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Matawan-Aberdeen Connections

April 2025 Newsletter

Matawan-Aberdeen Connections April 2025 Newsletter

Superintendent's Message

Dear Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District Community,

Earlier this week, I shared information with you about the 2025-2026 tentative school budget and how our district can secure additional state funding through the New Jersey Department of Education’s tax levy incentive program.


If you haven’t already, please read this memo to learn more. The Board of Education is still considering the outlined options and appreciates all community feedback over the next month. You can join us in these budget conversations by attending the following events:


  • Budget Community Forum - April 7, 6:30 -7:30 pm at Matawan Regional High School
  • Board of Education Meeting Committee of the Whole & Regular Action Meeting - April 10, 6:30 pm at Matawan Regional High School
  • Public Hearing for 2025-2026 Budget - April 24, 6:30 pm at Matawan Regional High School


If you cannot attend the meetings and would like to provide feedback, please contact the Board of Education using this form.

A photo pf Nelyda Perez

Finally, I wish all students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and enjoyable Spring Break. I encourage you to use this time off to recharge and return refreshed for the final stretch of the school year. Thank you for your continued support of MARSD, and have a wonderful Spring Break!


Sincerely,

Nelyda Perez

Superintendent of Schools

Meet the Board: Annette Ascoli

What inspired you to serve on the Board of Education?

My children and their classmates. There were issues I was seeing firsthand that I wanted to understand and work to resolve. I wanted to be more involved in a way that I could have a greater impact on making a positive difference for the students and the overall school community.

Annette Ascoli

Please tell us about your background and connections to the community and schools.

I have lived in Matawan with my husband for over 20 years, and we have three children. My daughter and son attend Matawan Regional High School, and my oldest daughter attends Fordham University/The Ailey School in NYC. Prior to being on the board, I had various roles on the school PTOs and worked for several years on the Ravine Drive Art Show. This is my sixth year on the board, where I have spent several years in leadership positions and actively involved on committees.

Which committees or initiatives are you most passionate about?

I have served on many committees during my time on the board. Currently, I'm on the Finance Committee, working to finalize our '25-'26 budget, ensuring that we provide a high-quality education while maintaining financial responsibility. I have been on the Negotiation Committee for the last two rounds of staff contract negotiations, plus the strategic planning, QSAC (Governance & Operations), Food Service, and Curriculum & Instruction committees. I am passionate about learning in order to make the best decisions for our children.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for MARSD?

This is a team effort, and the board can only make decisions with a majority vote in public. There are nine board members, 3 Matawan and 6 Aberdeen, with each of us getting one vote. We receive a lot of information pertaining to what's on the meeting agenda beforehand but doing your own research and actively listening leads to more informed decisions. Also, we encourage public attendance at our meetings; it's so important to hear from our community on district matters.

News From our Schools

Matawan Regional High School

The Matawan Regional High School thespians are proud to present their Spring Musical Pippin.

The Matawan Regional High School thespians are proud to present their Spring Musical Pippin. Tickets are on sale now by emailing Ms. Mackey at lmackey@marsd.org. Tickets are $12 for evening performances and $6 for the 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Showtimes are:


  • Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
  • Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.

Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School

The MAMS National Junior Honor Society recently organized a successful Puppy Love fundraiser. Our school's students and staff collected more than 1,200 dog food items which will be donated to local pet rescues and animal shelters. Three classes (Ms. Deyo, Mrs. Colao, Mr. DiMario) collected the most items and these learners earned a 1-hour experience to interact with puppies who are training to be service animals!

Lloyd Road Elementary School

Congratulations to Declan C., the winner of the Lloyd Road School Flag Design Contest! Lloyd Road students had the opportunity to submit flag designs as part of a school-wide contest, spearheaded by Matthew Wong, a MRHS student artist, and coordinated by Mrs. Gurney. The student flag designs were very creative, and the students did an incredible job. Declan’s design will be translated into a digital format and a flag will be ordered for the flagpole.

Strathmore Elementary School

Strathmore Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss with a week of theme days and activities in recognition of Read Across America. Friends, family and community members were invited to be guest readers throughout the week. The Cat in the Hat himself even stopped in to read to some of the students!

Ravine Drive Elementary School

On March 14, Ravine Drive hosted Mike Ciccotello for an author visit. Mr. Mike inspired all of the students, reminding everyone that they are already authors and have accomplished so much with their writing. Ravine Drive is grateful that the PTO sponsored this event and brought in an author who conveyed such a positive message to the students.

Cliffwood Elementary School

An entertaining skit starring Cliffwood staff, culminated in the announcement of this year’s book: "Adventure According to Humphrey!"

Monday, March 17, marked the official kickoff of our One School, One Book program. Each morning that week, students received fun clues, building anticipation for the big reveal. On Friday, they enjoyed an entertaining skit starring our very own Cliffwood staff, culminating in the announcement of this year’s book: "Adventure According to Humphrey!"


Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 9, for our next Title 1 Family Night, a special evening celebrating One School, One Book, and our annual Cliffwood Art Show. It promises to be a night full of creativity, community, and fun!

Cambridge Park Elementary School

Cambridge Park Elementary School's Buddy Reading event on Feb. 28 was a huge success. Over 300 parents came to read with the students. The school even had a special guest, The Cat in the Hat, come for a visit. This month was filled with opportunities to inspire a lifelong love of reading in Cambridge Park students.

Spotlight on Student Services

On March 3 we celebrated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day! SEL Day is a global campaign to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being. See how our schools celebrated this day!

  • April 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Community Forum at MRHS
  • April 10, 6:30 p.m. – Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting & Regular Action Meeting at MRHS
  • April 11 – Early Dismissal
  • April 14-April 21 – District Closed Spring Break
  • April 24, 6:30 p.m. – Public Hearing for 2025-2026 Budget at MRHS

Check the full calendar here. You can view the calendars on the new website by selecting All Calendars, or narrow your search to a specific school(s), and/or athletics.


The Board of Education also approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. You can view the calendar on the 2025-2026 tab at www.marsd.org/calendar.

Submit an Idea for a Story

Do you have good news to share about a student, staff member, team or club? We're always looking for opportunities to share school-community connections! Use this Google Form to tell us about it. We may feature it in some way on the district's newsletter or social media!

Matawan-Aberdeen Regional
School District