The Edison Township Public Schools Insider A Message from Dr. Aldarelli: Together We Grow A Message from Shannon Peng Academic News New Edison Township Education Foundation
Parent/Community Nights Vision 2030 Strategic Plan Stay Connected
Spotlight 1 Spotlight 2 Spotlight 3 PULSE: Parents United in Listening, Sharing, & Engaging Legacy Pass: Honoring Our Senior Citizens Finance & Facilities Progress John P. Stevens Auditorium Progress RISE Leadership Conference Our Schools Edison Early Learning Center FDR Preschool
James Madison Intermediate School John Marshall Elementary School Ben Franklin Elementary School James Madison Primary School James Monroe Elementary School
As spring blossoms across our community, so do the events that bring us together. April is a month of growth, connection, and celebration, and across Edison Township Public Schools, that energy is everywhere. Together We Grow A Message from Dr. Aldarelli, Superintendent of Schools
Spring Calendar Update
With no emergency or snow days used so far this year, we’re pleased to share that the calendar has been updated to include the following additional days off for students and staff: Monday, April 21, 2025 & Friday, May , 23. 2025
In this months’s edition of the Insider , we turn our school highlights to the heart of where learning begins: our preschools and elementary schools, from Benjamin Franklin to John Marshall. We celebrate the vibrant energy, curiosity, and imagination of our youngest learners. These are the years when the spark is ignited and where the garden is planted for lifelong learning to grow . Next month, we celebrate the remainder of our amazing elementary schools. Enhanced Community Engagement April brings several key events that exemplify the spirit of community that defines us. On April 8, we host Parent University , an event for families to connect and grow together, rescheduled from February. The following evening, April 9 , our District Community Showcase will highlight the incredible talents, programs, and partnerships across our schools. SAGES I look forward to the next PULSE meeting, our parent advisory group, on April 23, and SAGES , our student advisory group, on April 30 . Each of these helps guide meaningful conversations and ensures that district decisions reflect the voices of our parents and students. As we approach our spring break , April 14 through April 21 , I want to thank you for your continued partnership. To all who are observing Easter or Passover, or who celebrated Eid al-Fitr on March 31, I wish you peace, reflection, and time well spent with those who matter most. Looking Ahead & Staying Connected Looking ahead to May 1 , we will officially kick off the Edison Township Education Foundation with a Community Meeting dedicated to supporting future innovation and vision in our schools. As our commitment to connection extends beyond the classroom, we will soon launch the Edison Alumni Connect Portal, a new initiative designed to strengthen relationships with our graduates and bring their stories back into the life of our district. In addition, Legacy Cards will be available beginning in May for senior citizens in our community, offering special access to district events and opportunities to stay connected with our schools. I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of The Insider eMagazine, which is designed with you in mind to highlight the events and initiatives I’ve mentioned, offer a closer look at what’s happening across our schools, and continue to strengthen how we stay connected as a district.
Strengthening Partnerships: Advancing Engagement & Student Success in 2025 A Message from Shannon Peng Chair of the Community Relations & Curriculum Committees
Your paragraph text Bio-Med and Computer Science Academy pathways, offering advanced coursework, capstone projects, research opportunities, and hands-on work experience. It’s not just college preparation; it’s a pathway to careers that can change lives and shape the future. CSA - Shaakneno n Video As chair of the Curriculum and Community Communications Committee, I recognize the changing needs of the industry and listen closely to the aspirations of our students. This motivates us to design a curriculum that truly empowers them. That’s why we initiated the
2025 Community Relations/ Parent Advisory Committee Members Shannon Peng, Chair Anjana Patel Jerry Shi Virginia White
On behalf of the Board of Education, we are committed to fostering collaboration, amplifying the voices of our families, and ensuring that our schools meet the needs of our diverse community and inspire every student to achieve their fullest potential. BOE Website
Edison Township Public Schools is proud to expand its specialized high school academies for the 2025– 2026 school year . These innovative programs are designed to give students focused pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and future goals. Academic News Expanding Opportunities: New Academies for 2025–2026 The existing STEM Academy at Edison High
School will continue to offer rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics coursework. Learn more on the website.
Our new Biomedical Science Academy will open at J.P. Stevens High School in 2025- 2026 , providing students with hands-on experiences and coursework in health sciences and biomedical fields. Learn more on the website and watch video preview.
Our new Computer Science Academy will launch at both Edison and J.P. Stevens High Schools in 2025-2026 . It will empower students with advanced instruction in coding, programming, and digital problem-solving. Learn more on the website.
Our Vision Is Only Beginning As we look ahead, Edison Township Public Schools remains deeply committed to expanding access and opportunity for all students. Within our Strategic Plan, the Programs, Pathways, and Proficiency pillar is dedicated to building multiple career and college pathways over the next several years. These pathways are designed to support students with a wide range of passions and talents, whether in the arts, culinary arts, automotive technology, education, robotics, business, or other emerging fields. Already, we are seeing the impact of this vision in action. For the first time, Edison students have begun earning nationally recognized industry credentials . This spring, 17 Edison High School Automotive students and 4 J.P. Stevens Engineering students earned their OSHA 10 certification , a key safety credential required for many career pathways. This milestone puts our students ahead as they explore real-world opportunities in their fields of interest. This work reflects our belief that every student deserves a personalized and empowering journey . . . and we are just getting started.
NEW: The Edison Township Education Foundation!
Community Kickoff Meeting! Date: Thursday, May 1 Time: 7:00 PM Location: John Adams Middle School New Gymnasium We are proud to announce the launch of the Edison Township Education Foundation, a new initiative focused on fostering innovation, supporting student opportunity, and strengthening partnerships across our schools.
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 students and schools across our community. Why Attend? Learn about the future of the Foundation Explore ways to contribute your time, talent, or resources Connect with like-minded individuals who care about the future of our schools Help lay the foundation to support educational innovation and initiatives for our students This first-ever meeting is open to all Edison families, staff, alumni, and local business and community members who are interested in learning more or getting involved. While the Foundation works in partnership with Edison Township Public Schools, it will operate as an independent, 501(c)(3) organization with its own leadership and mission. Whether you’re looking to support innovation in education, share your expertise, or simply learn how you can make a difference, we invite you to attend. At the meeting, you will be asked to register your attendance and indicate areas of interest, such as serving in a leadership role as a trustee, volunteering, or contributing in other meaningful ways. To help us plan accordingly, please use the QR code or the link below to indicate your interest in attending in advance: Please Register Here Via This Link or Scan the Code:
VISION 2030 Strategic Plan
Our new North Star Statement serves as a bridge between our vision and mission—grounding our work in purpose and guiding every step forward as we shape the future of Edison Township Public Schools. Empowering learners to shape the world with knowledge, purpose, and passion.
Our Strategic Plan is more than a document. It’s a living framework guiding the work across our schools. We invite you to visit the Strategic Plan Dashboard to see our real-time progress toward district goals and priorities
he new North Star Statement serves as a bridge between our vision and mission—grounding our work in purpose and guiding every step forward as we shape the future of Edison Township Public Schools.
Learn More On Our Website
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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. Community Feedback Exchange
2025-2026 Calendar
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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. 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.
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Who Do I Contact?
If you're unsure who to contact, our new Chain of Communication tool on the district website can guide you. Navigate to Our District > Chain of Communication to find the appropriate person or department to assist you.
In The Spotlight!
Introducing the New “Spotlight” Section on Our Website! SHARING OUR STORIES! Because the stories within our schools deserve to be seen and shared! We’re proud to launch the ETPS Spotlight . . . a new feature highlighting the students, staff, and community members who help shape Edison Township Public Schools. We begin by featuring three outstanding seniors from Edison High School’s STEM Academy:
dison High FCCLA Shines at State Conference Archanga, Mithil, and Vendant. Visit our website to view the full spotlights to learn more about each of these outstanding seniors! See the highlight video.
Edison Township Public Schools is increasingly being recognized for its leadership in communications and stakeholder engagement. At the S pring 2025 New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) State Conference , two of Edison’s leaders were invited to share best practices with peers from across the state. Heather Daniel, Director of Communications and Policy , was invited to speak as the 2024 NJSPRA State Communicator of the Year and has been appointed as a NJSPRA State Advisor , where she will help guide statewide strategies in school public relations. Shannon Peng, Member of the Edison Township Board of Education and Chairperson of the Community Relations and Curriculum Committees , was invited as a featured state panelist, sharing insights on stakeholder engagement and community leadership with administrative leaders from across the state. Their contributions reflect Edison’s growing influence in shaping model communication practices in public education. Edison’s Voice Growing Stronger Across the State in Communications and Engagement
Edison High FCCLA Shines at State Conference In The Spotlight!
Edison High School made an unforgettable impact at the 2025 New Jersey FCCLA State Leadership Conference, with 70 members participating in the two-day event on March 19-20. Thirty-four students earned Top 2 placements in their STAR events, qualifying for the National Leadership Conference in Orlando this July. Edison also brought home 24 gold, 7 silver, and 1 bronze medal project. Of the 21 projects that placed in the top three, 14 earned first place, and 3 received perfect scores, highlighting the students' excellence and precision. In addition to competitions, students engaged in hands-on college workshops and participated in the fan-favorite fashion show, where nine members modeled garments they designed and created themselves. Congratulations to all Edison FCCLA members for representing the district with pride, creativity, and leadership!
dison High FCCLA Shines at State Conference
Congratulations to Dr. Hitisha Patel , a proud K–12 Edison product and former high school English teacher, on earning her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Northeastern University. Her dissertation, Utilizing Teacher Equity Leadership Teams to Create Culturally Responsive Classrooms, highlights her commitment to culturally responsive practices across learning environments. With a double master’s from Columbia University’s Teachers College in English Education and Montclair State University in Educational Leadership, Dr. Patel brings both academic excellence and authentic passion to her work in our district. This achievement reflects her unwavering dedication to empowering educators and creating meaningful change in classrooms. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with Dr. Patel! Hitisha Patel, Ed.D. Ojas Ray, Ed.D. Congratulations to Dr. Ojas Ray, Assistant Principal at J.P. Stevens High School, on earning his Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership! His dissertation, Transforming Education: AI’s Role in Enhancing Teacher Efficiency , examines how artificial intelligence can empower educators and improve instructional impact. Through his research, Dr. Ray explored how innovative technologies can streamline tasks, support instructional planning, and elevate the overall classroom experience for teachers and students alike. This achievement reflects Dr. Ray’s dedication to advancing innovation, supporting teachers, and shaping the future of learning in our schools. His vision and leadership continue to inspire those around him, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with Dr. Ray!
In The Spotlight!
Our Unified Sports Teams Hit The Court on March 11! Edison High School and J.P. Stevens High School hit the court for an amazing Unified Sports Basketball The energy was high, the teamwork was inspiring, and the crowd was electric! Thank you to all the student-athletes, coaches, and fans who made this game truly special. Student Advocacy in Action at HHMS! Herbert Hoover Middle School welcomed Senator Patrick Diegnan, who met with a group of engaged 8th graders leading a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. Our students had four critical issues on their agenda: Minimum Wage, Public Transportation, Mental Health Days, and Daylight Savings Time The Senator provided valuable insights and motivation, emphasizing the importance of student voice and perseverance in shaping policies and advocating for change. Thank you to Senator Diegnan, his team, and our staff, who made this happen! Game, celebrating inclusion, teamwork, and school pride!
Parent University Date: April 8, 2025
Time: Doors Open at 6:00 PM Location: Edison High School
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Cultivating Community
Edison Township Public Schools invites families, students, and community members to Cultivating Community, a special evening dedicated to connection, creativity, and collaboration. This engaging celebration will showcase the talents, voices, and cultures of students across all K-12 schools, featuring: Live performances highlighting student artistry Interactive crafts for all ages Student-led sessions fostering learning and community engagement Date: April 9, 2025 Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM Location: John P. Stevens High School
Register Here See Flyer Here
PULSE
Parents United in Listening, Sharing, and Engaging
The BOE Community Relations Committee invites our parents to the second PULSE Meeting! Date: May 7, 2025 - Rescheduled from April 23rd Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM Location: Edison Success Academy 50 Calvert Ave. E Edison, NJ 08820 Registration Information:
See highlights from last month’s meeting here.
Date: April 23, 2025
If you have previously attended a PULSE meeting or were registered and placed on the waitlist, you are welcome to attend the upcoming April session. There is no need to reregister. You will receive an email requesting that you confirm your attendance. We invite new participants to register for the May 7 session.. Learn more on the PULSE Website.
LEGACY PASS Our Senior Citizens are the WHY in LEGACY
The Edison Legacy Pass is a developing initiative designed to recognize and celebrate our senior citizens, whose steady support, contributions, and connection to education continue to inspire our schools and community. This pass will offer complimentary admission for resident senior citizens 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 Community-based programs hosted in our schools Legacy Passes will be available for pickup at the Education Center and additional designated community sites beginning in May. More information will be shared in the May 1 newsletter as we finalize details.
Finance & Facilities
April 29, 2025 Budget Hearing 7:00 PM
Thomas Jefferson Middle School Gymnasium 450 Division StreetEdison, New Jersey 08817
A budget presentation will be made at the April 29 Board of Education meeting, where financial planning and budget considerations will be shared. Community members are encouraged to attend or follow the presentation for more information.
Preliminary Zero$ School Tax Increase
Preliminary Zero $ School Tax Increase
John P. Stevens High School High School Auditorium Update!
The J.P. Hawks’ new auditorium is almost ready for showtime! The seats are in, and the stage is nearly set. Opening details are coming soon. Shhh, maybe our superintendent will share a few opening notes.
Edison Student Leaders R.I.S.E. Together: Amplify Impact, Inspire Change On March 26, 2025, student voices took center stage at the 2nd Annual R.I.S.E. (Respect, Inclusion, Support, Empower) Student Leadership Conference , held at Middlesex College. With this year’s theme, "Amplify Impact, Inspire Change," the event brought togethe r 170 student leaders from all six secondary schools across Edison Township, creating an energetic and collaborative space focused on empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful leadership. Organized by Dr. Hitisha Patel in partnership with the district’s Student Equity Advisor teams: Jennine Duggan, Sanyogita Padhye Basu, Stephanie Cardoso, Neha Coles, Samantha Laiso, and Haley Connell , this year’s R.I.S.E. Conference was a true celebration of student voice and vision. A special thank you goes out to Ms. Lopez, Ms. Cortez, and Ms. Chamberlain for their incredible support in making this event possible. The conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from Dr. Fay Kim, Principal of JP Stevens High School , who spoke on Inspiring Change in the School Community as a Student Leader. Dr. Kim’s words left students feeling motivated to embrace their leadership roles, build empathy, and work together to foster inclusive, supportive school communities. The day featured two main sessions and 12 student-led breakout workshops focused on key themes such as well-being, emotional intelligence, inclusion, belonging, and building strong school communities.
Session 1: Amplify Your Voice encouraged students to harness the power of their voice and speak up for positive change. Session 2: Make an Impact challenged student leaders to turn ideas into action and drive lasting transformation in their communities. Poster Sessions: In addition to the sessions, Herbert Hoover Middle School led a creative poster session series titled Leadership Unfolded: Discover, Inspire, Lead. This series addressed key topics such as well-being and belonging, providing students with the opportunity to explore these essential areas of leadership and reflect on how they can create inclusive, supportive environments in their schools. Session Highlights
Our Schools Edison Early Learning Center FDR Preschool James Madison Intermediate School John Marshall Elementary School James Madison Primary School James Monroe Elementary School In This Issue:
Honoring Martin Luther King
The Edison Early Learning Center is a vibrant community of PreK3 and PreK4 learners who share in many exciting events and celebrations. From Pumpkin Patches to a Thanksgiving shared meal, Holiday Sing-a-Longs and more! But our students are taught more than just holiday fun, abc’s and 123's. At the EELC, students and their families participate in many Acts of Kindness for the community. During our Holiday Food Drive, children brought food items which allowed them to help set our ‘fancy’ table. Hundreds of items were donated to Hands of Hope Food Pantry. Our “Souper Bowl” Soup Drive allowed the students to add a paper football with their name to our Football Field of Champions. We think our little ones and their families are all Champions, indeed!
Upcoming Events April Egg Hunt Autism Awareness Assembly Seed Planting Butterfly Projects Kindergarten Readiness Program May Multicultural Family DinnerPreK4's Visit Kindergartens Mother’s Day Tea
June Touch a Truck Program Fun Day PreK4's Graduation End of Year Class Celebrations
helping others
A SOUP COLLECTION TOUCHDOWN!
Contact information Dr. Anthony Shallop, Principal anthony.shallop@edison.k12.nj.us Phone: 732-452-2939; 732-650-5294
Visit Our Website: https://eelc.edison.k12.nj.us/o/eelc
FDR has been bustling with excitement, laughter, and endless opportunities for learning and growth! From fostering friendships to giving back to the community, our little learners have been busy making memories that will last a lifetime.
For Thanksgiving, our preschoolers gathered for a festive feast, sharing a meal together and learning the value of gratitude. They made adorable crafts, talked about what they were thankful for, and enjoyed a cozy celebration filled with warmth and joy. THANKSGIVING FEAST
GINGERBREAD FAMILY NIGHT
Families and teachers came together to create adorable gingerbread houses, sharing laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer.
FILL OUR HEARTS FUNDRAISER Our Fill Our Heart Fundraiser was a beautiful way for our preschool to spread love and generosity. This special event helped raise money for Camp Kiddie Keep Well and Buddy Ball, two incredible programs that support children in our community. By participating in this fundraiser, our preschoolers learned the power of helping others and making a positive impact in the world around them.
FIREFIGHTER VISIT
One of the highlights of our year so far was a special visit from the Edison Fire Department. The firefighters arrived in their big, red fire truck, much to the delight of the children! They taught us all about fire safety—how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll,” the importance of smoke detectors, and how firefighters are our friends who are always ready to help. The children were fascinated by the gear the firefighters wear and even got a chance to see the
fire truck up close! MR. RAY
KNIGHTLY READERS AND LEAPFROG LISTENERS
FDR was full of energy as we danced, sang, and jammed out with Mr. Ray! His music had everyone up on their feet, clapping, swaying, and singing along. The children had an absolute blast, letting loose and expressing themselves through rhythm and song.
Our partnership with the fifth graders from JMI for the Knightly Readers and Leapfrog Listeners program was another exciting adventure! The older students took time to read stories with our preschoolers, helping them explore the magic of books. After reading, they worked together on a creative craft related to the story, strengthening their bond and fostering a love for reading. It was heartwarming to see the connections formed between the young and older students, making learning even more special.
Upcoming Events AUTISM AWARENESS EGG HUNT WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD MOVING UP CEREMONY
FAMILY STEM ‘KNIGHT’ & PI DAY To celebrate Pi Day, students challenged themselves to memorize as many digits of Pi as possible. We then carried our enthusiasm for math into our Family STEM event, where students and their families collaborated to build the tallest spaghetti tower, design the safest egg drop device, and engineer the fastest race car! James Madison Intermediate School Let your KNIGHT light shine bright
ANNUAL 3RD GRADE WAX MUSEUM
READ ACROSS AMERICA Students, staff, and community members shared their love of reading during Read Across America Week! This year we were honored to have students from the JAMS ACES program and the Rutgers Women Lacrosse Team visit! Our 3rd Grade students celebrated Black History Month and Women’s History Month with their Annual Wax Museum!
VOCABULARY PARADE JMI students and staff were excited to show off their love of words during our second annual Vocabulary Parade!
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND COMPETITION Congratulations to JMI’s two Odyssey of the Mind teams who performed at the Regional Competition on March 15. Our “Cooking Team” has advanced to the State Finals which will take place on April 5. Good Luck!!!
UPCOMING EVENTS April 4 - 4th Grade Class Trip April 8 - New Faces, New Places (Sit with new Friends at Lunch) April 22 - 5th Annual Green Day Family Event April 24 - Take Your Child to Work Day April 25 - Knights Treasures (School Store)
Magical Happenings at John Marshall SChool Magical Highlights
Read Across America: K-2 students attended the Reading & Movement Assembly with Kira Wiley.
th 100 Day of School Students pretended to be 100 years old and participated in hands-on activities with the number 100.
Title 1 Family Night SEL - Celebrating Positive Actions I See You doing good(ICU boxes)
EHS Peer Tutors Students from EHS support our
Teddy Bear Clinic Kindergarten students were able to learn how to care for others with the help from St. Peter’s Child Life Services.
learners with understanding academic vocabulary, breaking down complex questions, and developing critical thinking skills.
Multilingual Learner Trips Our Multilingual Learners participated in field trips that extended their learning beyond the classroom. They attended the State Theater for a performance, visited the Planetarium and watched All Star 360 show.
Dragon Cafe Learners love providing staff with breakfast as they learn how to run a business.
Magic in the Making
upcoming family nights
important links
John Marshall Headline News
Science Fair: April 23rd
April 29th Math & Reading
Family Planting Day: April 24th
Marshall News Family Newsletter
May 20th Wellness Even t
Spring Concert: April 30th
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
Read Across America Week
Author visit-Sheetal Sheth BEN has been buzzing with excitement. In March, we
Read Across America was a vibrant celebration of literacy, community, and belonging at BEN! Guest readers from across our community shared their love of books. This year’s “Books of Belonging” theme encouraged students to explore stories where they saw themselves reflected within the text which sparked conversations about identity and inclusion. To compliment the week, we also hosted Spirit Week & Door Decorating Contest, where classrooms transformed their doors to showcase books that resonated with them. It was an unforgettable week celebrating the joy of reading!
hosted author Sheetal Sheth for a special visit. She captivated students with her storytelling, sharing insights about her books and the power of diverse voices in literature.
Learning Spotlights
120TH DAY OF SCHOOL While many celebrate the 100th day of school, our first graders took it to the next level—marking 120 days of learning! Since counting to 120 is a key first-grade math goal, students showcased their growing number skills with fun activities, games, and creative projects. From counting by ones and tens to building number patterns, they proved just how much they’ve learned! It was a day filled with excitement, achievement, and a whole lot of counting fun. Way to go, first graders!
PTA Corner
Our PTA has been busy creating unforgettable experiences for our students and families! Paint Night was a huge success with creativity flowing as students created masterpeices. The excitement continued with our Holi Color Run where the entire school paritcipated in a vibrant energy filled that had everyone smiling. CLICK HERE FOR THE COLOR RUN VIDEO!
POTATO RACES Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Callas’s kindergarteners put their science skills to the test with an exciting Potato Race experiment! They made hypotheses using their knowledge of force, motion, and friction! This experiment sparked curiosity, critical thinking, and lots of laughter as our young scientists raced their way to new discoveries!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE BEN SPOTLIGHTS ON LEARNING!
Clubs
Student Academies Upcoming Events April 8th-11th - PTA Spring Book Fair April 8th - Spring Concert @ EHS April 10th - Ohana Night (Family SEL Night April 24th - Art Night and Poetree Café May 1st - Kids Heart Challenge May 9th - Finding Nemo Drama Performance @ EHS May 15th - Eye of the Wild Assembly May 15th- Science Fair Our student academies provide targeted support to help students strengthen their math and ELA skills, ensuring they meet grade-level standards with confidencce. Through engaging, small-group instruction, students are reinforcing key concepts, building problem- solving strategies, and developing a deeper understanding of reading. These academies not only boost academic success but also empower students to reach their full potential!
From teamwork on the soccer field to mindfulness and kindness in the classroom, our students have been busy growing, creating, and making a difference! They’ve built towering structures, crafted digital comics, and raised funds to support their peers. Whether planting seeds in the Garden Club or leading school- wide initiatives in Student Council, every club is a place for passion, learning, and fun! Take a look at the amazing things our students have accomplished!
Click here to check out our latest school newspaper!
Visit from Victor Cruz
Pajama Jam
Our students were thrilled to welcome Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz for a special reading event! His visit not only brought excitement to our young readers but also reinforced the power of literacy. Students left inspired, knowing that with dedication and confidence, they can achieve their dreams- both on and off the field!
Pajama Jam 2025 was a huge success! Families cozied up in their PJs for a magical night of reading, crafts, and community fun. A big thank you to our amazing teachers and families for making the 28th year unforgettable! Can’t wait for next year!
WELCOME TO THE BUNNY REPORT
JMP’s Mission & Vision After gathering input from staff, students, and families, we’ve crafted our mission and vision statements for our 5-year strategic plan. Take a look here to see how we plan to achieve our goals and shape the future!
Bunny Beets Lounge
This year, we proudly launched the Bunny Beets Lounge , a vibrant collaboration with families, community members, and the JPS Tri-M Honor Society . Designed to bring entertainment to our students during Fun Friday lunches, this initiative not only inspires future artists but also strengthens our community connections—all while creating a fun and engaging atmosphere!
Look out, Starbucks! The Bunny Bean Cafe is caffeinating the masses and giving students a unique opportunity to develop their communication and social skills through hands-on learning. It’s the perfect blend of education and experience! Bunny Bean Cafe
Bunny Buddies
JMP’s Equity Committee launched the Bunny Buddies pilot program, where 1st and 2nd graders serve as peer models in Art and Gym, working with classes across the building. Through this experience, they are learning that every child learns and communicates differently. Along the way, they’ve been developing leadership skills, empathy, patience, and forming meaningful new friendships.
Check it out in action here!
Each year, in celebration of Read Across America , Mrs. Schulz and Mrs. Petruzzi’s second-grade class brings stories to life with engaging Reader’s Theater performances for other classes. As part of an exciting author study on Mo Willems, students dive into the world of Piggie and Gerald , learning to embody the beloved characters by mirroring their expressions and actions. With creativity and enthusiasm, they even design their own props and costumes, making the experience truly unforgettable! Piggie & Gerald in Action
Creative Minds at Work
Ms. Deakyne's 2nd-graders turned old, broken toys into amazing upcycled sculptures ! Using imagination and teamwork, they transformed forgotten treasures into unique works of art. Way to go, young creators!
Upcoming
Exciting things are happening at JMP! We’re hard at work building Bunnyburrow , our very own real-life town. This immersive, hands-on learning experience allows students to bring their lessons to life, applying their knowledge in a fun and engaging real-world setting. Stay tuned as our town takes shape! Our 48 second graders have started rehearsing for the Seussical Kids , with performances scheduled for April 23 and April 24 . The students are excited to bring Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters to life through vibrant songs, costumes, and energetic performances. We can't wait to see their hard work shine on stage! Our very own JMP students will have the exciting opportunity to perform at the Bunny Beets Lounge during lunchtime! We can't wait to see their incredible talents shine!
Mrs. Pagano’s first graders dressed to impress and applied for the role of Classroom Librarian ! They submitted resumes, interviewed, and showcased professionalism with firm handshakes and eye contact. Each candidate shared their passion for reading and organization, making the decision nearly impossible! No matter the outcome, they gained invaluable experience in leadership and responsibility. First Job Interview Success
NEWS FROM THE OWL’S NEST Celebrating our Diversity
James Monroe Elementary recently celebrated its diversity with a Parade of Nations and Multicultural Night! Students paraded in cultural attire, representing more than 70 countries. In the evening, families and Edison High School’s Spanish Honor Society students shared cultural displays. Guests explored traditions from around the world, and the night was highlighted by a French dance performance by the Dance Club. It was a joyful and enriching event, fostering cultural appreciation and unity within the school community.
Raising Awareness About Food Insecurity
James Monroe students kicked off their initiative with a "Donate and Create" can drive, collecting over 20 totes of canned goods for Replenish. Before donating, classrooms built creative structures with the cans, making giving back a fun and engaging experience. Our fifth grade Plate Pioneers are leading the way in literacy and community outreach, reading to K-3 students and hosting book clubs on empathy for 4th and 5th graders. They are also writing newsletters with recipes and food pantry resources, attending a student leadership conference, and filming a PSA on our new share cart.
Students Give Back and Learn About Heart Health Physical Education classes participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, taking heart-healthy pledges and rotating through fitness stations like biking, a climbing wall, and jump rope activities. Many also learned hands-only CPR while raising over $5,000 for the American Heart Association, making a powerful impact on heart health awareness!
Science Expo Sparks Curiosity Over 100 students proudly showcased their science investigations, experiments, and trifold presentations at the James Monroe Science Expo! Young scientists shared their discoveries with peers, families, and volunteers from the EHS Science National Honor Society, engaged students in meaningful discussions about their projects. It was an inspiring event celebrating curiosity, creativity, and a love for science!
JAMES MONROE ELEMENTARY Principal Cyndi Tufaro Assistant Principal Argiris Hristofis
Reading is Succeeding
James Monroe Elementary hosted a heartwarming Title I Reading Night by the "campfire," where families gathered for an evening of storytelling and literacy fun. Students cozied up with blankets, bears, books, and s’mores, creating a magical atmosphere that made reading feel extra special. The event encouraged a love for books while bringing families together to celebrate the joy of reading.
James Monroe Elementary launched Read Across America with an exciting Reading Pep Rally, introducing students to the brand new Book Vending Machine! The event featured our spirited cheerleaders, the thrilling Masked Reader challenge, and the Caught Ya Reading Cam, capturing students engaged in their favorite books. Later that week, special guest readers visited classrooms to share inspiring messages and model a love for reading, making it a memorable kickoff to a week of literacy celebrations!
Kindness Crew Wise Hearts, Kind Actions
James Monroe Elementary is celebrating acts of kindness with our "Choose Kindness" Wristband Initiative! Students who demonstrate kindness can earn a special "Choose Kindness" wristband as a reward for their positive actions. Staff and students are encouraged to notice acts of kindness and recognize them by awarding bracelets. Each recognized act is also recorded on a form and shared with the Kindness Club, who will use them to build a kindness paper chain, showcasing the impact of generosity and respect in our school. Together, we are creating a culture where kindness is noticed, valued, and celebrated!
Be Respectful
Try Your Best
Choose Kindness
Inspire.Innovate.Elevate. The Edison Township Public Schools Insider: Community Connection
#WeAreOneEdison
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