![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/zzz-legacy-autumn-leaves.da3c9a00.jpg)
Superintendent Newsletter
Roxbury Public Schools
October 2023
Greetings!
I hope this message finds you and your family well. As part of my commitment to community engagement and communication, I compiled this newsletter for your review. Upon review, if you have any questions or would like clarification on any item, please feel free to contact me at fsantora@roxbury.org.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Regards,
Frank Santora, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
While the month of October has quickly come to an end,
There has been a great deal of exciting activities, accomplishments and initiatives that have taken place in Roxbury Public Schools. It has been wonderful to continue to work alongside the various staff members in the district as we continue to seek out new and innovative ways to support our students and their families.
Making Sharks out of Tangrams @ Nixon ✨
🎃 Halloween Fun @ EMS
Our Committed Staff
On October 9, 2023, the district hosted a full day of professional development for staff. The day consisted of a wide variety of training sessions that aligned with the district goals. Staff members had the opportunity to present as well as attend the various sessions offered throughout the course of the day. As an individual who both attended as well as provided training, I found it to be a phenomenal opportunity to further engage with our staff and develop stronger professional practices designed to enhance the learning landscape for our students.
As I visit the different school buildings throughout the district, I continue to be amazed by our staff. In speaking with the building principals and staff as well as observing instructional activities, it is evident that our staff continuously strive to provide comprehensive and student centered services. Thank you to all our staff. Please know that I am truly grateful and proud to be your Superintendent.
Congratulations!
Roxbury Melodies selected to perform at ACDA Eastern Division Conference
Roxbury Schools Awarded Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certification
In addition to the accolades captured in the above photos and linked articles, I would like to congratulate our RHS Marching Gaels on being named the 2023 NJ MBDA Class AA State Champions! Such an accomplishment highlights the tremendous talent and efforts of our students as well as the commitment of our staff who have guided and supported the students along their journey to victory and an undefeated season! In addition to the State Champion Title, the Marching Gaels also earned awards for Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect.
Earlier this month, I attended the RHS Choir’s Broadway night. It was truly inspiring to witness our students perform with such passion and pride. Congratulations to all of the performers as well as the staff and students responsible for sponsoring the event.
I would also like to congratulate our RHS Football team on their recent victory over Colonia High School. I wish them luck as they advance to the state sectional semi-final this evening where they will face off against Irvington High School!
Last evening, the RHS Performing Arts opened their production of “Almost Maine.” As a member of the audience, it was evident that each and every individual involved both on and off stage had dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort into creating such a strong production. I would like to congratulate the cast and crew on a phenomenal opening performance.
The Student Experience
On October 5, 2023 Congressman Thomas Kean visited RHS’s aviation program. Joining him on his visit, I was able to witness our students and faculty explain to Mr. Kean the various components of our program. They even assisted him in using one of the simulators. The passion of our students and the staff was impressive to all who were in attendance.
In honor of Italian Heritage month, the Italian classes at both EMS and RHS held a traditional “Festa” or celebration. This event included tasting of traditional Italian foods, reviewing various aspects of Italian culture including various customs, products and music. As an honored guest, I was asked to share with the students my own experiences as an Italian American. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with our amazing students as well as observe their interactions and appreciation for their coursework and teacher, Ms. LaPara.
On October 31, 2023 students in the ABLE physical education class at EMS and RHS traveled to the New York Jets training facility in Florham Park. The students were given the opportunity to participate in football and fitness activities led by Roxbury teachers along with active New York Jets players. This event signifies a continuation of the district’s partnership with Connor McGovern and the New York Jets in sponsoring a program designed to promote increased levels of inclusion in Physical Education classes at both EMS and RHS. During the event on October 31, two lucky students were awarded tickets to the upcoming Super Bowl in Las Vegas! These prizes were provided to our students courtesy of Connor McGovern and the NY Jets. I would like to congratulate all of the students involved as well as thank the numerous staff members who have worked so hard in planning for this event.
Early this month, I was fortunate enough to observe Lincoln Roosevelt’s 5th grade students during IPASS day. The IPASS initiative aims to reinforce core values and norms between and among students in order to cultivate a positive school climate. During the most recent IPASS day, students engaged in various activities that were designed to foster increased levels of engagement, collaboration and understanding. As an observer, it was wonderful to witness our students working together to complete various tasks with high levels of interest and excitement. I would like to thank all members of the IPASS team and the instructional staff and building administration at Lincoln Roosevelt for providing our students with such a meaningful learning experience.
On Halloween, the elementary students in grades Prek-4 were offered a number of celebratory and instructional activities to mark the special occasion. It was wonderful to see and hear about the innovative ways in which our elementary staff crafted learning opportunities that included fall and Halloween themes while maintaining academic rigor and connection to the curricula objections. I was able to witness firsthand how students were actively engaged in the learning process. I would also like to thank the numerous parent volunteers for their assistance.
Parent Involvement/Community
On October 12th, I attended the Distinguished Alumni and Academic Achievement Awards ceremony at RHS. Additionally, on behalf of the Board of Education, I had the honor of presenting the Distinguished Alumni Award to the family of Lea Witman Moore. Ms. Witman, who was unable to attend the event in person, provided a video message accepting the award. As a graduate of the class of 1999, she was honored for her inspiring work in advocating for the needs of neurodiverse individuals. What began as one mother’s quest to understand and advocate for her own child has transformed into an international platform for acceptance and education for individuals. For those of you who wish to learn more about this year’s recipient, please click here for her biography and accomplishments. The awards ceremony was a wonderful event that enabled the district to further celebrate the many accomplishments of our amazing students, past and present.
I would like to thank all of the parents and caregivers who have responded to the POG: Feedback Form survey. To date, there have been a total of 112 responses. Please know that I have and will continue to review the feedback that has been provided in order to further enhance the outcomes for our students. If you have not already done so, I ask that you complete the form at your earliest convenience. A copy of the form can be found here.
On October 30, 2023, I hosted the second Superintendent Coffee for the 2023-2024 school year. The session, which was well attended, took place at Franklin Elementary School and consisted of a presentation on the District’s Anti Bullying policies and procedures as well as the new requirements for districts regarding Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams. The session also included a question and answer period. I would like to thank all of the parents and community members who attended the event. A copy of the presentation can be found here. Please be advised that the next Superintendent Coffee will take place on November 30, 2023 at Kennedy Elementary School. The session will begin at 7pm and include a presentation on the results of the POG survey and intended next steps. There will also be time allotted for a question and answer session.
On November 2, 2023 I was able to meet with all of the PTA presidents in Roxbury. The meeting further enabled the various PTAs officers to collaborate with one another as well as plan for upcoming events. The discussion provided me with greater understanding of our students and families. I am incredibly grateful to the PTA presidents and leadership team members for their unwavering commitment to our school community.
Roxbury Township Public Schools
Website: roxbury.org
Location: 42 North Hillside Avenue, Succasunna, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-584-6099
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoxburyPublicSchools
"Preparing the children of today for tomorrow" is an elaborate venture. Through our district's "Schoolhouse ROX: A POGcast", members of our learning community will tell you all about a wide variety of programs, opportunities, and much much more. As a comprehensive public school district, we are committed to ensuring that each and every student is afforded learning experiences that will afford them a wide array of experiences that support their journey toward a fulfilling adult life. Click on the logo shown to hear our most recent POGcast and view our library of previous recordings.