2009 School Leader Award Winners
Camden City Public Schools – Building Environmental Science Solutions (BEES)
Each year this innovative program provides approximately 250 students with the opportunity to research and investigate their local environment through a detailed study of the Cooper River Watershed, located near the school. Student teams perform varied tasks from researching the historical aspects of the area to preparing presentations.
Franklin Lakes School District – Beads ‘n’ Me
This program creates an integrated, real-world learning experience for middle school students ages 11-15 who have learning and multiple disabilities. Beads ‘n’ Me is a self-sustaining “business” where students are given hands-on learning opportunities in sorting, patterning, money exchange, spreadsheets, databases, measurement, teamwork and self-esteem. Students manufacture and sell more than 30 different styles of custom-made lanyards, necklaces and eyeglass chains. One judge described Bead ‘n’ Me as a well designed program for self-contained education that incorporates lessons that are engaging and aligned with the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
Glassboro Public Schools – Real Men Read
National statistics report that elementary school-age boys lag in literacy and reading skills. The Glassboro Public Schools’ Real Men Read program aims to jump start the students’ skills and motivation. The program provided students with positive role models when a variety of men, including local political figures, police officers, teachers and administrators, board of education members, high school sports coaches and a college football student all agreed to attend a breakfast to discuss their reading habits.
Neptune Township Schools – Neptune High School Deaf Education Program
Historically, deaf and hearing-impaired students have been educated outside of the mainstream public schools. This program, which began in 1990, has successfully integrated some 56 deaf students in regular classrooms. The students may participate in classes independently, with an educational interpreter or with a teacher of the deaf for in-class support. The students have thrived academically and have been active in sports programs, clubs and other activities.
Piscataway Township School District – Kids Vote
This K-12 program teaches children the importance of voting by providing them with an opportunity to cast their ballots on issues of interest to them. With the cooperation of the Middlesex County Board of Elections, students vote on the day of the Annual School Election in April at the same polling places as their parents, although in a separate area.
Point Pleasant Borough Schools – Life Skills for Multiple Disabled
This program provides learning opportunities for high school students with multiple disabilities. It teaches students personal independence skills as well as community interaction through social and vocational activities. Before this program was begun, students with multiple disabilities had to attend specialized schools out of district; now they have the opportunity to interact with their non-disabled peers in the community in which they live.
Honorable mentions were awarded to programs from Hunterdon Central Regional High School District and North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District.
