Let's Talk TPS
October 25, 2023
![Let's Talk TPS October 25, 2023](https://cdn.smore.com/u/807c/f1fc0d5710dd4f57d7102a139e171556.jpg)
An Elementary Story Called Maugham
It often makes sense to begin at the beginning. When the category is “Elementary Schools in Tenafly”, and the question is “which is the oldest?”, the answer (obviously–in the form of a question) is: “What is Maugham?”.
Opened in 1929 on Magnolia Avenue, Maugham Elementary School has had nine school principals - including Dr. Jennifer Ferrara - throughout its nearly 100-year history. The very first principal is the school’s namesake, Ralph Sylvester Maugham. What do we know about Mr. Maugham? Well, he was born in Jersey City in 1859 and came to Tenafly in 1886 to teach. He and his wife had seven children, one of whom was a teacher, and another who tragically died in a boating accident. At 5’ 8” tall, he was a man of conviction. He was the editor of the local paper, Tenafly Record, and one of 41 people who signed a petition in 1893 for Tenafly to become a borough. According to Tenafly historian Virginia Mosley, Maugham expressed his belief that schools “are community centers in which children are taught to appraise motives and actions, and form ideals for their own lives.”
When J. Spencer Smith, then Board of Education President, spoke at the Maugham School Dedication Ceremony, he praised Maugham as “the man who has perhaps done more to help build up the community than any other man.” Maugham’s grandchildren, pictured to the upper right, attended the ceremony with him.
Today, Maugham School has 354 students and, externally, is as beautiful as the day it opened. Still, this school, like many of its age, is in need of upgrades and modifications in order to meet the needs and expectations of this high-performing district. Please keep a lookout in the coming weeks/months for how we propose to expand upon Maugham's rich historic footprint.
Yours in Education,
Michael Ben-David, Superintendent
Note: The picture on top is from when Maugham Elementary opened. The picture below is a rendering of the proposed addition.
Attend in person or by Zoom
Regular Public Meeting - Monday, November 20 at 7 pm
Regular Public Meeting - Monday, December 11 at 7 pm
Click on the orange bar above for more details.
Student Spotlight: THS Senior, Cindy Pyo
Subin (Cindy) Pyo, a THS senior and future scientist, is now a co-author of a book chapter entitled “Modeling Notch Activity and Lineage Decisions Using Intestinal Organoids” in Intestinal Differentiated Cells, Methods and Protocols in Molecular Biology. The principal investigator and Cindy's mentor, Chia-Wei Cheng, Ph.D., leads the Cheng Lab at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (NYC). Cindy secured her spot in this lab by ambitiously sending out cold calls to university professors. Today, she is the senior member of a lab team who spend their days researching intestinal stem cells and its response to dietary changes in hopes of identifying new therapeutic strategies for treating cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal diseases. Did we mention that Cindy's mother takes her there nearly every day, after school, and has been doing so since her sophomore year? That's dedication! To learn more about Cindy Pyo, her research, her love of playing the violin, and what she wants to do after high school, be sure to read the full story HERE. Congrats Cindy, and keep up the great work!
Stillman's Pinwheels for Peace & Love
A Week of Respect
Our district kicked off this October's Week of Respect with magician, Joe Romano, who visited all four elementary schools. He wowed us with his amazing magic tricks while reminding us that there is plenty of magic within each of us when we believe in ourselves, and show respect and kindness to one another! Everyone was very impressed with his tricks and his important message! Thank you to the HSAs for sponsoring Mr. Romano's visits!
Mackay Celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month
Mackay School recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an incredible afternoon of song and dance from Colombia. The students loved the performance given by the Kike Banquez Dance and Music Troupe. They listened to the instruments and the rhythms that they made, along with the costumes, dance moves and more! Some even had the chance to join in! The school sends special thanks to Senora Guerrero and their HSA.
Last Chance! - Nominations Due Oct. 27 for Governor's Educator of the Year
Do you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? Please visit your school website to submit your recommendation/s for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. Be sure to complete and return the nomination form to the respective building principal by Friday, October 27th. Administrators, staff members, students, parents, and community members are encouraged to participate. You can find additional eligibility criteria HERE.
DEI Committee Reconvenes
For the 2023-2024 school year, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee is reconvening to delve into meaningful discussions and take concrete steps towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our educational environment. The first meeting was held yesterday. Future Committee meeting dates are as follows: December 19th, February 6th, April 9th, and June 4th. If you are new to our community, or did not participate last year but would like to join our DEI Committee this year, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Jeff Gorman, Assistant Superintendent, via email - jgorman@tenafly.k12.nj.us. Your insights and perspectives are vital to our mission, and we wholeheartedly welcome everyone's contributions.
SEPAC Meeting Nov. 2nd
The next Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 8:45 am (note the new date). The in-person meeting will be held at Central Office, 500 Tenafly Road. For Zoom, please complete the registration form .
From the Community - Click or Scan for More Information
Questions/Concerns
- Mackay School - hchizzik@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Maugham School - jferrara@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Smith School - dgeorge@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Stillman School - glander@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Tenafly Middle School - jfabbo@tenafly.k12.nj.us
- Tenafly High School - jmorrison@tenafly.k12.nj.us