and having fun. And to me, those are two very important qualities of a very, very effective education. >> Birwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood.
>> Disappeared. Good evening, Rockway Township, and welcome to tonight's board of education meeting. Today is January 28, 2026. I'd like to call the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. exactly. Can I get an attendance roll call, please? >> Mrs. Anderson, >> here.
>> Dr. Gorman, >> here. >> Mrs. Mzik, >> here. >> Ms. Richardson >> here. >> Miss Tor >> here. Miss McGiri >> here. We have a quorum. >> Excellent. Thank you. Uh, the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Act was passed to
ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed and acted upon. In according accordance with the provision of the act, the Rockaway Township Board of Education has caused notice of the date,
time, and place of said meetings to be published in the daily record, the Star Ledger, and be posted in all schools in the district in the municipal building of the township, and the township library. Does any board member wish to object to the conduct of this meeting for the purposes as stated in the public
notice? All documentation and materials considered by the board of education as part of this agenda are available for public review and comment. Members of the public are invited to come to the board of education building off Green Pond Road during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Monday
through Friday if they wish to inspect any of the referenced items. Can I please get a motion to >> Sorry. Can we do the oath of office? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> All right. Um I'd like to invite Mr. Erie up for his oath of office. All right. So, you're just going to repeat after me. You can raise your
right hand. >> I state your name. I, Dylan, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey
>> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and that I will bear truth true faith and allegiance to the same. >> and to the governments established in the United States. >> and to the governments established in the United States. >> I state your name. I, Delineri, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear
>> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law >> for the office of member of a board of education >> for the office of member of board of education >> and not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS194-1
>> and not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS 194-1 >> and that I will faithfully impartially and justly >> and that I will faithully impartially and justfully >> perform all the duties of that office
>> perform all the duties of that office >> according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. You can take your seat. >> Welcome Dylan. >> Okay. >> Can I please get a attendance roll call?
>> Mrs. Anderson here. Mr. Erie >> here. >> Dr. Gorman >> here. >> Mrs. Mzik >> here. >> Miss Richardson >> here. >> Miss Torren >> here. >> Miss Mciri >> here. >> Uh, can I please have a motion to wave the pledge of allegiance until public session? >> So moved.
>> Seconded. >> Resolve that in accordance with >> Oh, can I get a show of hands? Thank you. I missed that part. Resolved that in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, the Rockaway Township Board of Education will meet in close session to discuss matters
involving personnel, litigation, acquisition of real property, security, negotiations, receipt of governmental funds, the consent of said discussions will be disclosed to the public at such a time and extent as is required by law. Can I please get a motion to go into close session?
>> So move seconded. >> Show of hands, please. Close session will begin at 6:04 p.m. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools.
I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities
of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be.
>> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What >> really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus
comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors
in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights,
our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high
school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh
provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now
share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
>> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I
have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place.
>> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have
from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and
that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each
other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level
on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and, you know, being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories
is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education and over time I've seen him pick that head up and
that's why I do what I do to have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do
things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at
home. and if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional
maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change to the students and what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave
her extra help just to have her overcome this fear. And it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it. And that is why I do what I do every day. >> So, my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah.
>> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess.
My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade
and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then
she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone
is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Queen Kern. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our
school nice and clean. All my friends that help me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what
happened in that story. Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. >> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do
and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni V. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every
day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good
luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun.
>> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring, the energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. their heart, passion, and
soul is for students and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done
something right that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson.
>> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with
the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the
day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy.
We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community.
It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day. And I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've been here 7 years. and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible.
>> We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no
walls uh provides our students great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It builds like
this, you know, commodery amongst not only the students, but also the faculty that work here. We call ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that for the kids.
I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
>> I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional
dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high
school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the
students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be
themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. >> When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really
see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. >> One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me
understand and make that subject more fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics and I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was
fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology.
Every single classroom has interactive boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Bandai Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the
students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation.
>> The thing that makes Copeland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy,
acceptance, respect, and trust. So we can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate
back to our core values. One of the things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the
main things for us is that we raise good kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade.
>> Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned.
>> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone
cares about each other. If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different.
There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success. >> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's really the staff here. Um, we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to be part
of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a
story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going
to do in class, not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
What really resonates with me about the school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have
seen before. >> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
selft talking saying that they can't do this. And so basically throughout the whole year we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students.
>> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In
science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know, what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment,
moving them forward from one learning experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping
to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I trying to instill intrinsic
love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come.
Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a
wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended back to school nights, our events, and we have very involved school community both academically working handinhand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be
involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this district at one of the other schools. And I'm really proud of what we put forth for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together, both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really
increase the success of our community. So we always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the
face of a harder task then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom you can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to become successful, not just
academically, but also social, emotionally. >> My name is Queen Kren. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. All my friends
that helped me since kindergarten, and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. because of my friends, the teachers, and the principal. Like, we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. Math is my favorite
subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun, but it can be complicated, but it's still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockway I thought was really interesting because
I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony Brook mentality is something where we
all feel and have the same idea of supporting students. the kids understand that everyone makes a mistake. Everyone has a bad day. And I think that it gives the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers and the morale. As soon as I started
coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I felt welcomed and included right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking
by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education.
>> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway
Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What >> really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a
difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you
know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved
school community, both academically, working hand in hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into
our students, helping students develop into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know
you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've
been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these
children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world
because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the
kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being
able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social
emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is
that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level on a way that inspires them not just to
be confident in themselves but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going
to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks.
It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do
this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he
would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up, and that's why I do what I do. To have a
kid come in and their school's a happy place for them, and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard, like a
harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. And if they're ever in trouble,
they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal
with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the
students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be
themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome
this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. >> My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in
Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. >> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing
is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade
and I go to DVO. >> Yeah, my name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVO is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then
she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone
is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quink. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our
school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story.
>> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do
and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every
day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good
luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun.
I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into this school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust. This is probably one of the most special
places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and soul is for students, and to see them
succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done something right that I have found a way
to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah.
>> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess.
My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just
everything. >> If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each
other. Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every
day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that
is so vested in our school. We are family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive
environment for a child to come to. And teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great
sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It builds like this, you know, camaraderie
amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that for the kids.
>> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect, and trust.
I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional
dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high
school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the
students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be
themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even
though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me
understand and make that subject more fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics and I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was
fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology.
Every single classroom has interactive boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive
experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation.
>> The thing that makes Copa Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy,
acceptance, respect, and trust. So we can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate
back to our core values. One of the things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the
main things for us is that we raise good kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade.
>> Being at DVL is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned.
>> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone
cares about each other. If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different.
There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success. >> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here, um, we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to
be part of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a
story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going
to do in class, not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other.
What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. And we can bring out something in themselves that they might
not have seen before. >> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students.
>> My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In
science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know, what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment,
moving them forward from one learning experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping
to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill
intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education, and over time, I've seen him pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them, and they want to come.
Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a
wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended and back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community both academically working handinhand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be
involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this district at one of the other schools. And I'm really proud of what we put forth for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together, both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really
increase the success of our community. So we always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the
face of a harder task then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom you can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to become successful not just
academically but also social emotionally. >> My name is Queen K. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. All my friends
that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the
teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockway I thought was really interesting because I feel like it is a small close-knit
community, but I also felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony Brook mentality is something where we all feel and have the same idea of
supporting students. the kids understand that everyone makes a mistake. Everyone has a bad day. And I think that it gives the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers and the morale. As soon as I started coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I felt welcomed and included
right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and
talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very, very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come
back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we
can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to
persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put
the kids first all the time and our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handinhand with our teachers,
but also I think for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop
into future leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when
you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal.
So yeah, I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one
another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people.
It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I
do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our
emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family.
We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages now that we house preschool students here. I see every single
student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves but in what they love.
After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at
home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh.
One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm
really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried
to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up and that's why I do what I do to have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come.
So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard, like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder
task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be
as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on
SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their
ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I
had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it
and that is why I do what I do every day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they
have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. >> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun
stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVL is awesome because
all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quinker and I'm in the fifth
grade. >> Hi, my name is Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and
everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but
it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got
me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where
everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA
teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is
my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into this school. One word to describe
this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just
great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and soul is for students, and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of
the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done something right, that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They're amazing.
They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork
that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just
doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. Birwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere.
Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've
been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are
family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to. And
teaching at Duboire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you
come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call
ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends
here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you
into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect, and trust. I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think
social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every
single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that
permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District and will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into
our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the students. And what I really focus on is
teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and
love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really see each other
that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. >> One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more
fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics and I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she
finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology. Every single classroom has interactive
boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that
they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation. >> The thing that makes Copeland Middle School so great is truly the people.
It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So we
can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful, and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate back to our core values. One of the
things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the main things for us is that we raise good
kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the
teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other.
If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different. There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success.
>> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here um we have built a family. And I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here at ZBO. And I'm really grateful to be part of that. >> Being outside in the morning at bus duty
and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. >> After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class, not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. >> So, yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. What really resonates with me about the
school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before.
>> It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative selft talking saying that they can't do
this. And so basically throughout the whole year we worked on just changing that mindset. Just because we can't do something right now doesn't mean that we're never going to be able to do it. And that's what I teach all of my students. >> My favorite teachers are probably all of
my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. >> My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and
I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. >> We identify the interests of students. You know, what motivates them so students feel more comfortable and confident in their learning environment, moving them forward from one learning
experience to another. Every morning I'm inspired by these children. Their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good
friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I trying to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him
pick that head up. And that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors
in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. Back to school nights,
our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Inside school, I really try to be involved in as many things as I can. My children also go to school in this district at one of the other schools and I'm really proud of what we put forth
for our children. Anytime we can bring togetherness and have us all work together both in our community and out, it's really going to help everyone raise their own level of abilities to really increase the success of our community. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of
lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. Having students in
a classroom that's smaller where you get to meet their needs specifically rather than in a bigger classroom, you can build more of a rapport and relationships with them. I like them to become successful not just academically but also social emotionally. >> My name is Queen K. I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second
grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. All my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here cuz we are a really good community. >> Because of my friends, the teachers and
the principal. like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but still really fun. >> I've always wanted to be a teacher. I
think the reason why I wanted to be a teacher is because I think I had really good elementary school teachers. Rockway I thought was really interesting cuz I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also felt like there's a lot of different opportunities in Rockway. I like how there was five
different elementary schools, but I also like how I felt like that I fit in with the Stony Brook mentality. The Stony Brook mentality is something where we all feel and have the same idea of supporting students. the kids understand that everyone makes a mistake, everyone has a bad day, and I think that it gives
the opportunity for kids to grow and not feel like penalized. I love that we have a great principal. I love the teachers and the morale. As soon as I started coming up here, since I am from South Jersey, I felt welcomed and included right away. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am
the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that
are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended
Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this
school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before.
>> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a
wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well.
>> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our
mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the
morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah, I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but
we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very
unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in
making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have
from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world. It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and
teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and
that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each
other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages. Now that we house preschool students here, I see every single student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level,
on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves, but in what they love. After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any
good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their
time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh. One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative
self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories
is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education. And over time, I've seen him pick that head up
and that's why I do what I do. To have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come. So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do
things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at
home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional
maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the
growth and the change to the students and what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel
comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave
her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. >> My name is Mariah.
>> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher.
>> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day.
My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVO is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it
awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite
thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quinker and I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. >> What makes our school awesome is all the
teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and
then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good
teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and
I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other
that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that
subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus.
No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into the school. One word to describe this school is probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and
trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and
soul is for students, and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happens, then I've done
something right that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do.
>> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birchwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with
the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the
day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy.
We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving
community. It's such a wonderful place to be. I commute an hour or more every day and I've been given the opportunity to work in another district, but I've been here 7 years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are
incredible. We're just so happy to have such a loving, nurturing community that is so vested in our school. We are family and once a bulldog, always a bulldog. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to. And teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. >> Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no
walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come through our doors. >> I like to tell people that when you're here, it's like learning at home. You're in your kitchen, but you still know what's going on in the family room. It
builds like this, you know, camaraderie amongst not only the students but also the faculty that work here. We call ourselves a Dwire family. Mr. McGovern, he seldom calls us a school and we really all live by that. We treat each other like family and we emulate that
for the kids. >> I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no
matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into this school. One word to describe this school is probably heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust.
I have been teaching art here in Rockaway Township for 16 years. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional
dialogue and that helps the whole child. I get the privilege of going into every single class once a month where I do a guidance lesson. The best part of my job is when one of them is having a tough day and then they feel better and it's because of me. >> The people I work with makes me come
back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high
school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future leaders into being positive role models and citizens in our community. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change through the
students and what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas. >> I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be
themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. >> When I came into sixth grade in Copeland, where everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me. She still talks to me even though we don't really
see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA teacher. I used to dislike like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that
subject more fun. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha
moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every day. >> We are making sure kids are prepared for the future and that means making sure that they have access to technology. Every single classroom has interactive
boards. Kids get a Chromebook in the fifth grade. >> They work as a team towards a common goal. They overcome challenges. We connect with the community through our concerts which are very well attended. Vanta Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that
they can make a positive impact in the future. I teach US history and I come to work every day excited. I get the opportunity to mold the next generation. >> The thing that makes Copa Middle School so great is truly the people. It's the
students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So we
can focus on particularly on being kind >> by being kind to a friend, helping them out, helping teachers, be nice to them, be respectful and don't interrupt the teachers. >> And everything we do, we try and relate back to our core values. One of the
things we are working on right now is positive behavior system. I don't like to address anything negative in my office because I want kids to be able to trust me and to be able to come down as a leader of the building. So, we're really working on being kind. And yes, academics are important, but one of the main things for us is that we raise good
kids. The main message is to be kind because above all else, we want our kids just to be kind. >> My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVL. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the
teachers here are so great and so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. >> My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis because drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other.
If I had to describe our building in one word, I would say we're a little unconventional. We're always trying to have our teachers and our students look at other ways to achieve success. And for every student, that's different. There are other ways that we can really show student growth, student success.
>> I'm not trying to be cheesy or anything. It's it really the staff here, um, we have built a family, and I think that says something about the building and the and and the community that we foster here. Close session ends at 7:43 p.m. >> Can I get a show of hands? Sorry,
>> please. My fault. Can I get a show of hands? Thank you. Close session ends at 7:43 p.m. Please stand for the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Yeah, I have >> uh Dr. Corbett, I will pass over to you because I think we have some recognition. >> Yes, we do. Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate that very much. Um
>> we're so fortunate here to have tonight students from Copeland Middle School. And I understand these students are very active in service and leadership in the community. So without further ado, I would like to invite uh the principal, Mr. Dustin Bayer, and Mr. George Young
and Miss Ruthie Champagne, the dean of students and the uh assistant principal to come forward and introduce these wonderful students. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, Dr. Dr. Corbett, Board of Education, parents, guardians, community
members, and the many students in attendance tonight. Over the past two and a half years, Miss Champagne, Mr. Young, and I have had the privilege of beginning our work together at Copeland Middle School with a clear purpose. Building our community brick by brick. From the start, our focus has
been on strengthening our school's culture and climate by establishing clear expectations as reflected in some of our early initiatives such as the revised code of conduct and the revised dress code. This foundational work has allowed us to shift from simply setting
expectations to empowering students to take ownership of their school community. The next wave of our work centers on service and leadership. empowering students not only to meet expectations but to contribute meaningfully to their school and
community. This evening I will share three new initiatives designed to develop student voice, responsibility, and connection. Each of these initiatives was launched within the past year and are already showing positive results in strengthening the culture and
climate at Copeland Middle School. Each year we administrators set goals for ourselves and goals for our buildings or departments. Heading into the 2025 20226 school year, Miss Champagne, Mr. Young, and I all agreed that this year's goals would be centered
around service, leadership, and culture, and climate. What you're seeing on the screen right now is our building goals for the 2526 school year. Goal number one, intentionally expand and strengthen service and leadership opportunities so that Copeland Middle School students
develop the skills, mindset, and responsibility to lead through service within the school and the broader community. And goal number two, improve academic achievement, social emotional well-being, and positive behavior outcomes for students who require
additional support through a coordinated system of targeted academic, social, emotional, and behavior behavioral interventions. Tonight's focus is going to be on goal number one. So, why service and why leadership in schools, right? There's countless reasons. I can
go on probably for hours about the benefits of why being involved in your school, being involved in your community, not only impacts the community itself, but also the individual student. The US Department of Education notes that evidence suggests that students who participate in structured service learning experience
increased academic achievement, social and emotional growth, responsible behavior, and stronger connections to school and community. Additional benefits include improves culture and climate, building self-esteem and confidence, promoting social skills and
leadership, promoting inclusivity, teamwork and collaboration, and improving connectedness to school and community. The first initiative that we're going to talk about tonight is called We Dine Together. We Dine Together is a student-led inclusion
movement that encourages students to sit and eat with peers who might otherwise be alone. especially during lunch. We dine together started in a in one school in the in in the state of Florida. One student who recognized that in the
lunchroom amongst all the students the challenges that his peers faced on where to sit and who to eat with and what type of friend group that they could connect to. That student developed a program called We Dine Together which eventually launched into a na national nonprofit
organization. The goal of We Dine Together is simple. Reduce social isolation, break down clicks, support mental health, and create a culture where no one eats alone. We dine together at Copeland Middle School meets
every Monday during lunch and pause. The program launched last school year. The adviser is Miss Mal Amy Malatesta, one of our school counselors. And we have 30 plus student volunteers. So that's 30 students who volunteer their time to be a part of we dine together to help
students who may have a challenge during lunchtime. Volunteers actively welcome students who may be eating alone or who who haven't yet found their place in the cafeteria. Students may also be referred by teachers, counselors, administrators or parents or guardians or the students
themselves. And students participate in social activities that promote peer-to-peer interaction and inclusion. Through these positive interactions, students develop empathy, important social skills, and a stronger sense of belonging. This is the flyer that circulated
throughout our building this school year that promoted the Weine Together program where students could sign up as volunteers or a place where they could eat um with peers. Here's just a quick picture of some of our members who are in here tonight. So, at the end of tonight, while when I'm
done speaking here in a few moments, I'm going to call up all of our eighth grade representatives of all three groups tonight. So, hang tight for right now um as I get through all three of our programs. The next uh initiative that we're going to talk about is Lead for Change.
Lead for Change is a student centered leadership development program designed to empower middle school students to identify real world challenges within their school or community and create meaningful and sustainable solutions through collabor through collaboration
service learning and guided reflections. Students develop essential leadership skills while learning how their actions can positively impact others. Their goals of Lead for Change include developing student leadership skills, encouraging civic engagement and social
responsibility, promoting empathy, inclusion, and positive school culture, and strengthening collaboration and problem solving skills. Lead for Change is a national organization that offers free resources to schools to help build
tomorrow's leaders. At Copeland Middle School, our lead for change program began LA also last year in the 2425 school year. The club meets every Wednesday after school. The adviserss are Miss Kelly Makavoy and
Miss Shannon Pod Prugran. We have 23 student members this year who were selected through an applica application process. So we had a a if you think about that 23 students for lead for change another 30 students are in weedine together and I haven't even got
to interact club yet. 23 students filled out the application and went through the application process and were selected. They follow the free curriculum offered through the through the organization which guides and prepares students student leaders to develop in and implement service leadership projects
throughout the school year. The service leadership pro projects serve as a culmination culminating project within the club and the projects include schoolwide initiatives which aim to promote culture and climate inclusivity and accomplish district and building level and help accomplish
district and li building level goals. Our lead for change students also ser serve as student liaison to the PTA promoting clubs, activities, um fundraisers, you name it. quick picture of of some of our most of
our uh Lead for Change students. Again, we'll be calling up our eighth grade representatives here shortly. Finally, I'd like to introduce Interact. Interact Club is a brand new club this year. We're excited to get the Interact Club going. Interact Club is a Rotary
international service club for middle school and high school students focused on leadership development and community service where members organize projects to benefit their local community and foster internet international understanding.
Interact in interact clubs aim to develop community service projects, international service projects, leadership development and social activities within the school. Inter interact club at Copeland Middle
School meets every Tuesday during lunch and pause. They also meet every Tuesday after school. Oh, come back. Sorry. Um, so they meet every Tuesday during their sixth, seventh, and eighth grade lunch periods and then come together as a group after school. Our adviser here in
the school is our uh school media specialist, Miss Joan Young. And as a part of developing an interact club, there's a partnership with the local Rotary. And with that comes um a connection with our Rotary Club liaison. We're very fortunate to have Miss Lisa
Mezik as our Rotary Club liaison with the Interact Club um who's doing some great work partnering with Miss Joan Joan Young and our students. We have 30 plus students. So again, think about that 30 plus students involved in interact club. We have uh 30 students
involved in WEDine together and another 23 students who were selected to participate in lead for change service and projects again are at the local and the international level. So here at the local level this year our interact club um is working did a fundraiser I'm sorry
a donation collection for Oscar one step closer one step closer animal rescue. They collected animal items for the local animal rescue shelter. Um and a baby bundle project is coming now where they they'll be collecting items for local expecting mothers in need. On an
international le uh level, the students decided to work with the Malala Fund. The Malala Fund was founded in 2013 by Malala Yusfi, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. Its mission is in girls educa is is is in girls education
especially places where girls most likely will be denied schooling and up up and cominging they'll be having a Valentine's Day themed fundraiser. So keep your eyes out for that. So on the screen right now you're looking at are some of our students
right after the Oscar fundraiser and all the items that they collected. You have sixth, seventh, and then eighth grade. On that note, I would like to now call up I would like to now call up all of our students and award them a certificate
for their participation in these phenomenal groups and the phenomenal work that they're doing. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. We'll start with >> Okay. So, we'll start with we dine together. And again, tonight we're representing
our eighth grade representatives. We have far more representatives in our in our in our younger grade levels as well. We nine together. Advisor Miss Amy Malatesta. Students J. Jessica Adib, Addison Betts,
Sophia Begoen, Annayia Desai, Isabella Munoz, Ardila Congratulations. And we'll we'll have all of our students hang and we'll bring all of our students together. Lead for Change 8th grade
representatives, adviserss, Miss Kelly Makavoy and Miss Shannon Pod Prugan. students. Jessica Adib, you're good. You're good. You're good. >> Omo Colady Fizaro. Shoda Nano and Zoe Zoe Nasimento.
And finally, Interact Club advisor, Miss Joan Young. Students, surprise, surprise, Jessica Adib. Jessica Adele Beard, Addison Betts, Annayia Desai,
Sarah Hong, Katie Kappic, Connor McDonald, >> Zoe Nasimento, EMTT Pommens, Sabia Sharma, Sabina Singh, Maline Stella, Isabella Taborta,
and Sophia Tabone Ggo. do a picture. >> Well, it's time Ladies and gentlemen, let's get going. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway
Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very
important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community.
It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in
developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins
us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is
well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically working handin-hand with our teachers, but also I think for extracurricular as well. Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate
from >> Before I conclude, I just want to finish up with one more time a big congratulations to all of our students and thank you for our hard work and also some thank yous. Uh Dr. Corbett uh who not only supports these initiatives but also brings ideas to the
table and is truly invested um in seeing these programs succeed. Thank you Dr. Corbett. The board of education who always um shows your unwavering support to Copeland Middle School and for also sharing in a vision uh for what Copeland Middle School um can and and will be.
the district office administration. I'm not gonna say you all by name, but approvals and and staffing and um ideas and and everything you do for me to help us and our administration be successful. I can't thank you enough. Uh Miss Champagne, Mr. Young, uh you're a part
of of everything making this happen. So, thank you. Can't thank you guys enough for all that. And lastly, our adviserss who are make bringing this all together. Thank you for everything you're doing. Thank you all. Have a good day. Thank you, Mr. Bayer. Um, these are the
students are great examples of leaders who serve. They serve the community. They serve their peers. So there's there's there's one group we forgot to thank though. Recognizing that these students come from families,
I want to thank the parents, the parents who work with the school and um and raise these fine young people uh into the leaders and the and the serviceoriented leaders that they are. So please a round of applause to all our
families and parents. Thank you. >> Madame President, with your permission, could we have some cookies? >> I think so. I think we can take like a 10-minute break. >> Sounds good. How about 10 minutes? And please help yourself to uh a lot of cookies over there. They all have to be
gone in 10 minutes. Thank you very much. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. I was just waving to some of our wonderful students as they were walking by and I'm so happy and pleased to say that when I walk through these halls and talk to these
students in these six different schools, I see students that are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. Students come
back year after year. There's multi-generations that have attended Birwood. It is truly a loving community. It's such a wonderful place to be. >> Our core values are the same as Rockaway Township. Heart, honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect, and trust. So, we
can focus on particularly on being kind. What really resonates with me about this school is that we put more value in developing personal growth versus comparison to others. Whether it be a difficult learning task or a challenging learning experience, they learn to
persevere. and we can bring out something in themselves that they might not have seen before. >> Stony Brook is an amazing place. It really is. And I think anybody who joins us, whether it's full-time or visitors in the building just for a day, uh, you know, I think echo that sentiment. Our staff is second to none. They really put
the kids first all the time. And our students are exceptional as well. It's a wonderful school community. Our PTA is incredibly involved. Everything we do is well attended. back to school nights, our events, and we have a very involved school community, both academically, working handin-hand with our teachers,
but also, I think, for extracurricular as well. >> Every student who goes through Rockaway Township School District will graduate from Copeland before they go on to high school. And we have an opportunity to instill core values into our students, helping students develop into future
leaders, into being positive role models and citizens in our community. Our mantra we live by is no walls, no limits because being a school with no walls uh provides our students a great sense of community. You just know you're walking into a special place when you come
through our doors. What keeps me coming back here every morning? Hugs from kids. You know, I love being outside in the morning at bus duty and having kids coming up and just happy to see me. Teachers who I now share personal connections with because I've been here for 11 years as the principal. So yeah,
I I think for me it's just being a part of something, being a part of the team. Uh we're all very different, but um but we we get along and you know, we support each other. >> Every morning I'm inspired by these children, their energy, their willingness to support and grow with one
another is contagious. >> The people I work with makes me come back every single day. I hire a very unique and special educator and that permeates throughout the building. I have the easiest job in the world because I have the hardest working teachers in the world. >> The thing that makes Scopland Middle
School so great is truly the people. It's the students. It's the staff. It's the community members. It's the parent involvement. It's the investment in making it a better place. >> I come here for the students. I love the kids here. They are amazing. They're the best part of my day. They're the best
part of my week. That's why I do what I do. I'm proud to be the superintendent of Rockway Township Schools and we are thankful for all the support we have from our community. I truly believe in an educator being able to make a difference in the world.
It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dubire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our
emotions and give kids a chance to practice that emotional dialogue and that helps the whole child. If you've never taught at another school and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family.
We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. One of the things that I love the most about this position and this job is that I get to work with students of all ages. Now that we house preschool students here, I see every single
student in the building from preschool all the way through fifth grade. And I get to work with them on a deeper level, on a way that inspires them not just to be confident in themselves, but in what they love.
After teaching for 25 years, I can't pinpoint one moment of time that is a story of why I come back every day. Any good lesson makes me feel alive. Going to the soccer games, the football games, seeing my students outside the classroom. I want the kids to feel at
home and I feel the more comfortable that they are, the relationship that we build together, the better they're going to do in class. Not not only enjoy their time in class, but also take risks. It's a really great environment here at KDM. My co-workers are great. The students every day, they make me laugh.
One thing that I really work on in my classroom is growth mindset. I did have a student that came in and really didn't like math. They were really negative self-talking, saying that they can't do this. And so, basically throughout the whole year, we worked on just changing that mindset. One of the things that I'm
really hoping to teach them more than anything else is about kindness and you know being good friends to each other. One of my most favorite success stories is a particular student when you know he would come into the classroom even right first thing in the morning his head would be down on that desk. I've tried
to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic love for education, and over time I've seen him pick that head up and that's why I do what I do to have a kid come in and their school's a happy place for them and they want to come.
So, we used to always start off with a growth mindset and we do a lot of lessons about how we are able to do things that might seem hard like a harder task. And I think that if we really teach our kids to be resilient and show grit in the face of a harder
task, then all the other academic challenges that they're faced with come a little bit easier. >> Our goal here is that every child is as comfortable in class as they are at home. And if they're ever in trouble, they're ever concerned or worried that they have the tools available to them to be successful and to help each other be
as successful as we know they can be. We have really seen over the years an incredible increase in their emotional maturity and in their abilities to deal with issues both in the playground and in the classroom. And I really believe it's because our district's focus on
SEAL over the last several years. >> I am the steam teacher at Copeland Middle School. I really love to see the growth and the change to the students. And what I really focus on is teamwork. So the kids are always in teams. We want to make sure everybody's feeling comfortable communicating their ideas.
I want kids to come to school and feel like this is their second home. I want them to come into my classroom and feel comfortable, feel like they can be themselves. They may not come here and love math, but I want them to at least enjoy coming to math class. Years ago, I had a sixth grade student who was
absolutely petrified of mathematics. And I worked so carefully with her. I gave her extra help just to have her overcome this fear and it was fabulous to see that aha moment when she finally got it and that is why I do what I do every
day. >> So my name is Jackson. >> My name is Mia. >> My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork that's on the walls. Like in school they have this like art thing where you go
downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. >> My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day
and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. My name is Carly and I am in fifth grade and I go to DVO. >> Yeah. My name is Rehea. I'm in first grade. Being at DVO is awesome because all the teachers here are so great and
so nice. >> I like the teachers here. They make it awesome here. She teaches well and then she teaches us stuff which we have never learned. >> My favorite subject is probably math
because I like all the challenges. My favorite special is art class with Miss Takis. Plus, drawing is my favorite thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quink. I'm in the fifth
grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us every day. All the janitors keep our school nice and clean. all my friends that helped me since kindergarten and
everybody just helps us here because we are a really good community >> because of my friends, the teachers and the principal. Like we read a book and then we do a project based on what happened in that story. >> Math is my favorite subject because the teachers always help us and it's fun but
it can be complicated but it's still really fun. My favorite teachers are probably all of my teachers cuz I got really good teachers. They have fun activities to do and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got
me into chapter books in Juni B. Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments and I think experiments are very fun. Every day I'm like happy at school. When I came into sixth grade in Copeland where
everything was new and different for me, Mrs. Heath, she was especially really kind to me, she still talks to me even though we don't really see each other that much and she gives me so much good luck for all the things that I do. One teacher that made me feel special and cared for was my seventh grade LA
teacher. I used to just like like reading and writing and she really helped me understand and make that subject more fun. I think the wire school is awesome because you can make a lot of friends here and there's good teachers. Math is my favorite because
like you can learn different things like times, plus minus. No matter where you come from or no matter what you like look like, people will be friends with you and welcome you into this school. One word to describe this school is
probably heart. Honesty, empathy, acceptance, and respect and trust. This is probably one of the most special places I've ever worked. It is the staff, the teachers. Uh they are loving, they are caring. The energy here is just
great. It's wonderful to work with a group of men and women who truly love what they do. Their heart, passion, and soul is for students, and to see them succeed. I try to find a way for them to want to be here. Even if they're sad or even if they don't want to get out of
the car in the morning, if I say, "Hey, let's go wander in the library." And they bounce out of the car right away, which actually happened, then I've done something right, that I have found a way to make them feel like this is home for them because that's kind of how I feel. I love the kids here. They're amazing.
They're the best part of my day. They're the best part of my week. That's why I do what I do. >> So, my name is Jackson. My name is Mia. My name is Mariah. >> I think what awesome is about being in Birwood is the um the like artwork
that's on the walls. Like in school, they have this like art thing where you go downstairs and like paint a wall with the art teacher. My favorite is recess. My favorite thing is reading and just
doing a bunch of fun stuff. We get to do puzzle of the day and it's really fun. We get to watch videos at the end of the day. >> Our doors are always open. We are truly a family here. Our kids are just everything. >> If you've never taught at another school
and you come to Birchwood, you honestly never want to leave Birchwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. We're all together. We're all happy. We're smiling. Nobody's cranky or miserable. We're here together for each other. >> Birchwood is very special. meeting. The Rockaway Township Board of Education
offers members of the public an opportunity to address issues regarding the operations of the Rockaway Township Public Schools. The board reminds those individuals who take this opportunity to identify themselves by name and address and to limit their comments to items listed on the agenda and or items
directly related to the operations of the school district. Issues raised by members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board. All comments will be considered and a response will be forthcoming if and when appropriate. The board asks that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the
rights of others other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific rights afforded by the laws of New Jersey. The board bears no
responsibility, nor will it be liable for any comments made by the members of the public. Members of the public should consider their comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or identified in the comments and be aware that they are legally responsible and liable for their comments. In accordance
with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15 minutes with a threeminute limit per member of the public. The board president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. Can I please have a motion to open public comment?
>> So moved. Second. >> Show of hands. >> Do we have any members of the public who would like to make a comment? >> Adam Salberg, 10 Bergen Hill Road. >> Susan Royek. I live on in Perry Street uh in the Birwood Village area.
>> Uh good evening board. Uh we wanted to introduce ourselves. Uh I'm Rockway Township Council at large. >> Ward one, >> councilwoman ward one. And we've been appointed as your council leaison. You got two this year. So it's going to be a big year. So yeah, we just want to introduce ourselves. We look very
forward to uh meeting with all of you. And we hope that we have an opportunity uh to work very closely together. And of course, if you do have any questions or concerns, um our contact information is on the township website. Uh again, thank you very much for the opportunity. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Seeing as there are no other public comments, can I please have a motion to close public comment? >> Seconded. >> Oh, so moved. >> Seconded. >> Show of hands. >> Can I get a show of hand? Thank you.
>> I'm speeding things up. Moving on to communications. The board has not received any correspondence since the last regular meeting. >> That is correct. Okay. >> Approval of minutes. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes from last meeting? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. The board approves the minutes of the January 7th, 2026 meeting. Can I please get a roll call? Mrs. Anderson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Erie. >> Abstain. >> Thank you. Noted. Dr. Mr. Gorman,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Mezik, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Miss Tor, >> yes. >> Miss Mcgiri, >> yes. Motion carries. Thank you, >> Dr. Corbett, I believe you are up. >> Thank you, Madam President. Is this mic
on? Ape. Abe. >> Yeah, now. >> I'm good now. Okay. I'm gonna have to shout a little bit. >> Three parts to my report this evening. Um, first part around the district and through our schools. Nate, would you please put up
the uh appropriate slides? This past October, I explained the Copeland Middle School would be initiating a comprehensive adolescent program, CAP, through a new partnership with the Center for Evaluation and Counseling. The CAP group is specifically designed
to support students who may have engaged in at risk behaviors or experienced repeated challenges with the code of conduct, including bias related incidences or HIV violations. Through targeted psycho education and skilluing
activities, students will have opportunities to gain insight, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen their overall school experience. The first CAP group session was held on Wednesday, January 7th. Currently, the school the excuse me, currently the program
includes two sixth grade students, three seventh grade students, three eighth grade students. Students will complete the program after attending the group one day a week for 12 weeks. We're excited to offer this supportive and proactive program as part of our ongoing
commitment to student growth and well-being. Next slide. On January 19th, the district received a donation from Home Depot consisting of 253 lockdown buckets to be used in the event of a prolonged lockdown where students are confined to their classrooms in an
extended period of time. Each bucket includes a hammer, gloves, a pale, toilet paper, privacy screen, and a first aid kit. I'm grateful to Mr. McGovern for spearheading this initiative. I invite any parent who has questions or comments about this uh
initiative, the lockdown buckets, to email me directly. >> Dr. Corbin, can you bring your microphone closer? It's hard to hear you. >> Oh, sorry. And we turn the fans off. Maybe that's part of the problem, too. >> Thank you.
As I was saying regarding the lockdown buckets, if anyone has any questions or concerns, comments, please email me directly. >> Can you hear me now? >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Regarding our internet restoration, Mr.
Elder reports that we are 95% functional. The one lingering issue involves remote boiler access, which is dependent on the vendor who is now scheduled to resolve the issue. Other minor concerns are not noticeable to the general staff and uh faculty.
Our first snow day of the year occurred Monday, January 26th to receive the most up-to-date information regarding the school closures. You're welcome to follow me on X at Rockaway Soup.
And some news from our schools. The DBO PTA is currently hosting the serial bowl fundraiser bringing the school community together to support an important cause. This initiative highlights the strong partnership between families, the school, and the
generosity of the DBO community. Students recently participated in the illusionist and recycling assemblies. The latter was an engaging and interactive presentation that reinforced the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
DBO is part of the great kindness week challenge encouraging students to demonstrate empathy, respect, kindness throughout the school day. In addition, DBO celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. through a variety of activities and conversations that promoted inclusivity,
understanding. Students are recognized through ongoing student recognition assemblies celebrating academic effort, positive behavior, and personal growth. These assemblies reinforce schoolwide expectations and highlight student accomplishments and the great work that
they do each day. Through their dedication, kindness, and commitment to learning, DBO students consistently contribute to a positive and supportive school community. The Dwire family continued its seeds of service initiative with the preparation
of police go bags, which will be handd delivered to our local law enforcement. This meaningful project reflects students commitment to service and our community. Candy bar bingo was another highlight of the month. The excitement of students enthusiastically calling out bingo
filled the room. But the priceless moment came when their eyes lit up at the candy bar selection table, a joys shared by parents and teachers alike. The month also features superhero day, the PTA bagels for breakfast event, and
a special fifth grade evening social where students enjoyed having the school to themselves with a DJ that kept them moving all night. The month ended with strongman Eric Moss demonstrating feats of strength and the powerful message, you could do anything you set your mind
to. Teachers participated in peer-led professional development, providing opportunities for staff to share expertise and strengthen instructional practices across our school. Wood access training was also completed in preparation for upcoming assessments.
Dwire continues to balance fun community building and academic preparation, demonstrating a commitment to growth and excellence. KDM Elementary School has continued to foster strong connections between school and home through meaningful parent
engagement. Parents and family members of first grade students were invited into classrooms to participate in a shared learning experience alongside their children. Teachers facilitated an activity in which students proudly presented decorated ornaments representing their family traditions.
The celebration continued as families worked together to create gingerbread trees, resulting in lasting memories and strengthened relationships. We commend our teachers, students, and families for coming together to build a more seamless connection between school and home.
Students have completed their I Ready Math and ELA diagnostics. We look forward to analyzing this data in our grade level meetings to enhance instruction. KDM continually demonstrates heart. To date, over 170 positive office referrals
have been submitted. KDM Elementary School looks forward to a successful and exciting 2026. After ringing in the new year, Stony Brook students and staff are recharged and excited to get 2026 underway. Classroom teachers with the assistance of the academic intervention team have
begun conducting midyear benchmark assessments with all students. These assessments will serve as a helpful snapshot of student growth and allow teachers to better understand where students are thriving and where additional supports may be needed. As
the school school community reflects on the close of 2025, there is much to celebrate the school's fundraising efforts were truly outstanding, reflecting the strong partnership between families, staff, and the wider community. Students also recently
enjoyed participating in future self day. That's the bottom picture there. Having fun dressing up and sharing their hopes and aspirations for the future. The fifth grade movie night, that's the top picture, was also a great success and was enjoyed
by all who attended. Stony Brook looks forward to a continued focus on learning, connection, and community as the new year unfolds. This month, Birwood students are diving into their second round of diagnostic ma assessments in math and ELA, and they
are demonstrating impressive growth. Birwood is seeing confidence rise, skills sharpen, and their hard work bearing fruit. This week, Birchwood will recognize the great kindness challenge and one of the most fun, high energy weeks of the year. Students will be
celebrating kindness and style with dress up days like cowboys or aliens, crazy hair, hat day, tie-dye day, and a throwback to the 60s,7s, 80s, and 90s. It's going to be a colorful, joyful week filled with big smiles and even bigger
hearts as students focus on being kind, helping others, and showing respect. Walking through the halls, visitors will see a powerful see powerful artwork displayed and writings inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. students explored
lessons about dreams, acceptance, and kindness which express their voices, ideas, and hopes for the future. Meanwhile, the student of the month program continues to spotlight outstanding Birchwood stars. Students recognized for showing heart are leading
by example by being kind, helping others, and showing character. All Copa Middle School students have be have completed their I Ready Diagnostic Assessments in math ELA in the name of promoting positivity and inclusion. The students are also participating in the
great kindness challenge week featuring fun spirited days and meaningful kindness activities. Meanwhile, the boys and girls basketball teams are wrapping up their seasons as they compete in the county championship playoffs.
Congratulations also go out to our talented students who are named to the North Jersey Junior Area Band and the Morris area on a choir. And you can see those students top and bottom.
Marking period 2 officially closed on January 27th, which means that we are now in the second half of the second school year. Class meetings were held at each grade level to share the exciting events ahead and to reinforce expectations for positive behaviors and conduct in school. We're excited to
continue the year with momentum, positivity, and pride in all the Copen students accomplish. And now we'll go into part two. I'd like to update the board and the public regarding the district goals. Um, a if you could click on the district goals,
the first link in my board report. Oh, yeah. The first link right there. Click on that link. I want to and then go back to this slide. Just click on that. All right. That should bring you to that should bring you to the document and
which um is a comprehensive presentation of all board and district goals. Now if you go down go down down eight please just go down a little bit
down another way. That's board goals. I want district goals. There you go. Those are the district goals. Keep going, Aiden. All right. There you go. All right. That's what I want show you. So on the website tomorrow, you'll see this is the
more comprehensive presentation of the goal. You see goal one. There it is. The activity, person responsible, rationale, procedures, strategies, timeline, update, evidence of completion. This will be posted on the website tomorrow for public um review. Now go back, but
for the purpose of tonight, I'm not going to read all this to you. I'd like you to go back to that slide a please. The last slide on my presentation. No, go back to my presentation. The slides. Good. Now, yeah, hit that. No, no, no,
no. Hold on a second. No, you got to go to my board report. I'm sorry. Go to my board report. No, that's not it. You got to go to my board report. the narrative that I just read
>> the board report. Abe, >> the board report that I just read, Abe, I just read a board report, three pages of it. >> If you go to that, >> I'm trying to get the fans shut off. I think that's part of the problem. >> Okay, that's that's the slideshow, the narrative that goes with the board
report that I just read. All right. Well, what I'll do is this. So, while I was trying to get that up, I'm going to summarize what I just showed you so that I'm not here for three hours.
The giving you this update on progress towards district goals. At towards the end of the year, the administrative team will provide to the board and to the public a comprehensive presentation regarding the
goals. So, the first goal is by the end of 2026, the district will increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on the NJSLA in English, language arts, and math by an additional 5% across all grade levels compared to the 2024 2025 performance
reports. Okay. So now we'll provide a summary on our progress towards that goal. Since September, I Ready has been used for instructional rounds, administrative and diagnostic review, and to guide instructional practices and decision-making. Common assessments are
implemented supported by grade level articulation and testing sessions to ensure consistency and rigor. RTI procedures have been strengthened through the creation of the district RTI math and ELA lead teachers and the adoption of the link intervention manager to platform to ensure all
atrisisk students receive appropriate and timely services. Additional measures to identify students in need include IRA literacy task for grades K through six and a thorough NJSLA data analysis which was conducted in October. Instructional
improvements are supported by a shift in to numeric rating in grades four and five. Professional development on NJSLA, adaptive assessment and continue targeted professional development for supporting multilingual learners and the implementation of a streamlined
elementary schedule to guarantee appropriate instructional minutes in core content areas. And by the way, what I just read to you is a summary of what's on there. I just don't want to read everything that's on there, but that will be posted on the website tomorrow. Goal number two, by the end of
each instructional unit during the 2025 2026 school year, 100% of district math teachers will administer the end of the year unit IRE assessment. In ELA, 100% of teachers in grades K through two will administer the super kids benchmark assessments. Grades three will
administer the magnetic reading end of the year assessment. and teachers in grades four through eight will administer the common assessments outlined in the district curricula. Now, progress towards meeting this goal. Assessment practices are clearly defined and consistently applied across the
district. We are on target to reach the goals to administer the I Ready endofunit assessments. Similarly, we are on target for the administration of the superkids benchmark assessments, the grade three magnetic reading end of the year assessments and the grades four
through eight common assessments. Goal three, improve the climate and culture in each school by revising the district culture and climate surveys to be more relevant to current needs. Decreasing the number
of confirmed HIVs. Sending nine counselors to Strauss SME HIV training with uniform messaging. Sending five district principles to the Strauss Esme HIV training with uniform messaging. Continuing to review and
dissect exemplars of HIVs. A summary of our progress towards that goal. Climate and culture in our district is a high priority. Yeah, that's good. E, that's reading from right there so you can read along. Our anti-bullying specialists continue to improve their practice by attending
trainings, reviewing the interview protocols, discussing exemplars. At this time, we have a total of 70 HIV cases, trending an increase in total investigations with 12 founded, 50 unfounded, and eight currently under
investigation. The councils are also rewriting the climate culture surveys, which will be submitted to the education committee in spring prior to launching. Goal four, building principles will collaborate with instructional council representatives, PTA leadership, CPAC,
and teachers to coordinate a minimum of five parent presentations a year that reflect the academic programming in their schools and district. Teachers will create engaging presentations that reflect instructional practices and programming in the district. Coordinate
topics and events that align with district curricula. Provide parents with a schedule of topics and dates for presentations. Survey parents on the effectiveness of presentations building. Now the summary of of progress
building principles are collaborating with in instructional council members PTA and CPAC CPAC and teachers to deliver a minimum of five academic focus focused parent presentations annually. These sessions will highlight district instructional practices, align with
curricular goals, and include feedback through parent surveys. The planning phase for academy nights is complete with presentations scheduled at individual schools prior to PTA meetings. Key events include family math night on March 24th, author night on
April 23rd, reinforcing the district's commitment to partnership with families in supporting student achievement. Finally, the fifth goal, continue addressing the district's facility needs through systematic execution of the district's long range
facility plan while incorporating any emergent needs that necessitate amendments to that plan. create a sub uh sustainable cyclical schedule of repair and replacement across the district to ensure buildings remain in their best possible operating condition at all
times. We have completed the final phase of projects designated for the 2526 school year as reflected in the long range facilities plan. These include the KDM window project and the district-wide flooring project. We are currently working with the district architect to
select projects from the long-range facilities plan to incorporate into our planning for the 2627 budget cycle. The maintenance plan is still in the process of being created and we are using data from the current from the current years needs to inform the creation of that
document. That is a summary of um our progress towards district goals. Now if you go back a I didn't want you to Yes, please display that. Now I'm going to go to the HIB finally part three HB
update. Go ahead Abe. Just I think it's important for the public to see this document because it is a public document and uh it indicates current investigations and investigations for affirmation that are now on the agenda for affirmation. If you go down a little bit, Abe, I want to
just remind the public. Go down. Abe, I think. Yes, page two, please. Ape. A page. >> Yes. Thank you. Just to remind the public for something to be substantiated
at an a as an HIV as harassment, imitate, intimidation, or bullying, those are the four prongs that have to be met. So, and I will also let the public know that the board is attempting now to schedule uh an HIV listening
session which will include also um a training for the board and the public provided by our attorney and our district HIV coordinator Miss Anita West to my left. So, when that schedule when we uh arrive at a date, we will advise
the public of that date. So, under current investigations, if you go back to that page one, you'll see what I'm referring to now, and I do this at every board meeting. I don't always show the document, but this is the document that I report off of to the public. Under current investigations, there are 14
listed there. Of that 14, you'll see under acts of HIV, there are two yeses, right? So the 14 investigations, two were affirmed, substantiated. And you can see that all four prongs were met.
That's why they were affirmed. If only one prong was met or two or three, it's not HIV. All four prongs have to be met for there to be an HIV. So there both of these cases were at Copa Middle School and um it it was a distinguishing
characteristic of the first affirmation and then you'll see race was the other distinguishing characteristic for the second affirmation. That is my report. >> Thank you Dr. Corbett. Uh, Mrs. Slam, >> thank you. Um, first I just want to acknowledge the audio issues tonight.
Um, first and foremost, the feedback on the microphones, while unfortunate, we started off the night with no working microphones. So, this is actually an improvement. Um, but I do apologize for that. And the fan, which we are trying to shut down, as Dr. Corbett mentioned, we were about 95% complete with the tech
issues that we were still addressing. One thing that is not yet complete is the remote access for the HVAC system, which would include the ability to turn the fans off. So the individual who would normally be able to turn them off is not able to do so right now. So I do apologize. Um this will not be the state
next meeting. Um so my report for this evening, bear with me. Um I am pleased to report that we conducted our final walkthrough of the KDM window project and the project is officially closed out. Um I'm very pleased with the results and the staff has noted a
significant improvement in the temperature as we moved into the colder months. So that's been a very positive um not just aesthetic change but functional change. Um we are in the thick of budget preparations for the 2627 school year. As we move through this cycle and in the interest of
transparency I want to note that thus far many of our renewals for our fixed costs have been coming in high. And while I'm still in what I consider the negotiations phase of those um items, our starting point is significantly higher than it has been in prior years. At this time, we do not have any
information as to what the formula that will be used for the state aid allocation will be. Um, but concerning rumors have been circulating regarding federal funding cuts. Um, as well as impact on state aid as a result of federal funding cuts to the state. So, uh, as always, we will plan for uh the
worst, prepare for the best, hope that we land somewhere in the middle. Um, but it's going to be uh a little bit of a waiting game. I also anticipate that the release of state aid numbers will be very late this year. they generally are when there's a new governor. Um, so we will keep you informed as we move
forward. As always, we're employing the practice of zerobased budgeting. Uh, which means we make no assumptions. We take all of the budget lines down to zero and rebuild them piece by piece. Um, we're working to build a budget that truly reflects the district needs and priorities while being fiscally responsible and aware of financial
trends. I appreciate the input from my fellow administrators and thank them for their teamwork as we navigate this process. This past week, I met with our district architect to discuss potential capital projects to take place in the 26 27 fiscal year. Um, and we are utilizing the long-range facility plan to inform
those recommendations. Uh, funding for those projects will be through the capital reserve, which is nice as that has no bearing on the tax levy. Um, and also we have a healthy reserve. So, if we do see a reduction in our funding, we'll still be able to have um action
items and projects being completed. So, that's a positive. Uh, so ends my report. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Moving on to the education report. >> Good evening everyone. This microphone works, man. >> Yeah. Just don't get too close or you're going to get the feedback.
>> Good evening. Welcome new board members. As we enter February, Rockaway Township teachers will will participate in the second set of I Ready instructional rounds. This is a valuable opportunity for staff to collaborate with an I Ready instructional coach to co-plan, co-e a
lesson while colleagues observe. The purpose of these rounds is to support teachers in refining their instructional practices through professional dialogue and peer feedback. The process is pretty simple. uh Miss Young, myself and the building principles along with the I
Ready coach conduct building walkthroughs uh to work on areas of specific growth. The second thing is our lead teachers um selected uh by myself and Miss Young will collaboratively plan a lesson with the I Ready instructional
coach. From there, teachers will co-e the planned lesson with the instructional coach while their grade level colleagues and building principles observe. Following the lesson, the team engages in a reflective debrief with the coach.
It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flarity. In that spirit, four school districts, Wyoff, Longill, Mawa, and Netcom have contacted Rockaway Township public schools to rec to
request classroom walkthroughs and meetings with myself and Miss Young based on our I Ready implementation and our ready our I Ready reboot. This interest is a testament to the strong work of our teachers and the leadership of our district math specialist, Miss
Aaron Young. I'm also pleased to announce that family math night will be held on March 24th at Copeland Middle School from 5:30 to 8:30. In the spirit of community, families will share a meal before participating in and engaging an evening
of math activities highlighted by arithmetic. The event will feature a game show theme centered on math best practices. Um, I want to thank Miss Young, but I would like um to extend a sincere thank you to Miss Slam. Um,
she's been working tirelessly to get our Title One funds approved and allocated. Typically, we have these nights earlier in the year. Because of the delay in grants and funding, we've had to push everything back. So, Megan, thank you very much. Um, author day will take
place in all district schools on April 13th, 14th, and 15th, culminating with Family Literacy Night on April 23rd right here at Copeland from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This year's featured author uh, and illustrator is Jay Cooper. He's a
renowned illustrator of 29 books. His title include includes The Last Comics on Earth, Sticks and Scones, and You Are the Detective of the Creeping Hand. He is also the illustrator of the bot series. I'd like to thank Miss Waxman um
for all of her work and that she put into this along with Miss Anderson. This is something that we established last year through the ED committee. I'm very pleased that we're continuing on with the tradition. Thank you everyone and have a good night. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Next we'll have our student services report. I have to lower this. I'm much shorter. Good evening everyone. I'd like to give a brief update on our CPAC committee and how they've been doing for the years.
So, so far this year they facilitated two parent support group sessions. Those sessions focus on family engagement and shared learning between parents, families, other community members who have either children's children with special needs or just an interest in
supporting that community. Uh those parents those sessions are held at the public library and they're open to all. So we invite everybody to join them. The next parent support group meeting will take place on March 23rd. In addition, this year we engaged in a
new initiative. We collaborated with some surrounding school districts to offer a parent training series. Through this parent training series, we are able to provide access to monthly web-based learning opportunities that cover a wide range of topics, many more topics than
we alone, as one district would be able to bring our community. The next session for that is scheduled for February 4th at 7 p.m. and will focus on transitioning students to high school and beyond. That presentation is hosted by Bhin School District and a
registration link can be found on our district website as well as the CPAC Facebook page. Our next Rockaway Township CPAC meeting will be on February 12th right here in the Copeland Library and will include an introduction to the nurtured heart
approach. Um, finally, our CPAC committee asks that everybody saves the date for our third annual community wellness fair, which will be held on May 7th. More information to come about that. Tonight, I would like to take the
opportunity to introduce a new initiative that we have going on right here at Copeland Middle School in our life skills program and that is our mugs in motion. Would you like to come up?
>> Oh, very beautiful. Right. So, the Mugsin Motion is a coffee cart initiative where students learn valuable life skills as well as vocational skills. Uh, Mrs. Phillips, who is our life skills teacher here at Copeland, has created a short slideshow
highlighting some of the wonderful work that we're doing through this program. So, next slide. What is Mugsin Motion? So, Mugsin Motion is essentially a coffee cart that was
started here at Copeland Middle School this year through our life skills program. So, through Mugsin Motion, our students learn valuable SEAL, math, ELA, and career readiness skills. They learn basic skills such as putting on a
uniform daily to show up to work, time management. They work on collecting orders as well as organizing those orders. and lots of organizational skills. Finally, they work on really valuable calculation skills and real
world money skills. >> And they don't let anybody get away with not paying for their >> There you go. It is staffed by our students right here in Copeland. Those students come from our autism and MD programs during their life skills block each day. The Mugsin
and Motion car runs three days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. and they collect orders and deliver both regular or decaf coffee to our Copeland Middle School staff. How it works? So, all of our staff at Copeland have the opportunity to place
virtual orders similar to, you know, a mobile order perhaps at Starbucks or Duncan. And we house ours through a Google form. The staff are able to complete their orders. Students then use those real world skills of organization
and take the orders from the order form and put it onto an order card. They organize those order cards by the day that each one should be delivered and the different areas of the school for them to be delivered to. Once they have
their orders, they work on pulling all the items necessary to get the order together and they go deliver it to the staff. Uh, every cup of coffee is paid for using our beloved mugs money, which represents real money skills, but also
allows them to grow in these skills within the safety of the school environment. Okay. Meeting our Mugsin Motion staff, we have Aiden, whose favorite part is the smell of the coffee. Ariana, who enjoys going to the classes, seeing all
the people. Ben loves uh filling the orders on the coffee cart. Braha likes the smell of the coffee and to deliver the coffee. Jay's favorite thing about the coffee cart is being able to say hi to all the teachers and students when he delivers
it in the classrooms. Johan likes delivering the coffee part of it. Jocelyn enjoys the whole aspect of the coffee cart. And Xander's favorite part is getting to deliver the coffee to the teachers that he knows.
Then click again. Is a video. There should be a video. Did it not work? >> Okay. You may be having sound difficulties. >> The audio basically says that they worked on it says blah blah blah
they wrote the script themselves and they >> you guys can't hear me. I'm pretty loud. But the kids worked on their own script and that was the script that you would have seen. But please come to the school if you want to see us in motion because it's an amazing program and thank you
for supporting it. >> Quickly just to highlight one other great thing about the mugs in motion is that this program has had amazing benefits for all of our students here at Copeland. goes beyond just the students who are participating in the life skills
class, but it's really having an impact on the students who see their peers engaging in this work, who see them delivering coffee to their classrooms. It's bringing up great conversations about other programs in the community. So, it's starting some good
conversations that we would like to continue growing. So, I would like to thank everyone on the board of education as well as Dr. Corbett for all of your ongoing support with Mugs in Motion. Uh I'd like to thank Miss Slam for
supporting us financially and really, you know, helping us find the money to keep that going and Mug's money. And um the Copeland administrative team who has just been so supportive in making everything work. And of course, our very dedicated life skills teacher, Miss
Phillips. Thank you very much. Katie, you gave our attorney a little heart attack. She saw the cart and the mug's money and she thought that you had real money and I said I would never >> I would never leave a cart of money out. >> It is.
>> Okay, moving on. I know that committees are still working on getting together, but do we have any committee reports tonight? >> I have an ED committee meeting. >> Great. So, the ED committee um met this January 21st at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. We met virtual
because power lines were down on Green Pond in attendance with Dr. Corbett, Mr. Ganella, myself, Miss Torren, and Dr. Gorman. A lot of what we discussed, um Mr. uh just kind of went over with all of us. But uh to touch on some other
things, we talked about January 19th, the teachers had a professional development day and they that was led by teachers. The feedback was great. The the teachers were told the topics but not the presenters prior to and so they selected sessions they wanted to attend
based on their needs and preferences. The inservices were informative and relevant. We discussed the I Ready instructional rounds. Um and then the other teachers are going to be allowed to observe those models. And if
any board members would like to um see that or toward the schools, just reach out to um Dr. Corbett. He'll arrange something on the ed committee notes. We now have another
set of curriculum that we need to review. So, it's our last big overhaul. We'll be looking at the library media curriculum. So, be ready for that everybody. Um, and then we'll be good for a while and then language arts and
math get updated again. We'll be on a more frequent basis. We discussed the chron chronic absenteeism action plans at the schools where there the state recognized a need. um there's a more streamlined approach and so the data is reflecting that students in grades
kindergarten through grade eight that percentage of students classified as chronically absent has been decreasing and so the procedures in place are working. Again, there's an family math night planned for March 24th and an author night for April 23rd. All are
welcome to come and we think it's going to be a great time. Our next ed committee meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4th at the board office. >> Great. Thank you. Any other committee reports? >> I have one. >> Great. >> Policy is going to be meeting on
February 11th for our first meeting of this year at 4:30 virtually. >> Thank you. >> Lisa, what you >> So, I just had a question actually. Um, will these committee assignments be updated with our seventh board member
being seated because he's not on? >> Yes, they will. Thank you. >> Okay. So, will any of that change the with the community outreach? >> I don't know. I haven't even looked at it yet. I will I will look at it this week and get you something by the end of the week. >> Okay, perfect. Because uh I do want to
um >> start our schedule because I do put on all those dates up first. Um I did speak with our um council leaison who are in the audience and we will be inviting them um at least into one meeting.
Great. Probably somewhere around March maybe. >> Yes. Okay. Um so we have a lot to do. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Perfect. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Moving on to personnel. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of
schools, the board approved the following personnel resolutions. We go from page four to uh page six. Can I get a motion to approve personnel items? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Okay. Can I get a roll call on that, please? Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Erie? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Ms. Richardson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Torren? >> Yes. >> Miss Mciri? >> Yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. Uh moving on to HIPS. Uh the superintendent of schools has provided the board of education with reports regarding HIP incidents. They can be found on page six of the agenda. Uh the board of education was advised of any consequences and or remedial measures
related to these matters as well as the superintendent's recommendation regarding the results of the investigations. And therefore, it is resolved that the board of education votes to affirm the superintendent's recommendations on the HIP cases also listed on page six of the agenda. Can I please get a motion to
approve the HIPS? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> And can I get a roll call vote, please? Um, are we reading them out >> the numbers? >> So, because they're reflected in the agenda, you don't have to actually read them out.
>> Just checking. Okay, Mrs. Anderson, >> I did check with Jackie first. >> Yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to guess. I just wanted to make sure. Mrs. Anderson, >> yes. >> Mr. Erie, >> abstain. >> Noted. Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Messi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson,
>> yes. >> Miss Tor, >> yes. >> Miss Mciri, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to education. Do I need to Okay, that's >> okay. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board
agrees to the following unavoidable registration and or travel costs as presented which are educationally necessary and fiscally prudent and are related to and within the scope of the employees current responsibilities and promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district. The reimbursements are
in compliance with the state travel reimbursement guidelines as established by the Department of the Treasury and Board of Education policy in accordance with NJAC 6A-23B-1.1. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve education items, please? >> So moved. >> Thank you.
>> Seconded. >> Thank you. Education goes from page six to page eight. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15 minutes with a three minute limit per
member of the public. The board president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. Does anybody have public comment? I can open it up if we do on education items only. discussion.
>> Can I get a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Anderson, >> yes. >> Mr. Erie, >> yes. >> Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Messi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Miss Torren, >> yes. >> Miss Mciri, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Thank you. Moving on to administration. >> Uh, just one. >> Yes, we just have the one item of subscription busing that's on page eight. Do we have any public comment on need a motion. >> Oh, sorry. Thank you. >> It's okay. >> Can I get a motion to approve
administration? >> So move. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Do we have any public comment on administration? I can open it up if we do. >> Nope. Could I please get a roll call vote? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Erie? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman?
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Miss Richardson? >> Yes. >> Miss Torren? >> Yes. >> Miss McGiri? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Um for the finance section if I could. >> Sure. >> Um I'm requesting that the board add to
number one of the financials. Um right now it's noted as approves the report of the secretary uh and report of appropriations for September. Um I would like to add in October and November as well. Uh and then the minutes would be updated to reflect those additions and the attachments would be updated as
well. >> Excellent. So if we could move that as amended. >> Sure. Yes. Absolutely. God bless you. Uh, I was up and signed the bills yesterday. Everything looks good. Can I get a motion as amended to approve the finance section?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any public comment on financial items only? No. Can I please get a roll call vote? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Erie? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman?
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Ms. Richardson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Torren? Yes, >> Miss McGiri. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15 minutes with a threeminute limit per
member of the public. The board president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. Can I please get a motion to open second public comment? >> So move. >> Seconded. Can I get a show of hands, please?
Do we have anybody from the public who'd like to make a comment? Okay. Can I get a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Show of hands, please. Moving on. Any old business?
>> Any new business? >> Yes. Yes. >> How did you know? What are you looking? >> Okay, as a plug for the Mars County School Board Association, February 4th is the next virtual meeting. The topic is creating a positive school culture,
addressing ethics, cell phones, and HIV. The extra special notice about this is our Jackie McGathi is actually presenting this material. So, thank >> What's that meeting again? >> February 4th. >> February 4th. >> Mhm. It's virtual. Is it free? How much
does it cost? >> Uh, as per our membership in New Jersey School Board Association, it's free for our members. >> It's free. And Jackie is presenting. >> And Jackie is >> I don't know if you're on the list, Rich. >> I'm going on the list. >> I know a guy I could probably get you in.
>> Additionally, we'll be hearing from a board member from the Mars Hills Regional District on how their cell phone policy is handled within that district. So, very relevant >> um and exciting. I'm looking forward to it. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jackie. >> That's it >> for now. >> Okay. I have >> Thank you. Any other new business? >> I have two things. One, I just wanted to thank the Rockway Township Education Association this weekend. I saw kids with these really cool bead boxes. And
the mom was like, "You wouldn't believe the RTA had a whole night and it's not really something my son would be interested in." So, I didn't sign up. However, the feedback from the community was really wellreceived and I think it's a great night out and new offering. So, thank you guys for doing that. Um, and
then I also wanted to give a plug to Copeland PTA. They are selling Rockway Township cozy blankets. They are the like township colors. So, that is available to everybody. It's not school specific. They're great on fields and
they could really use some extra cash for their socials and eighth grade dance. So, they have an updated school uh PCA website that's available through Copeland's website. So, if you would like something warm and cozy in these cold days, support them. I think their
sale ends February 6th. >> Great. Thank you. >> I also have No, you stole my thunder. I also want to thank the um Rockway Township Education Association. I actually got to come to the family night. My daughter loved it. I think I
did bracelet making that she did. But I enjoyed it. She had a great time. We went home with a lot of beads and she had a great time and it was just nice to see the community out and really look forward to coming to more of them. >> Great. Thank you. Any other new business?
>> Yes, if I might. Um I just want to remind the board and I know we have two new members on the board and we have five veteran members on the board. Um the the schools are always open for a tour. So particularly
to our new members or to members who haven't yet toured the schools that would like to see it again, right? All you have to do is call me and let me know and we will arrange a mutually um uh uh convenient time so that you can
walk through and see any school you'd like because I want to be sure that we have a a spirit of transparency particularly regarding the schools and the board. We're proud. Actually, I love showing board members the schools schools because we're so proud of what's going on in the schools and when you walk into our schools, the kids are
happy. You know, the kids are really, really happy. The teachers are happy and I want you to see that. So, please, when it's convenient for you, email me. We'll get a date. We'll go into the schools. The only caveat is there can only be want to keep it to three members at one time, but usually that's not a problem,
but other than that, it's fine. Okay. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other new business? Excellent. Okay. So, we don't have a need to return to executive session. I know everybody's disappointed. So, can I
please get a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So, move. >> Second. >> Show of hands. >> Meeting is adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Thank you everybody. Have a great night. Um