Message from the Superintendent
Dear EWRSD Community:
We are excited to share another edition of the district’s newsletter! We believe this communication will continue to provide key updates and relevant information associated with the East Windsor Regional School District.
Since the last edition of the newsletter, the administration and staff have continued to work diligently to provide our talented students with a collection of relevant, engaging, and academically stimulating learning experiences.
I am very pleased and proud to announce that the EWRSD was recently included on the College Board’s 10th Annual AP District Honor Roll. The AP District Honor Roll recognizes school districts committed to increasing access to AP for underrepresented students, while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. AP District Honor Roll recipients are committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds.
During the Board of Education meetings that took place on February 10 and 24, members of the administrative team provided midyear updates on each of the 5 -Focus Goal areas that were developed for the 2019-20 school year. The Focus Goal areas are as follows:
Focus Goal 1 (midyear update)
In an effort to close the achievement gap and ensure that all students are provided with intentional access, pathways and supports to achieve his or her academic potential, the district will develop a strategic Equity Plan.
Focus Goal 2 (midyear update)
To strengthen student relationships and promote academic success, develop a strategic plan to integrate social-emotional competencies into daily instruction.
Focus Goal 3 (midyear update)
Ensure the expansion of specified Arts programming, by providing students with opportunities across all Artistic disciplines, and retaining students’ participation within those programs.
Focus Goal 4 (midyear update)
Ensure the successful implementation of increased STEM opportunities for students at the elementary and middle school levels.
Focus Goal 5 (midyear update)
Through the use of Data Teams at each school, establish a consistent,district-wide approach to identify students needing additional supports that will build on their strengths and target areas of need to ensure academic success.
We are excited about the progress that has been completed thus far, and look forward to building upon this momentum during the weeks and months ahead.
In an effort to strengthen the foundational literacy skills of students in grades K-2, the district plans to adopt a new core resource for grades K-2. Fountas & Pinnell Classroom™ is a cohesive, multi-text approach to literacy instruction for all students in grades Pre K–6. The system is designed to support whole-group, small-group and independent learning opportunities including: interactive read-aloud, reading mini-lessons, shared reading, phonics/spelling/word study lessons, guided reading, book clubs, and independent reading collections. We plan to begin training teachers this spring and summer, in preparation for a fall 2020 implementation with our students in grades K-2. Please click here to review the presentation regarding this recommended core resource that took place at the Board of Education meeting on February 24, 2020.
We are continually exploring ways to enhance communication with our families. To that end, the EWRSD plans to launch the School Messenger Text Message Feature during the month of April 2020. We currently use the global phone message option and email components of School Messenger for school closings, general reminders, and our online Friday Folder. The text feature will enable the school district to communicate succinct and relevant pieces of information to families and staff in an organized and efficient manner.
Upcoming Events: I look forward to seeing you at the following district events:
Community Forum on Safety and Security
Tuesday, March 24, 2020,
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Hightstown High School
Curriculum Expo
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Hightstown High School
Information regarding both of these gatherings will be communicated with families via the online Friday Folder during the next few weeks.
Whether you are a parent or a member of our staff, we all play a significant role in the academic and social-emotional development of our students. I continue to remain optimistic about our important and much-needed partnership during the remaining months of the school year. Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Mark Daniels
Superintendent of Schools
Governor's Educator of the Year Program
The Governor’s Educator of the Year program is designed to highlight educational innovation, student achievement, the rewards of teaching, and the important services outside the classroom environment that lead to student success. The celebratory program continues to recognize our state’s best teachers and educational services professionals.
Grace N. Rogers Elementary School
Beth Glickman, Instrumental Music Teacher and Tara Katz, Speech Therapist
Walter C. Black Elementary School
Megan Lasky, First Grade Teacher and Laura Lyons, Behaviorist
Perry L. Drew Elementary School
Mary Ann Wherley, Third Grade Teacher
Ethel McKnight Elementary School
Angela Castaneda, Teacher and Jennifer Borg, Educational Specialist
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School
Leah Nittoso, Science Teacher and Kathleen Reany, School Social Worker
Hightstown High School
Mariellen Bradley and Kathleen Shaffer, Nurse
2020-2021 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Will your child be 5 years old by October 1, 2020? If so, it is time to register for East Windsor Regional School District's full-day kindergarten!
Registration for students entering kindergarten in September 2020 who are new to the school district will take place by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
To schedule your appointment, please call 609-443-2881 ext. 6800.
Required documentation and other important information can be found here.
2020-2021 INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL LOTTERY PROCESS
The East Windsor Regional School District is pleased to offer an integrated preschool program beginning September 8, 2020. Our program will serve three (3) and four (4) year old children. To qualify, a child must be three (3) years old but not five (5) years old by October 1, 2020, and a resident within the East Windsor Regional School District.
Lottery applications and contracts will be accepted at East Windsor Regional Schools Central Registration Office, 384 Stockton Street, Hightstown starting on Monday, March 2, 2020. Lottery applications must be returned to the Central Registration Building no later than 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
More information can be found here.
Meet our Board of Education
The East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education comprises of nine members who devote their time to public service as elected officials. Learn more here.
Walter C. Black Elementary School
Kindness Week and Pride Pep Rally
Check out our Kindness Week Kick-Off where students sang our Pride theme song, “We Can Make a Difference” by Teresa Jennings, Plank Road Publishing, copyright 2006.
100th Day of School
Ethel Mcknight Elementary School
100th Day of School
EMK celebrated the 100th day of school on February 13 with a Kindergarten parade and many different classroom activities celebrating how much we have learned!
Students rotated through stations, writing about what life will be like when they are 100, doing 100 exercises, and building structures with 100 stacking cups.
Can Drive
Student Leaders at EMK organized a can drive to help families in need without community this winter! Donation signs were created and posted, cans collected and organized and then packed and loaded by the student leaders and their teacher leaders - Mrs. Watkins and Ms. Cohen.
PRIDE Assemblies
Students continue to learn and actively participate in showing their PRIDE values in and around our school.
In December, Ms. Myers and Mrs. Snyder lead us in how to show PRIDE on the bus!
In January, Ms. Meyers and Mrs. Snyder were joined by EMK’s Student Leaders to teach PRIDE in the cafeteria. Student leaders partook in role-play activities to show our K students what the PRIDE values look like in action! First and Second graders got to be part of the interactive assembly acting out scenarios to show pride in the Cafeteria!
Youth Advisory Committee
EMK started a Youth Advisory Committee for our cafeteria!
Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Dunk had student and parent volunteers meet to discuss their likes and dislikes about our school’s menu. Students in K, 1 and 2 gave input on Fun Lunches and new ideas to try! As a result, there will be some changes to the upcoming menu!
Grace n. Rogers Elementary School
Executive Function Book Study Presentation at a Staff Meeting
Teachers taught teachers about facets of facilitation and differentiation in lesson design. Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. When children have the ability to develop executive functioning and self-regulation skills, it allows for lifelong benefits. These skills are crucial for learning and development.
Grade Level Celebrations
Our youngest students in our Preschool Program are working very hard at GNR! Students spend time in the classroom completing and interacting with activities to support social and emotional learning along with academics. Hands-on learning, favorite books, and cooperative play every day!
PerrY L. Drew Elementary School
Spelling Bee
On January 28, 2020, the Greater Hightstown Juniorettes sponsored an Annual Spelling Bee.
We are proud to announce that 18 Drew students participated. The Drew School students placed in the top three places. These students will move on to the District Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 23. From that point, those winners move on to State Spelling on March 7. Great job, Drew students!
Top 3 Winners
- Pranavi Dronadula, Grade 5
- Xander Macas, Grade 4
- Adam Lewandowski, Grade 5
Winter Concert
On January 22, 2020, the Drew School Chorus and Instrumental Music group performed at HHS. The school staff and the audience were impressed with the students’ performance. A special thank you to Ms. Behren, Mr. Wagner, and Mr. Berkuta, for preparing the students for the concert. A special thanks to our parent volunteers who helped throughout the evening. We can’t wait to see how the students progress at the Spring Concert!
Fifth-Grade Science Fair
March 3, 2020, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School
7:00 to 7:45 p.m. - General Viewing/Student Demonstrations
7:45 to 8:00 p.m. - Awards Ceremony
Read more on how your student can participate.
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School
Chat and Chew with Mr. Daniels
On January 7, Superintendent, Mr. Daniels, met with several of our seventh-grade students. While meeting with the group, Mr. Daniels spoke with the students about their middle school experience. They discussed their successes, some struggles they’ve experienced, and the many adults who have helped them navigate their academic and social paths over the past year and a half.
Cookies with a Cop
Sixth-Grade Science Students working on Geologic Timeline
Hightstown High School
Congratulations to the Hightstown High School Consumer Bowl team for winning the 2020 Mercer County Consumer Bowl Competition!
This year's team consisting of Captain Maanas Manoj, Ritthesh Rajasekar, Curtis McCleish, Aayush Gupta, and Sonit Puri beat six other Mercer County schools en route to their fourth straight win in four years.
The NJ Consumer Bowl is a statewide competition with schools competing from all across New Jersey. The team will now advance to the Central Regional competition taking place in late April.
DECA held a Tie Dye Party in February where members tie-dyed their 2019-2020 HHS DECA t-shirts to match their theme for the year: Here We Go Boho.
Here are some images from ACE club meetings: Civil Engineering with Graham Crackers, Bridge Building with Spaghetti, and Architectural Engineering with Legos.
Spanish National Honor Society are tutoring students at Walter C. Black Elementary School and Ethel McKnight Elementary School.
Arts at East Windsor Regional School District
Check out the February edition of The heARTbeat, our Arts Education newsletter!
Curriculum Expo
The EWRSD Curriculum Expo will highlight student work from all grade levels, schools, and content areas, from Kindergarten to High School Senior. Students and teachers will be on hand to present projects across the academic spectrum, including in the Humanities, Math & Sciences, the Arts, and Physical Education.
STEM AT EAST WINDSOR REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Grace N. Rogers Elementary School students in the STEM Lab learning about the steps in the Engineering Design Process in on the ClearTouch board.
STEM FUN! Ethel McKnight Elementary School students learning about sound waves with phones and tuning forks.
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School students launched their water bottle rockets that they built in STEM.
Walter C. Black Elementary School students learned about and built habitats in STEM.
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School students building water filtration devices in the STEM lab.
Students throughout the district enjoyed participating in the Hour of Code. Lucky for our students, coding is a part of all of the K-8 Technology curricula!
STEM Night at Walter C. Black Elementary School & Ethel McKnight elementary school
The East Windsor Education F.A.S.T. STEM Night at EMK and WCB was a HUGE success! Over 500 students joined us at both schools for the “May The Forces Be With You” themed night.
Students ate dinner with their families and then participated in math, STEM and coding centers that included playing math games, coding BB-8 to pick up scrap metal, and creating their own flying machines! Families were able to see the types of hands-on STEM activities that their students work on in the classroom each day.
Spotlight on Wellness
The Counseling Department has been working on a number of Wellness related initiatives throughout the school year. Below are a few program highlights:
Wellness Day
On February 14 at Hightstown High School, students and staff participated in Wellness Day. The program provided stress relief for students and staff, and an awareness of available resources in the community. This full-day event in the media center featured a community resource fair with representatives from local support organizations including iCare, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Catholic Charities, High Focus, Princeton House and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Additionally, various activity stations were available throughout the day. These activities included yoga, bullet journaling, play for stress reduction and time with therapy dogs.
Rams’ Retreat
The Rams’ Retreat at Hightstown High School first opened in September 2019. It is designed to be a “Wellness Room” that is open to students throughout the day where they can go to relax and destress. Counselors host a variety of counseling groups in this space and facilitate a series of shorter activities during lunch periods including “Mediation Monday” and “What Would You Do?” Wednesday. Each Friday, counselors run a drop-in “College Clinic” to assist students with college and scholarship applications. Additionally, a free yoga class is offered to students after school on Tuesdays in the Rams’ Retreat. Yoga is taught by local yoga teacher Gwen Rebbeck, who graciously volunteers her time to make yoga accessible to HHS students. This initiative is also made possible thanks to the generous support of iCare of East Windsor - Hightstown.
Stigma-Free Mercer/Speak your Truth Art Exhibit
This year, EWRSD partnered with the newly developed Mercer County Stigma-Free Task Force. The goal of the task force and the partnership is to expand our efforts to break the stigma related to mental health. Last year, the Capitol County Children’s Collaborative (CCCC) and the Mercer County Division of Mental Health collaborated and held a Speak Your Truth Art Gallery in honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, the EWRSD will host the art gallery.
Save the Date! The Speak Your Truth Art Gallery will be featured in the Rams’ Retreat in the HHS media center during the EWRSD Curriculum Expo scheduled for April 1 beginning at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the display of student artwork, the media center will also host varied agencies from the community who provide mental health and wellness resource.
Employment Opportunities at East windsor regional School District
Please visit here to find a list of our current job postings.
Hiring Bus Drivers!
Apply today! Navigate to “Departments” and click “Human Resources”. On the Human Resources page, choose Job Openings to view our current open positions.
CJ Pride Job Fair
March 26, 2020
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hightstown High School
CJPRIDE is an organization of school districts with a mission of attracting diverse candidates to fill teaching positions in their district. All of our districts have so much to offer. Professional educational opportunities are available and exciting things are happening in the districts that are a part of the organization known as CJPRIDE.
Chartwells Food Services
Menus can be found here.
Social Media
The East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education meetings are generally scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. and are usually held in the Administration Wing of Hightstown High School - Room 807. A full calendar of meetings can be found here.
Please note there are occasions when a change of date and time may be required. These changes will be posted the Friday before the meeting.