Cheesequake School in Old Bridge receives Blue Ribbon designation

Cheesequake Elementary School in Old Bridge has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2017.  

The recognition, announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Sept. 28, is based on the school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Cheesequake, one of nine schools in New Jersey this year to earn this top honor, is the first school in Old Bridge to receive the National Blue Ribbon status.

“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” DeVos said. “You are visionaries, innovators, and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

“The selection of Cheesequake Elementary School as our first National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence speaks volumes about our educators, our families, our community, and most of all our children,” said Old Bridge Township Public Schools Superintendent David Cittadino. “Cheesequake School serves as our template of quality in education as we continue to move at a remarkable pace toward recognized excellence throughout our 15 township schools. Having our first Blue Ribbon School coupled with our 15 National Schools of Character in Old Bridge will forever solidify our reputation as a superior school district.”

The Old Bridge Township Public School District, a National District of Character, boasts 15 National Schools of Character and 15 State Schools of Character by Character.org.

Character.org (formerly The Character Education Partnership) selects schools and districts that demonstrate that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 

Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,500 schools. The Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with the 292 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 6 and 7. The 2017 cohort represents public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools, including traditional, charter, magnet schools, parochial and independent schools in 44 states, the District of Colombia and Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Okinawa, Japan; Stuttgart, Germany; and West Point, New York.

All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates:

Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.

“We are humbled and elated to receive this prestigious award from the United States Department of Education,” said Cheesequake Principal Thomas Ferry. “This is a wonderful moment for our school and the township of Old Bridge. My talented staff and hard-working students have an unwavering commitment to excellence and focus on growth… I am incredibly proud of the staff, students, and parents of the Cheesequake School community and am honored to serve as their principal.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated for the Blue Ribbon award each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

“We are proud of the outstanding progress of all of the staff and students at Cheesequake School,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Old Bridge Township Public Schools Kathleen Hoeker. “They set the bar high, and with drive and determination, they have achieved this most distinguished honor. They possess the expertise, skills, and knowledge to serve as role models for others and will serve as such, as the very first Blue Ribbon School in Old Bridge.”

READ: St. Francis in Metuchen designated Blue Ribbon School

READ: The good things students are doing in Central Jersey and beyond

READ: Education news from around the region

Berkeley College

In honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, Berkeley College, 430 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, is hosting a free event on Thursday, Oct. 19, featuring panel discussions with prominent women leaders.

"Women in Media: The Courage to Own Your Story," will discuss how women are shaping the news landscape, how small businesses can stand out by sharing their stories, and how entrepreneurs can develop and protect their digital presence. The event will be run from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The panelists include: Alka Agrawal, COO/general manager, EBC Radio;  Meg Fry, business reporter, NJBIZ; Joanna Gagis, host, “Life & Living,” FiOS1 and NJTV;  Angela Harrington, vice president, Communications and External Relations, Berkeley College;  Alexandra Hill, reporter/afternoon news anchor, WBGO 88.3 FM;  Anjalee Khemlani, managing editor, ROI-NJ;  Elayne McClaine, regional director, New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Rutgers University - New Brunswick;  Nancy Meyer, president and publisher, North Jersey Media Group;  Kate Tomlinson, publisher and editor-in-chief, New Jersey Monthly; Mary Wagner, associate dean, Berkeley College School of Graduate Studies. 

Registration is required. Visit  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-media-the-courage-to-own-your-story-registration-37488034721?ref, or email Kelly Depsee at kme@berkeleycollege.edu.

In addition, Berkeley College's Woodbrdige will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. The event is for high school seniors, adult students and members of the military.  Guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet staff and faculty, and learn about degree programs, as well as financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Transfer students will learn about transfer opportunities. Call 800-446-5400, ext. CAL, or visit www.berkeleycollege.edu. 

Bishop George Ahr High School

Bishop George Ahr High School  in Edison will host an open house on Sunday, Oct. 15, to introduce prospective students and their parents to the school’s numerous educational, extracurricular, athletic and spiritual offerings.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school,  1 Tingley Lane. The agenda will include interactive classroom demonstrations infused with technology, drama and music workshops and a chance to explore the world of robotics and engineering.

“Our open house gives prospective students a complete sense of the Bishop Ahr experience, ”said Sr. Donna Marie Trukowski, principal. “We welcome families to visit our campus and learn more about our challenging college preparatory curriculum and welcoming, faith-filled environment.”

One of the school’s current initiatives is the introduction of a robust STEM curriculum, with course additions that include engineering and computer programming. A  “Makerspace” community room , which will provide students with high-tech resources to collaborate in areas such as robotics and engineering, is scheduled to open next month.

The open house is for students of all ages, including those who are considering a change from their current high school. For more information, call 732-549-1108, ext. 620, or visit the school’s web site at www.bgahs.org.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

The following Cenral Jersey residents received their degrees in May from Fairleight Dickinson University:

Avenel: Sarah Mullen, bachelor's degree in nursing; Kathleen Cole, master's degree in business administration

Carteret: Sarah Murolot, master's degree in business administration

Clark: Paulina Jamroz, bachelor's degree in business administration;Nichole Stevanovic, bachelor's degree in marketing; Karen Blacklock, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Marie Francois, master's degree public administration; Beatriz Pereira , master's degree in supply chain management;Mary Borja, master's degree in nursing

Colonia: Christiana Thompson, pharm. degree in pharmacy; Michael Swiderski, master's degree in business administration;Alyssa Pagano, bachelor's degree in marketing; Joseph Swiderski, master's degree in teaching; Brandon Edzek, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies; Samantha Chesney, bachelor's degree in accounting

Cranford: Kendl Muckenthaler, master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology; John Armstrong, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies;Matthew Mustillo, bachelor's degree in accounting; Devon Cacchione, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Joseph Barlik, bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship

Dayton: Jennifer Yacovelli, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Parsad Gandhi, master's degree in school psychology.

Dunellen: Melissa Rofrano, bachelor’s degree in psychology; Katharine Lester, bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management

East Brunswick: Xiao Yu, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Sandra Diaz, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Rohana Senguptak, master's degree in business administration

Edison: Chloe Tormey, master's degree in business administration; Jo Ann Ashby, master's degree in teaching; David Eisner, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Danielle Drabnis, bachelor's degree in communication studies; Hyejin Choin, bachelor's degree in nursing; Leopoldo Pena, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Danielle Helberg, bachelor's degree in allied health technologies; Erica Wheatley, master's degree in forensic psychology; Dionne Edwards, master's degree in administrative science; Ahmad Habibi, master's degree in supply chain management;Penina Benjamin, master's degree in accounting; Bhavik Shah, master's degree in accounting

Fords: Michelle Quijano, bachelor's degree in biochemistry; Edward Ladym, bachelor's degree in computer science

Franklin Park: Salma Hbaich, bachelor’s degree in film and animation; Sweta Patel, pharm. degree in pharmacy

Garwood: Louis Christiani, bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology;Stephen Margolin, master’s degree in teaching

Highland Park: Emerson Gheek, master's degree in homeland security

Iselin: Parth Patel, master's degree in business administration; Nidhika Kalsi, master's degree in corporate and organizational communication; Sara Blumberg, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies; Anthony Pichalski, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies; Chelsea Batista, master's degree in clinical mental health counseling

Kendall Park: Brady Shelcusky, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Jessica Molnar,master's degree in clinical mental health counseling

Kenilworth: David Barbone, master’s degree in business administration; Jessica Oliveira, bachelor’s degree in biology; Michelle Lanzafama, bachelor’s degree in psychology; John Zimmerman, bachelor’s degree in individualized studies; Brian Deahl, bachelor’s degree in business management

Laurence Harbor: Marileny Lin, master's degree in public administration

Linden: Matthew Orcutt, master's degree in corporate and organizational communication; Joseph Leblanc, bachelor's degree in finance; Fabio Costa, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies; Andrea Flores, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Katherine Dooley, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Marcel Melendez, master's degree in teaching.

Metuchen: Sarah Chandlall, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jason Bellows, master's degree in taxation.

Middlesex: Ashley Epps, master’s degree in teaching; Jenaro Ortiz, master’s degree in administrative science; Marcus Hill, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; Ariana Silva, bachelor’s degree in communication studies; Kimberly McGinness, master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling

Milltown: Rebecca Takacs, master’s degree in teaching; Jeanette Castiglione, master’s degree in teaching

Monmouth Junction: Joseph Jankowski, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Alyssa McDonough, bachelor's degree in ausiness administration

Monroe: Kaveena Bullock, bachelor's degree in creative writing

North Brunswick: Angela Peletier, bachelor's degree in communication studies and theater arts; Samah Juana, master's degree in business administration;Steven Krier, bachelor's degree in marketing; Dallan Japay, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Christopher Schultz, bachelor's degree in history;Adam Workman, master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology; Melissa Jimenez, master's degree in public administration

Old Bridge: Samantha Gago, master's degree in teaching; Tatyana Ornstein, bachelor's degree in psychology; Lauren Durgin, master's degree in public administration; Marilyn McHugh, master's degree in hospitality management

Parlin: Maria Rojas, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Matthew Botts, bachelor's degree in computer science; Pratik Patel, master's degree in business administration

Perth Amboy: Janil Caba, bachelor's degree in criminal justice; Carlos Lora Abreuy, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Angely Caba, bachelor's in psychology; Francisco Lachira, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Rafaela Andujar, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Denis Almanzar, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Jacqueline Veloz, bachelor's in individualized studies; Milanna Espinal, associate 's degree in liberal arts; Thalia Rosario, bachelor's degree in communication studies

Piscataway: Gurdip Singh, master’s degree business administration; Evan Rosenberg, bachelor’s degree in history; Melissa Adeva, bachelor’s degree in business administration; Audra Pitter, bachelor’s degree in nursing; Kaiwan Perez, associate’s degree in liberal arts; Mozart Charles, bachelor’s degree in individualized studies; Kaitlin Liszewski, master’s degree in education for certified teachers; Amar Patel, master’s degree in business administration; Jason Hernould, master’s degree in creative writing; Virag Patel, pharm. degree in pharmacy

Plainsboro: Claire Matula, bachelor's in Individualized Studies.

Princeton: Lanika Edwards, master's degree in administrative science; Junzhe Li, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Vanessa Guzmann, bachelor's degree in finance

Rahway: Brianne Dance, bachelor's degree in psychology; Lakwan Anderson, bachelor's degree in film and animation; Samantha Brenner , bachelor's degree in theater arts; Emmanuel Atilolay, bachelor's degree in accounting; Brandon Gamboa-Rivas, bachelor's degree in accounting; Jessie Abreu, bachelor's degree in psychology; Dexter Williams, master's degree in business administration

Roselle: Marjorie Crump, master's degree in public administration; Subhojit Paul, master's degree in administrative science

Roselle Park: Matthew Talbot, master's degree in sports administration; Bridgette Maiorelli, bachelor's degree in literature; Scott Giameo, bachelor's degree in film and animation; Claudia Fuentesk, bachelor's degree in individualized studies; Obinna Ezealor, master's degree in nursing

Sayreville: Leighann Eck, bachelor's degree in communication studies;Nicole Bubb, bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship

Sewaren: Mariah Cunha, bachelor's degree in mathematics; Wilson Santiago, master's degree in business administration.

Somerset: Colin Sayre, master’s degree in sports administration; Danah Lassiter, bachelor’s degree in film and animation; Oran Johnson, bachelor’s degree in finance; Ashley Appleton, master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling; Fatmata Rogers, master’s degree in public administration

South Amboy: Nicholas Bellanich, master's degree in teaching; Klaudia Maslowska , bachelor's degree in psychology; Darryl Campbell, bachelor's degree in mathematics;Carlos Fernandez, bachelor's degree in individualized studies;Julian Henao, master's degree in public administration

South Plainfield: Vera Viran, bachelor’s degree in  psychology; Alexander Rosario, master’s degree in applied social psychology; Daria Approvato, bachelor’s degree in fine arts; Ashley Caldora, master’s degree in business administration

South River: James Vacchio, bachelor's degree in marine biology; Dorota Pawlowska, pharm. degree in pharmacy

Spotswood: Brianne Downey, bachelor's degree in psychology; Kimberly Siggins,  bachelor's degree in theater arts

Woodbridge: Michael Tadros, master's degree in public administration.

Georgian Court University, Immaculata High School

Officials from Georgian Court University in Lakewood and Immaculata High School are partners in a new guaranteed admissions agreement that gives students at the Somerville-based school a range of advantages as they prepare for college.

The agreement, signed Sept. 26 by Immaculata Principal Jean G. Kline and GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, is effective as of the signing.

Under the agreement, qualified Immaculata High School students will: have their undergraduate admission application fee waived; be eligible for academic and partnership scholarships, worth up to $19,000 annually; be eligible for guaranteed admissions to Course Ahead, the GCU five-course college credit program offered to high school students; get personalized admissions advising from GCU on site at Immaculata; and attend GCU college search and financial aid workshops on site at Immaculata.

“Guaranteed admissions represents is an exciting opportunity for GCU and for Immaculata’s students,” GCU Dean of Admissions Justin G. Roy said. “We believe strongly in the power of Catholic higher education and the many ways Georgian Court can provide an experience that mirrors Immaculata’s emphasis on challenging academics and improving the lives of others.”

“Georgian Court has been recognized by these organizations for doing what we do best—expanding possibility in the lives of the students entrusted to us,” said Dr. Marbach. “Indeed, it is faith-based institutions like Georgian Court where students are afforded the luxury of discerning their vocation, the ability to answer their calling, and the opportunity to realize their full potential.”

The GCU–Immaculata guaranteed admissions agreement reflects Georgian Court’s commitment to collaborating with area high schools and is an extension of GCU’s Catholic Schools Initiative, which launched in 2015.

As part of the effort, GCU established specific scholarships for Catholic high school students and dedicated two GCU admissions contacts to every Catholic high school in the Trenton, Metuchen, and Camden dioceses. GCU is also offering college-level classes to juniors and seniors at select Catholic high schools. Currently, the university has partnerships with Donovan Catholic; Holy Cross Academy; Holy Spirit High School; Immaculate Conception High School; Notre Dame High School; Trenton Catholic; Saint John Vianney High School; St. Joseph High School; and Union Catholic High School.

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. Visit georgian.edu.

For more information on Immaculata, visit www.immaculatahighschool.org.

Georgia State University

Caroline DiSimoni of Princeton was named to the summer president's list at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Students must have a grade-point average of 4.0

Linden Public Schools                      

Elementary school students at School Nos. 9 and 10 were treated to grade-appropriate presentations on Wednesday, Sept. 27 that aim to help them navigate a complicated world.

Grades pre-K through 2 saw a presentation called "The Right Choice," which helps students make good decisions. It addresses how the choices they make affect them in both positive and negative ways, helping them make good decisions that lead to positive outcomes. 

Grades 3 through 5 saw "Eye to Eye," which seeks to give students a straightforward look at how we classify, categorize and label each other. It focuses on the attitudes that lead to cliques and bullying, and tries to help the students to see and value one another for who they are.

The presentations included video on three big screens that featured personalities and clips from popular TV shows and movies, such as “American Ninja Warrior” and “Boss Baby.” The video portions were broken up by live segments in which the presenters brought student volunteers up to help make key points.

School 9 social worker Marissa Hudak, who introduced the presenters for both assemblies at her school, said it’s important to emphasize these types of messages to the students, especially leading up next week's national Week of Respect.

The assemblies were led by Camfel Productions of Irwindale, California, which has been making student development and bullying prevention programs for 40 years. They spent the morning at Deerfield Terrace School No. 9 and the afternoon at Highland Avenue School No. 10. Each show ran about 40 minutes.

Saint Helena School, Edison

It began after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. What could the students of St. Helena School do to help children who lost everything? 

“Pray with Us” was the answer.

School staff and students sold T-Shirts with the theme as a way of collecting donations.  Everyone also gathered in prayer in the parish's church. The school community recited the rosary as the students in grades 5 to 8 became the beads holding a white rose. The roses were presented to the statue of the Blessed Mother. 

Students raised almost $1,000 for the victims of hurricanes.

“Pray with Us” will be a monthly event, according to a school news release. On Friday, Oct. 13, participants we will pray for peace in the world in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Fatima. The rosary will be recited at St. Helena Church at 1:45 p.m. Community members are invited to attend.

Saint Peter's Preparatory School

The following Central Jersey residents were awarded honor pins and gold medals at Saint Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City: Kieran Scanlon of Edison and won the gold medal in French 1; Adrian Camano of Linden, gold medal in music; Luke Morrison of Metuchen, honor pin; Ayir Asante of Somerset, honor pin.

The Wardlaw + Hartridge School

Upper School students at The Wardlaw + Hartridge School in Edison selected from 24 extracurricular options at the annual Clubs Fair on Sept. 19 in the AP Room. Students are required to sign up for two clubs, which are scheduled to meet at least once every two weeks.

This year's approved clubs include: Club Interact/Club Awareness, Language Clubs-Spanish, Chinese, Latin (Classics), Model UN, Peer Tutoring, The Beacon, Yearbook, Science Bowl, Physics/Engineering, Investment Club, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA, Empowering Young Minds, GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), One World Club, Debate Club, Spoken Word, Ethics Bowl, Fed Challenge, Garage Band, Piano Club, A Cappella, Dance Club, Art Club, App Design and Tabletop Strategies.

Thomas Edison University

The following Central Jersey residents received their degrees on Sept. 23 from Thomas Edison University in Trenton:

Cheryl Abdur-Rahman of  Elizabeth, master's degree in of public service leadership 

Amelia Blenman of Roselle, bachelor's degree in liberal studies

Jennifer Buscaino of Roselle Park, bachelor's degree in social sciences

Monica Castano of Iselin, master's degree in nursing 

Helen Cintron of Linden, bachelor's degree in nursing

Rhashonna Cosby of Linden, associate's degree in business administration

Venetta Ellerbe of Somerset, master;s degree in public service leadership 

Kara Gaul of Spotswood, bachelor's degree in accounting

Stephen Jones of Colonia, bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Yuki Khona of East Brunswick, bachelor's degree in business administration 

​​​​​​​Dana Littlejohn of Franklin Park, associate's degree in applied science – criminal justice

Amna Malik of Plainsboro, bachelor's degree in liberal studies

Carol Lee Mascola of Edison, bachelor's degree in humanities

Olufemi Osho of Franklin Park, bachelor's degree in nursing

Ronda Rogers-Robinson of Roselle, master's degree in management – organizational leadership

Tameika Samuels of North Brunswick, bachelor's degree in applied science and technology 

Pamela Silvestro of Old Bridge, bachelor's degree in liberal studies

Ashish Vora of Piscataway, bachelor's degree in business administration – finance

Alicia Walker-Carman of Piscataway, bachelor's degree in business administration 

Desiree Gregorio Zucker of Parlin, bachelor's degree in business administration.

Union County College

Union County College students, faculty and staff celebrated the Opening Ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14 at the College’s Cranford campus. Following the presentation of flags of Hispanic countries by Union’s students, Union County College President Margaret M. McMenamin offered a welcome and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados each addressed the attendees with remarks supporting and celebrating Hispanic culture.

The keynote speaker was Theresa Torres who is the president of the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA).

The opening ceremony was also held in celebration of Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. Union County College is one of four community colleges in New Jersey that has been identified as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. For details on upcoming events, go to www.ucc.edu.

Wilkes University

James Cahill of Clark performed in Wilkes University Theatre's production of Theophilus North, Sept.28-30. Cahill played the role of Bill Wentowrth and G. Canberry.

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Faith Nestor of Fords was awarded the Onan Family scholarship at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Shell Lake, Wisconsin.

Student and School news appears on Fridays: Email:hntmetro@mycentraljersey.com