SEPTEMBER 2023 MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear District Families and Community Partners,
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 is the first day school for the 2023-2024 school year and we are truly excited to welcome students, staff, and families back to our district. The summer months are busy ones for the administrative team as our planning and preparatory work for students never ends. As we collaborated, thoughts turned to best practices grounded in research, methods, and theories that help students thrive on their learning journeys. Education researcher Elliot Seif speaks to the art of teaching for lifelong learning in encouraging teachers to, “Explore many practical ways to improve instruction, assessment, and curriculum that will empower students to not only thrive in the classroom today, but also deftly navigate an uncertain and changing world.” Ensuring student-centered, differentiated learning environments is just one piece of the larger puzzle in establishing a strong foundation for another successful school year.
Here is a brief update on school and district matters for September:
- District Curriculum Guides
The district’s K-12 Curriculum Guides are available for review on the district website: www.mpsnj.org Questions regarding the guides should be addressed to the teacher and principal.
- Back-to-School Nights at our Schools
Please mark your calendars for our Back-to-School Nights: MPHS—Wednesday, September 27; Godwin School—Thursday, September 21; and Highland School—Thursday, September 28. Additional important information may be found on each school’s website where monthly calendars and lists of school activities are posted and regularly updated.
- District Back-to-School Update
We will be presenting a district Back-to-School Update at the Board of Education meeting of October 17, which will include new and noteworthy information on our schools, programs, and facilities. Please know this presentation will be posted on the district website immediately following the board meeting.
As we look ahead to the 2023-2024 school year, remember that one of the most important things families can do is remain in touch with administrators and teachers throughout the school year—we are all just one phone call or email away. When questions arise, please choose to contact the appropriate source for answers: teachers, principals, and district administrators will always return phone calls or emails in swift order to allay anxieties and clarify inaccuracies. This year, let’s work together to ensure the most accurate program, school, and district information is correctly communicated.
We also hope you will frequently access the district website for the digital calendar of events and school and teacher web pages. Finally, we look forward to seeing you at the many back-to-school events and activities scheduled this year at our schools…celebrating students for their academic and extra-curricular achievements makes for wonderful memories.
Coming back together in collaborative learning communities is an annual joy. Until we see one another again, please accept my best wishes for health, safety, and a wonderful school year to you and your loved ones!
Best regards,