WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=lfIKnw1jY8k Part: 1 1 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:16.720 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 2 00:00:16.720 --> 00:00:33.440 are learning and having fun and to me those are two very important qualities of a very very effective education. >> Birchwood is very special. Good evening, Rockaway Township. I would like to call this meeting to order. It's 6:02 p.m. May I have attendance? Roll call. 3 00:00:33.440 --> 00:00:49.120 >> Mrs. Anderson here. >> Mrs. Brooks >> here. >> Dr. Gorman >> here. >> Mrs. Messi >> here. >> Miss Richardson >> here. Miss Tor. Miss McGiri. We have a quorum. Thank you. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act was passed to ensure 4 00:00:49.120 --> 00:01:05.600 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 accordance with the provision of the act, the Rockway Township Board of Education has caused notice of the date, time, and place of said meetings to be published 5 00:01:05.600 --> 00:01:22.920 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 purpose as stated in the public notice? 6 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:38.799 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 7 00:01:38.799 --> 00:01:58.880 through Friday if they wish to inspect any of the reference items. May I have a motion to wedge pledge of allegiance until open session? >> So moved. >> Thank you. Second. >> Thank you. Show of hands. resolved that in accordance with the open public meetings act, the Rockaway 8 00:01:58.880 --> 00:02:14.080 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 content of said discussions will be disclosed to the public at such 9 00:02:14.080 --> 00:02:37.040 time and extent as is required by law. Can I have a motion to go into close session? So moved. Second show of hands. Close session will begin at 6:04 p.m. Okay. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am 10 00:02:37.040 --> 00:02:52.160 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 11 00:02:52.160 --> 00:03:09.120 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 12 00:03:09.120 --> 00:03:24.800 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 13 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:40.799 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. 14 00:03:40.799 --> 00:03:56.560 >> 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 15 00:03:56.560 --> 00:04:12.640 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. 16 00:04:12.640 --> 00:04:28.479 >> 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 17 00:04:28.479 --> 00:04:45.520 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 18 00:04:45.520 --> 00:05:00.479 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 19 00:05:00.479 --> 00:05:16.160 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 20 00:05:16.160 --> 00:05:33.120 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 21 00:05:33.120 --> 00:05:48.560 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 22 00:05:48.560 --> 00:06:07.280 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 23 00:06:07.280 --> 00:06:23.120 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 24 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:38.960 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. 25 00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:54.720 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 26 00:06:54.720 --> 00:07:11.520 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 27 00:07:11.520 --> 00:07:27.440 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 28 00:07:27.440 --> 00:07:43.919 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. 29 00:07:43.919 --> 00:07:59.759 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 30 00:07:59.759 --> 00:08:15.440 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 31 00:08:15.440 --> 00:08:33.000 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. 32 00:08:33.440 --> 00:08:49.040 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 33 00:08:49.040 --> 00:09:04.959 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 34 00:09:04.959 --> 00:09:21.519 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 35 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:42.080 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. 36 00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:57.519 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 37 00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:14.160 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 38 00:10:14.160 --> 00:10:30.640 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 39 00:10:30.640 --> 00:10:47.600 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 40 00:10:47.600 --> 00:11:04.800 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 41 00:11:04.800 --> 00:11:19.120 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 42 00:11:19.120 --> 00:11:35.519 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 43 00:11:35.519 --> 00:11:50.240 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 44 00:11:50.240 --> 00:12:06.800 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 45 00:12:06.800 --> 00:12:23.200 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 46 00:12:23.200 --> 00:12:39.200 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 47 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:56.480 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 48 00:12:56.480 --> 00:13:12.160 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 49 00:13:12.160 --> 00:13:27.760 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 50 00:13:27.760 --> 00:13:47.279 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 51 00:13:47.279 --> 00:14:03.680 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 52 00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:19.680 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. 53 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:34.240 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 54 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:51.839 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 55 00:14:51.839 --> 00:15:08.959 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 56 00:15:08.959 --> 00:15:25.360 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. Birwood is very special because it is truly a family atmosphere. 57 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:41.120 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 58 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:56.399 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 59 00:15:56.399 --> 00:16:18.000 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 60 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:35.279 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 61 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:51.759 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 62 00:16:51.759 --> 00:17:06.480 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 63 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:22.480 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 64 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:39.360 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 65 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:54.799 social and 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 66 00:17:54.799 --> 00:18:10.320 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 67 00:18:10.320 --> 00:18:33.360 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, 68 00:18:33.360 --> 00:18:49.600 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 69 00:18:49.600 --> 00:19:05.600 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 70 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:21.760 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 71 00:19:21.760 --> 00:19:37.520 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 72 00:19:37.520 --> 00:19:52.960 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 73 00:19:52.960 --> 00:20:09.840 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 74 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:24.640 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 75 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:39.840 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 Scopland Middle School so great is truly the people. 76 00:20:39.840 --> 00:21:00.159 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 77 00:21:00.159 --> 00:21:16.080 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 78 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:32.480 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 79 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:47.840 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 80 00:21:47.840 --> 00:22:04.240 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 81 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:19.760 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. 82 00:22:19.760 --> 00:22:36.480 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. 83 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:51.679 >> 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 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 84 00:22:51.679 --> 00:23:07.440 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 85 00:23:07.440 --> 00:23:23.600 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 86 00:23:23.600 --> 00:23:44.880 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 87 00:23:44.880 --> 00:24:01.840 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. 88 00:24:01.840 --> 00:24:17.600 >> 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 89 00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:33.679 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 90 00:24:33.679 --> 00:24:51.120 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 91 00:24:51.120 --> 00:25:05.679 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 92 00:25:05.679 --> 00:25:24.240 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 93 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:38.880 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 94 00:25:38.880 --> 00:26:01.360 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 95 00:26:01.360 --> 00:26:17.360 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 96 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:32.559 well attended and 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 97 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:49.039 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 98 00:26:49.039 --> 00:27:04.799 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 99 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:20.559 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, 100 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:35.039 emotionally. >> My name is Queen. 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 101 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:50.640 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 102 00:27:50.640 --> 00:28:06.240 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 103 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:23.279 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 104 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:38.720 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 105 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:55.520 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 106 00:28:55.520 --> 00:29:11.760 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. 107 00:29:11.760 --> 00:29:28.080 >> 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 108 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:43.440 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 109 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:59.760 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 110 00:29:59.760 --> 00:30:16.480 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 111 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:31.679 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 112 00:30:31.679 --> 00:30:47.679 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 113 00:30:47.679 --> 00:31:04.159 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 114 00:31:04.159 --> 00:31:19.600 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 115 00:31:19.600 --> 00:31:35.679 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 116 00:31:35.679 --> 00:31:52.480 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 117 00:31:52.480 --> 00:32:11.279 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 118 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:27.200 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 Dwire is special because we don't have walls. I think social 119 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:42.880 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 120 00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:58.880 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 121 00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:14.799 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 122 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:30.559 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 123 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:49.080 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. 124 00:33:49.679 --> 00:34:05.600 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 125 00:34:05.600 --> 00:34:22.000 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 126 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:37.599 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 127 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:54.639 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 128 00:34:54.639 --> 00:35:10.800 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, 129 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:26.320 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 130 00:35:26.320 --> 00:35:44.240 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 131 00:35:44.240 --> 00:36:00.800 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 132 00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:17.839 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 133 00:36:17.839 --> 00:36:33.599 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 134 00:36:33.599 --> 00:36:49.520 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. 135 00:36:49.520 --> 00:37:07.839 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 136 00:37:07.839 --> 00:37:24.320 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 137 00:37:24.320 --> 00:37:40.880 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 138 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:57.119 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 139 00:37:57.119 --> 00:38:12.240 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 140 00:38:12.240 --> 00:38:30.480 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 141 00:38:30.480 --> 00:38:45.520 and their stories. My first grade teacher got me into reading and she got me into chapter books and Juni B Jones. My favorite subject is science. In science, you do lots of experiments. And I think experiments are very fun. Every 142 00:38:45.520 --> 00:39:00.880 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 143 00:39:00.880 --> 00:39:16.960 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. 144 00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:32.160 >> 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 145 00:39:32.160 --> 00:39:48.359 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. 146 00:39:49.280 --> 00:40:04.960 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 147 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:21.680 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 148 00:40:21.680 --> 00:40:37.760 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. 149 00:40:37.760 --> 00:40:54.000 >> 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 150 00:40:54.000 --> 00:41:12.400 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 151 00:41:12.400 --> 00:41:28.480 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. 152 00:41:28.480 --> 00:41:45.200 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. 153 00:41:45.200 --> 00:42:01.119 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 seven years and I will drive that hour because the community, the parents, the teachers, our principal are incredible. 154 00:42:01.119 --> 00:42:22.000 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. 155 00:42:22.000 --> 00:42:40.000 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 156 00:42:40.000 --> 00:42:56.160 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 157 00:42:56.160 --> 00:43:12.640 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 158 00:43:12.640 --> 00:43:29.359 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 159 00:43:29.359 --> 00:43:45.640 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. 160 00:43:46.079 --> 00:44:00.480 >> 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 161 00:44:00.480 --> 00:44:16.960 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 162 00:44:16.960 --> 00:44:40.079 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 163 00:44:40.079 --> 00:44:55.839 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 164 00:44:55.839 --> 00:45:11.680 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 165 00:45:11.680 --> 00:45:26.480 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 166 00:45:26.480 --> 00:45:41.839 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 7th grade LA teacher. I used to just like like reading and 167 00:45:41.839 --> 00:45:57.839 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 168 00:45:57.839 --> 00:46:14.079 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 169 00:46:14.079 --> 00:46:29.599 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. 170 00:46:29.599 --> 00:46:45.200 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 171 00:46:45.200 --> 00:47:07.760 opportunity to mold the next generation. >> 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. Our core values are the same as Rockaway 172 00:47:07.760 --> 00:47:23.440 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. 173 00:47:23.440 --> 00:47:39.760 >> 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, 174 00:47:39.760 --> 00:47:56.160 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 175 00:47:56.160 --> 00:48:12.160 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 176 00:48:12.160 --> 00:48:28.000 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 177 00:48:28.000 --> 00:48:43.599 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. 178 00:48:43.599 --> 00:48:59.920 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 179 00:48:59.920 --> 00:49:16.559 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 180 00:49:16.559 --> 00:49:32.720 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 181 00:49:32.720 --> 00:49:50.599 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. 182 00:49:54.079 --> 00:50:10.720 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 183 00:50:10.720 --> 00:50:27.119 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 184 00:50:27.119 --> 00:50:42.559 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. 185 00:50:42.559 --> 00:50:59.280 >> 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 186 00:50:59.280 --> 00:51:14.800 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, 187 00:51:14.800 --> 00:51:31.520 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 188 00:51:31.520 --> 00:51:47.440 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 189 00:51:47.440 --> 00:52:03.880 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. 190 00:52:09.040 --> 00:52:24.800 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 191 00:52:24.800 --> 00:52:40.559 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 192 00:52:40.559 --> 00:52:57.359 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 193 00:52:57.359 --> 00:53:12.400 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 194 00:53:12.400 --> 00:53:28.720 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 195 00:53:28.720 --> 00:53:44.160 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 196 00:53:44.160 --> 00:53:59.280 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 197 00:53:59.280 --> 00:54:15.839 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 198 00:54:15.839 --> 00:54:32.160 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 199 00:54:32.160 --> 00:54:48.240 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 200 00:54:48.240 --> 00:55:05.359 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 201 00:55:05.359 --> 00:55:20.480 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 202 00:55:20.480 --> 00:55:37.440 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. 203 00:55:37.440 --> 00:55:52.720 >> 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 204 00:55:52.720 --> 00:56:09.280 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 205 00:56:09.280 --> 00:56:25.119 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, 206 00:56:25.119 --> 00:56:40.720 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 and will graduate from Copeland before they go on 207 00:56:40.720 --> 00:56:55.280 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 208 00:56:55.280 --> 00:57:11.920 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 209 00:57:11.920 --> 00:57:28.960 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. 210 00:57:28.960 --> 00:57:45.760 >> 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 211 00:57:45.760 --> 00:58:00.880 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. 212 00:58:00.880 --> 00:58:15.839 >> 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 213 00:58:15.839 --> 00:58:33.119 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 214 00:58:33.119 --> 00:58:48.960 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 215 00:58:48.960 --> 00:59:05.599 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 216 00:59:05.599 --> 00:59:22.160 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 217 00:59:22.160 --> 00:59:39.359 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 218 00:59:39.359 --> 00:59:55.440 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 219 00:59:55.440 --> 01:00:15.040 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 220 01:00:15.040 --> 01:00:30.799 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 221 01:00:30.799 --> 01:00:46.240 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, 222 01:00:46.240 --> 01:01:04.160 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 223 01:01:04.160 --> 01:01:19.839 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 224 01:01:19.839 --> 01:01:35.680 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 225 01:01:35.680 --> 01:01:54.400 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 226 01:01:54.400 --> 01:02:10.319 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 227 01:02:10.319 --> 01:02:25.920 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 228 01:02:25.920 --> 01:02:42.640 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. 229 01:02:42.640 --> 01:02:57.520 >> 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. 230 01:02:57.520 --> 01:03:15.839 >> 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. 231 01:03:15.839 --> 01:03:31.359 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 232 01:03:31.359 --> 01:03:48.319 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 233 01:03:48.319 --> 01:04:04.319 thing. >> What makes DBL unique is that everyone is so kind to each other and everyone cares about each other. >> My name is Quink and I'm in the fifth grade. >> Hi, my name's Arya. I am in second grade. What makes our school awesome is 234 01:04:04.319 --> 01:04:21.440 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 235 01:04:21.440 --> 01:04:39.119 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 236 01:04:39.119 --> 01:04:54.400 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 237 01:04:54.400 --> 01:05:10.079 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 238 01:05:10.079 --> 01:05:26.000 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 239 01:05:26.000 --> 01:05:40.960 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. 240 01:05:40.960 --> 01:05:56.559 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 241 01:05:56.559 --> 01:06:16.160 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 242 01:06:16.160 --> 01:06:32.880 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 243 01:06:32.880 --> 01:06:47.440 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. 244 01:06:47.440 --> 01:07:05.200 >> 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 245 01:07:05.200 --> 01:07:23.599 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 246 01:07:23.599 --> 01:07:39.680 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. 247 01:07:39.680 --> 01:07:55.680 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 248 01:07:55.680 --> 01:08:11.520 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 249 01:08:11.520 --> 01:08:33.199 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. 250 01:08:33.199 --> 01:08:51.199 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 251 01:08:51.199 --> 01:09:07.359 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 252 01:09:07.359 --> 01:09:23.920 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 253 01:09:23.920 --> 01:09:40.560 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 254 01:09:40.560 --> 01:09:56.839 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. 255 01:09:57.280 --> 01:10:11.679 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 256 01:10:11.679 --> 01:10:28.159 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 257 01:10:28.159 --> 01:10:51.280 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 258 01:10:51.280 --> 01:11:06.960 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 259 01:11:06.960 --> 01:11:22.880 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 260 01:11:22.880 --> 01:11:39.120 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 261 01:11:39.120 --> 01:11:54.960 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 262 01:11:54.960 --> 01:12:10.640 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 263 01:12:10.640 --> 01:12:27.679 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. 264 01:12:27.679 --> 01:12:42.960 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 265 01:12:42.960 --> 01:12:59.440 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. 266 01:12:59.440 --> 01:13:20.880 >> 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, 267 01:13:20.880 --> 01:13:36.480 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 268 01:13:36.480 --> 01:13:53.040 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 269 01:13:53.040 --> 01:14:07.920 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. 270 01:14:07.920 --> 01:14:24.080 >> 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. 271 01:14:24.080 --> 01:14:39.280 >> 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 272 01:14:39.280 --> 01:14:54.800 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. 273 01:14:54.800 --> 01:15:11.199 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 274 01:15:11.199 --> 01:15:27.840 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 275 01:15:27.840 --> 01:15:43.920 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 276 01:15:43.920 --> 01:16:01.800 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. 277 01:16:05.360 --> 01:16:22.000 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 278 01:16:22.000 --> 01:16:38.320 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 279 01:16:38.320 --> 01:16:53.840 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. 280 01:16:53.840 --> 01:17:10.560 >> 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 281 01:17:10.560 --> 01:17:26.640 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 282 01:17:26.640 --> 01:17:44.880 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 283 01:17:44.880 --> 01:18:00.560 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'm trying to instill intrinsic love for school, intrinsic 284 01:18:00.560 --> 01:18:23.840 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 285 01:18:23.840 --> 01:18:39.840 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 286 01:18:39.840 --> 01:18:55.040 well attended and 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 287 01:18:55.040 --> 01:19:11.520 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 288 01:19:11.520 --> 01:19:27.280 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 289 01:19:27.280 --> 01:19:43.760 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. 290 01:19:43.760 --> 01:20:00.080 >> My name is Queen. 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 291 01:20:00.080 --> 01:20:16.480 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 292 01:20:16.480 --> 01:20:32.719 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. Rockaway I thought was really interesting because I feel like it is a small close-knit community, but I also 293 01:20:32.719 --> 01:20:49.360 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 294 01:20:49.360 --> 01:21:03.679 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 295 01:21:03.679 --> 01:21:22.880 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 296 01:21:22.880 --> 01:21:39.199 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 297 01:21:39.199 --> 01:21:54.320 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 298 01:21:54.320 --> 01:22:09.840 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 299 01:22:09.840 --> 01:22:26.239 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 300 01:22:26.239 --> 01:22:42.320 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, 301 01:22:42.320 --> 01:22:58.320 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 302 01:22:58.320 --> 01:23:14.320 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. 303 01:23:14.320 --> 01:23:30.880 >> 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 304 01:23:30.880 --> 01:23:46.639 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 305 01:23:46.639 --> 01:24:01.840 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 306 01:24:01.840 --> 01:24:18.159 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 307 01:24:18.159 --> 01:24:36.960 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. 308 01:24:36.960 --> 01:24:54.719 It's so important to have a positive environment for a child to come to and teaching at Dwire is special because we don't have walls. I think social emotional learning is very important. It gives us a chance to discuss our 309 01:24:54.719 --> 01:25:11.600 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 Birwood. You walk into this building and it's a family. 310 01:25:11.600 --> 01:25:27.199 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 311 01:25:27.199 --> 01:25:43.440 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. 312 01:25:43.440 --> 01:26:00.000 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 313 01:26:00.000 --> 01:26:18.080 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. 314 01:26:18.080 --> 01:26:33.920 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 315 01:26:33.920 --> 01:26:49.600 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 316 01:26:49.600 --> 01:27:07.159 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. 317 01:27:07.600 --> 01:27:23.280 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 318 01:27:23.280 --> 01:27:39.120 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 319 01:27:39.120 --> 01:27:55.679 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 320 01:27:55.679 --> 01:28:16.320 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. 321 01:28:16.320 --> 01:28:31.679 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 322 01:28:31.679 --> 01:28:48.400 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 323 01:28:48.400 --> 01:29:04.719 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 324 01:29:04.719 --> 01:29:21.600 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 325 01:29:21.600 --> 01:29:36.719 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 326 01:29:36.719 --> 01:29:53.120 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 327 01:29:53.120 --> 01:30:10.320 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 Kink. I'm in the fifth grade. 328 01:30:10.320 --> 01:30:26.159 >> 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 329 01:30:26.159 --> 01:30:42.400 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 330 01:30:42.400 --> 01:31:00.080 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. 331 01:31:00.080 --> 01:31:15.679 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, 332 01:31:15.679 --> 01:31:32.320 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 333 01:31:32.320 --> 01:31:48.159 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 334 01:31:48.159 --> 01:32:04.880 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, 335 01:32:04.880 --> 01:32:23.600 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 336 01:32:23.600 --> 01:32:39.679 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, 337 01:32:39.679 --> 01:32:55.040 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 338 01:32:55.040 --> 01:33:11.280 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, 339 01:33:11.280 --> 01:33:25.920 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 340 01:33:25.920 --> 01:33:43.040 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 341 01:33:43.040 --> 01:33:59.360 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. 342 01:33:59.360 --> 01:34:15.120 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 343 01:34:15.120 --> 01:34:30.400 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 344 01:34:30.400 --> 01:34:51.840 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 345 01:34:51.840 --> 01:35:09.120 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 346 01:35:09.120 --> 01:35:25.600 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 347 01:35:25.600 --> 01:35:40.320 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 348 01:35:40.320 --> 01:35:56.400 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 349 01:35:56.400 --> 01:36:13.199 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 350 01:36:13.199 --> 01:36:28.639 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 351 01:36:28.639 --> 01:36:44.159 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 352 01:36:44.159 --> 01:37:06.480 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 353 01:37:06.480 --> 01:37:21.679 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 354 01:37:21.679 --> 01:37:37.920 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 355 01:37:37.920 --> 01:37:54.080 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 356 01:37:54.080 --> 01:38:08.639 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 357 01:38:08.639 --> 01:38:24.480 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 358 01:38:24.480 --> 01:38:41.040 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 359 01:38:41.040 --> 01:38:58.560 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. Vander Copeland is truly an all-inclusive experience for all of the students here. >> I try to get everybody involved so that 360 01:38:58.560 --> 01:39:13.679 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. 361 01:39:13.679 --> 01:39:34.000 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 362 01:39:34.000 --> 01:39:49.840 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 363 01:39:49.840 --> 01:40:06.320 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 364 01:40:06.320 --> 01:40:21.679 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's Rehea. I'm in first grade. >> Being at DVL is awesome because all the 365 01:40:21.679 --> 01:40:37.679 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. >> Thank you. Good evening, Rockway 366 01:40:37.679 --> 01:40:53.360 Township. I would like to call this meeting back to order. Um, can I have a motion to come out of close session? >> So move. >> Thank you. A second. >> Oh, second. >> Thank you. Show of hands. 367 01:40:53.360 --> 01:41:11.520 Okay, we are returning at 7:43 p.m. Um, can I have a motion for the pledge of allegiance? >> You don't need a motion. All right, never mind. Would every please rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the 368 01:41:11.520 --> 01:41:33.040 United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Do I do this before? >> Okay. All right. We have a special 369 01:41:33.040 --> 01:41:47.760 presentation tonight of our district retirees. Um before I pass this on to Dr. Corbett, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody. I something special to say later, but thank you to all of our retirees. Um I wish you the the best and 370 01:41:47.760 --> 01:42:05.679 a happy healthy retirement. >> Thank you, Mr. Anderson. So, this time of year, this month of June, we always uh recognize the very special people that have dedicated so much of their lives to our students in this district and now have a welldeserved retirement. 371 01:42:05.679 --> 01:42:23.600 I'm not jealous. I think it's great. You deserve you deserve it. So, I'm going to ask the principles who are here tonight and uh to come forward to um to say a few words about their retirees. I'll ask the board to come forward. And I think we have um Anita, do we have the tick 372 01:42:23.600 --> 01:42:38.320 tocks? >> Yes, I have them. >> Good. So, we have we have the clocks, too. So, um we'll start with um Mr. McGovern who also is retiring, but Mr. McGovern can come forward and introduce himself as as a retiree and the board 373 01:42:38.320 --> 01:43:07.600 can come forward and we can congratulate our retirees. Dwire has two retirees today. One's not with us, but I do uh would I would be remiss if I did not um recognize Dorene Sheets for her 27 years of service. Uh I 374 01:43:07.600 --> 01:43:26.719 believe all of that time as a kindergarten teacher. So, she uh is is moving into a wonderful space to enjoy her grandkids. So, congratulations to Dorene. Our other um retiree is Judy Aaron. She has been a cherished member of the Dwire 375 01:43:26.719 --> 01:43:43.840 family for 25 years, uh predating even this dinosaur. Uh what many people do not realize is how dynamic of a teacher Judy truly is. the way she teaches not only notes, sounds, and how to handle instruments, but also a true genuine love of music. This is contagious 376 01:43:43.840 --> 01:44:00.000 throughout our building. I believe about only eight of our fourth and fifth grade students do not play an instrument, which is a direct testament of how she reaches, cares for, and nurtures her children. One of my favorite memories is attending Rockaway Township band performances at 377 01:44:00.000 --> 01:44:16.800 the mall with Judy. We'd sit together and grade each performance with only one stipulation. Our band had to sound the best. Those friendly competitions and shared pride in our joy in our students created memories I will always treasure. If you ever attended a Dwire concert, 378 01:44:16.800 --> 01:44:32.719 you know exactly what I mean when I say watching the pure joy on Judy's face as her students perform a flawless instrumental piece was something truly special. Her passion for music and for her students was evident in every performance. Judy, thank you for your 379 01:44:32.719 --> 01:44:50.360 unwavering commitment to the Dwire family and to generations of children whose lives you have enriched through music. Your impact will continue to be felt long after your retirement. And you will be deeply missed. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. 380 01:45:06.480 --> 01:45:22.320 And and this this is my opportunity to also recognize another retiree from Dwire who's been there for 24 years, not quite predating the dinosaurs, but for 24 years. And You know, I've been around 381 01:45:22.320 --> 01:45:36.960 the block a few times, and this is not my first rodeo. As I've often said, there are few schools that I've seen that have been run as effectively and as well as Dwire. And that's because the man at the helm cares about people, 382 01:45:36.960 --> 01:45:54.080 knows what he's doing, and is an excellent listener. So, Mike McGovern, thank you for your 24 years of service to your students, to your staff, to this community in more ways than one. Um, you're you're a serviceoriented person who cares about people and you will be 383 01:45:54.080 --> 01:46:56.159 missed. You will be greatly missed. So, thank you Mike McGovern for everything. I know. I'd like to speak up on behalf of Copeland Middle School and honor the teachers who are here. I'm just going to name the four people who are not present this evening. Rosanna Badish Canyon, 384 01:46:56.159 --> 01:47:12.080 Joyce Harkail, Carlos Hoyos, and Leanne Hurley for your 18 to 28 years of service in the areas of world language social studies custodian and life skills teachers. And lastly, I'd like to invite Mrs. Laura Poretta up here who has been 385 01:47:12.080 --> 01:48:03.600 a special ed teacher who is absolutely phenomenal to the point where she was on a scooter last year teaching every day. Thank you so much. Good evening everyone. And uh congratulations to the retirees uh at KDM. We have four retirees. Uh three 386 01:48:03.600 --> 01:48:18.800 could not make it uh to tonight. So I do want to honor and recognize them. Lynn Shoner, who has been a staff assistant at KDM for 25 years. Additionally, Margaret Nolan, known as Maggie in our in our space, uh for 12 years of service 387 01:48:18.800 --> 01:48:35.840 as a as a staff assistant as well. Um and second or lastly on on the staff that couldn't make it tonight, Miss Jude Wallen. Um she we want to recognize her for her extraordinary 30 years of service. Um she was a staff assistant 388 01:48:35.840 --> 01:48:51.600 for 12 years before moving up to KDM where she was a clerk typist and then became the lead secretary. So uh thank you very much uh to these these retirees for their years of service. Which brings us to Miss Leah Vanscoy, if you don't 389 01:48:51.600 --> 01:49:10.400 mind standing up. I we we shared a personal uh moment prior to to tonight's meeting, but I would like to share with everyone else that, you know, we are celebrating Leah Vansoy and honor her more than 18 years of dedicated service to students and 390 01:49:10.400 --> 01:49:27.280 families across both the CMS middle school and at KDM. Throughout her career, Leah gave endlessly of herself. consistently putting students first and advocating not only for what children learned, but how they learned and the 391 01:49:27.280 --> 01:49:44.239 environment in which they could thrive. Thank you, Leah. In addition, she truly championed every child, always striving to ensure Oh, we're going to keep going. No, Silia though truly championed every child, always striving to ensure students felt 392 01:49:44.239 --> 01:50:00.800 supported, challenged, and cared for. Leah built strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, becoming a trusted and respected member of our school community. Her commitment to the overall mission of the school was 393 01:50:00.800 --> 01:50:18.800 unwavering, and her impact could be felt in countless ways, both seen and unseen. Fair. For many, Leah was the kind of colleague everyone hopes to have by their side. supportive, dependable, thoughtful, and 394 01:50:18.800 --> 01:50:36.000 always willing to step in to move important work forward. KDM deeply misses her presence, but we remain incredibly grateful for all she contributed over the years we've had and shared with her. Her influence will continue to be felt beyond the walls of 395 01:50:36.000 --> 01:50:51.920 our school, and we wish her nothing but joy, health, and fulfillment with her husband in this well-earned retirement. and family extend. >> Of course, Miss Vanscoy, the doors at KDM will always remain open. 396 01:50:51.920 --> 01:51:48.880 Congratulations for your retirement. Thank you. Um, we have three people retiring. Uh, two of them couldn't make it. Uh, Raphael Ervalo, two years, and Tom Snyder, eight years. Uh, but the one that did make it. Um, so we're here to 397 01:51:48.880 --> 01:52:05.199 celebrate someone who has been the heartbeat of our transportation department for nearly two decades, Linda Salosi. Linda started with the district back in Thank you. December 2008 as a bus driver. Right from the beginning, she set the standard, the gold standard, 398 01:52:05.199 --> 01:52:22.880 earning superior attendance five times, taking home the safety award an incredible nine times. But beyond numbers, it's Linda who made the biggest impact. Her peers and supervisors have always said the same thing. She is a constantly cheerful, incredibly 399 01:52:22.880 --> 01:52:39.199 pleasant to be around, and an absolute natural behind the wheel. In May 20 uh 2017, she took on a new challenge as the assistant coordinator and dispatcher. With her hands deep on with her deep 400 01:52:39.199 --> 01:52:55.360 hands-on experience, she was the perfect choice. For the next five years, Linda was truly instrumental in keeping the entire department moving smoothly day in and day out. Then in April 2022, Linda decided to return to her roots on the road. Coincidentally, that was about the 401 01:52:55.360 --> 01:53:11.199 time I the exact time I uh started driving as a bus driver. Fast forward to the beginning of this year, Linda made the well-deserved decision to retire after 17 years of dedicated service. And in another twist of perfect timing, it was right the same time that I 402 01:53:11.199 --> 01:53:27.440 stepped in to be the supervisor role. I hope I'm not the reason you're leaving, Linda. Even though I've only had the privilege of working with Linda for four years, she has been an invaluable anchor for me. There have been so many times I've 403 01:53:27.440 --> 01:53:44.159 leaned on her for her deep knowledge, her sharp instinct, and her perspective on how the department runs. Linda, your dedication to the community and our team is unmatched. We're going to miss your warmth, your wisdom, your smile. 404 01:53:44.159 --> 01:55:11.280 Thank you for 17 wonderful years and congratulations on your retirement. You get all the retirees. I would just like to mention our retirees from Birwood and Stony Brook School because they could not make it tonight. Marcy Bender, administrative 405 01:55:11.280 --> 01:55:27.199 assistant at Birwood, 27 years. Anna Dario, 20 years kindergarten teacher. Christine Garabbrandt, 23 years academic interventionist. Marjgerie Hansen, 35 years occupational therapist. And Suzanne Pollock Fox, academic 406 01:55:27.199 --> 01:55:48.800 interventionist, 43 years in the district. And from Stony Brook School, Deborah Chainino, 27 years, Susan Fabiano, 23 years, and Eve Pisano, four years. I didn't mention their titles. Music teacher, speech, language therapist, art 407 01:55:48.800 --> 01:56:09.760 teacher, respectfully. Congratulations everyone. The teachers in this district are the very best. But I would be remiss not to recognize those who have affected my family personally and are retiring tonight. So I'm going to begin with the 408 01:56:09.760 --> 01:56:26.159 teacher who my son has currently and then I'll go back to the very beginning. Um and I hope that those who aren't present tonight are maybe watching on YouTube since our our numbers are spiking. Um to Mrs. Harkwell, thank you for being fun and whimsical. You have helped students connect with 250-y old 409 01:56:26.159 --> 01:56:42.880 documents in ways that made them meaningful and relevant to the world they live in today. Mrs. Harkwell has challenged her students to think critically, question thoughtfully, and never lose their sense of wonder. The kids just love her class. Now, this is when I get emotional. To Mrs. Aaron, 410 01:56:42.880 --> 01:56:59.760 your ceaseless energy and contagious joy are truly palpable. It's seriously marvelous to watch how excited you get when you stand and conduct a group of students and when you encourage kids who don't have a voice to stand up and and lead their school and 411 01:56:59.760 --> 01:57:16.880 announce songs. I I can't tell you how much it's meant to my family. Generations of students have pursued music because of your encouragement and patience. I'm especially grateful for the way you recognized the spark in my son and matured and nurtured his potential. music has become a meaningful 412 01:57:16.880 --> 01:57:33.440 creative outlet for him and for so many of your students. You have a remarkable gift taking students who begin the year producing little more than uncertain squeaks and within just a few minutes you guide them towards performing to toward performing beautiful compositions. 413 01:57:33.440 --> 01:57:50.080 More than teaching music, you have helped students discover creativity, discipline, self-expression, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Thank you, Mrs. Sheets. She was our family's first introduction to the Rockaway school system. Um, my son began 414 01:57:50.080 --> 01:58:05.920 in his in her kindergarten classroom and she meets with students of all different abilities and backgrounds and she's inspired them all to grow. Mrs. Sheets has a remarkable ability to meet meet each child where they are while helping them build the confidence to become 415 01:58:05.920 --> 01:58:21.360 curious, capable learners. What stands out just as much as her warmth and dedication is her unwavering commitment to her students. In the year my son was in her class, she never missed a single day of teaching. And I'm sure that's true for many other school years since. 416 01:58:21.360 --> 01:58:36.960 That's a reflection of the consistency, care, and devotion she brings to the profession every day. She has a special talent and for creating lifelong learners because the children walk into school believing in themselves and are excited to learn. And Mr. Govern, I'm 417 01:58:36.960 --> 01:58:53.440 nowhere near eloquent enough to truly capture how much you have meant to this town and the school community. You are the heart of Rockaway and I will always be grateful that you were my family's first principal. When you speak about your school, you call it the Dwire family. But what makes you so special is 418 01:58:53.440 --> 01:59:08.719 that it never feels like just a phrase. Every student, teacher, staff member, and family who walks through those doors feels welcomed, valued, and cared for. You have created a school culture built on kindness, connection, and genuine belonging. Your love for your students 419 01:59:08.719 --> 01:59:24.480 and staff is evident in every interaction. You lead with fairness, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Always taking the time to listen, support, and guide others. Whether comforting a child, uplifting a teacher, or reassuring a parent, you have a way of 420 01:59:24.480 --> 01:59:41.280 making people feel seen and important. Your commitment to this town extends far beyond the school walls or lack of walls. As a volunteer firefighter, you have continued to serve this community with the same selflessness and dedication that define your leadership as a principal. And while I know you 421 01:59:41.280 --> 01:59:56.880 don't like to be recognized, you deserve every second of it. The impact you have made on generations of families cannot be measured. You have not simply led a school. You have strengthened a community and left a legacy that will endure long after your retirement. to all of our retirees tonight. 422 01:59:56.880 --> 02:00:15.679 Congratulations and thank you. >> Take a break. >> With that, you can take a refreshment break. We'll come back in a few minutes. >> I think about 10 minutes. >> Yeah, 10 minutes. >> My name is Dr. Richard Corbett and I am the proud superintendent of Rockaway Township Public Schools. 423 02:00:15.679 --> 02:00:32.239 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 424 02:00:32.239 --> 02:00:49.199 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. 425 02:00:49.199 --> 02:01:04.480 >> 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 426 02:01:04.480 --> 02:01:21.040 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 427 02:01:21.040 --> 02:01:36.880 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, 428 02:01:36.880 --> 02:01:52.480 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 and will graduate from Copeland before they go on 429 02:01:52.480 --> 02:02:07.040 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 430 02:02:07.040 --> 02:02:23.599 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 431 02:02:23.599 --> 02:02:40.719 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. 432 02:02:40.719 --> 02:02:57.520 >> 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 433 02:02:57.520 --> 02:03:12.639 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. 434 02:03:12.639 --> 02:03:27.599 >> 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 435 02:03:27.599 --> 02:03:44.880 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 436 02:03:44.880 --> 02:04:00.719 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 437 02:04:00.719 --> 02:04:17.360 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 438 02:04:17.360 --> 02:04:33.920 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 439 02:04:33.920 --> 02:04:51.119 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 440 02:04:51.119 --> 02:05:07.199 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 441 02:05:07.199 --> 02:05:26.800 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 442 02:05:26.800 --> 02:05:42.560 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 443 02:05:42.560 --> 02:05:58.239 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 444 02:05:58.239 --> 02:06:15.920 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 445 02:06:15.920 --> 02:06:31.599 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 446 02:06:31.599 --> 02:06:47.440 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 447 02:06:47.440 --> 02:07:06.159 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 448 02:07:06.159 --> 02:07:22.079 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 449 02:07:22.079 --> 02:07:37.679 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 450 02:07:37.679 --> 02:07:54.480 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. 451 02:07:54.480 --> 02:08:09.360 >> 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. 452 02:08:09.360 --> 02:08:27.679 >> 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. 453 02:08:27.679 --> 02:08:43.199 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 454 02:08:43.199 --> 02:09:00.159 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 455 02:09:00.159 --> 02:09:14.560 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. 456 02:09:14.560 --> 02:09:30.639 >> What makes our school awesome is all the teachers we have here. They help us. During the course of the board meeting, the Rockway Township Board of Education offers members of the public an opportunity to address issues regarding the operations of the Rockway Township Public Schools. The board reminds those 457 02:09:30.639 --> 02:09:47.280 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 458 02:09:47.280 --> 02:10:03.840 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 other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board are discouraged and will not be responded to by the board. Students and 459 02:10:03.840 --> 02:10:20.400 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 460 02:10:20.400 --> 02:10:37.199 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 three minute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify 461 02:10:37.199 --> 02:11:01.840 the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. >> Can I have a motion to open up for public comment? >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Show of hands, Lisa Ginder. Much better following a retirement ceremony than what I followed last time. 462 02:11:01.840 --> 02:11:18.960 Hi, my name is Lisa Ginder, 136 Birch Street. I am I spent my day today uh at field day running around like a crazy person. I ran over to go pick up my son's rain gutter riata boat. My AT&T bill went up. I work full-time. I have 463 02:11:18.960 --> 02:11:36.159 aging parents. I have a toddler at home and a son in elementary school who I have to go run home immediately after speaking tonight to prepare their lunches and snacks and water and get everything ready for tomorrow. Uh because I have to go to work just like I have to bring them to school. I'm tired. 464 02:11:36.159 --> 02:11:51.360 I'm tired. But I'm here in front of you because I'm beyond frustrated and quite frankly exhausted by the dismantling of opportunities for our children. Part-time teachers for art and music are not acceptable. There is a reason they are a part of our core curriculum. The 465 02:11:51.360 --> 02:12:06.800 American Psychological Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Journal of Neuroscience all contain articles upon articles about how music and art impact the brain and the understanding of social constructs. This is critical at a young age. I don't want my kid coming home with endless coloring 466 02:12:06.800 --> 02:12:22.880 dittos. I don't want him to rely on AI for imagery. I want to go to the art show and see his clay pottery. I want him to ignite the creativity I know he has. I want to be able to go to back to school night and hear that he's a little chatty in music class, but that he's a 467 02:12:22.880 --> 02:12:38.079 good kid with a big heart. I want human teachers with the capacity to care, to notice who my child is, to aid in his development as a better person for this world during the school day when I can't be with him. I want someone to be an 468 02:12:38.079 --> 02:12:54.079 ear, eyes, a heart for my child, just as you mentioned about music. I want them to be looking to make sure that my kids not being picked on, being bullied. I want people doing their jobs 469 02:12:54.079 --> 02:13:09.040 in the space. I want them to care. Our website says that we've been awarded for music. We're about to degrade that award. We're about to dismantle it. A kid quotes up there that music is the heartbeat of our 470 02:13:09.040 --> 02:13:25.280 lives. Why does one school get 80% of a teacher and another school gets 60%. What are we doing? I'm sorry, but 60% of anything is a failing grade. We get emails for the fact that our kids 471 02:13:25.280 --> 02:13:42.800 completed a fire drill. Where's been the email saying that we're changing how our art and music are happening in our elementary schools? I'm not asking. I've written to you before. I'm now begging. I'm pleading. Please, 472 02:13:42.800 --> 02:14:12.400 please consider reconsider the changes to our art and our music programs in our elementary schools. Thank you, Jackie Bader. >> Good evening, board members. I'm here tonight because leadership requires accountability and right now the 473 02:14:12.400 --> 02:14:28.320 community is deeply concerned. You were elected by the tax by the voters of the town to serve as independent watchd dogs to safeguard our tax dollars to protect our children and to listen to the people that elected you. It appears that this board only listens to one side of the 474 02:14:28.320 --> 02:14:44.000 story. Complex issues are presented to you in open and shut cases as open and shut cases and decisions are being rushed through without debate or even deep questioning because a lot of it seems to be done behind closed doors. Why have you not asked questions to 475 02:14:44.000 --> 02:15:00.239 staff directly, gotten feedback or conducted anonymous climate surveys? Most alarming is the clear structural conflict of interest regarding our legal council. Under the New Jersey legal ethics, the board of attorney represents the district as an institution, not the 476 02:15:00.239 --> 02:15:16.880 personal agenda of this superintendent. Yet, because of our legal council is appointed based on the superintendent's recommendation, we have a system where the attorney is incentivized to protect the administration rather than the board themselves to do independent oversight. 477 02:15:16.880 --> 02:15:33.040 When your legal advice comes from a team, you are supervising and o you are supposed to be supervising and overseeing. The system is broken. Are you all aware and were instructed that the board themselves can a vote on an independent council and the pay get 478 02:15:33.040 --> 02:15:51.280 it paid for by district funds? You are all held accountable to New Jersey 18A12-24.1, the code of ethics of school board members. Your attorney is not under that code. Did any of you know any of this information that you can appoint your 479 02:15:51.280 --> 02:16:07.280 own counsel? We need you to do the jobs we elected you to do. Stopped accepting polished presentations at face value. Demand independent legal advice. Ask hard, uncomfortable questions. Our students, our teachers, our community deserve the 480 02:16:07.280 --> 02:16:24.239 board that answers public, not to the administration. Furthermore, I'm still waiting on answers to non-personnel questions that I raised last meeting. I followed up with an email, but only received a generic automatic response. The lack of transparency is unacceptable. These were straightforward 481 02:16:24.239 --> 02:16:39.760 questions with easy answers. If administration is doing their job, this information should have been regularly available. As elected representatives, you cannot allow administration to stonewall the public. I'm asking you tonight to direct the superintendent and 482 02:16:39.760 --> 02:17:13.040 the business administrator to provide written answers to the questions that I spoke about and emailed last time. Thank you all for your time. Jennifer Skolski. You happy? Uh, Jennifer Skolski, 164 Valley View 483 02:17:13.040 --> 02:17:30.319 Drive. Um, good evening. I am reading a statement on behalf of a longtime district employee who wishes to remain anonymous out of concern for professional repercussions. Over the last three years, our school has worked hard to rebuild trust, establish consistency, strengthen relationships, and create a positive 484 02:17:30.319 --> 02:17:45.359 learning environment for students. Teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and families all played a role in that success. Together, we carefully wo a fabric of accountability, stability, and shared purpose. Many of us now fear that fabric is beginning to 485 02:17:45.359 --> 02:18:02.160 unravel. The concern is not simply the decision not to renew our principle. The concern is what followed. Since that announcement, there has been little clarity, little communication, and little evidence of a comprehensive plan to preserve the systems, relationships, and leadership structures that have 486 02:18:02.160 --> 02:18:17.679 helped our school succeed. As responsibilities and authority of leadership have been diminished, uncertainty has grown. Staff morale has declined. Confidence has been shaken. Students are increasingly aware of the inconsistency and instability around 487 02:18:17.679 --> 02:18:33.359 them. The effects are already being felt. Expectations that were once consistently reinforced throughout the building have become more difficult to maintain. Teachers continue to focus on teaching and learning, but they are increasingly forced to prioritize only the most serious behavioral concerns. 488 02:18:33.359 --> 02:18:50.559 While everyday expectations that help create a respectful and productive school environment slowly erode, no school culture deteriorates overnight, it happens gradually. One expectation ignored, one boundary tested, one consequence questioned at a time. 489 02:18:50.559 --> 02:19:05.840 Those of us who work in the building every day understand that strong schools are built on relationships, consistency, trust, and leadership. When those elements are weakened without a clear plan for maintaining them, the entire school community feels the impact. It took years to rebuild the foundation of 490 02:19:05.840 --> 02:19:22.000 our school. Yet in a matter of weeks, many have watched uncertainty replace confidence and instability replace consistency. I respectfully ask that this board this board to reflect not only on the decisions being made, but also on how those decisions are implemented and their impact on the 491 02:19:22.000 --> 02:19:37.519 students, staff, and families. Listen to the voices of those closest to the work. Consider what is being lost and what steps are necessary to restore trust, stability, and confidence moving forward. This statement may be anonymous, but the concerns behind it are not. I also have a quote from a 492 02:19:37.519 --> 02:20:01.720 seven-year-old who wanted me to read out loud. She said, "My name is Aia Bebington. When I come to middle school, I want Mr. Bayer as my principal." So, Michelle Castenbell, 493 02:20:04.560 --> 02:20:20.240 you're funny. Michelle Castenbound, 55 Kings Road. There's been so much information that I just kind of wanted to do a quick recap and maybe shed some light on some events that you may not be aware of. Mr. Bayer did finally receive 494 02:20:20.240 --> 02:20:36.479 his reasons after 30 days. 30 days for reasons. 30 days we waited for reasons that are so vague he was unable to determine what some of them were referring to. How can he ask for a Donaldson hearing to defend himself when 495 02:20:36.479 --> 02:20:52.720 he doesn't even understand why? And how can he can prove if he doesn't understand or know why? What keeps popping up in my head is that Mr. Bayer has excellent evaluations. Evaluations made by Dr. Corbett up until this point. 496 02:20:52.720 --> 02:21:09.760 Not one single reprimand. Not one. So, he could have or should have been put on a corrective action plan, even though his evaluation score doesn't warrant that in New Jersey. Did you know that Mr. Bayer offered to go on a plan where 497 02:21:09.760 --> 02:21:25.680 he would have his goals set and if he didn't meet those goals within 6 months, he would quietly resign in June of 2027 before being tenured. Sounds like a pretty damn good deal to me. But your 498 02:21:25.680 --> 02:21:43.200 attorney told him no to this deal. Why not? Why not give him that chance? I don't understand considering our kids are safe and the staff is happy and he would work on improving. That's funny. That makes it feel personal. Mr. Young, we know that he had a board 499 02:21:43.200 --> 02:21:58.240 approved and signed contract. After he spoke up supporting Mr. Bayer on May 6th, May 15th, he was told his position was being eliminated. That the board was unaware of this position elimination and it was never on the board agenda on May 500 02:21:58.240 --> 02:22:14.800 6th. This is when things start to crack. This is when fear that I already mentioned became a reality. Let's see. Are there any teachers here tonight? Nope, not here. Miss Champagne, our one sure thing administrator who also was contracted and board approved for 501 02:22:14.800 --> 02:22:29.920 Copeland. You may not be aware of this, as I've just learned, some of her duties have been stripped away. First with her teacher observations, she was not allowed to continue to do them. And then her duty of telling teachers where their placement was for next year was also 502 02:22:29.920 --> 02:22:44.960 taken away. So now teachers are in limbo. Everyone is afraid. Kids are aware. I also learned that Miss Champagne's position was posted and maybe that was a clerical error, but I was at that fifth grade rising event and Miss Shane Payne's name was not on that 503 02:22:44.960 --> 02:23:00.560 list of leadership and staff slide. Very interesting. very disturbing. This is why our school is suffering right now. And I urge this board to go to school and speak to people, people you don't know. Our kids need you. And something 504 02:23:00.560 --> 02:23:31.760 is very off. Side note, two days ago in Anglewood, New Jersey, the board of ed overturned the superintendent's recommendation. two days ago. >> Justin Bates, I want to say >> good evening. Uh Justin Bates, 28 Winona. Um, Miss Anderson's comments 505 02:23:31.760 --> 02:23:47.680 initially reflect many of my own sentiments as we came to this school district. Uh, from New York City in 2021. We started over at Stony Brook moving into Copeland this year. Phenomenal experience up to this point. Um, great people, great principles, a lot of people really made a big 506 02:23:47.680 --> 02:24:03.920 difference in my son's >> Oh, too close too. Whoa. Okay. Hello. Um, so thank you. Great experience for us as well. Across the street and here um really made a difference. We moved here for this reason. Um there are some things that have changed recently and now it's time to speak up and get 507 02:24:03.920 --> 02:24:21.680 involved a bit. Um when reviewing some of the fiscal notes and I know that much of our responsibilities here on the board are going to be fiscal in nature. Um I'm looking at what the payout was on the $9.1 million and that our new providers carry less than $2 million of insurance. 508 02:24:21.680 --> 02:24:38.560 Uh we've cut the Ruckers program which has changed our lives and many others. I've spoken to many, many parents about this. It was announced so late. I got my first notice on the 19th of May. There's no opportunity at that point to find alternate funding. I can't address any 509 02:24:38.560 --> 02:24:52.960 of my politicians that represent me. I can't even go to Ruckers myself. I can't use a media campaign of which I'm capable and plugged into a lot of things to help us get that money that we need to support these kids. The out of district cost is listed in the minutes I 510 02:24:52.960 --> 02:25:09.840 found here. Uhund, you know, $50,000 a student. We have two employees from Ruckers. We can't even hire them back if we wanted to because of a no compete clause for two years that's in their contract. In an annual budget of 57.2 million roughly, we can afford two employees to 511 02:25:09.840 --> 02:25:30.319 help ensure we don't have another. Um, other funding is possible. We need to find a way. We need to have more transparency. We need to know what's going on. We're not having these opportunities to debate and discuss and make these decisions. They're being made unilaterally with no trans limited transparency. Um, so we'll have to fix 512 02:25:30.319 --> 02:25:46.640 that. We'll have to file FOYA. Please preserve all records for all the 25 and 26 school year for all the meetings. We're going to need them and we're going to have to have a bigger conversation unless we can start having those conversations immediately about these things that which 513 02:25:46.640 --> 02:26:02.960 my kid loves bear. He's happy at school. This kid was jumping out of a window and running for the woods three years ago. He loves coming to school. Academically, he's already into high school in some subjects. Kids going to cure cancer maybe, but if we get it wrong, he's 514 02:26:02.960 --> 02:26:21.120 going to end up in a hospital. These programs are so important to so many kids. And Mr. Bayer has been a big part of that. He was part of a step in the right direction from which we're retreating. It seems to be a pattern here. And I' I'd love to know more about that when 515 02:26:21.120 --> 02:26:44.040 you guys can make a statement in the near future. Thank you. >> Is there any more comments? May I have a motion to close the public session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Show of hands. 516 02:26:46.399 --> 02:27:04.479 Okay. So we have communications listed. Are there any other communications received since >> the agenda was not for the deadline of this agenda? There were additional received that will be on the next agenda. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I have a just approve minutes or just 517 02:27:04.479 --> 02:27:20.160 >> No, nothing to communic approve communications. No. >> Okay. Um >> can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Anderson, >> yes. 518 02:27:20.160 --> 02:27:35.840 >> Mrs. Brooks, >> yes. >> Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Dr. Corva, would you like to give your board update? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Anderson. Once again, we congratulate and thank all retirees for their many years of service 519 02:27:35.840 --> 02:27:52.399 to our district. We are proud of you and we wish you a long and happy retirement. Many of the CMS faculty and staff were in hand to welcome the incoming grade six students on May excuse me on June 1st. That evening, this cafeteria was packed with parents and students eager 520 02:27:52.399 --> 02:28:07.280 to take the next step in their educational journey. I know that seeing and hearing from the faculty that will support them over the next three years gave comfort to both students and parents. The annual celebrity day sponsored by 521 02:28:07.280 --> 02:28:23.439 the Rockway Township Substance Abuse Alliance was held on June 2nd. For years, Les Wexler and his team have done an outstanding job organizing this event, which inspires so many students, offers great hope to a society where so many suffer from substance abuse. Thank 522 02:28:23.439 --> 02:28:40.800 you, Les, for all that you do. The beautiful weather made Lee Day held yesterday, June 9th, extra special. Our fifth grade students had a wonderful day filled with activities and a great barbecue was provided by Mashios. This school district was represented at 523 02:28:40.800 --> 02:28:57.520 the Rockaway Township um day held last Saturday, June 6th, at Peterson Field. This was a great opportunity to address the questions and concerns and chat with many parents and young people who stopped by our table. Committee interviews for the Culpa 524 02:28:57.520 --> 02:29:13.920 Middle School principal position will be held on June 22nd and June 23rd. The committee consists of three board members, two middle school parents, two middle school teachers, two administrators. Currently, we have 30 applicants. I hope to have a candidate 525 02:29:13.920 --> 02:29:30.880 selected for board approval at the July 13th board meeting. And some good news from our schools. As the year closes, Birchwood Elementary School is celebrating a year filled with academic success and school pride. Throughout the year, students demonstrated significant gains in 526 02:29:30.880 --> 02:29:46.399 English language arts and mathematics. Their perseverance and commitment to learning are commendable. The Birwood community also enjoyed memory many memorable experiences that strengthen the connection between home and school. One of the most recent highlights was the PTA ice cream social which brought 527 02:29:46.399 --> 02:30:02.240 together students, family, and staff for an evening of fun, laughter, and community spirit. The event showcased the strong partnerships that make Birwood a special place to learn and grow. The fifth grade lead and moving up ceremony recognized student leadership, 528 02:30:02.240 --> 02:30:19.200 their accomplishments, and positive contributions to the school. Birwood is proud of its fifth graders and their lasting impact as prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. Thanks to the dedication of students, staff, families, and the PTA, Birchwood Elementary is closing out the 529 02:30:19.200 --> 02:30:34.880 school year on a high note. DBL marks the conclusion of another school year with students and staff celebrating their leadership and academic achievements. Recently, the school enjoyed field day, which provided students with opportunities to demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and 530 02:30:34.880 --> 02:30:50.800 school spirit. DBO also proudly hosted its lead ceremony, recognizing students for their commitment to leadership, responsibility, citizenship, and personal growth. These events highlighted students who have embraced opportunities to lead both inside and 531 02:30:50.800 --> 02:31:06.399 outside the classroom throughout the year. Additionally, DBO held held its final monthly student recognition assembly celebrating students for their accomplishments, character, effort, and positive contributions to the school community. 532 02:31:06.399 --> 02:31:23.439 Students are also completing their end of the year reading and math diagnostic assessments. The DBO community extended sincere gratitude to the board of education, district administration, staff, families, PTA, and students for their unwavering support and partnership. 533 02:31:23.439 --> 02:31:40.080 With end of the year assessments almost complete, Dwire is preparing for uh preparing our students for a strong finish. The Dwire family celebrates the retirements of three valued staff members, Mr. McGovern, Miss Aaron, and Miss Sheets, and congratulates each of them for their years of dedication, 534 02:31:40.080 --> 02:31:56.560 service, and commitment to students and the school community. Their contributions have left left an lasting impact, and we wish them all the best in their well-earned retirements. The PTA hosted a wonderful family picnic providing an opportunity for families to 535 02:31:56.560 --> 02:32:12.880 come together and celebrate the retirees one final time. The evening featured a beautiful tribute video and attendees were introduced to a commemorative tree honoring Mr. McGovern's arbit tree, a fitting recognition of his lasting legacy at Dwire. As Dwire prepares for 536 02:32:12.880 --> 02:32:28.080 the many end of the year celebrations taking place across all grade levels, they thank the entire staff for their unwavering hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the year. KDM students are currently completing their I Ready assessments and midway 537 02:32:28.080 --> 02:32:44.880 through the testing window, they are seeing encouraging results. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of the students as well as the commitment of KDM teachers and staff who help create a supportive and enriching learning environment. The school community recently came together for the 538 02:32:44.880 --> 02:33:00.240 KDM carnival which was enjoyed by students, families, and staff alike. In addition to hosting the carnival, the PTA led several campus beautifification efforts, including replenishing sand in the playgrounds, replacing rocks in the courtyard, and cleaning, organizing, and 539 02:33:00.240 --> 02:33:18.800 decorating our outdoor spaces. Third grade students participated in an educational field trip to the Liberty Hall Museum where they explored concepts related to nature and science including weather prediction through cloud observation and the study of local 540 02:33:18.800 --> 02:33:35.600 plants and animals. I think the next slide would be good. Other grade levels are also looking forward to upcoming field uh trip experiences as the school year draws to a close. The fifth grade students are eagerly anticipating several end of the year events, including Lee Day and the 541 02:33:35.600 --> 02:33:53.120 fifth grade moving up ceremony. KDM is honored that Mayor Joe Jackson will serve as the keynote speaker. KDM has enjoyed a successful and rewarding school year and they look forward to finishing strong as prepare for a well-earned summer break. Study Brook Students celebrates the 542 02:33:53.120 --> 02:34:09.120 dedication of students and staff who made this year another outstanding year filled with growth ac um achievement and memorable experiences. Academically, students continued to make strong progress in English language arts and mathematics as reflected in the end of the year benchmark assessments. 543 02:34:09.120 --> 02:34:24.160 Throughout the year, students enjoyed a variety of enriching learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Memorable field trips, engaging assemblies, hand hands-on experiences help bring learning to life. Schoolwide events such as field day, the 544 02:34:24.160 --> 02:34:39.920 kindergarten and second grade plays, and the spring concert, art showcase students talents, creativity, and school spirit. Fifth grade students were recognized and celebrated through uh several special events, including the bagel breakfast, lead day, and the fifth 545 02:34:39.920 --> 02:34:56.560 grade picnic. The Stony Brook community is proud of all they have accomplished and wishes them continued success as they move on to Copa Middle School. Copa Middle School has enjoyed an exciting memorable month filled with meaningful experiences and celebrations for our students. On June 2nd, the 546 02:34:56.560 --> 02:35:12.960 eighth grade students participated in the annual celebrity day hosted by the Rockway Township Substance Abuse Alliance. As the culmination of the Rockway Township sub substance abuse alignment's four-phase prevention program, students had the unique opportunity to meet with a variety of 547 02:35:12.960 --> 02:35:29.439 celebrities and hear their powerful personal stories and messages. Celebrity day concluded with a fun-filled student staff celebrity basketball game. Field days are currently underway and the weather has cooperated wonderfully, allowing students to enjoy outdoor 548 02:35:29.439 --> 02:35:46.319 activities and friendly competition. Today, Copeland's eighth graders embarked on their much anticipated class trip to New York City where they boarded buses and headed to Broadway to see the acclaimed production of The Outsiders. The excitement will continue on June 12th when the PTA host a memorable 8th 549 02:35:46.319 --> 02:36:01.359 grade social right here at Copeland, providing students with another opportunity to celebrate their middle school years together. The year will culminate next week with two special events honoring the class of 2026, the eighth grade awards night on 550 02:36:01.359 --> 02:36:18.560 June 15th and graduation on June 17th. These events will recognize students achievements and mark an an important milestone as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. And the final slide is the HIV slide. Maybe if you want to click on that link, 551 02:36:18.560 --> 02:36:37.120 the HIV update, that's actually the link to the document which I'll summarize in a moment. There you go. You click on that. Currently, comes up. Currently, of the 12 investigations 552 02:36:37.120 --> 02:36:54.439 on the agenda, two are confirmed. This evening, 15 investigations are on the agenda for board approval. Of the 15, three are confirmed. And I just summarized that document. 553 02:36:54.560 --> 02:37:10.800 And that is my report. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Mrs. Lamb, would you like to give the business administrator's report? >> Yes. Thank you. Um, so this evening in lie of my report, um, the board has asked that I respond to the non-personnel related questions that 554 02:37:10.800 --> 02:37:27.359 were asked at the previous meeting. Um so what I'm going to do is I'm going to read the question um as we received it and then give the response. Um so bear with me. Um the question first question being currently Rockway Township's joint insurance fund GIF liability rating is AAA. My understanding is that the school 555 02:37:27.359 --> 02:37:43.359 district uses a similar insurance structure through the school alliance insurance fund safe which also uses comparable rating scales. What is the district's current liability insurance rating? Um, so SAFE and NJ SIG are related are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. 556 02:37:43.359 --> 02:37:58.479 They follow state rules, submit yearly financial reports and audits and adhere to the strict guidelines for investments and operations to ensure transparency and financial stability. That being said, they don't have specific ratings from agencies like&m best or standard and pores. So we are not rated in the 557 02:37:58.479 --> 02:38:13.840 same way that the township is rated. What is the financial impact to the district after leaving the Rucker's insurance program? Specifically, how much did the district save or spend previously under Ruckers? So, beginning in the 18/19 school year, total contract 558 02:38:13.840 --> 02:38:32.280 cost for Ruckers was $149,964. We received a $25,000 and change increase to 174973 for 1920 increase of $38,39 moving into 2021 for a total of $213,282. 559 02:38:32.560 --> 02:38:48.319 uh an increase of $47,325 moving into 2122 for a total of $260,67 for the contract. Increase of $46,893 moving into 2223 for a total contract 560 02:38:48.319 --> 02:39:08.479 cost of $37,500. Uh a $66,900 increase moving into 2324 for a total contract cost of $374,400. uh a $25,400 increase moving into 2425 for a total contract cost of $399,800. 561 02:39:08.479 --> 02:39:25.520 Uh we renegotiated an aspect of the cont contract moving into 2526 which included some changes in staff which warranted a reduction of $51,800 dropping down to $348,000 that was previously slated to move to $450,000. 562 02:39:25.520 --> 02:39:43.920 Um so total spending from 2019 or 201819 to 2526 was $2,228 and uh $526. Um we increased over those years by $198,36. Uh slated for 2627. proposal was for 563 02:39:43.920 --> 02:40:02.520 $361,000 which would have been a $13,000 increase which had we elected to continue would have brought the totals spent for Ruckers to $2,589,526 and a total increase across those years of $211,36. 564 02:40:02.960 --> 02:40:18.080 Um what is the projected increase in insurance assessment costs moving forward? Our brokers initially projected a 15% rate increase for the 2627 term. However, following the successful contract negotiations, I am pleased to report that we were we secured a final 565 02:40:18.080 --> 02:40:33.680 increase of just 2.73%. I was informed of that on Monday, significantly lower than what was originally anticipated. Please note that this initial projection did not factor in Rucker's mental health and our final rates will remain unaffected by the contract's cancellation. The insurance carriers do 566 02:40:33.680 --> 02:40:49.760 not offer discounts related to that program, nor did its presence influence our coverage or premium rates. Um, these companies ensure businesses of all shapes and sizes. They're not specific to just schools. So, I can tell you that over the past four years, um, when I complete the renewal documents that they 567 02:40:49.760 --> 02:41:05.760 request, which we have multiple policies, so we're filling out pages upon pages of information, um, across our employee status, uh, buildings, you know, a litany of questions. Um, at no point was there any question relating to this type of program, nor is there any 568 02:41:05.760 --> 02:41:21.840 capacity for us to enter that as a consideration. Um, how will increased liability exposure affects tax affect taxpayers? Again, the cancellation of the contract did not affect our insurance renewals or rates directly. Um, many residents are concerned that 569 02:41:21.840 --> 02:41:37.600 without the Ruckers program, the district's overall risk expo exposure is now significantly higher, which could result in higher costs related to lawsuits and insurance claims. How is this being handled? Uh we cannot anticipate a measurable increase in claims resulting from this cancellation as it would be impossible to confidently 570 02:41:37.600 --> 02:41:52.800 determine whether the future claims would have occurred with or without the Rucker program. Um it's not something that we could definitively say that we would have had this lawsuit or wouldn't have had this lawsuit if the program was in place. Moving forward, our claims management process remains this unchanged. All claims will be reported 571 02:41:52.800 --> 02:42:07.760 directly to our insurance carriers and processed according to um our standard protocols. Um, why is the public not able to view a more detailed line-by-line district budget similar to what the township provides? This is taxpayer money and the residents serve a clear understanding of 572 02:42:07.760 --> 02:42:22.640 how funds are being allocated. How do we request a full breakdown? Um, public financial transparency is a priority for our district and specifically for me. Um, I am always happy to answer questions regarding the budget. The current budget section of our district website hosts the user-friendly budget 573 02:42:22.640 --> 02:42:39.040 and that's the most recent and as well as the most recent budget presentation. And for historical data, uh the district financial data section under the business office menu contains our prior user-friendly budgets, audits, and enrollment reports dating back to 2019 2020. Uh reports prior to that are still 574 02:42:39.040 --> 02:42:54.319 maintained by the NJDOE and can be accessed through their websites. Um a review of the financial data on the Rockway Township Municipal website confirmed that they are utilizing a similar reporting format. I didn't see a large discrepancy to our user-friendly budget and how they present their 575 02:42:54.319 --> 02:43:10.000 information. Um the user-friendly budget itself is a standardized reporting method for communicating school budgets to the community and it's mandated by the state of New Jersey. Um the intention behind that being that any school district that you look at, if you want to compare budgets or compare data, 576 02:43:10.000 --> 02:43:26.479 you should see a very similar if not exact same format. Um beyond online resources, we hold our annual budget hearing which is conducted in accordance with state statute and offers the community a dedicated opportunity to review and ask questions about the reported data. At our public meetings throughout the year, the public 577 02:43:26.479 --> 02:43:41.840 is welcome to ask questions regarding any pending financial motions. And I also provide regular updates on relevant financial information during these meetings. During my reports, uh what are the allowances that can be spent without board approval? Is there a dollar amount such as $33,000 for a 578 02:43:41.840 --> 02:43:56.880 coach for a principal? As we can't see the budget, um we're assuming this is not a line item. Um every dollar spent in the district is done with board approval. um to ensure strict financial compliance. Any non-ooperative or non-state contract expenditure exceeding 579 02:43:56.880 --> 02:44:12.640 $7,950 requires multiple competitive quotes. Furthermore, any expenditure over $53,000 outside of a co-op or state contract must undergo a formal public bidding process. As the district's licensed qualified purchasing agent, QPA, I hold the sole legal authority to 580 02:44:12.640 --> 02:44:28.319 authorize purchases or execute contracts on behalf of the district. Um, as an additional voluntary layer of internal control, the board president reviews all bills lists in person at central office before checks are issues issued and board members receive the bills list prior to each public meeting and are 581 02:44:28.319 --> 02:44:43.760 provided the comprehensive monthly financial reports for their ongoing review. So, no check is released from the business office prior to the board having an opportunity to review the bills list. Um, all of the mailings for this bill's list will go out tomorrow morning um assuming approval. 582 02:44:43.760 --> 02:44:59.439 Um, to clarify recent public statements, the district has not paid $33,000 for the educational consultant assigned to Birwood School. Uh, I'm not exactly sure where that figure came from. To date, the expenditures for these services total $15,100, 583 02:44:59.439 --> 02:45:15.120 which accounts for all services rendered through the end of May. Um, as emphasized during my budget presentation, a school budget is a living document subject to shifting operational needs throughout the fiscal year. However, all final authorized expenditures strictly align with the GAP chart of accounts and comply fully with 584 02:45:15.120 --> 02:45:31.520 New Jersey purchasing law. Um, I have also I al sorry, another question. I also have many concerns regarding the frequency of closed sessions held before meetings. From the public's perspective, it appears discussions may be occurring regarding agenda matters and potentially staff related issues. Uh, in accordance 585 02:45:31.520 --> 02:45:48.000 with the open public meetings act, the Rockway Township Board of Education routinely convenes in executive close session to deliberate on confidential matters. By law, these private sessions are restricted to specific topics, including personnel matters, pending or anticipated litigation, acquisition of real property, school security measures, 586 02:45:48.000 --> 02:46:04.319 contract negotiations, and receipt of government funds. Holding an executive se session in conjunction with regularly scheduled public meetings is a standard governance practice, ensuring compliance while protecting sensitive information that cannot be legally or practically discussed in a public forum. Um, so 587 02:46:04.319 --> 02:46:19.760 again, that's a common occurrence for school districts. Most school districts do have an executive session that is married to a public session. Um my new question, my understanding is that employees discussed in close session are entitled to rice notices under certain circumstances were all required rice 588 02:46:19.760 --> 02:46:36.479 notices properly issued. Um under New Jersey law, any board discussion regarding an employes's current employment, performance evaluation, or disciplinary status within an executive close session strictly mandates that a rice notice be issued to that individ individual prior to the meeting. I can confirm that all legally required rice 589 02:46:36.479 --> 02:46:52.880 notices have been properly issued um and served throughout this school year. Um in fact, when we hold our budget meetings, we actually rice all employees um without reservation so that if we have to discuss any positions, everybody's been properly notified. Um, and that intention we actually send to 590 02:46:52.880 --> 02:47:09.439 the staff, not to alarm anyone, but simply because when you're talking about a budget and personnel makes up 70 to 80 or now essentially 80 to 90% of your budget, um, you have to be able to discuss positions and staff as you need because the position control roster itself is all of the staff and employees. 591 02:47:09.439 --> 02:47:25.120 Uh, finally, last last question. Finally, we were previously told that emails sent to boardmail.net were distributed to the full board. We have since learned that those emails are first routed through the board president and then forwarded. In that case, why is it not an auto automatic distribution 592 02:47:25.120 --> 02:47:39.840 rule ensuring that all board members receive communication simultaneously? Uh this can be resolved by an IT rule being implemented. Um so board correspondence is routinely managed by the sitting board president. Um again, that's just kind of a standard practice whether it's 593 02:47:39.840 --> 02:47:57.279 incoming or outgoing messages. Um the board president reviews and forwards all incoming board mail to the full board prior to each meeting. This structured process protects the integrity of the board's work by preventing unintended quorums. Um we try not to create situations where there's an opening for a reply all because again anytime a 594 02:47:57.279 --> 02:48:14.160 board has discussion whether in person or virtual and there's more than four board members present that constitutes a quorum and would be a violation of the open public meetings act. Um routing emails this way ensures that board members do not engage in group reply chains keeping all discussions in public business within proper publicly access 595 02:48:14.160 --> 02:48:30.560 accessible meetings. Uh and finally, just a response to one of the statements tonight. Um regarding the district attorney, our attorney was selected by board committee through an RFP process. Um we solicit proposals from different firms um at different intervals. We did 596 02:48:30.560 --> 02:48:47.600 this process in 2024. Uh and so it's not a selection by the superintendent, it's actually an interview process and selection by the board. Um so again, I think we interviewed four to five firms in 2024. Alisa, you were on that committee. So is that yeah I was on maternity leave but I believe it was 597 02:48:47.600 --> 02:49:15.120 four to five. Um so just to clarify that's how we select that particular uh person or or firm I should say and that is the end of my report. Thank you. >> So now is that considered a 598 02:49:15.120 --> 02:49:31.800 >> not unless the board members start replying which is why you would which is why you wouldn't have because we specifically instruct them not to do that. >> Um so yeah so if you were sitting saying well nobody's answering me they actually can't because that would create a quorum. Sure. 599 02:49:31.840 --> 02:49:49.840 Thank you. >> Are there any committee reports? >> I do. Community outreach, we met on June 3rd virtually uh with Mrs. Books, Dr. Gorman, myself, and Dr. Corbett. 600 02:49:49.840 --> 02:50:05.760 Under community outreach, we've been having a discussion on having a coffee chat with the superintendent and some board members. The target is to um make sure we're reaching people that may not be able to attend board meetings. 601 02:50:05.760 --> 02:50:21.120 >> The coffee chat would be with the public and superintendent. The coffee chat would be with the public and board members and superintendent. >> Board members were there obviously no more than three, >> right? >> Um so we were changing that to three to five times a year. Um we plus uh the 602 02:50:21.120 --> 02:50:35.680 addition of short webinars forformational purposes. Um We're discussing listening sessions for next year. We're gonna be discussing additional topics at the board retreat which still remains um that we have to 603 02:50:35.680 --> 02:50:53.040 schedule that. We discussed um seniors uh we invited them to last or this year's um Spongebob play. So our goal next year is to um 604 02:50:53.040 --> 02:51:08.479 have more seniors attend. the Interact Club were great ambassadors um for the district as bus chaprons and as dinner companions. Our next meeting is July 8th. >> Thank you very much. 605 02:51:08.479 --> 02:51:24.080 >> July 13th. >> I'm sorry it's it's it's not July 8th. Um it's was originally scheduled for July 15th. Um however, we will be releasing a notice. It's being changed July 13th. Um we don't normally meet on a Monday, but due to some constraints, we're going to change that meeting. So, 606 02:51:24.080 --> 02:51:39.600 that will be um on the website. Notice she's saying her committee meeting. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought the board meeting. >> I thought you said that. I'm sorry, Lisa. I apologize. >> Right. You freaked me out there for a second. >> You panicked me. I was like on the >> So, your committee meeting is on the 8th, >> correct? 607 02:51:39.600 --> 02:51:55.439 >> July. Okay. The next educational committee meeting is on June 18th. >> We're both on June 18. >> June 18th. >> You're on July 8th. I'm on June 18th. >> Sorry. So many Juliet 608 02:51:55.439 --> 02:52:11.279 set us off. Megan, >> are there any other committee reports? >> Yeah. Um, not a whole heck of a lot of to report with the um operations. We had uh the kickoff meeting for the roof projects at uh CMS and Stonybrook. That was done today, I believe. >> Yes. 609 02:52:11.279 --> 02:52:28.640 >> Uh the crews are scheduled to start delivering the materials June 22nd, and they will hit the ground running at that point. and substantial completion for the project is slated for August 15th and we will be meeting with the team for the secure vestibial project in the next few weeks. Thank you. 610 02:52:28.640 --> 02:52:44.720 Thank you. Um okay. Can I have a motion to approve personnel items that be begins, just so everyone knows on page three and continues on to page 611 02:52:44.720 --> 02:53:03.840 five. So move >> second. >> I don't need a show of hands for that. Right. >> No, there's any discussion. >> Okay. >> Is there any board discussion on 612 02:53:03.840 --> 02:53:19.760 personnel items? >> No, can't. Okay. May I have a roll call vote on personnel items? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mesi, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. 613 02:53:19.760 --> 02:53:35.920 >> Thank you. Um, next up for HIV determination, we have an amendment. >> Yes. If we can just um one small amendment if we can add to the listing um number 306757 as confirmed. 614 02:53:35.920 --> 02:53:51.600 >> Okay. Can I have a motion to approve HIV determination with that amendment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Whereas the superintendent of schools has provided the board of education with reports regarding HIV incidents. Number 307818 615 02:53:51.600 --> 02:54:08.080 unconfirmed. 307978 unconfirmed. 308345 unconfirmed. 308346 confirmed. 308516 unconfirmed. 308646 unconfirmed. 308663 616 02:54:08.080 --> 02:54:24.399 confirmed. 308664 unconfirmed. 308665 unconfirmed. 309011 unconfirmed. 309181 unconfirmed. 309297 unconfirmed. 309298 617 02:54:24.399 --> 02:54:42.240 confirmed. 309 327 unconfirmed. 309784 unconfirmed. Um >> 306 >> and 306757 as confirmed. >> Can I have a roll call on HIV determination? >> Mrs. Anderson >> abstain. 618 02:54:42.240 --> 02:54:57.840 >> Noted. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mzik? >> Yes. >> Ms. Richardson? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on to education. Can I have a motion to approve education? >> So moved. 619 02:54:57.840 --> 02:55:17.359 >> Second. >> Okay. Um, in accordance with board policy 01. >> Board discussion first. >> Oh, is there any board discussion on education items? Okay. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is limited to 15 620 02:55:17.359 --> 02:55:36.640 minutes with a threeminute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. Is there anyone from the public who would like to discuss? >> This is related to special education items only. >> No, just regular education. 621 02:55:36.640 --> 02:55:52.960 >> I'm sorry. Are we not on section C? Yeah, that's education. >> I'm sorry. I'm totally all over the place. That's my my bad. >> We have to have a motion to open. >> I know. One second. >> Yeah. Oh, yep. Sorry. I would have to do a motion first. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> So moved. 622 02:55:52.960 --> 02:56:22.800 >> Second. Show of hands, please. >> Okay. Jamie Ripkey, 34 Ka. I have a few things. Um, the Copeland principal search. Um, I see that it is three board members. Who are the board members? >> Section. 623 02:56:22.800 --> 02:56:40.640 >> He's We have We have a We have a second um We have a second public session where you can state those kind of questions. This has to be specific to the education motion that we're reviewing. Is there anyone else who'd like to speak for education items only? 624 02:56:40.640 --> 02:56:56.160 >> Okay. Can I have a motion to close public comment? >> So move. Second. >> Show of hands. >> Can I roll call on education items? >> Yes. Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Miss Richardson? >> Yes. 625 02:56:56.160 --> 02:57:11.200 >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Now moving on to special education items. May I have a motion to approve special education items? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any board discussion 626 02:57:11.200 --> 02:57:29.680 on special education items? >> Is there anyone who would like to speak about special education items only? Seeing none, may I have a roll call on special education items? >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. 627 02:57:29.680 --> 02:57:45.520 >> Mrs. Mzik? Yes, >> Miss Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Moving on to administration. Those are seen on page seven, eight, and nine. May I have a motion to approve administration? 628 02:57:45.520 --> 02:58:04.399 >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any board discussion on administrative items? Would any member of the public like to speak on those items on administration? 629 02:58:04.399 --> 02:58:21.200 Okay, seeing none, may have a roll call on administration items. >> Mrs. Anderson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Brooks, >> yes. >> Dr. Gorman, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mzik, >> yes. >> Miss Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to finance. Um, Mrs. McGary let me know that she did sign the bills 630 02:58:21.200 --> 02:58:42.479 and she recommends approving them. May I have a motion to approve finance recommendations? >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Goes on page nine, 10, and 11. >> Is there any public comment on finance 631 02:58:42.479 --> 02:58:59.439 items? Seeing none, may I have a roll call. >> Mrs. Anderson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Brooks? >> Yes. >> Dr. Gorman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Messi? >> Yes. >> Miss Richardson? >> Yes. Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. In accordance with board policy 0167, public discussion is 632 02:58:59.439 --> 02:59:15.279 limited to 15 minutes with a threeminute limit per member of the public. The board vice president shall have the right to modify the length of public discussion as she deems appropriate. May I have a motion to open public comments? >> So moved. Second. 633 02:59:15.279 --> 02:59:34.720 >> All right. Now, Mrs. Show >> Oh, show of hands. Sorry. Now, sorry. Jamie Ricky 34 co you have okay I've got a few a few things so it's a little all over the place I would like to know as far as the um committee members for the 634 02:59:34.720 --> 02:59:51.359 Copeland principal search I had no idea that it was open up opened up to two middle school parents how was that made public how were those parents selected in the act of transparency is this an 635 02:59:51.359 --> 03:00:08.000 answer like who is on the committee? Who are the board members that are on this committee? >> I I don't think that's >> So, thank you very much for your questions. We'll take down all your information. This is public comment. We do the board of education if it deems appropriate will respond to your 636 03:00:08.000 --> 03:00:26.160 questions as it sees fit. That's hysterical. Really, really like there's no transparency. So, that brings me then to I guess district. Let me get to my piece of paper here. We've got 637 03:00:26.160 --> 03:00:42.319 board goals. Bridging the gaps in communication with community members. Here we are. Let's bridge the gap. There's questions that need to be answered right this minute because big decisions need to be made. Mr. Bayer can request a Donaldson 638 03:00:42.319 --> 03:00:58.160 hearing. Dr. Corbett is ready to hire someone by July 13th. that seems that that timeline may overlap a little bit. So, I don't know if anyone here thinks that's strange. Um, and now I can't get an answer. So, 639 03:00:58.160 --> 03:01:13.040 then when can I get an answer and how can I get an answer of who is on that committee? Is that something I have to send a written email to each individual board member to find out what the answer to that question is? Because again, board 640 03:01:13.040 --> 03:01:30.479 goal 3A, bridging the gaps in communication with community members. So considering all that's happened between Mr. Bayer, Mr. Young, all of these things, it really does not feel like I as a community member and any of these community members are being addressed as far as the questions that 641 03:01:30.479 --> 03:01:47.920 we have goes. Um, my other one, district goal number three, revising the district climate and culture survey to be more relevant to current needs. Considering again all that has happened since the last board meeting, when was the last survey sent out, what were the findings? And since 642 03:01:47.920 --> 03:02:03.600 then, has the district met that goal of revising the district culture and climate surveys? Because from my vantage point, it has not considering the current morale among teachers, specifically at Copeland and Birwood, is pretty low. Where has there been a 643 03:02:03.600 --> 03:02:19.520 survey? Is that even happening? When has that been revised? When has it been sent out? So, these are questions that I will formally put into writing. How soon do I expect an answer? When when can I get an answer to these 644 03:02:19.520 --> 03:02:35.279 questions? Do I have to wait till the next board meeting? Is this something the board attorney can answer for me? >> This is a public comment portion. I apologize. This is not a public and answer session. Thank you. >> So, you can't answer how long it takes 645 03:02:35.279 --> 03:02:49.680 then to get a response. My recommendation to the board of education is to not address any questions at the table. >> Okay. So, that's basically going completely against goal 3A. Thank you. Thank you for your 646 03:02:49.680 --> 03:03:44.399 >> nothing. Why are we taking so much time? I just want uh Jackie Bader, 129 Richard Mine Road. I want to thank you very much for answering all those comments and questions. It is sad though that it takes this long to get responses. I've ema I spoke in the last meeting. Um I 647 03:03:44.399 --> 03:04:00.240 emailed those questions and I would still like those responses in email if you could because I would like to follow up on some of those things. It's very hard when you're speaking and trying to write notes. I believe you said over how many years did we have the Ruckers program? I think it was six is what you 648 03:04:00.240 --> 03:04:16.399 referred to and it was $2.2 million. >> Yeah, it was eight years. >> Eight years of $2.2 million. >> Yes. >> I just want to bring up the fact that we settled a very large case in a very sad matter of $9.1 million. 649 03:04:16.399 --> 03:04:33.920 And that case is a lot more money over one incident that this eight years saved with $2.2 million. I just want to make note of that that the Ruckers program in general saved us that much money by 650 03:04:33.920 --> 03:04:49.279 possible other lawsuits. So I I know it's not a save all and we cannot assume that that is going to happen again, but that Ruckers program does give a lot back to the community and the things that are happening with 651 03:04:49.279 --> 03:05:03.920 the current programs that are presented to the people are not going to fill the gaps in which the Ruckers program does immediately as many other people stated. So, I just want to make note that that settlement is unfortunately going to 652 03:05:03.920 --> 03:05:20.880 happen again and it's quite sad and I appreciate you sending that in writing. >> Um, so I don't want to diminish the settlement and the case that you're referring to. I just want to clarify for a fact that the district did not pay the settlement. It did not come out of the 653 03:05:20.880 --> 03:05:36.800 budget. Um, it was paid by insurance. And again not minimizing just for this for fact sake >> um that was a direct payment from insurance on behalf of the district >> and it does in in it does raise our insurance claims >> anytime yes anytime a claim is processed 654 03:05:36.800 --> 03:06:04.880 it affects insurance claims that's that's part of the reason that we are in a poolled insurance consortium correct because that kind of >> disseminates some of the impact >> correct all right thank you all for your Uh, another comment on the Ruckers program. I'm not sure exactly on the time frame on this. I'm not exactly sure 655 03:06:04.880 --> 03:06:20.560 on whether it was the entire school system or whether it was just relative to Copeland. uh something in the neighborhood of 93 kids were needed to be removed from the school during the school day either through police or medical services and taken to the hospital. When the Ruckers program came 656 03:06:20.560 --> 03:06:36.240 in, that number dropped to three in the same time period, whatever that time period was. The way this was relayed to me was less specific in terms of this was a conversation that was being had. I'm sure you have access to all those numbers. Let's not be a penny shy and a pound foolish. This has so many more benefits than that. And I bring up my 657 03:06:36.240 --> 03:06:52.160 previous comment on what it costs to send a kid out of district. One kid out of district is little bit less than half of that entire number peranom that we're spending. The things that we can deal with if we have the right people here. It's a help to the community. It brings in people to this community. Look at my 658 03:06:52.160 --> 03:07:07.680 property values here in White Metal Lake. They've gone through the roof because we have a school system that does these things. When we give up that, we give up more than a budget line item. Please, let's not make that mistake. Please take that under consideration. 659 03:07:07.680 --> 03:07:32.240 Thank you. >> You can totally write me in. Thank you. Honestly, I'm only up here because I never get to say thank you because my three minutes are very strategic and I literally run up here like a crazy person to say what I have to say. So, thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for taking the time. Thank you 660 03:07:32.240 --> 03:07:48.720 for volunteering. It's been a lot. It's been a lot over the last seven weeks. It's been really tough. And I know that I've said it before. I am the point person because I am the PTA president and I am very approachable and I am very available for 661 03:07:48.720 --> 03:08:05.600 people and I've had a number of people reach out to me staff a lot of anonymous emails lately um which is very disturbing and very hard and I've not slept. I don't know about 662 03:08:05.600 --> 03:08:22.479 you guys but I'm not sleeping. So, I don't take what's happening lightly. Somebody did say to me, "Well, maybe we I don't like drama." I actually don't. I only like it on the stage. Never on Facebook. It's just not my 663 03:08:22.479 --> 03:08:39.279 thing. So, to be up here this often without like cheering and and super smiling and woohoo is very rare for me. And so someone had recently said,"Well, maybe you should take that positivity that you always have and get behind 664 03:08:39.279 --> 03:08:56.160 maybe the new principle." And here's the truth. This is what I'm hearing. That no matter who we put here is going to have a real real struggle because no one trusts the higher administration right now. 665 03:08:56.160 --> 03:09:12.160 I'm sorry to say, but I feel like it's broken. And part of that is because you've all been very quiet. We didn't even get a we understand. Principal Bayer is not getting renewed. We're listening. Come to a meeting. Express 666 03:09:12.160 --> 03:09:28.720 your feelings. It was that simple. You could have said something. We got an email about a kid hit in the head. Wasn't my kid. Kid was totally fine. I didn't need to get that email. I don't want to know things like that. If that kid was fine, keep it to yourselves. 667 03:09:28.720 --> 03:09:43.439 Stays at school. Those are things I don't need to know. But when something this big is happening in the community, I do think an email could have been shared and just said, "We hear you." That is it. I think that's all that 668 03:09:43.439 --> 03:10:11.600 people wanted to know. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other comments for the public? >> Can I have a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. 669 03:10:11.600 --> 03:10:33.439 >> Can I have a show of hands? Are there any old business up for discussion? I don't know if mine is old or new business, but just because I already jumped the gun and was trying to announce the board meeting change, we are changing the board meeting to July 13th. Um, and um, Lisa, you had 670 03:10:33.439 --> 03:10:50.720 mentioned the board retreat. Due to the schedule change, we originally wanted the rep to come on July 15th. He's not available on the 13th, but he is available for our August meeting. So, I just wanted to see if everybody was amendable to scheduling him for that meeting. when uh wait when is the August 671 03:10:50.720 --> 03:11:05.439 meeting? >> August 12th. Wait. So >> when is um our Anita can answer this question. When is our ATM retreat? >> That is uh the week of the 26. >> Okay. >> 20 something. It's it's after it's after. >> Okay. Good. So it would be important to 672 03:11:05.439 --> 03:11:20.800 have those >> board and district goals prior to the ATM. >> We Yes. Assuming that we held it at that meeting, we would have that in place. Okay. Which meeting did you say? >> Um the August 12th. Now, my only concern with having an August 12th is especially since we need 673 03:11:20.800 --> 03:11:36.640 to ensure that the goals are met if we're doing this at the same time as a regular board meeting. Is that what you said? >> That was the Yeah, that was originally the request >> time to do that. >> Um, last year we did it early, but how many hours earlier did we come? >> I spoke the rep said that if we started 674 03:11:36.640 --> 03:11:53.279 at 4, it should be sufficient. >> Yeah. >> And that's public. >> Yes, that is public. So, the meeting would simply start at 4. We would go through the board retreat portion first and then move to regular business. Well, move to executive session and then regular public session. >> Okay. So, if we don't have enough time, 675 03:11:53.279 --> 03:12:08.960 is everyone okay coming back for a second? Exact or it's actually not exactly it would be >> would just be an extension. Um, yeah. I again I when I gave him the time parameters, he said that was sufficient that but again I think if we need to extend it we can we can run push the 676 03:12:08.960 --> 03:12:28.399 schedule further. I'm okay with that. But I think um perhaps we should, you know, come prepared to discuss those goals and perhaps look at the ones from the past year just to make sure that we're using this time efficiently. 677 03:12:28.399 --> 03:12:44.240 >> I can also ask if he has any information to share in advance that you could review prior to the meeting too from New Jersey school boards. So I can ask if that >> I think that would be helpful. >> So schedule for the 12th Yes. 678 03:12:44.240 --> 03:13:03.439 August 12. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Is there any other old business? Any new business? Just wishing the faculty and staff and uh PTA community uh great summer. So 679 03:13:03.439 --> 03:13:18.479 hopefully you guys guys earned a break, but enjoy your summer and uh recharge. Especially those of you that are teachers, we need the recharge. So enjoy your summer and thank you so much. You know, again, PTAs, you're involved with that. I was on PTA as well for my son 680 03:13:18.479 --> 03:13:35.439 and I get the work, believe me. Enjoy your summer, recharge, spend time with your families and your kids and and uh enjoy. Um, we don't need to return to executive session tonight. 681 03:13:35.439 --> 03:13:50.560 Uh, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Down by 15. I got to go. >> Show of hands. >> Thank you. >> What is it? Meeting is adjourned.