Clinton Township Newsletter

1 5 F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 Clinton Township School District Mission Statement: The Clinton Township School District, in partnership with the community, achieves excellence for each child by ensuring a meaningful and challenging educational experience in a supportive environment; developing life-long learners who are responsible and productive citizens. her role as teaching assistant, s h e e a r n e d h e r R e g i s t e r e d B e h a v i o r Technician certification and is currently working to become a BCABA. Her nomination letter describes Sarah as an essential member of her team and highlights her dedication to her students. "Our program is better with Sarah and her continued skill development has only benefited our learners and staff." Mrs. Barber believes that, " E very child, no matter what t he d isability can, and has the right to, learn in a fun and loving environment. It is my job to teach each individual in the way that works best to achieve independence and success in life." We are so fortunate to have Mrs. Barber on the PMG team! World Language at PMG and SRS: ¡Hola a todos! (Hello, everyone!) February is designated as Discover Languages Month by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), so here's an update on what we're doing in our Spanish classes in Clinton Township! At both Spruce Run and Patrick McGaheran, students practice what they already know through songs and games that can be found on my Teacher Page through the Clinton Township website (http://clinton.oncoursesystems.com/websites/12866129) . In kindergarten we are learning how to count to 20 , and first graders are learning months of the year and classroom objects. In second grade we are learning how to ask about the weather and third graders are discovering where the Spanish- speaking countries are in the world. Rd V Scho We are happy to announce that Mr. Jeff Shanklin and Mr. Gregory James are the Round Valley School 2017-2018 Outstanding Educators of the Year! Jeff Shanklin – RVS Governor's Educator of the Year 2017-18. This is Mr. Shanklin's ninth year in the Clinton Township School District. He taught technology at PMG and for the past seven years has been the physical education teacher at Round Valley School. Mr. Shanklin is known for his high energy level, passion for physical and mental health, creating strong bonds with students, parents, and colleagues and his compassion. It is Mr. Shanklin's encouragement and dedication to students that make him shine. He is always encouraging students and brings all aspects of students' school and outside lives to the forefront. For many years he has served as a Unified Arts Team Leader and as a district Curriculum Chairperson. We are so happy that Mr. Shanklin is being recognized for the excellent educator that he is! "Jeff cares about the whole child, from their physical needs, along with their exercises and healthy eating habits, always sharing what to do, how to do it, and what he does with his family. He stresses the whole body, along with an individual's mental and emotional health as well. Always positive, always caring, always sharing." "Students are fortunate to see there are many sides to an individual when they are in the care of Mr. Shanklin. He has the ability to see the potential in each individual student and assist students with bringing out their potential. Mr. Shanklin is not defined by his role as a Physical Education teacher but is defined as a great educator." Greg James – RVS Educational Services Professional of the Year 2017- 18. Mr. James has been a school counselor for over twenty years, and he has been working with students in Clinton Township for the past fourteen years. He has a great sense of humor, which he uses with both students and staff. When working with students, he takes each person's unique personality, learning style and needs into consideration with support and encouragement. Mr. James is dedicated to students, parents and our school community. It is his ability to truly listen and look at all circumstances through a variety of lenses that enable him to work so positively with students. He serves on many committees that impact both Round Valley School and district programs. He is the president of the North Hunterdon Municipal Alliance program that works with counselors and community officials. He shares his resources with all counselors and administrators throughout the district. He also facilitates the Safe School Climate and Culture Committee, focusing on the needs of the school and recognition of successes. We are so lucky to have such a caring and dedicated counselor with us at Round Valley School. "Mr. James helped to create a character education program for Round Valley School that has become a model throughout the district and the community. He plays a major role in updating it each year." "He helps students to look at a situation from the perspective of the other person involved. He helps them to see both sides of a problem and come up with a resolution. His door is always open offering a safe haven to anyone who needs to talk, whether it is a student or a staff member." t Tohip Midd Scho We are happy to announce that Ms. Robin Kiefer and Mrs. Mala Chakraborty are the Clinton Township Middle School 2017-2018 Outstanding Educators of the Year! Robin Kiefer, CTMS Governor's Educator of the Year 2017-18. "This is my seventeenth year teaching eighth grade in Clinton Township. I spent my first five years as a special educator providing in class support to students in the math and science curriculum. After that, I became the general education math teacher. I have a passion for math and am excited to teach it every day. While I realize that not every child will have my level of enthusiasm for the subject, my goal is to make students less fearful of math. For years, math seems to be the subject people are afraid of, and if I can open students' eyes to the wonders of math, I have had a successful year. My philosophy is that students need to experience success to build their self-esteem and help them achieve more. If I can help students who have struggled with math in the past find even the smallest victories, then we can build confidence and reduce math anxiety. I want every child to succeed and grow while in my class." Mala Chakraborty, CTMS Educational Services Professional of the Year 2017-18. "Education is one of the most awe inspiring journeys.I have been working in the Clinton Township School District for the past three years, and this is my fifth year working as an Educational Service Professional in public schools. It has been the most rewarding time of my career working with the best, most qualified, and caring professionals. Their sincere efforts to help students and expose them to the most modern technologies available in education has enhanced the possibilities of endless progress. I am fortunate that I am part of an amazing team of colleagues, whose dedication and enthusiasm motivates me to keep learning and doing my best. I love coming to work each day and being amazed by the milestones that my students achieve. Those moments of triumph are my pride and joy." At CTMS, the 7th grade girls are showing off their GIRL POWER! Congratulations to Leah Kemp, winner of the school wide spelling bee, and Aarushi Chaturvedi, the National Geography Bee school champion. Way to go, ladies! CTMS will be holding its first TREP$ Marketplace on Wednesday, April 11 from 6:00-8:00PM. Students will be selling their wares in this entrepreneur's program, and each has his/her own business to share. Come, check it out, and prepare to be amazed! It is finally here, the 8th Annual CTMS Relay for Life! Friday, February 23 from 6:00-9:00 is a family night and is filled with inspiration and hope in the fight to end cancer. To register or to make a donation, please go to www.relayforlife.org/ctms. "I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." – Maya Angelouyou

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