BOE honors Dr. Terry Molony for being named state School Psychologist of the Year
The board of education honored Dr. Terry Molony, school psychologist at the Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, for being named the state School Psychologist of the Year.
According to superintendent of schools Maureen Reusche, Molony was awarded this honor May 3 at the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists conference.
She has also contributed her expertise on a national level, serving as the New Jersey delegate on the National Association of School Psychologist’s Board.
“We are truly blessed to have Dr. Molony to serve as a resource in Cherry Hill,” Reusche said. “She truly serves above and beyond, striving to serve us as a school district.”
“I’m thrilled to have received the award, but I am also thrilled to be serving here in Cherry Hill,” Molony said.
Board member and parent Seth Klukoff thanked Molony for her service to the school.
“I can personally attest to her professional skills,” Klukoff said. Molony worked with his son while at Kilmer. “She’s a high quality school psychologist. She was present personally and intellectually for my son and every student she’s worked with.
“I know she’s made a significant difference in the lives of the people she’s worked with. She’s so deserving of this.”
In other news:
• The board honored Dr. Ira Kosloff, retiring assistant principal of Cherry Hill High School West.
Kosloff served in the district for 44 years, beginning in 1969. Kosloff was unable to make the meeting, but Reusche said she expected his presence as a volunteer at West due to his enthusiasm and passion for the school.
“Just to be present and around the kids is something he loves so much,” Reusche said. “We extend our congratulations from the board.”
• Student representatives Lydia George-Koku from East and Ryan Gallagher from West shared updates leading up to the beginning of the school year.
According to George-Koku, new textbooks have arrived at the school and the history department is thankful for the new World Civilization textbooks, which have been “long requested and awaited.”
She also noted the fall sports teams have been training throughout August. The football team has played in two scrimmages.
The model U.N. team, which George-Koku is a part of, has begun preparation for the school year.
The school has also added a student minority support program that will address the needs of minority students throughout the school in addition to providing support for any issues they may be facing, George-Koku said.
“We are all looking forward to the new year,” George-Koku said, noting students are concerned about the new 7:30 a.m. start time and finishing up summer reading.
Gallagher mentioned the students, parents and teachers aren’t excited for the early start time as well, but how it goes “remains to be seen.”
• The district welcomed 61 new teachers this year, according to Reusche.
“The enthusiasm they have when they enter the building is a great thing to see,” she said.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Malberg Board Room.
