Students & Staff of the Month

Each month, the Manville School District proudly recognizes students and staff who demonstrate outstanding effort, character, and dedication within our schools. These individuals set a positive example for their peers and contribute to the supportive, caring, and achievement-focused culture that defines our district.

We celebrate and thank our September honorees for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Your leadership and positivity make Manville shine!

Elizabeth is a hardworking and reliable student! She is a fantastic role model when it comes to following directions, participating in activities, and making good choices. Elizabeth never fails to do the right thing and guide her peers through our daily routines and activities. She treats the items in our classroom with great care and sets a good example for others. We are so lucky to have her as part of our classroom community!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

My favorite color is pink!

I have two older brothers.

I love the character Rumi.

My Favorite thing about my school is going outside with my friends!

Luke shows remarkable responsibility every day in his Kindergarten classroom. Without needing a reminder, he neatly hangs up his backpack each morning and puts away his lunchbox. During activity time, Luke takes care of his shared supplies and always steps up to help clean up toys. We can always count on him to follow class routines and set a helpful example for his peers.

3 Fun Facts about Student:

My favorite colors are red, orange, and blue.

I have a sister and a dog.

I love playing football and Roblox

My Favorite thing about my school is playing in the art center!

Claire Kappus has been named September’s Student of the Month for exemplifying what it truly means to be responsible every single day. Since the very first day of school, Claire has taken ownership of her learning by putting forth her best effort, following our routines and procedures, and actively participating throughout the day. She has quickly become my go-to classroom helper, and is always looking for ways to help her classmates as well. I’m looking forward to continuing to see Claire flourish this year in first grade!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

Claire loves reading Pete the Cat books.

She is working on bars in her gymnastics class.

Claire’s favorite color is pink.

My Favorite thing about my school is that I am learning to read.

Our 2nd Grade Student of the Month for September is Angel Lopez Quinonez! Angel consistently demonstrates outstanding responsibility at Weston Elementary School by taking ownership of his classroom duties, staying organized, and always striving to do his best work. He follows directions without needing reminders, manages his supplies carefully, and can always be counted on to make good choices and help his classmates. Congratulations, Angel!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

My favorite food is sushi.

I love playing soccer.

My favorite color is red.

My Favorite thing about my school is math because it is really fun!

Lena is an exceptional role model for her peers, consistently setting a positive example in everything she does. She approaches every assignment with dedication, always completing her work to the best of her ability and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Beyond her academic efforts, Lena brightens the room with her consistently cheerful, positive attitude. She is always eager to lend a helping hand to classmates whenever they need support, making her a truly invaluable part of our classroom community.

3 Fun Facts about Student:

My favorite colors are purple and yellow.

I love to eat French Fries.

It's fun to play with my friends and my dog.

My Favorite things about my school are my teachers. I enjoy working during my specials, Arts and PE.

Wyatt is friendly, respectful, and responsible. He truly gets along with anyone. Wyatt is a remarkably hard-working student who consistently puts his best foot forward in everything he does. He demonstrates exceptional integrity, always choosing to do the right thing even when no one is watching. In class, Wyatt actively participates, shares thoughtful ideas, and engages enthusiastically in every lesson. His strong character, dedication, and positive demeanor make him an all-around great person and a wonderful addition to our school community. Wyatt comes to school everyday ready to learn and tries his best. He is truly a role model for the classroom and school.

Fun Facts about Student:

My favorite Band is Falling In Reverse

I love to play with my football from Rutgers

My favorite animal is Lion

I love my family.

My Favorite things about my school are having a gaga pit, playing with my friends,and having my own locker.

Aaron has been such a pleasure to have in class this year! He comes to school each day eager to learn, grow, and do his very best. Aaron consistently demonstrates excellent manners and treats both adults and classmates with kindness, respect, and courtesy. He is always willing to work cooperatively with his peers and is happy to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Aaron is a wonderful role model for his classmates and a student we can always count on. His positive attitude, kindness, and dependability make him a valued member of our classroom. We are so proud of the wonderful example Aaron sets each day!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

I enjoy playing soccer.

I like racing go carts.

I often ride my bike.

My favorite thing about my school is how kind my teachers are.

Mariia is a kind and hardworking student who is always eager to participate in class. She consistently completes her work and is willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates. Mariia especially enjoys sharing her real-world experiences during Social Studies discussions, adding meaningful perspectives to our classroom conversations. She is a pleasure to have in class, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow and thrive academically throughout the year!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

I know/ understand 9 languages.

I really love sketching, arts and crafts.

I love singing/ dancing.

My favorite thing about my school is hanging out with my friends and doing school clubs.

Loni has had a fantastic start to the school year! She has gone out of her way to introduce herself and build positive relationships with her new 7th grade teachers. Loni is a personable and enthusiastic student who takes great pride in her academic work and consistently strives to do her best. She actively participates in class by sharing thoughtful ideas, presenting information, and taking on leadership roles during group assignments.

Loni also demonstrates a genuine curiosity that extends beyond the classroom. She actively pursues her interests, such as learning about World War II, and enjoys sharing what she discovers with her teachers. We are excited to see all that Loni will accomplish throughout the school year!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

I love animals.

I love volleyball.

I’m good at cooking.

My favorite thing about my school is having fun with friends.

Danielle Smith is a wonderful choice for Student of the Month! She consistently demonstrates dedication to her work and puts forth her best effort in everything she does. Danielle approaches challenges with determination and a positive attitude, always willing to work hard and push herself to grow.

She has shown a particular passion for science and art, where her curiosity, creativity, and attention to detail truly shine. Danielle’s commitment to learning and perseverance make her a wonderful example for her classmates. We are proud to recognize Danielle for her hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication to her learning!

3 Fun Facts about Student:

I volunteer at the library.

I am in art club.

I am good at drawing.

My favorite thing about my school is the teachers are nice.

What is there to say about Luciana Gallo? Recently inaugurated as Homecoming Queen, Lu reigns with an iron fist and a soft heart, placing herself among every level of her citizenry through roles such as Vice President of Student Council, a member of National and French Honor Societies, and the runners’ three-season stat girl. She is extremely hardworking, balancing her position as a top student in her class with her many extracurriculars and job as Executive Assistant at a mental health clinic. She's always smiling, joking, and using her warm personality to brighten the days of her classmates and educators alike. I can't think of many as deserving of being student of the month as Luciana.

3 Fun Facts about Student:

Luciana won Homecoming Queen, 2026.

Luciana has been a dancer for 12 years.

Luciana works for the CEO of a Mental Health Clinic

My Favorite thing about my school is the friends I've made, the great school spirit, and going to sports games.

Steph truly cares about her team and teammates. She worked tirelessly to earn her starting spot as a senior captain, showing up daily with unwavering dedication. On the field, her strong game knowledge, leadership, and positive attitude elevate everyone around her. As a dedicated multi-sport student-athlete, she balances it all seamlessly. Steph deserves recognition for her work ethic, heart, and impact.

3 Fun Facts about Student:

Stephanie has lived in Costa Rica and is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Stephanie has been playing soccer since she was six years old.

Stephanie is ten feet away from breaking the girls school discus record.

My Favorite thing about my school is…

How welcoming all the staff and faculty are and how they make me feel like I am at home when I come to school.

Meghan Handler is our Artist of the Month. She has been an integral part of our music program for years! Meghan is an extremely talented percussionist and drum set player, holding the tempo for the entire marching band. Meghan performs with rhythmic precision and yet has such visceral intuition for nuance and shape making her performances, in a word, human. We are lucky to have Meghan as a part of our music program, and if ever there was a deserving student for Artist of the Month of October, it is Meghan.

We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Lori Knape as our Staff Member of the Month!

As one of our dedicated lunch aides, Ms. Lori goes above and beyond every single day to ensure our cafeteria is a warm, welcoming, and safe space for everyone. She has a natural gift for making every single student feel seen, valued, and cared for. Whether she is offering a comforting word, checking in on a student who needs an extra hug, or brightening the room with her constant smile, her warmth makes a world of difference.

Ms. Lori doesn't just make sure our students’ physical needs are met—she feeds their hearts and spirits, too. Thank you, Ms. Lori, for your extraordinary kindness, unwavering positivity, and dedicated heart! We are so lucky to have you on our team!

Notable Accomplishments:

• Collaborated with school administration and guidance counselors.
• Executed emergency drills and lockdown protocols.
• Reduced cafeteria behavioral referrals.
• Mediated student disputes quickly and compassionately.
• Shows up with a positive attitude and a bright smile everyday.
• Being a wonderful Mother.

This is Greg’s 30th year in the Manville School District after graduating from Monmouth University back in the 1900’s. Over the years, he has gone from using pencils and paper, to having one desktop computer for the entire class to share, to each student having their own device; and is now implementing using pencil and paper for many activities this year.

He still enjoys creating new material that enhances the classroom experience, engages the students, and keeps him from losing his mind. The students are what keep him coming back and climbing out of bed each morning, along with the fact that they tend to complain when he’s unable to attend for whatever reason.

The fact that he has made it this far and the kids still smile when they see him in the halls must say something about what he brings to the table after all these years. And furthermore, the fact that he smiles when he sees the majority of them says a great deal about what they bring to his life as well.

Notable Accomplishments:

This staff member is overwhelmingly recommended for Staff Member of the Month by colleagues, parents, and students alike for his dedication, creativity, and positive impact on the (ABIS) community. As a member of the Social Studies department, he is celebrated for making learning engaging through enthusiastic instruction, vibrant, custom artworks that adorn classroom doors and hallways. Beyond his academic excellence, this staff member is widely praised as an approachable, dependable team player whose patient, encouraging demeanor builds student confidence and fosters an environment where every child feels supported, respected, and eager to learn. Congratulations to Mr. Shannon for being nominated for the Staff Member of the Month for September.

Scott Silvis is a dedicated mathematics teacher at Manville High School, bringing twenty-seven years of total teaching experience to his classroom, including the last three in the Manville district. Over his distinguished career, he has instructed the full spectrum of high school mathematics, ranging from foundational basic arithmetic through advanced Calculus II. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Scott serves as an assistant coach for the Manville Wrestling Team. Driven by a student-centered approach, he prides himself on his ability to build meaningful rapport with his students and inspire them to achieve their highest potential.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NWCA New Jersey Assistant Coach of the Year and Finalist for National Assistant Coach of the Year (2004)
• Three-time New Jersey District Assistant Coach of the Year (2017, 2018, 2026)
• New Jersey Region 5 Assistant Coach of the Year (2026)
• Central Jersey Group 1 Sectional Finals Appearance with the Manville High School Wrestling Team (2025, 2026)

At our October 14th meeting, the Board of Education and Superintendent were thrilled to honor our latest Students and Staff Members of the Month! These remarkable individuals were recognized for their outstanding dedication, achievements, and positive impact on the Manville School District. Join us in celebrating our honorees for exemplifying excellence and showing what makes our community so special. Congratulations to all!