WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=BwM2BBcXW64

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: BwM2BBcXW64):
- 00:00:06: Welcome to Mount Pleasant: Introduction and Overview
- 00:01:21: Principal Harry Drew: Teacher Appreciation and More
- 00:04:39: Arbor Day Celebration and Addressing Absenteeism
- 00:07:32: Attendance Incentives: Pieing Staff and Student Recognition
- 00:10:12: Principal for a Day and Fifth Grade Step-Up Ceremony
- 00:12:19: Mr. Drew's Retirement Reflections and Parting Wisdom
- 00:14:28: Staff Highlight: Third Grade Teacher Courtney Anteneelli
- 00:17:26: Classroom Connections, Rewards, and Teaching Philosophy
- 00:21:11: Budget Challenges and Maintaining Classroom Sizes
- 00:23:36: Teacher Fundraiser: Courtney Gets Tattooed by Students
- 00:24:56: Staff Spotlight: Paraprofessional Dawn Zevaki's Journey
- 00:27:54: Family Life, Early Career and Finding Passion
- 00:30:01: Kindergarten Progress: A Paraprofessional's Perspective
- 00:33:29: Teacher-Para Partnership and Hobbies Outside of School
- 00:36:43: Meet School Counselor Dominique Carisco; Milville Native
- 00:39:26: Dominique’s Mission: Making Kids Smile and Giving Back
- 00:41:19: Travel, Managing Stress, and Future Career Goals
- 00:44:15: Student Spotlight: First Grader Amelio Santiago, Future Marine
- 00:47:26: Sports, Favorite Subjects, and Baseball Dreams
- 00:51:57: Student Spotlight: Fifth Grader Gary Kesler, Helper
- 00:54:11: Basketball, Math, and NBA Aspirations
- 00:57:21: District Updates: Safe NJ, Appreciation Week, Concerts
- 00:59:36: Olympic Day, Graduation, and Closing Remarks


Part: 1

1
00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:21.520
Hello everyone. Welcome to Mount Pleasant Elementary School. I'm Superintendent Matt Mazone and we are taping here. You're going to learn all aspects of Mount Pleasant, the home of the Panthers. So, we're going to be

2
00:00:21.520 --> 00:00:36.960
looking at our principal, what's on his desk, and learn about all the great teachers here as they're right now celebrating teacher appreciation week. And that's happening all across our district. And then last but not least, you're going to see our magnificent

3
00:00:36.960 --> 00:01:21.680
students. So, make sure you stay tuned and hear all about the great things that's happening here at Mount Pleasant. Heat. Heat. Hello and welcome to Inside the District. I am Superintendent Matt

4
00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:38.079
Mazone of Milville Public Schools. Uh we have a special segment today. We are highlighting Mount Pleasant, home of the Panthers, and we have a special guest joining us, and we're going to have many guests uh throughout this show. But first, we're going to start with

5
00:01:38.079 --> 00:01:55.040
principal Harry Drew. So, welcome, Mr. Drew. >> Dr. Mazone, welcome as always to Mount Pleasant, home of the Panthers. So, glad to be here. >> Awesome. So, uh, one of the things that we start with the show always is what's on the principal's desk. >> All right. Well, this week it's been our teacher appreciation week. It's been on

6
00:01:55.040 --> 00:02:12.400
my desk all week. Um, I believe in celebrating teachers, celebrating staff. So, this week we focused a lot with our community partners. Uh, Brun's Burgers, Julio on Maine, Proms Cafe, and Waw Wa. We've been celebrating our teachers and staff all week here at Mount Pleasant.

7
00:02:12.400 --> 00:02:29.840
It's our opportunity to show them that we care about their involvement here at Mount Pleasant, that they're doing a great job with our staff and with our students. It's just our give back to them. So, we've been having food all week um for breakfast and for lunch with our uh staff. We also did something

8
00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:46.959
really nice this week. first time teacher had came up with the idea of doing a red carpet. So we actually put a red carpet out on the playground had it stretched out for a good area to where the teachers could come down. We had all the students come out and line the red carpet and as the teachers came down we

9
00:02:46.959 --> 00:03:02.959
played music, clapped for them, yelled for them and praised them for doing a great job. So again, just a great week. has been very positive about what we're doing to make sure they understand their job can be hard, but we appreciate what they do here every day at Mount Pleasant. >> Yeah. And definitely feeds in the

10
00:03:02.959 --> 00:03:17.760
culture and climate at Mount Pleasant. And I know even today is a pretty unique situation. What how are you celebrating the teachers today? What's that look like? >> Oh, okay. We have our tattoo our staff uh event. Uh students actually came in

11
00:03:17.760 --> 00:03:34.480
and spent their hard-earned saved money and put it in a jar and they could put a dollar in for every tattoo. I ended up with 24 that I got to put on after this uh this interview. >> Well, thank you for waiting. >> Yeah, but we have 40 >> one teacher has 40 tattoos that they're going to put on. But again,

12
00:03:34.480 --> 00:03:50.239
>> and that teacher will be on the show, I heard. >> Yes, she will. She is our teacher of the year, Miss Anteneelli. So, she'll be on the show. But again, it's just another way of getting our kids involved, getting our staff involved. Um, our teachers know that their involvement is important, and that working with the

13
00:03:50.239 --> 00:04:06.799
students is also important. And >> and just staying with um talking about celebrating your staff, uh, even I know you're saying for teacher appreciation week, but you do it pretty much every Friday. >> Yeah. And I just made the phone call about five minutes before we started. Yeah. This is something I've been doing in the

14
00:04:06.799 --> 00:04:22.880
Millville school district. And again, this is my almost 27th year, 26 years in the district. Every Friday, I feel you work hard all week. On Fridays, we celebrate. We've gotten through through the week. So, what I do is either Jersey Jerry's or SNJ Pizza. Just a little

15
00:04:22.880 --> 00:04:39.840
token of my appreciation for them getting through the day and working with our staff and students. So, wonderful. >> Thank you for doing that, Mr. I appreciate it. >> Yeah. So let let's keep it moving and talk about uh you had a big Arbor Day celebration. >> Yes. Yes. So goes back probably about two three weeks ago uh ago. Um Barbara

16
00:04:39.840 --> 00:04:55.199
Westtock who used to actually work in the Milville school district as one of our secretaries contacted me about doing an Arbor Day celebration and they haven't done it in the Milville school district for a number of years. They wanted to bring it back. So she called me said look I want to do it at Mount Pleasant. Pick a grade. So we picked

17
00:04:55.199 --> 00:05:10.639
fourth grade and they it was a nice contest. They wanted students to know about Arbor Day and importance of planting trees and how it helps the environment. But he also wanted to do something as far as a contest. So they did a contest where they could write an

18
00:05:10.639 --> 00:05:26.479
essay or do a poster and then they picked honorable mentions but also the top three students ended up getting a gift from the Milville Women's Association. So we actually had the uh event outside out front of the school. We actually planted a tree that day just

19
00:05:26.479 --> 00:05:41.680
to again let the students know the importance of Arbor Day and they took pictures with Mrs. Westo and Mrs. Smith. So again, just something positive from the community and for Millville Women's Association to pick Mount Pleasant to me was a great experience. >> Right. And so thank you for leaning in

20
00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:56.479
uh working with our community partners. Y um I got to ask what kind of tree do you know? >> I do not know. >> All right. Hopefully it's a nice oak tree. >> It is. It's a nice tree though. >> Good. and it was actually donated by one of our uh local merchants here in Milo.

21
00:05:56.479 --> 00:06:12.960
>> Okay. So, uh let's go into our goals. And one of the things that we're focusing on uh if you've seen the show, if you've heard me say it as I talk with all principles is trying to address this chronic absenteeis issue uh not just Milville's facing but all throughout.

22
00:06:12.960 --> 00:06:28.479
So, it is important me and you talk about it in the workforce. Uh in order for you to be successful, number one, you need to show up. Right. >> Right. And we had that same mentality when we talking about kids. So for kids to learn, to grow, they need to be present. They need to be in the

23
00:06:28.479 --> 00:06:44.560
classroom with the uh their teacher and staff. So tell me how you guys are celebrating uh student attendance here. >> Okay. We've done a number of initiatives this year. Miss Krisco, my guidance counselor, has done a great job with uh working on perfect attendance. Every week we look at student attendance and

24
00:06:44.560 --> 00:07:00.160
make sure students are showing up for school. If they're not showing up, either she or I will call her, call the student to have a conversation with them. But we want them to be recognized. Any student that has perfect attendance for the week, she puts it on a spinning wheel in the cafeteria. Nice little

25
00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:16.160
presentation. And the kids actually win gift cards to Chick-fil-A, places like that. But again, just an incentive, the importance of coming to school every day. You have to be here to learn. >> Can't learn again staying at home watching TV, playing video games. You need to be here. So, we want those

26
00:07:16.160 --> 00:07:32.880
students to understand the importance of actually being here every day, coming to school, getting your education, and being successful. >> Right. And and what's this about? Uh pie a staff member in the face. >> That that's a new thing. Again, Miss Krisco came in this year, brand new um

27
00:07:32.880 --> 00:07:49.280
guidance counselor. I'm sure you're going to interview her later in this broadcast, but again, she came up with ideas that are kid-friendly. For her, the importance is the kids having fun. they she wants them to learn but also have fun. So she came up with the idea of if they have perfect attendance, the

28
00:07:49.280 --> 00:08:04.080
kids will be able to have her and Mrs. Hoffman, my PBIS aid, end up with a pie and they're actually going to be able to throw it at their face here at Mount Pleasant. >> Well, I think we should put a twist on this because, you know, I was a principal for quite a long time and I've

29
00:08:04.080 --> 00:08:21.199
been pied many times. So, pie your principal in the face. What do you think of that idea? Uh, I was a little against it, but now that you're sitting here, I think I'm going to do it. So, we're good. >> Oh, it's good. Whipped cream and everything. >> So, I'm in. Frisco will be happy. So,

30
00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:37.760
>> um, and as we're talking about the principal leadership, you've had a >> you are a role model. And I think even just when we talk about being present, you do that. Even when you take off, you show up. So, you know, you may have an appointment, but you still show up. So, I call, I'm like, "Mr. J, what are you

31
00:08:37.760 --> 00:08:52.800
still doing?" like I need to be here. I want to make sure everything's getting off on the right foot. >> And and our parents know my involvement. I want to be here. I want to make sure things are running smoothly to be able to have that opportunity to pick the phone up and call me. Very seldom do I take off. I like being here with the

32
00:08:52.800 --> 00:09:09.440
kids, their involvement and working with the staff. >> Yeah. And and then the other piece to it is you dress in the professional attire >> 5 days a week. My there was a gentleman who was my guidance counselor at Kingsway where I went to high school at and he dressed up every day no matter

33
00:09:09.440 --> 00:09:25.440
what and it influenced me. My thing is if you're a college educated person dress that way >> right student tie and when you walk through the door a parent comes in that respect that they see they can't tell if you're this person or that person but if you're dressed this way they know

34
00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:40.399
>> that you're someone that should be respected makes a difference and >> and it and it's having an effect here at Mount Pleasant. So, I know that you have at least one student here that dresses up like Mr. Drew all the time. So, a first grader. You're going to see him

35
00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:55.200
later in the show. Uh, but now I guess that has grown into this principal for a day, principal uh for a day. So, talk a little bit about what that looks like. >> Okay. I started this probably about 15 years ago when I was at the RD Wood

36
00:09:55.200 --> 00:10:12.880
School. And to me, a a principal shows by dressing and carrying themselves professionally and being a role model that this is what you should be like or look like when you get older. So, I wanted kids that I felt had those kind of traits to be able to come in for one day out of the school year, dress up

37
00:10:12.880 --> 00:10:29.040
like me, suit and tie on, and they're the principal. They sit at my office, they sit at my desk. When the kids come in with an issue, they're able to talk to them. We sit and talk about what discipline, if any, should be had. We also call the parent up. Again, it's a fun day for them. They get to dress up,

38
00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:44.800
but again, it's a good experience for them to understand what a principal does every day. >> Awesome. Love that idea. >> So, you can hear all the great things that are happening at Mount Pleasant under your leadership. So, thank you so much. >> And let's talk about that fifth grade stepup ceremony. So, this is just around

39
00:10:44.800 --> 00:11:00.480
the corner. It's hard to believe we're in May. >> Yeah. Not long from now. >> I know. >> We've done this every year that I've been here at Mount Pleasant. Again, it's just our opportunity to have our fifth graders be recognized. It's a nice ceremony where we invite all the parents, grandparents, uh guardians to

40
00:11:00.480 --> 00:11:15.839
come in and it's an actual step up ceremony saying that they're leaving Mount Pleasant and actually going to Lakeside. We also pick a student from the high school who's graduating that attended Mount Pleasant to be able to do a speech and also inspire the kids to

41
00:11:15.839 --> 00:11:30.640
understand. You're at Mount Pleasant now. you're going to go to fifth grade, but eventually you'll be at 12th grade and graduating and just inspire the students to be successful academically. >> Wow. And and then that even uh jumps into student appreciation day.

42
00:11:30.640 --> 00:11:46.399
>> Yes, that's another thing we do here. And again, when it comes to our scores here at Mount Pleasant, again, the students do a great job. The teachers do a great job teaching the students, but we want to show kids that we appreciate them as students. the fact that they're coming here every day, working with our

43
00:11:46.399 --> 00:12:02.959
staff, getting through the school day, and again, it's not easy, but to have that appreciation for them, the job that they do. So, it's a day to have fun. They come in and they can relax and enjoy their day. And we have the ice cream truck and gaming trucks and all kinds of different activities. Again,

44
00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:19.040
this is a fun day just to show our appreciation for them. In our time, we try to appreciate the adults, but to appreciate those students and what they bring to the table here at Mount Pleasant. It's very important. >> All right. So, it takes us to this part and and we've been saving it is Mr. Drew

45
00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:35.279
is retiring from Milville Public Schools uh at the end of June. So, just want to thank you for over 26 years of service here and for your leadership. >> Thank you very much. It's been my honor, believe me, to be here in Milville. Um the time went fast. I can say that. I

46
00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:52.560
enjoy this district. I enjoy what's been going on, all the academics that we're doing here in the district. Just a very positive place to work. >> Great. Now, I have some questions for you. Let's have a little fun with this cuz you know, you're going into retirement. So, >> thinking back on your very first year

47
00:12:52.560 --> 00:13:08.959
teaching. All right. What's the one piece of school technology or fashion trend you you're secretly glad has stayed in the past? I remember this and it's funny how you asked this question. I was thinking the

48
00:13:08.959 --> 00:13:25.920
other day about a MacBook, the old big blue MacBooks that used to sit on the desk, >> how that technology has evolved to where it is now >> to have the iPhones and all that. So, in 25 years, just the difference in technology is what I see as the biggest difference. >> Awesome. What's that one golden rule you

49
00:13:25.920 --> 00:13:41.600
hope every student who walk through your door uh carries with them into adulthood? >> Respect for other people. If you can respect people and work with them and know that you're in life together to work through things, that's the important thing that that word just respect.

50
00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:58.480
>> Right. Let's go with the last question. So, it is it's not really going to be a Monday, but we're going to say it's a Monday first day of school. And what what are you going to what's the very first thing you're going to be doing or not doing now that you won't have to ring that school bell to let the

51
00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:13.600
students in? The first day of my retirement, I'm going to spend it with my grandchildren. I have a three-year-old Kennedy and a one-year-old, Maurice. To be able to spend that Monday with them will be my pride and joy for my retirement.

52
00:14:13.600 --> 00:14:28.639
>> And I know how much family means to you. So, that is a perfect uh ending to this. So, Mr. Drew, thank you so much for your years of service. Thank you for what you're doing here at Mount Pleasant. And hopefully everyone stay tuned because you're going to hear more and learn more about our student spotlights along with

53
00:14:28.639 --> 00:15:14.880
our staff spotlights. Welcome back to Inside the District. Hopefully you're enjoying everything all about uh Mount Pleasant, home of the Panthers. And now we're going to go to our staff highlight. And we have a special one joining us. Uh we have third

54
00:15:14.880 --> 00:15:32.399
grade teacher Miss Courtney Anteneelli. So welcome to the show Miss Anteneelli. >> Uh so Miss Antonelli, how many years have you been teaching? >> This is my fifth year in Millville and I taught one year at a charter school in Egg Harbor. >> Oh, you were all right. Awesome. So uh

55
00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:48.560
and all the years have been at Mount Pleasant. >> Yes. >> And it's been an interesting twist, right? Because you started in one grade. What what grade? >> I started in kindergarten and then halfway through um a teacher retired. Then I took over in third grade. >> Okay. Awesome. And I'm sure you're enjoying it. >> Yes. I like it a lot.

56
00:15:48.560 --> 00:16:05.279
>> And uh I was a principal for quite a quite some time. And my favorite grade of all is third. Right. Grades three, four, and five to me is the best. >> They have the more mature, but they're also still that silly side. >> Yeah. Still still silly. So before we

57
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:22.160
get into all the great things that you're doing here at Mount Pleasant, let's go back into uh your upbringing. So tell us about your family and where you grew up. >> I grew up in Philadelphia, northeast Philly. Um I went to a Catholic school in Philly and yeah, I moved I went to

58
00:16:22.160 --> 00:16:38.240
Penn State University. While I was there, my parents moved to Vineland and that's where I live now. >> All right. So I mean, are you okay now that you're a Panther, but you were a nitney lion? >> I know it's all right. There's no there's no beef there like there is Ohio State. >> All right. Well, yeah, with pit. True.

59
00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:53.759
>> But you guys never lost the pit anyway. >> No. All right. That's cool. So, Penn State University. >> Awesome. And then and you have you went to graduate school. You already have your masters. >> Yes. I'm actually graduating in two weeks. >> In what? >> I got my reading specialist degree.

60
00:16:53.759 --> 00:17:09.520
>> Oh my gosh. You >> as a math teacher. >> All right. But reading specialist? >> Yes. >> Okay. That's great. All right. That's good to know. >> Yeah. Thanks. >> Uh and then do you ever see a career going into administration down the road? >> I don't think so. I think I really like

61
00:17:09.520 --> 00:17:26.319
working with the kids being very hands-on. I know being administration, you still get to experience it, but it's not as much of a bond, I think. So, I like having the bonds with them. >> True. But the role of a principal, we just had Mr. Drew on and he's doing great things here, and that is awesome. I I love being a principal as well.

62
00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:42.080
>> Um, so you have some big news coming up, right? So, some big things happening in August. Why don't you share with the audience? >> I'm getting married. Um, I just got engaged August 2nd and I'm getting married in on o August 21st. >> Wonderful. Wonderful. All right. So, I

63
00:17:42.080 --> 00:17:58.640
wish you the best in that. Um, so let's take it to uh your classroom. What are some of those great things that are happening in your room right now? >> I think the biggest thing is building connections. I really make sure that every morning I talk to each student individually and make sure that they feel welcomed and safe. Um, when I walk

64
00:17:58.640 --> 00:18:15.360
down the hallway and hear all of them like Miss Anella, good morning, good morning, good morning, it like really makes me happy. So for me to do that to the students, it really brings me joy. >> And uh we talk about positive behavior supports in schools as and I I've learned a little bit. What are some of those reinforcements you're doing uh to

65
00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:31.840
keep those students wanting to come back into your room? >> So every month I pick new rewards for them. I give them the choice, do you want to do this one or this one? And they vote as a class because I want to give them the choice of what they want to earn because if I just say you're earning this, they're like, well, I don't really want that. So, I think it's

66
00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:47.919
really important to give them the choice of, okay, well, you can do this or this. What do we want to do together? Um, we do that every month. We do it through class dojo. So, if they earn a certain number of points, they get a reward individually, but then they also get it as a class. >> And what are some of those uh rewards?

67
00:18:47.919 --> 00:19:03.679
>> Sometimes it's taking their shoes off, it's a piece of candy. Um, they get to bring a toy in. They get to have a stuffed animal at their seat. I have a special chair that they can sit in. Um, as a class they can do a booklet, extra recess, PJ day, just different different

68
00:19:03.679 --> 00:19:19.280
rewards. >> What do they usually pick? >> Usually the special chair. They think it's like the best thing in the world. It's just a little an office chair. They think it's great. Um, and extra recess, of course. >> Yeah, I was going to say extra recess is a big one. >> That's great. Uh, take us through um,

69
00:19:19.280 --> 00:19:35.760
you know, you go to Penn State. Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher? >> Since I was in seventh grade, I've known that I wanted to be a teacher. >> Right. Yeah. >> And then so you studied uh education at Penn State. >> Yep. >> So, but take us through that light bulb moment that you were like maybe it was

70
00:19:35.760 --> 00:19:50.880
something that happened in your college career or you know for me it was teaching. You know I I taught in Buuna uh school district and it was like I'm meant to be a teacher. I was meant to be here. Have you had that? >> I think the main thing for me is just

71
00:19:50.880 --> 00:20:07.120
having those connections and seeing those kids be excited to see me. Right. Um, yes, I can say that when a kid gets a question right and I'm like, "Wow, he's working so hard." But I think that the main thing for me is them feeling safe to be here, like students have a lot going on at home and for me to

72
00:20:07.120 --> 00:20:24.240
create that safe space for them and to feel comfortable opening up to me, that's my biggest light bulb moment. Um, because I just want to be that person for them. >> That's wonderful. and then take us through. So if we walked in your classroom, so if me and our thousand uh

73
00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:40.480
uh people watching came into your classroom, what would make your class so unique? Do you have a little saying that you have with the kids? What makes it such a special bond? Do you have a little >> um when I want their attention, I go, "Bring it back." And they all think they think it's hilarious. They're like, "Bring it back." Like we just have a lot

74
00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:56.480
of banter. I like to joke with them. They joke with me. Um, and they can turn it off. Like when I'm like, "Bring it back." They're like, "All right, I'm I'm ready to focus." Like, we know how to joke around, be silly, but also bring it right back to learning. >> And and that's because you built that relationship and the kids respect you,

75
00:20:56.480 --> 00:21:11.679
you respect them. How many students do you have in the class? >> I have 15 in one, 17 in the other. >> Awesome. And and I just uh we had our budget presentation that was just approved and that was one of the pieces uh that we were highlighting. You know, it was a very difficult budget. we had

76
00:21:11.679 --> 00:21:29.760
to cut uh approximately $1.6 million. So, it wasn't like we're just continue. So, we had to make some hard decisions. Uh but the one thing that we were able to maintain as classroom sizes uh and I put up there class maintain 16. So, thankful thank you for saying 15 and 17

77
00:21:29.760 --> 00:21:45.039
in that range. >> Yeah. Um >> take us through um let's talk about because teaching's hard, right? It is hard and and we're so appreciative of the effort you're putting forth, >> but take us what are some of those

78
00:21:45.039 --> 00:22:01.840
things that you do outside of education? Do you have an outlet, hobby or activity that allows you to get away from this a little bit? >> Yeah, I like to do arts and crafts a lot. Um, I just started doing mosaics. I think it's really fun. I like puzzles. I like things that I'm able to do like hands-on. Um, and also I just like being

79
00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:16.960
adventurous. I like going out. I like traveling. Um, I'm starting to get into hiking, so yeah, I like those things. You got to go over to the uh Morris River Bluffs here. Have you? >> I've heard about that. No, I haven't been yet. >> Yeah, it's great hiking out here. Yeah. I mean, we we had it for the summertime.

80
00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:32.799
Uh we did Club 21 summer and they do go on a trip there. >> Fourth grade does too here. >> Yeah. So, try to get over there, get on that, make it a third grade trip. >> Yeah, I should. >> I don't even think it should be a trip. I think we need to embed that into our fizz. So, >> maybe we could do that in the long run. Uh

81
00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:49.200
>> Miss Antelli, leave us with something. Uh, what are you most proud of uh being a Panther? >> What makes you just like what makes this school so unique? >> I think the close-knit like with all of the students. No matter if I was a kindergarten teacher or a third grade teacher, I feel like I know majority of

82
00:22:49.200 --> 00:23:05.760
the students here um because of how close it is because of how um we're able to maneuver with one another, able to create those bonds with one another. >> Awesome. All right. So, you have big plans this summer. So, but then you have your honeymoon.

83
00:23:05.760 --> 00:23:22.000
>> We're going to take it in November. >> You're going to take it in November. That is a true educator right there. That's what happened. So, with my wife, uh, we we're married on September 30th, but during NJA week. Yep. >> That's when So, where are you heading to? >> Jamaica. >> Jamaica. Awesome. So, we wish you the

84
00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:36.880
best in your future here in Millville at Mount Pleasant and also uh in your marriage. Thank you. >> Growing a family. Appreciate it. Yeah. Thank you. So, come on back and we have some more educators joining us. >> I have a surprise. >> Oh, we have a surprise.

85
00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:52.799
>> So, today they're doing a fundraiser and I was given 40 tattoos. >> You heard? They heard about it. So, from Mr. Drew. So, take a look at this. >> Crazy. My students were very excited to put them all on and to pick where they were going. So,

86
00:23:52.799 --> 00:24:08.960
>> what's your favorite one? >> Um, I don't know. Probably the donut. >> Yeah, I love a good sweet treat. >> Good. That's awesome. So, you can see how much uh love is going on in the room. So, the students had to purchase them uh and put them on Miss Antella. Beautiful. 40 tattoos. Yes.

87
00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:56.320
>> Awesome. All right. Well, thank you for sharing and come on back as we have more educators joining us. Welcome back to Inside the District. Today we are talking all about the Panthers Mount Pleasant. So now we have

88
00:24:56.320 --> 00:25:12.240
a special guest joining us and that is Miss Mrs. Dawn Zevaki paraprofessional in the kindergarten classroom. So Dawn, welcome. >> Thank you sir. >> Yeah. So Mr. Drew identified you as uh for staff spotlight. >> Okay.

89
00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:28.480
>> So we're going to learn all about you and then probably people at home may may know you because you live in Milville. >> Yes. >> Right. Are you born and raised there? >> No, actually I was born in San Diego and raised throughout the East Coast. >> Okay. >> My mom was in the Army, so we traveled up and down the East Coast.

90
00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:43.919
>> All right. So, when did you settle in Millville? >> Um 87. >> In 1987. >> Mhm. >> Awesome. And you graduated from Milville High School? >> Yes. Class of 1989. >> Class of 1989. >> I'm old. >> I'll get out of here. So, and interesting. So you graduated from

91
00:25:43.919 --> 00:25:58.080
Milville >> and take us through that decision because then you went to what college? >> I started off at Carly County and then went to wound up at Satan Hall University, graduated from there with a bachelor's in psychology.

92
00:25:58.080 --> 00:26:14.400
>> Great. And then um what what made you go down the road? I always love asking that question of like because when you're in high school, what made you pick uh going to Seat and Hall or you went to community college first, but what was that? take us through that process. >> At community college, I just decided to

93
00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:30.480
go there because I didn't know really what I wanted to do. >> Right. >> And that was really for me the best option. As for many of the kids locally, that's what they do too is go there because they're not sure what they want to do. And I think it's a great option for the kids.

94
00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:47.760
>> Yeah. And and I'll add on my end, when I was in high school, make the decision to go to college, I was a football guy, wanted to be a football player, wanted to be a a coach and a teacher. That was it. Uh I knew that early. And I couldn't I was like there's no reason to go and

95
00:26:47.760 --> 00:27:04.320
pay all that money. >> So, you know, I made the choice to go to community college as well. I think that is a great road. Uh we have that uh Rowan College here in Cumberland County. So, that is a great thing. And I know we just recognized a number of our students uh at the high school that will be going

96
00:27:04.320 --> 00:27:20.960
there in the fall. So we're doing a great job. We have a strong partnership with them. >> Uh so I'm glad I'm glad you're sharing that story. So you went to Cumberland County and then you moved over to Satan Hall with a bachelor's in psychology. Yeah. >> And then you didn't go right in

97
00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:37.200
education with that. >> Nope. I I happened to land in education. That was just pure luck. thankful um to actually u Mrs. Lottoman over at Bacon School. She's the one who said, "Hey, Don, do you want to come over and try your luck at being a parah?" I said,

98
00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:54.000
"Sure." So that that was thanks to her. >> Okay. >> And then um no, I was a case manager for 15 years down in Kate County. All right. >> And then um I just happened to land be a para and I absolutely love it. >> Beautiful. And before we start talking about uh all the great things that

99
00:27:54.000 --> 00:28:10.960
you're doing in the classroom, let's let's talk about your family because you have some uh talk about your husband and your daughters. >> Um I've been married for 20 years. My husband um he's actually from Ocean County from Tucker. He works at Viking Yacht. And then my daughters, they're

100
00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:27.600
both um Mobile High School kids. My daughter graduated last year and she goes to Newberry College in South Carolina. And then my other daughter, she's a sophomore. >> Good. >> So, >> she enjoying the high school? >> Yes, for the most part. >> Yeah. Good. >> She's She's a sophomore.

101
00:28:27.600 --> 00:28:42.159
>> Yeah. Good. >> We'll leave it at that. >> Yeah. It's a great high school. Uh let's talk about So, again, you said you started as a parah in the first grade at Bacon. >> Yes. >> And then you went into kindergarten. >> Yes. That was the year after in 2021,

102
00:28:42.159 --> 00:28:58.720
the year, you know, after CO, right? They had expanded the COVID rooms and so we had to you know spanned out the uh kindergarten classrooms. So we had three kindergarten classrooms over at Bacon, >> right? >> And then that only lasted a year and so then I got transferred to Mount

103
00:28:58.720 --> 00:29:14.399
Pleasant. >> All right. >> And which was which was a shock to me cuz I you know loved bacon but then I got to love Mount Pleasant. >> Right. and and we just had Miss Anteneelli on here and she was just talking about because I said like what is the one thing that makes it so

104
00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:31.440
special to work here. Uh and I'll ask you the same question >> and ironically I worked with Miss Anteneelli. She was my my first teacher here and so just getting to know her. She helped me a lot through a lot of things even though I'm the same age as her parents ironically she helped me a

105
00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:46.799
lot through some personal stuff. So she's a great friend. But it's just the closeness of Mount Pleasant, right? >> It's it's a small school. It's a tight-knit community. Um the it you get to know everybody, you know, and that's

106
00:29:46.799 --> 00:30:01.440
you know, which is good for, you know, a lot of the parents and for the kids. They get to they get to see everybody, you know, you get to see everyone in the hallway. Yeah. >> You So there's a lot of closeness here. >> Beautiful. So let let's talk about I have some questions for you and because

107
00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:18.640
in your role as a parro >> uh progress is often measured in small steps especially right I mean you're in kindergarten y right so we know they're little ones I have a uh I have one going into kindergarten but can you just share a small win that you've witnessed that

108
00:30:18.640 --> 00:30:35.679
you've been a part of that was just so big for that student >> for um I'll tell you one this year um we had a student. She came in the like the middle of the year. She had never been to um she was homeschooled more or less.

109
00:30:35.679 --> 00:30:50.960
>> She had never been to um >> yeah, she didn't go to preschool or anything like that. She was very shy. She didn't know very much. >> And she is a I was telling her mom today, she's a very different child for, you know, for the good, right?

110
00:30:50.960 --> 00:31:06.480
>> She completely blossomed. You know, she can write beautifully. She can, you know, read beautifully now. She's a completely different child. She did a complete 180 within what, four months. And it's just, it's amazing to see cuz I

111
00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:21.840
was just like, "Oh, okay." You know, what what is this kid going to be like? Yeah. >> You know, cuz I we didn't know >> exactly >> and she's just she's an amazing kid. >> Beautiful. And you know, I I believe the it's like a six sense for a parro to

112
00:31:21.840 --> 00:31:38.480
know because it's not as simple as just you're in a room. You can't help everybody at all times. So you have that six sense of knowing when to push in and when to pull back and allow those students to learn that independence. So >> they have to, >> right? And and so just talk a little bit

113
00:31:38.480 --> 00:31:54.000
about that like how you maneuver. How many kids are in the class right now? >> Oh, right now I think we have 16. Yeah, >> we started off with 18. We had a couple move and then um yeah, I think we have 16 or 17 kids right now. >> And it and it is a skill, isn't it? And

114
00:31:54.000 --> 00:32:10.559
you've probably been learning since 2017 of, >> you know, you might have come in and say, I'm going to help everybody at all times. And then you find out that they need that independence as well. >> Yeah. And kindergarten, that's where especially towards the end of the year, we're trying to foster a lot more independence because in first grade,

115
00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:26.640
there's not the pair is there for half a day. So they need to learn that much more independence. So at the end of the year, yeah, they need to definitely learn more independence. Like even, you know, like taking out your folder, picking your lunch, like I joke with them like you don't pick your lunch,

116
00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:42.559
you're not getting food today. You know, of course, I totally do. >> Yeah. >> But it's like you you have to do this stuff, you know? We've been doing this since September. >> Love it. >> You know, but thankfully for I remember my first year, I was like it was the constant tie my shoe, tie my shoe. For some reason, they haven't been needing

117
00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:58.000
that much. And I'm like, "All right, when are you guys going to start tying my shoe?" Because you guys should be learning this by now. But And then, >> can they tie their shoe in kindergarten? >> They for some reason >> they are. I'm in trouble with my girls. I'm not >> They need to learn. >> Yeah, >> they need to learn. And they need to sit down and eat

118
00:32:58.000 --> 00:33:12.960
>> within 20 minutes. >> Yeah. Without talking the entire time. >> Well, they could talk because that's their free time, >> but they need to actually eat. >> Such a challenge, isn't it? >> It is. Oh my god, it is. I when I was a elementary principal, I loved going into the classroom when it was lunchtime

119
00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:29.360
because I would love to see all the different kind of food kids are eating. So >> I was known to maybe take a few of their snacks. I love pretzels. So >> we have a kid right now that's that's his favorite thing. He'll sit there and nibble the salt off. >> Yeah. See, >> I don't understand. Yeah. >> I don't understand that. Why is that?

120
00:33:29.360 --> 00:33:46.240
>> So let let's go. And you talked about Mrs. Antelli and that bond and in order for you to uh for that class to be electric, it has to be a great partnership between the teacher and the parro. Can you just talk a little bit about that? >> Well, especially with her and I like we

121
00:33:46.240 --> 00:34:01.840
would we know instantly and now even with Mrs. as like we know like oh hey something's up you know we'll we'll give each other a look and we'll be like you know something's up with either one of the kids or like if I'm doing something

122
00:34:01.840 --> 00:34:18.000
that like this isn't quite right or you know some something's not really feeling quite quite good with you know especially with a kid if something's wrong like we'll be like we'll give each other our eye from across the room and let's it's it's pretty funny to think

123
00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:35.119
like how much like you do get to know, you know, each other's moods and like what their what what their next step is. It's like you almost become like a mind readader. >> Yeah. >> To your partner. So, it's it's pretty funny. >> Here's a fun fact about uh Mrs. Veronica

124
00:34:35.119 --> 00:34:49.760
Valz. >> Mhm. >> Oh, please tell me. >> She has the most beautiful voice. >> Yes. So, I was at church and I look up and she is in the worship leading song

125
00:34:49.760 --> 00:35:05.839
and I just I couldn't believe I have it on tape. >> Maybe we can embed that with the Mount Pleasant video. I think we might have to do something like that. But >> that was just the other week, right? >> Yeah. >> Cuz she told me that she saw you. >> Yeah. Oh, I was like I had to take video. I don't know if I told her I took

126
00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:22.400
video, but Oh, amazing singer. So I imagine that she leads song in the classroom. >> Yes. She'll like sometimes she'll just start singing some of the songs and stuff like that. >> I I just love >> I can't sing for anything. >> Yeah. Same. I think I can but I can't. I I just love when you have like educators

127
00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:38.640
doing amazing jobs in the classroom and then you see them even outside of um of the school >> doing amazing things as well. So tell me like what are some of the hobbies or activities that you have outside of school that you enjoy doing? Um well for

128
00:35:38.640 --> 00:35:53.280
years I was a Girl Scout leader. Um yeah until my girls kind of until Olivia graduated and then um so I was a Girl Scout leader for 12 years and then um when they played softball I was a

129
00:35:53.280 --> 00:36:11.280
softball coach and then just traveling. Traveling and fishing those are my big things. >> Fishing. Yes. >> Fresh water. >> No salt. >> Salt water. >> Salt. Salt. >> There is no such thing as are you doing uh sir? Um, I haven't done surfing. No, we go on a boat. >> All right. Yeah, I'm not good on boats.

130
00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:27.040
>> I know. I know. >> I don't like calm water. That's probably why I don't like lake. >> No, I don't like salt or fresh water. No. >> I love it though. But so you have some awesome things happening. And you have to know I don't know like we could have a strong bond here because I've been a

131
00:36:27.040 --> 00:36:43.680
cookie dad for a while with the Girl Scouts. >> How many did you eat this year? >> I eat a lot of cookies. That's one thing I don't miss. >> Yeah. So, we have them in the house and I'm like, "All right, girls. Let's get another box." Yeah. I enjoy that. So, Dawn, it's been a pleasure. Uh, thank

132
00:36:43.680 --> 00:37:00.920
you for your efforts, everything that you're doing in Millville. Uh, even raising your children in here. So, I'm glad you're a part of this and everybody can see the work that you're doing. So, >> thank you, sir. This is Don Svaki. Thank you so much. >> Come on back and you can see our student spotlights.

133
00:37:04.240 --> 00:37:19.280
All right, welcome back to Inside the District. Hopefully you're enjoying the segments about Mount Pleasant, home of the Panthers. And now at this part, we are going to recognize our unsung hero. Uh, and we have a special guest joining

134
00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:35.040
us today, the new school counselor, Miss Dominique Carisco. So, welcome, Dominique. >> Thank you. Thank you. Oh, I can't say welcome to Milville because you you born and raised in Milville. >> Born and raised. All right. The whole time. >> Take me through uh your school

135
00:37:35.040 --> 00:37:50.240
experiences coming through Milville. >> So, I actually grew up all throughout Milville. I started my elementary school at Rick Avenue. >> Oh, you were a jet. >> I was a jet. Once a jet, always a jet. >> Always a jet. I shouldn't say was a jet, right? >> Um after that, I did all my middle

136
00:37:50.240 --> 00:38:06.320
school through Lakeside for high school. We were still split at the time. >> So I did two years 9th and 10th grade at Memorial and then 11th and 12th at the senior high. >> All right. And then take me through the um that decision you made to say, "Hey,

137
00:38:06.320 --> 00:38:21.119
I wanted to be a school counselor or maybe you were going down a different path. So what did that look like when it was time to make a decision with college and for career?" So I did my undergrad at Ruckers in Camden and then after that I just had this feeling that I really

138
00:38:21.119 --> 00:38:37.920
wanted to be able to be that opening ear for students to be able to talk because once they leave these doors at school you really don't know what goes on in their lives and just being able to be that one valuable like trusted person would mean like the world to me. So, I continued my education at Wilmington to

139
00:38:37.920 --> 00:38:54.720
complete my masters in school counseling and it really feels like a full circle moment for me. You know, being able to grow up throughout Milville and really understand this community and what students go through and even their families. It really helps build that connection and collaboration with the families and students. And it's really

140
00:38:54.720 --> 00:39:10.320
nice being able to give back to something that shaped me to who I am today. >> Wow. Beautiful. And you're talking about family and I think you should give your mom a shout out. Uh, so your mom works in the district. So she does. >> She is Kathy Carrisco at Bacon. She's a

141
00:39:10.320 --> 00:39:26.480
bacon. She is Dr. Cook's secretary. Shout out Kathy. >> Kathy is an amazing person. Does a great job at Bacon. >> Yes, she's she's great. Really, hands down probably one of the best people besides, not just saying this cuz she's my mom, but one of the nicest people that will do anything for anyone.

142
00:39:26.480 --> 00:39:43.119
>> Wonderful. All right, Dominique. So, I have a few questions for you and you talked about why you wanted to get into education. uh spec more specifically uh um counseling. So, what is your why every day you come to school? What's that why that drives everything that you

143
00:39:43.119 --> 00:39:58.880
do here? >> It's really just being able to have kids smile. I mean, sometimes people think counseling is just having the kids talk to you when there's an issue and it's really so much more than that. Being able to have kids be excited when they won a baseball game or they got to hang

144
00:39:58.880 --> 00:40:14.079
out with their friends or they made dinner with their parents. You know, that's the reason that really like excites me, being able to be that like smiling face in the hallway. I try my best to always show my face in the lunchroom, show my face in the hallway, pop into a few classes. It's really just

145
00:40:14.079 --> 00:40:30.480
being able to build that rapport with the kids and have that good connection with them. >> Wonderful. And you know, uh I I'm not sure if you know, Miss Krisco, but I have four little girls. Uh, and so three of them are in school, but they're not one of the oldest is in third grade,

146
00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:47.280
then we have first grade and then prek4. So, they're just getting into this world and uh of education. So, take me through being a kid today is a lot different than when I was a child. You know, I grew up on a farm. We you get home from

147
00:40:47.280 --> 00:41:02.960
school, you're out playing. Yeah. So what do you think is that biggest uh challenge that the kids are facing today? >> I definitely think an influence on social media and just social norms even for kids today. It's such a hard expectation for kids to want to try to

148
00:41:02.960 --> 00:41:19.119
live up to when you know I'm starting to slowly see it more and more in the younger um kids now. But just being able to have them like go outside and play and you don't have to live up to a Tik Tok star on social media and just be yourself. play with play-doh and dolls

149
00:41:19.119 --> 00:41:34.079
and go have fun and, you know, go knock on your friend's door to play instead of sending a text message. It's really a big influence now. I feel like just the social media aspect of it all. >> Right. And, you know, there's a book um that I read called Tribal. And one of

150
00:41:34.079 --> 00:41:50.800
the pieces in it was uh when I was a child there wasn't you know social media and the cell phones and >> we would get home and you would go and play but today the kids when they get home they're not getting away from it. So they're constantly connected. So

151
00:41:50.800 --> 00:42:07.359
that's when we face a lot more issues. They feel like they're being isolated or secluded from groups. You know you go on and all my friends are together or I thought were my friends. So, it is hard to navigate this as a child. Uh, and I know that probably weighs heavy on you,

152
00:42:07.359 --> 00:42:23.440
uh, you know, with the things that you're facing with the students here at Mount Pleasant. So, it's important that you take care of yourself and like how are you doing that? So, what are some of those things, hobbies, uh, that you put aside to like separate so it's not that burden is not always on you every day?

153
00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:40.319
>> Yeah. Um, I would say I'm a big traveler. I try to fit in like weekend trips when I can. Um, I definitely think that's something I take pride in doing. Um, just making that time for myself. I mean, I went to Canada this past year. I have trips to Germany over the summer. >> Wow. So, you like real trips. My trips

154
00:42:40.319 --> 00:42:56.240
are My trips are Ocean City. Down there in the summertime a lot. I'm a big beach girl in the summer. I work down there for the summer. Um, but yeah, just taking time to myself, whether it's being on the beach, hanging with my friends, family, >> but traveling is definitely that one

155
00:42:56.240 --> 00:43:12.079
thing that relieves my stress. >> Awesome. >> Quick little trips. >> Wonderful. Wonderful. And just in closing, um, just share a final word like you know, you first year here, you've been a huge impact. Uh, Mr. Drew, the principal identified you as that

156
00:43:12.079 --> 00:43:26.800
unsung hero. uh just leave us like what do you like see in your future here and uh what are those end goals that you have for the students? >> Yes. So at first I would say like I was really nervous coming in as a new counselor. I didn't know anybody in the

157
00:43:26.800 --> 00:43:43.200
school but between the office um PBS, Mr. Drew, everyone in this building has made me feel so welcomed um from the staff being able to create those connections with everyone. Um I would love to be here long term. This is really like a family school. We always

158
00:43:43.200 --> 00:43:59.440
say like we are a family here and that's really true. Like easily right off the bat, one of the best schools that I've ever been in. Um I eventually want to continue my career and go back to school um for administration. That's further down the road. We'll get to that one day. But >> that's awesome.

159
00:43:59.440 --> 00:44:15.119
>> Yeah. >> Wonderful. And I'm just glad to have you. Uh as much as I love your mom, I'm looking forward to working closely with you uh as a Bolt, >> as a Greg Jet, and now as a Panther. So, uh, thank you, Miss Cariscoco. And we're going to come back with some more

160
00:44:15.119 --> 00:45:02.640
segments about Mount Pleasant. Welcome back to Inside the District. Hopefully you've enjoyed all the segments prior, but we are here with a special guest. So, we have Mr. Amelio Santiago, first grader as a Panther.

161
00:45:02.640 --> 00:45:18.079
Amelia, can I get a high five? >> Boom. So, I'm gonna read a little bit about Amelia. So, his teacher wrote the following. This wonderful So, Mrs. Harris, first grade class at Mount Pleasant. So, she writes, "This

162
00:45:18.079 --> 00:45:35.119
wonderful first grade student is truly a joy to have in class each day. He brings a bright, positive energy with his silly sense of humor, often making his classmates and teachers smile. Beyond his playful nature, he is incredibly smart and shows a genuine curiosity

163
00:45:35.119 --> 00:45:52.720
about the world around him. He asks thoughtful questions and eagerly participates in learning activities, always striving to do his best. He truly represents what it means to be a Mount Pleasant panther who is responsible, respectful, helpful, and safe.

164
00:45:52.720 --> 00:46:08.160
This is one thing that I'm not I don't feel comfortable reading. I'm not crazy about it. He's a Yankees fan. Yankees fan. >> It says it on there. >> It says a Yankees fan and he always wears his Yankee gear to school and he's wear it. >> I know because you're always wearing a

165
00:46:08.160 --> 00:46:24.720
shirt and tie, too. >> So, not always either. >> Well, welcome. So, you are the student spotlight on our show inside the district. Are you pumped? >> A little bit. Right. >> My first time doing it. >> First time, right? I imagine it's not the first question I have. beyond the

166
00:46:24.720 --> 00:46:39.520
classroom and we'll talk about the subjects that you love, but what is the one thing that you love outside of those classes that you love about Mount Pleasant? >> Oh man, that's hard. That's super hard. >> I I have to go with recess cuz recess is

167
00:46:39.520 --> 00:46:55.200
really my favorite thing. That's after math. We was just doing math when um we were before I came. >> All right, good. What are some of the things you do in recess? Well, >> we were about to um do math. right now. >> What are some of the things you do in

168
00:46:55.200 --> 00:47:11.200
recess? What are some of the the the games >> I play? Sometimes we play like kind of like an imaginary football. >> We use footballs like we pretend we're throwing them around. We tackle stuff like that. We play around. >> What position are you playing in football? If you >> I don't play.

169
00:47:11.200 --> 00:47:26.000
>> No, on the playground. >> No, we usually just throw the ball around. Just tackleing. >> All right. So, you think you're Jaylen Herz throwing the football? I hope so. I hope that that would be good. No Giants players. Let me ask you another question. Outside of school, what is

170
00:47:26.000 --> 00:47:41.200
your favorite hobby or thing that you like to do? >> Probably play catch with my dad cuz I have this my trout book and he's just like me really. He um he likes to play catcher all the time. I like to play baseball all the time and waffle ball

171
00:47:41.200 --> 00:47:58.640
and I'm having this waffle ball that um I'm trying to erase my popup's name from my team to put my friend Braxton in. You want to get rid of your popup on the >> W years old. Can't play. He doesn't hustle. >> You know he's going to watch this. He doesn't hustle down the line.

172
00:47:58.640 --> 00:48:15.359
>> No, he doesn't. >> All right, we got to get him in shape. >> All right. Oh, that's something else. >> Well, cuz his probably his favorite sport is basketball, but >> All right, let's bring it back to being a Panther. So, what's your favorite subject? What class do you love the most

173
00:48:15.359 --> 00:48:31.839
here outside of fizzed? cuz I know you talked about that. >> What's his ad mean >> or gym class? >> Uh >> so what class you love? You told me. >> Uh >> social studies. >> Yeah. Yeah. But that that's like we actually just had social studies. But

174
00:48:31.839 --> 00:48:48.800
before social studies that I I miss is PEP. I I was in PEP. So, um, but we have to do this test thing that we do that I really mess of it because but we have to do a test if and if we don't if we do if

175
00:48:48.800 --> 00:49:05.040
we get a good grade, we can come back the next year like next year. >> Yeah. >> I just I just really want >> I know your teachers were just talking about what a great job you do in that class, too. All right. Now, we're gonna go future. We're gonna think in the future down the

176
00:49:05.040 --> 00:49:22.000
road as you get older. What is your dream job? So, a job that you can have, what would it be other than taking my job as superintendent of here in Millville? Cuz you are dressed for the part. >> You probably I I just told I told you that a couple months ago. >> What was it?

177
00:49:22.000 --> 00:49:37.119
>> Baseball. >> You want to be a baseball player? >> Yeah, but I'm I'm Heck no. No, I'm not going to college. >> Oh, you're getting drafted. >> No, I I'm I'm going to >> Is your name Mike Trout? >> No. >> What is it? >> Uh, >> what is your name?

178
00:49:37.119 --> 00:49:53.760
So, I'm going to stay half >> half um in middle school, then I'm going to go to the Marines and then I'll be there half in the I'll be there. So, what's it how many years to go to Lakeside? >> Uh three years, but you might be on a

179
00:49:53.760 --> 00:50:09.280
fast track. You might be doing it faster. >> I I'll do it two years then. Okay. I will be in the Marine for like four years and then until I'm in like um like in until and then uh I'll stay there until the school year starts and

180
00:50:09.280 --> 00:50:24.960
I'll come back and then I would I would do high a little bit of high school then last year then I would then I'll um I'll try out for the major leagues. >> I love it. And then you're going to get drafted by the Phillies. >> No. >> Yeah, the Phillies. >> No. What team?

181
00:50:24.960 --> 00:50:41.680
>> Yankees. Yankees. >> Probably Yankees or Mets. I don't know. >> I I have I just I just can't choose my favorite baseball team. I just lick them. >> You have Ameilia, you just named two New York teams. All right. >> So, give us a shout out to teachers who if you could at this point, this is

182
00:50:41.680 --> 00:50:58.000
going to be our last question for Amelia. So, tell me >> the chance to give a shout out to a teacher or a staff member. Somebody's like, "Yes, they've helped me along the way." So, what teachers do you just want to recognize? All of them. >> All of them. Give me some names.

183
00:50:58.000 --> 00:51:12.960
>> Mr. Sooie. >> Mr. Sooie. >> Mr. Drew. >> M. Mr. Drew. I love him. Principal Drew. >> Yeah, because he's my he worked with my popup. >> He worked for your popup. >> He worked with him. >> And the popup that you're kicking off your wiffle ball team.

184
00:51:12.960 --> 00:51:28.000
>> Yeah, I think so. >> And I love it. So, I think and we'll leave it at that, but And you also have something special coming up. So, you're going to be a principal for the day here in Mount Pleasant. When is that? um May 20th. >> Oh, I can't wait. I need to come over

185
00:51:28.000 --> 00:51:44.079
and take a look at you all dressed up in your jacket. So, thank you so much, Amelia. You did an awesome job. Give me a high five. >> I'm pro I'm just probably going to wear um this again or maybe a different color. Maybe wear my black suit with this tie. Probably the shirt and um my

186
00:51:44.079 --> 00:51:57.760
>> or maybe I'll wear a black suit. >> Close it up today. Say, "All right, come on back and you can meet my other friend." >> Yep. >> Say it. >> Come on back. You're gonna meet my other friend. Who is it? Who is it? Who is it? >> Oh, get ready. Everyone come back to

187
00:51:57.760 --> 00:52:19.839
meet meet that child. Here we go. Welcome back to Inside the District. We are covering all aspect all aspects of Mount Pleasant, the home of the Panthers. And we have another student spotlight joining us. We have fifth grader Gary Kesler. Welcome to the show,

188
00:52:19.839 --> 00:52:34.559
Gary. >> Hello. >> How are you? to meet you guys. >> All right. So, Gary, I have some great questions for you. Fifth grade. But first, before I do that, Mr. Drew wrote something for you >> and it says, "Gary is kind and caring

189
00:52:34.559 --> 00:52:51.359
person that goes out of his way to help everyone. He is a school safety patrol member and is a member of the student council. He volunteers every month to help distribute food to our needy families." So, you're doing a lot of stuff here already. I'll go some days

190
00:52:51.359 --> 00:53:06.400
I'll go in the cafeteria over there and I'll go help Miss Cara pack up some food. >> That's wonderful, Gary. And with all that said, so I think in a couple weeks, maybe in two weeks, I believe you have a special thing that you're going to be doing in the school. What is that?

191
00:53:06.400 --> 00:53:21.920
>> Yes, I'm going to be principal for a day again. >> Principal for the day. >> Do you have your suit? >> Yeah, I I'm not going to wear See, I'll wear something I'll wear something else. Maybe a color shirt and a tie. >> Excellent. I love it. All right, Gary. So, I'm going to ask you a few questions. So, when we think about

192
00:53:21.920 --> 00:53:38.559
school, it's not just all about classes. So, tell me, what's your one of your favorite things about being a student at Mount Pleasant? >> My favorite thing about being a student at Mount Pleasant is um getting to help all the people that don't have enough

193
00:53:38.559 --> 00:53:54.079
like people like the homeless or people that may have money but they don't have >> just need a little more assistance. They just need a little more expenses. I want to help them in life and make them happy.

194
00:53:54.079 --> 00:54:11.119
>> I love it. And you're already doing that right here at Mount Pleasant. So, excellent job. >> Now, we talk about passions and hobbies. So, even outside of school or it could be in school. What is that one hobby or activity you really get excited about?

195
00:54:11.119 --> 00:54:26.000
>> Basketball. >> Basketball. >> Yeah. My favorite team, the Philadelphia 76ers. I'm watching them in the playoff right now. >> Yeah, they're down 0 and2. But >> yeah, >> I don't want to talk about that. >> You don't want to talk about it? >> That part. >> But you love playing basketball.

196
00:54:26.000 --> 00:54:42.240
>> I love it. >> And what's your best aspect of uh basketball? What's your strength? >> Probably shooting. >> You can shoot. >> One time I made three threes in a minute. >> How many? >> Three threes. >> Three threes. Oh, okay. So, I'm I'm known not to go on the playground with

197
00:54:42.240 --> 00:54:56.880
you playing basketball. All right. Fair enough. And now Gary, uh, you volunteer your time here. You're a great friend to a lot of the students. You're very involved in sports, but one of the bigger aspects is you're a phenomenal

198
00:54:56.880 --> 00:55:12.960
student. So tell me about what's your favorite subject in school. >> My favorite subject is just math because I've always been good at it since I've been a little kid. Like when I was during co, I wanted to become a smarter kid. So, I learned stuff like the

199
00:55:12.960 --> 00:55:29.440
presents, the planets, and math. >> I love >> multiplication and stuff like that. >> Great job, Gary. And now we're gonna think about moving in the future. All right. Not too crazy future. We're not going Elon Musk future. Well, you can if you want, but what is that dream career that you have?

200
00:55:29.440 --> 00:55:45.359
>> I really want to become an NBA player. >> NBA player. >> Yeah. I want to become a shooting guard. >> Shooting guard. >> Oh, yeah. >> See, I thought you were going to be like a center, but you How tall do you think you're going to be? probably 6'4 65 maybe >> 6'4 65 to me that's like a giant so

201
00:55:45.359 --> 00:56:00.960
awesome but and you can shoot so I wish you the best in that >> that's awesome and now we're just going to close it up and we're going to give uh teacher shout out so we know the great job the teachers do every single day it is recognized along the all throughout the country as teacher

202
00:56:00.960 --> 00:56:16.480
appreciation week so this is very fitting so why don't you give some shout outs to your teachers >> I want to give out to my two fifth grade teachers Miss Fernand and Miss Lucia piano. >> And what what do you want to say about them? What are they doing for you in fifth grade? >> They are helping me become a better

203
00:56:16.480 --> 00:56:33.440
student in what I struggle in and it's very helpful cuz I'm not perfect. No one is. We all have some flaws and they're helping me with that and it's great. >> Gary, this was amazing. I appreciate you coming on this show, being a part of the great things that are happening right

204
00:56:33.440 --> 00:57:21.920
here at Mount Pleasant. Awesome job. I look forward to many, many watching you in the classroom and also on the basketball court. All right, Gary. All right, everyone, come on back as we have more about Mount Pleasant. Welcome back to Inside the District.

205
00:57:21.920 --> 00:57:38.319
Hopefully you enjoyed all aspects of Mount Pleasant uh from our student spotlights and staff and it was kicked off with Mr. Drew and we wish him best in retirement. At this part of the show, we like to do our district updates and I

206
00:57:38.319 --> 00:57:54.640
want to share some great news that uh that are happening in Millville and that first is we have a new uh partnership with a company called Safe NJ. So, we officially launched it. We've sent communication to our families letting

207
00:57:54.640 --> 00:58:10.720
everyone know about this important tool for students, parents, and our staff. This is a 247 anonymous reporting system that allows our school community to share information about potentially dangerous situations. Also help those in

208
00:58:10.720 --> 00:58:28.160
crisis or just connect you with the support that you need. So you can download the Safe NJ app on your mobile device or use the web app. Use the QR code on your screen to access the Safeenj page on our website for helpful

209
00:58:28.160 --> 00:58:45.440
information. Next, uh, as you already heard, we are celebrating teacher and we're just going to call it staff appreciation week. So, I want to thank everyone that submitted a teacher shoutout as part of our tell your teacher campaign on social media.

210
00:58:45.440 --> 00:59:02.559
And also want to thank the MAA and our uh parent teacher uh PTA PTSA groups and everyone else that came together to provide special experiences, gifts, and treats to our school staff this week.

211
00:59:02.559 --> 00:59:20.480
So, thank you to all. Now, it's time we're going to talk about our spring concerts. We are coming to the end of the school year. So don't forget we have a full roster of concerts coming up with our elementary school concerts starting this week. These

212
00:59:20.480 --> 00:59:36.799
events are free to attend. So make sure you come out and see the talent of our students and our staff that are leading it. Our last update for our audience is the 49th annual Olympic day is around the

213
00:59:36.799 --> 00:59:52.720
corner. It is Friday, May 22nd. But can you believe that we are just one year away from the 50th anniversary, so that's going to be a big event, I'm sure. But some of the details for this year's 49th annual. So, the parade

214
00:59:52.720 --> 01:00:09.440
begins at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall. So, have your sidewalk spot ready and cheer on our fourth and fifth graders as they parade to Wheaten Field. All the fun will happen again on Friday, May 22nd. Hope you're out there.

215
01:00:09.440 --> 01:00:25.920
So again, thank you for watching. Uh hopefully you've enjoyed every all aspects of Mount Pleasant, but just not that we've been taping all throughout the year. Hopefully you've enjoyed uh as we put in student spotlights and along with staff spotlights. Hope you get to learn about all the great things that

216
01:00:25.920 --> 01:00:41.680
are happening in Milville Public Schools. And we are just one month away from our graduation. So stay tuned for those updates as well. And I just want to wish everyone a wonderful weekend and as always, go Bolts.

217
01:00:41.680 --> 01:00:56.880
>> This has been a QVC television production in association with our partners and sponsors. QVC broadcasts on Comcast cable channel 22 and live streams its programming on Facebook and YouTube. All rights reserved by Quinn Media and QBC programming that serves

218
01:00:56.880 --> 01:01:00.680
the South Jersey market.

