Superintendent Newsletter
Roxbury Public Schools
Winter 2023/2024 ❄️
Greetings!
I hope this message finds you and your family well. It is my hope that all staff, students, and families enjoy a relaxing winter break and a Happy New Year!
Upon review of the newsletter, if you have any questions or would like clarification on any item, please feel free to contact me at fsantora@roxbury.org.
Regards,
Frank Santora, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Our Committed Staff
I would like to thank our dedicated faculty and staff for their tireless efforts in the pursuit of maximal outcomes for our students. It has been a pleasure to get to know and work alongside such a talented group of professionals. I am so grateful to each and every one of our staff members and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the coming new year!
The Student Experience
On November 15, 2023, the District and RHS building leadership hosted an information session for current eighth graders. The focus of the presentation was the various academic and professional preparation programs offered at RHS. In addition to presentations by our dedicated faculty, there were also presentations from current RHS students enrolled in the various programs. Typically, this program is held in January, however, in order to provide prospective students with the knowledge of our amazing program earlier in their eighth grade year, the program was held this Fall. The session was well attended and provided individuals with a vast amount of knowledge regarding the many offerings and options available at Roxbury High School. I would like to thank and congratulate all of the administrators, teachers and students who contributed to the event.
On November 16, 2023, I attended the National Honors’ Society Induction at RHS. In addition to attending, I was given the great honor of providing the closing remarks for the evening. During the ceremony, students were recognized and celebrated for their tremendous accomplishments both in school and in the surrounding community. The evening also included performances from our talented students as well as words of wisdom from select faculty members and RHS Principal Mr. Miller. It was wonderful to share in the celebration of our students and their families on a most special occasion.
On December 1, 2023, a Pajama Day was held throughout the district to help raise monies for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
During the December 11, 2023 Board of Education meeting, the district was fortunate to honor our very own RHS Marching Gaels and RHS Football Team for their Championship Seasons. It was truly wonderful to witness such large segments of our community coming together to honor the efforts of the dedicated students. Congratulations again to all the students, their families and staff.
During the most recent board meeting, there was also a presentation on the Junior ROTC program at RHS. The program began at the start of the 2023-2024 school year as a partnership with the Mount Olive School District. From the onset of this partnership, there has been a great deal of positive response from staff and students. During the presentation at the board of education meeting, students from both RHS as well as Mount Olive High School provided a comprehensive overview of the program including the educational and training experiences provided to the students. I was very impressed with the students and am grateful to all involved.
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Over the last month, students across the district, in grades Kindergarten through twelve have participated in various musical performances that have showcased not only the talent of our students but also the enthusiasm of our highly effective staff. I was fortunate enough to attend the holiday sing along events at both Jefferson and Nixon Elementary schools; and you can click here to listen to a sampling of our students preparing for their RHS Winter Choral Concert. The students sang with such enthusiasm and joy. The faculty and staff at each of the schools were also present and enthusiastic in their support of their students.
On December 14, 2023, I was fortunate enough to attend a Holiday Luncheon put together by the students in the Vista Program. The students worked diligently to create a wonderful event that was enjoyed by all who were in attendance. I would like to thank all of the students in the program for their hard work in preparing for the luncheon. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the instructional staff members who assisted the students in hosting the luncheon. Please know that I was truly honored to attend the event and witness firsthand students’ progress and growth as learners.
Earlier this week, students from Lincoln-Roosevelt School gathered together to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of one of Roxbury’s residents who lives nearby the school. The students were led in song by their music teacher, Ms. Ellen Ng. I was fortunate enough to attend this event and it was truly special to witness our students as they celebrated such an important milestone in the life of one of our community members. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Lincoln Roosevelt faculty and administration in arranging this special occasion.
On December 21, 2023, students and staff at Eisenhower Middle School participated in the Hallway Tours Experience. Groups of students and staff decorated various hallways of the school according to various themes. Each theme corresponded to a different celebration. While I was unable to attend the official debut and contest on Thursday morning, I was able to walk through the hallways the afternoon prior and observe the students and staff working diligently to decorate the hallways. I was truly impressed not only by our students' creativity but also their excitement in preparing for this event.
Parent Involvement / Community
On December 12, 2023, I was able to attend the Town Council meeting where our Marching Gaels were recognized for their amazing accomplishments this past season. The meeting room was filled with proud family and community members. Each student was individually recognized for their efforts. This event was a perfect example of our community’s engagement and commitment to one another. I felt truly honored to be present for this event.
On November 30, 2023, I hosted the third Superintendent Coffee for the 2023-2024 school year. The session took place at Kennedy Elementary School and consisted of a presentation on the results of the POG Parent survey. 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 Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Jefferson Elementary School. The session will begin at 7pm and include a presentation. There will also be time allotted for a question and answer session.
Roxbury Township Public Schools
Website: roxbury.org
Location: 42 North Hillside Avenue, Succasunna, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-584-6099
"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.