Here - Manville School District

MANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
410 Brooks Boulevard
Manville, New Jersey 08835
Anne R. Facendo
Superintendent of Schools
Phone (908) 231-8500 x8545
Fax (908) 707-3963
Kimberly A. Clelland
Business Administrator /Board Secretary
Phone (908) 231-8500 X 8504
Fax (908) 704-0510
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
Happy New Year to All of Our Families and Friends of the Manville Public School
District!
May each of our families be blessed in 2016 with health, prosperity and peace.
Many exciting initiatives and events have been taking place in our schools during the
autumn and early winter months of the 2015-2016 school year. We are very proud to
share them with you in this Wintertime Update for the Manville Public School District.
Here are some of the highlights:
Literacy and Math Initiatives Continue to Thrive in the Manville Public School
District: In our Summertime Update, we shared that the Manville Public School District
has invested substantially across the district to ensure that all children in Manville emerge
from school as strong readers, writers, mathematicians, thinkers, and problem solvers. We,
as a district, are promoting active, problem-based learning in all classrooms, along with
strong literacy and math supports at all levels to ensure student progress. Here are some
highlights from September to present:

Literacy News – “Parking Lot for Parents” Initiative – Many of our parents
in Manville are working parents. Night-time events are not always easy to
attend as families strive to strike a balance between work, home and school.
We are extremely excited to share with our community some alternatives for
connecting parents to important workshops for the benefit of students: On
Monday, November 16th, our four new Literacy Support Teachers at Weston
School set up a parent workshop, reading games, handouts, balloons, and
refreshments at 2:30 PM at the front entrance to Weston School. At 2:50 PM,
they began to share strategies for improving literacy with parents and gave
away reading games & parent-friendly articles on “How to Help Children with
Reading and Writing at Home”. More than 30 parents signed in, stayed to
listen, and were given “Make and Take” Bagged Reading Games and sight-word
flash-cards for home use. The response from our parents was extremely
positive. Reading Coaches also distributed a brief survey to the parents … ALL
indicated that they would greatly appreciate additional workshops of this type.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016

In addition to daytime literacy initiatives, our Literacy Coaches provided two
evening workshops for families – one at Weston School and one at
Roosevelt School. Our district is in the process of filming some of our parent
workshops to be posted on our new Facebook Page for the district…more on
Facebook later in this update!

Roosevelt and Weston Literacy and Math Showcase: Our Weston and Roosevelt
Academic Showcase took place at our Board of Education Meeting on January 19,
2016! Our elementary students are learning, growing and improving every day at
school. We are so proud of their efforts in reading, writing, math, and digital
presentation. Sincere congratulations to the students and teachers who
participated at this special event!

A.B.I.S. Students Building Bridges: Recent current events’ articles show that
America’s infrastructure – highways, bridges, and the like – are in need of repair. 7th
Graders in Mrs. Phylamina Germano’s Cycle Elective Class have been studying the
science, engineering and technology related to safeguarding this infrastructure,
specifically, bridges. After researching, reading, and reviewing multiple media and
other sources on the engineering, mathematics, and architecture of bridges - along
with historical references on bridges that have collapsed in the US - students
embarked upon building their own “better bridges”. Students showcased their
bridge construction project at the November 17, 2015 Manville Board of Education
Meeting.

Pictured Below: A.B.I.S. 7TH Graders pose with Superintendent Facendo,
Manville Board of Education Members, Principal Magliacano and 7th Grade Cycle
S.T.E.M. Teacher Mrs. Phylamina Germano. Students from left to right: Adam
Berrocal, Justin Chey, Alexa Pineda, Anthony Mathis and Miroslav Majernik.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016

Immaculata Scholastica Tournament: A.B.I.S. Principal, Mr. Mike
Magliacano, organized and entered a team of 7th and 8th Grade students to
participate in the first-ever Immaculata Scholastica Academic Tournament.
The event took place at Immaculata High School on Wednesday, December 2,
2015. Students competed against teams from nine area Middle Schools and
High Schools. Teams were challenged Jeopardy-style to answer multiple,
high-powered rounds of academic questions in the areas of Math, Science,
Literature, and History. We are extremely proud to announce that out of all
the schools represented, Manville’s team finished in 3rd Place! Very special
thanks to Mrs. Maggie Balzano (A.B.I.S Language Arts Teacher) and
Ms. Jennifer Weber (A.B.I.S Mathematics Teacher) for their outstanding
efforts in preparing our students for this contest of the minds!
Pictured below: A.B.I.S. Principal, Mr. Michael Magliacano, supports his students at the first
annual Immaculata Scholastica Academic Tournament held at Immaculata High School on
December 2, 2015. Left to Right: Diego Mendoza, John Sharbaugh, Joel Betancourt, Emily
Tarnovetchi, Melissa Buechert, and Mackenzie Brown…

Coming Soon – Manville High School – Problem Based Learning
Showcase: Over the summer months of 2015, teachers across the district
participated in revising curriculum to better align with State Common Core
Standards and to infuse technology and 21st century skills into our classrooms.
At the High School level, new interdisciplinary units were developed to permit
for problem-based learning in the area of Social Studies and English. Students
and teachers participating in the pilot of the new units will be presenting their
projects at the February 16, 2016 Meeting of the Manville Board of Education.
All are welcome to attend!
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
New Year, New Brand for Manville Public School District: In our summertime
edition of the Parent and Community Update, we shared details on a district-wide
student contest to develop a new slogan and logo for the district. We are pleased
to announce the winners of this special contest:
First Place:

Jason Brennan and Mykola Kunderevych - ABIS

Christian Byra - Weston School

Louis Kotyuk - Roosevelt School
Second Place:
•
Eduardo Morales - Roosevelt School
•
Ryan Pankowski – Roosevelt School
•
Marianna Calderon – ABIS
•
Julie Pankowski – Manville High School
Winning logos are now in the process of being prepared for silk-screening and publication.
Stay tuned to your local PTA’s to hear more about our new brand and some upcoming
fundraisers!
Like Us on Facebook in 2016! : One year ago, in January of 2015, the Manville Board of
Education formed a new Communications and Public Relations Committee of the Board.
The new committee, along with administrators and teaching staff, worked diligently in
2015 to survey the parent community regarding key issues; to develop a “brand” for the
district and to reframe the district’s mission and vision. An important result of the work
done by the committee also includes developing new pathways to communicate to the
Community of Manville. To this end, we are pleased to announce that our district launch
onto Facebook is now underway. The construction of the site for our district is near
completion and is threefold:
o
Inspirational: We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students
and staff. Manville Public School District has an inspiring and exciting
chronicle to share with our community and will do so proudly in the “Small
Town, Big Dreams, High Standards” section of our page.
o
Educational –We have begun the process of filming many of our key
presentations (PARCC for Parents; College and Career Readiness for Middle
and High School Students; Improving Reading, Writing, and Math at Home
for Elementary Students; and more). The “Manville Parent’s Corner”
Feature on our Facebook Page will contain key links to provide parents with
workshops, timely articles and other help features.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
o
Informational: The Parent and Community Update, special events, school
calendars, athletic calendars, fundraisers and community events will be
posted in our “Manville News” section, making access and reminders easy
and user friendly.
The official launch of the Manville District Facebook Page will take place live at our
January 12, 2016 Work Session Meeting of the Manville Board of Education!
Manville Board of Education Election and Reorganization Update: Congratulations to
Mr. Ned Panfile, Mrs. Sharon Liszczak, and Mrs. Cathy Wiedwald who were re-elected to
their positions on the Manville Board of Education on November 3, 2015. Special Thanks
to all of our Board Members who dedicate countless hours of personal time to volunteer
on behalf of the children of Manville!
Manville Board of Education Goals Update: The Manville Board of Education,
Superintendent, and School Business Administrator met on December 9, 2015 to finalize a
series of short-and-long-term goals that will inform initiatives within the Manville School
District over the next several years. Proposed Goals were officially adopted by the Board of
Education at their Regular Meeting on December 15, 2015, as follows:

Members of the Manville Board of Education will conclude the process of reframing
the Mission Statement and will officially adopt a new Brand and Mission Statement
by March 2016. The new Brand and Mission Statement will be prepared for Media
Purposes by September 2016.

The Manville Public School District will implement a Three-Year Plan of Action to
alleviate overcrowding in the Manville Public School District.

NJDOE / District Data at Manville High School reveals that indicators for College and
Career Readiness are in need of improvement. The Superintendent, with input from
all stakeholders, will develop a Plan of Action to be implemented with
Administration and Guidance Staff in order to address these concerns.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
Manville Students in the News:
Homecoming and PTA Blue & Gold Night: Manville School District enjoyed a
successful Homecoming ceremony, along with PTA Blue and Gold Night on Friday,
October 23, 2015. Pop Warner Cheerleaders and future football stars greeted the
Manville Mustangs as they took on South Hunterdon Regional High School. Students
of all age groups enjoyed face painting, games, and a variety of tempting treats
courtesy of all four PTAs in the district. The Manville High School Marching Band and
Homecoming King and Queen would later come out to meet and greet the Manville
Board of Education at our November 17th Board Meeting.
Pictured Below: Sarah Hujber of the Manville High School Marching Band under their
new Director, Mr. Joseph Espineira, plays in honor of newly elected Board Members and
Homecoming King and Queen on November 17th
Fall Sports Banquet: The autumn sports banquet was held on Wednesday evening,
December 2, 2015 at Manville High School. The event was very well-attended as we
honored our high-school student athletes for the fall season. Special thanks to Board
Members Mr. Panfile, Mrs. Lukac, and Mrs. Lombardino for their attendance at this event.
NJSIAA Sportsmanship Banner: We are extremely proud to acknowledge MHS Vice
Principal and Athletic Director for the Manville Public School District, Mr. Stephen Venuto,
along with all of our student athletes competing in fall sports. Mr. Venuto and our student
athletes were awarded the NJSIAA Sportsmanship Banner on Monday, December 7, 2015 at
the Pines Manor in Edison. Manville students were selected out of ALL students in the
Skyland Conference for demonstrating a consistent level of courtesy, good sportsmanship,
and camaraderie. We are so proud of the high standards set by Mr. Venuto and the Manville
Coaching Staff for student athletes and are even prouder of the way that our student
athletes represent the community of Manville.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
Pictured below: MHS autumn athletes celebrate receiving the NJSIAA
Sportsmanship Banner:
Winter Concerts: Students from all four of our district schools held their annual Winter
Concerts at Manville High School during the month of December, 2015. Music Teachers
Mr. Robert Longstreet, Mr. Brian Gornick, and Mr. Joseph Espineira did a wonderful job
of preparing our student choruses and bands for this time-honored holiday tradition.
Special thanks to Board Members Mr. Panfile, Mrs. Wiedwald, Mrs. Lukac, and
Mrs. Lombardino, who were in attendance at each of our concert events.
PARCC for Parents: PARCC scores were mailed home to all families on December 18,
2015. A PARCC Overview Presentation was held for the Manville Parent Community at
6PM on December 15th in the A.B.I.S. Media Center. The presentation was filmed and will
be made available on our new District Facebook Page for any parent who wasn’t able to
make the meeting on December 15th.
S.O.L.E. - County Visit to Manville High School: Cutting Edge learning opportunities are
occurring daily at Manville High School. Our work with students is gaining recognition
throughout Somerset County and beyond. On January 11, 2016, Ms. Melissa Stager – newly
appointed Educational Specialist for the NJ Department of Education – Somerset County
Office – visited the Manville High School History Class of Mr. Travis Zimmerman.
Mr. Zimmerman has been piloting a research-based method of teaching students
entitled SOLE.
Developed by Sugata Mitra through his efforts to improve education in India and Cambodia,
the SOLE model of instruction relies on “learning at the edge of chaos.” In a true model of
SOLE, students are thirsty for knowledge and curious enough to develop their own essential
questions and research their own answers to those questions. If you have ever lost an hour
of time surfing from article to article on Wikipedia, you have probably taken part in your
own SOLE research. But researching is not the culmination of the model. The intended aim
of the SOLE method is to present what you have learned to others- participating in
peer to peer education. This is critical, because when a student is able to teach a topic, the
student becomes a master of that topic and a master of the learning and skill acquisition
related to that topic.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
At the heart of the SOLE instructional model in Mr. Zimmerman’s classroom are the
Essential Question and the SOLE Project Rubric. The Essential Question (EQ) focuses the
attention of the student on a core concept to be explored. Students are encouraged to find
and share valid sources of information with each other to help in understanding and
exploring this question. After research, the rubrics are used to create a tangible expression
– a project – to demonstrate their understanding.
Students in Mr. Zimmerman’s class can choose from the following:
 SOLE Essay
 SOLE Art Project
 SOLE Slides Presentation
 SOLE Children’s Book
 SOLE Digital Game
 SOLE Podcast
Throughout the SOLE project, students self assess as they go and keep track of pacing using
options provided by Google Classroom. Students use a digital “Check-in” with their teacher
so that the teacher can ensure that students are proceeding according to a time-line,
formatively assessing the progress of each student in the class, ever-ensuring that all
students reach required milestones within each project.
Pictured below: County Specialist Melissa Stager visits with MHS Teacher Travis
Zimmerman to see the S.O.L.E. Project in action on January 11, 2016.
Please see next page…
www.manvilleschools.org
Family and Community Update –WINTER, 2016
A Final Note: Just before the holidays, Manville High School hosted the Manville
Mustangs Classic Forensics Tournament under the direction of MHS Teacher,
Mr. Michael Forte. Students from multiple area high schools participated in the
event working throughout the tournament to win high achievement in the art of
intellectual argument. At one point during the event, I overheard a student exhort
his team-mates – “Team…we have got to commit to continual and never-ending
improvement if we are going to win this event!”
I kept thinking about how true this was for all of us as the Manville Public School
Community embarks upon New Year 2016. Small improvements made every
day…one step at a time…can result in measurable differences over the course of
time for the children of the Manville Public Schools.
Wishing all of our Manville families and friends Happy and Healthy New Year.
With Sincere Best Wishes,
Anne Facendo
Anne R. Facendo, Superintendent
Manville Public Schools
www.manvilleschools.org