Nov 2012 - Nassau Journals

THE JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2012 9
EW SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF
ED MEETING SEPTEMBER 24
By Annie Gonzales
Former Board Member Susan Lloyd was recognized at the September
24 East Windsor School District Board of Education
Meeting. Opening remarks were given by Superintendent Edward
Forsthoffer, who described Lloyd as a “very diligent board member
and consummate professional.” Board President Robert Laverty
thanked Lloyd for 10 years of service on the board, “including the
most tumultuous years ever seen.” Lloyd was then presented a plaque
in grateful recognition of service from 2002 to 2012.
Lloyd thanked the members of the board. “I am proud of what
the district has become.” She said her hard work was, “done all for
the students. I am grateful to all for the support for the last two years.”
Seven members of the district’s Transportation Department received
special recognition for Perfect Attendance. Transportation Supervisor
Ingrid Reitano stated, ”It takes true dedication. They’re at
work before the lights are on and they’re the first people the children
see.” The Perfect Attendance recipients were:
Emmanuel Babin – Bus Driver
Charles Burt – Bus Driver
Karen De Angelis – Van Attendant
Dianna Moore – Driver
William Power – Bus Driver
Jean Prophete – Bus Driver
Donna Sweeney– Bus Driver
Nine district staff members received special recognition for 25
Years of Service. The recipients were introduced by their fellow teachers.
Gayle Parker, Rogers School Principal, honored Mary Christensen
of Grace N. Rogers Elementary School. Principal Parker said that
Christensen, “created a safe, caring, and all-inclusive child-centered
environment.” Principal Parker said it was an honor to work with a
dedicated professional who is passionate about education.
Principal Parker also honored Mary Ann Wherley of Grace N.
Rogers Elementary School. “She is consistently recognized by all administrators
as dedicated, enthusiastic, cooperative, and committed.”
Lori Stein, Melvin H. Kreps Middle School Principal, honored Ellen
Gertel of Kreps Middle School. “Ellen promotes well-being of the
school community; she continues to be a compassionate counselor.”
Principal Stein also honored Harold Cox of Kreps. “His love and
passion for teaching science has inspired students. He remains current
and incorporates new strategies. He inspires in science, and on the
mat as the Wrestling Coach.”
Robert Dias, Perry L. Drew School Principal, honored Lynn Marie
Churchman of Perry L. Drew Elementary School. Churchman taught
third and fourth grade and special education. Principal Dias said that
Churchman “loves helping the children reach their best potential possible.”
She was described as a “passionate gardener,” and she helped
build the Drew School garden. “The result is a wonderful garden that
is still up today,” Principal Dias said.
Alix Arvizu, Hightstown High School Principal, honored Dr.
David Williams of Hightstown High School. Principal Arvizu described
Dr. Williams as “enthusiastically sharing his love for literature.
He has an excellent rapport with students.”
Tekalah Sherrod, Director of Student Services for the district, honored
Iris Landau of Student Services. Sherrod described Landau as
supporting students’ growth for independence and self-advocacy.”
Also receiving awards for 25 Years of Service were Trudy Heisler in
Administration and Maria Rodriguez of Grace N. Rogers Elementary
School. Both were unable to attend the evening’s award presentation.
Board Member Christine Harrington acknowledged the passing
of Jacques A. “Doudou” Chancy, Music Teacher at Grace N. Rogers El-
ementary School. Chancy passed away on September 16, from a heart
attack. Board members described Chancy as a “beloved teacher”.
Superintendent Forsthoffer said that the district received crisis
management training last year to prepare for any unfortunate events.
Superintendent Forsthoffer explained that they did not use the
Chancy’s classroom for the first half of the day after the loss. They
brought in a teacher to fill in, one who had worked in the school distrtict
before. Students received counseling and he said that the staff
and students were excellent.
In lengthy discussion was the policy on Home Schooling and
Equivalent Education Outside the Schools, also called Policy 5270.
Board members posed questions on policy language. They also discussed
policy for the appropriate intervention of the Superintendent
when they receive reports of homeschooled children not receiving an
education. Discussions of this policy will be continued at the next
scheduled Board of Education meeting.
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