Summit Scoop
A monthly District newsletter
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District Leaders Present Midyear Goals Review
At the January Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Scott Hough was joined with Dr. Crystal Marr, Director of Student Personnel Services, and Heather Rocco, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, to present a midyear review of the District goals. The presentation included completed and ongoing initiatives related to each of the four goals. To view the presentation slides, please click on the image on the right. To view the recording of the presentation from the Board meeting, please click on the button below.
Coffee and Conversation with the Board of Education
Save the date! Meet members of the Summit Board of Education at the next Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, February 12, from 9:30am-10:30am. Parents, guardians, and members of the Summit community are welcome to attend this informal gathering, which will be held in the Washington Elementary School Library Media Center
PEP Program Accepting Applications
The PEP Program, a college-access organization offering academic and social-emotional support and college tuition assistance, is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The program seeks motivated and eligible sixth-grade Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School students to apply. The application deadline is Friday, January 31, 2025.
According to PEP Program Executive Director Maria Shepard Mendez, the program “can be transformative for students who are achievement-oriented and community-minded.” She noted that PEP “offers a comprehensive support system that includes subject-specific tutoring, study skills coaching, test preparation, social-emotional development, cultural enrichment, and college guidance” for middle and high school students. After high school graduation, she added, “We provide ongoing support, helping students navigate college and prepare for their careers.”
Students and their parents or guardians must complete an application to be considered for the program. The application helps PEP staff assess each applicant’s potential for success and ensures the program matches each student's academic and personal growth needs. “Students who thrive in PEP are committed to continual academic improvement, personal growth, and community service. They are willing to step out of their comfort zones and actively participate in new experiences,” said Shepard Mendez.
Current sixth-grade students at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School interested in learning more about the PEP Program or applying are encouraged to visit https://www.pepprogramnj.org/ or contact the program office at 908-277-1106. An information session for parents and guardians will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School was able to hold an advisory assembly for our 6th and 7th grade students through the generous grant funded by the Summit Educational Foundation. On Thursday, January 9, Sgt. Thomas Rich from the Summit Police Department spoke to our students about internet safety and security. Through his dynamic and engaging approach, Sgt. Rich was able to discuss relevant and important concerns surrounding cell phone and internet use. Some topics covered in his presentation were setting safety controls on devices, location tracking, safe communication, and cyberbullying. We look forward to the continued partnership as we navigate these topics!
The Summit High School Girls Cross Country team had a remarkable 2024 season. Team highlights include:
- 3rd in the toughest Union County Conference division!
- 5th at Union County Champs (against one of the best teams in the country!)
- 3rd at Sectionals (nearly tied for 2nd!)
- 8th at Groups
Both Ella Ryan and Violet Becker made 1st team All Conference and 2nd team All County. Eliana Ovesen and Ella Reinhardt-Hepler both received honorable mentions for the All-Conference team.
Congratulations to Sam Henry, 2x County Champion at Heavyweight!
LCJSMS Students Accepted into Central Jersey Intermediate Region Band and Orchestra
At the end of January, five LCJSMS students were accepted into the Central Jersey Intermediate Region Band and Orchestra! These students competed against hundreds of students from across central Jersey to earn themselves a select spot in these prestigious ensembles. 8th grader Donald Lee (trumpet), 8th grader Fiona Kelder (french horn), and 6th grader Jonathan Patel (tuba) successfully received spots in the Symphonic Band. 8th grader Hannah Oh (violin) got a spot in the String Orchestra. An extra congratulations goes to 8th grader Daniel Levington (trumpet) for receiving our district's highest score of the day and placing into the top ensemble, the Wind Ensemble. After a series of rehearsals, these students will be performing an amazing concert on Sunday March 2nd at Bridgewater Raritan Middle School.
