A joint publication from The Morris School District and The Morris Educational Foundation FALL 2014

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District Says Thank You and Farewell to Superintendent FicarraStudents, staff, parents, Board of Education members, and legions of MHS football fans gave retiring Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Ficarra a rousing send-off during half time of the MHS v. Mt. Olive football game on Saturday, September 27. After a 39-year career in education and twelve years at the helm of the Morris School District, Dr. Ficarra retired on September 30. The MHS marching band and cheerleaders welcomed Dr. Ficarra and his family to the center of the field for the special half time tribute. Dozens of elementary school students who were on hand for “District Day” joined middle and high school students on the field to help celebrate the occasion. More inside>

MEF Provides Newsela, a Breakthrough Literacy Tool, to Students District-WideThe Morris Educational Foundation has granted $17,200 to provide a district-wide subscription to Newsela PRO, bringing the groundbreaking online literacy tool to all Morris School District students in grades 3-12. Updated daily with real-world news from major publications, Newsela enables students to participate in conversation about the most urgent topics of our time, all while becoming stronger readers. More inside>

MHS Is Growing, So MHS Is Growing!The Morris School District Board of Education has approved plans to expand and renovate Morristown High School to accommodate increasing enrollment and provide contemporary space to support engineering, graphic arts, computer–aided design, and technology instruction. “We are simply running out of room and projections indicate we’ll have an additional 300 students by 2018,” said MHS Principal Mark Manning. “Equally important, we need to provide updated instructional space for 21st century learning. The building’s last renovation was in 1983. Instruction and programs have changed dramatically since then. We need space to support new technologies and collaborative group work, and to provide real-world learning experiences. This project meets all those needs.” More inside>

Freed Foundation Grants MEF $20,000 to Give the Gift of MusicEnhancements to the District music program and new instruments for students who cannot afford to rent them are now possible through a generous grant from the Freed Foundation provided by its Board Member Steve Douenias. The Douenias family are long–time Morristown residents and have two students in the school district. “We are thrilled that we are able to contribute to our community and enrich the lives of students by supporting the music program in Morris School District schools,” said Mr. Douenias. More inside>

MSD BOARD OF EDUCATION Leonard Posey, President

Peter Gallerstein, Vice PresidentNancy Bangiola • JB Blanchard

Lucia Galdi • Teresa Murphy Lisa Pollak • Fran Rossoff

Ann Rhines • Jeanette Thomas

Interim Superintendent of Schools: Catherine Mozak

MEF EXECUTIVE BOARDChair: Molly Servais

Vice Chair: Kim PistnerVice Chair: Mark Livingston

Treasurer: Patty HaralampoudisSecretary: Kathy Heher

Executive Director: Debbie Sontupe

MSD Embeds Technology for Students of All Ages

MHS Announces Senior OptionsProgramMorristown High School has initiated five Senior Options to provide flexibility for qualified students to begin college early; pursue paid employment or internships; or take college courses during their senior year.

The Early Graduation Option proves the opportunity for students who have met all graduation requirements by the end of their junior year to graduate at that time. In order to do so, students must substitute a junior year elective with an English course, thereby fulfilling the state requirement of four years of English. These students will then be able to enter college; take a gap year to volunteer or pursue an interest; or work to earn money for college and still enter college with their original graduating class.

The Early College Option allows students to freeze their grades after the first semester of their senior year and attend County College of Morris for the second semester.

Students who may benefit from the opportunity to pursue paid employment during the school day may participate in the Afternoon Employment Option. This option allows students to construct their schedules so that they take four classes before lunch. They are then able to leave school to engage in paid employment.

The Arrive Late/Leave Early option allows seniors the privilege of dropping an elective to come to school after the first period of the day or leave school prior to last period of the school day.

The Career Internship Program allows seniors to end their classes in mid–May and pursue an unpaid career internship for the final five weeks of school.

“These options provide students flexibility to match their schedules to their educational needs.” -Mark Manning, MHS Principal

Frelinghuysen Garden Grows Great IdeasOn June 23, Frelinghuysen Middle School students welcomed parents, Board of Education members, and representatives of FMS garden partners, BASF, and the Morris Educational Foundation to a ribbon–cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the Frelinghuysen vegetable garden. The expansive garden includes eight raised beds and a shaded patio teaching area.

When planning the garden, students applied math skills to measure the space required for each row; calculated the cost of fencing, soil, tools, and plants; and estimated the projected yield. Seventh grade science students identified plants best suited for the space, prepared compost-enriched soil, and planted rows of spinach, kale, snap peas, and lettuce.

The first harvest provided trays full of fresh salad ingredients to serve to students and staff at the end of the school year. Dr. Edward Cohen, supervisor of math and science, observed, “The students were excited to be eating food they had grown themselves and they immediately noticed and commented on the intense flavor of truly fresh, just picked harvest. The garden will continue to provide lessons for our students each season.”

During the summer the newly planted beds were carefully tended by students enrolled in the MSD Community School’s Summer Plus Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) program. The student gardeners harvested and donated bushels of fresh produce to Community Soup Kitchen.

“Thanks to Farmer Shaun at the Urban Farm at Lafayette and donations from Agway, Allfence and Quality Landscaping, we have a lasting outdoor learning environment that will benefit our students and community for years to come.” - Edward Cohen

Technology is an integral part of life and critical component of learning for even the youngest learners. It has followed them from the cradle to the classroom, and they have spent their lives observing and absorbing how humans interact with all manner of devices. Today’s 7–year–old has lived through all six generations of the iPhone, and today’s preschooler is as likely to describe a mouse as “the thing that moves the cursor” as she is to say it is a furry animal that likes cheese.

Computers are as essential in today’s classroom as blackboards were in yesterday’s. The District’s 1:1 learning environment provides Chrome Books for students in grades 7–12; and computers, iPads, and headphones support learning in every school in the Morris School District.

These tools play an important role in elementary schools, where students are beginning to add the “4Cs” -- Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication -- to the traditional “3Rs” of education. Teachers include computer–based research and publishing

skills in the classroom and through home assignments. Educational reading, math, and research programs, including Newsela, can be used in all classrooms so that students may learn and practice typing, navigation and other important computer-based skills.

Intermediate school students collaborate on projects using PowerPoint and iMovie to bring presentations to life, and interactive programs such as Skype, wikis, and blogs allow students to share thoughts and ideas across K–5 schools.

Technology is part of everyday learning in the MSD.

MEF Community Partner, Grow it Green Morristown, provided the horsepower and FMS 7th graders provided the student power to clear brush for the Frelinghuysen garden area.

MEF: Tell us about your journey to become the President of the September 11th Memorial and Museum.On September 11, 2001, I was coming to work in the American Express Building near the World Trade Center. When I got off the train, the North Tower of the World Trade Center had been hit by the first plane. I was in the middle of it all and saw everything. A few minutes later, I remember a large explosion when the plane hit the South Tower. Everyone started to run. I heard the news about the Pentagon, I was trying to get in touch with my wife. I looked back over my shoulder and saw the first tower collapse. I got back to our home in the West Village and went to the rooftop of our building. There I saw the second tower fall.

In 2005, they created the foundation to raise money to build and operate the 9/11 Memorial. I joined the team as General Counsel. I saw a great opportunity to have a huge impact and help me heal from what I had seen up close, and for the hole in the city that I came to love. After 11 months, I received a call asking me to step in as acting President. Mayor Bloomberg was the Foundation’s Chair and he was very supportive of me. I was 32 years old...he hired me, and that’s how I got to be President. Since its opening, we’ve had more than 15 million visitors to the Memorial, and this May, we dedicated the 911 Memorial Museum.

MEF: What successes would you attribute to your high school experiences?The most important thing I took away from MHS (I have 3 children now and this stays with me) is the level of diversity in every sense of the word that our school represents. I have this incredible reflection of it truly representing the best of our country. We were people from all different backgrounds (racial, geographic, socio economic, etc.) and we learned as students to get along with and be able to work and collaborate with all different types of people. It was a real gift for me at a young age to understand that there are all different types of people with different backgrounds. MHS taught me that and it will stick with me forever.

MEF: What advice would you give a MHS student?My advice is to experience life and work with an open mind. Do as much as you can in high school and graduate with a sense of confidence. Because of the experiences you are getting at MHS, you should feel confident that you are prepared for whatever comes your way academically and working with others. Embrace that confidence.

MEF: Who was your favorite teacher; why?Mr. Gordon made math interesting for me. He fostered a feeling in the classroom that we’re all part of the same team and on a similar journey. His enthusiasm translated to his students. I’d also say Mrs. Gorel for creative writing. I’ve been writing my whole life and what I learned in the class has stuck with me.

MEF: What are your responsibilities in your current position?When I began with the 911 memorial, I was their eleventh employee. We now have over 450 staff, many serve in a front–line capacity. We are proud to be the second most visited site in NYC. I’m responsible for a robust fund-raising effort raising over $475 million representing large gifts from corporations to generous gifts from the girl scouts and everything in between. I manage the operations of the memorial and the museum, which includes admissions, tour groups, museum (creating exhibitions), educational and public programs, and outreach.

“It feels better to work on something you believe in. It makes a difference when you’re passionate about what you do.”

MEF: What was your favorite memory of MHS?The teachers were awesome and I remember a few that had an impact on me. I have great memories of friends. It was an incredible growing up experience...going to Suvios, being part of the neighborhood, the proms, games. It comes down to my teachers and friends.

MEF: If you had known then what you know now, would you have done anything differently in high school? If so, what?My freshman year I showed up with a black jean jacket wearing a Ralph Lauren polo with a corduroy collar and a huge Iron Maiden patch...that I would do differently. On a serious note, generally high school is not easy, showing up as a little freshman. It’s a learning process, tough but amazing. Morristown High School, and in a larger sense Morristown, is an incredible place to raise a family... a true sense of what it is to be American. Those experiences have stayed with me.

Joe had many more great insights and meaningful high school memories. Read his full interview at www.morrisedfoundation.org.

Alumni Achievements: Joe Daniels, President & CEO, National Sept. 11 Memorial & MuseumEach issue we are pleased to circle back with one of our MHS esteemed alumni and catch up. This fall we caught up with Joe Daniels, MHS Class of ’90 . . . After graduating from Morristown High School in 1990, Joe attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After college, he took a year off and met his wife while working in Vail, Colorado, as a lift operator. He went on to study law at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his JD and immediately after began practicing law in New York City.

On September 11, 2001, Joe took the train to the World Trade Center, where he was scheduled for a consulting project. From that moment, Joe’s personal and professional journey took a new course.

2014 MEF Scholarships

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Left, Joe Daniels from his MHS yearbook (1993). Right, Joe today.

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The Morris Educational Foundation is proud to present our 2014 scholarship recipients:

The Eklund Scholarship Fund: Awarded for the first time this year, this scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for a qualified junior student who will pursue a career in teaching.

2014 Recipient: Daniela Mazo (A)“Obtaining this scholarship is something I never expected, and I feel really proud of myself. With it, I will be studying to be a preschool teacher. I’ve always liked children; they are unexpected and make you happy. Being a teacher is in my blood: my great grandmother, my mom, and other members of my family were teachers in Colombia. This year, I’ll be doing an internship as a teacher’s aid, and I can’t wait to get started. To all the people that were involved in making this possible, thank you very much.”

Dorothy F. Johnson Scholarship: Created through a bequest from the estate of Dorothy F. Johnson, a 1947 MHS graduate and community leader, this scholarship is awarded to a student to pursue business administration in college.

2014 Recipient: Gregory Goldstein (B)“Morristown High School has not only sparked my passion for business and entrepreneurship, but put me on a path to expand my education at a beautiful university. I’m thrilled to begin my studies at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park. I’m extremely grateful for this scholarship, as it will greatly aid me in financing my upcoming studies. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the MEF for this honor.”

The Stephen B. Wiley Scholarship: Awarded to a senior from MHS or MCST who has demonstrated a record of leadership, integrity, and kindness, proven involvement as a community-minded individual, and has demonstrated financial need.

2014 Recipient: Grace Campbell (C)“I’ll be attending the College of New Jersey, majoring in special and primary education, with a masters in special education. While attending MHS, I was involved in student government, National Honor Society, newspaper, lacrosse, and peer group connection. I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the MEF for this scholarship, for it will help me achieve my dream of a college education. I’d also like to thank my amazing family, who have always been there to keep me going.”

The John T. Cunningham Scholarship: Awarded to an MHS graduating senior pursuing a major in the broad field of communications.

2014 Recipient: Jake Goldberg (D)“I will be attending Ithaca College, majoring in television and radio. I’ve always had a passion for the work I put out for our high school TV show, Colonial Corner. I also spent two years calling football and basketball games on WJSV, the MHS radio station. This scholarship is special to me as I met Mr. Cunningham when I read his book, The Uncertain Revolution. Being the recipient of this scholarship shows me that all the work and passion that I put in has paid off, and that I will keep going strong at Ithaca College.”

Spring Sports RoundupSpring 2014 proved to be a championship season for Morris School District athletes and teams. In addition to the long list of state, sectional, county, and conference team titles, individual athletes performed at the highest levels in their sport, bringing home some of the most coveted titles of any season.

MHS Golf Team - It was a magical year for the talented MHS Golf Team, which finished the season ranked #4 overall, the highest ranking of any public school in the state. The team captured the highly competitive Morris County Championship title, the NJAC State Sectional Championship, the Group III State Championship, and brought home the NJAC sportsmanship award. Sophomore Evan Quinn took the individual Morris County Tournament title, the State Sectional title, and the NJAC Group III title. While competing in the sectional match, Evan shot a 66 — the lowest score ever recorded in the sectional competition. Evan and James Mongey were named to the NJAC 1st Team. “These are wonderful young men on and off the course. They are what Morristown High School is all about,” said Coach Chris Edmonson. “All I had to do was stay out of their way and let them play golf. Obviously, they did that quite well!”

Boys Track and Field - Rudy Torres (Iona), Greg Arabagian (Stevens Inst. of Tech.), Sean Lyons (US Air Force Academy), John Vallachi (Franklin & Marshall) picked up right where they left off last winter. After a spectacular indoor track season, the talented team dominated the Morris County Track and Field championships by taking 1st Place in the 4X800, 4X1600, and Distance Medley Relay. The team was selected for the 1st Team All Daily Record team. Sean captured the NJAC individual sectional title, and joined Greg Arabagian on the NJAC 1st Team and Morris County 1st Team.

Girls Lacrosse - The 2014 junior–laden MHS Girls Lacrosse team had a spectacular 17–5 record season on their way to capturing the NJAC Conference Championship title. Allison Ferrara set the MHS career record for goals ( ), assists (97), and points (291). Allison, Maddy Heher, Caroline Hersh and Lauren Goldhirsch were named to the Academic All American Lacrosse Team. Casey O’Brien and Meghan Siverson were selected to the All League 1st Team. Coach Evan Mager was named Mugs Media Coach of the Year.

Girls Track & Field - It was a record–breaking season for Girls Track and Field. The 3,200 meter record of 11:10 was broken twice during the 2014 season, first by Emma Cary (11:07) and then by Christine O’Kane (10:57). Emma, Christine, Olivia Carter and Lauren Barone (Fordham) set a new Distance Medley record of 12:37. Camille Carter was named to the NJAC 1st Team, and Nicole Griffin (Rutgers) received the Morris County Secondary School Athletic Directors’ Scholar Athlete Award.

Boys Lacrosse - The Boys Lacrosse team brought home the NJAC Conference Waterman Division Championship. Joseph Murphy (Stanford) was named Morris County Scholar Athlete of the year and selected to the NJILCA Academic All American team. Brian Begley (Loyola of Maryland) was named Waterman Division Player of the Year and selected to: NJAC All American; NJAC All State 1st Team; NJSBCA Sr. All Star team; 1st Team, Waterman Division; 1st Team and NJSBCA Sr. All State Team. Kyle Beyer and Andres Rodriguez (Wesleyan) were selected to 1st Team Waterman Division.

Baseball - The hard–hitting 2014 MHS Baseball team captured the NJAC National Division Championship. Mark Turi’s (Tulane) 447 batting average and 24 RBIs helped to secure his place on the NJSBCA NW Senior All Star team. Turi and teammates Mike Palestri (Lehigh) and Jake Fallon (Hofstra) were named to the NJAC 1st Team.

Frelinghuysen Middle School - Spring was the ultimate championship season for Frelinghuysen Middle School sports. Frelinghuysen Falcon teams took home County Championship titles in Baseball, Girls Track and Field, Boys Track and Field, and Girls Lacrosse.

AP Honors for 71 MHS StudentsSeventy-one Morristown High School students were honored by the College Board Advanced Placement Program for exceptional performance on the 2014 AP Tests. Included among these are 26 AP Scholars, 17 AP Scholars with Honor, 26 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 2 National AP Scholars.

AP Scholars must earn scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Scholars with Honor must have an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholars with Distinction must obtain an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. National AP Scholars must have an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Morristown High School’s two AP Scholars, Nicole Kramer and Nicholas Townsend Hass, scored perfect “5s” on 15 out of 16 AP Exams taken, and a “4” on the remaining exam.

Gone Where Few Have Gone BeforeIn 2014 it would be inaccurate to say that MHS junior and aspiring engineer, Eric Dalpe, “has gone where no man has gone before.” But, even today, very few have done so.

Following a rigorous application process, Eric was among 304 students selected worldwide to participate in the 2014 Honeywell Leadership Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. While there, participants built and tested their own rockets, took part in simulated shuttle missions and weightlessness training, and met with astronauts, engineers and scientists.

“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” said Eric. “I was inspired by my uncle and encouraged by great teachers. Mrs. Kolker, who taught my freshman physics and principles of engineering classes, brought us on field trips that broadened my view of science. Those experiences and the broad range of classes I’ve taken helped solidify my interest in engineering.”

Currently enrolled in AP Physics and Aerospace Engineering, Eric plans to study mechanical engineering in college.“Morristown High School has prepared me for college and beyond,” observed Eric. “MHS students come to know and respect people of different backgrounds, opinions, and skill sets and work with them as part of a team. That is an important lesson that will serve me well wherever life takes me.”

The Multi-Axis Trainer allowed Eric Dalpe to ex-perience the disorientation astronauts feel in a tumble spin during reentry into the atmosphere.

MHS should make room in its trophy case before these talented athletes get there.

(l-r) Matt Strambi (Boston College), Chris Haralampoudis (Cornell), Zach Certner (Duke), Evan Quinn (MHS Class of 2016), James Mongey (Fordham)

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National Merit Honor StudentsMorristown High School is proud to recognize 13 students honored in the 2014 National Merit Schoalrship Program. These students are: (Front Row l-r) National Merit Commended Students Andrew Speers and Brian Honicky; National Merit Commended Student and National Hispanic Recognition Student Tomas Quinteros Amat; National Merit Commended Student Eric Wyss.

Middle Row: National Merit Commended Students Nicholas Moy, Dana Demnitz, Kathryn Hicks, Vera Mastrorilli, and Katherine Hess. Back Row: National Hispanic Recognition Student Anthony Ramirez; National Merit Commended Student Adam Stark; and National Merit Semifinalist, Emily Keenan. Not pictured: National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalist Jonathan Aloba.

From MHS to US Air Force AcademyWhen Sean Lyons (MHS’14) was eight years old, he decided he wanted to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Competition for appointment to the Academy is fierce and demands exceptional academic credentials, outstanding character, and leadership potential.

Sean has always set high goals for himself and worked hard to achieve them. So, it was no surprise that he was among the ”Doolies" (first–year cadets) to arrive on Academy’s sprawling Colorado Springs campus in June.

A record–setting runner on the MHS track team, Sean wasted no time in being part of another record–setting team: the battalion with the most number of cadets in a push–up line! Ouch!

Parents Mike and Rebecca Lyons with Sean on Parents Weekend

MHS Freshman Wins Statue of Liberty SwimWhen Tommy Cromie was introduced to swimming, he refused to put his face in the water. Fortunately for the MHS swim team and the Special Needs Athletic Program (SNAP), he overcame that fear. On September 18, Tommy bested 100 competitors in the 2014 Statue of Liberty Swim, and raised $774 for SNAP.

”The best part of this experience was the view of the Statue of Liberty to one side and the city skyline to the other as the sun came up. It was unlike anything I’ve seen before and something I will never forget,” said Tommy.

Kindergarten Visitation Set for JanuaryParents of students who will enter kindergarten in September 2015 are invited to learn about kindergarten in the Morris School District on the following kindergarten visitation days in January:

n Wed., 1/7/15, 9:30 am, Woodland Schooln Fri., 1/9/15, 9:30 am, Hillcrest Schooln Wed., 1/14/15, 9:30 am, Alfred Vail School

Incoming kindergarten parents who are interested in learning about the Normandy Park Multiage Magnet program are invited to do so on Friday, January 15 at 7:00 pm at Normandy Park School.

Kindergarten registration will take place in February for students who will have attained the age of 5 on or before 10/1/15.

Detailed information on kindergarten registration will be on the District website, www.morrisschooldistrict.org, in January.

Mark the Calendar!Morristown’s Got Talent 2015Auditions Saturday, December 13, 2014

Do you have a fantastic talent you want to share? Morristown’s Got Talent auditions will take place Saturday, December 13, at Morristown High School.

Come on out and audition for this incredibly fun event showcasing the area’s best amateur talent! Auditions are open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Morristown, Morris Township, or Morris Plains, and MHS alumni. (Groups must have at least one member who meets this criteria.) This year, TWO $1000 prizes are up for grabs, and – new for 2015 – there will be a $500 prize for viewers’ choice!

You must register to audtion. Register online at www.morristownsgottalent.com.

Focus on FacultyMHS Italian teachers Krista Bono and Frank Sedita were invited to address the 2014 Italian Teachers Association of NJ Conference at Rutgers University. Their presentation, “Problem-based Learning and Performance Assessment,” received rave reviews from attendees who were eager to learn more about the world language program at MHS.

This summer, MHS science teachers spent two weeks in professional training toward implementing Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses in engineering and design. PLTW applies STEM skills — science, technology, engineering, and math — to solve open–ended problems in a real–world context.

Joseph Componile and Bernadtte Mehrtens worked on MHS course curriculum for Principals of Engineering at Rowan University; Deborah Spencer headed to Florida for training in Aerospace Science and Engineering; and Mariel Kolker collaborated with Stevens Institute to further refine the Nanoscale Science and Engineering course now offered at MHS.

In October, Ms. Kolker and colleague Erin Colfax presented workshops at the NJ Science Convention.

Search Underway for New SuperintendentThe Board of Education engaged the services of New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) to oversee the search process. In October, NJSBA held forums for school administrators, staff, parents and community members to clarify criteria and identify desired personal characteristics of the next superintendent. A survey also was posted on the District website to invite input. Feedback from the forums will be used to develop interview questions and refine selection criteria.

“While we hope to quickly identify the ideal candidate, we will continue to search until we find the person who will maintain the standard of excellence our students and community deserve,” said Board of Education President Leonard Posey.

Catherine Mozak, Interim Superintendent

The MSD Board of Education appointed Ms. Catherine Mozak Interim Superintendent of Schools to replace Dr. Thomas Ficarra, who retired on September 30. Ms. Mozak will serve as interim superintendent until a new superintendent is hired. She is a former superintendent of schools in Park Ridge, and most recently served as interim superintendent of schools in Denville.

The project is scheduled in four phases, each timed to coincide with program needs as enrollment increases. The first phase, a 24,000 square foot, three–story addition to the Early Street building, is slated to begin in June 2015. When completed in the summer of 2016, the first and second floors of this structure will provide six additional classrooms and a state–of–the–art technology center. Construction of the wing will be exterior to the existing building, minimizing disruption to the school day.

The second phase will take place in summer of 2016. At that time, hallways and doors connecting the old and new buildings will be opened, the existing CAD classroom will be renovated and divided into two instructional spaces, and the existing woodshop will be renovated and divided into two rooms.

The third phase of the project, renovations to the visual and graphic arts wing, is scheduled for summer 2017. The fourth and final phase of the project is planned for the summer of 2018, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the original high school building. At that time, the ground level space of the new wing will be finished to accommodate enrollment and meet specific program needs.

The addition will be constructed on the west side (far right) of the Early Street building. Although the outside of the new building honors and reflects the classic architecture of the original 1918 building, the inside will be purely high–tech. In addition, numerous initiatives including low flow water fixtures, LED lighting, and roof–mounted photovoltaic panels will be used to save energy and reduce environmental impact of the building.

“We anticipated the need for this renovation over time and budgeted accordingly,” said Board President, Leonard Posey. “As a result, we are able to again provide needed instructional space without increasing debt.” Phases one and two will be paid for through capital reserve with an estimated project cost of $9.5 million. Phases three and four are designed as stand–alone projects and will be budgeted and paid for out of the annual operating budget and capital reserve fund. If necessary, these phases can be moved to a future year without impacting the programs already in place.

A Gift of Music (Cont’d from page 1)

The Douenias family grant is made under the auspices of the Freed Foundation, a NYC-based non-profit dedicated to supporting a variety of educational initiatives as well as cancer and animal-related causes. This was its first grant for a K–12 proposal.

The award is made in the name of two men whose lives were shaped by their love of music. The first is Steve’s father, Daniel Douenias, an avid musician who grew up playing the sax and for many years went in the summers to the Catskills to play in the Big Bands. Before he passed away last year in his 80s, he was still playing in a jazz quartet.

The grant is also given in honor of the retirement of John Schumacher, music teacher in the Morris School District for 29 years. He influenced the lives of hundreds of students through his roles as band, jazz band, and marching band director at Morristown High School and band and jazz band director at Frelinghuysen Middle School. Douenias was struck by the enthusiasm and dedication of Mr. Schumacher. “It is inspiring to see a gifted teacher such as Mr. Schumacher instill in young students a love for music, and in so doing expand their horizons and forever enrich their lives,” he said.

The grant secured by Mr. Douenias will also provide funds to purchase an instrument storage cabinet, leatherette music folders, and new notation software at Frelinghuysen, where there are now 250 students in the FMS band program. At Thomas Jefferson, grant funds will be used to fund a performance and improvisation class by the Pitchblak Jazz Ensemble, and to purchase sound equipment for the stage, a MacBok Pro, and an acoustic guitar.

“The equipment provided through this generous grant and the skills our students will learn through the improvisation class will enhance their skills and deepen their appreciation of music and the arts,” said TJ principal, Cristina Frazzano. “We are extremely grateful for the grant provided by the Douenias family and look forward to sharing our students’ musical performances with the community for years to come,” she added.

“We are honored to work with The Freed Foundation and Steve Douenias in the administration of this grant to ensure it has a tremendous impact on the lives of the young musicians in our district,” said Molly Servais, Chair of the Morris Educational Foundation. “Helping members of our community have an impact in our schools through their donations is truly inspirational for our organization.”

Thank You and Farewell (Cont’d from page 1) Board of Education President Leonard Posey thanked Dr. Ficarra for his years of dedication to the Morris School District. “Dr. Ficarra has led our district with sound judgment, integrity, and an endless enthusiasm for learning,” said Posey.

FMS students presented Dr. Ficarra a plaque listing the many characteristics of leadership he demonstrated over the years, and MHS students gave him a model sailboat created on the high school’s 3–D printer. The wit and wisdom of elementary school students were contained in a 2–volume set of recommendations for a happy retirement. Among these suggestions were:

• “Live the rest of your life doing the things you want to do.”

• “Try a fabulous new hairstyle.”

• “Play with old friends and make new ones.”

• “Adopt a pet. A pig or a cow or any of those would do.”

• “Treasure something.”

• “Buy a recliner. You’ll need to take a lot of naps.”

Before leaving the field, Dr. Ficarra thanked the children for their sage advice and the crowd for its well wishes.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to work in this extraordinary school district and wonderful community. I must admit, I’m looking forward to relaxing and spending time with my grandson, Jack, a member of MHS class of 2032!” -Thom Ficarra

Newsela (Cont’d from page 1)

The program posts new articles everyday, and addressies all Core Content Standards, making it a perfect practice venue for the upcoming PARCC test. In every article, teachers or students can select various levels of ability, making it easy for an entire class to read the same content, but at a level that’s right for each student.

Students can access the program from home as well as school, and teachers can specify articles for students to focus on. Teachers then gain valuable data to assist in creating guided reading groups and differentiated instruction.

This district–wide grant is one of many the MEF provides to enrich the academic pursuits of all district students. Last year, the MEF provided $120,000 in grants to our schools, part of the $1.7 million the MEF has given over the past 22 years.

“So many teachers have told us how fantastic Newsela is. It’s timely and relevant, and students are excited to have control over their own learning.” - Debra Gottsleben-Delaney, Info. Literacy and Tech, MHS

MHS Is Growing, So MHS Is Growing! (Cont’d from page 1 )

Architectural rendering of Morristown High School with the new wing.

The MEF Congratulates our 2013–14 Teacher Tributes Honorees . . .TEACHER TRIBUTESHONOREESHOLIDAY 2013

ALEXANDER HAMILTONPeggy Barnicle Briana Burwel Christine Carey Darren D’Alconzo Maria GalvinMeg Goss Jean Graziano Marisa Gruber Kristen HamiltonBobby Jones Vanessa Kelly Elka Kessler Stephanie LittleJeremy Miragliotta Rajashree NairJosephine Noone Sue Nugent Thomas Schrank Christina Skrod Jennifer Weber Gloria Weiss Allen

ALFRED VAILCarol BeeckElizabeth BiondoSally CamelottoJoanne CarriganMelinda ErnstShelley Giaier Rachel Jobe Mary Kaeli Leigh Kessler Mrs. King Julie LaBarreMelinda LaureanoKatie ManahanMarisa MaranoAnita McAndrewPaula MendezJoe ParilloApril PruessFrancesca ReganatoJenny SalazarMichelle VenaMartha Westenberger

CENTRAL OFFICEMary Donohoe

FRELINGHUYSENMIDDLE SCHOOLRocco Antoniello Yeisson BernalBruce Chamberlain Edward BarnesSandra BermanGary BernsteinJennifer BerntsonJeff BigasAllison BoehmSara Botsakos Jennifer BremmerRenee BrownJeff BurdgeJake Cahill Melissa CalamariDamon Clark Toni Ann CorsiSarah Cummings Sheila DarwinMelissa DodgeJudith EnderleyWendy FerrieroLawrence GonskyElizabeth GreeleyAllyson GreensteinCarlene HenkeDanae HeywoodThomas HiserdodtAura JimenezCraig KennedyThomas Law Caitlin LodatoKaren LondonBryan ManahanMark ManningBrian MatroCynthia MauroPatricia McNamaraSarah MiddletonMonica MihalikJean Marie MolinaroTara MontagueAnna MusterKristina MytrowitzVincent PhinnBradd PowellMichelle PropfeCatherine PucciMauro RaguseoJill RolfeShawn Romanker

Jack RosenthalCaitlin Ryan Rachel SamuelBarbara SchorrJohn SchumacherCheryl ScrobaczRichard SerraCheryl SkrobaczBrittany Slusarczyk Sarah SmallingCheryl Stetz-BamertJosh TennantDavid ThompsonSamantha Tomblin Joseph TurnerMichael VilloneCynthia WebberDustin Weinstein

HILLCREST Wendy Chang Bridget ClarkAlison CorwinMary DamianoMaria FeeneyIngrid HarpaulCarol HoegToni HopcraftMelinda LaureanoMarilyn LenatLance LiebermanPatricia Noll Erin O’ConnellDiane PetesciaLucy Reis

LAFAYETTELEARNING CENTERSherry DiDomenico Amy Manobianca

MORRISTOWN HIGH SCHOOLMarina Bragina Tracey Allen Kenneth ArntzenElizabeth BarboneClaudia BarreraChristina BilfulcoJohn BodnarchukPaul Buccino Michael ButlerLaura CallenChristine CamisaMeredith CarletonMatthew CarmelMichael CarusoTanya CepedaEllen CheikesErin ColfaxWilliam ConnollyAngel Cora Kelly DabinettAnthony DaneseNorma DavisJustin DeFeo Dawn DeMartinoKathleen DischMary Ellen Dupre-BurnsDavid Emma Danielle FiravantiKerry FitzmauriceJonathan FletcherAlejandra Formoso Krystie FultonJennifer FurphyDave GelberDonna GelegonyaEsperanza GonzalezDebra GottslebenMark GutkowskiKathy HallScott HansonDavid HargraveLindsay HenryChris HullRob IzsaAllison JanosyRobert JordanChristiana Kemp Christopher Kenny Kristina KennyBrian KiernanBrian KievningMariel KolkerMaria LafflerGeorge LavigneJohn MaddenJill MagidsonRobert MangelMark ManningSamantha MargenauJessica McGroverBarbara McNallyBernadette MehrtensEthel Minchello Kelly Murphy

Michael NuzzoMichael O’BrienJeanna Occhiogrosso Joanne OlivierRobert PellechioJanet PerrotteyClaudine Priola Surina Ranawat Jacques RizzoKevin RooneyMichael RussoDouglas RutanKevin SampsonLynda SeavyFrank Sedita James SellLauren ShohenMatthew SwensonMelanie TalesnickJanyce TramplerJulie Vagnini Edwin VillhauerMichael WellerKathleen WoodKatrina WunderlichKristin Yacat

NORMANDY PARKDebbie Carroll Joelle DianaTrudi Duffy Wendy GilsonPaul GlennKelly HarteBevinn HerrmannDonna Kelly Sharon LaconiMarie LangsdorfCharles McCabeJoan MillerCatherine MurphyAmanda RilloNicole Rosso Robert RussellAriella SchwamCherie Smith Mary Beth SuppleCrystal ToyeNicole TulliSarah WardAdrienne WeberAmanda Wolff

SUSSEX AVENUERandee Blumstein Kristyn Daly Peter FrazzanoLauren GutierrezMelissa JohnsonChristine KellyAnthony Lewis LaheyJennifer LuerssenHailee MichelSusan OssannaKatie Stritmater

THOMAS JEFFERSONShani ArnetteJohn BabulaHolly BollingerJaime BratspiesJeff BrownDeborah CarrollMaria CataldoHelen ChangElaine ConsidineArgaille DiMateoJennifer DreifussMark FluckCristina FrazzanoRebecca HitchcockMeghan LucignaniBrad MarulloZachary MazouatGabrielle MeyerSusan MileskyKarle MillerCasey O’BrienJennifer PencingerKirsten Salamone Diego SalasBethany TelschowKaren ThompsonNellie TsnopolisDawn Wallace

TRANSPORTATIONMiss MindyMargot RichardsonGeorge WilkersonKatie WOODLANDTracey BadenhausenMarylynn BeinhakerNicole BerresHeidi Biller

Elizabeth BiondoDina BradyArgaile De MateoSharon FierroDavid GidichSuzanne GrossmanPaola HalLisa HortonLisa KattermannDoug KobanRita MaclayElizabeth MatakitisSharon McDonaldNancy McGoldrickElizabeth MeyerNoelle MortilloWendy Nunn Cathie RizzoloLindsay StoffelLeah SettembreGreg SumskiNina TudorowskyColleen VarneckesLenora WilliamsChristina Xenitelis

TEACHER TRIBUTESHONOREESSPRING 2014ALEXANDER HAMILTONMiss Aydin Peggy Barnicle Cassandra Brown Christine Carey Colleen Cuminskey (Moore) Darren D’Alconzo Lara Emanuele Liz Ferraiolo Miss Galle Maria Galvin Meg Goss Jean Graziano Kristen Hamilton Bobby Jones Stephanie Little Carolyn McLain Linda Murphy Josephine Noone Sue Nugent Carolyn Opipari Miss Pellegren Thomas Schrank Jennifer Weber Gloria Weiss Allen Mary Worts Preeti Arora Verma

ALFRED VAILDebbie Ayres Carol Beeck Sally Camelotto Yvonne Davis Debbie Denninger Victoria Escobar Jack Ferrante Laurie Flynn Ed Foster Shelley Gaier Kathy Hill NIchole Hodge Rachel Jobe Mary Kaeli Janet Kellman Leigh Kessler Julie LaBarre Melinda Laureano Christine Licardi Christina Lucas Katie Manahan Bryn Markovich Marieta Mataj Anita McAndrew Paula Mendez Kari Miller Nancy Nutt Susan Ossanna Joseph Parrillo April Pruess Mrs. Roby Carolyn Russo Jen Salazar Mary Lou Scalera Robert Sparano Roland Urgino Michele Vena Debbie Welter Johanna Windon

CENTRAL OFFICEMary Donohoe Thomas Ficarra Ruthann Fulton

FRELINGHUSYEN MIDDLE SCHOOLBerma Alexander Rocco Antoniello Edward Barnes Sandra Berman Yeisson Bernal Gary Bernstein Jeffrey Bigas Allison Boehm Sara Botsakos Amy Bozza Renee Brown Jeff Burdge Jacob Cahill Melissa Calamari Kim Campbell-Studer Bruce Chamberlain Susan Chung Edward Cohen Toni Anne Corsi Sarah Cummings Ashley Daly Matt Daly Sheila Darwin Jill Demark MaryBeth Donnelly Lawrence Gonsky Elizabeth Greeley Liz Greeley Carlene Henke Patricia Herbert Danae Heywood Thomas Hiserodt Elizabeth Hodge Aura Jimenez Karen London Monica Mahalik Stephanie Majorossy Bryan Manahan Brian Matro Cynthia Mauro Patricia McNamara Allyson Meo Jean Marie Molinaro Tara Montague Anna Muster Kristina Mytrowitz Martin Narciso Betsy Nunn Ana Pereira Vincent Phinn Michelle Propfe Catherine Pucci Mauro Raguseo Luz Reyes Shawn Romanker Caitlin Ryan Ted Ryan Rachel Samuel Var-ughese Barbara Schorr John Schumacher Richard Serra Cheryl Skrobacz Brittany Slusarczyk Sarah Smalling Brittany Spatz Cheryl Stetz-Bamert David Thompson Samantha Tomblin Gerald Torres Joseph Turner Elizabeth Vanegas Michael Villone Carla Walker Cynthia Weber Dustin Weinstein

HILLCRESTMs. Abrams Cassandra Brown Dawn Catanzaro Wendy Chang Bridget Clark Mary Damiano Laura Darcy Osman Escobar Maria Feeney Mr. Frias Stacy Giammarino Ingrid Harpaul Carol Hoeg Toni Hopcraft Melissa Krickus Ms. Laurent Vanessa Laurent Marilyn Lenat Michelle Mackey Bryn Markovitch Patricia Noll Erin O’Connell Diane Petescia LuAnn Romano Catherine Rosenthal Patricia Sutton Ms. Vassari

LAFAYETTE LEARNING CENTER Robin Bass Singleton Adora Bautista Beth Biondo Armida Bonilla Danielle Catanzaro Maria Celis Beverly Corona Sherry DiDomenico Eileen Eddy Maria Fazari Janet Fiore Jen Ford Karen Gill Janis Golob Madeline Handel Mary Keown Amy Manobianca Maria Mazza Noemi Menendez Jen Mocko Gail Rome Diane Ryan

MORRISTOWNHIGH SCHOOLTracy Allen Kenneth Arntzen Elizabeth Barbone Claudia Barrera Christina Bifulco John Bodnarchuk Krista Bono Marina Bragina Paul Buccino Michael Butler Laura Callen Christine Camisa Matt Carmel Michael Caruso Sally Casadevall Kelly Catalano Tanya Cepeda Ellen Cheikes Erin Colfax Joseph Companile Rachel Compton William Connelly Angel Cora Kelly Dabinett Anthony Danese Norma Davis Justin DeFeo Greg DiGioacchino Gordon Drewery David Emma Pam Eschmann Danielle Firavanti Kerry Fitzmaurice Krystie Fulton Jennifer Furphey David Gelber Donna Gelegonya Esperanza Gonzalez Debra Gottsleben Barbara Grames Mark Gutkowski Scott Hanson David Hargrave Heidi Heinsohn Lindsay Henry Chris Hull Allison Janosy Christiana Kemp Christopher Kenny Brian Kievning Mariel Kolker Maria Laffler George Lavigne Rodney Lee Michael Lockman Mark Manning Jessica McGrover Barbara McNally Bernadette Mehrtens Liping Meng Myra Morrison

Kelly Murphy Miss. Nichols Michael Norton Maryanne Novello Michael Nuzzo Michael O’Brien Jeanna Occhiogrosso Joanne Olivier Robert Pellechio Janet Perrottey Allison Pisciotta Jamie Pooler Claudine Priola Surina Ranawat Jack Rizzo Kevin Rooney Michael Russo Douglas Rutan Kevin Sampson Michael Santoro Marietta Scorsune Lynda Seavy James Sell Michael Serra Lauren Shohen Matt Swenson Melanie Talesnick Janyce Trampler Edwin Villhauer Paola Viteri Michael Weller Scott White Kathleen Wood Lane Worrall Kristin Yacat NORMANDY PARKJennifer Castello Lora Clark Joelle Diana LuAnn Fabbo Wendy Gilson Paul Glenn Bevinn Herrmann Lei-Han Hong Donna Kelly Joan LaLuna Marie Langsdorf Charles McCabe Joan Miller Katie Murphy Cathy Polcaro Amanda Rillo Nicole Rosso Bob Russell Ariella Schwam Cherie Smith Mary Beth Supple Crystal Toye Nicole Tulli Uray Vazquez Sarah Ward Adrienne Weber Laureen Winfield Amanda Wolff

SUSSEX AVENUEJuliette Amsallen Kimberly Bruno Katherine Clark Kristyn Daly Debbie Esposito Leslye Folmar-Harris Ashley Fortunato Noreen Gaudioso Lauren Gutierrez Melissa Johnson Christine Kelly Marlene Martell Cathy McCall Hailee Michel Debra Moore Kate Russell Linda Ruta Elizabeth Slawecki Nailah Taylor Margaret Tuzzeo Roland Urgino

THOMAS JEFFERSON Shani Arnette John Babula Gerald Brown Jeff Brown Mrs. Carroll Maria Cataldo Elaine Considine Viki Craig Jennifer Critelli Argaille DiMatteo Mark Fluck Cristina Frazzano Rebecca Hitchcock Vanessa Illardi Lauren Kenny Megan Lucignani Brad Marullo Gabrielle Meyer Susan Milesky Judy Morreale Jennifer Pencinger Teddy Salas Kathy Schneider Bethany Telschow Karen Thompson Colleen Varneckas Dawn Wallace TRANSPORTATIONJoanne Brown Miss Johanna Miss Mindy Vladimir Quinn George Wilkerson Katy Margo

WOODLAND Nicole Berres Heidi Biller Elizabeth Biondo Argaille DiMatteo Sharon Fierro Alison Fortmuller David Gidich Suzanne Grossman Paola Hall Vicki Hall Lisa Horton Lisa Kattermann Doug Koban Michele Lombardi Stacey Lynch Rita Maclay Zachary Mazouat Sharon McDonald Nancy McGoldrick Liz Meyer Noelle Mortillo Kathleen Murphy Elizabeth Myer Wendy Nunn Liane Paul Cathie Rizzolo Leah Settembre Greg Sumski Nina Tudorowsky Colleen Varneckas Lenora Williams Christina Xenitelis

Toast 2 Teachers HonoreesAlexander HamiltonRobert Jones

Alfred VailDenise Payne

Central OfficeMary Donohoe

Frelinghuysen Middle SchoolBruce Chamberlain John Schumacher

LLCLora Clark

Morristown High School Paul Buccino Tayna Cepeda Bruce Chamberlain Jennifer Furphey David GelberRobert Jones Michael Lockman Claudine Priola Kevin Rooney

Normandy ParkLora Clark

Sussex Avenue Debbie Esposito Lauren Gutierrez Brad Marullo

Thomas JeffersonJeff BrownBrad Marullo

WoodlandElizabeth Matakitis

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MHS APES (AP Environmental Science students) pitched in to help clean up local parks.

Families galore play golf and have a blast for Bruce Chamberlain’s (FMS) “Hole in One” Toast.

It’s hard to imagine these Hillcrest students as seniors in caps and gowns, but as any parent knows it will happen in the blink of an eye!

Pinned by Morris School District

MEF tutors and volunteers celebrate famililies and education in our community at Alexander Hamilton School.

Pinned by Morris Educational Foundation

Elementary students were happy to celebrate the first day of school.

Elementary students and parents marched from AH to the MHS field to celebrate 2014 District Day football game.

Pinned by Morris School District

Pinned by Morris School District

Farmer Shaun at the Urban Farm at Lafayette shows a preschool student where carrots really come from. It’s hard to say who’s having more fun!

Pinned by Morris School District

Pinned by Morris School District

Pinned by Morris Educational Foundation

Keith Rosso and his students battle it out in the second annual Battle of the Books.

Pinned by Morris Educational Foundation

Hosts and friends enjoy a laugh at Greg Sumski’s (Woodland) “Down the Shore” Toast.

Pinned by Morris Educational Foundation