Revise la carta adjunta sobre la Evaluación del aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Nueva Jersey.

• NJSLA Testing Letter – English
• NJSLA Testing Letter – Spanish

LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Elementary School began the Family Literacy Project in 2017 to encourage reading at home among families and create a community of readers. The program welcomes all families with students in the school district.

Think of the Family Literacy Project as a bi-monthly book club for parents. Attendees enjoy coffee, tea and a light breakfast while they share reviews of the previously distributed books. Educators introduce the new set of books and provide techniques and activities the families can engage in together.

“We encourage families to share reading tips, as well as their family traditions and cultures,” said Clinical Social Worker Ms. Sally Mendoza. “The Family Literacy Project has become much more than reading; it’s a community-building program.”

Bilingual households that speak both Spanish and English benefit from the reading materials and techniques. Ms. Sally Mendoza leads the program and translates information so that all attendees can participate in the language they are most comfortable with.

Reading helps develop language and listening skills, builds brain connections, and fosters a strong foundation for academic success.

“I fell in love with this program. It’s one of my favorite things the school does,” said Elanor, a parent who began attending The Family Literacy Program in 2023. “It has given me the opportunity to learn Spanish because I’m an English speaker, so my household is bilingual.”

Before attending the program, Elanor did not realize there were so many bilingual books. That is what she values most – access to reading materials she and her two students can learn from together.

The book selections accommodate a wide range of reading levels so parents can work with multiple students. Some books fit reading proficiency levels up to fourth grade. One parent says her older student practices reading the more difficult books to her other child, a student at LaMonte. Then they all work on the comprehension activities together.

“Flores Family Café,” one of the books introduced at the February meeting has a vocabulary section at the end of the book. Many of the Family Literacy Project books have

this tool; parents appreciate it as they work with students on recognizing words in both Spanish and English. The books selected often have cultural themes that encourage discussion among families.

Bound Brook High School Librarian Mrs. Kathryn Llera attended the meeting. She recommended families read for 20 minutes each day with their student(s). And that doesn’t mean saving reading for bedtime; she encouraged families to find time throughout the day to weave it in, such as identifying letters, numbers and words while on a walk or a drive in the car.

Regular reading at home helps students build a richer understanding of the world around them. The Family Literacy Project is one way the Bound Brook School District encourages a lifelong love of reading in students.

Mrs. Kathryn Llera is holding a free book fair with books for all ages, interests and reading levels in May during the spring musical at the high school. Stay tuned for details.

Students from Lafayette Elementary School attended the grand opening at 155 Promenade Boulevard and represented Bound Brook School District by wearing spirit attire. As part of the store’s ribbon-cutting event, Burlington associates presented the giant check to the teachers while colorful confetti rained over the group.   

A representative from AdoptAClassroom.org reached out to the district and school administrators and helped to secure the donation for Lafayette Elementary School. The school will split the donation among 22 classrooms. 

Principal Deirdre Kehayas said the teachers will use the funds on a number of new classroom items including art supplies, physical education equipment, and classroom games and activities. Lafayette Elementary School teachers will receive an invitation to the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace that includes over 20 vendors such as Staples, Lakeshore Learning, and Scholastic.   

“At Lafayette we believe that every student deserves access to high-quality resources and enriching educational experiences,” said Principal Kehayas. “The donation helps give our teachers the resources they need to inspire, support and reach each child in their educational journey.”  

Burlington District Manager David Morgan welcomed the students, teachers, administrators and customers. He explained Burlington’s national initiative to donate to deserving schools at the grand openings of new store locations and also during the back-to-school season.    

“On behalf of the Bound Brook School District, I would like to welcome our new local Burlington store to Bridgewater and thank them for their generous donation to our school through their partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org,” said Superintendent of Schools, Alvin Freeman, Ed.D. “Our teachers are so excited to purchase the tools they use to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms this year. We are thankful for the support we received from Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org.”  

This fall, every student will receive a new Chromebook to replace the previous devices that were almost 4 years old. Students in grades 7–12 will continue to take their devices home at the end of a school day, while students in grades K–6 will keep them on carts in their classrooms. 

“Dr. Freeman and I want to thank the Board of Education for supporting this initiative to bring updated technology into the hands of all Bound Brook students,” said Nick Veni, director of technology. “This continuous investment in technology is a testament to the district’s approach of ensuring all students have fair access to technology, which is critical in this increasingly digital world.” 

Bound Brook School District has long been ahead of the curve with technology. The initiative started in 2007 with the high school’s first 1:1 laptop program. That quickly expanded to a personal Chromebook for every student in K-12. This gave the district an advantage when the pandemic moved all communications online in 2020. 

This latest Chromebook deployment continues the effort to provide students from a young age with tools they will use throughout their education and careers.  

“These newer devices have upgraded hardware and faster processor speeds – almost double the speed of the old Chromebooks,” Veni said. “We also have partnered with a new vendor, MRA International, to provide frequent updates and faster repairs to the Chromebooks when needed.” 

Another key feature of Chromebooks is they are equipped with GoGuardian, a tool that keeps students safe by blocking non-educational or inappropriate content.  

Students have been excited to receive new Chromebooks. Eighth grader Ryan T. appreciated the mode of convenience that these bring to his daily school routine.  

“Work online is easier to save and it’s very useful,” he said. “We are given the responsibility to keep them charged and take them home.” 

Eighth grader Jerehmy S. also praised the new technology’s added layer of protection.  

“The new Chromebooks have a different casing, and I’m glad they provide more protection than the previous ones,” he said.  

Sensory hallways provide a safe, friendly space for students to have a calming moment during school hours. Students who feel overwhelmed can take a short break, venture to the sensory hallway and participate in activities that allow them to return to instruction time focused.  

LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Elementary School introduced the school district’s first sensory hallway during the 2022-23 school year. That hallway boasted tactical boards, decals to promote movement, and a balance station. 

“All our students benefit from the sensory hallway, but it’s an incredible tool for our occupational therapists to use. Students who receive therapy services can work on balance and fine motor skills in that designated area,” said Hipolita Hernandez-Sicignano, principal of LaMonte/LaMonte Annex.  

Sensory hallways help engage students’ minds and bodies, which can improve their cognitive functions, memory, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The spaces make for a more inclusive, calming culture at the schools.  

This fall, Lafayette Elementary School added a sensory hallway for its students. Like the one at LaMonte, it has physical aspects through floor decals. The hallway also uses texture to provide another stimulant like the sequin wall that reflects light and changes colors when students touch or draw on it.  

As you walk into the new Lafayette cafeteria, you pass through an empty hallway connecting the addition to the original school building. Principal Deirdre Kehayas said when she saw that space, she wanted to make it functional for her students. Her goal: expand the space to bolster more opportunities for students.  

Some spaces, like a light therapy activity, are still being installed in the hallway but Kehayas says students already naturally gravitate there.  

“I love that we can provide calming areas where students explore independently, practice skills, and have a little fun,” said Kehayas. Even the staff have a blast visiting the hallway.  

More areas designed for students 

Designated calming corners adorn each classroom at LaMonte/LaMonte Annex and Lafayette schools, offering yet another spot for students to retreat when overwhelmed during class time. 

Guidance Counselor Janeen Kinney decided to build off the popularity of classroom calming corners and construct a similar space in the Lafayette cafeteria, where students with sensory difficulties may feel most overwhelmed. Flexible seating, a rug and a fountain make up the new Chill Zone that opened in the fall. After lunch, students visit the area and read or socialize in small groups. Especially during winter when lunch and recess are often held indoors, these areas provide respite from the hustle and bustle of students engaged in play. 

A communication board on the playground at LaMonte/LaMonte Annex further enhances inclusivity by enriching student interactions. The large board has different symbols on it and can be used as a menu to suggest things to say, clarify speech, or as a replacement for verbal speech. Communication boards can also facilitate young children’s learning of new vocabulary and reading. 

“Some students that are nonverbal and use an iPad to communicate, use the board to communicate with our speech therapist and even other students,” said Hernandez-Sicignano. “They simply point or touch to the images and they can share how they feel.”

Funding for the Lafayette Elementary School sensory hallway came from the regular operating budget. Lafayette used Scholastic Dollars, earned for hosting a Scholastic Book Fair, to fund accessories for other spaces like the Chill Zone in the cafeteria.   

Tell us your educational background and what your role was prior to becoming a principal at Smalley. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I have called New Jersey home for the past 30 years, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching middle school, coaching amazing teachers, and leading a Pre-K through grade 8 staff.  I’m excited to share that experience with the Smalley community! 

What made you want to work at Bound Brook? My decision to join the Bound Brook community was driven by my passion for working in diverse environments. Throughout my career and personal life, I have always thrived in multicultural settings, and it’s where I feel most connected and at ease.

What inspired you to become a school principal?  Becoming a principal gives me the unique opportunity to impact the lives of a large number of students by helping them recognize their potential. I believe that every child has the ability to succeed with the right support, and I take seriously the responsibility of guiding them toward their future opportunities. 

What are you most looking forward to this school year? I believe that strong relationships between home and school are the foundation for a successful year, so I’m committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Whether it’s through school events, drop-offs, or emails, I look forward to connecting to the community and working together to support our students.  

As a proud mom of two grown sons, I understand the importance of creating a school environment that feels like a second home—a place where children can learn, grow, and feel supported every day. I am committed to lead with the same care I would want for my own children. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through working out, spending quality time with my family, and exploring the outdoors with my dog. 

Is there anything else you would like the school community to know about you?  The one thing I would like the community to know is that as a parent, I deeply understand the importance of ensuring that every student at Smalley Elementary School has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am committed to making that a reality. 

Tell us about your career and educational background. 

My teaching career began 20 years ago when I worked in a small school district in Northern Pennsylvania. I started in a special education classroom and knew I had found my place. In 2010, my family relocated to Flemington, New Jersey where I was fortunate to find employment in the Flemington-Raritan Schools. Throughout my career in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I have worked in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, in-class support settings, and pull-out service settings.   

My educational background consists of a bachelor’s degree from Wagner College on Staten Island, a Teaching Certificate from Alvernia University in Reading, PA, and my Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Thomas Edison State College. I am certified in Special Education and highly qualified in English, Social Studies and Mathematics. Additionally, I hold both my Supervisor and Principal certifications.   

After graduating from Thomas Edison State College, I had the chance to work as an Assistant Principal in Bernards Township Schools and then most recently, to serve as the Principal of The Midland School in North Branch.   

What attracted you to Bound Brook School District (BBSD)? 

I believe strongly in the power of education to change lives. I am a product of public education and know that there are tremendous opportunities afforded by hard work and excellent teaching. I wanted to be a part of that process and have always delighted in my students’ progress.   

Bound Brook, more specifically, is a wonderfully diverse community with dedicated professionals providing excellent education to students. Additionally, the community is close-knit and supportive. The staff has been so warm and welcoming! 

What is your vision for Special Services in BBSD? 

I am striving for an environment where the staff work in collaboration to meet the needs of the students. Our Child Study Team and teachers are extremely skilled and knowledgeable, and I want to create a network to support all the professionals as we move forward. We can be resources for and supportive of each other. Each of us possesses skills that can benefit the team and when we work together, we are significantly stronger for the students.   

How do you plan to collaborate to ensure the needs of students are met? 

I believe that we are in the business of people. We should all have the same goal: to make sure that the students are progressing, and their needs are met. With that in mind, and working together, we can ensure that all our students are moving in the right direction. It is essential to form partnerships with colleagues and parents to work as a team to get things accomplished. In my experience, those relationships are crucial to the success of the team, and the support of the students we serve.   

Are there any new trends or best practices in Special Services that you are excited about?   

We are always looking for opportunities to enhance learning for the students. We have wonderful technology available, and I am exploring new ways to put that to use. I am interested to see what Artificial Intelligence may bring to special education over the next few years. I believe it may open a lot of doors for students with various disabilities.   

Kristen Massimo lives in Flemington with her husband, Michael, and two children, Evelyn and Matthew. She enjoys cooking, reading, needlework, and music.