On July 8, World Exchange will be welcoming 87 French students, ages 15 to 17, to our area of New Jersey. They are looking forward to basking in all that is American. Now we are looking to complete the other half of the equation. We need you to take a risk and open your home just for 19 days. We promise it will be like nothing you have ever tried before. You’ll very possibly create memories so funny and unforgettable that you’ll be traveling to France to visit your student just in order to make more.
If you are interested in finding out the true meaning of “joie de vivre,” (the joy of life), call Rose in Manchester at (732) 408-9658 or the World Exchange main office at (800) 444-3924, or e-mail [email protected]. World Exchange is a nonprofit international/intercultural student exchange organization.
Rose Trafton Foor
Manchester
Teacher thanks all who supported her in Millstone
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to my dear family and friends, and those Millstone residents who believed in me enough to oppose the administration’s decision of nonrenewal of my 2005-06 contract. I have actively taught in the Millstone Township Elementary School over the past four years in various capacities ranging from substitute, permanent substitute, part-time and now full-time kindergarten teacher.
As you can imagine, the past two months have been emotionally and physically exhausting, not only for myself, but also for those of you who supported me. I am grateful for all of your efforts, whether it was a caring smile, words of encouragement, letters sent to the administration and Board of Education, and to those who were brave enough to stand before the board and present such dignified statements regarding my teaching abilities.
As a nontenured teacher, I believed that I was doing exactly what was expected of me. To be told, “You are a good teacher, but you haven’t met our high standards,” was very vague and difficult to absorb. I’ve been commended for my dedication and enthusiasm for teaching by the administration. I only wish now that there was a specific list of “high standards,” so I could have addressed each one head-on. It saddens me most of all to have been told by administration that I am a “good teacher, just not in this district.” My reaction to this statement was one of shock and disbelief. You are probably asking yourself the same question: What does that mean?
It was important to me that I publicly make this statement to allow those of you who were not able to attend my hearing, the opportunity to know that although my contract was not renewed, your efforts were not in vain. I’m not only proud of myself for coming forward and standing up for what I believe in, but for your courage to speak with such passion and conviction.
As I say goodbye to my teaching career in Millstone, I will take with me many fond memories of the children and their devoted parents. It’s been my privilege teaching your children and serving the community, and I will always remember your acts of kindness.
Deborah Denardo
Millstone