The Crossroads North Middle School auditorium was filled with teachers, parents, and outstanding elementary and middle school students at the final South Brunswick Board of Education meeting of the school year on Monday night.
The first half of the meeting was dedicated to honoring exceptional elementary and middle school students who went above and beyond their regular academics.
Students were recognized for accomplishments in various competitions, such as spelling, geography, Odyssey of the Mind, music and more. A full list of the recognized achievements is listed at the bottom of the article.
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The Board also acknowledged a host of district-wide accomplishments over the 2013-2014 school year with their Report of Progress.
All objectives set at the beginning of the year were either completed or are ongoing. The seven areas of focus include: STEM Program, Student/Program Growth, Evaluation Systems, Online Professional Learning, Online Assessments, Assessment-Data Management, and Student Support Teams.
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Returning to the agenda, graduating Student Representative Brandon Ng gave his farewell speech and introduced his replacement, rising junior Sophia Balsamo. Balsamo reported on the latest news at South Brunswick High School, which included yearbook distribution, senior recognition day and senior prom and she stressed that fall sport physicals must be turned in by July 16.
Outgoing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary P. McCartney presented his final report beginning with offering the Board’s deepest sympathies for the recent passing of Mr. Lou Pini, a teacher in South Brunswick for 27 years, many of which were spent in the Delta Unit at Crossroads South. Mr. Pini lost his battle with cancer and will be greatly missed by the district.
Dr. McCartney reminded families that South Brunswick High School will be holding graduation on June 24 at the Sun Bank Arena in Trenton and Crossroads Middle Schools will be holding 8th grade recognition ceremonies at South Brunswick High School on June 23.
Dr. McCartney urged parents to enroll their eligible children in Kindergarten as soon as possible during his report. He also directed parents to the respective websites to find lists for school supplies and summer reading assignments.
During the Superintendent’s report, Education Foundation President, Marty Abschutz announced that the Foundation is donating over $4,000 to Project Graduation after the successful Foundation Cup Golf Outing. The Foundation will also be donating money to the winner of the Tour de South Brunswick Participation Grant Challenge, Monmouth Junction Elementary School and the honorable mention prize will go to Cambridge Elementary School.
To conclude his final report, Dr. McCartney thanked his volunteer Board for their great dedication to the district and their support.
“I can’t imagine a better group to work with,” McCartney said. “The ride has been a wonderful one, but as with all parties, this one must come to an end.”
He received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his report.
List of Elementary and Middle School Honors Recognized
Student Author (Brooks Crossing)
Invention Convention—A Solution to a Problem (Brooks Crossing)
Stock Market Game Team (Cambridge)
Elementary Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner (Greenbrook)
NJ Conservation Poster Contest First Place Winner (Indian Fields)
TCNJ Juried K-12 Art Exhibit Selection (Indian Fields)
Elementary Geography Bee Elementary School Winners
Elementary Odyssey of the Mind Winners (Indian Fields and Monmouth Junction)
Junior Division Firefighting Robot Contest—First Place Winners (Brooks Crossing and Crossroads North)
NJ Intermediate Region II Band (Crossroads)
NJ Intermediate Region II Orchestra (Crossroads)
NJ Intermediate All State Orchestra (Crossroads)
Middle School Math Counts Team (Crossroads)
Middle School Science Olympiad Team (Crossroads)
Middle School National Geographic Bee Winners (Crossroads)
Middle School Promising Young Writers (Crossroads)
