Immediate Release

May 24, 2023  

 

The Ewing Township Board of Education held its monthly meeting on May 22^nd, in the Ewing High School auditorium. 

 

Board President Deborah Delutis opened the Board of Education meeting at 6:00PM.  The first action the Board took at that time was to move to a closed session where it reviewed a limited number of confidential items.  The Board then returned to the Ewing High School auditorium at 7:00PM for the public session of the Board of Education meeting.

 

Chief School Administrator, Dr. David Gentile introduced Ewing High School student Ambassador to the Board of Education, Ms. Lina Abtouche and thanked Ms. Abtouche for her service to the Board of Education during the 2022-2023 school year.  Dr. Gentile wished Ms. Abtouche the best in her future endeavors, specifically, he celebrated that she will begin her bright future as a freshman in 2023-2024, attending Princeton University. She is enrolled in their School of Public and International Affairs/ French.  Dr. Gentile then introduced next year’s Ewing High School Student Ambassador to the Board of Education, Mr. Nicholas Benedetti.  Mr. Benedetti is the current Vice President and Social Media Manager of the Student Council as well as president-in-waiting for the upcoming school year.  Outside of Student Council, Mr. Benedetti runs spring track and participates in a variety of activities at Ewing High School, including Drama Club, Environmental Club, Key Club, Newspaper Club, the Technology Student Association, the International Thespian Society, and, as of last Wednesday, the National Honor Society.

 

Ms. Abtouche then presented her report sharing updates and happenings at Ewing High School for this month.  Last Friday night was the Ewing High School prom at the Estate at Farrington Lake in East Brunswick, New Jersey.  The weather could not have been more perfect for the 250 students who attended the event. EHS Class of 2023 Advisors, Ms. Burns and Mrs. Booth did a fantastic job of organizing the event and decorating the venue.  Ms. Abtouche also shared that earlier in the week before the prom, all seniors received a crash-course in the importance of making smart decisions when they attended Operation Prom special assembly.

 

Ewing High School is also celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month!  Throughout the month of May, school counselors and ASYSST provided programing during lunch and after school to support students’ mental health and coping skills.  Ewing High School hosted a guest speaker from The College of New Jersey and Student Council members decorated the sidewalks outside of school with positive messages and affirmations during its “Chalk the Walk” event.

 

Ms. Abtouche touched on the Mercer County Teen Arts Festival where Ewing High School sent 30 students to compete in various visual and performing arts competitions.  Several Ewing High School students performed well enough to earn a spot to compete in the State competition next week on Wednesday, May 31^st, at Middlesex College.  Seniors Emilia Carbajal and Madeleine Marsola were selected for their musical theater solos, seniors Hiroko Bullock and Jose Mejia-Ordonez 3D sculptures were selected; and seniors Emilia Carbajal and Lesly Gomez Castro along with juniors Isabelle Hanlin and Nnenna Nnebe and freshman Lily Bush 2D artwork were also selected for the State competition.  Good luck!

 

Ewing High School National Honor Society Induction was held last Wednesday night and the chapter welcomed 33 new members, bringing the total National Honor Society membership to an impressive 50 students.  Congratulations! This year’s induction ceremony was followed by a gathering of family and friends in the EHS cafeteria.

 

 

Ms. Abtouche shared spring sports is heading into the post season and was excited that the track and field team had a great showing at the Mercer County Championships over the weekend. Junior Jahiem Rogers earned a bronze in the long jump, while junior Kristopher Ewell picked up the bronze in the 800 to go along with a 5th place finish in the 400. Senior Jade Smith snagged a 4th place finish in the 100m hurdles and partnered with senior Sydney Smith, junior Aynisha McQuillar, and freshman Karis Crossland for 4th in the 4 x 100 relay. Up next for the team is the Last Chance Invitational meet at Cherokee High School, followed by sectionals on June 2nd and June 3rd.

 

EHS baseball ended the season on a high note last week with wins over Princeton, Nottingham, and West Windsor-Plainsboro South to win the Mercer County Invitational Tournament.

 

 

Ms. Abtouche mentioned at the Board meeting that Ewing High School Athletic Director, Mr. Kyle Kaminskas, would be hosting a Division III signing event on Tuesday, May 23rd.  We are proud to share the five Ewing High School student-athletes who have committed to continuing playing their selected sport in college.

 

 

Chase Bolden  Soccer – Sarah Lawrence College

 

Isaiah Harrison:  Football – The College of New Jersey

Andrew Ryczkowski:  Football - Moravian University

Jay´ĺin Saint Clair:  Football for Montclair State University

Mia Siminitus:  Bowling - Alvernia University

On the academic side at Ewing High School, earlier this month, 121 Ewing High School students completed 167 AP Exams in 11 subjects.  Students are looking forward to seeing lots of 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s on the score reports in July.

 

Last week, Ewing High School 9^th grade students completed the NJSLA testing in ELA and Math, while this week 11^th grade students are taking the NJSLA for Science.  Once exam make-ups have concluded, this will mark the end of standardized testing for the year.

 

Lastly, Ms. Abtouche shared there are quite a few events at Ewing High School as we close out the year:

 

EHS Art Show and Vocal Concert – May 24^th

EHS Decision Day Celebration – May 30^th

EHS Athletic Department:  Spring Sports Award Night – June 1st

EHS Final Spirit Week (Battle of the Classes) – June 5^th-9^th

EHS Senior Athletic Awards Night – June 6^th

EHS Activities Awards Night – June 7^th

EHS Senior Awards Night – June 8^th

EHS Graduation at CURE Insurance Arena – June 22nd

 

During the “Superintendent’s Report,” Chief School Administrator, Dr. Gentile introduced Ewing High School Principal, Mr. Edward Chmiel, who highlighted Ewing High School students for a wide variety of accomplishments and achievements. Students were celebrated for their academics, the arts and/or athletics over the past school year.  Over 100 Ewing High School students were honored for their superior accomplishments. Dr. Gentile, on behalf of the Board of Education, would like to thank the parents and staff members for supporting our students as they pursue their dreams. We are proud of all of our students.

 

One of the highlights of the evening was the distribution of the CHAMPIONSHIP GIFTS to our Ewing High School State Champions!  The hard work of these student-athletes in the classroom and the athletic arena along with their dedicated coaches and parents are unparalleled.  Thank you for being wonderful ambassadors to your high school and your community.  We are very proud of your accomplishments.  Please join us again, congratulating our STATE CHAMPIONS!

 

Ewing High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team

 

Ewing High School Unified Bowling Team

 

Ewing High School Girl Wrestler, Shellitha Collins

 

 

The Ewing High School Girls State Championship Basketball Team made HER-story this season.  From team to individual, they showcased all year everything fantastic about Ewing High School and the Ewing Community, capping off their amazing run for the Group 3 State Championship in a thrilling 41-38 victory over Randolph. Over the course of their season, the team had the following accomplishments: NJSIAA State Group 3 Champion, NJSIAA Central Group 3 Champions, Mercer County Tournament Champion, Colonial Valley Conference - Valley Division Champion, WOBM Holiday Classic Champion, School Record Wins (30) which also tied a Mercer County record (Nottingham, 2018), #1 Area Team in The Trentonian, #1 Area Team in Times of Trenton/Star Ledger/NJ.com, #6 in State Rankings Top 20 (#1 Public School), NJ Advance Media Colonial Valley Conference Team of the Year, Times of Trenton Colonial Valley Conference Team of the Year, Times of Trenton Area Team of the Year.

 

 

The Unified Bowling Team and Unified program made history yet again for the second consecutive year! With the high score of the day of 808 on a 6 game baker style tournament, Ewing High School Unified Bowlers took home the 2022-2023 State Championship in Group A!!! Bowlers demonstrated great determination, integrity, and team work throughout the entire tournament/season.

Junior Shellitha Collins is Ewing’s first female state wrestling champion. She was both state champion and Central Region Champion and was the Rumble in the Pines Tournament champion. She had an undefeated year, 10 - 0 and a career record of 15 – 3, and we look forward to next season going for the title of 2-time State Champion.

 

The Board then moved into the “Superintendent Recommendations” section of the Agenda.  Some items of note:

 

Finance and Operations

 

The Board of Education approved the acknowledgement of the Fire and Security Drills held for the month of April 2023 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18-A-41 and Policy P8420.

 

The Board of Education accepted the Annual Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report – June 30, 2022.

 

The Board of Education approved the contract for the Board Attorney Agreement with Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP (SPSK) for the 2023-2024 school year.

 

The Board of Education approved the NJSIAA Membership Renewal for the 2023-2024 school year.

 

The Board of Education approved the Before School Care tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year.

 

The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 school lunch program rates.

 

Annually, the Board sets Cafeteria Prices in order to remain consistent with applicable laws and regulations surrounding school Food Service Programs. In consultation with the Food Service Director, the Business Office, and District Auditor, the following lunch prices are recommended for the 2023-2024 School Year.

 

 

Description	Breakfast	Lunch	Milk	Snacks/Drinks
Elementary Schools	$1.95	$3.10	$0.60	$0.70 - $1.50
Middle School	$2.00	$3.15	$0.60	$0.70 - $1.50
High School	$2.05	$3.35	$0.60	$0.70 - $2.00
Adult Meals	$2.60	$4.10	$0.60	$0.70 - $2.00
Reduced Price (All Schools)	$0.30	$0.40	-	-

 

The Board of Education approved various transportation contracts for the 2023-2023 school year.

 

Student Curriculum and Instruction

 

The Board of Education accepted the District and School HIB Grades for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

The Board of Education approved the 2022-2023 New Jersey High School Voter Registration Law Annual Statement of Assurance.

 

The Board of Education approved the agreement between The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and the Ewing Public Schools.

 

Student Services and Technology

 

The Board of Education approved the following related services contracts for the 2023-2024 school year:

 

 

 

Personnel

 

The Ewing Public Schools Welcomes New Staff for the 2023-2024 School Year

 

Mellisa Robinson is joining Lore Elementary School as a Teacher of Preschool Special Education. Ms. Robinson received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Deaf Education from The College of New Jersey and her Master’s degree in Teaching from Rider University. 

 

Samara Schechter is joining Antheil, Lore, and Parkway Elementary Schools as an Occupational Therapist. Ms. Schechter received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Healthcare Administration and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Husson University. 

 

The following policies and regulations were approved by the Board as “First Readings”.  After review and approval by the Board at its next meeting in June, they will become formal Board policy: 

 

Policy P1648.12 School Employee Vaccination Requirements (Mandated) (Abolished)

 

Policy P2423 Bilingual and ESL Education (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Regulation R2423 Bilingual and ESL Education (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Policy P8140 Student Enrollments (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Regulation R8140 Enrollment Accounting (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Policy P8330 Student Records (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Regulation R8330 Student Records (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Regulation R8420.2 Bomb Threats (Mandated0 (Revised)

 

Regulation R8420.7 Lockdown Procedures (Mandated) (Revised)

 

Regulation R8420.10 Active Shooter (Mandated) (Revised)

 

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 6:00PM in the Ewing High School auditorium.  The public is invited to attend the meeting at 7:00PM.  

 

The Board of Education would also like to invite the Ewing Schools community to join the Board before the start of the Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 26^th at 5:15PM, to honor our district's 2022-2023 Governor Educators of the Year, our 2022-2023 Mercer County Educator of the Year and our District Retirees.  Light refreshments will be served at 4:30PM outside the Ewing High School auditorium.

 

Please join us congratulating our 2022-2023 Governor Educators of the Year, our Mercer County Educator of the Year and District Retirees: 

 

The Ewing Public Schools

Honoring

 

Governor Educators of the Year

2022-2023

 

Ewing High School:  Jason Ballek

Fisher Middle School:  Joan “Jamie” Spampinato

Antheil Elementary School:  Brigid O’Grady

Lore Elementary School:  Stephanie Mamo

Parkway Elementary School:   Stacey Smart

 

Mercer County Educator of the Year

2022-2023

 

Leigh Cline

Parkway Elementary School Teacher

District Retirees 2022-2023

Cheryl Bomba

Fisher Middle School – Special Education Teacher

September 1, 2008 - June 30, 2023

 

Debra Cabell-Case

District Administration Building – Head Bookkeeper/Payroll

August 17, 2004 – June 30, 2023

 

Linda Dotson

Antheil Elementary School – Food Services

December 7, 2009 – June 30, 2023

 

Denise Helm

Fisher Middle School – Special Education Paraprofessional

March 11, 1996 – December 21, 2022

 

Sandra Hereford

Ewing High School – Security Monitor

November 10, 2003 – December 31, 2022

 

Dr. Beverly Johnson

Fisher Middle School – Teacher ESL

September 1, 1997 – June 30, 2023

 

Lisa Kling

Ewing High School – Teacher Health & Physical Education

September 1, 2004 - September 30, 2022

 

Paul Kovac

Operations & Maintenance – Plumber

February 7, 2000 – July 31, 2022

 

Thalia Kuentzel

Ewing High School – Teacher Spanish

January 31, 2012 - April 30, 2023

 

Loretta Lombardi

Lore Elementary School – Special Education Teacher

September 1, 2008 – June 30, 2023

 

Philip Miele

Lore Elementary School – Custodian

January 2, 2015 - September 30, 2022

 

Adella Moore

Fisher Middle School – Teacher Computers

October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2022

 

Orest Nadraga

Antheil Elementary School – School Psychologist

February 11, 2002 – December 31, 2022

 

Michael Nitti

District Administration Building – Superintendent of Schools

September 1, 2005 – November 18, 2022

 

David Blair Olson

Lore Elementary School – Teacher Music Instrumental

September 1, 1993 – May 1, 2023

 

Shari Parah

Antheil Elementary School – Food Service Manager

March 22, 2005 – June 30, 2022

 

Gregory Peters

Fisher Middle School – Teacher Science

September 1, 2005 - June 30, 2023

 

Lisa Rasaw

District Administration Building – Head Bookkeeper Purchasing

September 1, 1997 – August 31, 2022

 

Heather Riehl

Fisher Middle School – Teacher Social Studies

September 1, 1990 – November 30, 2022

 

Sam Rowell

Fisher Middle School – Custodian

August 30, 2016 – April 30, 2023

 

Yvonne Russoniello-Colt

Lore Elementary School – Teacher of Elementary EIS Math

September 1, 2004 – June 30, 2023

 

Ruth Savage

Gusz Building – Secretary 12 Months

May 1, 2001 – June 30, 2023

 

Doris Shephard Knight

Fisher Middle School – Food Service

January 12, 1998 – December 31, 2022

 

Jill Voorhees

Parkway Elementary School - Teacher of Elementary Kindergarten

September 1, 1998 – June 30, 2023

 

Karin Zasoski

Special Services – Supervising Secretary

September 1, 1995 – June 30, 2023