Looking to get a jump on planning for next year's high school classes?

The administrative team has released the High School Course Selection Guide for the 2020-2021 school year.

To download and print the guide book, or to review a digital copy, please visit the High School & Middle School Course Offerings page on the District website .
Mayor Tony Perry Visits District Students
Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry visited High School South on Dec. 10 to speak with students enrolled in the District's Government, Law, and Public Policy pathway.

Thanks to the use of Google hangouts technology, Mayor Perry was also able to simultaneously address students at High School North.

After graduating Temple University, Perry joined the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Division of the Governor's Office, coordinating recovery efforts with FEMA, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Perry later served as the Chief of Staff to former New Jersey Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, before serving on the Middletown Township Committee, and being selected as mayor for 2019.

Perry's appearance is one of several guest speaking events students enrolled in District pathways and academies are treated to.

For more information about the District's pathways, academies, and advanced placement courses, please visit the District website .
Watch Pathways & Academies Night Sessions
Hundreds of middle school students and parents from across the District attended Pathways, Academies, and Advanced Academic Opportunities Night at High School North on Dec. 4 to learn more about the focused educational offerings available at the high school level.

If you were unable to attend the event you can watch videos of each session at your convenience.


For more detailed information and to review a comprehensive slideshow presentation about the District's pathways, academies, and advanced placement courses, please visit the District website .
MTPS Community Calendar
Please join the High School North girls basketball and softball programs on Saturday, Jan. 25th, 2020 for their Slam Dunk Autism event, a day of games that will raise funds in support of special education programs.

To view a full list of your school's events please visit the calendar on your school's website.

High school athletics schedules can be viewed at www.shoreconferencenj.org

Middle school athletics schedules can be viewed at www.shoreconferencems.org

Important Dates

  • Dec. 18 - Board of Education Pre-Meeting Workshop/Voting Meeting
  • Jan. 2 - Board of Education Reorganization Meeting
Students Spread Positivity At Local Starbucks
Students from New Monmouth Elementary School are spreading positivity and kindness in their community with the help of a Middletown Starbucks coffee shop located near the intersection of
Cherry Tree Farm Road and
State Route 35.

Students received a collection Starbucks coffee sleeves and are adding splashes of color and
messages of kindness.

The sleeves will be returned to the Starbucks and handed out to
customers over the following weeks.
NBA Standout Speaks at Bayshore Career Day
In November, Bayshore Middle School hosted professionals from various fields at its seventh annual Career Day, including keynote speaker Randy Foye, a National Basketball League veteran and former NCAA star a Villanova University.

Foye fielded questions from students, including a discussion about playing with and against former NBA stars like Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant, and spoke about the power of setting goals at a young age. Hear part of that address by viewing the Twitter video to the left.

Presented by the Bayshore Guidance Department and administrative team, the 2019 Career Day saw more than 20 presenters address students. Presenters included those with backgrounds in firefighting and law enforcement, engineers and medical professionals, business and marketing, as well as musicians, photographers, and many more.
Middletown Township Public Schools on Twitter

At @BayshoreMiddle Career Day, keynote speaker @randyfoye, a former @NovaMBB star and NBA veteran, spoke to students about the importance of setting goals at. young age, developing a plan to achieve those goals, and never giving up in the face of ...

Read more
twitter.com
"Our goal is not to have the students decide on a Career now but instead to peak their interest so that they understand the process, education, training, etc. that goes in to obtaining and performing in these positions. We are hopeful that this event helps the students to begin thinking of what courses they would like to take in HS. We are also hopeful that this may initiate a conversation between students and their parents regarding career fields and choices," said Bayshore Principal Michael Scarano.
Mental Health Staff Trains In Sand Play Therapy
District mental health professionals were introduced to the basic tenets of Sand Play Therapy through a training facilitated by Toni Zachos Kaplan, LCSW of Lighthouse Counseling & Sand Play Training Center. 

Sand Play is an evidence-based and highly researched area of intervention for social skills, expressive techniques, and more.

Participants noted the specific potential of integrating sand play in their work, including: fostering connection between peers in social skills groups, engaging students who do not typically respond to highly verbal interventions and providing an effective method of expression to help students problem solve social situations.

This training was offered to members of the district’s Mental Health Board. The Mental Health Board, a newly introduced initiative composed of mental health professionals within the district, aims to provide professional development opportunities as well as district-wide education to further support social & emotional well-being of students.
Thorne Students Continue Holiday Lip Dub Tradition
Thorne Mididle School's annual holiday lip dub video has arrived.

Students have decked the hallways of the Port Monmouth school with holiday decorations and recently showed off their lip syncing abilities and fantastic dance moved as part of the community's yearly musical tradition.

To see the 2019 version of Thorne's Holiday Lip Dub please follow the link .
District Partnership with Local Historic Groups
In cooperation with Tom Valenti of the Middletown Historical Society, Linda Maresca and Elaine Hinkley of the Middletown Township Historic Preservation Commission, and Township Committeewoman Patricia Snell, the District has formed a partnership help bring more local history into our classrooms.

According to Wendy Morales, the District Supervisor of Social Studies and Technology, the partnership is currently targeting seventh middle school classrooms. The content covered in middle school history classes includes colonial America and the Revolutionary War, with which our Middletown community has many historical connections.

The partnership will include local history-based contests that appeal to various types of learners. The first of these contests is the "Middletown's Impact on History" essay contest, which is open to all District middle school students, and features a $50 prize for the winning essay from each grade level. For more information on the partnership and the essay contest please visit the District website .
Middletown Township Green Team Partners With Second Chance Toys

With the holidays approaching the Middletown Township Green Team wants to remind community members about its partnership with Second Chance Toys, a non-profit organization that collects, cleans, and distributes gently used plastic toys to children in need. A donation drop off site is located at the Kanes Lane Recycling Center. To learn more about Second Chance Toys please visit the organization's website .
High Schools Announces HOBY Conference Attendees
Earlier this month High School North and South announced the students who will represent the District at the upcoming Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) conference in June.

Jada McKnight and Peyton Benbrook of High School North, and Tristan DeCrescenzo and Luke McCann of High School South earned the distinction.

Founded in 1958 by actor and humanitarian Hugh O'Brian, the non-profit organization is dedicated to inspire a global community of youth and volunteers to a life of leadership, service and innovation.

From 1958 to 1967, HOBY solely hosted leadership seminars for sophomores from California.

Today, more HOBY and its mission is a worldwide initiative with more than 470,000 alumni.

For more information about HOBY please visit the organization's website .
High School North Student Government Assoc.
Announces Salute to Service Veterans Project
The High School North Student Government Association has launched its Salute to Service Veterans Project, an effort to honor all community members that have served our country's military.

After the information gathering process is completed, the next stage of the project is to create a display honoring our soldiers that have been killed in action. The goal is to develop a design that can be replicated and showcased in each of our 17 District schools.

The group is seeking help to compile names and information about our active service members and veterans. Those wishing to share information can email Mr. Jonathan Scala at scalaj@middletownk12.org .
Holiday Express Holds Concert for District Students
Holiday Expressed ushered in the holiday season for hundreds of District students and staff members on Nov. 19 with a 90-minute concert of festive classics and soulful Rock N’ Roll.

The local nonprofit organization, which delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and friendship to those in need during the holidays, transformed the High School South gymnasium into a holiday dance hall.

The event was made even more merry and bright by the appearance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Grinch who loves Christmas, and the big man himself, Santa Claus, all of whom posed for photos with students and joined giant conga lines that wound around the room in rhythm with the swinging tunes.

This year, from Nov. 4 through Christmas Eve, Holiday Express has 100 performances scheduled in various communities in and outside of Monmouth County. To learn more about Holiday Express, or to volunteer your time, please  visit the organization’s website .
Interested in Substitute Teaching?
If you are interested in a flexible employment option that fits your lifestyle, a substitute teaching position may fit well with your lifestyle.

If you would like to learn please connect with Middletown Township Public Schools District Manager Deanna Scanlon at dscanlon@ess.com
New Scholarships to Honor High School North Teachers
The High School North Guidance Department is reaching out to alumni and community members for their support of new scholarship fund that will honor the legacies of former educators Mr. Rick Unterstein and Mrs. Poroshat Shakoor.

Both lost their lives earlier this year.
Untertstein passed passed away suddenly on July 18, 2019, while on vacation in Maine with his wife. He taught Environmental Science and AP Biology for many years, and was passionate about the environment, evidenced by his work with the 7 Lakes Alliance organization. His students adored him for his quick wit and patience. He leaves behind his wife, two beautiful daughters and their husbands, two amazing grandchildren, and countless friends.

Shakoor passed away on October 19, 2019 after a long battle with lung cancer. She taught Mathematics, primarily honors Pre-Calculus and AP Probability & Statistics for many years. She had a great sense of humor, excellent fashion sense, and demanded the best of her students every day. Many students credit her with their success in Mathematics courses in college. She leaves behind her loving husband and two children.

High School North staff members are creating scholarships in the names of both Unterstein and Shakoor to aid students that will study science and mathematics in college. If you would like to contribute to the memory of these revered educators, please make out a check to "MHSN Guidance Scholarships" and designate which teacher (or both teachers) you would like to support in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to MHSN Guidance at 63 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ, 07748.
Dr. George's Corner - An Important Message
About the Strategic Planning Process
Earlier this week Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William O. George III, Ed. D., issued a letter to the school community concerning the District's Strategic Planning process.

Please view the letter in full by following the link . For more information about the Strategic Planning process please
High Schools Make Donations to Korntey Rose Foundation
Earlier this week the student government associations of High School North and South presented the Kortney Rose Foundation with donation checks totaling more than $3,000.

In 2006, Kristen Gillette lost her daughter Kortney to a brain tumor. In the ensuing months, Gillette was moved to found the Kortney Rose Foundation , a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research. To date the group has raised more than $2.3 million, a total that includes fundraising contributions from Middletown Township Public Schools.

District students helped the foundation raise $10,312 last year, and Gillette hopes that total can be surpassed with this year’s “Kortney’s Cash for the Cure” event.

Fundraising materials for the month-long effort arrived in our schools Oct. 15. The deadline to donate is Nov. 15. For more information about “Kortney’s Cash for the Cure” please reach out to the front office of your home school. To learn more about the Kortney Rose Foundation, or to donate, please visit the organization website .
Help Preserve Middletown's Most Notable Newspaper
The Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) is seeking volunteers to help preserve editions of The Courier, a newspaper published from 1955 through 2009.

The Middletown Township Public Library has bound collections of The Courier, but MTHS has noticed the deterioration of these collections and hopes to preserve them digitally for future generations to enjoy.

Volunteers interested in joining the effort can email Pam Curchin at pcurchin@mtpl.org .

For more information about MTHS, including a schedule of their upcoming educational events, please visit the  organization's website .
District Honored at 2019 NJSBA Workshop
Educators across the District are engaging students in personalized learning opportunities that build the skills necessary to one day flourish during college studies, a trade school education or in a rapidly evolving global work environment.

The District was recognized for this forward-thinking approach on Sept. 16th during a ceremony at the 2019 New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop in Atlantic City. Read more at the District website.
A University Model in
Active Learning Classrooms
The District has adapted the university "Active Learning Classroom" model from Rutgers University, and designed and implemented five new rooms in our middle schools and high schools. Research shows that active learning, when compared to individualistic learning, improves academic achievement, the quality of interpersonal interactions between peers, and a student's self-esteem. Learn more on the
District Working to Develop
Global Citizenship Education
District Supervisor of Social Studies and Technology, Wendy Morales, is emphasizing the concept of global citizenship education during the 2019-20 school year. As technology continues to transform higher education and workplace environments the importance of global competency for our students is rapidly increasing. To learn more about the District's global citizenship education efforts please continue reading.
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