The township board of education’s meeting on Oct. 18 provided an update for the community on programs at district schools.
The session started with the swearing-in of new board member Daniel Evans III. At the New Albany School, a “Pirate and Pages” program featured a therapy dog named Lily who visited second grade classrooms.
“The students were very happy to practice their literacy skills by reading to the therapy dog,” Superintendent Stephen Cappello said.
The schools are celebrating spirit weeks through the end of the month. Monday marked the start of Respect Week, a program that focuses on preventing bullying. It coincides with Red Ribbon Week, which emphasizes keeping kids drug-free.
Also at the meeting, Cappello thanked Kate Esaia for creating the township alumni network.
“Of all of the members who have joined, 50 percent committed themselves as people willing to help out other individuals in the network, either through career counseling or college-based consulting,” noted Cappello, who also recommended that people register and get involved.
The superintendent also congratulated speech therapist Rachel Cashin, whose first children’s book, “Just Plain Meatloaf,” was released on Sept. 3.
At Eleanor Rush Intermediate, the students got a special treat when Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick visited, an event Capello called a “true rock star celebration.” He expressed appreciation for Reddick giving his time to interact with the community.
The board also welcomed middle-school student representative Lucia Schlett to the meeting. As a board liaison, she updated attendees on school events. Middle schoolers recently toured the township municipal complex, including the police station.
“We met with township officials and municipal staff, then made our way into a jail cell,” Schlett explained. She will be in attendance at board meetings each month
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Frank Goldburn presented state testing results; this year was the official return of New Jersey and federal assessments since COVID. He spoke about assessments such as the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), ACCESS for English Language Learners, SAT and AP tests.
Goldburn explained the levels of scoring and data statistics, comparing Cinnaminson’s scores to the entire state. He also said he’s determined to help students improve their scores.
“For students we’ve already identified as needing help, we have after-school tutoring programs in our schools in which teachers focus on skills we’ve honed in on that are in the most need of attention,” he noted.
The next board meeting is on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
