March 2017

GOODNEWSThe Ewing Public SchoolsJune 2005

Due to budget restraintsNO Summer School Programs

will be offered by the Ewing Public Schools

during the Summer of 2005.

Safety TownJune 30 - July 11

Contact: Jean Conrad609-538-9800 x1302

for application

On April 18, 2005 Ms. Chiavuzzo, Mrs. Walker and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several Mercer County high school and college students, and politicians to hear a presentation given by Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Bank Arena. Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. During his term he instituted various policies including his political policy of Glasnost and economic policy

Ewing High Students Attend Gorbachev PresentationWhitney Lewis, EHS Freshman

Have a Happy Summer!!GoodNews will resume

with the September issue of the Observer

The recipients of the 2005 Teacher of the Year Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year, was a guest speaker. 1st row (L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Principal Antheil; Sharon Solomon, Lore; Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County Teacher of the Year; Inetta Emery, Principal Parkway; Danielle Miller, EHS; Superintendent Ray Broach. 2nd row: Darrell Jackson, Principal FMS; Donna Andreas, Antheil; Don Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS.

Nearly sixty years since Allied forces liberated the Nazi concentration camps, the now elderly survivors of the Holocaust are turning to a new generation to preserve their testimony about their wartime experiences for future generations. Holocaust survivors are steadily dwindling in number. Many have made it their mission to educate the world that anti-Semitism and racism easily lead to murder, and to speak about the horrors they and their families suffered. With the passing of time, it has become urgent to find a new generation to continue the survivors’ mission and tell their stories after the survivors can no longer do so. On April 12, the Adopt-a-Survivor (AAS) program was introduced to the Trenton area at Ewing High School. Six Holocaust survivors were adopted by twelve Ewing High sophomores. The adopted survivors—Moshe Gimlan, Vera Goodkin, Marion Lewin, Ruth Lubitz, Charles Rojer and Jack Zaifman—were originally from Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Belgium. The AAS program pairs a survivor with one or more students. The students embark on a joint journey with the survivor through discussions about life before, during and after the Holocaust. Participating students will be able to represent the survivor and tell the survivor’s story with accuracy and feeling in the years to come. In addition, each student makes a commitment to tell the survivor’s story in a public venue in the year 2045, a hundred years after the liberation of Auschwitz. The twelve student adopters are Dave Angebranndt, Tyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz Dunham, Emily Everett, Curtis Fornarotto, Vildana Hajric, Devon Jones, Jen Meade, Billy O’Callaghan, Nikyta Sharma and Melysa Wilson.

Adopt-a-Survivor Program Begins at Ewing High School

Teacher of the Year Recipients are Honored

of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches, released political prisoners, and lifted bans on previously censored books. The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s presentation. The policy’s main goal was to make the Soviet economic system more efficient. Perestroika involved the transfer of control from the government to the business owners. This policy

continued on page A2continued on page A2

The Ewing Public Schools

Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the New Jer-sey Education Associa-tion announced that An-theil Elementary School has been awarded a Sus-

tainable Jersey for Schools capacity-building grant. The $2,000 grant is intended to assist the district and school Green Teams as they lead and coordinate sustainability activities.

Antheil’s grant-awarded program, ‘Greening Antheil’s School Festivals’, involves the Green Team helping to make the school’s community events more environmentally friendly by reduc-ing the use of single-use items and promoting activities that encourage sustainability thought and practice.

“Antheil events such as our ‘Welcome Back Picnic’ and the ‘Literary Festival’ are wonderful community gatherings which are very popular and well-attended,” Antheil parent and Green Team member Diane Bates stated. “It seemed like a logical connection to emphasize the im-portance of sustainability while respecting and protecting the environment at these activities.”

The grant will allow these events to become more environmentally friendly by buying items such as reusable table cloths, white boards and

permanent banners that will reduce waste. It will also provide information booths at these activi-ties that highlight the work of the Green Team and promote sustainability values. Finally, it will allow for a sustainable-school logo, which the children of Antheil are currently creating, to be put on reusable water bottles.

“Sustainable Jersey grantees help advance our continued goal to create a more sustainable New Jersey and world,” said Donna Drewes, Co-Direc-tor of Sustainable Jersey. “We are excited about innovative projects such as Antheil’s and the good work it will do for students and our mission.”

With this contribution, NJEA has provided $500,000 to support a sustainable future for chil-dren across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. “NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey on this important program that directs resources into our schools,” commented NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Sean Spill-er. “By emphasizing the value of sustainability, we leave a better world for our students.”

Proposals were judged by an independent Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants are intended to help schools make progress toward a sustainable fu-ture in general, and specifically toward Sustain-able Jersey for Schools certification.

‘Best in Show’ Yhuri Barksdale

Congratulations to senior Yhuri Barksdale who won ‘Best in Show’ at the Phillips Mill Youth Art Exhibit in New Hope, PA. Yhuri’s charcoal drawing, entitled ‘Love and Death’, was selected from over 130 entries from 19 area schools. EHS students also exhibiting their works are: Ellen Pi-etsch (whose drawing was purchased), Julie Cic-cone, John (Trey) Zaggi, Eliza Pedroza, Rachel Kochis and Breonna McKinney.

For the Ewing Public Schools, the Antheil project is another example of the work that has been taking place throughout the district as schools emphasize sustainability and the district pursues certification.

“We are very appreciative of the innovative work of Principal Whitner’s Green Team and the contributions of Ms. Bates and her fellow parents,” Superintendent Michael Nitti stated. “We thank Sustainable Jersey and the NJEA for their finan-cial support, and we are excited about the positive impact this will have on our school community.”

Pictured in Photo: Donna Drewes, Co-Director Sustainable Jersey; Diane Bates, Parent; Jennifer Whitner, Principal; Mike Nitti, Superintendent; Sean Spiller, Secretary-Treasurer NJEA; Thom-as Hardy, Organizing Specialist NJEA

Antheil Elementary School Awarded Sustainability Grant

Dr. Vickerman, Guest Conductor - FMS Bands

Dr. David Vickerman, the Director of Bands at The College of New Jersey, visited the 7th and 8th grade band students at Fisher Middle School. Dr. Vickerman served as a guest conductor for the day and gave the students some pointers to help them prepare for their winter concert. This experience helped the FMS band students gain a new per-spective on their performance abilities and they appreciated Dr. Vickerman for volunteering his time to work with them.

EHS Football’s Parker Makes College Commitment

EHS Football’s standout defensive back Ty-quan Parker committed to continuing his grid-iron career and scholastic pursuits at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan-sas. When Parker joins the BroncBusters, he will suit up for the squad that won the National Junior College National Championship this past fall.

Parker received various All-League and Con-ference honors last year, as he excelled on the de-fensive side of the ball while also returning four kickoffs for touchdowns.

The Ewing Public Schools

The Ewing Public Schools are proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Teacher and Ed-ucational Professionals Recognition Program awards.

The Governor’s Teacher and Educational Profes-sionals Recognition Program was developed in 1985 for the purpose of recognizing and honoring teachers and educational professionals who exhibit outstand-ing performance. The motivation for this program is based on the premise that teaching excellence is one of the most significant factors impacting student achievement and the quality of public schools.

Ewing High School’s Teach-er of the Year is Mr. Clifford ‘Kip’ Harrison. Mr. Harrison began his work at the high school as a Teacher of Health and Physical Education in 1995.

Mr. Harrison graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education in 1995 and Cabrini College with his Master of Education in Education-al Leadership in 2014.

Known as a dedicated and passionate educator, Mr. Harrison has been in a variety of roles during his time at Ewing High School. He has been highly involved in the school’s athletic program, serving as Head Coach of Boy’s Baseball, Assistant Wres-tling Coach (FMS), Varsity Cross Country Coach, as well as an EHS Hall of Fame Committee mem-ber/Scholarship Committee Chairman.

Mr. Harrison currently serves as the Dean of Stu-dents at Ewing High School, as well as the Coordi-nator/Teacher of the Alternative Learning Program, Substitute Teacher Coordinator, and ABS/HIB Backup Coordinator.

“In his time with us at Ewing High School, Mr. Harrison has always carried himself as a consum-mate professional,” EHS Principal Rodney Logan stated. “His driving motivation has always been the best interests of our students, and they view him as someone who is visible, accessible and there for them when needed.”

Fisher Middle School’s Teacher of the Year is Ms. Erika Freeman who is in her 17th year at the school.

Ms. Freeman received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary & Special Edu-cation from Delaware State

University in 1999; she received her Master of Arts Degree in Special Education in 2000 from West Virginia University and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2005 from The College of New Jersey.

Ms. Freeman began her career in 2000-01 as a special education teacher on the 6th grade Trailblazer team. She was always an advocate for the children,

treating them respectfully and fairly, while making sure they achieved in the classroom. In 2005, Ms. Freeman was hired as the Dean of Students. Within this role, she has designed award programs for both students and parents and has been in the forefront of the school SOAR (Safety, Ownership, Achievement, Respect) program. She has created Wednesday activity days and continually models positive characteristics for our students to follow.

“Ms. Freeman passionately loves and supports Fisher Middle School,” Principal Barb Brower stat-ed. “Her motto for the students, ‘If you work hard now, it will pay off later’ is one that resonates with the students into their high school days and beyond.”

Antheil’s Teacher of the Year is Ms. Brooke Levy.

Ms. Levy graduated from Rutgers University in 2005 with an undergraduate degree in Spanish, and then went on to complete her Master’s de-gree at Rutgers, earning her

Elementary Education and Special Education de-grees in 2006. Currently, Ms. Levy is a first grade self-contained Autism teacher at Antheil. During Ms. Levy’s time at Antheil, she has taught Autistic classes at the first, second and third grade levels.

Ms. Levy’s commitment doesn’t just stop in the classroom as she collaborates with staff and district colleagues in order to support Autism awareness, services and research by participating in fundrais-ing events sponsored by POAC (Parents of Autistic Children). Ms. Levy also volunteers in after-school events such as Antheil’s Halloween Spooktakular Night, conducting fingerprinting at Antheil’s Sci-ence with a Dash of Math Night, and by attending Antheil’s Literary Festival.

“Ms. Levy sets high expectations for her students and encourages them to meet their goals daily,” Principal Jennifer Whitner remarked. “Additional-ly, Ms. Levy spends endless hours looking for ways to improve her student’s classroom experience. Her favorite quote is by Ivar Lovaas, ‘If a child cannot learn the way we teach; we must teach in a way the child can learn.’ Her students come to school every day excited and ready to learn!”

Mrs. Melissa Campbell is Lore’s Teacher of the Year. She began her career in The Ewing Public Schools in 1999 as a part-time Speech Lan-guage Specialist at Parkway Elementary School. In 2007, she became the full-time pre-

school teacher at Antheil until June of 2013 when Lore School was fortunate to have Mrs. Campbell join the staff as a preschool teacher.

Mrs. Campbell graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia with a Bach-elor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and earned her Virginia Teacher Cer-tificate, Cum Laude. Mrs. Campbell attended Rider University and received her teacher certification in Preschool–3rd grade.

Known as a knowledgeable, dedicated educator, Mrs. Campbell is a district leader in preschool edu-cation, where she emphasizes learner-based instruc-tion, constant feedback and effective communica-tion with parents. She has been involved in many district professional development endeavors during her time with the district.

“Mrs. Campbell ensures that parents leave each meeting knowing their child is loved and cared for, is making academic/social progress, and that there is a plan for both home and school for continued prog-ress,” stated Principal of Lore School Ed Chmiel. “Her students, and the Lore School community, have been blessed by her work with our students.”

Parkway Teacher of the Year is guidance counselor Mrs. Birgitta Donato, who is cur-rently in her fifth year working with the students at Parkway Elementary School. Mrs. Do-nato works diligently to assist students, teachers, staff and

parents navigate the elementary school years and the complex academic, social and emotional issues that emerge.

Mrs. Donato attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psy-chology and Criminal Justice. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling at The College of New Jersey.

As a counselor, Mrs. Donato has co-facilitated the Teacher/Student Mentor Program and is the back-up Anti-Bullying Specialist. Along with a second grade teacher, Mrs. Donato has created and organized the Parkway School Pawsitive Days of Service project which is a building-wide community service project created to benefit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. This building-wide service project is funded by EPEF [Ewing Public Education Foundation] grants and received a Promising Practice Award in 2016 from the organization Character.org.

“Mrs. Donato was a wonderful addition to the Parkway School,” Principal Nicole Harris stated. “It is clear that she believes that all children have an opportunity for greatness; they just need support and a listening ear. The programs she has devel-oped have had a wonderful impact on our students and school community.”

The Ewing Public Schools Announce 2017 Teachers and Educational Professionals of the Year

The Ewing Public SchoolsSenior Spotlight: Meet Sana Ali

What do you like best about Ewing High School? I en-joy the spirited en-vironment at Ewing High. Whether it is a football game, bas-ketball game or pep rally, the students all

come out to support and represent their class. Spirit Weeks are always so fun to participate in and it is awesome to see the whole school unified in blue and white.

Who is your favorite teacher(s) or coach and why? My favorite teachers are Mr. Ballek, Mr. Burley and Sra Kuentzel. I have learned so much in all of their classes and they have always made learning fun. They show so much support for their students and always make themselves available to them. They all are amazing people who have had a positive impact in my life and I hope to work hard to make them proud.

In which activities do you participate? I am a member of Key Club, Rotary Club, Student Council, National Honors Society and I play ten-nis. Through these activities, I am able to serve and participate in my community and school. Participating in these activities made my high school career one to remember and helped me to find myself.

What is your favorite memory of high school? I have made many memories at Ewing High, but one of my favorites would be going on the Peer Leadership retreat. A special bond was created with all of the peer leaders by getting to know each other on a deeper level. I had so much fun during different group activities and creating new experiences with my peers. I will always remember the good times of that trip.

What do you do outside of school? Outside of school I like to spend my time with friends and family. I am also involved with my Mosque, Islamic Society of Central Jersey. We value the meaning of giving back, so we organize and par-ticipate in fundraisers where we donate to people in need locally and across the globe.

What are your plans after you graduate? Af-ter graduation, I plan to attend university. I am not committed to a school as of now, but I am sure I won’t be too far from home. I plan to ma-jor in Biology.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I see myself graduated with my Bach-elors and hoping to continue my studies in the field of medicine.

Parkway Promotes After School Involvement

This year, Parkway School is working to in-clude additional after-school activities that pro-mote the enjoyment of learning, increase basic skills and parent involvement. After-school events are funded in partnership with Title 1.

To start the year off right, in November Park-way hosted the second annual Title 1 BINGO Night. Students and their parents played bingo for prizes. District Supervisors in Math and Lan-guage Arts were on hand to give parents tips and information on how to help their children be bet-ter readers and math problem solvers.

February introduced the Crazy 8s Math Club to remind students math is fun! The club runs for two eight-week sessions. There is an activity each week which solves a different math problem.

March brings the Parent/Child Book Clubs. Students in 3rd–5th grades will read a novel with their parents at home and be treated to dinner and an activity associated with the week’s reading as-signment every week for five weeks. This club was such a huge success last year it is expanding to include a K-2nd grade version. This will be a family evening event with dinner, reading fiction and non-fiction storybooks that are theme driven weekly for five weeks.

Grants in Action UpdateFrom Fisher Middle School’s ‘Screaming

Eagles’ school community program (pictured above) to Lore Elementary School’s ‘Construc-tion Zone’ physical education fitness activity, our grants are making a positive impact for Ewing students! FMS Screaming Eagles grant recipi-ent teacher Brian Parker remarked, “That’s forty kids who may not otherwise have been involved in any school activities...doing something posi-tive two evenings a week and being a part of their school community. Thank you so much for making my idea a reality, thank you for your generosity and community spirit.” Lore teacher Tracy Radler summarized, “The Construction Zone grant you awarded to us has added an un-precedented excitement around learning.”

These and other grants are funded by our com-munity partners and individuals like you. Thank you for your continued donations toward our 2017-18 giving cycle! www.EPEF.org

Troupe 4883 Qualifies for Nationals!

Congratulations to the International Thespian Society at Ewing High School! For the first time in EHS history, Troupe 4883 has qualified for Nationals at the New Jersey Thespian Festival held on January 14th and 15th at Robbinsville High School. This is only the second year Troupe 4883 has competed at the state competition. The following students received Superior in the fol-lowing awards:

• Technical Olympics - Prop Table: Amanda Alexandre

• Contrasting Monologue (National Category): Isaiah Petit Compere

• Musical Theatre Duets (National Category): Scott Silagy and Israiel Thomas

• The Senior Scholarship Performance Isaiah Petit Compere

Ewing High’s Production is the Light of the World!

The Ewing High School Drama Program is four months into their production of the 2012 revival of Godspell! Godspell is a full ensemble show which promotes the teachings of community, love, kind-ness and acceptance. The setting starts with a city in disarray as an urban community cannot come to terms with each other’s differing philosophies and ideals. Then, a man named Jesus joins their society to teach them how to coexist and carry out his teachings. Almost 90 students have come to-gether to rehearse the high intensity numbers and profound lessons, forming their own eclectic and unique community. Want to dance in your seat, laugh at improv, and witness a community in the making? Come out and sing about LOVE!

Pictured Above:“All for the Best” Rehearsal

Acting ETEA President Patricia Yaple present-ed the EHS Monkey Wrenches Robotic Team with a check for $2,500.

The Ewing Public Schools

March 2017 Schedule in Ewing SchoolsMar 1-3 Parkway - Book FairMar 1 K-8 Early Dismissal - Conferences EHS - Musical Godspell - Senior Citizen Performance @ 6pmMar 2 EHS - Musical Godspell Performance @ 7:30pmMar 3 EHS - Musical Godspell Performance @ 7:30pmMar 4 EHS - Musical Godspell Performance @ 2pm & 7:30pmMar 6-10 Antheil - Book FairMar 7 EHS - End S2 Q1Mar 8 Antheil - Book Fair Family Night @ 5:30pm Antheil - Literary Festival @ 6pmMar 9 Parkway - Pajama Reading Night @ 6:30-8:30pm POAC presents Managing Problem Behavior - 6:30pm @ FMSMar 13 Parkway - PTA Meeting @ 7pmMar 14 Parkway - Spring Picture DayMar 15 Antheil - Literary Festival Snow DateMar 16 Grades K-8 Family Math Night - 6:30pm @ AntheilMar 20 BOE Meeting @ FMSMar 22 FMS - 5th Grade Parent Orientation @ 6:30pmMar 23 Lore - LPA Meeting @ 7pmMar 29 Antheil - PTO Meeting @ 6:45pmMar 30 FMS - Parent Presentation Social Media/ Technology Safety @ 6:30pm

?Superintendent’s Office609-538-9800 ext. 1102

Email: thullings@ewingboe.orgWebsite: www.ewing.k12.nj.us

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2017 Ewing Township Board of Education Mrs. Stephanie F. Staub, Mrs. Karen A. McKeon, President Vice President Mr. Carl Benedetti, Jr. Ms. Lisa McConnell Ms. Maria C. Benedetti Mr. Anthony Messina Mr. Kenneth J. Bradley, Sr. Mr. Bruce White

Mr. Kevin J. Ewell

Safety Town of Ewing 2017Safety Town is a program designed for children entering Kindergarten in September, 2017. The program runs June 26-30, 2017 and the registration deadline is Friday, June 16th. There is

a non-refundable fee of $70 per student. We urge you to enroll your child as soon as possible as there is limited seating. Details and registration form are on the website homepage.

Register for Kindergarten 2017-18If your child turns 5 years of age by October 1, 2017, please register for Kindergarten Roundup now. Registration is by appointment only and details are on our website homepage.

• For advanced ticket sales, go to ehsnj.booktix.com.

• Advanced Ticket Prices: Students $8.00 Adults $10.00

• Door Ticket Prices: Students $8.00 Adults $12.00

• Advanced ticket sales are highly encouraged this year.