Middletown BOE Meeting Highlights Achievements and New Initiatives

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township School District Board of Education held its monthly meeting, focusing on student achievements, ongoing projects, and strategic initiatives for the upcoming school year. The meeting featured reports from Middletown High School North and South student representatives, updates on curriculum improvements, and the launch of new district-wide programs.

The meeting began with student representatives from Middletown High School North and South sharing recent highlights and upcoming events. At High School North, the newly installed turf field was put to use for the first time during the school's victorious football game against Lacey Township. The student body has been actively participating in various activities, including a highly successful freshman orientation and the launch of the "Pride Program," which recognizes students for positive actions and leadership. The school will also host its annual Pink Out event in October, raising funds for breast cancer awareness.

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High School South highlighted its achievements as well, including the successful open campus start for seniors and the school’s active participation in film competitions. Several student films have been selected to be screened at the upcoming New Jersey School Boards Association annual meeting, showcasing the district’s talent in visual arts. South is also planning a new homecoming event in November, aimed at boosting student engagement and school spirit.

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee provided updates on new initiatives, including the launch of the Parent University Series, which offers resources and educational content for parents on various topics ranging from K-12 literacy to college preparedness. The district’s ninth-grade "Freshman Frontiers" program, featuring motivational speaker Jordan Toma, has been well-received by students and parents alike, marking a strong start to the school year.

The Board also discussed enhancements to the district’s special education offerings, including expanded support for world language courses and improved coordination between special education and mainstream educators. Training and professional development opportunities for special education staff have been increased to ensure a better learning environment for all students.

Superintendent Mary Walker provided an update on the district’s new attendance policy, which aims to simplify the process for documenting illness-related absences. Under the revised policy, parents can now submit doctor’s notes throughout the year without having to wait until the end of the academic year. This change is intended to reduce stress for both students and families, while still meeting state reporting requirements.

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The district is also preparing to launch its new five-year strategic plan for 2025-2030. The planning process will begin in October, and community members are encouraged to participate in the strategic planning committee. The plan will guide the district’s priorities and goals for the next five years, focusing on academic excellence, student wellness, and community engagement.

In partnership with the Middletown Township Committee, the district announced the launch of a new Truancy Mediation Program. The initiative, designed to address chronic absenteeism, will provide families with resources and support to ensure students attend school regularly. The program aims to handle truancy cases through a collaborative and supportive approach, rather than through punitive measures. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to addressing the root causes of absenteeism and helping students succeed academically and socially.

The district has completed several key facility upgrades, including the installation of a new turf field at Middletown High School North. The track portion of the project is expected to be completed by mid-October, with all construction remaining on schedule. The improvements will enhance the school’s athletic facilities and provide students with high-quality spaces for sports and physical education.

The Board also discussed several upcoming community events, including Middletown Day on September 28th, where the district’s new Middletown Alliance Program will have a booth to share information and resources related to substance abuse and prevention initiatives. The newly rebranded program, previously known as Project Plus, is now funded through opioid settlement funds, allowing for expanded offerings and greater community impact.

The Board of Education voted to approve various agenda items, including curriculum updates, personnel changes, and financial expenditures. Additionally, a proclamation was issued recognizing October 24th as Alpha Delta Kappa Month, honoring the organization’s contributions to the educational community.

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