Superintendent’s Report

Erskine R. Glover, Superintendent

February 12, 2026

Volume 12 Issue 6

 

PHS Earns AP Honor Roll Status for 2nd Year

Piscataway High School has earned its place in the prestigious AP School Honor Roll for the 2nd straight year for its outstanding efforts in expanding access to Advanced Placement courses and developing a culture of excellence among college-bound students. PHS earned the AP School Honor Roll from College Board for welcoming more students into AP courses for 2025 and setting them on the path to college success. PHS earned “Gold” status in 2 of 3 metrics for the award: College Credit and College Optimization. This is an improvement over the 2024 award. PHS is also celebrating exceptional 2025 AP Exam results. PHS students consistently outperformed state and global averages, achieved remarkable passing rates, and earned an impressive number of top scores (3s, 4s and 5s).

 

M.L. King Music Teacher Wins Elite Award for N.J.

Congratulations to Dr. Elisabeth Sato, instrumental music teacher at M.L. King Intermediate School, for being selected as the N.J. winner of the NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions to music education.

 

 Ed Foundation Donates $18,000 to 8 Schools

The Piscataway Education Foundation recently donated more than $18,000 to Piscataway Township Schools to fund a wide variety of innovative ideas and strategies as part of its ongoing mission to support the district and its students. The funds are being awarded to eight individual schools based on applications submitted at the start of the school year to fund programs from literacy, to gardening, to hallway makeovers, to table tennis. The initiatives and applications were crafted by each school’s principal and staff to fit their particular needs.

 

Administrators Visit SHI

to Discuss AI in Academics

Members of our district leadership made a visit to SHI in Piscataway on Thursday, Jan. 8, to explore innovative ways to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into our district’s operations and instructions. Superintendent Erskine R. Glover led a team of about 20 administrators, principals, and supervisors to SHI, an international leader in technology products and services with a campus in Piscataway. Our hosts discussed the use of AI in academics and in their organization, as well as how they support organizations globally.

 

Board Begins Year with

New Member, New President

Our Board of Education welcomed one new member and two returning members on Thursday, Jan. 8, at its annual Reorganization Meeting. Business Administrator and Board Secretary David Oliveira swore in Habeebah Haqq to begin her first three-year term. He also swore in returning Board members Courtney King and Nancy Salgado-Cowan, each beginning their second term. The Board unanimously elected Ms. Salgado-Cowan as its president, and former president Shantell Cherry as vice president. All the Board members were presented with tokens of thanks by Superintendent Erskine R. Glover for National School Board Appreciation Month. They each received a framed collage celebrating our district arts department, created by Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Rebekah Sterlacci.

 

Arbor Shows Appreciation

for School Safety Officer

In honor of National Law Enforcement Day on Friday, Jan. 9, staff members at Arbor Intermediate School showed their thanks to School Safety Officer Bonnie Leverett by dressing up as him. Students were also encouraged to share kind words with Mr. Bonnie throughout the day. Thanks to all of our School Safety Officers for everything they do to care for and protect our staff and students every day.

 

Quibbletown Engineers

Show Innovations to Board

Engineering students from Quibbletown Middle School visited with our Board of Education at their January meeting to discuss and demonstrate the innovative lessons and projects they are producing in class and as part of the school’s STEM Club. The presentation included a demonstration of a robot the students built, and students allowed the Board to examine pieces they conceived and created using the school’s 3D printer. While Board members examined the pieces, engineering teacher George Batalas had the 3D printer running in the Board Room to create another piece as the presentation was going on. Students also presented a slideshow and spoke in depth about lessons and concepts covered in Grades 6-8. Board President Nancy Salgado-Cowan and Superintendent Erskine R. Glover presented the students with certificates for their commitment to their engineering studies and for sharing their talents with the Board. They were introduced and supported at the meeting by Quibbletown Principal William Gonzalez.

Coming Up

Feb. 16: All Schools Closed for President’s Day

Feb. 18: Report cards available in Genesis Parent Module

Feb. 19: Policy/Legislative Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm

Feb. 27: Piscataway Education Foundation Designer Bag Bingo & Tricky Tray, 7:30 pm

March 4: Fiscal Planning & Operations Committee Meeting, 7 pm

March 5: Policy / Legislative Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm

March 5-7: PHS Musical “Urinetown,” 7 pm

March 9: Interim reports available in Genesis Parent Module

March 12: Youth Art Month Celebration, 5:30 pm

March 12-13: Conackamack musical “Spongebob the Musical,” 7 pm

March 12: Board of Education meeting, 6:30 pm

 

Eisenhower & Randolphville Join to Celebrate Music

Selected classes at Eisenhower and Randolphville elementary schools rocked out at a special interactive concert held at Eisenhower with the one and only Rockness Music. From singing and dancing with their teachers and aides to a hands-on “instrument exploration” finale, our students were filled with joy at the Dec. 19 sensory event. There is nothing like the power of music to bring everyone together. Thanks to Calla Pereira, Case Manager on the Child Study Team at Eisenhower, for orchestrating this special event at Eisenhower and for sharing the experience with friends from Randolphville.

 

Pway Fast Fact

Did you know: Piscataway Township Schools offers a wide variety of health services to our students. See our website page on Health & Wellness under Pupil Services for information about nursing services, immunizations, medications, school absences, and more.

 

District Leaders Unite to

Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy

Several members of our Board of Education and District Administration were inspired after attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast, presented by the Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission. Community leaders came together on Saturday, Jan. 17 to share blessings, powerful words, and a renewed commitment to unity and service in a beautiful celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. Our district was represented by Superintendent Erskine R. Glover, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Engagement Dr. C. Alex Gray, Board of Education President Nancy Salgado-Cowan, Vice President Shantell Cherry, and Board members Dr. Tom Connors, Habeebah Haqq, Courtney King, Prashant Patel, and Inieka Stafford.

 

Health Students Feed Their Minds with Food Replicas

The food was fake but the learning was real. Juniors in Noelle Hartje’s health classes at Piscataway High School got a hands-on look at what it takes to build well-balanced meals. Using the “MyPlate” model and realistic food replicas, students got a helping of nutrition for their minds. Small groups of students worked together to create 19 different meal and snack plates across 7 categories, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, vegetarian and vegan options, high-fiber snacks, and holiday and celebration meals. They took photos of their plates with their district-issued iPads to submit for credit. By physically assembling these meals, our students are learning the art of portion control and how to diversify their diets.

 

Family Donations Brighten

Classrooms at M.L. King

Thank you to Martin Luther King Intermediate School 4th-grader Jazir Daniels-Johnson and his mother, Brittany Sanders, who donated a dozen school-themed “tissue box couches” to the school.  These decorative items, hand-made by Jazir’s late grandmother, are a welcome way to brighten up teacher desks around the school.  Accepting their generous gift were Assistant Principal Janell Smolk and Principal Andrew Kehoe.

 

Conackamack Spreads Joy

of Muslim Heritage Month

Conackamack Middle School celebrated Muslim Heritage Month throughout January through a series of activities that highlighted the richness of Muslim cultures. A display in the lobby showcased history and traditions. The Muslim Student Association made presentations to all students in their social studies classes, where they shared research, cultural insights, and personal reflections. Staff members Aaisha Ahmad and Mariam Kashif concluded the month of celebrations with a luncheon for their colleagues that included a variety of traditional Muslim foods.

 

Arbor 5th-Grader Helps Sick Kids with Small Business

A huge shoutout and thank you goes to Arbor Intermediate School fifth-grader Joey Salles for combining hard work and generosity to benefit our community. Joey has started his own custom card and envelope company and has made philanthropy a cornerstone of that business. He is donating 20% of all proceeds to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. His gifts provide toys and experiences that bring joy and comfort to young patients, including festive holiday celebrations, therapeutic play activities, birthday surprises, and victories worth celebrating when treatment ends.

 

‘Knollwood Lights’ Sparkles with Family, Fun, and Fitness

The gymnasium at Knollwood Elementary School was transformed into a neon wonderland for the school’s annual “Knollwood Lights” event. Wearing neon clothes and light-up accessories, students and their families showed off their best moves, participating in high-energy fitness relays and dancing to hit songs. This Knollwood PTO fundraiser on Jan. 9 was led by teachers Jake Switzer and Jeff Jacome.

 

Children’s Corner Families Connect at ‘Ripples & Roots’

Children’s Corner Preschool hosted a wonderful family-engagement event called “Ripples & Roots” that helped to strengthen family and student ties. The initiative featured a play-date, speed-dating-style mixer in which families rotated through guided, story-based conversations and interactive activities. “Roots” represented the foundation of each family, their values, routines, traditions, and culture, while “ripples” symbolized the positive impact families had on one another. The connections extended beyond the event, rippling outward into a stronger, more connected preschool community.

 

Visitors Teach 6th-Graders

About N.J. Court System

Our sixth-graders got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the New Jersey legal system. Representatives from the New Jersey Courts visited all three of our middle schools to give our social studies and civics students a first-hand look at how justice works. Our students discovered that it takes a massive, diverse team to keep the gears of justice turning, exploring a wide range of career paths. Thank you to Luis Hernandez, Ombudsman for Middlesex County Family Courthouse, and Christopher Irovando, our K-8 Social Studies Supervisor, for organizing such an impactful experience for our students.

 

PHS Mentors Strengthen Bond with Eisenhower Boys

The PHS 50 Strong boys mentoring group returned to Eisenhower Elementary School on Wednesday, Jan. 13, for their monthly mentoring session. The room was filled with excitement for their ice-breaker and games. But it wasn’t just all fun and games. They played Uno and Jenga “with a twist” – using every move to share feelings and brainstorm solutions to real-life scenarios. Thanks to Eisenhower Principal Vincenzo Stio and behaviorist and psychologist Sara Haarburger; PHS counselors Rodney West and Mark Kiang; and District Supervisor of Special Projects Noel Aprile for making these sessions possible.

 

Quibbletown Mentors Help

Students Sharpen Skills

The Quibbletown Golden Knights mentorship program’s winter celebration included brainstorming through tough scenarios, finding common ground, and sharpening logical thinking skills. Special events like the Jan. 14 winter celebration are organized to supplement the individual mentor-mentee meetings that occur regularly throughout the school year. Mentees were treated to refreshments and completed a relationship-building activity with their mentors, navigating through different “stranded” scenarios that they problem-solved together. Thanks to Quibbletown behaviorist and psychologist Alex Becker, English teacher Matthew Zrebiec, District Supervisor of Special Projects Noel Aprile, and all our volunteer staff mentors.

 

PHS Science Students Make

Connections at Alumni Day

The energy at Piscataway High School was electric as the Science National Honor Society hosted Alumni Day on Monday, Jan. 12. It was an afternoon of mentorship and networking as more than 40 young alumni returned to campus to give back to the next generation. Our current students had the unique opportunity to rotate from table to table, engaging in chat sessions with former PHS students who are now navigating college majors and careers in various STEM fields. Thanks to SNHS adviser Dr. Janet Mrotek and PHS Science Chair Jessica Pritchard for helping our students to arrange this great event.

 

Latest Video in Series Looks

at More PHS Renovations

The fifth video in our “Building for the Future” series is now playing on our @PwaySchools YouTube Channel, taking a closer look at more of the renovations to Piscataway High School’s Anthony Building. See our modernized computer science and engineer classrooms, as well as a new conference room and offices in the principal’s and counselors’ suite. It’s part of a larger renovation to the PHS media center and library, which is nearing completion.

 

Arbor 5th-Graders Create

Games to Show Math Skills

Who says math can’t be all fun and games? Students in Amanda Mendez’s 5th-grade class at Arbor Intermediate School created games based on math skills they learned over the first marking period. Then they invited their families and Arbor staff members into class to play their board games, card games, and other creative activities to showcase the skills they had mastered. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to play. We’re so proud of these young mathematicians for showing what problems they can solved with a little leadership and creativity.

 

M.L. King’s Top Fundraisers

Rewarded with New Jobs

Congratulations to the top sellers from the fall fundraiser at Martin Luther King Intermediate School, who got some extra special rewards. The top two sellers, Carter-Allen Legezdh and Mikaela Belle Caratao, got a chance to serve as “Principal and Assistant Principal of the Day.” The Top 50 sellers qualified for participation in a special “Minute-to-Win-It” competition with fun and prizes. Money raised during this fundraiser go to support many wonderful PTO programs throughout the year.

 

Grandview Celebrates

School Counseling Week

Grandview Elementary School celebrated school counselor Etty Wajsfeld in honor of National School Counseling Week. The celebration highlights her dedication, support, and positive impact on students each day. National School Counseling Week is celebrated Feb. 2-6 to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors and how students are more successful as a result of school counselors’ care and service.

 

Schor Mentors Look Back,

and Look Ahead at 2026 Goals

The Schor Middle School Golden Hawks Mentorship Program had an exciting start to 2026 with a New Year’s Celebration. The mentors and mentees worked on an activity called Looking Back and Looking Forward, celebrating what they accomplished in 2025 and reflecting on goals they would like to set for 2026. Afterward they celebrated with a photo booth, hot chocolate, and cookies.  This event was organized by behaviorist Maria Balint and Spanish teacher Jessica Corrales. The Golden Hawks Mentorship special events, like the New Year Celebration, are organized to the supplement the individual mentor-mentee meetings that occur regularly throughout the school year.

 

Air Force Junior ROTC Gets

Highest Rating in Inspection

Congratulations to the PHS Air Force Junior ROTC for an outstanding rating on the unit’s annual inspection. For the first time in the unit’s history, PHS earned “Exceed Standards” – the highest possible rating. Our cadets have worked very hard to reach this height, and PHS is now eligible to be selected for a Distinguished Unit Award, among other annual awards that are announced in April. The annual inspection evaluates the operation, administration, and effectiveness of the AFJROTC program. The Exceeds Standards rating indicates exceptional performance in all categories of the program. The unit is led by Senior Aerospace Instructor Lt. Col. Richard Kerr.

 

PHS Literary Magazine

Recognized as ‘Excellent’

Congratulations to The Sentenia, the student-run art and literary magazine of Piscataway High School, which has been recognized as “Excellent” by the REALM program of the National Council of Teachers of English. Schools in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries nominated 456 student magazines for REALM, which stands for Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines. Digital copies of current and past issues of the Sentenia are available on the PHS website. Thank you to Sentenia adviser Adrian Lojko for his guidance.

 

Muslim Student Association

Creates Informative Video

The PHS Muslim Student Association created an informative video about Muslim Heritage Month, in collaboration with Piscataway Police Department Resource Officer Detective Elk Peterkin. Our MSA students explained to Detective Peterkin the details of a mural they created in the PHS Anthony Building to boost student and staff understanding about Muslim heritage throughout January. View it on our @PwaySchools YouTube Channel.

 

King 4th-Graders Research

and Discuss Extreme Weather

As temperatures dropped in our area, fourth-graders in Marie St. Louis’s class at Martin Luther King Intermediate School chose an appropriate time to present projects on extreme weather. The students honed their research and presentation skills to put together informative and engaging presentations for their families about wildfires, hurricanes, typhoons, and many other types of extreme weather.

 

Randolphville Gives Shout Out

of Gratitude to Counselor

Randolphville Elementary School celebrated National School Counseling Week Feb. 2-6 by sending individual shoutouts to their very own counselor, Dr. Claudia Emmanuel-Freno. Students wrote personal messages to “amplify” their gratitude to Dr. Emmanuel and displayed them outside each classroom around the school.

 

Take a Chance on Gucci Raffle

to Help Education Foundation

The Piscataway Education Foundation is raffling off a Gucci designer handbag to support its mission of helping our schools and students. Tickets are $20 each for a chance to win a Gucci GG Emblem Large Tote Bag valued at $2,300. The raffle will take place on Feb. 27 at the PEF’s Designer Bag Bingo & Tricky Tray, but the winner does not need to be present. Get your ticket through the Community Pass link on our district website.

 

Singers & Musicians Show Talent on Regional Stage

Congratulations to PHS singers and musicians who were selected and performed with the Central Jersey Music Educators Association regional choir and orchestras. Students who performed with the Region HS Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, Jan. 11, were Ethan Vito (violin), Mikhial Veras (bass), and AJ Parache (percussion). Mikhial placed second in his section. Performing with the Region HS Choir on Feb. 1 were Krystle Buquis, Joy Hagg, and Nathaniel Imuan. Mikhial Veras was selected to play bass at the concert due to his high score in the Region Orchestra. Thank you to PHS instrumental music teacher Dr. Christopher Sumner and vocal music teacher Megan Suozzo.

 

Thespian Society Members

Honored at State Festival

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School chapter of the International Thespian Society on their honors, awards, and achievements at the NJ State Thespian Festival at Washington Township High School in Sewell the weekend of Jan. 17. Among those honored were Vera Nguyen, Adrianne Nwafulume, Tori Wells, Katherine Inigo, Sydney Hain, Reme Emildor, Sofia Jamindar, Sydney Hai, Reme Emildor. Thanks to Thespian Society advisers Mike Yoson and Erik Hall.

 

PHS Choir Reaches Out to

Peers on Middle School Tour

Huge thanks to the Piscataway High School Choir Student Leadership team for an incredible day of music and mentorship during their middle school tour. From games and collaborative singing to sharing their experiences with our middle school ensembles, these students showed what true leadership looks like. Thank you to vocal music teachers Megan Suozzo (PHS), Sarah Williams (Schor), Amanda Jago (Conackamack), and Vanessa McGowan (Quibbletown) for making this collaboration a reality.

 

‘Celebrating Art’ Anthology

to Include 14 PHS Artists

Congratulations to 14 Piscataway High School artists who had their work selected to be included in the Blick Celebrating Art Fall 2025 Anthology, a selective national art competition for K-12 students. The anthology features top student artwork from the Fall 2025 contest, showcasing high-merit art across various media. The contest offers national recognition, awards, and portfolio enhancement for young artists. Thanks to PHS art teacher Dorothy Amme for helping her student get this wonderful exposure.

 

6 from PHS Earn Prestigious Scholastic Art Recognition

Congratulations to six incredibly talented Piscataway High School artists who were honored by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Juniors Sophia Lojko and Luke Whitaker each received the Gold Key Award, which is the program’s highest honor and allows them to move on to compete at the national level. Sophia also won two Silver Key Awards and an Honorable Mention. Also earning Honorable Mentions were Elizabeth Poole (3), Messiah Farrell (2), Gabrielle Petit-Homme (Portfolio Category), and Miguel Nunez. Thank you to teachers Dorothy Amme and Lisa Lentini-Pombrio.

 

Girls Wrestling Team Earns

First Ever Dual Meet Victory

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School girls wrestling team and coach Pat Morgan for getting their first ever win in a dual meet. The Lady Chiefs defeated St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday, Jan. 16, and the team also finished 7th out of 22 teams in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament.

 

Girls 4x400 Relay Team Wins

Gold in Group 4 Sectionals

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School girls 4x400-meter relay team, who took first place at the NJSIAA North 2 Group 4 Championship. Chelsea Smith, Taleyah Ferguson, Amiya Campbell, and Jahnisa Samuel won gold with a season best time of 4:10.17, earning the right to move on to the Group 4 State Championship Meet. Congratulations also to Jahnisa Samuel for placing 4th in the 400 meters with a time of 1:01.51; to Amelia Samuel for placing 4th in the high jump by clearing 4 feet 8 inches; and to Samantha Venturi for placing 5th in the shot put with personal best throw of 29 feet 5.75 inches. All three also earned a spot in the Group 4 State Championship Meet. The girls are coached by James-Edwards Boyd and Shauntae Nelson.

 

Boys Bowling Brings Home

Trophies from Romer Tourney

Congratulations to the Piscataway High School boys bowling team for an outstanding performance at the 48th Annual Joe Romer Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Lucky Strike in North Brunswick. The team won the trophy for High Baker Game (278), and freshman Amari Hines, center, earned a trophy for Second High Game (252). Pictured are team members Frankie Vattelana, Aidan Crawley, Amari Hines, Vinny Vattelana, and James Opitz. They are coached by Toni Tassio.

 

Two Wrestlers Repeat

as Gold Medalists in GMC

Congratulations to Piscataway High School senior wrestlers Sean Love and Jane Rodrigues for winning gold in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournaments. This is the third straight title for Sean and the second in a row for Jane. The wrestling teams are coached by Dan Smith.

 

PHS High Jumper Wins Gold

at Metropolitan Invitational

Congratulations to Piscataway High School senior Aden Wilson on winning the gold medal in high jump at the Metropolitan Invitational at the New York City Armory on Saturday, Jan. 31, with a mark of 6 feet 2 inches. The boys track team is coached by Pete Buccino.

 

Boys Shot Putter Wins

Gold at GMC Championship

Congratulations to Piscataway High School junior John Jackson for winning first place in the shot put competition at the Greater Middlesex Conference Winter Track Championship on Saturday, Jan. 24. John took the gold with a throw of 47 feet 11¾ inches.

 

PHS Students Get Delicious Taste of Haitian Culture

Piscataway High School students got to enjoy a delicious traditional Haitian soup to help kick off Black History Month. PHS parent Ninette Diogene taught students about soup joumou and its significance in Haitian culture during a visit on Jan. 29. Ms. Diogene explained that for Haitians, soup joumou is synonymous with freedom. During French colonial rule of Haiti, enslaved Africans were forced by their oppressors to cultivate squash for this dish but were not allowed to eat it. So when Haitians won their independence on Jan. 1, 1804, they ate soup joumou to celebrate. The tradition continues around the world wherever there are Haitian communities. She brought enough for students to enjoy, along with a vegan and gluten-free options, in addition to a traditional hot hibiscus, mint, ginger tea – a perfect presentation for a frigid midwinter morning.

 

Here is a small sampling of activities in our schools to celebrating Black History Month. For a full listing, visit our website at piscatawayschools.org/blackhistory month.

 

Piscataway High School

• In the Math Department, students learn about the inspiring mathematician John Urschel, a former NFL player whose field of study is graph theory. Students are introduced to this discrete math topic by exploring networks and connections, including the Urschel–Zikatanov Theorem, which explains how the structure of a network affects how it functions.

• TV Students are currently finishing a student taught digital video effects project this week, for which they will then utilize the effects learned from their peers to create a 1-minute mini doc about a BHM relevant director, producer, editor, crew member, etc.

• Visual & Performing Arts students are exploring the artwork of local and internationally recognized Black artists/performers; performing and experiencing works from Black artists, composers, and performers; studying the artwork and techniques of Black visual artists and graphic designers; examining social justice and equity issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement and civil rights movements through art and student-created performances/artworks.

 

Middle Schools

Conackamack

• Black History Month assembly on Feb. 20

• Spanish classes will work on research on Afro Latinos.

• 8th-grade students will have “Story Time” of Six Lesser Known Black figures in history: Bass Reeves, Bessie Coleman, The Harlem Hellfighters, Paul Robeson, Bayard Rustin, Sidney Poitier

• 7th-grade social studies classes are exploring Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Mountaintop Speech”, his last public speech, delivered on the eve of his assassination.

• 7th-graders explore “Lesser-Told Stories” Themed projects. Students will choose from a wide range of lesser-known and discussed people, moments, and movements.

• 6th-graders will research African-Americans in the American Revolution.

• 8th grade students will be continuing Medieval Africa unit focusing on the impact Africa had on the global economy.

• 7th grade science we will be creating a Periodic Table of Black Excellence.

• 7th grade students will explore literature, poetry, politics, art, music, and fashion of the Harlem Renaissance.

 

Quibbletown

• NAACP Overachievers Celebration: February 18th at 6pm.

• Whole School - Door Decorating on topics such as moments and milestones,

Juneteenth, Emancipation Proclamation

• Wall Quotes

“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” – Yvette Clarke

“It isn’t where you come from; it’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

 

Schor

• ELA Students will read a range of texts by African American authors that explore the African American experience. These works highlight how risk-taking has historically been necessary for survival, progress, and resistance.

• Social studies students will participate in an inquiry-based research project examining the lives and contributions of African American inventors.

• Accelerated Art students will analyze the work of prominent Black artists across history, examining their techniques, themes, and influence on contemporary media.

• World Language students will engage in an activity that includes short video biographies and brief descriptions of notable Afro-Latinos.

Intermediate Schools

Arbor

• Students are taking famous quotes from notable figures in African American history and use digital media, sketching, coloring, or any other medium they choose to create artwork. They will use this for a school-wide “Quote Wall” project where the student body will display their artwork.

• Classroom lessons that teachers have done throughout the year highlighting important historical figures, such as research projects that students will deliver orally to guests at the end of the month.

 

M.L. King

• “Akeelah and the Bee” school-wide event – 4th grade students will view the film “Akeelah and the Bee.”  From there, MLK will connect with the film through the facilitation of classroom Spelling Bees, culminating in a final school wide Spelling Bee finals.

• 5th Grade Band and Orchestra students will be attending Les Ballets Africains at the State Theatre of New Jersey in late February.

• 5th Grade Literacy/Social Studies will research leaders, heroes, and significant figures in history to celebrate Black History Month.

• 4th grade will read books from the Black History collection and enter them into a bingo board. They will add dates read and an interesting fact/detail to each box. 

Digital Literacy: Students will be introduced to various innovators and influential people in technology.

 

Elementary Schools

Eisenhower

• 2nd-Graders  will complete a project on a Famous African American and present their project in a “2nd Grade Gallery Walk.”

• Music will be listening to jazz music, exploring the different styles and touching on a few jazz musicians/composers of color.

World Language will learn about Afro-Mexican culture.

 

Grandview

• In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. our youngest learners explored his legacy through reading about his life and his pursuit to achieve equal rights for all. Students took part in classroom activities, crafts and social- emotional learning projects.

• First-grade classes will begin the month by viewing a video, “Black History Month for Kids” to understand the significance of the month.

• Second-grade students participate in focused lessons on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including read-alouds, videos, articles, directed drawings, and writing about their own dreams.

• Third-grade students will explore concepts of diversity and inclusion, using various digital and print sources, for students to explore and identify the important contributions of Black/African Americans to American culture.

 

Knollwood

• Kindergarteners are exploring the lives of Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama.

First-graders are exploring the vital role African Americans have played in shaping U.S. history through important contributions to arts and sciences, civil rights, and education.

• Second-grade students will to explore important figures in the areas of Civil Rights, Education, the Arts, and Science. 

• Third-grade will learn about and discuss a wide range of African American individuals who have made an impact on our society.

 

Randolphville

• Kindergarten will be “meeting” and learning about different people each week, reading stories, doing activities, watching videos, and creating meaningful crafts

• First-grade lesson focuses on Mae Jemison, reading about her and writing a paragraph about her.

• First- and third-grade classes made a collaborative mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., learning about his life and legacy.

• 3rd-grade students will be assigned weekly reading passages that focus on notable African Americans. Students will also select a famous African American to research.

• Art will create a paper quilt inspired by Faith Ringgold. Students will read the story “Tar Beach” and each student will draw themselves flying over their favorite place. 

 

Children’s Corner Preschool

• Developmentally appropriate lessons and experiences will help young learners explore identity, diversity, community, and perseverance. Through engaging read-alouds, classroom discussions, and hands-on activities, students learn about the cultural and historical contributions of African Americans in ways that are meaningful at the preschool level.

• Classroom lessons will include interactive read-alouds, discussions, and hands-on activities centered on high-quality children’s literature such as “Brown Boy Joy” by Thomishia Booker, “Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer, and “I Got the Rhythm” by Connie Schofield-Morrison.

• As a culminating experience, each classroom will participate in the creation of a school-wide Black History Museum.

 

Get a full school-by-school rundown of Black History Month activities at

piscatawayschools.org/blackhistorymonth