Mark your calendars for a magical performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella!

Presented by Millstone Township Middle School’s Eagle Productions

March 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm

Special Royal Matinee

March 5 at 2:00pm (pre-Ball Festivities begin at 1:00pm)

at the Millstone Twp Performing Arts Center

The first weekend in March will be filled with magic and enchantment when the Millstone Township Middle School Performing Arts Center will host CINDERELLA.

The cast consists of 40 students from grades 6-8. They have been practicing lines, working on sets, preparing the stage and simply can’t wait to perform for you!

Emma Bogusz will be performing in the title role of Cinderella. Zak Kheder will be the Prince.

Other lead actors include Claudia Pellicone (Godmother), Jacob Normand (King), Angela Spadaccini (Queen), Julianna Luizza (Stepmother), Emma Morris (Joy), Alexandra Miller (Portia), Demetrios Paisis (Herald), Corrine Mendelsohn (Chef) and Brianna SanPhilips (Steward).

Emma Bogusz, Jacob Normand and Zak Kheder are all 7^th graders. Claudia Pellicone and Alexandra Miller are 8^th graders.

The students began with auditions in early December, and have been rehearsing ever since.

In addition to the cast, the production is led by Stage Managers Sarah Rainford, Kira Ventrella, Giuseppe Scibilia, Braedan Kenna, and Isabella Castalucci and Dance Captain Kelly Lew.

Cinderella is directed by Lisamarie Cappuzzo, Theatre Teacher at the Millstone Township Middle School. The Assistant Director is Vincent D’Aniello (Spanish teacher), Musical Director Heather Philhower (Music Teacher), Scene Designer Frank Iglesias (Art Teacher), and Choreographers Jo-Ann Figurelli (aka “Mom”), and Rachel Lew (Junior at Stephen’s Institute for Technology).

Cinderella’s stage managers are Isabella Catellucci (grade 7), Sarah Rainford (grade 8), Kira Ventrella (grade 8), Braedan Kenna (grade 8) and Giuseppe Scibilia (grade 7).  The scenery is being painted by the Middle School Art Club.

In addition, Mrs. Cappuzzo is relying on the help of a slew of parent volunteers who are ready and willing to assist with all of the finishing touches that will make this production as memorable as possible for the students as well as for the audience!

I had the great pleasure to sit with five of the extremely talented, energetic and proud actors as they shared their insights and passion for their upcoming performances.  

In a very informal group chat, Emma Bogusz  (Cinderella), Jacob Normand (The King), Zak Kheder (Prince),  Alexandra Miller (Portia, one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters) and Claudia Pellicone (Fairy Godmother) and I discussed Cinderella.

The cast was jubilant, energetic and such fun to chat with! They are hard-working and passionate and want you to see them perform.

L to R: Emma Bogusz (Grade 7) will be the beautiful Cinderella. Jacob Normand (Grade 7) is The King, Prince Charming’s Father. Zak Kheder (Grade 7) is Prince. Alexandra Miller (Grade 8) will be Portia, one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters. Claudia Pellicone (Grade 8) is the magical Fairy Godmother.

Emma Bogusz, aka Cinderella, performed in her first play in 2nd grade portraying a munchkin and a flying monkey in The Wizard of Oz. 

She loves acting and takes both singing and piano lessons at Cornerstone Music Studios in Millstone. 

Emma is most excited to see the transformation of the various scenes into the play. 

Her favorite scenes are those in which she performs with her step sisters Portia, played by Alexandra Miller, and  Joy, performed by Emma Morris. 

Briana San Philips the Steward on the left and Corinna Mendelsohn The Chef on the right rehearsing the Your Majesties dance.

“Scenes with my stepsisters are my favorites because there is a lot of action and emotions. That makes them really fun,” Emma said.

Claudia Pellicone does not define herself as an actress and singer, per say. 

“Well, I have to sing in the show, but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I love being on stage,” Claudia said. 

“I’ve been in a few shows but I was singing in an ensemble so this is the first time I’ll be singing on my own. Hopefully, it will go well!”

The kids are very excited for their performances.

Excited and a little bit nervous, too.

Zak said, “Even the most experienced actors get nervous. It’s ok!” 

Emma said she is nervous but thinks about the advice the director, Mrs. Capuzzo, always gives.

“Mrs Capuzzo said you always use that nervousness for energy. She says that she likes the first show best because everyone is excited because they are nervous.”

Claudia added, “Once you get up there on stage, it goes away and you’re not nervous anymore.”

She is looking forward to performing for the very first time as a middle school student. Her previous shows were performed in the MPAC but as an elementary school student.

Alexandra Miller will be channeling her “inner mean” as she portrays Porsche, Cinderella’a evil stepsister. 

As a sweet and kind young lady, what will Alexandra use as her motivation for mean? 

“I can be mean if I want to. I practice being mean,” she said.

Alexandra has also been acting since the 2nd grade and is really looking forward to performing her role. 

“We get to do a lot of goofy stuff onstage so that’s fun!”

Prince Charming Zak Kheder and Cinderella Emma Bogusz.

Jacob Normand plays The King. He’s been acting for several years as well. In 5th grade, he started acting in the Millstone Township Community Education plays and had the role of Maurice, Bell’s dad in “Beauty and the Beast.” Last year, he was in the play “Barnum” portraying Tom Thumb.

When I asked Jacob how he prepares for his role as King, he said, “I boss around my brothers and sisters.” 

“Mrs Capuzzo can’t stress enough how I have to be very angry and loud. Sometimes I am not angry and loud enough. I’m a pretty low key kid. My motivation to get angry? I think about my little brother and I can get really upset.”

Zak Kheder is playing the role of Prince. He was a little nervous to be Prince. The first play he performed in was “Beauty and the Beast.” 

Zak shared his audition experience for a role in Cinderella.  

“I was really hoping to get this role as Prince. In the audition, I had lines to read as Prince and Jacob read the lines for King. We both got these roles. We kinda knew some of the lines then before we got the script!”

When asked how challenging it is to learn the scripts, the kids excitedly shared their insights.

“You just keep reading the lines over and over. I practice all the time. When I’m in the car, I read over my lines. I think about it all the time,” Zak said.

“I feel like if you keep saying your lines again and again, you will know them,” Alexandra said. 

Emma added, “I go to bed sometimes and just keep going over my lines. I can’t wait to be on the stage!” 

The kids are extremely complimentary of Mrs. Capuzzo and all the teachers and staff working together to bring Cinderella to the MPAC.

When I asked the kids to tell me about Mrs. Capuzzo, in unison, they all said, “She is GREAT!”

Alexandra said, “Mrs. Capuzzo changes things all the time but it turns out better. She has a good vision. She knows what she wants and how to get us to do it.”

“When we can’t see it, she can see it! She says, ‘I know what I’m talking about.’ And, she does!” Emma said.

Claudia adds, “She’s great!”

“Sometimes, only she knows what she’s talking about,” Zak said. “Then, we all seem to do what she wants and it works!”

“She always picks good plays and a good cast,” Alexandra said. 

Emma mentioned the acting classes that Mrs. Capuzzo teaches.

“She has a basic acting class. She makes us use our imagination. One day, she bought in empty boxes. We had to make a scene with the box. She asked us what was in the box and we all answered that it was empty. She told us that it wasn’t empty. It had whatever we wanted inside of it. We had to brainstorm and use our creativity. It’s fun and challenging!”

Jacob said, “She is crazy, She does so many things. I don’t know how she does it! She helps the younger kids in the elementary school with their plays. She has all these classes. She juggles so much but ends up doing it all.”

“Mrs. Capuzzo teaches directing and stage management where she goes through the kinds of auditions you can have. She teaches about blocking rehearsals where everyone is getting their lines and learning where to go onstage. Then, there are your run through rehearsals where they are critiquing and Mrs. Capuzzo will go thrugh a lot of changes that always for the better. Then, there are the dress rehearsals where we try on costumes. The best is Tech Week which is non-stop working with microphones, makeup, costumes…” Zak said. 

“Tech Week is so fun because you run it like it will be the actual play,” Emma said. “It’s so much fun! I can’t wait! It all comes together.”

The kids also raved about the talented Mr. Inglesis (Mr. I) and his skills at set design.

Claudia is a member of the Art Club and works on set designing the sets as well as performing in the play. “We work really hard on the sets. Mr. I is awesome!” 

Zak said, “Last year for Barnum, Mr. I made the legs of an elephant that walked across the stage. He is so talented!”

Emma added, “Some of us were doubting if we could have certain things in the set but Mr. I always says ‘Oh no, I can make it happen! And, he does!”

“Mr. I works with the technology teachers and the creative design teachers. They all help with the mechanics of the set design.”

The cast of Cinderella is very excited to invite you to their magical performances. 

They have worked very hard and put in countless hours and can’t wait to take the stage. 

Mrs. Capuzzo is very excited as well. She is proud of the efforts of the cast and crew and beams with excitement in anticipation of the performances. 

“I have always loved the story of Cinderella.  I love the magic, and I especially love the message that dreams really can come true!  And of course, I have always loved the characters!  Emma Bogusz (Cinderella) and Zak Kheder (Prince) do a beautiful job of bringing to life the sweet, simple and timeless love story of a prince and a plain country girl.  Claudia Pellicone is wonderful in the role of a nurturing, loving and magical Godmother.  Angela Spadaccini (Queen) and Jacob Normand (King) present the Prince’s royal parents as very relatable, doting parents.  Add to this the comical silliness that Emma Morris (Joy), Alexandra Miller (Portia), and Julianna Luizza (Stepmother) bring to their exaggerated roles as the cruel Stepsisters and Stepmother, and the result is something fun and fantastic and special!  They really bring new life to this timeless fairytale!” Mrs. Capuzzo said.

Mrs. Capuzzo is very proud of the level of sophistication that the ensemble has brought to this production, particularly in the Act 2 Ballroom dancing.

“Most of these students have no experience in any kind of dance, let alone experience dancing with a partner!  And, the ballroom dances numbers in the show are very long.  I expected this to be our biggest challenge.  From the start, the students took on this challenge, and with a lot of focus, a lot of hard work, a lot of fun – and some great choreography! – they have mastered the steps, and so far these are my favorite scenes in the show!” she said.

“In these final weeks, we are all so excited to see the final touches put on this production.  Mr. I and his Art Club have been working around the clock (no pun intended) to create the world of Cinderella.  I walk into the Art Room each morning and am always amazed at how much more work they have done.  This looks like it will be our most spectacular set yet!  I just can’t wait to get everything up on stage!”

For this production, we decided to hire Monique Gaffney from the Costume Scene in Trenton to outfit the entire ensemble for the Act 2 Ballroom scenes. 

“Last week, a few of the girls got to try out their dances in their hoop skirts, and I can only imagine how a whole stage of colorful ballroom attire will look twirling around the dance floor!  We also have 2 wonderful parents, Maria Spadaccini and Cathy McGovern, coordinating costumes for Acts 1 and 3.”

Mrs. Capuzzo thanked all of the parent volunteers for all their efforts.  

“We have a whole slew of parent volunteers assisting with everything from Playbill Layout (thank you, Mrs. San Philips!), tickets, photography, concessions, props and much more!  We are so grateful for all of the professional touches they give to our production!”

Don’t miss Eagle Productions performance of this beautiful tale that will make us all believe in the power of wishing!

Tickets can be purchased in advance online beginning at noon on February 24 at www.millstoneperformingarts.com – $8 for students/seniors and $9 for adults – or at the door for $10.

Don’t miss the special Pre-Ball Festivities at 1 pm before the Sunday Matinee – including games and more (presented by the MMS National Junior Honor Society.)

What are Phragmites and why do I need to be educated about them?

If you attended the Millstone Township Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 1, you would have received an exemplary education from 19 eloquent and passionate Elementary School students ranging in age from eight to 11 years old (grades 3 to 5) who are part of the “Phearless Phragmites Phighters” team. 

Several students took turns educating Township officials and residents on their supreme efforts to learn about and combat the invasive Phragmites plants found in Millstone. 

Source: Zarna Desai

“We have been working to solve this problem of invasive Phragmites in Millstone,” said Rachel Glantzberg. “One of the things we have been doing is informing scout groups – 254 in total – about this invasive species. Phragmites are a problem because they are extremely flammable, they decrease property values and plenty more. The rhizomes, or the invasive seeds or roots of Phragmites, are extremely hard to dig out.” 

Rachel continued, “We also have been working with the Environmental Commission and, with them, we are hoping to eradicate our target patch across from the First Aid station.”

The Phearless Phragmites Phighters are part of the Millstone Elementary School Community Problem Solvers team. They are competing in the Future Problem Solving State Bowl on Saturday, March 11th.  

From left: Millstone Township Committeeman Gary Dorfman, Gabrialla Menar-Nohilly, Ryan Bailey, Rachel Glantzberg, Tia Bajaj, Gianna Iannoccone (face partially hidden)      Source: Jerry Topinka

Students on the Phearless Phragmites Phighter team attended the Township Committee meeting to share their expertise and provide the Millstone Department of Public Works (DPW) with “Invase-Away kits” to assist the DPW in not accidentally spreading Phragmites. 

“This is a box of five Invase-Away Kits for the road cleaners and workers,” said Prisha Kupsad.  “You might be wondering what is an Invase-Away Kit?”

“The Invase-Away Kit is a kit that our group made that helps stop spreading Phragmites seeds. We have a toothbrush to scrub the dirt off your shoes, a magnifying  glass to take a closer look, a dust pan to brush it all off, tweezers to pick up the burrs and we also have a lint roller for rolling the Phragmites seeds off you clothes. These tools will help stop spreading Phragmites because you don’t want to get the Phragmites seeds on your clothes and walk around and drop them all and start a whole new colony!” Tia Bajaj said. 

“We thought it would be a  good idea because these workers often work around the Phragmites patches and we don’t want to accidentally make this a bigger problem,” Prisha Kupsad said.

Last December, the Phearless Phragmites Phighters created a survey which received over 60 responses from Millstone residents. Click on the link below to view The Source article highlighting this effort.  

A Problem Plant – Complete a Survey for the Elementary School Community Problem Solvers Club

“The information collected in this survey enabled the students to pinpoint Phragmites patches in Millstone by location and size,” said Mrs. Beth Topinka, co-advisor to the Phearless Phragmites Phighters.  

“Mr. Nicholas DellaRosa volunteered three afternoons of his time to teach the students GIS mapping (Geographical Information Systems) so they could map their data on their team’s “Phragmites Sightings” Google Map. The students interviewed Phragmites experts using Skype, researched online, examined plant specimens in our STEAM lab, and presented their findings and maps to the Millstone Township Environmental Commission at their January meeting.  The Environmental Commission and the Millstone Township Committee agreed to collaborate with the Phearless Phragmites Phighters on addressing a key area of concern – the Phragmites patch across from the Millstone Township First Aid Station.  On January 30th, Mr. Eric Davis, chairman of the Environmental Commission, attended the students’ after-school meeting to hear a presentation by Mr. Ken Thoman, Professional Wetland Specialist with the Monmouth County Park System, to learn about Phragmites management strategies.” 

“The students are quite proud of establishing a collaboration between their team, the township, and the county park system,” Mrs. Topinka said.  “In addition to working with the Township, the students created Invase-Away kits and presented information about invasive Phragmites to scout leaders and packs/troops, along with enough kits for every Cub, Boy, and Girl Scout group in Millstone!”

Mrs. Topinka explained that the students brainstormed the idea themselves and had discussed many other problems such as deer, chipmunks, bear, and recycling but chose Phragmites.

“They had a lot of great ideas but, when they voted, they picked Phragmites. They wanted to tackle that problem,” she said. 

“It’s been an amazing journey. They learned a lot. They learned how challenging this could be and they are extremely grateful for the Environmental Commissions participation and glad to be working together and collaborating.”  

Township officials were happy to have these passionate students in attendance and asked them many questions. 

L to R: Mayor Mike Kuczinski, Deputy Mayor Fiore Masci, Committeewoman Nancy Grbelja  Source: Jerry Topinka

Committeewoman Nancy Grbelja, a former teacher said, “It was really great to do projects with youngsters because this is where our future scientists of the world come from.” 

When Committeewoman Grbelja asked if any of the students had been sparked to pursue the area of science when they grow up, several hands went up. 

“Do you know of any other invasive species that we have in Millstone?”

Students quickly answered “bamboo,” a plant that Committeewoman Grbelja mentioned was investigated by the Environmental Commission several years ago. 

“A number of years ago, the Environmental Commission looked at some of the bamboo patches. They can be so dense that deer can’t even get through.” 

“It’s wonderful what you have done. When you see our (DPW) guys on the side of the road with your dustpans, tweezers and all of the stuff that you provided to them, they will certainly appreciate that they are not helping to spread something that can be harmful to the environment,” Committeewoman Grbelja said.

Mayor Mike Kuczinski asked how the students learned about invasive species. 

Raffery Burden said they consulted experts such as Dr. Louise Wootton, Chair of the Biology Department at Georgian Court University.

Mayor Kuczinski nodded said, “I learned something today —  that’s for sure!”

Several students brought Phragmites to show to the Township Committee members.

Source: Deputy Mayor Fiore Masci

Mrs. Topinka noted that once you see them, you will start to notice them everywhere. “The students were especially concerned about the patch by the First Aid station.”

L to R; Joshua Sullivan, Jai Patel, Gavin Normand, Charlie Duffy                             Source: Jerry Topinka

Tia Bajaj shared a story about the Phearless Phragmites Phighters experience last weekend when she and Prisha Kupsad invited the group to their neighbor’s home to actually experience digging Phragmites.

“Last Saturday, we went and actually dug up the rhizomes of Phragmites and we saw how they can grow very deep — like three to four feet down,” Tia said. “It was very hard to get the rhizomes out!” 

L to R: Rachel Glantzberg, Tia Bajaj, Prisha Kupsad.

    Phearless Phragmites Phighter Team:

      Millstone Elementary Community Problem Solvers Students:         

Ethan Bailey                           Ryan Bailey                            Tia Bajaj

Rafferty Burden                     Anna DePinho                       Brendan DeRose

Mahi Desai                             Charlie Duffy                         Rachel Glantzberg

Evangeline Huey                    Gianna Iannaccone               Prisha Kupsad

Thomas Maltese                     Gabriella Menar-Nohilly        Gavin Normand

Jai Patel                                  Dylan Quinn                          Francesca Scibilia

Joshua Sullivan     

Co-Advisors: Beth Topinka and Jennifer Modula

Assistant: Galina Gordon

Front row kneeling: Rafferty Burden, Prisha Kupsad, Thomas Maltese
Middle row standing: Ryan Bailey, Rachel Glantzberg, Francesca Scibilia, Evangeline Huey, Ethan Bailey, Anna DePinho
Back row: Beth Topinka (co-advisor), Tia Bajaj, Joshua Sullivan, Dylan Quinn, Gavin Normand, Mahi Desai, Jai Patel, Brendan DeRose, Gianna Iannaccone, Gabriella Menar-Nohilly, Jennifer Modula (co-advisor)

The Phearless Phragmites Phighters team placed first in the Junior Division of the New Jersey Future Problem Solving State Bowl held at Kean University on Saturday, March 11, 2017.  Now they move on to the International competition in La Crosse, Wisconsin in June!  They are elated!

From left to right: Back row: Tia Bajaj, Thomas Maltese, Joshua Sullivan, Dylan Quinn, Evangeline Huey, Brendan DeRose, Gavin Normand, Rachel Glantzberg, Anna DePinho, Ethan Bailey Front row: Prisha Kupsad, Jai Patel, Rafferty Burden, Ryan Bailey, Gianna Iannaccone, Gabriella Menar-Nohilly, Mahi Desai, Francesca Scibilia Not pictured (but a valuable team member!) Charlie Duffy

Their project didn’t end with yesterday’s competition. They have months of work ahead, conducting further research and collaborating with the Millstone Township Environmental Commission.

The Middle School’s Project S.M.I.L.E. team of 7th graders is also advancing to the International competition and we are super excited for our district.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Click on the link below to view The Source’s article titled, “The ‘Phearless Phramites Phighters’ Educate the Millstone Township Committee” (3/8/17). 

The “Phearless Phragmites Phighters” Educate the Millstone Township Committee

There will be a 2 hour delay on Wednesday March 15 for the Upper Freehold Regional School District including Allentown High School and the Millstone Township School District. 

NOTE: This calendar was revised 3/15/17

Please see the March 27, 2017 powerpoint presentation of the Millstone Township School District 2017-2018 Budget. The Advertised Budget and the User Friendly Budget are also posted below. 

The Public Hearing on the 2017-2018 Millstone Township School District Budget will be held on April 24 during the Board of Education meeting beginning at 7:30 pm.

All are welcome to attend.

For further information, visit 2017 – 2018 SCHOOL BUDGET INFORMATION.

Advertised Budget 2017-2018

User Friendly Budget 2017-2018

Below you will find an update from both the Upper Freehold Board of Education and the Millstone Township Board of Education regarding current litigation between the districts.

SUPPORT the Phearless Phragmites Phighters Team

Phearless Phragmites Phighters Team Progress Update

By: Anna DePinho, Charlie Duffy, Ethan Bailey, Evangeline Huey, and Thomas Maltese

Since our team won first place in our division in the New Jersey Future Problem Solving State Bowl, we have been very busy preparing for the International Conference coming up in early June.  We have been fundraising for trip expenses and we hope people can help support our environmental problem-solving team efforts by donating on our GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/PhearlessPhragmitePhighters

Volunteering at the Annual Stream Clean-Up this past weekend. L to R: Prisha Kupsad, Ridham Kupsad, Brendan DeRose, Rachel Glantzberg, Anna DePinho, Evangeline Huey, Mahi Desai, Tia Bajaj, Samay Bajaj

At the end of March, we did a Skype interview with Dr. Kurt Kowalski, USGS Research Ecologist at the Great Lakes Science Center.  He explained current research strategies for controlling the growth of invasive Phragmites.  These strategies involve the micro-biome and are still in the research stage. Dr. Kowalski mention alternative ways to eliminate Phragmites, based on how it grows. 

Smelly trash. L to R: Mahi Desai, Rachel Glantzberg, Anna DePinho, Evangeline Huey, Brendan DeRose

At the beginning of April, we had a strategy meeting with three members of the Millstone Township Environmental Commission:  Mrs. Mary Pinney, Mr. Nick Frost, and Mr. Eric Davis.  We discussed action plan steps moving forward, such as arranging for a drone to video the target Phragmites patch and finding a local Phragmites patch for doing management experiments.  The Environmental Commission is going to develop a plan for constructing and installing a Phragmites sign to identify the target problem area to the community.

Busy at Stream Clean-Up. L to R: Brendan DeRose, Paige Lischick, Rafferty Burden

We developed an informational handout and gave a short presentation explaining the Phragmites problem at the Stonybrook-Millstone Watershed 11th Annual Stream Clean-Up on Saturday, April 22nd.  We participated in the clean-up, picking up lots of trash and recyclables.  Our assigned clean-up area was right by our target Phragmites patch on Perrineville Road across from the First Aid Station.  Coming up, we have been invited to present our project at the World Science Festival 2017 in Manhattan.  At the festival, we will be presenting our Phearless Phragmites Phighter project, including an on-stage interview and demonstration of our Invase-Away kits on audience members to make sure they know how to get every seed off after hiking.

Raising Awareness L to R; Rafferty Burden, Thomas Maltese, Rachel Glantzberg, Mahi Desai, Evangeline Huey, Anna DePinho, Brendan DeRose

We are extremely grateful for all the encouragement we have received from our community.  Thanks for your support and any donations you can make to our GoFundMe site.  https://www.gofundme.com/PhearlessPhragmitePhighters

To read The Source article about the Phearless Phragmites Phighter Team presenting to the Millstone Township Committee, click below:

The “Phearless Phragmites Phighters” Educate the Millstone Township Committee

To read The Source article about the Phearless Phragmites Phighter Team taking first place at the NJ Future Problem Solving State Bowl, click below:

“Phearless Phragmites Phighters” Team placed FIRST!

Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence Awarded $6,587.91 in Grants This School Year to Millstone Township Schools

Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE) awarded 2 grants today for “Flexible Seating Classrooms,” totaling $6,587.91, to Millstone Township Schools. Since 2002, MTFEE has awarded more than $530,300 to its schools. There are currently more than 60 MTFEE-funded grant programs running in the Millstone Township School district. Every child that matriculates through the school district will in some way benefit from an MTFEE-funded grant.

Following is a listing of the grants and recipients:

Flexible Seating Classroom ($3,732.58) (Jennifer Sincox, fifth grade teacher; Jennifer Modula, special education teacher; Nancy Osterberg, learning disabilities teacher consultant) – The grant consists of standing desks, bean bag chairs, back patter chairs, as well as lap trays. This flexible seating classroom environment is designed to empower students to make their own seating choices, based on seating options that increase productivity and engagement, instead of traditional classroom furniture. The classroom will be set up with a variety of work areas, which will enable students to increase movement, work collaboratively and engage in critical thinking. 

L to R: Kristin Schloss, MTFEE trustee; Melissa DeRose, MTFEE trustee; Aimee Duffy, MTFEE trustee; Nancy Osterberg, learning disabilities teacher
consultant; Jennifer Modula, special education teacher; Jennifer Sincox, fifth grade teacher; Nicole Pyhel, MTFEE trustee; Amee Bhatia, MTFEE trustee; Beth Cotler, MTFEE Trustee

Flexible Seating for Focused Learners ($2,855.33) (Meghan Olah and Nicole Meyrick, third grade teachers) – The grant consists of flexible and alternative seating options during whole group and small group instruction, as well as independent work time. The grant includes a large rectangular table and alternative seating options such as stools, which will rock and tilt in all directions and ball chairs, which will allow movement and encourage better posture. Both options will give students an opportunity for sensory output, while helping them to remain focused. Options for low level seating include floor pillows, bean bag chairs and back patter chairs. They will be offered to students during independent time—where students are expected to demonstrate stamina for reading and writing for 20 minutes or more. These options will enable students to feel more comfortable and therefore more engaged and focused.

L to R: From left to right: Suzanne Guidry, elementary school principal; Meghan Olah, third grade teacher; Nicole Meyrick, third grade teacher; Karen Barry, director of curriculum & instruction)

For more information about donating to MTFEE, becoming a trustee or its fundraising programs and events, please e-mail info@mtfee.org, visitwww.mtfee.org and like us on Facebook.

MTFEE operates independently from the school district and replenishes its grant fund exclusively through private donations and its fundraising efforts. The foundation has awarded more than $530,300 in grants to Millstone Township schools since 2002. MTFEE grants, which have been awarded at every grade level and in every discipline, have included STEAM enrichment programs, learning lab, book rooms, professional development, fitness equipment, SMARTBoards^®, mobile computer and iPad^™ labs, and a rock climbing wall. MTFEE is a member of New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership and The National Consortium of State and Local Education Foundations (NCEFS). 

Please welcome Dr. Christopher Huss as the new Millstone Township Superintendent!

“…  it has always been a career goal of mine to become A superintendent but I could not be any happier than now as I get to be Millstone’s Superintendent. I have been thoroughly impressed by this community’s support and involvement in the schools since the day I began working here as a principal three years ago. I continue to be thankful for the board’s trust in me and am proud to play an important role in the students’ and their families’ lives.”  

~ Dr. Christopher Huss, Millstone Township Superintendent

Phearless Phragmites Phighters Awarded First Place Trophy at Future Problem Solving International Competition!

Back row L to R:
Dylan Quinn, Jennifer Modula (co-adviser), Jai Patel, Gianna Iannaccone, Charlie Duffy, Rachel Glantzberg, Tia Bajaj, Anna DePinho, Beth Topinka (co-adviser), Gavin Normand, Rafferty Burden
Front row: Evangeline Huey, Brendan DeRose, Prisha Kupsad, Mahi Desai, Joshua Sullivan

Millstone Township Elementary School’s Community Problem Solvers Team, the Phearless Phragmites Phighters, was awarded 1st place in the Junior Team Division for Environmental Concerns on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the Future Problem Solving International Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  Teams from around the world, representing 10 different countries, competed in the Community Problem Solving competition.  Each team identified an issue affecting their local or global community, then spent a countless hours over a year or more analyzing, researching, developing action plans, and working to address the problem.  

L to R; Rachel Glantzberg, Tia Bajaj, Jai Patel, Rafferty Burden, Gianna Iannaccone

The Phearless Phragmites Phighters team was scored on their timed assembly of a complex, dynamic tabletop display, with no adult assistance permitted. The display included a moving drone model, Phragmites density model,  rhizome model, 3 scrapbooks documenting the team’s research, action, and outcomes, a  project video, a drone aerial survey video, GIS maps, an interactive Invase-Away demonstration, and more.  The team was also scored on their performance in a half-hour interview conducted by International Conference evaluators.  Following their competitive events, Community Problem Solving Division teams presented their work at a CmPS Fair.  For two hours, the Phearless Phragmites Phighters enthusiastically explained their project to fairgoers, and they had the opportunity to visit displays by other teams from around the world.

Team with USGS Dr. Randy Hines L to R:  Dylan Quinn, Rafferty Burden, Gavin Normand, Joshua Sullivan, Brendan DeRose, Jai Patel, Dr. Hines, Evangeline Huey, Gianna Iannaccone, Anna DePinho, Mahi Desai, Rachel Glantzberg

In addition to their competition events, the team was invited for a private tour of the U. S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse.  USGS Wildlife Biologist Dr. Randy Hines led the tour that featured research tanks of native and invasive fish, and the geology of the Mississippi River in the La Crosse region.  Dr. Hines complimented the team on its efforts to educate the public about the impact of invasive species, and asked the students questions about their project.

L to R: Rafferty Burden, Evangeline Huey, Charlie Duffy, Mahi Desai, Tia Bajaj, Anna DePinho, Brendan DeRose, Joshua Sullivan

The Sunday before traveling to their International Competition, the team presented their invasive species project at the 2017 World Science Festival at NYU’s Kimmel Center in New York City. As part of the Ultimate Science Sunday events, team members were interviewed by 4-time Emmy Award winning writer, Lynn Brunelle, who writes for Bill Nye the Science Guy.  

L to R: Evangeline Huey, Charlie Duffy, Rachel Glantzberg, Mahi Desai, Tia Bajaj, Anna DePinho, Brendan DeRose, Joshua Sullivan

The team is grateful for the involvement and support of the Millstone Township community throughout the year.  They are especially thankful for the collaboration of the Millstone Township Environmental Commission and the Millstone Township Committee.  Millstone resident Mr. Nicholas DellaRosa’s expert instruction on GIS mapping techniques was crucial in helping the team identify and map the results of their community survey of Phragmites australis sightings.  The team is also thankful for the support of community members who participated in the survey and contributed supplies for Invase-Away kits that were distributed to all Girl, Boy, and Cub Scout groups in Millstone.

L to R:
Charlie Duffy, Dylan Quinn, Gavin Normand, Jai Patel, Joshua Sullivan, Brendan DeRose, Rafferty Burden, Rachel Glantzberg, Evangeline Huey, Gianna Iannaccone, Anna DePinho, Tia Bajaj, Prisha Kupsad

Elementary School teachers Beth Topinka and Jennifer Modula, co-advisors for the Community Problem Solver Club, were delighted on Monday, June 12th, when the tired team members came bounding into the STEAM Lab, eager to map out their next steps to tackle the problem of invasive Phragmites.