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

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

Now, Maria is marching toward fulfilling her ultimate goal: becoming a licensed attorney.   

The Bound Brook School District is excited to launch a new spotlight series on our talented alumni, who have excelled and broken barriers to become professionals in their field of studies.  

Get to know more about Maria: 

What is your career/college path?   

My current role is at Horizon BCBS as a Paralegal in the Government Programs Legal Department. I obtained my Associates in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Raritan Valley Community College. Through my educational and practical experience, I was able to receive an offer of employment. This is particularly exciting for me, as I am currently enrolled at Rutgers in the Bloustein Public Policy program and wanted to find a career within the healthcare industry. 

How did Bound Brook prepare you for your future?   

Bound Brook is so diverse that it allowed me to be confident with my own diversity. As a Costa Rican native, I always felt like I fit in with my peers. 

Did any teachers or staff mentor you along that path?   

I love world languages, so naturally, my language class was my favorite class. I would like to recognize Mr. Abd for always making French class fun and interactive. To this day, I still practice my French and look for moments to connect with the culture. 

What was your most memorable moment at Bound Brook?   

I have many fond memories at the school, one of my favorites would have to be the Girls Senior v. Juniors flag football game. It was intense but fun, and of course my Senior class won that year! 

What advice would you give Bound Brook students looking to enter that career?  

My advice would be to take some legal classes at Raritan Valley and see if anything strikes your interest. The legal classes at RV are taught by attorneys who have ample experience in the field, and therefore offer keen insight into what it is like to work within the legal field. 

What are some future goals or aspirations that you have for your own career?  

My ultimate goal is to obtain my Juris Doctorate and become a licensed attorney. I still have a long road ahead of me, but with patience and discipline anything is attainable. 

Each year, New Jersey school districts nominate their educators for the prestigious Governor’s Educator of the Year Award through the New Jersey Department of Education. The program seeks to recognize educators “who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students” and to create a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.

“On behalf of the district and Board of Education, I want to say, ‘congratulations’ and ‘thank you’ to the 10 teachers and educational services professionals who were recognized through the program,” said Superintendent Alvin Freeman, Ed.D. “Their hard work and dedication to student success is what makes Bound Brook School District and its students bound for greatness.”

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients are:

Teachers:

Samantha Melesurgo, LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Stephanie Ackley, Lafayette Elementary Art Teacher

Gina Petrusky, Smalley Elementary Gifted and Talented Program Instructor

Kim Kredatus, Community Middle School Science Teacher

Joelle Smith, Bound Brook High School Mathematics Teacher

Educational Services Professionals:

Alma Pena, LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Teacher Assistant

Renee Jacobs-Grauer, Lafayette Elementary Speech Therapist

Lee Eaton, Smalley Elementary School Counselor

Genesis Picado, Community Middle School Teacher Assistant

Deborah Paulsen, Bound Brook High School Student Assistance Counselor

“We are incredibly honored to continue growing our relationship with Rutgers University and to streamline the path for classroom aides and paraprofessionals in Bound Brook to earn their teaching certificates,” said Superintendent Dr. Alvin Freeman. “Bound Brook’s educational support professionals already contribute so much to our schools and students, and this grant provides them with the financial support and mentorship to advance their careers as educators.” 

The state DOE awarded Ramapo College and Rutgers University in New Brunswick $400,000 each to partner with eight school districts. Funding will be used to offset the costs associated with tuition, books and materials, mentorships, and structured on-the-job training. 

Chief Academic Officer Robyn Griffin said this opportunity is important to BBSD as schools across the state and country look for ways to recruit and retain K-12 teachers amid shortages. The program came from recommendations of the Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages in New Jersey. 

“We hope that one of the outcomes of this program will be a stronger and more diversified teaching staff in BBSD,” Griffin said. “Not everyone follows a traditional path to become a teacher, so this program provides the support and mentorship for our classroom aides and paraprofessionals to become teachers and play an even greater role in the lives of Bound Brook students.” 

Paraprofessionals in the program can typically earn their state teaching certification in two to four years, depending on their level of experience and education when beginning the program. The program targets fields disproportionately impacted by staff shortages, such as special education, science, math, English as a second language, and bilingual education.  

“We are excited to begin this work and to continue growing our relationship with Rutgers,” Griffin said. “This program stands to benefit many paraprofessionals and classroom aides in Bound Brook.” 

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. 

24-25 Smalley Back to School Night (Spanish) 

Smalley Welcome Back Letter English

The summer boost program at Smalley Elementary School is one of those initiatives. 

During the month-long program, students in grades K-6 get the chance to boost their academics in mathematics and English Language Arts while engaging in specials like STEM, art and physical education.  

With a firm commitment to student development and using a proactive approach to summer learning, the program uses a variety of classes to provide small-group instruction where students can enhance skills alongside their teachers.  

Bound Brook teacher Megan Esposito emphasized the positive impact it has on students who can reinforce skills as they prepare for the new school year. 

“One thing that I’ve been working on with my students is measurement and data,” she said. “We are trying to really reinforce some of those skills that we might not have been able to work on a lot throughout the school year, and we’re going to help them prepare for the next grade.” 

Every morning, students rotate between academics and specials. During specials, a unique cycle gives students a chance to experiment through hands-on STEM projects like building houses for robot dogs and creating their very own Innovator’s Workshop. Art and physical education promote creativity and wellness through other activities like painting animal masks and playing baseball inside the gymnasium.  

Jacob B., a rising seventh grader, praised the variety of activities, especially building art projects.  

“The one thing I like about summer program is the art class because we get to have fun and build things like animal faces and robotics. I also like to build paper swords in the class,” he said.  

In addition, the program is offered to bilingual students who can enrich their language acquisition inside the classroom with teachers who speak their native language. 

Teacher leaders Jennifer Derevjanik and Jill Goldan played a large role in getting the program started. They order materials before the start date, roster all students, and ensure that all processes run smoothly. Each day, both help students get their breakfast and lunch, transition them between classrooms, and assist in scheduling alongside Robyn Griffin, Bound Brook’s Chief Academic Officer.  

“The best thing about the summer program is that students still get to see their friends from the regular school year, maintain a routine and especially continue to interact in a small group environment with their teachers to boost their academics,” said Derevjanik.  

The summer program is one of multiple opportunities offered by the district to enhance each student’s academic growth while interacting with their peers daily.