Superintendent sees keys of literacy, computers, problem solving
By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
School buildings sparkle, teachers are being drilled and kids see summer slipping away.
The school year begins next week.
Chief among changes comes right at the top, where Anne Facendo has succeeded Johanna Ruberto as the district superintendent after five years in the borough.
Ms. Facendo comes to Manville from Sayreville, where she was an assistant superintendent. She has a career of experience as an elementary school teacher and building principal.
In a letter to the public posted on the school website, the new superintendent said her first impressions of Manville made 25 years ago while visiting friends "have been deepened and confirmed during my first summer months on-staff in the district."
"Driving through Manville today, I notice now what I noticed then: this is a community where caring, diligence, and hard work all seem to be a standard," she wrote. "It is evidenced in the well-kept homes and lawns. . . the children at play. . . the families who take so much pride in their beloved town."
"The pride you have expressed in our community and school system will be part of my mission in leading our schools," she wrote. "Our efforts must be focused on sustaining all that is good, while always reaching to even higher greatness."
She said the school must focus on "critical challenges" and "key building blocks" of improving literacy skills for all students, teaching students to solve complex problems and ensuring that every student has equal access to technology and knows how to use it.
She said she planned to be involved "in every aspect of our district right down to daily participation in our classrooms," she wrote. "I want to know our students by name. I want to take part in the daily life at each school with our staff members. I want to know the families and extended community members of Manville."
Manville students and kids new to the district who want to get a "sneak peek" of their school can visit today, Thursday, Aug. 28, from noon to 4 p.m. There is no formal program, just a chance to see the building and become acquainted with how to get around.
Orientation for new teachers started yesterday and continues today, Thursday. The full staff reports Tuesday for the first of two in-service days.
Students first report next Thursday, Sept. 4, but get an early dismissal.
Student schedules and lunch application were sent home be in separate mailings.
Summer reading and math assignments are due on the first day of school.
Students in grades K–3 should have completed the required reading and bring their banner pieces illustrating the students’ reading; the banners will be hung throughout the school. In grades 4–12, students were required to read at least two books and complete an assignment that will be counted as a grade for the first marking period. All students received at least one book; the second was their choice.
The summer math assignment is due on the first day of school; it will be graded and counted as a grade in the first marking period. The purpose was for students to be ready to start the school year with minimum review of prior learning.
New Jersey state assessment tests for 4th and 8th graders will take place in late May. High school assessment testing will take place Oct. 7–9 and March 3–5.
First-time PARCC testing in grades 3–12 will take place March 2 through 27. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers is a group of states working together to develop assessments that measure students’ progress to be successful in college and careers. These tests are taken on computers.
Back to School Nights are scheduled for September. Each school’s principal will host an evening where parents can follow their child’s schedule in shortened periods and learn about the goals and expectations of each class.
Each Back to School Night starts at 7 p.m. They are on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the high school; Thursday, Sept. 11, at Roosevelt School; Wednesday, Sept. 17, for Weston, and Thursday, Sept. 18, for Alexander Batcho Intermediate School.
Throughout the year, parents can access and monitor their child’s academic progress and attendance through a computer "portal," where progress reports and report cards are available. Hard copies of report cards will be available by request only by completing the form distributed in the summer packet. Information can be found on the district website.
Students whose first language is not English are identified and placed into the English Language Learners (ELL) Program. The ELL teacher pulls a small group of students and provides targeted instruction in vocabulary development, listening skills, speaking, reading, and writing. ESL Parent Advisory Council meetings for grades K-12 will be held in October, January, March and June. A mailing to all parents and guardians of eligible students will be forwarded in September.
The federal Department of Agriculture is requiring districts with a lunch price of less than $2.46 to increase prices by no more than 10 cents this school year. The cost of lunch will be $2.30 at an elementary school, $2.40 at the middle school and $2.60 at the high school – all 10 cents more than in June. Cost of a premium lunch rises to 25 cents to $3.25.
The price of breakfast will be the same at $1.35 at elementary schools, and $1.50 at Middle School and High School. An adult breakfast stays at $2.15.
The school urged parents to review revised district policies (on the school website). Among them are dating violence, homework, grading, attendance, tardiness, pupil supervision after school and pupil discipline.

