Superintendent Peretti spoke on the achievements of both the students and the faculty at the meeting as they were being recognized
By KRYSTAL NURSE
The Sun
Three students and employees were formally recognized at the Feb. 25 Harrison Township Board of Education meeting for their Rising Star and Employees of the Year achievements.
Superintendent Margaret “Missy” Peretti said students are given the Rising Star designation after going “above and beyond what the district expects of its students in the classroom.”
Third-grader Jillian Hubbard was given the distinction after selling homemade holiday ornaments during Clearview Regional’s marching band craft fair in December. Hubbard raised $115 for the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees.
Fifth-graders Aaron Veytsman and Darren Weber were recognized for submitting a writing piece to the Stuttering Foundation’s seasonal magazine. In Veytsman’s piece, he discussed how he sometimes stutters when speaking and learned to elongate letters that are troublesome for him.
Weber’s submission spoke on Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles and how Sproles would answer questions with one word to avoid speaking for a longer time and possibly stuttering. Weber said, in his submission, that he’s been seeing a speech specialist who has helped him in his ability to combat his stutter.
Peretti thanked the three students for what they did and said how proud the district was of what they did.
Kate Linnehan (Pleasant Valley Elementary School, interventionist) and Nancy Moran (Harrison Township Elementary School, art teacher) were recognized for being named Educator of the Year. Principals Jennifer Hackett-Slimm and AnnaLisa Rodano, PVS and HTES, respectively, spoke on the qualities the two women have and how connected they are with students in and out of the classroom.
Rodano said Moran makes an effort to elevate kids’ artwork through a digital media studio at the school, or through the Reimagination Garden. Rodano had kids recite on video an anagram for Moran’s name with qualities she possesses.
Hackett-Slimm had a similar presentation where kids spoke on what Linnehan meant to them and how she has assisted them into becoming better learners.
“Over the years, the administrative team and board expressed interest in showing our gratitude in highlighting our staff both inside the classroom and out,” said Peretti. “Specifically, we had multiple community members reach out asking to implement the support staff because their children had such an amazing experience.”
Instructional Aides Martina Fuller (HTES) and Colleen Barlage (PVS) were honored as the district’s first Support Staff of the Year. Barlage was not present at the meeting due to an illness.
“She shares her love of learning with everyone around her and can be seen everywhere with her little cart,” said Rodano. “She’s seen peering through bookshelves to find books for students and wheels around the building.”
In other news:
- Peretti said the district soon will send out a survey regarding the school calendar to parents, staff and board members. The last survey was done roughly four years ago. She added the driving force behind it was the snow days the district experienced in February. Responses aren’t guaranteed to be implemented, but the board will take them into consideration.
- The district is accepting legacy donor donations from the community. Those who donate will have their names appear in the Reimagination Garden at HTES. Each donation costs $100 and proceeds will help fund outdoor seating at the garden and collaborative work areas for students in the courtyard. Donations can be made by contacting Colleen Illi at (856)478–2016.
- Business administrator Robert Scharle said the district’s budget is scheduled to be introduced on March 18, with a public hearing on April 29.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled to occur on March 18 starting at 7 p.m. at PVS.
