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

‘PH’-inal Phenomenal Friday 2017-2018

Greetings and salutations,

Graduation officially came and went marking the close of 2017-2018 School Year. For me, it marked the conclusion of 8 wonderful school years in the Millville Public Schools as superintendent. I feel very fortunate to have served this community during that time. Thank you for sharing your talents, knowledge, and expertise with our students!

I want to wish all of our 10 month staff a happy summer as well as for us 12 month’ers. Summer hopefully is a time for family, friends, and to get to all of those projects or ideas that got shoved to a corner of your desk.

Lastly, a summary of last night’s graduation for those who couldn’t attend or tune in. The weather cooperated fully as overcast skies gave way to a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. Very warm temperatures especially for those in the visitor section or on the field. The crowd was large as has become the expectation. The Class of 2018 was the appropriate blend of excitement, nerves, happiness and a sprinkle of sadness.

The Board President, Kimberly Carty, delivered the opening remarks and set the tone for a respectful celebration. The student speakers absolutely crushed their time at the podium. Truly impressive. Just prior to the distribution of diplomas it was my turn to speak.

What happened next was definitely the highlight of the evening. Before you say “wow that is an awfully confident- perhaps even egotistical” let me share my reasoning. In an attempt to provide some insightful advice for our students about how “success” is very personal and only each individual can define what it means for them to be “successful”. I instead delivered a tongue-tied bumbled bit of advice something like “the key to sssssex is”. 

After graduation ceremony concluded, I called home to say I would be home shortly. My wife of course said how did it go. I shared my slip up with her. After she finished hiding her laughter she said “well at least everyone will remember what you said”. The glass is always half full if you are willing to look at the bright-side and if you are able to laugh at yourself.

Best wishes for a great summer and until September when we all gather again for a new start, be well. (If you have already gone to the beach or fishing. If you already left your work email behind and you find yourself reading this for the first time in September 2018, I hope you had a nice summer).

Shout-outs

"A BIG Shout OUT to Olga Caez for her many years with the Child Family center students and families.  She is always ready to lend a hand with helping to translate.   She has worked in our Wrap Around program and been instrumental in planning fun events for the children in her after school class. Joan Sharpless has been instrumental in planning classroom activities with her teacher.  She loves the cold weather and brings that joy to the three year olds in her classroom.  Frank Bucci always puts a smile on people's face and has a heart of GOLD  May they all enjoy their RETIREMENT but remember they always have a home at CFC!"

 "A HUGE shout out to the BEST staff in Millville Public Schools.  From cleaning to cooking to teaching and nurturing YOU are ALL the most MAGICAL staff!!  I spent all morning listening to so many parents commend each and every one of you for all that you have done  for their children and families.  It is from the deepest part of my heart that I am thankful for the hard work you do each and every minute of every single day!!!!"
~JoAnn Burns, Principal

"Thank you, Maris Lynn for all you have done this year for Special Services, World Languages, RtI, Bilingual and ELs! You've brought positivity, creativity and major change to our EL procedures and the high school transition process with DVRS. Thank you for a job well done. I will miss working side by side with you. Wishing you much success as you explore future endeavors!"
~Debra Sukinik, Supervisor

"On behalf of all of the staff at Lakeside Middle School, I would like to thank Susanne Flickinger, Susan Corson, Bernie Cirocco, Shari Booz, Irene Dandrea, Paula Cain, and Traci Gandy for their dedicated service to the students and community of Millville. We will truly miss them and we wish them well on their retirement."
~Spike Cook, Principal

"A big  thank you to Dr. Robinson for his involvement with the Millville Police Athletic League. He has volunteered for numerous activities with our organization. He has also allowed us to use Rieck Avenue School for our activities. Dr. Robinson understands the importance of having students involved in positive after school activities. Thank you for all you do!"
~Harry Drew, Principal

 "A big shout out to the Silver Run Family who have given their time, energy, and effort to create a safe learning environment for our students. We have achieved many successes across this year that would not have been possible without the commitment and unwavering dedication of some truly remarkable people. Thank you for all that you do! ENJOY your SUMMER!!"
~Eric Reissek, Principal

"A big shout out to our Holly Heights staff for all of their hard work and dedication during the 2017-2018 school year.  Thank you for everything that you do for the children of Millville.  Best wishes for a relaxing summer."
~Steve Saul, Principal

"Gerald Bruman, Shawn Jenkins, and Stacey Musey are leaving today to chaperone and coach our Robotics team in the National Championships that start on Sunday. They are sacrificing their time to support a group of kids that have worked tirelessly this past year to build, test, modify, compete, modify again, ...(it's a huge loop) their robot to be competitive on a national level. Thank you for your dedication and good luck this weekend. We're all already proud of what you've done (but a trophy would be nice!)"
~Bobby Barber, Supervisor

"Class of 2018 - It has been an honor...now go make those dreams a reality!"
~Steve Matusz, Exec. Director Special Services

"Bacon Staff: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now, go enjoy yourselves. And before you know it, you'll once again hear my bright, cheery voice in the morning calling out, "GOOD MORNING, BACON BEEEAARRRSSSS!!" But seriously, enjoy the well-earned, well-deserved break. Stay golden. And to quote that song from the Karate Kid, "You're the best around."
~Mike Coyle, Principal

 Have a great summer!
Regards,
Dr. G.

Published by Spike Cook, Millville, NJ

June 15, 2018

The Principal's Breakfast at LMS

Hello all,

…..tic toc….the countdown is underway! Enjoy the remaining time with your students and each other as we prepare for next week’s graduation! Happy FriPAYday!



Shout-outs!
"The staff at Memorial did an unbelievable job during the PARCC testing this year.  Everyone did their part and it made for a very smooth administration.  I just want to say thank you to everyone."
~Steve Platt, Vice Principal

"Colleen Blithe, Gerald Bruman, Stacy Descalzi, Bobby Drewnowski, Jillian Heacox, Jennifer Salvati, and Julie Stewart:  I'd like to give a big shout out to the team of teachers that is turning a vague, little idea about a mobile STEM lab into a reality for our 5th grade students next year. They teach in different buildings at different grade levels and have come together in a very short amount of time to develop a plan to bring highly engaging STEM activities to every 5th grader in the district. It's been a pleasure working with this group and I'm excited to see their ideas come to life next year."
~Bobby Barber, Supervisor

"Congratulations to our three retirees from Holly Heights: Pat Fredrick, Gladys Mercado, and Margaret Vetter!! Thank you for everything that you have done for our students!"
~Steve Saul, Principal

"A Big Bacon Bears shoutout to Kim O'Neill for always stepping up to help other staff members.  Kim won't hesitate to cover a period, take an extra class, or do what's needed to lend a helping hand.  Thanks Kim.  We appreciate all you do!"
~Mike Coyle, Principal

"Patrecia Schwailik’s English class students exceeded their goal to read 100 books this year...they broke her class record and read 125!  Her passion and enthusiasm for her students shines through in her classroom.  They also had a great party to celebrate and they were all so proud!!"
~Steve Matusz, Exec. Director Special Services

"I would personally like to thank everyone in the district from teachers to principals to our IT Department for ensuring a successful testing platform for all of our students in Millville during PARCC and NJSLA-S.  Jackie Cruz, Camille Howard, Amy Scull, Pat Fredrick, Susan Brozina, Kim Hallenbeck, Steve Platt, and Kristin McManus served as School Test Coordinators.  They worked many hours prior to and during testing to update student files, create schedules, test every student, and troubleshoot once testing began.  I thank them for their dedication to the work and our students. "
~Pat Wulk, Supervisor

"Congratulations to Jesse Jones and Tom Costa who are both retiring this summer!  They have helped immensely behind the scenes (literally) getting presentations ready, maintaining our auditoriums and building sets.  I wish them the best of everything in their retirement!"
~Henry Hartman, Supervisor

"Lisa Oquendo hosted the Salad Social at Lakeside Middle School to raise money for the Principal's Breakfast. The Salad Social was an opportunity for LMS teachers to taste test various homemade salad dressings. The LMS staff created interesting dressings and the salads were delicious. On Friday, June 15, students who made the Principal's List for the first 3 marking periods enjoyed a breakfast in the DMC."
~Spike Cook, Principal


Have an outstanding 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

June 8, 2018

Class is Dismissed for our retirees 

Hello all,

Hope you are having an outstanding Friday. The weather is absolutely perfect outside so after work make sure you make the most of it…as there are threats of thunderstorms predicted for Saturday and Sunday.

With the countdown well underway, 9 school days remaining (but who’s counting?), the District is buzzing with excitement. Yesterday I had the chance to celebrate our top 10 students (academic) at the Kiwanis Luncheon. You should be very proud of the job this staff does on behalf of our kids. Each student’s list of accomplishments was longer than the one before…truly amazing and well rounded students. For many of you, you personally had a role in shaping who they have become. Thank you on behalf of their families for a job well done. I am confident that our top 10 are a match for any high school top 10 on the planet. From service leadership to scholarly inquiry, our students have it all. They are the cream of the crop and serve as an example for their classmates to follow.

While it is easy to praise and celebrate our top 10 students, what sometimes goes unrecognized by others, but is equally important, is how well we care for all of our students. Whether our students make up the bottom 10 or the top, we love them. We work to provide them with opportunities to grow and improve. Support them as many are enduring difficult personal or home lives. Forgive them, even when others have given up on them. That is what MPS Staff is all about. I am proud to be a Bolt and to work with all of you.

SHOUT OUTS!!!
"As this year’s District Health Care Coordinator, I wanted to give a shout out to my Holly Heights family for their undying support of my dual roles (Health Care Coordinator & Holly Heights School Nurse), and a HUGE thank you to the secretarial staff at Holly Heights, Terry Davis, Kristen Davidson, & Lisa Langlois.  Ladies, without your help, support, love, and loyalty I would not have made it through this year without you.  Your willingness to help and pitch in whenever needed did not go unnoticed.   These three ladies have gone above and beyond to help and support me.  Ladies, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all  that you do not only for me, but for Holly Heights  family as well."
~ Ashley Renshaw Millville Public Schools HealthCare Coordinator & School Nurse Holly Heights

"Shout out and congrats to Carolyn Munzenmayer on her upcoming retirement from 35+ years in education.  She is finishing strong, working hard up to end, and remaining dedicated to her students and school until the last day.  Thanks for being so awesome - it was a pleasure working with you.  Best wishes in retirement!"
~ Mike Coyle, Principal

"Ashleigh Udalovas's first grade class presented a wonderful Grandparent's Day celebration. There was singing, readings, and yummy snacks. Our grandparents felt so loved and appreciated!"
~Arlene Jenkins, Principal

"A big Holly Heights shout out to Mary Beth Owens.  Mrs. Owens organized a Lego City Day for her 1st grade students.  Students built a variety of Millville landmarks and researched the history of Millville.  Parents and community members were treated to a standing room only performance by the students of their research and several songs.  The event was a  wonderful celebration of what makes Millville special."
~Steve Saul, Principal

"Dave Vorndran, Bobby Barber, Stacey Musey  A heartfelt thank you to this stellar team of Administrators who have put in so much time and energy in the Early College Program.  This opportunity that we are making available for our students will change the lives of so many.  There have been countless hours spent on curriculum, staffing and presentations with the college to get this ready for next year. I am so excited to make this dream for our students a reality."

"A huge shout out to Christy Chisholm and the Color Me Healthy Team for organizing and holding a wonderful event for our student.  This event is something the students look forward to and teaches so many valuable lessons of teamwork, kindness and perseverance.  You guys and gals rock!"
~Stephanie DeRose, Principal

"Mrs. Booz conducted her final performance at Lakeside Middle School at our Spring Choir Concert. She was accompanied by current and former students as they sang The Irish Blessing by Joyce Eilers.  She will be retiring at the end of the year and will be truly missed!"
~Spike Cook, Principal and Henry Hartman, Supervisor

"Leigh Ann Upshaw, Audrey Muller, Jackie Eppright, Lauren Hauk, Melissa Smith  This "team" of CST met this past week and helped design a plan to help serve all of our students with disabilities grades 6-12 at Lakeside, Thunderbolt Academy, and Memorial High School.  I commend them for helping put the plan together, working as a team, and always having the best interests of students at heart when working in our schools."
~Steve Matusz, Exec. Director Special Services

"A BIG shout out to our three secretaries at CFC.  We just completed our registration dates for next school year.  Mrs. Beatty organizes and schedules all appointments and meets individually with each parent.  While she is running registration, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Russo keep our school running efficiently.  Our secretaries work with all of the normal workload for our 600 children at CFC as well as our community providers.  They also work with all of the attendance, phone calls, and payments for our wrap around program which runs twelve months of the year."
~JoAnn Burns, Principal

"This shout-out goes to Chris Finney and Vicky Charlesworth. Their preparation for the recent District retiree board celebration was absolutely extraordinary! Every detail was considered from the food to the decorations. I know how lost I would be without Vicky keeping me on track and I am certain Dr. Moore feels the same for Chris. Although my son was being awarded a distinguished student achievement award by the board of education in our home school district and I was unable to attend this year…I have heard from countless attendees about how special a night it was. Thank you to Donna Meyers for filling in for me. And a giant shout-out & KUDOS to Chris and Vicky."
~David Gentile, Superintendent

Have a great weekend everyone,
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

June 1, 2018

Photo by Ryan Johns on Unsplash

Hello all,

Happy Friday! Today is June 1st…and so it begins – the homestretch! I enjoy this hectic time because I have the opportunity to attend events like the Teacher & Paraprofessional of the Year luncheon. This year Millville was again well represented during the Cumberland County luncheon. Other events such as the Top 5 academic student reception held at the Cumberland County College. The 5 amazing young woman that represent the top 5 academic achievers for MSHS were truly amazing. * A little concern that our young man were not represented in the top 5, this year was all about “Girl Power”. Challenge our young men to step it up for next year and compete with our amazing Lady Bolts. Great to see that for many of the young women, math and science were center in their future plans. I truly hope this is evidence dispelling any lingering myth that math and science is for boys! Way to go ladies…seeing the Top 5, Top 10, and Top 10 CTE students really helps highlight all of the effort by our staff. Most of you have at one time or other, made an impression on these amazing kids. To hear them share their experiences with me about attending the Millville Public Schools helps provide insight into their experience. Over and over again, students raved about how the staff here cares about them. Kudos #MPSWC staff!!!

SHOUTOUTS!

"A BIG CFC shout out to Mrs. Finch Weldon a preschool teacher at CFC. She embraces the Family component in our Child FAMILY Center. She does monthly family activities for the children and their families in her room. She uses REMIND almost daily to advise parents of both classroom and school activities. She will arrange for transportation for her families to attend these events. She even has a child with a sibling coming to CFC next year and brought the mother to CFC to attend our registration."
~JoAnn Burns, Principal

"Big thanks to Ben Pierce for making sure our Fun Day was set up and all the staff members had what they needed. Thanks, Ben! We appreciate your attention and willingness to do what it takes to make sure our students have the best experience possible."
~Mike Coyle,Principal

"It has been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Stacy Descalzi challenged her students to take items that would be considered recyclable materials and turn them into art. The finished projects were amazing...some of them were even useful (like birdfeeders and a piggy bank)."
~Stacey Musey, Dept Chair

"I'd like to shout out two Seniors, Funda Akilli and Muge Gore who earned The State Seal of Biliteracy in Turkish from The State of New Jersey's Department of Education! Just a little background, New Jersey became the 15th state to implement a legislated statewide Seal of Biliteracy in 2016. By achieving the Seal of Biliteracy, students demonstrate that they are able to speak, read, listen and write in two or more languages at a high level of proficiency. They received their certificates today! Please help me in congratulating them!"
~Debby Sukinik, Supervisor

"Doris Hall & Silver Run Cafeteria Staff: Doris does an absolutely amazing job running our cafeteria. She and her staff are friendly and accommodating. They routinely go the extra mile to ensure our students and staff have an enjoyable lunch time experience." 

"Melinda Fralick, Stephanie Upham, Kathy Drastal, Jennifer Dragotta: The Silver Run RTI staff are the unsung heroes  of our building. They provide critical and timely interventions to our students as well as bring stability to our building by covering our unfilled teacher vacancies."
~Eric Reissek, Principal

"Shouting out a big thank you to Patti Atkinson, Emily Barlas, Courtney Fry, Charlotte Richardson, and Amanda Wichnick for their diligence in administering DLM! With Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) finally behind us, I want to recognize the time and effort that goes into assessing students who do not take PARCC. With each student tested individually in 6-9 testlets in each tested subject (Mathematics, English Language Arts and for some students Science) that’s 12-21 test sessions for EACH student. Great Job!"
~Pat Wulk, Supervisor

Have a tremendous 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

May 25, 2018

Olympic Day 2018 

Hello All,

On this beautiful Friday before Memorial Day Weekend we are nearing the conclusion of the 41st Annual Olympic Day at Wheaton Field. A big thank you to all involved with the countless moving parts involved with such a complex undertaking. The High School students in Leaders Club or marching band or of the various ‘courts’ all lent their support to making today special for all of the participants. Thank you to all of the staff that played a part in making today’s Olympic Events epic for the kids participating.

I like to think that just for a moment, all of us who had the opportunity to participate in the Games as a student here in Millville get to once again look around during the event and see the world through the eyes of a 4th grader – or a Kindergarten student student watching the parade for the first time. As a child, anything is possible. This simple truth is one of the parts of being a kid that I miss most. As a child, you felt as though you could literally do anything you wanted to…with effort, work, and a little magic. Although as you get older you start to realize that maybe ‘anything’ is a bit of a stretch. You may not actually be able to fly through the sky like superman or superwoman; but you could build a rocket-ship from couch cushions, blankets, and some imagination that would let you imagine or pretend to fly. The living room space rocket the basis for a future career in NASA, or so my neighbor tells of his origin story. Today he is literally a rocket scientist all because he spent hours imagining his couch had thrusters.

This feeling of pretending is something that we grow out of and too easily dismiss as child’s play. Perhaps we don’t ever fully grow out of it but instead we bury it under the everyday pressures and reality of failing to achieve our prior dreams. How depressing that would be to give up on the version of yourself you have envisioned so many times. Giving into blaming others or by believing the  ‘game’ is rigged against you instead of achieving that life goal. See, I believe pretending, or imagining, or dreaming about what could be is at the heart of all of us. It is essential to innovation and making the world around us better. Do not bury it, embrace it - feed it! Try to make the World around you better somehow - try to make yourself better! Be kinder, be a better listener, a better friend, a better co-worker…Learn that instrument you always dreamed of but didn’t give yourself the time to explore. Give yourself permission to fail – not permission – celebrate your failures as the learning opportunities they are.

I hope today, you are reminded of that feeling you once had as a child having some grand adventure in your living room or competing in the “Olympics” also known to us here in Millville NJ as Olympic Day. A day of friendly competition and good–sportsmanship. A day to cheer on your classmates, friends, and peers in events that challenge you both physically and mentally to do what may have previously felt impossible; to run further than you believed you could during a relay race, or to throw a soft–ball, to long–jump and fly over the sand…all on the World’s Stage, or so it felt like the World was watching when a younger early version of me proudly wore his Bacon Bear T–Shirt down High Street.

SHOUT-OUTS

"This year we had many new hires come into the district. Some had never taught before and others had been teaching in other districts across the state. When the PD specialist asked the group to share something good about their year, several of the new hires voiced how supported they felt at their individual schools and by the district.  Humberto Ayala, a Physical Education teacher at Holly, stated that before he came to Millville he had considered giving up teaching all together. He thought about going back to college for another degree. This veteran teacher has now found his home here at MPS and is enjoying the profession he was first called to. He and many others are wonderful additions to our MPS family."
~Margaret Keefer, PD Specialist

"Debby Sukinik and the special education teachers & CST members at Memorial did an outstanding job on Tuesday night during the transition night for incoming freshmen. They were friendly, caring and helped the incoming students and parents feel calmer about the transition to high school. Thank you for taking the time for this important work."
~Brian Robinson, Principal

"Ish Jimenez and Scott Godfrey took on the additional responsibilities of the 8th grade during PARCC. They are always flexible and willing to step in to make LMS better. I am very grateful for their leadership at LMS!"
~Spike Cook, Principal

"Amanda DeVita, Kim Berry, Amy Scull, Bobby Drewnowski, Samantha Catlett, Stephanie Muhlbaier, Patti Banker, Paul Lokey, Tracy Oniszczuk, Pat Wulk, Frank Lowers.  A huge shout out and thank you to this fine group of people for their help and participation in yesterday’s Guinness world record attempt. This is especially meaningful to me because I was unexpectedly out yesterday, and they stepped up and got the job done. Way to go!"
~Mike Coyle, Principal

"Dawn Dolan, Danielle Tombleson, Lee Cox, Melody Raudenbush, Stephanie Trull, Gary Guadalupe, Tom Moore  The self contained BD classes at Silver Run have really achieved greatness this year!  All of the students in Mrs. Dolan's and Mrs. Tombleson's classes have gained 1 year in reading growth based on their F&P assessments.  100% of their students!  Now that is impressive...great work team!!! "
~Steve Matusz, Executive Director & Gena Pacitto, School Psychologist

"Hats off to Ariana Rosenberg for organizing our first Mount Pleasant Spelling Bee Championship Tournament. A wonderful time was had by all. Great job students!"

"Natalie Thom, Cindy Fullerton, Kerri Geissel  A special shout-out to these three caring educators. They went above and beyond the call of duty and their daily work schedule to assist a family in crisis. Thank you for all you do every day!"
~Arlene Jenkins, Principal

"Congratulations to Bacon, Lakeside, Memorial and MSHS for helping to set the Guinness World Record for the largest Health Lesson.  This was done through the Rotary Club and it included schools from every district in Cumberland County.
~Pamm Moore, Asst. Superintendent

Have an amazing Memorial Day 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

May 18, 2018 - Umbrella Edition

Photo by Anh Nguyen on Unsplash

Hello all,

Although this week has been full of rain and gray skies there is always much to celebrate throughout MPS. Just to mention a few: the Marching Band was back at it preparing for a trip to Wildwood. MPS’s own Ms. Tymkiw was victorious during her first round of Jeopardy making it into the semifinals. The Lady Bolts softball team defeated Atlantic City to land the #2 seed in the NJSIAA playoffs (due to weather first round set for 5/21). Christian Bird will represent MPS as he joins Charleston Southern University in the Fall. Lastly, last week Alexis Harrison won gold in the shot put and discus during the 2018 Cumberland County Track & Field Championships.

There is always something exciting happening in BOLT Country! Rain or shine, the Bolts stand out. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend! Let’s hope the forecast is inaccurate and the sun finds its way through.



SHOUT-OUTS

"Bacon school would like to give a shout out to our principal Mike Coyle for making our entire staff feel extra appreciated and extra special during teacher appreciation week. He goes above and beyond to create a positive work environment. He is our biggest cheerleader and we appreciate everything he does."
~Bacon Staff 

"Wanted to send positive praise for Ilia DeJesus, paraprofessional with Lida Stroup's classroom. Ilia has graciously volunteered her time, in school and home, to translate our updated immunization exclusion letters in Spanish. Ilia has also volunteered to create a global in Spanish for those students who are non-compliant with immunizations and have Spanish speaking parents."
~Spike Cook, Principal

"I would like to thank Kristin McManus for all of her hard work and dedication to our school .  She has gone above and beyond with balancing all of her responsibilities as well as being an active part of the school community with our students."
~Stephanie DeRose, Principal

"A Bacon shout out to Debbie Markel for being such a positive influence on our students and staff here at Bacon. She is quick with a kind word or compliment, and she consistently puts others first. From greeting the students with a smile in the morning to doing whatever it takes to help our Bacon Bears, she does it with generosity and warmth. Thank you, Debbie!"
~Mike Coyle, Principal

"A Big Shout Out to Ginger Wheeler and her two Paraprofessionals, Miranda Pasquale and Maria Conigliaro who work in an inclusion three year old classroom providing individualized instruction and strengthening social emotional skills of three year old children.  They focus on positive behavioral support and continual compassion to help the children and their families.  She thoroughly plans interesting investigative studies that allow for various levels of learning."
~JoAnn Burns, Principal

"A big shout out to Steve Matusz, our new director of special education. In the short time since stepping in for now retired Nora Zelinski, Steve has used his endless energy to visit countless MPS programs and classrooms. In addition, he has traveled to see any of the out of district placements any of our students are assigned to. There is no better way to evaluate something – see it for yourself! From what I see so far, Mr. Matusz is putting his all into learning about our students’ needs as well as looking for ideas to improve our program offerings. I am confident that he will continue to grow and learn in his new position. Furthermore, I am certain he will do everything he can to be a student advocate as well as a champion for our special education staff!"
Keep up the great work!
~David Gentile, CSA


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