NJDOE – The Media Pub News (TM)

Mantua Twp. schools receive $1.6 million for pre-k expansion

MANTUA, N.J. – At the beginning of this school year, the

Mantua Twp. School District students (L-R): Kaylee Mayer, Dylan MacKay, Sofia Nuss, Matthew Dorczuk, and Jethro Morris show their hands.
— Provided photo

New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) awarded Mantua Township School District $1.6 million for preschool education expansion.

At no cost or tax levy to families, this NJDOE funding will allow Mantua School District to convert their partial-day program into a full-day program starting early winter this year.

Current preschool families will also receive a full refund of their tuition payments for this year, and will get additional information about the potential for transportation services.

“Implementing a tuition-free, full-day pre-k program is a monumental step forward for the students and families of Mantua Township,” says Dr. Robert Fisicaro, superintendent of Mantua Township School District.

The district plans to make other details such as the timeline for reimbursements and the implementation of the program start date available soon.

“This state initiative will not only help us change the learning trajectory for all future students, but it will also have a positive fiscal impact on the entire district in future years,” said Fisicaro.

Eligibility requirements for the preschool program state that prospective students must be 4-years-old by Oct. 1 during the year they will enroll, and must also be current residents of Mantua Township.

Apart from the upcoming information session to inform current and prospective families about the changes coming to their preschool education program, families should visit the school district website for further details at www.mantuaschools.com.

Ocean County Teacher of the Year pitches at Trenton Thunder ballpark

TRENTON, N.J. — A history teacher for more than 10 years now,

William “Bill” Smith is Ocean County Teacher of the Year, 2018. Here he is celebrating his award at the ballpark at a Trenton Thunder game.
— Provided photo

William “Bill” Smith recently threw the first pitch at the Trenton Thunder game to celebrate his award for 2018-19 Ocean County Teacher of the Year.

Smith is from Hamilton and graduated from Rider University, but is currently teaching at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin, where his seventh and eighth graders, and colleagues are really proud of him.

He states, “My students, past and present, seemed really proud of me. Many of them told me they posted news articles about it on their social media pages.”

Each year, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) initiates a four-step process to select a teacher within the State as NJ State Teacher of the Year.

It is an initiative that is also known as the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

The first step of the process starts with each school in the State selecting a teacher for Teacher of the Year.

Next, each teacher writes a series of essays to be named County Teacher of the Year.

Then, the 21 County Teachers of the Year make a video of them teaching instructional lessons in their classrooms.

Third, the NJDOE then selects six finalists for interviews in front of a nine-personal panel.

Finally, the NJDOE announces the NJ State Teacher of the Year.

Smith hopes to be a finalist, but says, “Just to make it this far has been an incredible experience. I’ve been so honored and humbled to make it this far.”

Smith also explained that when teachers win State Teacher of the Year, they have to leave the classroom from January to June to work for the State.

“The winner is gonna be completely out of the classroom. That would be a big adjustment for me,” he said.

However, he also mentioned that he agreed to the challenge, and would embrace the journey and the opportunity to affect change in a positive way.

But he would miss his students if he goes to the State.

“That part would be a bit sad. I am so much more comfortable in the classroom. That’s where I really thrive,” he said.

Smith says he has an average class size of around 25 students and they like his engaging and interactive teaching style, and his passion for history.

He said the positive rapport that he fosters with his students is one of his greatest strengths, and his students are one of the main reasons he won this award.

Smith studied history and education at Rider University from where he graduated in 2007, and has taught in Hunterdon and Burlington counties before teaching in Ocean County.

He is enjoying his distinction, and has more recognition and speaking events to attend. He also plans to go to Germany next April to learn about their education system. And, he said he might also shoot for the stars and apply for a Fulbright Grant.

Meanwhile, all the County Teachers of the Year are waiting to hear who will make the finals for the State Teacher of the Year announcement Oct. 3