Show #17 May 5
Itheatrics - Students from Elizabeth F. Moore School in Upper Deerfield Township work with an organization called Itheatrics, a New York based program that promotes musical theater in the schools. The students share their experience from the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where they attended workshops and met musical superstars. Upper Deerfield is one of a handful of elementary schools invited.
Films in Elizabeth - Budding young filmmakers from Dr. Antonio Pantoja School No. 27 in Elizabeth use science to create short films. Antonio Di Fonzo, a vice-principal and filmmaker, collaborates with science teacher Connie Sanchez and social studies teacher John McGuire to create films. The students use computers and iPads to shoot and edit the projects. The goal is to infuse students with a passion for technology and filmmaking, which will help prepare them for careers in the 21st century.
Teen Cancer - Monongahela Middle School in Deptford Township runs a Teen Cancer Awareness Week with a focus on fundraising for the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation. Last year the students raised $2,100, by paying a fee to dress down and wear purple. Jeanne Andrews, an instructional aide, initiates and organizes this yearly event which includes daily announcements and five minute lessons about teen cancer. The week culminates in an assembly featuring teen cancer survivors and representatives from organizations and businesses working to help teens through a difficult time in their lives.
K6 Buddies - School can be overwhelming for a five year old, but with the help of a buddy, life can be so much easier. Sixth graders at Ft. Lee’s School No.4 buddy with kindergartners for activities once a month. The buddies go on field trips together and work on a variety of projects. At the end of the year, the older students present journals to share with their little buddies.
Show #18 May 12
Learning from the Pros - 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 employment and continuing education at a post high school institution, while offering Tech Prep agreements for possible college credit upon examination or portfolio review. Local businesses share their expertise with students to help prepare them for careers in the field. OCVTS students traditionally attend a two and a half-hour session per day while the remainder of their day is spent completing academic requirements at their sending school.
Squan-a-Thon – At Manasquan High School, nearly 300 students take part in the "Squan-a-Thon". The event aims to raise more than $40,000 to assist children afflicted with cancer. On the surface, the event functions as a dance marathon requiring that each student stay up all night without caffeine. On a deeper level, this challenge intends to foster a sense of empathy and concern for the hardships of others among the student body.
We the People - Developed by the California-based Center for Civic Education, We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is the largest civic education program in the country. It is focused on the history and principles of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. About 280 students from John P. Stevens High School in Edison, Bayonne High School, East-Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, Hopewell Valley Central High School, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, East Brunswick High School, Marlboro High School, and Montclair High School participated in the culminating event at Rutgers University’s Busch Campus Center in Piscataway.
NJ Poetry Festival - The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, the largest poetry event in North America, returns to Newark for the 14th biennial event. Bill O-Neal and his students from Trenton Central High West Campus attend the High School Student Day. The budding poets participate in readings, attend performances, and join in the conversations with world-renowned poets.
Show #19 May 19
Synergistics - 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.
Horses & Hot Rods - Students at Hunterdon Polytech Career Academy in Raritan Township take pre-veterinary classes that give students hands-on experience with large and small animals. The students run a dog grooming business, an educational opportunity which has led to careers for many of their graduates.
Seuss Day - 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.
2013 Humanities Teacher of the Year – 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.
Show # 16 May 26
Traveling Art - Robert Vogt, a ceramics and photography teacher at West Windsor Plainsboro High School North, returned to his classroom after a year traveling to locations around the world, including Alaska, New Zealand, Central America, Russia and Mongolia. He now has a wealth of information and experiences to share with his students.
Positive Behavior Support in Schools - Children at Passaic’s Daniel R. Ryan School No. 19 participate in a school-wide Positive Behavior Day; a day in which they are encouraged to dream, set goals and learn how to achieve those goals. A year ago the Positive Behavior Support in Schools (PBSIS) Initiative, a partnership between the NJDOE and the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, was implemented to create a positive learning environment for all students that will decrease the number of discipline problems and increase opportunities for students to be successful in learning.
State Teacher of the Year 2013 - Lauren Marrocco, a fourth-grade teacher in Perth Amboy, is the 2012-13 N.J. Teacher of the Year. Marrocco teaches at E.J. Patten Elementary School where she encourages classroom collaboration while incorporating brain-based learning strategies.
Animal Tech - The Morris County Teacher of the Year Thomas Koehler runs a four-year veterinary program at Morris County School of Technology. Students learn about the history and origin of animals, and the connection between species, pathology and about the careers involving animals.