Winter Wrap-Up

Dear Families,

The first half of this school year has truly flown by!

Reflecting on 2024, I feel deeply grateful that I have the opportunity to learn from you, your children, and our dedicated staff. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our work together to shape the bright future of our school district.

Please take a moment to review the updates and celebrations below. Wishing you and your family a wonderful February!

Sincerely,

Christina Egan

Our school district proudly participates in New Jersey's "Educator of the Year" program, and each year one exceptional teacher and one exceptional education services professional from each school are recognized for their skill, commitment and contributions to the school community.

This year, we are excited to honor the following individuals:

Mrs. Smith has been a member of the WLB staff for over a decade, and most recently has served as a first grade special education teacher in a co-teaching classroom at Betty McElmon Elementary School for several years. Along with using data to inform instructional decision making, she works closely with the Child Study Team to develop accommodations and modifications that are tailored to meet the needs of the individual students in her class. She is dedicated and motivated to truly support her students in meeting their potential.

Mrs. Smith's impact is not limited to the students in her classroom. She generously shares her experience and knowledge with all BME students through her work on the school Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) team. As a member of this team, she assists in brainstorming strategies and building plans to help support students who might be struggling with academics or behavior.

She is a kind and caring colleague, and her dedication in the classroom and participation on the I&RS team have a positive impact on student learning.

Mrs. Hennelly is a preschool special education aide at Betty McElmon Elementary School. In this role, she supports the classroom teacher in providing her assigned students with whatever supports they need to thrive and learn in the bustling preschool classroom.

In addition to her work directly with students, Mrs. Hennelly is an important and much-appreciated member of the staff. Her outgoing and friendly personality makes her an approachable and supportive colleague and friend. In short, Mrs. Hennelly embodies the qualities of the 2024-2025 Educational Services Professional of the Year.

Ms. Maiorella is an exceptional middle school science and social studies teacher whose engaging and dynamic teaching style makes her a memorable and highly effective Frank Antonides School favorite.

Her resourcefulness in utilizing diverse materials elevates her teaching, and Ms. Maiorella goes to great lengths to ensure that her lessons are relevant and inspiring. The inclusion of live animals, such as her classroom turtles Chocolate and Chip, transforms her space into a dynamic, immersive learning environment that sparks curiosity and meaningful conversations about science and the natural world.

Above all, Ms. Maiorella is a compassionate and caring educator whose enthusiasm for science and the environment is contagious. It is an honor to recognize her for her outstanding contributions to our school, and her positive impact on her students!

Mrs. Kiernan is an exceptional instructional aide, who serves the students of Frank Antonides School with dedication and care. She works closely with staff to meet the needs of special education students, giving generously of her time and talents to ensure they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Her students and colleagues adore her, which is a testament to her warmth, thoughtfulness, and reliability.

Mrs. Kiernan's positive spirit and steadfast commitment to her students' success create a lasting impact not only on their lives, but also on their families and the broader school community. We are proud to celebrate her contributions this year.