Let's Talk TPS
September 12, 2024
Why a Referendum? And why now?
Next week (September 17th) Tenafly residents will be voting on a bond referendum for our school district. Understandably, the total cost has raised questions. So, let’s address the facts.
In the June 5th issue, I explained that the age of our schools is a major concern. The newest one - Tenafly High School - is already over 50 years old, and the oldest one - Maugham Elementary - is almost 100 years old. With this referendum, necessary repairs and renovations are planned across all six schools: safety and security upgrades; maintenance projects such as roofing, windows, heating/cooling systems, masonry repairs and parking lot improvements; expansions to meet varied student needs that call for specialized instruction in a classroom space that is flexible and appropriately sized; and upgrades to auditoriums and athletic facilities that would continue to support the Tenafly student experience and serve as a community resource.
So, why now? Since 2011, New Jersey’s system for funding schools has made it almost impossible to service significant capital improvement needs inside an ordinary school budget. With each subsequent year this has become an even greater challenge–which is why so many districts are going out for referendums.
The good news is that the state does help school districts who use bond funding to pay for capital improvements, and it does that with your tax dollars! The bad news: your tax dollars are currently going to school districts other than Tenafly. A voter-approved bond referendum on September 17th would bring $16.5 million in state aid back to Tenafly. That’s a fact.
I encourage you to learn more by visiting our website - tenaflyschools.org/vote.
Yours in Education,
Michael Ben-David J.D./M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools
Remembering September 11th
It's a day we promised to "never forget." Yet on this 23rd anniversary of that tragic day, we recognize that for our students, pre-k through grade 12, it's a history lesson. In recognition of September 11th, our schools led age-appropriate lessons. Featured here is Mackay School's annual gathering around a lowered flag where the students heard moving words from Principal Chizzik, and listened to Ms. DeJoseph perform "Taps".
Seniors Welcome Freshmen
Your first week of high school can be exciting and a little scary. That's why having a senior as your "go to" person can be extremely comforting! Last Friday, at their annual kick-off breakfast, THS seniors met the freshmen they will be mentoring for this entire school year. The senior peers prepare for this role by first completing a three-day retreat. Then the two meet every other week to review all the topics and issues that freshmen might face in their transition to high school. Peers are often called upon when a student needs a big buddy, lunch buddy, study buddy, etc. The opening lesson involved "getting to know you" activities as well as giving brief bios of the high school experience. Having a senior who is there for you during your freshman year is an excellent way to start high school!
Principal George Visits Korea
What did you do this summer? Smith School's Principal George traveled to Korea for the 4th annual 2024 Summer Program in Korea for U.S. Administrators, sponsored by the Ministry of Education of Korea, Korean Education Center of New York, and Korean Language Foundation. This year's program included 12 administrators from Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, and New Jersey. They spent a full week exploring the beautiful country, visiting schools, and immersing themselves in the culture. Upon her return from this wonderful, action-packed experience, Principal George and her travel group were invited to a dinner in New York City with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea (pictured here). An experience to remember!
Weight Room Gets a New Look!
Anyone visiting the THS Weight Room will be quite surprised to see its new location and amazing transformation! Special thanks to our facilities crew, THS custodians, and our Business Administrator, Mr. Frost. This new room will provide additional opportunities for use by various teams, especially in the summer. The "old" room will be renovated for use by physical education classes and for additional athletic teams usage.
TMS Student Sets Guinness World Record
In our February 28th issue, we celebrated Dashel Prywes, now a 7th grade TMS student, who has been on a mission to raise awareness for childhood kidney disease by hoping to set a Guinness World Record for building the tallest Magna-tile tower (see picture from his practice run at TMS).
Well, it's official...he did it! His tower was over fifty feet high and you can watch some of the building of it HERE. Talk about reaching new heights! Congrats Dashel!
