Dozens of education advocates and community activists lined up at the March 6 meeting of the Schools Development Authority to decry unsafe conditions in many New Jersey schools.
A computer/technology laboratory class called Synergistics builds problem solving, communication and team building skills. Synergistics is part of Saddle Brook Middle/High School teacher Howard Weinberg’s approach to better prepare students at for the 21st century. A Synergistic Suite is based around team challenges that include forensic science, intelligent systems, engineering, and multi-media components.
Seuss Day is the culmination of a week-long celebration of Read Across America at Wanaque Elementary School. The day starts with a green eggs and ham breakfast sponsored by the PTA. Guest readers visit the classrooms and the library is turned into Mulberry Street mall. Older students lead Seuss-centered activities for the younger children. The entire school is involved in this event, and this year the theme is “Reading is a Shore Thing.” The goal is to raise money for Superstorm Sandy recovery. The day ends with an assembly where the Cat in the Hat makes a surprise visit.
From digital photography to websites to printing presses, students participating in the Tech Prep program at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School in Brick learn about design and visual communications. The intensive program emphasizes preparation for both employment and continuing education at a post high school institution, while offering Tech Prep agreements for possible college credit upon examination or portfolio review. OCVTS students traditionally attend a two and a half-hour session per day while the second part of their day is spent completing academic requirements at their sending school.
Burlington City High School teacher John Russell is the New Jersey Humanities Teacher of the Year. A product of New Jersey public schools, Russell takes his inspiration from his own teachers and he hopes to inspire future teachers in his position as a professor at the College of New Jersey. Russell uses the humanities to engage students, strengthen their thinking and to create self-guided learners.