Accolades for Students, School Safety on BOE's April Agenda

April may not have been as busy as previous months for the board of education or within the school district, due to spring break, but nevertheless several important actions took place, including recognition of outstanding student achievement and approval of the senior class trip.

At the April 16 meeting, the board had the pleasure of recognizing many students who stood out during the month. William Allen Middle School students were recognized for participating in and receiving distinctions through the Coriell Science Fair and the New Jersey Math League Competition. Also, South Valley students were recognized for their fantastic writing through the New Jersey Association of Gifted Children. I would like to personally congratulate these students for their wonderful accomplishments and for representing the district so well.

I would like to also congratulate the William Allen Middle School choir for its outstanding performance of the national anthem at the Philadelphia Phillies game on April 8. Terrific job! (Watch video of the performance here.)

At the April meeting, the chair of the Operations and Facilities Committee shared information on school security. It was mentioned that a “common sense” approach should be taken to ensure children and staff are safe, because there is no way to protect against every threat imaginable. The district continues to review and monitor security at all schools and buildings. I was fortunate to be able to attend a statewide school security meeting to learn about the best practices of other districts, and I can honestly say Moorestown meets or exceeds many of the recommendations.

The board also approved the senior class trip to Disney World. The trip will take place between March 18 and March 22, 2014. The anticipated cost for each student is $1,300, assuming at least 75 percent of the senior class attends.

For the remainder of April and during May, there are several important dates to mark down. On Saturday, April 27, the Moorestown High School Interact Club will sponsor A Capella for Autism. This fundraiser brings various high school groups from the area together—including Princeton, Haddon Heights and Cherry Hill—to benefit Autism NJ. For more information, please email mtownacappella@gmail.com. Also, the Home and School Association will be having a fundraiser on May 8 at Panera Bread in Centerton Square. There will be no school on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day.

The next regular board of education meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 21, in the William Allen Middle School media center. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to either the board as a whole, or myself, if you have any questions or need anything. I would be delighted to hear from you and hope to see you at a future meeting.

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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.