The Middlesex High School Auditorium was dedicated in honor of Mr. Peter Joseph Diskin, longtime borough resident and former Middlesex High School principal, on December 22, 2009 at a ceremony held in the auditorium. Mr. Diskin’s name will be put above both doorways to the auditorium. A plaque commemorating the naming has been installed in the high school lobby.

As you know, the Middlesex Borough Public School system is comprised of five schools: three elementary (Pre-K-3), one middle school (4–8), and one high school (9-12). The schools serve approximately 2,200 students. There is also a growing community school, which provides before school, after-school and adult school programs. The Board of Education consists of nine members and has a very close working relationship with the township government. Relationships and coordination with local police have never been better. As a result of this, incidents of violence and vandalism in the schools have decreased by 90% over the past few years. Moreover, the district makes certain that outside organizations are included in our programming. The senior citizens, VFW, American Legion and Elks are some of the groups partnering with our schools, either in aiding students or joining us in various activities.

The school staff and Board of Education have worked very hard to ensure that ours is truly a district which is “Thorough and Efficient”, where every child is offered the best, most cost-effective educational experience possible. We have been emphasizing this philosophy for the past 5 years. Each grade has experienced significant growth in learning. Co-curricular activities have achieved high levels of success, several at levels not reached for many years. More students are participating in the arts and at an elevated level. This year, we completed NJQSAC monitoring (New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum). As a result of the evaluation process, the NJ Department of Education has designated the Middlesex Borough Public Schools as a “High Performing” school district in all aspects of the educational operation.

Throughout the district, there has been a series of coordinated and comprehensive “professional development activities”, aimed at positively impacting student performance, with an emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics. Major initiatives include: common rubrics for use in all curricula areas, experiential math, Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum, and inquiry-based social studies. In concert with these, a plethora of programs and resources to support and enhance student achievement have been initiated. The middle school has increased its focus on core academic disciplines through the implementation of a modified block schedule, which is providing extended instructional time in the areas of mathematics, reading and writing. Additionally, a daily “Instructional Homeroom” period for students needing individualized acceleration has continued to be effective. Benchmark assessments are administered periodically to track students’ skill development. In conjunction with our staff development program, we have incorporated Balanced Literacy strategies, Writing Workshops, Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum, and Hands-On Mathematics Strategies, all effective, research-based instructional models. These techniques have been embraced and utilized by the staff throughout the district to facilitate student learning. During the 2008-2009 school year, the district added the “EveryDay Math” curricula for grades 1-6. We continue to maintain a full-day kindergarten program to accelerate student growth. A summer remediation program, SWIM, has been continued for eligible Title I students in grades K-8.

In our efforts to expand technological opportunities and fully integrate instructionally- enhanced technology into educational practice, we have expanded the availability of internet-based programs for assessment and skill development. We have also significantly increased the number of computers, via the addition of new wireless carts and writing labs at the high school and middle school. Technology upgrades and wireless labs are vital components of the instructional landscape throughout the district. As you walk through the schools, you will see interactive technology activities, on-line experiments, PowerPoint presentations and the use of United Streaming (brief video clips related to curriculum content). These tools enhance student learning, as they visually display content, provide for individual needs, and motivate and engage our students.

To further our partnership with parents, our teachers maintain individualized web pages to share homework, current projects and class information. Additionally, we have offered our parents access to SuccessMaker-at-Home, an individualized program to support and extend student skills in the areas of reading and mathematics. Study Island, another program to assist academic achievement development, is also available for use at home to assist students with the State assessment mandates. To support our belief that “students who read, achieve”, the 100 Book Challenge Program, as well as a variety of school-developed reading incentive programs, are used throughout the district. Moreover, our middle school library was automated to ensure better access to literature and other resources. Finally in the area of technology, the district implemented an e-mail “blast” system. This allows us to provide important information to about 95% of all district parents. It is organized for use by individual school, as well as for the entire district.

The district has also benefited from an emphasis on addressing violence and vandalism within our schools. We maintain cooperative relationships with the township, Chief of Police and Mayor. Administrative staff has been provided extensive training in violence control, gang culture, and substance abuse. A character education program was started in the elementary schools and middle school. All of these efforts have resulted in a significant decrease in reported incidences of inappropriate student behavior.

We are producing these successes while greatly improving all of our school facilities, which were also evaluated by the State. Our maintenance and custodial staff are working more efficiently and effectively. All original projects have been completed on time and within budgeted amounts - or less. A number of construction projects were done in-house, rather than using outside contractors. We have managed these gains while being extraordinarily cost-conscious. This year, we were able to economize and return over $160,000 to the taxpayers, which will be applied to the 2009-2010 school budget. Moreover, because we are concerned about the tax levies in this challenging economy, we returned over $200,000 more this past year. In total, over $500,000 was returned to the taxpayers during the past two-year period. We were able to achieve these economies by instituting Special Education Programs within our school district, instead of sending students out-of-district, thus saving transportation and tuition dollars. Most importantly, this has proved beneficial for the students and also complies with the law.

Each year, we are seeing improvement in our school rankings. We are working diligently to improve the quality of education provided each unique learner. All staff collaborate with our community and parent partners to support the academic and social growth of our students. We have certainly moved forward, but will continue to strive to further improve until we realize “the excellence in all.” We seek to achieve more for and from our students, as we know that “No One Rises to Low Expectations.”

James C. Baker, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Middlesex Public Schools

The Middlesex Public Schools, in partnership with the community,
believe
all students have the capacity to learn,
and resolve to provide
the knowledge and skills for students to become
confident in their abilities to face challenges,
compassionate and respectful of themselves and others, and
committed to overall excellence in a diverse world.

“Confident, compassionate and committed to excellence”

Thursdays 6:30PM-9:30PM 8 Sessions
March 4 – April 29, 2010
Cost: $355.00
Middlesex High School – Rooms 209 and 211

Do you have a child who will be taking the SAT this Spring? Middlesex High School has allowed Educational Services Center to offer their SAT preparation program here at MHS at a significant savings. Tuition includes all practice tests, course material and texts needed during the course. ECS will provide two expert instructors for both the Math and Verbal sections. They will also supply written notice to parents of missed classes or assignments. Ensure that your child is well prepared for the SAT given in North Plainfield on May 1 and at Middlesex High School on June 5! Middlesex High School Junior parents should already have received a mailing from ESC. You may also register online at ESCS Prep or call ESC directly at 800-762-8378. Please *Refer to Group #71 and use Coupon Code #11355 to apply Special Discount Price of $355.00. Former students have realized a significant increase in test scores. Consider this an investment in your child’s future. Please register early. This class closed out last session.

Mr. Yacik shared an insight he gained from his experience in Zambia, Africa in 2007--which inspired him to run and raise money for World Vision: Namely, that despite the devastating poverty, malnutrition, disease and short life expectancy in the villages of Zambia, its people treat the educating of its children to be a sacred priority. He reminded himself, the rest of the Board and the "village" of Middlesex to keep this same priority.