The Edison Township Public Schools Insider October 2025 || Issue X
Building Bright Futures This Fall
Knowledge.Purpose.Passion.
#WeAreOneEdison
THE INSIDER EDISON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Message from Dr. Aldarelli A Message from the Community Relations Committee ParentSquare Stay Connected Preschool Grant Awarded The Edison Township Education Foundation High School Highlights Edison High School John P Stevens High School Legacy Pass Spotlight Leadership & Innovation Award Leading the Way AP BIO Battle Technology Education Grant Award Week of Respect First Grade Innovation in Action The Edison Township Education Foundation
A MESSAGE FROM DR. ALDARELLI SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Building Bright Futures This Fall Dear Edison Families,
This fall, we continue the momentum of the school year as we build bright futures together . In our classrooms, on our fields, and across our community, I see students learning with purpose, staff leading with dedication, and families partnering with us to create opportunities that last a lifetime. Guided by the five pillars of our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan , we are committed to preparing every student for success: Finance and Facilities, Engagement, Wellness, Programs and Pathways and Proficiencies, and the Portrait of a Graduate . In this issue of The Insider , we highlight the progress, innovation, and achievements that reflect this shared vision. Progress in Motion Across the district, construction projects are creating
modern, welcoming environments that support student learning today and for years to come. From new classrooms to updated community facilities , these investments reflect our shared commitment to preparing every student for success. Wellness in Action
enjoy We are proud to announce that Edison has been awarded the state Preschool Education Aid grant , allowing more of our youngest learners to begin their educational journey with strong foundations. You will also find coverage of our recent J.P. Stevens Open House and Education Foundation Night , events that showcase the power of community partnerships in supporting our schools . Our Portrait, Our Future This month, we will cut the ribbon on Edison High School’s new Fitness Court . This outdoor space, designed for all ages, encourages wellness and connection across our community. Plans are already underway for a second court at John P. Stevens High School. Pathways of Innovation Innovation is thriving in our classrooms, even among our youngest learners. This issue highlights how first graders are using iPads to collaborate, create, and explore new ways of learning that build confidence and spark curiosity. Expanding Opportunities
Next month, we will launch Our Portrait, Our Future , a new feature within our Leading the Way podcast series. Hosted by our Portrait of A Graduate Co-Chairs, Dr. Christopher Huss and Mr. Brian McGrath , the series will include interviews with students and graduates who share the skills and experiences that prepare them for success in college, career, and life.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and your trust in our work with your children. Guided by knowledge, purpose, and passion, I am proud to serve and lead this community as we build bright futures together . Sincerely, Dr. Edward Aldarelli, Superintendent of Schools
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Shannon Peng Chair
Building relationships is at the heart of the Community Relations Committee. From new communication tools to shared celebrations, these updates show how engagement creates opportunities for every student.
Engagement in Action
Groundbreaking at John Marshall: On September 30, the district held a groundbreaking for new facilities at John Marshall , reflecting the commitment to safe, modern learning environments.
Your paragraph text
Anjana Patel
Connecting With PTO Leadership: On October 27 , the committee and Dr. Aldarelli will bring PTO leaders together at the Education Center to collaborate and strengthen family-school partnerships. PULSE Forums Coming in November: The district will host a PULSE (Parents United in Listening, Sharing, and Engaging) forum for families, with date and location details to be shared soon. Senior Citizen Legacy Pass: Senior residents now enjoy free admission to district events, honoring their contributions and building intergenerational connections. Staying Connected with Schools: More than 8,600 parents are now using ParentSquare , the district’s official communication platform for staying connected with schools and teachers. Learn more here. Staying Connected to Transportation: Families of students on district-owned buses can now use Stopfinder , a mobile app that provides schedules, communication, and peace of mind.
Jerry Shi
Virginia White
Community Gathers at J.P. Stevens: On October 16, families from across the district gathered to celebrate progress, explore the school, connect with staff, and celebrate student opportunities while learning more about the Edison Township Education Foundation.
When schools and families are connected, students succeed, and that’s what we’re building in Edison.
STAY CONNECTED WITH PARENTSQUARE
Edison Township Public Schools is now using ParentSquare, a unified communication platform that syncs with our Genesis Parent Portal to create accounts for each parent or guardian using their preferred email address and phone number.
Download the ParentSquare app today!
Some features include: Mass notifications via phone, email, text, or app Mobile application for parents (iOS and Android) Teacher and classroom communication Athletics and extracurricular communication Calendars and more! As a registered parent, you can... Receive messages from the school and district via phone, email, text, or app notification Communicate in your preferred language Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6pm
Send messages to teachers, coaches, and staff Use this link to learn more on our district website: FAQ’s Video Tutorials & More
StudentSquare As a companion to ParentSquare, we are also launching StudentSquare for our students districtwide. This platform gives students direct access to important updates and tools that help them stay informed and connected
with teachers, coaches, and club advisors. Learn more about StudentSquare here.
OTHER WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED OUR WEBSITE APP! Our website app provides website- related updates, news items, achievements, and live feed highlights.
Video Here
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Community Feedback Exchange
We invite you to share your thoughts on topics you'd like to see explored in future issues of our district magazine, as well as reflections on the successes and challenges you see within Edison Township Public Schools. Your input is part of our living strategic plan, helping shape priorities, elevate voices, and ensure our path forward remains responsive, inclusive, and grounded in real-time community insight.
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LEAVE WEBSITE CHATBOT FEEDBACK Our website chatbot is designed to provide instant answers and informational support. As we continue “training our AI,” your feedback is essential! Please use the feedback link provided under each response to help us improve. OTHER WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Leave Feedback on Your Results to Help Us Improve!
our new AI Chatbot, designed to provide instant answers and informational support. As we continue “training our AI,” your feedback is essential! Please use the feedback link provided under each response to help us improve.
AI Chatbot, designed to provide instant answers and informational support. As we continue “training our AI,” your feedback is essential! Please use the feedback link provided under each response to help us improve.
Video Here
Learn More!
Who Do I Contact?
If you're unsure who to contact, the Chain of Communication page on the district website can help guide you!
Preschool Grant Awarded!
Edison Township Public Schools has been awarded $1,483,775 in state grant funding to expand free, full-day preschool for the 2025–2026 school year! With this funding, 213 general education preschool students who live in Edison will now have the opportunity to attend high-quality preschool at no cost to families. Preschool is an important first step in a child’s education. Research shows that early childhood education helps children develop: A foundation for early learning
Enhanced cognitive and problem-solving skills Increased pre-academic skills and independence Improved social and emotional development Stronger self-regulation and executive functioning Successful transition to and readiness for Kindergarten
We are thrilled to welcome more preschool families into our schools this year and to help our youngest learners begin their educational journey with joy and confidence.
Open House Attendees Learn About The Edison Education Foundation: ETEF
Thursday, October 16, community members gathered to celebrate the new wing of J.P. Stevens High School and learn about The Edison Education Foundation. The new ETEF initiative is dedicated to supporting student success, sparking innovation, and enhancing educational opportunities across our schools.
Ways to Get Involved:
Express interest in serving as a trustee or volunteer Share your voice and professional expertise Explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities Stay connected and informed as the Foundation grows
Scan to register interest. Learn more at: https://www.edison.k12.nj.us/page/edison-township-education-foundation
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL Community Fitness Court!
Fitness, wellness, and community come together at Edison High School’s new Fitness Court. Designed for all ages and abilities, this space reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for active, healthy living. Learn more in this video featuring, Mr. Charlie Ross, Principal of Edison High School, and Mr. Jeff DiCocco, Supervisor of Physical Education & Health.
The Fitness Court provides a complete, full-body workout in just seven minutes, all for free in the great outdoors. It includes seven stations: Core, Squat, Push, Lunge, Pull, Agility, and Bend. Rotating through the stations offers an energizing circuit workout that builds strength, endurance, and flexibility. Plans are also underway for a future Fitness Court at John P. Stevens High School, expanding access and opportunities for the Edison community.
Home of the Hawks John P. Stevens High School
Fall Pep Rally
Homecoming Game
#1 Ranked Tennis Team
Principal - Dr. Fay Kim
Legacy Passes are now available for pickup at the Education Center and the Edison Senior Center! LEGACY PASS Our Senior Citizens are the “WHY” in LEGACY contributions, and connections to education continue to inspire our schools and community. This pass will offer resident senior citizens complimentary admission to a wide variety of in-district events, performances, and programs throughout the year. Eligible Events Include: School plays and musical productions Home athletic games Special ceremonies and recognition events The Edison Legacy Pass is an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate our senior citizens, whose steady support,
Our district is proud to receive Prosperi's, a provider of K-12 telecounseling and AI-driven student support, 2025 Leadership & Innovation in Technology Award . This honor recognizes the district’s visionary leadership and his role in empowering Edison’s team to improve student outcomes through transformative applications of technology and artificial intelligence. This award reflects the dedication and innovation of our entire district team, with special recognition for the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil/Special Services Dr. Thomas Toohey , and Supervisor of Special Services Kate Gousman, along with our school counseling team . Edison is constantly striving to enhance student success with transformative technology and the responsible use of AI. Our collaboration with Prosperi will help address the national shortage of school counselors and empower schools and districts to achieve stronger academic, career and college outcomes. Learn more at www.prosperi.life Edison Township Public Schools Receives Prosperi’s 2025 Leadership & Innovation in Technology Award
Leading the Way Congratulations to Dr. Nicole Halpin! Supervisor of Career and Technical Education
Dr. Nicole Halpin earned her Doctorate in Education from Monmouth University in the summer of 2025. Her dissertation, “No Teacher Left Behind: Designing a Multi-Tiered Support System to Retain First-Year Alternate Route Teachers,” focused on developing practical, research-based strategies to improve teacher retention and support during the critical first year in the classroom. Drawing from her research and experience, Dr. Halpin now applies her expertise to strengthen and support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, helping teachers and students thrive through innovative, real-world learning opportunities.
Learn More! To learn more about Dr. Halpin’s work and vision in the district, tune in to Episode 7 of the Leading the Way Podcast, where she joins Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli and fellow Academy Supervisors Kristen Tsaoys and Laurie Maier. Together, they discuss the power of instructional leadership,
collaboration, and mentorship in shaping student success, and highlight how supervisors support teachers, foster professional growth, and build strong academic programs. Subscribe and listen or watch on Spotify or YouTube to stay connected and informed about the initiatives shaping our students’ futures.
AP Bio students in The Biomedical Academy battled it out in front special guest Edison Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Huss to find out which part of the cell will dethrone the nucleus and take the top spot. Students recorded videos, made t-shirts, and designed posters, but in the end cytoplasm was the winner ! AP Bio Battle Brings Special Guest
Congratulations, Ms. May!
We are so proud of our J.P. Stevens' Technology Education teacher Ms. May for receiving a $500 grant from Construction Industry Career Day. The grant will be used to purchase items for students in her class as they complete independent projects in engineering,
construction tech, and architecture. Our teachers go above and beyond!
Week of Respect
The Week of Respect took place between October 6- 10, to promote a positive school climate and encourage kindness, empathy, and respect . This year’s theme, ‘What You Say Echoes’ emphasized the lasting impact of words. Through lessons, school wide events, and creative projects like chalk murals and Spirit Week, students reflected on how their actions and words contributed to a safe and supportive school community. High school activities were led by the R.I.S.E. leadership teams, who brought creativity and energy to the Week of Respect. Students led lessons, presentations, and school-wide displays , teaching their peers how to be confident upstanders. Middle school students created shields as part of the Echoes of Expression activity, exploring how the words we choose reflect our identity and influence how others perceive us . They then reflected on how these words communicate who they are and how their choices “echo” to others , encouraging thoughtful expression and awareness of the power of language.
Our district is proud to begin the year with first graders exploring, creating, and growing through new iPads, technology, and hands-on learning. Teachers are making lessons more engaging, interactive, and inclusive for all students. Here at Washington School, students are drawing and animating their stories to build connections with one another. These projects help children express themselves and celebrate their ideas in creative ways! This is more than just technology. It's about giving students the chance to learn in ways that spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and build confidence . By combining innovative teaching practices with the right tools, Edison is creating classrooms where every child can succeed. learning that meets their needs. Each iPad also includes accessibility features like text read-aloud, document scanning, and customizable workspaces, ensuring every child can succeed. By combining innovative teaching with powerful tools, Edison is creating classrooms that spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and build confidence. For more, visit Apple K–12 Education . First Grade Innovation in Action! Edison Township Public Schools began the year with new opportunities for our first graders to explore, create, and grow through iPads, technology, and hands-on learning. Teachers are making lessons more engaging, interactive, and welcoming for every child. Learning in Action Our young learners are using drawing and animation activities to share stories and connect with one another. These projects help children express themselves, celebrate their ideas, and build early communication skills. They are also practicing math skills by using shapes and movement to understand subtraction. This turns a traditional concept into an interactive experience that makes learning fun and memorable. Supporting Our Teachers Teachers are participating in a year-long professional learning plan focused on creativity, communication, critical thinking, and inclusion. They are exploring strategies that bring out the best in every student, such as using real-time feedback tools and designing lessons that support different learning styles. Strong Foundations This initiative builds on Apple’s four pillars of learning with iPad: Connected, Collaborative, Creative, and Personal . These principles guide how students access content, work with peers, share ideas, and design
The Edison Township Education Foundation!
The Edison Township Education Foundation is a new initiative dedicated to supporting student success, sparking innovation, and enhancing educational opportunities across our schools.
We’re inviting families, alumni, community members, and businesses to be part of this next step forward for Edison schools. Your ideas, talents, and involvement can help shape a foundation that opens new doors for students and strengthens our schools for years to come.
Ways to Get Involved:
Express interest in serving as a trustee or volunteer Share your voice and professional expertise Explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities Stay connected and informed as the Foundation grows Register Today! Scan the code, or visit our website: https://www.edison.k12.nj.us/page/edison-township-education-foundation #Edison ETEF
BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT! Help shape the future of the Edison Township Education Foundation from the very beginning. Your voice, ideas, and involvement will help establish a lasting legacy of support for our students and schools across our community. While the Foundation works in partnership with Edison Township Public Schools, it will operate as an independent nonprofit, recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization with its own leadership and mission.
KNOWLEDGE.PURPOSE.PASSION The Edison Township Public Schools Insider Y o u r p ar a gr a p h te xt Your paragraph text Building Bright Futures This Fall
2025-2026
#WeAreOneEdison
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