Superintendent Sentinel
Parent Newsletter / March 2026
As I write this message, the forecast is showing temperatures climbing into the 70s, with 80-degree weather expected just in time for Spring Break next week. It serves as a beautiful reminder that time is ever-moving, and that growth and change are among life's most wonderful constants. Entering the final quarter of the school year, I encourage all parents to pause and reflect on the remarkable growth you have witnessed in your children. Whether they are tackling exciting new books, finally mastering their multiplication tables, or perfecting their swing on the baseball field, there is so much to celebrate.
Being a father myself, each spring brings a gentle reminder that my own boys have grown and changed in ways I never could have imagined. It also reminds me that, as much as I might wish otherwise, time moves only forward. Since we cannot stop it, let us embrace it! I look forward to celebrating all that this spring season has in store for our students, our families, and our community.
Dr. Jonathan Hart
Follow me on X @hartjonathanr
In Photo: Dr. Hart reading during Read Across America
On March 25 the district proudly hosted a Virtual Parent Academy, providing families with an opportunity to engage in meaningful learning and connection from the comfort of their homes. The event was designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical strategies, helpful resources, and a deeper understanding of how to support their children’s academic and social-emotional growth.
The evening featured a series of breakout sessions focused on topics relevant to today’s families. Each session offered valuable insights and actionable takeaways, allowing parents to explore areas of interest and engage in thoughtful discussion. The format encouraged collaboration and reflection, creating a supportive environment where families felt comfortable asking questions and sharing perspectives.
Participants demonstrated a high level of engagement throughout the event. Their kindness, gratitude, and openness helped foster a welcoming and productive atmosphere, highlighting the strong partnership between our schools and the families we serve. Opportunities like the Parent Academy continue to reinforce the importance of working together to support student success.
To ensure continued access to these valuable resources, all breakout sessions were recorded and are available on the Parent Academy webpage, located under the Community/Parents tab on the district website. The website can be accessed by clicking HERE. Families are encouraged to revisit the sessions or explore topics they may have missed.
We are grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to the evening’s success. The district looks forward to offering additional parent workshop opportunities in the future as we continue to strengthen connections with our community and support our students’ growth and achievement.
Jason M.Bohm, Business Administrator
The Board of Education is in the process of finalizing its 2026-2027 budget, with final adoption planned for April 28, 2026, focusing on high-quality student programming and the following goals:
- Present a fiscally responsible budget inclusive of a 2% state-imposed cap on the tax levy with allowable adjustments aligned to the district mission and vision;
- Prepare for enrollment increases from new housing developments;
- Balance class size guidelines with scheduling efficiencies;
- Enrich students’ academic experiences;
- Prepare to develop and implement a new district Strategic Plan.
Staff and program highlights currently planned for in the 2026-2027 budget include:
- All educational programs and class sizes are maintained in accordance with district policies;
- A continuation of 1:1 chromebook/tablet initiative for students in K through 8th grade;
- Savings through shared services and cooperative agreements with Tewksbury, Flemington, Branchburg, Hunterdon County E.S.C., and the Township of Readington;
- Free preschool programming for 3- and 4-year old children with 17 certificated teachers and 17 paraprofessionals along with 3 support positions in partnership with Berry Patch Learning Center, Global Pioneer / REN, Stanton Learning Center, and Whitehouse Preparatory School;
- Bus tier for preschoolers at no cost to parents with bus aides on each preschool route;
- Collaboration with the Township of Readington Police Department to allow for raises for 4 police officers, 1 police officer present in each of the 4 school buildings.
- Additional IEP-based and preschool bus aides;
- Increased wages for staff to better align with market conditions, as well as stipends and stronger extra-pay rates;
- Continued implementation of revised schedule at the middle school and elementary schools to provide more direct instruction time for students, in addition to revised English language arts and math curricula and resources;
- Low-income supports for half day breakfast and lunch district-wide through federal funding;
- Universal Design for Learning for enhanced academics through state grant;
- ABLLS-R and CentralReach to strengthen the district’s autism programming;
- English language learners supports via Structured English Immersion and federal funding;
- Revised curricula in various content, purchase of new textbooks and materials for coding/robotics, ELA, SS, French, health & handwriting; and
- Implementation of a new district Strategic Plan.
Further, the district plans for the following capital projects funded through district reserves and a referendum passed in November 2025 lowering taxes:
- Safety updates district-wide (fire alarms, locksets, parking lot lights, roofs, doors and windows);
- SMARTBoards at all elementary schools for student learning
- New playgrounds at Whitehouse and Three Bridges Schools
- New track at Holland Brook and Readington Middle School
- Life Skills suite at Holland Brook School
- Toilet renovations at Three Bridges School
- District-wide solar expansion to meet 85% or more of all electric needs at a flat 15-year rate;
For more information on the Readington Township School District’s 2026-2027 budget or to view the full budget presentation, please visit our district website or by clicking here.
Dr. Stacey Brown/Supervisor of Humanities & Ms. Sarah Pauch/Supervisor of Math, Science & Technology
All of New Jersey’s statewide assessments are based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), which outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Although the state test may look a little different this year, it still measures whether students are acquiring the skills and knowledge expected for their grade.
Throughout the school year, students take various types of tests, each serving a specific purpose. New Jersey’s statewide assessments are a crucial way to inform families and communities about how well students, schools, and districts are meeting the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. These standards define the knowledge and skills that students should attain at each grade level.
This spring, for the first time, statewide tests in English and math will be computer‑adaptive. As your child answers questions, the test adjusts in real time. If a question is answered correctly, the next one may be slightly more challenging. If your child struggles, the test may provide a less difficult question. This helps the assessment “zero in” on your child’s understanding more precisely.
Every student receives a different mix of questions, but all questions are reviewed together to measure the same grade-level standards and skills. Adaptive tests do not change what students are expected to know; they simply help measure those skills more accurately.
In fall 2025, to ensure a smooth transition to this new type of test, students in grades 4–12 participated in a field test of the adaptive ELA and math assessments. A field test is a way for the New Jersey Department of Education to try out new test questions before they officially count toward student scores. The test designers, including educator committees, review these results to ensure the test questions are clear, fair, and appropriate for students, and that the results produce helpful data for families, schools, and the public. This process helps keep statewide assessments accurate and aligned with what students are expected to learn.
For additional information about these assessments, please visit the NJDOE Assessments webpage at nj.gov/education/assessment/adaptive for a series of pamphlets focused on providing a quick overview of the new assessments. You may also wish to visit the Students & Families page on New Jersey Assessments Portal at nj.portal.cambiumast.com and the Parent and Student Resources page on the New Jersey Science Assessments Resource Center at nj.mymisupport.com.
Dr. Anthony Tumolo, Supervisor
On March 13, 2026, Readington Township Public Schools Pre-K-8 staff engaged in a full-day professional development experience designed to be both purposeful and responsive to individual roles. The day’s schedule was thoughtfully organized by school, grade level, content area, and professional responsibility to ensure relevant and meaningful learning for all participants.
Professional learning opportunities included multi-grade-level articulation, exploring the distinction between accommodations and modifications, strategies for igniting student motivation, and collaborative data analysis and review. Staff also participated in mandated state literacy training, curriculum development sessions, and dedicated time to prepare for upcoming school-wide events. In addition, educators had the opportunity to explore and become familiar with new science instructional materials.
Specialized staff, including members of the Child Study Team, School Counselors, School Nurses, BCBA’s, and ESL departments, also followed customized schedules aligned to their unique responsibilities. Their work included time for compliance-related tasks, development of projected student rosters for the upcoming school year, and training in a new Tier 3 mental health support service funded by the New Jersey Division of Child and Family Services.
Throughout the day, two district committees convened to advance important initiatives related to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools and the continued development of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
To complement the day’s rigorous learning, the schedule concluded with a dedicated “Relax and Unwind” hour, reinforcing the district’s commitment to staff wellness. Participants selected from a range of activities, including yoga, walking or running, puzzles and artwork, games such as basketball and cornhole, and consultations with a nutritionist.
Four food trucks were available on-site, providing staff with opportunities to enjoy a shared meal and connect with colleagues. Food trucks were stationed in the BOE parking lot, featuring Il Forno’s Pizza, Marley’s, Memo’s Place, and Dagostino’s Dippers, with Cookie Maven also on site throughout the day. In partnership with the RTEA, district administration, and the H.S.A., a series of raffle prizes were awarded throughout the day, with winners announced hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The March Inservice day reflected the district’s ongoing commitment to meaningful professional growth, collaboration, and the well-being of its staff, ultimately strengthening our shared work in support of students.
This year, our district proudly participated in National Read Across America Week, celebrated March 2-6, 2026 in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday. This annual event was created to promote a lifelong love of reading! Thanks to our teachers, principals, students, parents, and Superintendent of Schools, this week-long event was a huge success.
Readington Middle School kicked off Read Across America week early when the RMS Drama Cast and Crew performed Seussical Jr. on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27 to packed houses. On Monday, March 3, RMS celebrated Read Across America Week by wearing red and inviting our other favorite Dr., Dr. Hart, into read to middle school students in classes!
In celebration of Read Across America, Holland Brook School brought our community together through the joy of reading. On Monday evening, we hosted a virtual “Good Night Reading,” where Dr. Moss, our principal, and Mrs. Berkin, our Library Media Specialist, read aloud to students and families. On Wednesday, our commitment to literacy continued as every class connected virtually with preschool classes across the district, as well as our private providers, to share the story A Wish in a Tree. It was a meaningful opportunity for our students to model strong reading skills, build connections, and celebrate the power of books throughout our greater school community.
Whitehouse School celebrated Read Across America Week with activities highlighting the joy of reading. It began with a DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) session in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, giving everyone a quiet moment to enjoy a good book while sitting together in the hallways. The children enjoyed Dr. Hart’s visit because he shared some of his favorite picture books. Then, students and staff embraced Storybook Character Day by dressing as beloved literary characters. The HSA funded an amazing laser light show celebrating the power of reading. Finally, Dr. DeRosa concluded the festivities by bringing her Reading Wagon to each classroom so teachers could roll the dice to win books for their libraries!
Three Bridges School kicked off Read Across America by wearing our red, white and blue. TBS planned a week full of spirit days, guest readers, and drop everything and read to a stuffed animal in Library class. Classroom teachers shared many great read alouds and continued to instill the joy of reading for all of our learners.
Featured in photos below is Readington Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jonathan Hart, reading to Whitehouse School Preschool students; Three Bridges School guest reader and parent, Mrs. Foster, reading to students, and Whitehouse School first grader, Mira Soman, with her book, Frozen II, while dressed as Elsa.
Dr. Ann DeRosa, Prinicipal
Annual Thematic Unit
If you have visited Whitehouse School lately, you will notice that all types of artistic penguin creations adorn the hallways. Each year, we embark on a school-wide interdisciplinary study by reading the same book and then connecting concepts in multiple subject areas. This year's annual thematic unit was based on Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater. As each classroom teacher read the book to students, we explored the storyline by integrating aspects of it into our current curricula. In countless ways, teachers linked learning for our students. A special thank you goes out to the HSA for also using our theme during the annual Spare Change Challenge, which coincided with the Book Fair. Ms. Bernecker’s second-grade class raised the most money, so she won the Principal/Teacher Swap. All proceeds go back into classroom libraries. We are now in the process of concluding this school-wide interdisciplinary study with culminating events. First, students are looking forward to the WHS rendition of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, performed by the Grade 3 Drama & Storytelling Clubs under the direction of Dr. Emily Bengels and Mr. Chad Schubert. Also, with much appreciation to the HSA for funding multiple small-group assemblies so the children can learn about and see live penguins visiting from Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
Enjoy the video link below:
Mr. James Belske, Technology Coordinator
It's hard to believe we're already entering the final two marking periods of the school year. I'm sure many of our students are looking forward to spring and summer! Spring, of course, is also the time for state testing, and this year, students will be taking the NJSLA assessments on a new adaptive testing technology platform. The Department of Education has changed the vendor to Cambium. Our district has been preparing for this change by practicing with the new NJSLA/Cambium platform since the beginning of the school year.
In addition to the new testing platform, the state has also transitioned to a new data warehousing and student data assessment platform called NJSLEDS, which supports the NJSLA assessment process. The future integration of these two platforms will offer significant benefits, including improved longitudinal student data assessment and enhanced reporting. This improved data will help our district better evaluate student achievements and identify areas for potential growth. Our students will be taking the assessments on their individual Chromebooks, which are fully compatible with and will be automatically configured to support the new testing platform.
We wish all of our students success during testing and look forward to completing our first school year with this new platform.
We cordially invite all staff, students, and parents to join us at our Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the HBS Cafeteria as we honor our retirees and teacher of the year recipients. Please join us for a reception before the meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the Holland Brook School Cafeteria to enjoy appetizers, cake, beverages, and entertainment.
Please see our list of honorees below:
Readington Middle School
Marybeth Schwarz, Special Education Teacher – GEOY
Robert Pycior, CST/Social Worker – GEOY
Jack Hasselbring, Music Teacher - RETIREE
Holland Brook School
Meryl Vance, Grade 5 Teacher – GEOY
Sheri Simonetti, CST/LDTC – GEOY
Theresa Amster, Principal Secretary – RETIREE
Nancy Kelly, School Nurse – RETIREE
Michele Krayem, Grade 5 Teacher – RETIREE
Kelly Parks, Spanish Teacher – RETIREE
Three Bridges School
Leslie Weintraub, Grade 3 Teacher – GEOY
Nicole Smith, Paraprofessional – GEOY
Patty Lamberta, Paraprofessional– RETIREE
Whitehouse School
Kristen Frohn, Grade 2 Teacher – GEOY
Karen Janisch, Paraprofessional – GEOY
Sara Grzenda, Psychologist – RETIREE
Sharon Wilk, Grade 2 Teacher – RETIREE
District
Diane Frasco, Accounts Payable Specialist – RETIREE
Doreen Harris, Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent – RETIREE
