news from sbhs

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

I am writing to address an important safety concern regarding our morning drop-off procedures.

We have observed an increase in instances where students are being dropped off from vehicles in the outer lane rather than at the curb. This has happened more often with traffic entering from Stout’s Lane toward the main entrance. This practice is unsafe, as it requires students to walk between moving vehicles to reach the sidewalk. This creates a significant risk for both students and drivers and increases the likelihood of a serious accident.

As a reminder, all student drop-offs must occur at the curbside lane only. The second (outer) lane is intended for continuous traffic flow (Thru Traffic) and should never be used for student drop-off.

Earlier this week, we had two police officers on site to help monitor and reinforce these expectations. In addition, a police vehicle was positioned in the outer lane as a visual guide to direct traffic and emphasize that drop-offs must occur at the curb. We appreciate the cooperation of those who followed the procedures, but we must ensure that all families adhere to these expectations moving forward. Just this morning, I was out addressing parents who were not dropping off curbside.

We ask for your partnership in reinforcing the following:

• Students should only exit vehicles at the curb.

• Drivers should remain in the curb lane when dropping off and filter into the Thru Lane when safe.

• Students should not walk between or around moving vehicles.

Student safety is our top priority, and these procedures are in place to protect everyone in our school community. Your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe and orderly arrival each day.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Peter Varela
Principal

The guidance department will be hosting a Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 6:30-7:30pm. Some of the topics that will be presented include navigating the college planning process, current admission trends as well as alternative post-secondary options.

Please join us for an informative evening. We look forward to having you with us.

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/wzo-xnrr-aks

Join by phone

‪(US) +1 505-445-7551‬ PIN: ‪838 261 098‬#

Dear students of the class of 2028,

We will offer the seal of biliteracy test on June 2nd or 3rd for current juniors (class of 2028). You can find out more about the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy on the State website. Please complete this survey Seal of Biliteracy test-Jun. 2026 to notify me of your interest in taking the assessment.

In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students have to demonstrate proficiency at the Intermediate Mid-level on the AAPPL (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) by demonstrating proficiency in four language components: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Latin students will take the ALIRA (ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment) while some languages require the STAMP assessment. Students who qualify will receive a certificate at the end of their senior year and it will be noted on the high school transcript.

To find out more about this assessments, please access the links below:

Latin ALIRA

STAMP Test demo

After you complete the survey, I will share with you all the relevant information. Please speak with your WL teacher or contact Mr. Decker with questions.

South Brunswick School District's Music Education

Program Receives National Recognition!

South Brunswick School District has been honored with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

Our Music Education Program in South Brunswick is defined by the extraordinary work of our district music staff, whose talent, dedication, and care for students drive its continued excellence. That work is sustained by the strong and consistent support of our school community, colleagues, administration, and Board of Education, ensuring that music education remains a valued and essential part of every student’s experience.

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

Please join me in congratulating our district music staff and the SBSD on this National Designation!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SRUHASI MUTHYALA, MALAK OWEIDA, NATASHA KENNY AND OVI TELAVANE ON SHATTERING THE COUNTY/MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE RECORD IN THE GIRLS' 4X1600 METERS WITH AN EPIC TIME OF 21.11.98 ON OPENING DAY OF GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE RELAYS!

THE VIKINGS BROKE A RECORD OF 21.30.60 SET BY AN EARLIER VIKINGS' TEAM IN 2009. THAT TEAM COMPRISED LYNDSEY SAMPLE AND JENNIFER SMILGIS AS WELL AS SBHS SPORTS HALL OF FAMERS SOPHIA GINEZ AND CAYLA DEL PIANO.

CONGRATULATIONS SRUHASI, MALAK, NATASHA AND OVI! GO VIKINGS!