The Edison Township Public Schools Insider December 2025 || Issue XII
Knowledge.Purpose.Passion.
#WeAreOneEdison
The Edison Township public schools insider December 2025 || Issue XII
Message from Dr. Aldarelli A Message from the Community Relations Committee ParentSquare Stay Connected Community Connections Community Health Assessment Preschool Lottery 2026-2027 New Sports Physical Information Spotlight Innovation Corner Congratulations Dr. Kissane
STEM Success Stories Paws & Perks Café Winter Wonderland FAME Screen-Free Game Night Bridge Building Competition DNA Discoveries Teachers/ Educational Services Professionals of the Year
A MESSAGE FROM DR. ALDARELLI SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dear Families,
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the partnership and sense of community that define the Edison Township Public Schools. This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on all we have accomplished together and the shared commitment that connects our students, staff, and families. This December issue of The Insider highlights many moments that capture the heart of our district. You will see examples of meaningful, real-world learning across all grade levels, from hands-on STEM experiences and advanced scientific research to inclusive family events and student-centered programs that build connection, creativity, and confidence. These stories reflect educating the whole child and creating learning environments where students feel supported and inspired. You will also read about the forward momentum of our facilities projects, expanding capacity and enhancing our schools for our students and staff. At the same time, we continue to strengthen communication and engagement through tools such as ParentSquare, StudentSquare, our district website, and ongoing opportunities for community feedback so families remain informed, connected, and engaged. I am especially proud to recognize the outstanding educators and educational service professionals celebrated in this issue. Their dedication, professionalism, and instruction make a lasting difference in the lives of our students each and every day. More to come on these exceptional individuals.
enjoy On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Edison Township Public Schools team, I wish you a happy holiday season and a healthy, peaceful New Year. I invite you to visit our Communications YouTube Channel to enjoy the “sounds of the season,” featuring highlights from recent winter concerts and the remarkable talents of our students across the district. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back on January 5, 2026, as we continue our work together.
Sincerely, Edward Aldarelli, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE District Celebrates Major Milestones as School Projects Move Forward
Shannon Peng Chair
Your paragraph text We are addressing overcrowding by adding classrooms while also transforming the learning environment through air conditioning and investments in arts and athletics,” said Board of Education Community relations committee chair Shannon Peng. “From the new orchestra room to the softball field, these projects support the whole student - academically, creativitely, and physically. After a long delay, the JMI School Expansion is moving forward, adding 15 new classrooms and a new cafeteria/auditorium, with construction expected to begin this spring. At Edison High School, construction of the new orchestra room is underway, and work on the turf softball field will begin right after the new year, strengthening both arts and athletic programs. The district has also begun the bidding process for air conditioning installations at JMI, JMP, and Washington School, with the construction contract to be awarded in January. To improve safety and daily operations, a parking and drop-off improvement plan at JAMS has been submitted to the state for approval, along with a stormwater management project at John P. Stevens. Together, these no-tax-increase projects represent a major investment in the district’s future, expanding capacity, modernizing facilities, and improving the student experience across schools.
Anjana Patel
Jerry Shi
Virginia White
As we head into winter break, this work reflects our ongoing commitment to our schools and students. We wish all families, students, and staff a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.
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.
STAY CONNECTED OUR WEBSITE APP! Our website app provides website- related updates, news items, achievements, and live feed highlights.
Video Here
Follow Us
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.
YOUTUBE
Scan QR or Click Here for Exchange
SPOTIFY
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!
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
The Edison Legacy Pass is an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate our senior citizens, whose steady support, 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. The Edison Township Education Foundation! The 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
FOR TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS AGED 18 & OLDER
The Department of Health and Human Services is currently conducting a Community Health Assessment Survey and is encouraging all Township residents aged 18 and older to participate. This survey is designed to gather valuable input about the health needs, concerns, and challenges facing our community. The feedback collected will help the Department better understand local health trends and identify gaps in services. Results from the survey will be used to guide the development of targeted programs aimed at improving access to care, promoting wellness, and enhancing the overall health for evreyone in our community. everyone in our community.
2026-2027 EDISON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESCHOOL LOTTERY For more information please visit: https://www.edison.k12.nj.us/page/preschool- expansion-initiative
Pre-Registration: Opens: Anticipated January 5, 2026 Closes: Anticipated January 31, 2026 Online entry will occur through Pre-Registration in Gateway
Who is Eligible?
Child(ren) whose birthdate(s) fall on/within the dates of 10/2/2021 through 10/1/2023
Required Documents
Must be sent through Gateway, no emailed forms will be accepted
Empowering learners to shape the world through knowledge, purpose, and passion.
SPORTS PHYSICALS NEW PROCESS VIA PARENT PORTAL Parent Portal
New Digital Sports Physical Process
Quick Step How To Guide
How To Video Image-Based How To Guide
Attention All Families! Spring Sports Physicals for all athletes Grades 6-12 are due Monday, February 2, 2026
Step One
Step Two
Step Three
Step Four
Save the Dates: 1/21: John P. Stevens 1/26: Edison High Schools 1/27: All Middle School Students @ Thomas Jefferson MS
In-Person Spring Sports Physicals January 2026 Sign-Up Info Coming Soon!
View Additional Information on the Website
innovation corner
E mpower Edison: Empower Edison was developed after a small group of administrators collaborated to create the district’s North Star statement. The design process used for that work became the foundation for Edison’s own innovation framework: Empower Edison. Since its launch, Empower Edison has supported teams in bringing impactful ideas to life across the district, including initiatives such as the Biomedical Science Academy, Edison360, WIN, Fill Your Bucket, Student Colleges, and the Community Liaison model. What began as small teams of administrators has grown to include teacher leaders who are passionate about problem-solving, innovation, and meaningful change. Empower Edison provides a structured yet creative space for teams to develop ideas that strengthen learning, engagement, and community connections throughout Edison. Have an idea you’re excited about? Consider becoming part of an Empower Edison team by contacting Dr. Joan Valentine (joan.valentine@edison.k12.nj.us) to share your vision. Join us as we empower learners to shape the world with knowledge, purpose, and passion. EmpowerHER: EmpowHER is a monthly speaker series where bold female leaders come to Edison to inspire, connect, and energize our leaders. Each session features a dynamic speaker who shares their personal journey, insights, and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving success. This empowering experience not only celebrates the achievements of women but also fosters a community of support and collaboration among all attendees, encouraging them to become leaders in their own right. Winter Speaker Series. AI Power Teams: Each Edison secondary school has a team of teacher leaders dedicated to integrating AI into education. They collaborate to share strategies, develop protocols, and support teachers, aiming to enhance learning and equip students with essential skills. By fostering innovation, these leaders empower their colleagues to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and inspire dynamic teaching methods. 💡 AI Power Team Parent Tip Our AI Power Teams are excited to launch a regular series of practical tips to help families better understand how AI is being used in Edison—and how you can support your child at home. For our first
tip, we’re sharing a short, parent-friendly podcast: AI in the Classroom: Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Teen. The podcast highlights how many districts are just beginning to develop their AI policies.z In Edison, here is our policy. We also have a clear district AI framework,z and our teachers use a traffic light system so students know exactly what is expected on each assignment. This clarity helps students use AI responsibly and confidently, and helps teachers communicate expectations more consistently. Stay tuned each month for another quick parent tip from our AI Power Teams!
Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Kissane!
Edison Township Public Schools congratulates Patrick Kissane, Director of School Safety and Security, on earning his Doctorate in Education from Monmouth University.
Dr. Kissane is a retired Deputy Chief of the Fort Lee Police Department and brings more than 30 years of public safety experience to his role in Edison Township Public Schools. He serves as a member of the New Jersey K–12 School Security Task Force subcommittee, chaired by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Education Working Group, chaired jointly by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Education. His leadership and expertise have established him as a respected authority in school safety and school- based policing at both the local and national levels. In addition, Dr. Kissane is an inaugural instructor for the New Jersey Department of Education School Safety Specialist Academy and the founder and Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of School Resource Officers. He has also been appointed to the Legislative New Jersey School Security Task Force. Dr. Kissane’s distinguished service includes selection for the cover of Time magazine’s October 2018 anniversary edition, service as a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran of the Persian Gulf War, and receipt of the James Brady Law Enforcement Award in 2007.
The district proudly recognizes Dr. Kissane’s continued commitment to the safety, well-being, and success of its students and staff.
Co-Founder and Engineering Lead FSH Technologies Vassar University Grad
Hardware Development Engineer Intern SpaceX Georgia Tech Student
Software Engineer Intern Goldman Sachs Rutgers University Student
Data/ ML Engineering Intern Sociali Inc. Rutgers University Student
Manufacturing Engineer Old Dominion Brush Company Perdue University Grad
STEM SUCCESS STORIES
The impact of the district’s STEM Academy extends well beyond graduation. Recently, five alumni returned to Edison High School to share their postsecondary experiences and career pathways with current students during a well-attended assembly. Alumni discussed the colleges they attended or are currently attending, internship experiences, and lessons learned transitioning to college and the workforce. They emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, adaptability, and remaining open to opportunities across a wide range of industries and organizations.
During a question-and-answer session, students asked how the district’s STEM Academy prepared alumni for their next steps. Alumni consistently credited the program’s access to advanced technology, applied learning experiences, and emphasis on skill development with helping them feel confident and prepared in postsecondary environments. Students were inspired by the variety of paths alumni have pursued, including engineering, entrepreneurship, and industry roles.
Alumni encouraged students to explore interests, seek out
experiences, and take care of their well-being as they plan for the future. The event highlighted the strength of the district’s STEM Academy and its growing alumni network, reinforcing a culture of mentorship, innovation, and support that connects graduates with current students and helps them envision future possibilities.
“Hello and welcome to Menlo Park Elementary School, can we please take your order?”
Menlo Park Elementary students participating in the Paws & Perks Café take on real-world responsibilities, including taking staff orders for coffee, tea, and pastries; organizing and tallying orders; managing payments; and delivering items to staff throughout the building. This authentic, hands-on experience builds essential life skills, including communication, organization, financial literacy, and customer service. And as an added bonus, everyone enjoys a well-earned treat - examples of experiential, purposeful, and engaging instruction, even for some of our youngest learners!
English Second Language winter wonderland Lincoln Elementary School welcomed families to a festive winter event that celebrated both learning and community. Throughout the evening, families spent time getting to know one another, working side by side with their children on a hands-on craft connected to classroom learning, and enjoying a variety of interactive games together, creating a welcoming space for connection and shared experiences. Edison Township is committed to ensuring that our families feel included and have meaningful opportunities to participate in curriculum-connected moments that build memories and strengthen school community.
SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW LET IT GROW
FAME
The FAME (Food, Agriculture, and Marine Ecosystems) program at Rutgers University is transforming how Edison High School students engage with science by offering them real-world lab experience. Funded by USDA-NIFA, the program brings students into partnership directly with Rutgers scientists, empowering students to create compelling science video stories and conduct research in the departments of Plant Biology and Marine & Coastal Sciences, where they explore topics like gene editing, automated phenotyping and aquaculture techniques.
Read more about the program here. Watch student’s videos here.
GAME
Screen-Free? Yes, Please! Herbert Hoover Middle School recently hosted an “Unplug and Play” day, offering students opportunities to engage in card games, board games, hands- on art activities, and other screen-free experiences. With much of a student’s school day involving digital tools, Edison Township Public Schools remains committed to creating intentional spaces for students to disconnect from screens and connect with one another in meaningful, face-to-face ways. Activities like these support collaboration, creativity, and social interactions, all important components of student well-being and school culture. While a competitive game of Monopoly may bring spirited debate, it also offers valuable lessons in communication, problem-solving, and good-natured sportsmanship.
ON
Edison Students Excel at Union County College Bridge Building Competition
Students from Edison High School and J.P. Stevens High School demonstrated strong engineering skills and collaboration at the annual Union County College Bridge Building Competition. Among 36 competing teams, J.P. Stevens High School earned first and fifth place overall, while Edison High School placed fourth, nineteenth, and twenty-first. In the advanced heat, J.P. Stevens High School earned first and second place in the public school division. Notably, among the final seven bridges tested for structural integrity, all five entries representing Edison Township Public Schools remained intact, reflecting the strength of student design and construction practices across both schools. Beyond the results, students from Edison High School and J.P. Stevens High School demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship, encouraging one another throughout the competition. Their collaboration and professionalism made this event a proud moment and highlighted Edison Township Public Schools’ commitment to applied learning, teamwork, and academic excellence.
IN
Mr. Jones’ senior AP Biology and Biomedical AP Biology classes at J.P. Stevens High School, learning extends well beyond traditional instruction. Students actively engage in hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that mirror the work of professional scientists, bringing advanced biological concepts to life. As part of a collaboration with Rutgers University, students are isolating and sequencing genes from a cDNA library, work typically reserved for researchers in the field.
These gene sequences have never been determined before, making the experience both authentic and impactful. When a student successfully analyzes a sequence, it is published in GenBank, the international repository of DNA sequences used by scientists worldwide. Each published sequence includes the student’s name alongside their teacher’s, recognizing their contribution to the scientific community.
Edison Township Public Schools is committed to providing students with meaningful, real-world learning opportunities, and
Mr. Jones’ classroom exemplifies this commitment.
Congratulations to our... Teachers of the Year
To see the full list of teachers and educational service professionals go to https://www.edison.k12.nj.us/page/2025- oty
Krista Baldowski Kristin Benavides Tracy Christiani Natalie Ciervo Melissa Conte Katherine Crowley Lauren Dziedzic Vicki Jenkins Sabrina Leshnower Jessica Miele
Patricia Mohr Jodie Perrotti Amanda Ramirez Violet Russo Regena Shapiro Brianne Skriloff Joseph Sosa Kimber Wallace Sunny Zapoticzny Dylan Zimbicki
Congratulations to our... Educational Service Professionals of the year Saman Majid Maria Randazza Manju Rawat Kristen Schaffter Stacie Afonso Christina Barilka Nancy Banos Amy Bruno Michael Buckley Beth Caffiero Susan Cox Tapaswini Gouda Matthew Shaw Debbie Stevens Shelley Zakim Mary Walworth Melissa Wertz Michelle Witte Joelle Holowka Sailaja Kalluri
Warmest Winter Wishes
The Edison Township Public Schools Insider Y o u r p ar a gr a p h te xt Your paragraph text
KNOWLEDGE.PURPOSE.PASSION
2025-2026
#WeAreOneEdison
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