Matawan-Aberdeen Connections

The 2024-25 school year is off to a wonderful start. Our classrooms are buzzing with energy, and it’s been nice to see our students return eager to learn and engage. Thank you to the incredible teachers and staff who created a welcoming environment for the return of our students. And thank you to the parents whose partnership, collaboration, and support with the schools creates a foundation of success for their children.

This e-newsletter is another way for our school community to connect and hear timely updates. Our priority at the start of the school year has been student health and safety so please pay special attention to the sections below about the importance of regular school attendance, an updated weapons policy, enforcement of the mobile device policy, and where to find support for mental health matters. Together, we can create an environment for students to thrive.

Let’s keep up the momentum as we head into the fall! Thanks for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Nelyda Perez

Superintendent of Schools

Sailors of the USS New Jersey and members of the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee recently visited classrooms at MRHS, speaking to students about what it's like serving on a nuclear submarine. A Commissioning Committee provides a wide range of events and awards leading up to the commissioning itself. These are to honor and welcome the crew, their families, and the to-be commissioned vessel to the fleet. The intent is also to introduce the crew and their families to the citizens of the great state of New Jersey and raise awareness to the continuation of the proud heritage of the name “USS New Jersey”. It was a special day for these students!

We recently honored staff members who served in the U.S. military in a special ceremony before the home football game on Friday, Sept. 6. Former MARSD superintendent Dr. Joseph “Jay” Majka, high school teachers Dave Miller and Eric Brown, and middle school teacher Anthony Certa were all honored last Friday, along with local police officers who served in the U.S. armed forces. The Color Guard was also present for the national anthem and for the special recognition ceremony.

At the start of this school year, we welcomed Maschio’s Food Services into the district. While this partnership was forged to provide better choices for students, it’s clear that some aspects of the service were not initially meeting the expectations of our families and students.

We deeply value this feedback and take this matter seriously, as the health and satisfaction of MARSD students is important. We are actively working with Maschio’s to address these concerns and questions.

Thirteen students and one staff member from the High School Student Advisory met with Maschio’s on Sept. 20. Since then, Maschio’s has implemented important changes:

· Toppings bar for burgers and chicken sandwiches

· Additional pizza options daily

· Additional signs for outside the cafeteria indicating options offered on each side

· Daily options read during morning announcements

· New section of the menu detailing each daily theme bar

· To ensure food is hot, the defective heat lamp on left side of the High School cafeteria will be repaired as part of the warranty

· Digital log created to accurately record breakfast and lunch being served at Cambridge Park to comply with the National School Lunch Program

Maschio’s also meet with the High School PTO on Sept. 23 for a walk-through of the cafeteria. The PTO learned about the food options available to students and sampled a chicken teriyaki noodle bowl entrée, which they loved!

Another student advisory meeting is scheduled to take place in the future at the Middle School.

Thank you for your patience as Maschio's continues to learn the preferences of students at each school. For full transparency, we have posted here the Request for Proposal procedure, showing how the provider was selected by committee, taking into consideration detailed criteria that was each assigned a point value. We value your input and encourage continued feedback as we work toward solutions.

As the school year gets underway, we want to remind everyone of district policies and resources that are meant to protect MARSD students. Parents should review these policies and resources with their children to ensure we have a successful school year.

1. Regular school attendance: Attending school every day is essential for academic achievement and long-term success. When students are present, they benefit tremendously from the learning environment and classroom experiences of MARSD. Each day missed represents a missed opportunity for growth and learning. Please review the district’s attendance policy.
2. Weapons policy: Safety and security is paramount in our schools. To provide this environment, the Board of Education has reviewed its policy regarding weapons and adopted an updated policy on Sept. 26. The bottom line is that we have a zero-tolerance policy for guns and any other weapons in schools. Please review the new policy.
3. Mobile device policy: As a reminder, we are aiming to reduce distractions that can interfere with academic engagement and achievement by enforcing the district’s policy on cell phones and other electronic devices. Please review the smart phone and mobile device policy.
4. Mental health matters: If your student is struggling with anxiety, stress, aggression, school refusal, substance abuse, bullying or other mental health issues, immediate help is available. CPC Integrated Health is available to our MARSD community with urgent mental health services, including assistance for self-harm. Call 1-877-652-7624. We also have a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County for school-based counseling services that empower children to cope with difficult situations. Please reach out to your child's school counselor for information and a referral. You're never alone!

As the school year gets underway, we want to remind everyone how how to address questions or concerns to most efficiently get a response:

1. Teacher: If the concern is classroom-related, parents should first reach out to the child’s teacher.
2. School counselor or case manager: For concerns about emotional, social, or academic guidance, contact the school counselor.
3. Principal, assistant principal, or director: The next point of contact if issues remain unresolved is to contact the assistant principal or principal for your school.
4. Superintendent or assistant superintendent: Parents can escalate their concerns to the district office if the issue is still unresolved.
5. Board of Education: For larger district-wide concerns or unresolved issues after following the proper channels, parents may bring their concerns to the school board at a public meeting.

Reaching out in this order, and following up the chain if your needs are not met, is the best way for you – and us – to take care of your student. It also ensures that you are receiving accurate information pertaining to your unique situation.

We also welcome you to attend the Board of Education’s bimonthly meetings.

• Oct. 3 – 4 – District Closed – Rosh Hashanah
  
• Oct. 11 – District Closed – Yom Kippur
• Oct. 14 – No School for Students/Staff In-service
• Oct. 17 – 6:30 p.m. Board of Education Action Meeting
• Oct. 31 – Early Dismissal for Students and Teachers

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!