11/13/2026
Mr. Matthew Reiner, Principal
Upcoming Events
- November 17th- HSA Meeting 7:00pm in Media Center
- November 18th- Educator of the Year information due by 3pm to the main office
- November 18th- HSA Ashley Farms Order Pick Up
- November 19th- 4th Grade Volcano Day 9:30am in APR
- November 25th- 12:40 Dismissal Day
- November 26th and 27th- School Closed for Thanksgiving Break
Nominate An SJG Teacher for Educator Of The Year and Support Professional of the Year
We are currently looking for nominations for SJG Educator of the Year and Support Professional of the Year for this school year. If you would like to nominate a teacher or support professional, please review the criteria below that explains what makes a teacher or support professional eligible to be nominated and complete the form that is below by November 18th.
Requirements
Any educators nominated for this award must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade12 in a public or charter school) where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities or an educational services professional (ESP) who is listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas
- Must have the latest summative rating of at least effective; if the teacher or the ESP has not received a summative rating at the time of application, then their most current practice rating should be at least effective or the equivalent
- Be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
- Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting
- Have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues
- Have not earned the title of school, county or state Teacher of the Year nor ESP of the Year for the past five (5) years
Note: There is no requirement for minimum number of years in the classroom, however as an ambassador for education, this is an award based on merit and leadership and not to be given out solely based on years of service, like a retirement award.
Educational Services Professional of the Year Enrollment Area
In order to compete for Educational Services Professional of the Year nominees must be classified as one of the following:
- Anti-Bullying Specialist
- Athletic Trainer
- Behavior Specialist
- Child Study Team
- Cooperative Education Coordinator/Hazardous Occupations
- Educational Interpreter (Cued Speech, Transliteration, Oral Interpreting, Sign Language Interpreting)
- Guidance / School Counselor
- Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
- Library Media Specialist
- Mathematics Specialist / Mathematics Coach
- Nurse (Instructional & Non-instructional)
- Occupational Therapist
- Paraprofessional (Instructional only)
- Physical Therapist
- Psychologist
- Reading Specialist / Reading Coach
- Social Worker
- Speech Language Specialist
- Student Assistant Coordinator
- Technology Coach
.
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms 2026-2027
Information regarding free and reduced lunch can be found by following this link.
Pomptonian Lunch Information
Pomptonian is our lunch service provider. You can view menus and obtain allergy information by following this link. All elementary students must pre-order lunch. Lunches are made at the high school and transported to the elementary schools.
Pequannock Profile of a Graduate
The Pequannock Profile of a Graduate outlines the skills and qualities that our community expects students to develop in order to succeed in their future endeavors, whether in higher education, the workforce, military service, or other career paths. In this section of the newsletter, I will weekly highlight how these competencies and dispositions are being integrated and promoted at the elementary school level.
Why is a profile of a graduate important?
A Profile of a Graduate is important because it establishes a shared vision of what the district wants every student to know, understand, and be able to do by the time they graduate. It provides a clear picture of success that extends beyond academic achievement and standardized test scores to include the skills, habits, character traits, and competencies students need to be successful in school, in their future careers, and as contributing members of society.
A Profile of a Graduate serves as a guiding framework for the entire school district, helping to align curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, student experiences, and school culture around a common purpose.
Profile of a Graduate Importance:
1. Establishes a Shared Vision and Common Purpose
The Profile of a Graduate fosters a common understanding among administrators, educators, parents, students, and the community regarding the qualities of an educated student. It ensures alignment toward long-term goals and that decisions are made with the district’s vision for students at the forefront.
2. Expands Focus Beyond Academic Achievement
While academic knowledge remains vital, students also require skills that enable them to apply learning in meaningful contexts. The Profile emphasizes holistic development, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, responsibility, empathy, self-direction, and adaptability.
3. Guides Curriculum and Instructional Decisions
The Profile offers a framework to assess whether classroom instruction and learning experiences equip students with the skills prioritized by the district. It encourages opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, ownership of learning, and real-world application.
4. Promotes Consistency Across Grade Levels and Schools
The Profile establishes common language and expectations from kindergarten through high school. Although demonstrations of competencies may evolve as students mature, the foundational characteristics remain consistent. For example, responsibility may manifest differently in elementary versus high school students, but both are cultivating the same core competency.
5. Informs Professional Development
The Profile helps identify areas where educators may benefit from additional training, resources, and support. Professional development can then be tailored to instructional practices that intentionally foster the competencies outlined in the Profile, rather than focusing solely on content delivery.
6. Encourages Student Ownership and Reflection
When students are aware of the competencies they are expected to develop, they can engage in meaningful self-reflection. They learn to recognize their strengths and areas for growth, set goals, respond to feedback, and take greater responsibility for their own learning.
7. Strengthens Connections Between Schools and the Community
The Profile communicates to families and the broader community the district’s values and aspirations for its students. It also creates opportunities for community members, local organizations, and businesses to collaborate in offering meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond school.
8. Provides a Framework for Evaluating District Success
Traditionally, district success has been measured by grades, standardized test scores, graduation rates, and other academic metrics. The Profile broadens this perspective by encouraging districts to assess whether students are developing the personal, interpersonal, and intellectual competencies essential for lifelong success.
Pledge Leader for the Week!
Aubrey did an amazing job this week reciting The Pledge of Allegiance, as well as our kindness quote for the day. Thank you for being so awesome Aubrey!
Elementary School Handbook 2026-2027
Click on the link below for our 2026-2027 Handbook.
Apparel Sale! 11/10/2026 until 11/22/2026
Get your SJG Swag for our blue and gold days! Represent!!
HSA Membership
Our 2026-2027 HSA Membership is officially open! Brand new this year, if you want to be a class parents, you have to be a member of the HSA. Use this link to complete our membership form: Join the HSA here!
Stephen J. Gerace Elementary School
Email: Matthew.Reiner@pequannock.org
Website: sjg.pequannock.org
Location: 59 Boulevard, Pequannock Township, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 3055615
Twitter: @SJGPride
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjgpride/