Dear SBS Community,

We’re closing out the school year with plenty to celebrate and much to look forward to.

Our Tigers gained knowledge, learned new skills and made lasting memories under the guidance of our talented teachers.

Of course, our eighth graders made especially meaningful memories as they celebrated the milestones of their last year at SBS. As the Class of 2025 prepares for graduation, I congratulate them on everything they have achieved. We have been proud to see the eighth graders become role models and mentors for younger students, which is a benefit of a Pre-K-8 school, and a hallmark of SBS.

We wish our graduating students the best of luck in high school!

Over the summer, construction crews will finalize work on the building addition. We’re excited to open in September with three new Pre-K classrooms, and a multipurpose room and dedicated cafeteria for all students.

Construction Update

Over the last month, construction crews have focused on classroom lighting, drywall and casework, and plenty of finishing touches.

The next projects will include ongoing installation of plumbing fixtures and the gym floor system.

Outdoor work also has continued, as new and existing playground areas were graded, and a retaining wall was installed. Plus, concrete was poured for the sidewalk around the building addition.

At the May 21 board meeting, SBS honored a range of exceptional contributions - from teachers' years of dedicated service to students' participation in school teams and activities.

Among the many highlights of the evening was a heartfelt tribute to our 2024–25 retirees. We thank Mrs. Kulowitz and Mrs. Fox for their care and commitment, and the positive impact they’ve made throughout their careers!

Robin Kulowitz

"After 25 years of inspiring and shaping young minds, Robin is retiring from her beloved role as a teacher, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication at SBS," said Mrs. Blake. "Her journey began long before stepping into the classroom, as she first became known as a class mom, actively volunteering for her three children, all alumni of SBS. From there, Robin's passion for education grew as she served as a substitute teacher, always bringing warmth, patience, and creativity to every classroom she entered. Her commitment to the school and community deepened when she took on the role of SPTA president, championing initiatives that benefitted not only the students but also the families and teachers alike."

Staci Fox

"Since joining SBS in the fall of 2016, Staci has served students and families with incredible professionalism, knowledge, and heart," said Mr. MacConnell. "As a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, she worked closely with the Child Study Team to evaluate students’ needs, build effective individualized plans, and support their academic and personal growth. She has also served on the SBS Response to Intervention Committee, always bringing her thoughtful perspective and years of experience to every conversation."

Career Day was an eye-opening experience for our fourth graders, who learned about jobs that save lives, help children get adopted, improve technology, solve criminal investigations, and more.

We thank the parents who volunteered their time to talk about their interesting work!

“Fourth graders don't often look ahead and this was an opportunity for them to see the various opportunities that lay ahead for them,” said Mrs. Larsen.

Mrs. Cuervo added that parent Mr. Deo, who works for AT&T as a system engineer and solution architect, effectively broke down some big topics: “He engaged the students with insights into the world of technology, explained complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, and inspired many young minds to consider careers in STEM.”

Other highlights included:

Trauma surgeon Dr. Bonitz spoke about the excitement and intensity of being the only female surgeon in her trauma unit.
Adoption recruiter Mr. Hansen talked to the students about what it means to be adopted and how he works to ensure that children have forever homes in New Jersey.
Criminal intelligence analyst Mrs. Campanile talked about her abilities to crack a case.
Artist and Creative Director Ms. Brown explained how she supports music and artistry.

Students in grades 5-8 played traditional favorites, sang pop tunes and rocked out during the SBS Spring Concert, directed by Mr. Peri.

The concert band played patriotic songs and ’70s rock classics, the chorus sang modern songs and oldies, including “Drivers License,” “Circles” and “Landslide,” and the rock band’s set featured “Twenty One” and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”

The SBS Chorus members are Lila Feldman, Sydney Feldman, Hannah Lynch, Sienna Chiaravalloti, Bridget Condon, Jocelyn Galgon, Reese Curley, Poppy Livingston, Saffron Panossian and Charlie Sprizza.

The SBS Concert Band includes:

Clarinet: Declan Avella, George Murphy, Isaiah Reyes and Grace Lange
Saxophones: Ellery Cannizzaro, Fiona Christy and Dempsey Woolston
Trumpets: Reagan Curley and Noel Chillemi
Trombone: Harry Ngo and Sean Smith
Percussion: Gyanna Upshar, Brynn Failla, Jorgia Sprizza and Saffron Panossian

The SBS Rock Band members are Declan Avella, Harry Ngo, Fiona Christy, Hannah Lynch, Lila Feldman and Jorgia Sprizza.

SBS is a tight-knit community, but we don’t mind a little friendly competition.

We recently held the student vs. staff basketball game, which has become a popular annual tradition. Eighth graders took the court and classmates watched from the sidelines.

For staff members, “One of the major highlights is being able to play with colleagues, but also to have one last memorable event to experience with the eighth graders before they begin their journey towards graduation, and eventually high school,” said English Language Arts Teacher Mrs. King.

Students enjoyed the day, too – including the bragging rights of winning 56-44!

The first grade classes visited Sandy Hook for a trip that’s much more than a beach day.

The students participated in the Marsh and Ocean Environments program for an interactive, hands-on environmental lesson.

The Sandy Hook guides explained the historic use of Fort Hancock to protect the New York Harbor and the current uses of the fort property and lighthouse.

The students enjoyed seining – using a large net to catch fish in the bay. Wearing waders and overalls, the children lowered their net and brought it back to shore for inspection. Catches included a pipefish, baby crab, shrimp, hermit crab and – of course – seaweed!

The first graders also took a beach walk and listened to a shell tank.

The experience aligns with the first grade science curriculum, teaching students about different organisms. At Sandy Hook, the students learned about all the marine life that lives below the surface of the bay.

More than 100 K-3 students attended the first-ever Movie Afternoon – watching “Madagascar” after school in the gym.

The event was the brainchild of the SBS Student Council: Maddie Doody, Student Council President, with the help of Vice President Harry Cullinane and the other members: Logan VanLiew, Caitlin Connors, Ava Loucks, Tallulah Higgins, Delaney Kilgallon, Olivia Meyer, Gus Ciongoli, Felicity Hall and Shane Higgins.

Student Council members asked for a donation of a non-perishable food item as an entrance fee to help Lunch Break food pantry in Red Bank stock its shelves.

The K-3 students were given a chance to vote on the movie they would see.

Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Potter supported the Student Council in hosting the event.

“Watching how well our Student Council assisted these younger students was also a highlight. They were so mature and nurturing. It made us proud to watch them and to know that they were true leaders that day,” said Mrs. Newman. “The younger students enjoyed time with their peers to engage in an after-school activity, and I think they enjoyed interacting with older students as well.”

Our next spotlight continues with Mrs. Anne Frankel!

What is your title?

Speech Language Specialist.

Can you describe your job?

I provide speech and language therapy services and evaluations at SBS.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I love working at SBS. It is amazing to be a part of such a warm and close-knit community. I feel privileged to be a part of my students’ communication journeys. It is a joy to work with my speech students and to help them develop and grow throughout their time at SBS.

How long have you worked at SBS?

I have been working at SBS since September 2007. I can hardly believe that I’ve been a part of this amazing school and community for almost 18 years!

Why do you like working at SBS?

I love getting to know the wonderful families that live in Shrewsbury and to participate in so many important events and milestones at SBS with my students. I am lucky and grateful to be working with such talented, knowledgeable and devoted colleagues.

Can you share a few fun facts about yourself?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I spent a year of college studying abroad in Israel and I can speak Hebrew fluently! I moved to New Jersey in 2005 and went to graduate school at The College of New Jersey. I live in Jackson with my husband and five amazing children.

When I am not at work, I enjoy walking, swimming, baking, reading, traveling and spending time with my family and friends!

In Q&A format, learn more about BOE President Ms. Jessica Groom!

How long have you served on the board of education?

I have served nine years on the board.

What do you do professionally?

I am an office manager of a small accounting firm in Red Bank.

Do you have children and what are their names and grades?

I have two children, Gavin and Julian. Gavin is in 9th grade at Biotech High School and Julian is in 11th grade at Red Bank Regional.

Why did you run for the Board of Education?

I initially ran for the board to help pass the referendum project.

Which committees do you serve on?

During my time on the board, I have served on each of the committees and have chaired:

Policy
Facilities and Finance
School and Community Relations

How have you helped make a difference at SBS?

While the Board of Education encourages and supports all the programs and projects to make SBS the special place it is, the thing I’m most proud of that will have the longest impact on our students is the referendum project that will bring SBS up to date for climate and safety concerns as well as providing additional space for our Shrewsbury children to grow, play and learn.

How long have you lived in Shrewsbury?

I have lived here since 2006.

Your voice matters! Attending board meetings can be a crucial component toward the foundational growth of a community's future. The responsibility of the SBS board relies on feedback to continue representing the concerns of our community, keeping a check on the educational needs of our students, and creating policies to ensure SBS runs smoothly.

Every board meeting allows time for public comment and participation, and we encourage you make to your voice heard at any upcoming meeting to learn and be an active member of the Shrewsbury community.

Join us during this month's meeting: Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.