Blue Jay Broadcast
September 2020
Dear Families,
Ordinarily I would have scheduled several Meet and Greets to introduce myself as your new Principal at Middlesex High School. But these are not ordinary times. In fact, they are extraordinary and unprecedented. And I want to thank you for your patience and compassion during this crisis. I am truly honored to become part of a community, which has already given me such a warm welcome! In just the few interactions I’ve had with staff, students and families so far, it’s become abundantly clear that this school is a unique and special place.
Professionally, I possess over 30 years of experience in the field of education. I was a history teacher for over 14 years and a Director of Curriculum for the largest school district in the state. However, it may be more important for you to know that I am the single parent of two children as well. I fully understand the challenges and rewards you face every day as you work to ensure your child has the best educational experience. One of the most important aspects of my work here at MHS will be building strong relationships with students, teachers and families. My passion has been and always will be educating students. With that in mind, you can expect that I will work diligently with teachers to make sure our students are exposed to curriculum and instruction that is both engaging and challenging. I believe in the whole child approach to education and in student centered classrooms. But first and foremost, I will ensure the safety and well-being of every member of our school community.
I am truly honored to be given this opportunity and look forward to immersing myself completely in our school and in our community. I believe my main responsibility is to put our teachers in the best possible position to succeed, as they will in turn put our children in the best possible position to succeed. I look forward to meeting all of you whether in person or virtually as our new reality seems to have taken us. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
All My Best,
Ms. Dana Chibbaro, Principal
MHS Meet & Greet
Thursday, Sep 3, 2020, 01:30 PM
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2020-2021 School Goals
Goals are crucial to school success (and areas of life beyond the classroom). But goals are not checklists; they are part of a process - a collaborative one at that.
"It is not written in stone, nor is it ever truly complete. It evolves over time, becomes stronger as it adapts to new challenges even as it remains true to its core principles. Good strategy is never being, it is always becoming". ~ Greg Satell
With that in mind our goals for the upcoming year involve the following:
2. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Culturally Responsive Teaching, Equity Work, and Inclusion Strategies
3. Increasing Student Outcomes - Rigor and Relevance, Student Engagement through Project Based Learning (PBL), Professional Learning
B.R.I.G.H.T. - Building Relationships and Inspiring Growth and Hope Together
This program is a dynamic partnership between the Middlesex public school district and University Behavioral Healthcare (UBHC), a division of Rutgers University. The primary objective of the program is to help assure that children and adolescents will obtain needed assistance in an accessible location. They provide a range of free and confidential mental health services at the Middlesex Public Schools.
Referrals will be accepted from the student’s counselor, CST case manager, or school administrator. Teachers, school nurse and other staff members with concerns should contact the student’s counselor. Referrals may also be accepted directly from students and/or parents/guardians. The school counselor, CST member or administrator will meet with the student to discuss the referral and obtain informed parent/guardian consent concerning their interest in making a referral. They will also advise the school counselor that they are making the referral.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's counselor.
Back to School Night
Thursday, Sep 24, 2020, 06:30 PM
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Covid "Bell" Schedule
Welcome New Staff Members
Mrs. Margaret Wang
Mrs. Paola Grolli-Cole
Ms. Cat Pascarella
Hello! My name is Margaret Wang, and I will be the new Biology teacher at MHS. I grew up in NJ (Hunterdon County) and got my undergrad degree in Biology from Rutgers University. I then moved to Philadelphia for a couple of years, where I completed my Master's degree in Secondary Education at the University of Pennsylvania, and taught Biology in the public School District of Philadelphia. I recently moved back into the Central NJ area and am excited to join the team at Middlesex! During these past few months, my free time was usually spent playing with my two cats (Miso and Mochi), doing house renovation projects with my husband, or baking up a storm. But I'm glad to be back and hope to meet you all soon!
Hello I’m Mrs. Grolli-Cole, a native Italian and French speaker. I was born in Italy but grew up in Tahiti, French Polynesia and pursued all my post-secondary education in the United States, first in Hawaii and then in Rhode Island. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Hawaii, a Master’s degree in European Languages and Literatures also from University of Hawaii and a Master’s degree in French Studies from Brown University taking a break from finishing my Doctorate to start a family. After an exciting career in packaging development in Manhattan, I decided to return to teaching. The last three years, I’ve lived in Hawaii, Honolulu and Big Island, teaching Italian at the University of Hawaii and training educators in Social and Emotional Learning, the impact of various trauma, such as ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) on child development and learning and restorative practices for schools. After spending an extended “holiday” in Italy for the past 9 months I’ve relocated to New Jersey. I am excited to face the challenges of teaching in this new environment and getting to know the Middlesex Borough community.
My name is Catherine Pascarella. I was born and raised in Denville, NJ in a family along with two other sisters who are also teachers. I am a graduate of Syracuse University where I received a B.S. in mathematics and a B.A. in mathematics education. I still follow the Syracuse Orangemen in basketball and football, you have to love little Otto. I also attended William Paterson University to receive my Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification. My hobbies include music, coaching color guard, reading, singing, playing the ukulele, and schooling my friends and family in Mario Kart. I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to join the family here at Middlesex and I look forward to an amazing school year. Go Blue Jays!
Middlesex High School
Administration
Dana Chibbaro, Principal
Scott Walsh, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Powers, Director of School Counseling Services
Mike O’Donnell, Director of Athletics
School Counselors
Students with Last Names A-F
Karen Blumetti
Students with Last Names G-N
Gina Shehu
Students with Last Names O-Z
James Schmitt
Student Assistance Counselor
Stacy Ulmer
School Resource Officer
Officer Joleen Auricchio
Teacher Leaders English: Gabrielle Smith Fine and Practical Arts: Kelly Clark Mathematics: Jessica Bodenschatz Physical Education: Gary Brenner Science: Diane Gitler Social Studies: Paul Vernaci Special Education: Kristen Berkowitz World Languages: Ken Perez Support Staff School Nurse: Amelia Paul Librarian: Lauren Heiba Head Secretary: Theresa Cuba Main Office Secretary: Denise Calabrese School Counseling Secretary: Patricia Gardner
Email: chibbarod@middlesex.k12.nj.us
Website: www.middlesex.k12.nj.us
Location: Middlesex High School, John F Kennedy Drive, Middlesex, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-317-6000