National History Day winners from Rosa International Middle School were honored at the board of education meeting last week.
“I was very fortunate to sit through a dry run of their work before they went on their competition,” superintendent Maureen Reusche said. “I was extremely impressed with the information they knew. They let me ask questions, and they were ready for any question I asked. I’m proud they represented Cherry Hill.”
In June, the team placed first in the state and 13th nationally out of more than 600,000 entries. The documentary competed with approximately 200 entries.
The award-winning documentary, “From Tyranny to Triumph: Turning the Tides at Saratoga,” was screened at the meeting.
Rosa teacher Christy Marrella oversaw four students for the competition, which would take her on a journey and completely change her life, she said.
“I learned success is found in many different ways. It’s never about a medal, it’s never been about a medal,” Marrella said. “It’s about creating a family of learners, and really it’s just about a family.”
The theme was legacy.
The girls in the group, who created the 10-minute documentary, spent 1,150 hours working on the project, according to Marrella.
The group traveled to Saratoga and interviewed people at “all hours of the night.”
“We got to chat with people, which are some of the greatest minds,” Marrella said.
The girls were honored for their work and national recognition.
In other news, according to school board president Kathy Judge, the school board election will be held on Nov. 5 with three openings on the school board.
Incumbents Sherrie Cohen, Elliot Roth and Steve Robbins will appear on the ballot for the three-year positions along with challenger Susan Levy Warner.
• Lydia George-Koku, of High School East and Ryan Gallagher, of High School West, shared updates from their respective schools.
According to Gallagher, West has progressed into an active environment after three weeks of classes.
Back-to-School night is coming up Oct. 3. Parents will follow their child’s schedule to meet teachers and staff members.
Many students are preparing for the SATs on Oct. 5 and the PSAT on Oct. 16.
Additionally, the fall sports are pushing along. Gallagher noted how “amazing” school spirit is.
Students have been granted freedom with technology in the hallways and “at the teacher’s discretion, in the classroom.”
“West is on track for a great school year,” Gallagher said.
According to George-Koku, the primary theme setting the tone for the school year “is that of change.” The first of which is the new principal, Dr. Lawyer Chapman. Chapman greets students over the intercom each morning with a positive message.
“He is insistent that students participate in at least one after-school program, supports his uplifting words and ideology,” George-Koku said.
Teachers applaud his spirit, calling him a “breath of fresh air,” George-Koku said.
Students aren’t enthused about the 7:30 a.m. opening, disapproving of the early hours, noting students are feeling sleep deprived.
“The students and teachers with whom I’ve spoken reference articles, books and ‘Good Morning America’ segments citing students work better when well rested,” George-Koku said. “The 30-minute difference in time is no small change. At back to school night, parents voiced their concerns.”
She suggested adding 15 minutes to the beginning of the day and the end of the day.
For more information on the board of education, visit www.cherryhill.k12.nj.us.
