Congratulations once again to our Class of 2024! July is the official start of the 2024-2025 school year. The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 4. A copy of the district’s 2024-2025 Student Calendar is available on the district’s website at the very top under, “Student Calendar”. I would ask that you and your families make your family trips according to the calendar so your students get the maximum value of their formal education. While the students and teachers are not in class, the district is hard at work preparing for your return. This summer the district will engage in curriculum updates, staff hirings and numerous capital and routine maintenance projects, including the start of construction at Avenel Street Elementary School #4/5 and full resurfacing of the Colonia High School track.
The June Board meeting featured the approval of a new four-year contract with the Woodbridge Township Education Association—the largest collectively bargained union contract within our district that includes our teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, secretaries and other certified education specialists. I am pleased to report a fair contract with competitive compensation and working conditions which in turn helps ensure our children are taught by a well-trained and professional workforce. Notably, the contract includes additional professional development training requirements for staff to stay current and sharp on our curriculum and technology offerings to perform their jobs at the highest level. There is no greater in-school influence on our students than the quality of their teacher.
One last reminder, the district and Woodbridge Recreation Department are offering 45 in-person summer enrichment sessions during the week of July 22-26 and August 12-16 at Avenel Middle School. Classes fill up quickly so act fast. Check out the brochure at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/952/Youth-Services. The class sizes are capped and fill up quickly so please contact Recreation at 732-596-4048 or YouthServices@twp.woodbridge.nj.us. Courses range from $75-150.
Parents, please consider keeping your students reading this summer. The Woodbridge Public Library has four physical locations with both children and adult sections. Learn more by visiting woodbridgelibrary.org/. Barnes and Noble also has a Summer Reading Incentive program if you visit their website.
As noted last month, this month’s Corner Newspaper includes a list of our district’s “Employees of the Year” as selected by their school-based peers and presented annually at the WTEF Excellence in Education dinner. Additionally, our district’s Special Education office recognized the district’s RISE employer-partners who provide select students with workforce training opportunities. Please see enclosed list of local participating employers.
The township’s Acacia Youth Center, 95 Port Reading Ave, Woodbridge is once again hosting summer hours for Township middle school students from June 24 through August 16 between 11:00 am and 3 pm. Students entering 6th grade through 8th grade are welcome to enjoy a fun and safe outlet with indoor and outdoor activities.
Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year remains open. Based on historical trends, we expect and anticipate more registrants so I am asking residents to talk to their family and neighbors about getting their 5-year-old children registered as soon as possible so the district may adequately prepare class rosters and teaching assignments for the fall. The online application process is open on our district website at www.Woodbridge.K12.nj.us/page/student-registration. In an attempt to limit first year class sizes for the benefit of student learning and retention, the district has implemented a new priority registration criteria which can be found on the registration page. Finally, we ask for your patience as applications take time to thoroughly vet each application for accuracy and proper residency.
The Board will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, July 18 at 6:00 PM. The Board meets in the gymnasium of the Ross Street Elementary School #11, 110 Ross Street, Woodbridge. The public portion of the meeting will promptly begin following the conclusion of Executive Session. As always, you can view the live feed of the meeting on the district’s Facebook page or Woodbridge Channels YouTube channel. The yearly Board meeting calendar is as follows: August 15 and 29; September 26; October 17; November 21; and December 19.
Should you ever require my assistance, I welcome your input at one of our monthly Board of Education meetings. You can also e-mail the full board at board@woodbridge.k12.nj.us or call the Board Secretary’s office at 732-602-8536. As always, Dr. Massimino welcomes any questions at Joseph.Massimino@woodbridge.K12.nj.us
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!