Monday, September 3, 2018

Phenomenal Friday: New School Year Kickoff Edition

Hello all,

By all, I mean staff who have worked this summer, staff that work 10 months, staff just joining the family (Welcome Again), part-time staff and everyone in-between. I think that covers it. So here we go, the start of a new School Year - 2018–2019 begins Tuesday. People respond differently to this news…for some it means the end of summer, the end of ‘fun’ (as my own children sometimes say), no more late nights during the week or sleeping late, for others it is simply that time and no big deal one way or the other, for the lucky few who can see everyday as the amazing gift that it is – EXCITEMENT for the possibilities a New School Year bring, new friends to make, new content to learn or help others learn, a chance to be better than you were before. I am looking forward to the start of this new year. While I will miss the summertime, I am ready.

There is a great deal of excitement and activity over the summer months to share. When those who have been off return, I am certain you will hear all about it here is a bit of the summer 2018. Renovations for the new high school are more than underway – they are ramped up. When you have the chance to take a look for yourself just try to keep the goal-line in sight. Keep imagining the final outcome and recognize that the construction is temporary. Like Coach Surace would often say, “Pain is temporary – Pride is forever”…and that is applicable to this project. Students going through the MSHS during this construction will need to be understanding, they will need to understand that they will forever be remembered as the class or classes that attended during the ‘pain phase’ and how important it was for some to go through this construction so that Millville could have a high school facility that was updated and able to house generations of Bolts to come as they go after their dreams. Staff members as well will need to be flexible and work with the end in mind. Construction is messy…and creating something better usually comes at a cost – I am confident our staff will be role models as this project unfolds. The custodial crew at MSHS (and throughout the District) have been preparing all summer for the new year.

This summer, we replaced 200 teacher laptops. In addition, we added 400 Chromebooks at Lakeside which will bring the entire District to nearly 1:1 status for devices to students. The exception being grades 9-12 have classroom carts that need to be shared until future plans can address that. Kudos to the IT Department as they keep meeting the increased demand and load without additional staff – simply doing more with less is something we all are familiar with and IT has exemplified that this summer.

Lakeside also is enjoying the benefits of additional lighting for their parking lot. This much needed addition was completed this summer. Maintenance upgrades and improvement throughout the District such as: replaced older exterior doors, replaced aging plumbing fixtures (urinals), new roofing over weight room  and D-hall at senior high, the purchase of new surveillance equipment – camera system for Lakeside…the first of security upgrades to follow. Along the theme of school security, the administrative staff members were trained in ALICE response protocols. Participation in the training had an impact on me. I would go so far as to say all who participated felt similarly. Speaking just from my experience, the simulation and drills by our local volunteers were excellent in creating as close to a real-life experience as possible. I have personally been in countless security practice drills, observed dozens of other school districts protocols, but participation in this ALICE training made it abundantly clear I wasn’t prepared. The speed in which your safety can be threatened and what that speed does to your ability to act & think was eye-opening.

SHOUT-OUTS!

Holly
"I would like to give a shout out to our Holly Heights custodial staff for doing a great job of getting our building ready for the start of the school year.  It is obvious how much pride they take in their work and how nice they want everything to look for the return of students and teachers."
~Steve Saul

Bacon School
"A big thanks to Frank, Glenn, Ben, and Jacob for getting the building ready to go.  Also, shout out to Dina Klaudi and Laurie Polof in the office for all their work to prepare for the upcoming year.  Thank you all!  It's going to be a great year!"
~Mike Coyle

Math/Science
"Nina Crain, Hollie Smith, and Beth Benfer were turnkey trainers for our K-2 staff to get familiar with our new Eureka Math program this summer. Not only did these outstanding staff members give up time from their summer to sit through 2 full-day training sessions in New York, but they came in to prep and present to their peers despite never having taught the program themselves. They did an absolutely AMAZING job presenting and thanks to their work, an additional 24 staff members have been exposed to the program before school starts."
Thanks!
~Bobby Barber Jr.

Special Education Summit
"Thanks to the 40 teachers, paras, administrators, and child student team members who attended this year's collaborative meeting to continue our mission of learning and incorporating bet practices into our classroom curriculum."
~Steve Matusz

Human Resource
"I would like to thank everyone who served on Interview Committees this summer.  Your efforts and dedication in selecting the most highly-qualified candidates to serve our students was reflected in your recommendations.  We are excited to welcome 38 new staff members to our Millville Family thus far!  We wish them and everyone a successful year!  I'd also like to thank my Human Resources' team.  You ladies did an outstanding job in assisting our new hires with paperwork and all of the other pertinent information to get everyone ready for the new school year.  As Taylor Swift put it, "This is a new year. A new beginning!"  Here's hoping your beginning ends up GREAT!"
Donna Meyers

Superintendent’s Office
"I had the pleasure of meeting 18 of the 22 new staff members during their New Staff Orientation. Once again, I find myself humbled and proud to be part of this family as the quality of new hires is impressive. Learning a bit about each of their stories and diverse backgrounds was very encouraging. I am confident each will add to our collective capacity for greatness. Despite the fact that several of our new family members grew up in neighboring Vineland, each expressed how they will no longer wear anything but the Orange & Blue (especially on game days, that is if they want to stay in the family ;) I am just joking obviously! It is awesome to see that we have a variety of new staff that come to us with prior experiences in education, while others from prior careers – alternative route – and for some this is their very first opportunity to showcase all they are yet to do.

I am confident that all of our existing staff members will welcome the new members with open arms. One theme was consistent from each of the 18 new Bolts I met; each expressed that everyone they have met so far in Millville has been kind, welcoming, and genuine. Everyone please join me with a sincere welcome and open invitation to the new family members: Nicola Tasoff, Courtney Fralick, Dominick Pontari, Samuel (Sammy) Corda, Sasha Earl, Brian (Kyle) Blackburn, Amy Gandy, Danielle Ferrari-Quenzel, Megan Catell-Protze, Rachel Migliaccio, Holly Ruscica, Mallori Higbee, Brandie Cesari (who has traveled far and wide, places like Kuwait; ask her about her exciting story), Kristin Fasolino, Kristen Trusty, Kelly Bertnozzi, Elisabeth Mamourian-Corona, Cassandra (long A Casey) Clifford, Gabrielle Calabrese, Timothy (very very very distant – eh actually no relationship to Mike) Trout, Katie McCarthy, and last but not least Dana Mauro!"

WELCOME to ALL New Members of #mpswc
Dr. G


*One Last Shout-out: Special recognition to all working overtime this weekend in order to prepare MSHS for an opening day to be proud of! Head Custodian Dominic Caravelle and the custodial/maintenance crews are working in cooperation with outside construction companies.  Your efforts are recognized and appreciated!

Have a great weekend!

Regards,
Dr. G.

Dr. David N. Gentile
Superintendent of Schools
“Lead Learner”
@drgentile_mps (Twitter)
856-327-6001

#MPSWC (MPS World Class)
#greatdaytobeabolt


Published by Spike Cook, Millville, NJ

No comments:

Post a Comment