Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 J u n e 2 0 1 8 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsdnj.org Spruce Run School The art educators from Clinton Township School District dedicated four mosaic panels to the family of Jeanne Vanderbeek Downey at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 7:30 pm. The mosaics were created by students between 2016-2018, under the direction of art educators Kelly DiGioia (PMG), Laura Evans (SRS), Patrick Gugliandolo (RVS), Chelsey Lindaberry (CTMS), and Michelle Mayhood (PMG.) Each mosaic depicts a tree in one season of the year, representing seasons of learning and seasons of life. These student-created works of art offer a visual legacy for past, present and future students and staff members to enjoy. This project was generously funded by an endowment from the Art by Jeanne Trust, "Sharing the love of art in memory of Jeanne Vanderbeek Downey." Patrick McGaheran School PMG Class Trips: As part of their science curriculum, Patrick McGaheran's second grade students learn about relationships in habitats. A concluding activity to this study is a class trip to Merrill Creek Reservoir, a 650-acre reservoir surrounded by a 290-acre Environmental Preserve and 2,000 additional acres of woods and fields. The children enjoy hiking along the nature paths, looking for moss, rattlesnake skins and different types of trees. A naturalist also accompanies the children on a hike where they discuss the meadow habitat. The classes often see tree swallows swoop to take a feather out of the air. Very fortunate classes may see a box turtle and get to name it – if it hasn't already been found by someone else! The students learn that box turtles with an etch in their shell have been found by someone at Merrill Creek and named. If the shell is not marked, that turtle has not been discovered before. Lastly, the students enjoy a scavenger hunt within the visitors center, which includes a weather station, a bird feeding/wildlife viewing area and a visit with some local wildlife. If you have not visited Merrill Creek, please consider taking the trip with your family this summer! In May, third grade students participated in a class trip to Echo Hill to study crayfish in their local river environment. To prepare students for the trip, lessons were presented in the classroom by naturalists from Echo Hill. Students learned about the structure and function of the crayfish body, their life cycle, and traits that may provide an advantage for survival in their environment. On the class trip, students applied their knowledge as they explored crayfish in their local habitat in the south branch of the Raritan River. When students arrived at their destination, they used scientific equipment to make observations and investigate the environment. Participants had the chance to be knee deep in water during the experience, making the learning process especially fun for the third graders. Round Valley School A L e t t e r f r o m Dear Clinton Township Community Members: The Clinton Township Board of Education's ad hoc committee charged with reviewing the feasibility of closing a school announced that it would work with me to prepare a final presentation and recommendation to the Board on what action will be taken, or not taken, regarding closing one of the District's schools. During this process, enrollment data was reviewed, along with information from a new preliminary demographic study, information from discussions with the Clinton Township Sewerage Authority and an update on discussions with surrounding districts about potentials send- receive relationships and/or consolidations. The committee also reviewed what triggers were identified by the Feasibility Committee throughout its deliberations – what has changed and what remains the same. The tasks being completed in determining a proposed direction for the Fall of 2018 include: 1. Finalizing a New Demographic Study 2. Conducting a Scheduling Analysis 3. Completing a Transportation Analysis 4. Finishing the Seniority Study 5. Crafting Personnel Deployment Options 6. Identifying potential one-time costs of any relocation plan 7. Conducting an overall cost analysis of a proposed final plan 8. Designing a communication plan David Hespe, former New Jersey Commissioner of Education, has been sharing his expertise, knowledge and experience in education to help facilitate and complete the tasks. During each meeting it is reiterated that the Board will not make any changes that would negatively impact how the District delivers educational programs to the students and how they are supported socially, emotionally and intellectually. Further, everyone is fully committed to not exceeding State or District policy class size guidelines. On Thursday, May 31 at 7:30 pm in the Clinton Township Middle School Auditorium, the Clinton Township Board of Education is holding a special meeting. During this meeting, research findings will be shared, and a recommendation to the Board on how to manage challenges associated with a declining enrollment and increasing expenses will be made. The Board of Education will ask questions at the conclusion of the presentation and then members of the public will be invited to make comments and ask questions as well. On that same evening, the Board will vote on whether or not to accept or reject the recommendation. – Pamela C. Fiander, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools I N O U R S C H O O L S : Pamela C. Fiander, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Fourth Grade stiudents reflect on the words "Self Control"

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