January 2012

Dear Parents, Guardians and Citizens of Manville,

Happy New Year. The New Year continues to offer our district with a focus on the established goals and a continued review of “standards of accountability.”  The faculty and staff have been able to maintain professional learning with the district planned professional development activities and the development of individual Professional Growth Plans (PGP). All PGPs are in alignment with district goals, established by a review of student data.

An analysis of the district assessment data illustrates a growth within the cohort of students. We continue to utilize formative assessments to frame and differentiate instruction.  Dr. Popp and the Principals each offered an analysis of the assessment data from 2011 at a meeting of the Manville Board of Education in October of 2011.

As educational leaders, the district Principals/Administrators continue to implement effective instructional methodologies/organizations within a student-centered school culture.  Working collaboratively with the Director of Special Services and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development, individual school focus has been identified. Collaboration with the certificated staff and utilizing Professional Learning Communities (PLC) our teachers continually review student work and differentiate instruction.  This method of analysis requires an increase in professional capacity and an analysis of student work; a mastery of instruction. This continues to be a major focus for our district. 

The Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Law, was fully implemented for the 2011-2012 school year.  Following the mandate, our district has provided faculty/staff, students and parents with comprehensive information to maintain compliance.  As required by the mandate, the Superintendent made a formal report for the first semester in December of 2011. Future actives to maintain information and communication are planned for an HIB Breakfast with members of our external community.

Initiated in January of 2011 a re-registration of all student enrolled in the district commenced.  As of this month, the formal process is complete.  Although the district has experienced some student mobility, our district has been able to maintain enrollment. The addition of two Residency Investigators will assist the district in the monitoring of student registration.  Central Registration is planned to be implemented in February of 2012.

Our district is on target and continues to maintain focus on student achievement and the educational experience for all children within a framework of economic responsibility to the citizens of Manville. Working toward a 2% CAP for the 2012 – 2013 school budget offers our district with continued evaluation and planning. Mrs. Clelland, certified Business Administrator/BOE Secretary, offered a community presentation on the processes associated with the development of the budget. The presentation was entitled “Budget Development 101” and was well received by the public.  As the budget development process continues, information will be provided to the public by public presentations and information posted on the district web site. 

The school year also offered our students with a change in food service provider.   Early observations show an increase in the purchasing of school lunches and a more appetizing offering for our students.  Our district is extremely proud of this change. In addition, the district’s commitment to energy conservation is evidenced by the installation of solar systems on the Weston and Manville High School campuses. The project not only affords the district with a financial consideration but has resulted in the integration of solar power as a unit of study.

A new digital sign will be installed in the spring.  Due to the collaborate efforts of the Manville Board of Education, the borough of Manville, and the Manville Digital Sign Committee, the goal has been realized. The sign will offer both district and community information as well as a positive modification to our school sites.  Plans for landscaping of all school facilities are creative and “forward thinking” with minimal financial exposure.

The Manville educational community represents the total engagement of parents and students. Student engagement in district supported activities continues to be strong. Our students have high involvement in academic organizations such as “Future Business Leaders of America,”  the “French Honor Society” and the “National Honor Society,” in addition to high student participation in all athletic programs.  The Manville High School Band continues to be acknowledged for their accomplishments.  

The Manville Board of Education (BOE) is serious about their work.  Policy review and the review of all curricular and co-curricular activities is continuous.  The members of the BOE maintain accountability of all members of the district.  

The Manville School District began the year with the challenges created by Hurricane Irene; a challenging time for the entire community.  A hundred students were relocated due to the weather-related situation, thus resulting in the district’s monitoring of temporary transportation for relocated students, individual student needs and financial ramifications for the district.  The entire educational community exceeded the needs of our students and families; the heart and soul of our community was evident during this difficult time.  Our district continues to monitor the students and adjust to the financial responsibilities we were faced with due to this event.

As the district prepares for the finalization of the budget for the 2012-2013 school year, please continue to review the district’s websites as information and announcements are updated. 

Please review our district’s goals and initiatives for the 2011 - 2012 school year as implemented in September of 2011.  

Sincerely,

Johanna S. Ruberto

Johanna S. Ruberto,Ed.D.

Superintendent