New learning center for
law and public service
to open at Colts Neck
Students
return to
FRHSD
New learning center for
law and public service
to open at Colts Neck
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
School doors will open for all students on Sept. 2 as a new year starts at the six high schools in the Freehold Regional High School District. Freshmen reported for an orientation program on Sept. 1.
Classes at Freehold High School, Howell High School and Manalapan High School will start at 7:25 a.m. Classes at Colts Neck High School, Freehold Township High School and Marlboro high School will start at 8:15 a.m.
"This will be the start of another exciting year," said Superintendent of Schools James Wasser. "We have been very busy this summer finalizing new programs, revising curriculum lessons and preparing our school buildings to accommodate over 11,000 students."
In 2004-05 the FRHSD is aiming to build greater school-community relations.
"Last year we started a campaign to meet and talk to the residents of our communities," Wasser said. "We received feedback regarding parent and community concerns and the need for greater school-business relationships. We will continue to foster those relationships. I strongly believe that by working with our communities, our schools will become even better and stronger, and achieve even more in the coming year."
Schools will be closed on Sept. 6, for Labor Day and on Sept. 7 for teacher in-service. Schools will also be closed on Sept. 16-17 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Back to School Night will be held at all six schools on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
"I invite parents to take this opportunity to visit our schools, meet their child’s teachers and learn about classroom expectations," said Wasser.
At Howell High School, Principal Zina Duerbig will welcome approximately 1,950 students for the 2004-05 school year.
"Our freshman class has approximately 600 students," said Duerbig. "We graduated 436 students in June, so we have a significant increase in the class of 2008."
A rally for the ninth-graders was held Aug. 26. The parents association sponsored a dinner for the students and a pep rally.
"We wanted to allow the ninth-graders to have a time to socialize and acclimate themselves to the high school," Duerbig said.
There will be a new dance team with 20 members under the supervision of adviser Heather Skiva, who is a graduate of Howell High School and a professional dance therapist.
Howell also has a Leo Club that is sponsored by the Lions Club of Howell.
"Our goal is to improve our student test scores in mathematics while educating our parents on how they can help their students," Duerbig said.
Freehold Township High School is ready to start the new school year with 2,187 students, about 150 more than last year.
"Freehold Township High School welcomes its largest enrollment in the school’s history with vastly improved facilities and a motivated faculty determined to bring out the best in each student," said Principal Anthony Procopio.
New courses being offered at the International Studies specialized learning center include American Literature and Research Workshop, honors; Advanced Placement Comparative Ideologies, Government and Politics; The Global Experience, honors; World Literature and Writer’s Workshop, honors; and World Studio Art, honors.
Other courses to be offered this year include Ethical Theory and Political Philosophy, Problems in U.S. History I and II; Senior Seminar; and Theory of Knowledge.
At Colts Neck, approximately 1,650 students will take their seats as classes begin.
"The freshman class is a little over 500 students, the same as last year," said Principal Wayne McChesney. "We have the very first class in the new Law and Public Service specialized learning center beginning this school year."
Courses at the new specialized learning center will include Comparative Civilizations, honors; Speech, Debate and Dramatic Arts, honors; and World Literature and the Writer’s Workshop, honors.
"We will also have another assistant principal this year, Christopher Mingrone," McChesney said. "I look forward to working with Mr. Mingrone, and look forward to an exceptional year."
The Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, now in its third year, will have a new assistant Naval Science instructor, Chief Petty Officer Allen Rodriguez. There will be an expansion of courses and programs this year for the 180 ROTC students.
At Freehold High School, Freehold Borough, approximately 1,350 students are ready to return for the new school year. New this year in the Medical Sciences specialized learning center will be an honors course called M/S Mathematics.
Manalapan High School will see 2,191 students returning from summer vacation. Freshmen enrollment is up this year by 59 to a total of 550 ninth-graders.
Principal Terri Grey said the science and engineering program has grown to two sections this year and for the first time the science and engineering students will have a new classroom, double the size of their previous location.
Marlboro High School Principal James Mullevey will welcome 2,300 students when the doors open today.