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Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:
My guess is that most of our readers are already aware that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a week long opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude for the people who have influenced our lives and the lives of our children. What you may not know is how Teacher Appreciation Week started.
My guess is that most of our readers are already aware that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a week long opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude for the people who have influenced our lives and the lives of our children. What you may not know is how Teacher Appreciation Week started.
According to the National Education Association, the origins of Teacher Appreciation Week are rooted with the efforts of an Arkansas teacher who, in 1944, started to reach out to educators and political leaders to promote her idea of a national day to honor teachers. After many years of advocacy, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt eventually took up this cause and convinced Congress to proclaim a national teacher day in 1953. In 1985, Congress moved National Teacher Day to the first week of May. Since 1985, it remained during the first week of May with a later addition of four unofficial recognition days to create the full Teacher Appreciation Week we have today.
According to the National Education Association, the origins of Teacher Appreciation Week are rooted with the efforts of an Arkansas teacher who, in 1944, started to reach out to educators and political leaders to promote her idea of a national day to honor teachers. After many years of advocacy, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt eventually took up this cause and convinced Congress to proclaim a national teacher day in 1953. In 1985, Congress moved National Teacher Day to the first week of May. Since 1985, it remained during the first week of May with a later addition of four unofficial recognition days to create the full Teacher Appreciation Week we have today.
I mention this history for a reason. It seems that the idea of setting aside a specific time to recognize the efforts of teachers should not have been such a struggle requiring years of advocacy. The point is that recognition of the profession has been an issue for a long time. Nationally, there are more and more teachers who love their work, but are leaving the profession for financial reasons or due to a lack of resources and support. The field continues to attract fewer college students, and ultimately, about half of all teachers in the United States leave the profession after five years. Teaching is challenging work and the challenges continue to grow. With this in mind, it is critical that we recognize and support teachers for the incredibly important role they play in our society.
I mention this history for a reason. It seems that the idea of setting aside a specific time to recognize the efforts of teachers should not have been such a struggle requiring years of advocacy. The point is that recognition of the profession has been an issue for a long time. Nationally, there are more and more teachers who love their work, but are leaving the profession for financial reasons or due to a lack of resources and support. The field continues to attract fewer college students, and ultimately, about half of all teachers in the United States leave the profession after five years. Teaching is challenging work and the challenges continue to grow. With this in mind, it is critical that we recognize and support teachers for the incredibly important role they play in our society.
In Wayne, the outpouring of support for our teachers is truly amazing and the efforts of each school community are very much appreciated. Keep in mind, Teacher Appreciation Week continues through Friday, so if you have not had a chance to express appreciation for a favorite teacher, now would be a great time to do so. The Wayne Township Public Schools are staffed with over eight hundred teachers who truly care about the children of this community. In addition to their primary responsibilities in the classroom, many are involved in additional committees and other activities to further advance our schools. Each day our teachers touch the lives of our students and all have a tremendous impact far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. We are so grateful for the commitment and dedication of our teaching staff and we are thankful for them, not only during Teacher Appreciation Week, but every day of the school year.
In Wayne, the outpouring of support for our teachers is truly amazing and the efforts of each school community are very much appreciated. Keep in mind, Teacher Appreciation Week continues through Friday, so if you have not had a chance to express appreciation for a favorite teacher, now would be a great time to do so. The Wayne Township Public Schools are staffed with over eight hundred teachers who truly care about the children of this community. In addition to their primary responsibilities in the classroom, many are involved in additional committees and other activities to further advance our schools. Each day our teachers touch the lives of our students and all have a tremendous impact far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. We are so grateful for the commitment and dedication of our teaching staff and we are thankful for them, not only during Teacher Appreciation Week, but every day of the school year.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mark Toback
Mark Toback
Randall Carter Teachers
Top Row: Elena Skidmore, Suzanne Baumann, Fran Russo, Joanne Broekamp-Hall, Nicole Puzak, Nicole Grecco, Jenna Cooke, Amanda Greco, Laura Mazza, Fran Cuccinello, Brittany Titus, Kristy Scola, Marc DelSordo, Devon Zimmerman, Joanne Zisa, Serge Sosnov, Dana Tozzi, Marissa Halat, Dawn Caporusso
Lafayette Elementary Teachers
Front Row: Elaine Broe, Billie-Lynn Scura, Pamela Pizanie, Nancy Cataneo, Yvonne Arcilla, Gina Rosa
Second Row: Lisa Roche, Nicoletta Grave, Mandi Perle, Michelle Betz, Liz Morisco, Jen Halstead, Allyson Minnella, Larissa Rohan, Bethany Agrati, Jenni Spadaccini, Amy Karl, Maria Maccarrone
Third Row: Danielle Valencia, Karen Cappo, Elizabeth Tengwall, Susan Senowitz, Matthew Kriley, Tina Woiski, Liz Venezia, Dawn Smith, Janine Walk, Nicole Couso, Francesca Vitale, Kim Mathisen, Nancy Carluccio
SCMS Music Teachers Rob Vogel and Dennis Puzak and 6th grade Science teacher Laurie Genna
SCMS 7th grade ELA teacher Jacquie Tartaglia, 7th grade Math teacher Kristen Wiley, 7th grade Social Studies teacher Michelle Kuhta
Wayne Hills Teachers
Wayne Hills Teachers
As part of our overall district goal to support student and staff wellness, the district scheduled three wellness weekends during the 2018-2019 school year. This weekend (May 11th and 12th) is the final wellness weekend scheduled for this year.
As part of our overall district goal to support student and staff wellness, the district scheduled three wellness weekends during the 2018-2019 school year. This weekend (May 11th and 12th) is the final wellness weekend scheduled for this year.
In addition to Mother’s Day on Sunday, this weekend marks the conclusion of the vast majority of NJDOE sponsored standardized testing (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments). In addition, this weekend marks the conclusion of Advanced Placement testing at both high schools. In other words, it is a great time for students to take a step away from their studies.
In addition to Mother’s Day on Sunday, this weekend marks the conclusion of the vast majority of NJDOE sponsored standardized testing (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments). In addition, this weekend marks the conclusion of Advanced Placement testing at both high schools. In other words, it is a great time for students to take a step away from their studies.
Both Wayne High Schools Ranked Among the Best
Both Wayne High Schools Ranked Among the Best
The Wayne Township Public Schools are proud to announce that when US News and World Report released their 2019 Best High School Rankings, both Wayne high schools were included among the best high schools in New Jersey and the United States.
The Wayne Township Public Schools are proud to announce that when US News and World Report released their 2019 Best High School Rankings, both Wayne high schools were included among the best high schools in New Jersey and the United States.
Wayne Valley was ranked 94th among 438 high schools in New Jersey and 2,232nd among 17,245 high schools from across the United States. This places Wayne Valley among the top 25% of all New Jersey High Schools and in the top 13% of all high schools nationally.
Wayne Valley was ranked 94th among 438 high schools in New Jersey and 2,232nd among 17,245 high schools from across the United States. This places Wayne Valley among the top 25% of all New Jersey High Schools and in the top 13% of all high schools nationally.
Wayne Hills was also ranked highly by US News and World Report and was 109th among 438 high schools in New Jersey and ranked 2,663rd among 17,245 high schools nationally. This places Wayne Hills among the top 25% of all New Jersey High Schools and in the top 16% of all high schools nationally.
Wayne Hills was also ranked highly by US News and World Report and was 109th among 438 high schools in New Jersey and ranked 2,663rd among 17,245 high schools nationally. This places Wayne Hills among the top 25% of all New Jersey High Schools and in the top 16% of all high schools nationally.
Board of Education Approves
Board of Education Approves
2019-2020 Budget
2019-2020 Budget
On May 3rd, the Wayne Board of Education unanimously approved a $173 million budget for the 2019-2020 school year. The spending plan represents a tax levy increase of 2% over the prior year, which translates to an annual increase of $157 on the average home assessed at $229,950.
On May 3rd, the Wayne Board of Education unanimously approved a $173 million budget for the 2019-2020 school year. The spending plan represents a tax levy increase of 2% over the prior year, which translates to an annual increase of $157 on the average home assessed at $229,950.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Toback commented, “I believe this is an exceptional budget for many reasons. Foremost in my mind is the fact that this budget is the first step we need to take to bring full-day kindergarten to Wayne starting in September of 2021. We are taking this first step without seeking additional funding beyond the 2% tax levy cap.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Toback commented, “I believe this is an exceptional budget for many reasons. Foremost in my mind is the fact that this budget is the first step we need to take to bring full-day kindergarten to Wayne starting in September of 2021. We are taking this first step without seeking additional funding beyond the 2% tax levy cap.”
K-Wrap Update
K-Wrap Update
K-Wrap enrollment notifications for 2019-2020 will be made by May 17, 2019 via email for those signed up during the initial registration period (3/6/19 at 8am - 3/15/19 at 9pm).
K-Wrap enrollment notifications for 2019-2020 will be made by May 17, 2019 via email for those signed up during the initial registration period (3/6/19 at 8am - 3/15/19 at 9pm).
Any K-Wrap registrations after 3/15/19 will be placed on a waiting list. If a spot becomes available for your child, you will be contacted immediately.
Any K-Wrap registrations after 3/15/19 will be placed on a waiting list. If a spot becomes available for your child, you will be contacted immediately.
Please note that your child MUST be completely registered through our online and in-person process in order to qualify for K-Wrap.
Please note that your child MUST be completely registered through our online and in-person process in order to qualify for K-Wrap.
Wayne's Annual Community Forum on
Wayne's Annual Community Forum on
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7 pm - 9 pm
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7 pm - 9 pm
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Toback, and Mayor Christopher Vergano are proud to be sponsoring the annual “Community Forum”. This anti-drug initiative is specifically designed to provide parents and guardians of middle and high school students with updated information about the most current drug trends including opiates and prescription drug abuse in our community and New Jersey. This year’s “Community Forum” is graciously sponsored by the Wayne Education Association, the Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation and the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7pm-9pm at the Wayne Valley High School auditorium located at 551 Valley Road. This year’s program will feature former pro basketball player Chris Herren who will speak about his addiction and recovery.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mark Toback, and Mayor Christopher Vergano are proud to be sponsoring the annual “Community Forum”. This anti-drug initiative is specifically designed to provide parents and guardians of middle and high school students with updated information about the most current drug trends including opiates and prescription drug abuse in our community and New Jersey. This year’s “Community Forum” is graciously sponsored by the Wayne Education Association, the Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation and the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7pm-9pm at the Wayne Valley High School auditorium located at 551 Valley Road. This year’s program will feature former pro basketball player Chris Herren who will speak about his addiction and recovery.
This year’s “Community Forum” is graciously sponsored by the Wayne Education Association, the Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation and the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7 pm-9 pm at the Wayne Valley High School auditorium located at 551 Valley Road. Please click here for the complete letter. Click here for the "Chris Herren - The First Day" flyer.
This year’s “Community Forum” is graciously sponsored by the Wayne Education Association, the Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation and the Wayne Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse and will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 from 7 pm-9 pm at the Wayne Valley High School auditorium located at 551 Valley Road. Please click here for the complete letter. Click here for the "Chris Herren - The First Day" flyer.
Abilities Awareness Campaign Launched
Abilities Awareness Campaign Launched
In support of the inclusive philosophy of Wayne Township Public Schools, Ability Awareness is a district-wide initiative that focuses on promoting understanding, acceptance and appreciation of differences and commonalities among students, staff, and the community. Activities are planned and supported by the Ability Awareness Committee, which is comprised of parents, teachers, STARS (Students Teaching And Reaching Students) Coordinators, WSPA/SEPAG members, and Student Support Services administrators. Past Ability Awareness activities have included "Mix it Up" lunches, hosting guest speakers, and training for staff, students, and parents.
In support of the inclusive philosophy of Wayne Township Public Schools, Ability Awareness is a district-wide initiative that focuses on promoting understanding, acceptance and appreciation of differences and commonalities among students, staff, and the community. Activities are planned and supported by the Ability Awareness Committee, which is comprised of parents, teachers, STARS (Students Teaching And Reaching Students) Coordinators, WSPA/SEPAG members, and Student Support Services administrators. Past Ability Awareness activities have included "Mix it Up" lunches, hosting guest speakers, and training for staff, students, and parents.
Dr. Dana Sir, Ms. Patty Monaco, Ms. Jen Varano, and parent, Ms. Felicia Burke, presented to the Wayne Board of Education this month as members of the committee to share the positive impact that Ability Awareness has had among our students from preschool to age twenty-one. Several students who participate in the district’s Structured Learning Experience (SLE), along with their Wayne business partners, were recognized for highlighting their abilities in meaningful work opportunities within our community. The Ability Awareness Committee is already looking forward to continuing and expanding the program within the Wayne School Community to create a more empathetic learning environment for everyone.
Dr. Dana Sir, Ms. Patty Monaco, Ms. Jen Varano, and parent, Ms. Felicia Burke, presented to the Wayne Board of Education this month as members of the committee to share the positive impact that Ability Awareness has had among our students from preschool to age twenty-one. Several students who participate in the district’s Structured Learning Experience (SLE), along with their Wayne business partners, were recognized for highlighting their abilities in meaningful work opportunities within our community. The Ability Awareness Committee is already looking forward to continuing and expanding the program within the Wayne School Community to create a more empathetic learning environment for everyone.
Wayne Hills High School Annual Culinary Competition
Wayne Hills High School Annual Culinary Competition
On April 25th, Wayne Hills High School held its 11th Annual Student Culinary Competition. The event is a fundraiser as well as an opportunity for students to show their culinary skills with support and assistance of professional chefs from the district's food service provider, Sodexo. This year, $2,150.00 was raised from ticket sales to benefit the Wayne Hills Scholarship Fund for a Consumer Science/Business student.
On April 25th, Wayne Hills High School held its 11th Annual Student Culinary Competition. The event is a fundraiser as well as an opportunity for students to show their culinary skills with support and assistance of professional chefs from the district's food service provider, Sodexo. This year, $2,150.00 was raised from ticket sales to benefit the Wayne Hills Scholarship Fund for a Consumer Science/Business student.
In addition to help from Sodexo, the teams also enjoyed great support from the faculty, custodians, residents, and the district's administrative team.
In addition to help from Sodexo, the teams also enjoyed great support from the faculty, custodians, residents, and the district's administrative team.
Themes included: Disney Delights, Korean Fusion, Night in the City, Patriot Pub, German Grub, Slavic Regional Cuisine, and Levant Platters.
Themes included: Disney Delights, Korean Fusion, Night in the City, Patriot Pub, German Grub, Slavic Regional Cuisine, and Levant Platters.
AP Terhune Peaceful Lunch
AP Terhune Peaceful Lunch
As part of A.P. Terhune's wellness initiative, students have been engaging in mindfulness exercises during lunch with Nurse B and Ms. Cordeira. "Peaceful Lunch" has been a big hit with students.
As part of A.P. Terhune's wellness initiative, students have been engaging in mindfulness exercises during lunch with Nurse B and Ms. Cordeira. "Peaceful Lunch" has been a big hit with students.
Recently, there was an especially fun "Peaceful Lunch" that involved watching a video by Cosmic Yoga, entitled, "Taste Test." Students brought awareness to their senses while eating lunch and were surprised at what they tasted in their own lunch!
Recently, there was an especially fun "Peaceful Lunch" that involved watching a video by Cosmic Yoga, entitled, "Taste Test." Students brought awareness to their senses while eating lunch and were surprised at what they tasted in their own lunch!
Schuyler Colfax Middle School's Musicians Put On A Performance
Schuyler Colfax Middle School's Musicians Put On A Performance
Schuyler-Colfax’s Jazz Band Program hosted a performance that highlighted the many talented young SCMS musicians. They played a wide variety of pieces including a rocking version of “Crazy Train.”
Schuyler-Colfax’s Jazz Band Program hosted a performance that highlighted the many talented young SCMS musicians. They played a wide variety of pieces including a rocking version of “Crazy Train.”
Thank you to band instructors, Mr. Rob Vogel and Mr. Dennis Puzak for putting together another great show!
Thank you to band instructors, Mr. Rob Vogel and Mr. Dennis Puzak for putting together another great show!
Wayne Valley High School Wellness Fair
Wayne Valley High School Wellness Fair
WellnessFairVid - SCOTT WISNIEWSKI.mp4
“There are all different kinds of people here, and we all want harmony" Wayne Valley Senior Jack Cordero explained to a group of people surrounding his booth, "All Kind", at the third annual Wayne Valley Wellness Fair. The growing Wellness Fair is a true collaboration between students and staff where student groups such as the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Peer Leaders work side-by-side with external organizations like Chilton Hospital with the goal of exposing students to positive and healthy activities and behaviors.
“There are all different kinds of people here, and we all want harmony" Wayne Valley Senior Jack Cordero explained to a group of people surrounding his booth, "All Kind", at the third annual Wayne Valley Wellness Fair. The growing Wellness Fair is a true collaboration between students and staff where student groups such as the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Peer Leaders work side-by-side with external organizations like Chilton Hospital with the goal of exposing students to positive and healthy activities and behaviors.
The 32 booths offered a wide range of experiences including stress balls, mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as, a booth detailing the benefits of healthy sleep habits. A big hit was the addition of therapy dogs to the Wellness Fair.
The 32 booths offered a wide range of experiences including stress balls, mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as, a booth detailing the benefits of healthy sleep habits. A big hit was the addition of therapy dogs to the Wellness Fair.
Each year emergency days are built into the school calendar for use when bad weather forces a school cancellation. This year, we used three of the four allotted emergency days; therefore, the remaining emergency day will be added to the Memorial Day weekend. As indicated on the 2018-2019 school calendar, in addition to schools being closed on Monday, May 27, 2019, schools will also be closed on Friday, May 24, 2019.
Each year emergency days are built into the school calendar for use when bad weather forces a school cancellation. This year, we used three of the four allotted emergency days; therefore, the remaining emergency day will be added to the Memorial Day weekend. As indicated on the 2018-2019 school calendar, in addition to schools being closed on Monday, May 27, 2019, schools will also be closed on Friday, May 24, 2019.
Community Flyers
Community Flyers
Important Dates
Important Dates
Thursday, May 16th, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: BOE Regular Meeting, Municipal Bldg., Council Chambers, 475 Valley Road
Thursday, May 16th, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: BOE Regular Meeting, Municipal Bldg., Council Chambers, 475 Valley Road
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